Week 15 NFL Power Rankings: Defending Champs Back on Top! Ravens, Bills in Trouble
We are officially entering the final stretch of the regular season. Just 4 weeks to go and so much at stake. For the first time in years, at this point in the season, there is yet to be a clinched playoff team. Crazy! Every single snap from here on out in massively important. Let's get into the ranks.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-3)
Previously #3 +
2. Green Bay Packers (10-3)
Previously #2
Some might say that the Packers are the clear-cut no. 1 team in the sport right now, but I can't agree. Although Aaron Rodgers is playing MVP level football and seriously has a chance to take home the hardware for a second-straight year, the horrible special teams unit they are boasting right now makes me leave them at 2. They allowed a 97-yard PR TD on SNF. It's just not been pretty. Still, this might be the hottest offense in the league paired with a defense that Rodgers has really never had before. CB Rasul Douglas is just insane all of the sudden...
3. Arizona Cardinals (10-3)
Previously #1 -
Sloppy play brought the loss to the Rams upon themselves last night. The game ended up finishing much closer than it should have. Kyler Murray looked paranoid all-night with Aaron Donald and co. in his face. He threw 2 INTs and easily could have had another if not for 2 dropped picks within the final minutes of the game. The Cardinals have been the most well-rounded team in football all season, so this loss doesn't concern me too much, but now they are no longer the favorite to get that no. 1 seed/first round bye in the NFC.
4. New England Patriots (9-4)
Previously #4
With a nice late-season bye, the Patriots are well-rested and ready to lock down that AFC no. 1 seed with 4 weeks to go. That will start with a serious test this Saturday as they face the red-hot Indianapolis Colts. If the Pats win that game, I don't see them losing this top seed.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (9-4)
Previously #5
What a win for the Chiefs. 48-9 against their rival Raiders. Just masterful. Despite dropping 48, the offense still wasn't where it seemingly needed to be for a lot of times on Sunday but the defense continues to improve by the week. With all of the star talent they have on O, it's only a matter of time before they figure it out and have an elite offense and defense heading into the post-season.
Previously #7 +
With a (mostly) dominant win over the Washington Football Team IN Washington on Sunday, the Cowboys seem to be back to their early season ways. While Dak Prescott's play has been a bit shaky lately, it hasn't mattered. The Cowboys defense is so elite. They scored another defensive TD in this game and were swarming all day long. Rookie chess-piece Micah Parsons is having a season for the ages. 2 sacks and a forced fumble on Sunday. They have a superstar in the making to lead that D. Things are looking bright in Dallas right now.
7. Los Angeles Rams (9-4)
Previously #8 +
Great all around upset win for the Rams on MNF. The team was on point the whole game and shut down the Cardinals in a way we haven't really seen anyone do all season. Matthew Stafford looked great for most of the night and Cooper Kupp again was sensational. The defense was stifling against Kyler Murray and this was an all-around intriguing win for a team with so much talent. There appears to be a COVID outbreak in the Rams facility however, putting a bit of a looming dark cloud above this win. Who will be out Sunday in a pivotal game vs Seattle?
8. Indianapolis Colts (7-6)
Previously #6 -
The Colts were big winners on Sunday and they didn't even play a game. Multiple losses went their way which shot the Colts up to a top wildcard spot in the AFC playoff picture right now. They are one of the best and hottest teams in football right now, but a lot of early season losses has their record not reflecting that as much. Given that, they are going to have to fight it out for the last 4 weeks just to get in to the postseason, but if they do, I think they can and will make some noise no matter what seed they earn/who they play.
9. Los Angeles Chargers (8-5)
Previously #10 +
I know it was against the Giants, but the Chargers have finally won two-straight games and have looked amazing in both. Justin Herbert and the offense is sizzling while the defense is creating turnovers by the dozen. This team is starting to gain some momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. Thursday night's game against the Chiefs will mean everything. Win that game and they are likely to take the AFC West. They would be in contention for the no. 1 seed in the AFC. What a game that is going to be with just so much on the line.
10. Tennessee Titans (9-4)
Previously #13 +
It was nice for the Titans to have a bit of a freebie game against the Jags on Sunday. They needed it after the rough month they've had. With Julio Jones back in the fold, it was a sign of things to come for the banged up Titans. AJ Brown should be returning soon and there is good news on Derrick Henry who the team now expects to be back as early as week 18 for a potential playoff run. At full health, the Titans may just go back to the dominance they had early in the season.
Previously #11
The Bills showed on Sunday that the losing streak they are on right now is not because of talent or anything, they just haven't been finishing games. They were down 21 at half and rallied back to force OT in which they got the ball first and could have won. Josh Allen was incredible in the second half. He singlehandedly (and singleleggedly) almost brought this team back. At 7-6, in a wildly competitive AFC wildcard race, the Bills cannot keep losing or will find themselves on th outside looking in when the picture is set. This team is so much better than it's record suggests but is in real danger of missing the playoffs.
12. Baltimore Ravens (8-5)
Previously #9 -
With Lamar Jackson getting injured during the loss to the Browns on Sunday, things continue to spiral out of control for the Ravens who were the no. 1 seed in the AFC just 2 weeks ago but now look like they have a chance to miss the playoffs as well. To their luck, the Bengals lost Sunday as well, but it won't matter as they will have to beat them head-to-head soon if they want the North or even a playoff spot. It sounds like Jackson avoided major injury, but they will need him back right away to make a run for the division, or just like the Bills, they may even find themselves on the outside looking in.
13. San Fransisco 49ers (7-6)
Previously #16 +
14. Cincinnati Bengals (7-6)
Previously #12 -
The Bengals have now lost 2-straight and suddenly look like they could miss the playoffs as well. After such a hot and fun start to the season, the team has struggled to find ways to win consistently and win close ones. As an NFL fan, it would be fun to see them get into the playoffs, but they face an uphill battle over the final stretch. They need to win and keep winning to ensure a spot, with the AFC North and a potential top 4 seed still in reach as well.
15. Cleveland Browns (7-6)
Previously #19 +
Sunday might have been an instance when the Browns were happy to be lucky rather than good, as Lamar Jackson missed most of the game with injury, but they did win. That's all that mattered in the end. The Browns at 7-6 are also still alive in the race for the AFC North but are just as close to dropping out of the playoff picture completely. The final 4 weeks will determine so much not only for what happens for their playoff hopes, but also the future of this team with Baker Mayfield. With games against the Steelers and Bengals left, anything can happen.
16. Miami Dolphins (6-7)
Previously #17 +
With a bye week this week, the 1-game under .500 Dolphins have their work cut out for them down the stretch. To make the playoffs they most likely need to win out, that includes games against New England and also the Titans, but with the way they have been playing lately, it's not out of the realm of possibility. This defense is clearly one of the best in the league while the offense is starting to really hum. This squad has a bright future regardless of the final result over the last 4 weeks of 2021.
17. Denver Broncos (7-6)
Previously #20 +
18. Minnesota Vikings (6-7)
Previously #23 +
This is not a good team despite a decent win vs the Steelers. Dalvin Cook rushed for 200 yards and the team started up 29-0 only to blow it big time and see the game come down to the final play as it always seems to with Minnesota. So inconsistent, terrible on D, but the Vikings are also very alive in the NFC playoff race. A win against Seattle was huge for them but at the same time losing to San Fransisco was very bad. This team needs to win a good amount over the final month to have a good shot of getting in.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6-1)
Previously #15 -
Good comeback attempt for the Steelers, but like so many teams in this range, they can't find a way to stay consistent. They beat the Ravens last week and then lose to the Vikings. They might have had a real chance of winning this if Chase Claypool didn't celebrate a first down that cost them 10 seconds in a 1 minute drill. Poorly disciplined action there. The Steelers too could finish as high as a top 4 seed with the North in reach, but also could be picking in the top 10 still. Crazy how much will happen in the next 4 weeks to determine this.
20. Washington Football Team (6-7)
Previously #14 -
Just when Washington appeared to be getting hot, they couldn't take down a true contender which brings back all the old doubts we had about this team. Taylor Heinicke did not play a great game and then got hurt and couldn't finish it out. They will hope he can go on Sunday against the Eagles in a game that has MASSIVE playoff implications. This offense just doesn't have the big play ability that it seems to need to win big. I don't know how to feel about them after the crushing home loss.
21. Seattle Seahawks (5-8)
Previously #22 +
22. Philadelphia Eagles (6-7)
Previously #19 -
The Eagles drop 2 spots due to another movement but they were on their bye so don't think too much of it. Jalen Hurts should be back in the lineup on Sunday which is great news for an Eagle team that is right in the thick of the playoff race and would see a massive odds boost for making it if they can beatdown the banged up Washington Football Team this weekend. A lot on the line for Philly right now, but they have a good enough squad to do what they need to do.
23. New Orleans Saints (6-7)
Previously #24 +
New Orleans moves up a spot after pulling away from the Jets in the 4th quarter this weekend for their first win in too long. With that, they are also right in the thick of the NFC playoff race with 4 games to go. Taysom Hill cannot throw the ball well, but man can he run it. He had two 4th quarter rushing TDs in the win including a 44-yarder. Alvin Kamara coming back added so much juice into this offense and has the Saints with high hopes right now.
24. Atlanta Falcons (6-7)
Previously #26 +
I'll continue to never understand it, but the Falcons are continuing to win every few weeks and stay right in the playoff mix. They are a lot worse than their record suggests, but they find ways to win. The defense is terrible but the offense that has a good amount of star talent gives them these chances to come up victorious. The final 4 weeks are enticing with multiple winnable games and it would be the ultimate shock of the season if Atlanta was to find its way into the post-season with Matt Ryan once again.
25. Las Vegas Raiders (6-7)
Previously #21 -
A lot of change is coming this off-season for Vegas. After a 48-9 blowout loss to KC, this team is all but out. Derek Carr is likely entering his final month as the Raiders' QB. He's been a bright spot, but the team needs to be bad before they can be good again. Very disappointing end to a season that started with so much promise for this squad.
Previously #27 +
Despite losing again to the Packers, there were some great moments in the game for the Bears. They were up double digits at one point and were playing well. Justin Fields looked good for the most-part in his return from a multi-game injury absence. Aaron Rodgers was just too much. Special shoutout to versatile Jakeem Grant who ran for a long TD and also housed a punt return.
27. New York Giants (4-9)
Previously #28 +
The score ended up being a lot closer than the game was for the Giants. Mike Glennon had another average/below-average game in relief of Daniel Jones and the Giants lost again. Don't have much else to say about this team, but for their own sake, hope the rumors of Joe Judge getting another season as HC for them aren't true.
28. Carolina Panthers (5-8)
Previously #25 -
Things continue to go from bad to worse in Carolina. Cam Newton had a promising start to the game but then was benched again. If the Panthers had won, believe it or not, they'd be right in the NFC playoff picture. This loss though, basically eliminates them. Look for a lot of change for this club in the off-season...
29. New York Jets (3-10)
Previously #29
Another week, another loss. The Jets kept it pretty close with the Saints until late. They are still at least a year or two away but are probably looking very much forward to the off-season where they should be able to add a lot more young talent and re-group.
30. Houston Texans (2-11)
Previously #31 +
The Texans hung with Seattle for a good amount of the game but were eventually dusted to the finish. We couldn't have expected much more from this talent deficient roster. Rookie QB Davis Mills played a really good game despite the loss. He will probably get another season at QB for Houston as they hope he can turn into their franchise QB!
31. Detroit Lions (1-11-1)
Previously #30 -
Well that didn't last long. Any hopes of the Lions winning back-to-back were crushed pretty quickly as the Broncos came right out and slammed them en route to a blowout win. This team has a lot of off-season assets and a bright future, but for now, they are eliminated from the playoffs again.
Previously #32
This may be the worst team I've ever seen. Urban Meyer needs to go immediately. He shouldn't even get the slightest consideration for a second season. He has run this team even more into the ground than already possible. Trevor Lawrence has been terrible his entire rookie year, I blame Urban a bit for it. The defense is awful. The offensive line is awful. Hell, they were in the game until late against the Titans and ONLY RAN JAMES ROBINSON SIX TIMES ALL GAME. SIX! IN A CLOSE GAME!! They have an elite pro bowl talent RB and just simply use Carlos Hyde over him because he went to OSU where Urban coached him. That is exactly why he needs to go. Damn.
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