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NFL Power Rankings for Week 17: Ravens look like Super Bowl favorites

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All those quarterback-needy teams who didn’t want to trade two first-round draft picks for Lamar Jackson should right now be wishing for a do-over.

Jackson spent seven weeks on the franchise tag earlier this year and even requested a trade before he ultimately settled a multi-year contract dispute and agreed to a five-year, $260 million extension with the Ravens. 

The Falcons, Raiders, Panthers and Commanders were among those who couldn’t be bothered to draw up a contract offer for Jackson that the Ravens would’ve had to match or take two first-rounders as trade compensation to let him go. 

Eight months later, Jackson is the new leader in the NFL MVP race, and the Ravens look like the new Super Bowl favorite.

And those four unaggressive should-have-been suitors all have bigger quarterback questions than they did at the time — and losing records to match.

Here are The Post’s NFL power rankings for Week 17:

1. Ravens 12-3 (2)

Put some respect on their name. A season of dominance – they hardly ever trail, especially in the first three quarters – might finally get some due after a 33-19 demolition of the NFC-best 49ers. Jackson combined for nearly 300 yards plus two touchdowns with his arm and his legs. Kyle Hamilton notched two interceptions but left the game injured.

Ravens safety Marcus Williams (32) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half. AP

2. 49ers 11-4 (1)

Christmas or Halloween? Previous MVP frontrunner Brock Purdy turned into a pumpkin by throwing a career-high four interceptions. He was injured in the fourth quarter, cleared to return and still remained on the bench. Christian McCaffrey topped 100 yards rushing and George Kittle topped 100 yards receiving but 20 consecutive points allowed was too much to overcome. 

3. Dolphins 11-4 (3)

Jason Sanders kicked his fifth field goal of the game – three from 50-plus yards – as time expired to beat the Cowboys, 22-20, and clinch a playoff berth. Tua Tagovailoa directed the winning drive over the final 3:27, connecting twice with Tyreek Hill, who finished with nine catches for 99 yards. The Dolphins set a single-season franchise record with 50 sacks.

4. Lions 11-4 (5)

For the first time since 1993, the Lions are division champions. Ifeatu Melifownu sealed the clinching 30-24 victory over the Vikings with an interception – the fourth of the game by the Lions’ defense – at the goal line in the final minute. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery combined to run for three touchdowns, and Amon-Ra St. Brown tallied 106 receiving yards.

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) runs for a touchdown during the third quarter. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

5. Cowboys 10-5 (4)

Another road loss for the Cowboys, who are 3-5 away from home. Dak Prescott’s final throw was a go-ahead eight-yard touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks, but the defense failed to get a stop. What could’ve been if Prescott didn’t lose a fumble one yard from the goal line in the first quarter. Winning the NFC East now seems unlikely.

6. Eagles 11-4 (6)

Booed by the home fans, Jalen Hurts scored his 15th rushing touchdown of the season on a 1-yard “tush push,” threw for 301 yards and a touchdown, and overcame a pick-six in a 33-25 win against the Giants to snap a three-game losing streak. The Eagles ran for 170 yards and were the beneficiaries of more than a few controversial calls/no-calls.

Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball in for a touchdown during the first quarter in Philadelphia. Bill Kostroun/New York Post

7. Bills 9-6 (8)

Darkhorse MVP candidate Josh Allen became the first player in NFL history with four straight seasons of 40 touchdowns (rushing and passing combined) in a 24-22 victory against the Chargers. Tyler Bass’ chip-shot field goal with 28 seconds remaining capped a come-from-behind win after an early 10-point deficit. A bend-but-don’t-break defense allowed five field goals.

8. Browns 10-5 (9)

Amari Cooper’s third career 200-yard receiving game with his third different team came at the perfect time: Cooper went for 265 and two touchdowns in a 36-22 win against the Texans. Joe Flacco, 38, became the third-oldest player in NFL history with three straight 300-yard passing games to put the Browns on the verge of the playoffs.

9. Chiefs 9-6 (7)

Something is very wrong with the defending champions, who lost 20-14 to the Raiders despite not allowing a completed pass after the first quarter. How? They surrendered two defensive touchdowns, missed a chip-shot field goal and were undone by penalties and dropped passes. The Chiefs are 1-3 in their last four games as part of a larger 3-5 stretch.

Patrick Mahomes heads off the field following an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders. AP

10. Rams 8-7 (15)

Look who has won five of their last six games. Two recent mid-round draft steals – Kyren Williams (104 rushing yards and a touchdown) and rookie Puka Nacua (164 yards and a touchdown) – sparked a 30-22 victory against the Saints. The Rams actually led 30-7 with 12:44 to go after scoring on six of their first eight possessions.

11. Texans 8-7 (10)

12. Seahawks 8-7 (16)

13. Buccaneers 8-7 (17)

14. Jaguars 8-7 (12)

15. Steelers 8-7 (21)

16. Bengals 8-7 (11)

17. Colts 8-7 (13)

18. Raiders 7-8 (22)

19. Broncos 7-8 (14)

20. Falcons 7-8 (24)

21. Packers 7-8 (19)

22. Saints 7-8 (18)

23. Bears 6-9 (23)

24. Vikings 7-8 (20)

25. Jets 6-9 (26)

Hours after owner Woody Johnson declared general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh are returning in 2024, third-stringer Trevor Siemian quarterbacked a 30-28 win against the Commanders. Greg Zuerlein’s 54-yard field goal saved the day after a blown 20-point lead. Breece Hall ran for 95 yards and two touchdowns and added 12 catches for 96 yards.

Greg Zuerlein (9) kicks the winning field goal in the second half against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

26. Titans 5-10 (25)

27. Giants 5-10 (27)

What else is new? The Giants lost an 11th straight game in Philadelphia, 33-25, as Tommy “Cutlets” DeVito Mania screeched to a halt when he was benched at halftime. Tyrod Taylor led a couple of second-half touchdown drives and Adoree Jackson scored on defense, but Taylor’s pass into the end zone on the final play with a chance to tie was intercepted.

Tyrod Taylor (2) leaves the field after the Eagles beat the Giants 33-25 in Philadelphia. Bill Kostroun/New York Post

28. Chargers 5-10 (28)

29. Patriots 4-11 (31)

30. Cardinals 3-12 (29)

31. Commanders 4-11 (30)

32. Panthers 2-13 (32)

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