Power Rankings 15

NFL Power Rankings

After Week 15

NOTE: Previous ranking is noted in the first parenthesis. Current team record noted in the second parenthesis.

1. (2) Seattle Seahawks (12-2) – Seattle is back on top after they shut out the Giants (and the Broncos lost). I’d be shocked if I didn’t see this team in the Super Bowl, particularly because they’ll be playing at home until then.

2. (1) Denver Broncos (11-3) – The Broncos lost a game nobody saw coming, but are still in position for the top seed in the AFC. Manning is close to breaking the records for the best statistical season ever, but clinching that top seed is the main priority.

3. (4) San Francisco 49ers (10-4) – Here come those 49ers… Can’t you envision an epic San Francisco/Seattle matchup in the playoffs?

4. (5) Carolina Panthers (10-4) – With the New Orleans loss, the door is again open for them to win the division. That’s quite a feat! They host the Saints this week, which is the game the division will likely come down to.

5. (8) Kansas City Chiefs (11-3) – Jamaal Charles made his case stronger for MVP (and #1 fantasy selection next year) with his 5 TD’s on Sunday. The Chiefs are right there for the overall top seed in the AFC if the Broncos fall again.

6. (3) New Orleans Saints (10-4) – Suddenly losers of 2 out of 3, Drew Brees and the offense need to get rolling again. The defense too has lost its way, as they let Zac Stacy and the Rams do as they wanted.

7. (10) Arizona Cardinals (9-5) – Making a bold statement with this ranking, but the Cardinals are hot and keep getting it done. They did blow a lead Sunday, but they made up for it in OT. Of course, they will still likely miss the playoffs, which is why the NFC is a tough place to play.

8. (6) Cincinnati Bengals (9-5) – The Bengals came out flat, and then stayed flat, before finally doing something late. But it wasn’t near enough and they lost their chance most likely at the 2-seed.

9. (7) New England Patriots (10-4) – They caught a break with Denver losing, then blew it and lost as well. With all the injuries they’ve incurred, they have a slim margin of error, which they stated after the loss.

10. (14) Baltimore Ravens (8-6) – Justin Tucker’s leg kept them in control of their destiny for the playoffs. In fact, with Cincy suddenly struggling, the division isn’t out of the question. The have the Patriots next.

11. (9) Philadelphia Eagles (8-6) – Philly lucked out and remained in first place despite a terrible loss to Minnesota. But their defense looked porous, which is concerning in December.

12. (12) Chicago Bears (8-6) – Jay Cutler returned, and looked like himself (3 TDs… 2 INT’s), and the Bears won a crucial game. If Cutler leads them to the playoffs, he may have a nice contract waiting for him at season’s end. They control their destiny with Detroit’s loss.

13. (16) Indianapolis Colts (9-5) – I’ve been hard on the Colts recently, but they looked like themselves again this week. It helps when you play the worst team in football, but still…

14. (15) Miami Dolphins (8-6) – Huge win for Miami against New England. They made the critical plays and took a huge step toward the playoffs. Can they keep winning? The schedule is fairly simple…

15. (18) San Diego Chargers (7-7) – The Chargers pulled off an improbable win at Denver on Thursday night. Now they close with two winnable home games. Will that be enough for a wildcard birth? Maybe not… but we’ll see.

16. (17) Green Bay Packers (7-6-1) – Who needs Aaron Rodgers? Lol. The Packers kept their slim hopes alive by beating Dallas in an improbable game. With two weeks left, will they bring back A-Rod, or not?

17. (13) Detroit Lions (7-7) – The Lions lost a home game last night they had to win. In losing, they went from first to third in the division. They are playing their worst football of the year, while their competitors are getting better. I’m also mad because Stafford cost me in my fantasy semifinals.

18. (13) Dallas Cowboys (7-7) – A December loss, two late picks for Romo, faltering playoff chances… Stop me if you’ve heard this before. Luckily, Philly lost as well so there is still plenty of hope, if they can get their mojo back.

19. (21) St. Louis Rams (6-8) – The Rams were terrific in their win over New Orleans. Zac Stacy has transformed their attack, and the defense really is a solid young unit. Lots of promise here…

20. (22) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-8) – Antonio Brown carried the load as they took out their divisional foe (Bengals) on Sunday Night Football. All it really did though was worsen their draft pick.

21. (19) New York Jets (6-8) – I’ll call it a spirited effort against the mighty Panthers, but they came up short. Not enough offense or defense in this one however.

22. (28) Buffalo Bills (5-9) – The Bills showed they can beat up the bad teams by taking out Jacksonville on Sunday. Manuel had a decent day.

23. (29) Minnesota Vikings (4-9-1) – The Vikings are playing the role of spoiler very well. They tied the Packers weeks ago, and then beat the Bears and now the Eagles to worsen their playoff chances.

24. (20) New York Giants (5-9) – Same as last week: “The Giants fell flat, similar to their play from earlier in the season. What a disastrous year for this storied franchise.”

25. (25) Tennessee Titans (5-9) – Took Arizona to OT. Fitzpatrick threw for over 400 yards in the loss, with 4 TD’s. That’s darn impressive against Arizona.

26. (30) Atlanta Falcons (4-10) – Atlanta took out lowly Washington by a single point. Is that an accomplishment?

27. (23) Jacksonville Jaguars (4-10) – Jacksonville’s stretch of hot play had to end at some point. They now have a total of one win at home in 2013.

28. (24) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-10) – Losing to the 49ers was expected, but Glennon didn’t do anything good to help his case.

29. (26) Cleveland Browns (4-10) – Josh Gordon failed to dominate. That’s a shock against a bad Bears defense.

30. (27) Oakland Raiders (4-10) – I think the guys playing defense owned Charles in their fantasy leagues.

31. (31) Washington Redskins (3-11) – Cousins was actually good in relief of RG3…

32. (32) Houston Texans (2-12) – Only one challenger remains for the #1 pick – Washington. But that means Houston would have to win, and they end with Denver and Tennessee. Possible, but not very probable.

By: The Sports Guys