Seahawks still lead rankings after setback
NEW YORK – Despite losing for the second time in three weeks, the Seattle Seahawks remained atop The Associated Press NFL power rankings Tuesday.
Seattle was upset by Arizona on Sunday, its first loss at home all season. Yet the Seahawks (12-3) stayed in first place with 379 points, nine in front of Denver, which also is 12-3. Seattle grabbed eight first-place votes from a nationwide panel of media members that regularly covers the league, and Denver got the other four.
Both teams have clinched playoff berths.
“The Rams game is now huge,” NBC’s Tony Dungy said of the Seahawks’ season closer. “They need a win to keep the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
ESPN’s Herm Edwards went with Denver on top, citing Peyton Manning’s record-setting exploits.
“When you set the NFL record throwing 51 touchdowns and you have one game left, you are No. 1,” Edwards said of the Broncos, who own the AFC West title.
San Francisco, Carolina and New England, all with 11-4 records, were next in the AP Pro32.
“Still trying to figure out how (Tom) Brady and (Bill) Belichick won their 11th AFC East championship,” Fox Sports’ John Czarnecki said of the Patriots.
At the bottom were Houston with a mere 12 points, and Washington, with 29. Both division winners last season, the Texans are 2-13, the Redskins 3-12.
Harvin’s status uncertain
Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said a roster move could happen soon with wide receiver Percy Harvin, who has played in one game this season.
Carroll did not expand but commented a day after he said he was unsure whether Harvin would play again this season.
Harvin had hip surgery in early August to repair his labrum. He returned to practice in late October and made his Seahawks debut in Week 11 against Minnesota. Harvin had one reception and a 58-yard kickoff return in the win.
But he’s been absent since that game, unable to overcome what Carroll has called “soreness” in the hip area.
Harvin has not practiced since, but Carroll has said there is no additional structural damage.