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NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Tim Tebow's First Victory Should Move Broncos Up; Patriots Still No. 1

Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow led the Denver Broncos to a rousing 24-23 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon. Tebow played a part in both fourth quarter touchdowns for the Broncos, throwing one to Correll Buckhalter and running one in for the game-tying score. He put up 308 passing yards and had his first career fourth quarter comeback victory. It should also be enough to let the Broncos escape from the power rankings cellar.

Last week, the Broncos were No. 32 in SB Nation's Power Rankings for the second week in a row, falling behind the Arizona Cardinals, the Carolina Panthers and the Cincinnati Bengals. Of those teams, Carolina lost and secured the No. 1 overall pick the April's NFL draft with a 2-13 record through 15 games. Carolina should re-take the lowest spot in the rankings this week.

The Cardinals (5-10) pulled off a late victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas night to rebound from a loss to the Panthers the previous week. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Diego Chargers and now have four victories, the same number the Broncos have.

The Buffalo Bills fell to 4-11, losing to the New England Patriots, 34-3. They should see a fall from the No. 24 slot. The New England Patriots, the No. 1 seed in the AFC, will remain atop the power rankings this week. The Atlanta Falcons should remain No. 2 as long as they beat the New Orleans Saints on Monday night.