NFL Power Rankings: Week 15

by Tim Culver

Before you sharpen your pitchforks, a short note on how we’ve come to rank the teams as we have: all NFLTR writers have compiled their own NFL power rankings, which we’ve compiled and averaged in the list below.  We hope you enjoy the fruits of our labor, and feel free to agree, disagree, or roast us in the comments below.

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#1) New England Patriots (  1)

Broncos v. Patriots, anyone?  That was impressive.  The defensive changes seem to be doing well and the offense is making defensive play unnecessary.

#2) Denver Broncos (  1)

Granted this team was a playoff squad a year ago, but this is the type of game that could have caused them to stumble in 2011.  Instead, they’re playing for position.  They’ve got a soft schedule from here on out and could possibly sit Peyton and still win game against the Browns and Chiefs.  The Texans are by no means out of reach, considering their schedule.

#3) San Francisco 49ers (  2)

That should settle some nerves in San Francisco.  Kaepernick played acceptably, as as long as he keeps mixing in one long run per game, fans will come to accept otherwise unimpressive stat-lines.  Two tough road games against the Pats and Seahawks could very well see this team going into the final week at 9-5-1, which invites all kinds of trouble, but this group certainly has the tough defense to quiet a crowd.  At some point they’re going to need Kaepernick down the field.

#4) Houston Texans (  3)

Those two losses have been ugly.  It’s hard to fault them too much, as the Patriots are a great team and everyone’s looked bad at times this year, but you’re really like to see a strong win against a top opponent before you start penciling them in for the Super Bowl and it’s just not there.  This defense is one of extremes, they’re great or they don’t show up.

#5) Green Bay Packers (  1)

After an inconsistent start to the season, the Packers are looking to finish strong.  They’re going into Chicago strong and with a one game lead to burn.  The Packers still bring one of the game’s most dangerous offenses, so they can make noise in the playoffs, but this team can also put up a stinker, so they’d really do well to catch either the Falcons or 49ers.  This could easily be your top seed with a win at Chicago.

#6) New York Giants (  4)

That was exactly what was needed as the Cowboys and Redskins charge.  The defense pressured Brees into multiple mistakes and the offense was nearly perfect.  David Wilson also had what Giants fans will hope is a breakout game.  The rest of the schedule is hardly a cakewalk, so this thing is hardly clinched yet.  If they make it however, you get the feeling that they’re better served by having it tough down the stretch instead of coasting to a lead.  That’s all conjecture though, and they’re certainly getting the type of pressure that could find them missing the post-season.

#7) Atlanta Falcons (  3)

I’ve been expecting something along the lines of Sunday’s mess.  The defense was absolutely gouged and the Falcons made all their noise late.  The offense ran 13 plays in the first half.  Not impressive.  On the plus side, they’ve left themselves the wiggle room to weather a slide, but given the talent in the NFC I’d still list them as an underdog for their first playoff game no matter who they face.

#8) Seattle Seahawks 

If they can pick off the 9ers at home, this could be quite the finish for the division.  The offense somehow continues to improve, Wilson is playing himself out of games due to blowing out opponents, and the defense is smothering.  They’ve got all kinds of horses coming up from behind, but there’s no signs of slowing in this race.

#9) Indianapolis Colts ( 2)

As the Colts prepare for a romp in the playoffs, it’s comforting to see the Colts win when Luck fails to carry them.  I still don’t think that the Colts have the balance to knock off the true leaders in the AFC, but Luck’s very best performances will challenge anyone.  Given that two of the last games are against the Texans, this division is somehow not yet decided.  I don’t see it happening, but the opportunity is there.

#10) Chicago Bears (  3) 

They’ve not only waved at the Packers as they fly by in the division race, but they’ve played themselves into a wildcard race with the Vikings, among other non-divisional opponents.  The offensive line can’t slow the rush, but that’s no new development.  What’s more troubling is the defensive struggles.  AD tore them apart and it’s clear how upcoming opponents will approach this unit when they’re sans Urlacher.  This needs figuring out soon, because the only gimme left on the schedule is against Arizona.

#11) Baltimore Ravens (  2)  

Overreaction much?  I guess John was jealous of the second-guessing that brother Jim received and decided to make a questionable move of his own by firing Cam Cameron after putting up 28 on the Redskins.  The real problem in Baltimore is the defense, so everything’s somewhat up in the air in Baltimore.  The good news is that they’re all but in the playoff already, even if they look like they’re about to seriously back in.  I really wouldn’t be surprised at all if they lose out from here and still take the division.

#12) Washington Redskins ( 2)

Put that in your pipe and smoke it, Redskins draft critics.  Kirk Cousins put himself in the RotY chase in 10 minutes of football.  Alright, I exaggerate, but that was an absolutely critical performance after RGIII went out (again, but I’ve beaten that horse half to death this year).  Things weren’t always pretty, but the Ravens are a strong group and the Redskins played like a team that believes it can beat anyone.  I don’t know if they’ll get there, but this playoff push is going to be fun to watch regardless.

#13) Pittsburgh Steelers (  1)   

Talk about backing into the playoffs, these guys are doing their best Ravens impersonation.  The Chargers are a strong group when they don’t shoot themselves in the foot, so there’s actually not too much to worry about in this weeks loss, but they need to shake off the cobwebs and get serious.  There’s way too many teams making a late push to fool around a lose late in the season, but they’ve got decent opponents every week from here on out (and yes, that means I’ve dubbed the Browns decent).

#14) Cincinnati Bengals (  1) 

I was in town for this particular iteration of the Bungles tear-jerking story.  They played well enough to win, and were facing a tough opponent, but were hurt by an unlikely candidate (A.J. Green).  This was still a bit flukey and you’ve got to like the fact that they’re playing respectable football in a conference where wildcard hopefuls are tripping all over themselves.  I think they make it, but week 16 at Pittsburgh is absolutely huge.

#15) Minnesota Vikings ( 3)

They really needed that one to stay well positioned in the hunt for a wildcard.  I know I’ve been a broken record about the Vikes, but their schedule is really a beast down the line and I still just don’t see them getting there in the stacked NFC.  Next week’s game is absolutely essential, as the Rams can’t hold a candle compared to the Texans and Pats.  If you’re a Vikes fan, root hard for the AFC playoff picture to be solidified for the Texans and Pats and you could just luck into a game against the backups.

#16) Dallas Cowboys ( 1)

The really, really needed that one.  There might be a number of 9-7 teams that miss out on January football and the ‘Boys still have three tough match-ups upcoming.  They’ve got a wobbly-looking group coming into town next week, and it’s a game where they’ll do well to get ahead early and force Big Ben to play from behind.  The quarterback everyone loves to hate was clutch when needed, which I’m pretty certain I’ve heard isn’t possible.  Does this feel like the 2011 Giants to anyone else?  I’m just saying…

#17) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (  2)  

What a tough way to fall behind in the playoff race.  They played great football for the majority of the game and simply couldn’t finish.  There are way too many strong teams ahead of them, so the only hope will probably be to win out and get big help.  What a crippling few minutes of football that was for this young and dangerous team.

#18) St Louis Rams ( 1)

This Jeff Fisher defense is really progressing into an impressive unit.  More impressive than the pass defense was the degree to which they limited the run game.  Despite the fact that they trailed for the vast majority of the game, they limited the Bills to just over 50 yards of rushing.  It’s still likely a bit too late in the season for a realistic shot at a spot in the bonus round, but with three of their wildcard challengers on the schedule, they’re going to have a real shot at making some noise.

#19) New Orleans Saints (  3)    

In case they’d played well enough going into this week to leave any room for discussion, this defense is not good.  The Saints have a less realistic chance to make the playoffs than any other mathematically-alive group around.  Still, they’ve got a chance to rain on the parades of the Bucs and Cowboys.  One thing to watch for as they stumble towards the end is whether Brees can shake this stretch of poor play.  He has looked very unlike himself in the past few weeks, and he’s usually automatic.

#20) San Diego Chargers ( 5)

They seem to delay their December push further and further each year.  Just like last year, they’re going to likely be a bit too late.  People joke about whether this type of impressive performance can win Norv his job, but in a way it makes him look even worse, as the level of talent simply can’t be denied and it really makes you wonder how this group hasn’t stumbled into the playoffs in the faltering AFC.  They’re not mathematically out yet, but they need all kinds of help.  That’s right, the silver lining, is that you’re not out of it… yet.

#21) New York Jets ( 3)

If there’s any team that exemplifies the madness of the 2012 AFC, it’s the Jets.  They’ve looked abysmal far more than they’ve looked threatening, their quarterback has been clearly one of the league’s worst (111 yards, really?), and they’re looking like they might be heading into the playoffs due to the troubles that surround them in the conference.  If they make it, they could possibly be candidates for the most lopsided playoff defeat in league history.  OK, the defense isn’t that bad, but they’ll be getting shutout.  Apologies, but it’s just really tough to be positive about this team.

#22) Detroit Lions   

The really should have built a bigger lead in their strong first half.  One silly play made a massive difference and it was out of their hands the rest of the way.  I’ve mentioned that this team will play spoiler before all is said and done, and I still believe it.  Tread carefully, Chicago.

#23) Cleveland Browns 

Only in the AFC would I risk ridicule to make the following preposterous statement, but the Browns are in this thing!  Alright, well that’s a bit dreamy, but they’re really playing much better than a number of other contenders at the moment.  With the ‘Skins, Broncos, and Steelers on the menu, I can’t say I see it happening, but it won’t be for lack of a chance.  The defense should perform well down the stretch but the offense needs to find a new gear.

#24) Miami Dolphins (  4)   

This was much closer than the score indicates.  The defense played well and Tannehill played a safe game, but the conservative game-plan had them sputtering to the finish line.  They’re not out of it quite yet, but they’ll need to win out plus get some help.  It’s possible that the Pats have hung it up by week 17, so that’s working for them.  Like most things in the AFC, it’s all going to come down to how drastic this Steelers tumble becomes.

#25) Buffalo Bills (  4) 

The defense seems to have found its rhythm just as the offense lost any sense of its own.  With any respectable offensive effort they could have put away the Rams, but now they’re all but eliminated from the chase.  That upcoming Bills-Jets showdown is starting to look like the next most reasonable candidate for a 0-0 tie.  Snoozer.

#26) Carolina Panthers ( 2)

There they are!  This type of performance surprised no one, especially given the Falcons unimpressive showings against a number of weaker opponents.  Cam looked like his rookie self, the defense played perfectly early and keep the lid on late.  This was a irrelevant for a number of reasons, but absolutely huge for Ron Rivera.  Next week’s homecoming in San Diego is going to be a tough, though irrelevant, pairing.

#27) Philadelphia Eagles 

The Eagles looked about like you’d expect, and somehow stumbled into a win.  If you’d have showed me the score and nothing else, I’d have wagered the Bryce Brown had a strong day, but it was Foles that pulled this one out when Brown couldn’t get going.  The defense didn’t do much to stop the Bucs, but somehow kept it just close enough to pull out the win.  I really haven’t been expecting Foles or Brown to do anything behind that line, but they’re done a few nice things recently.  With a strong draft, this is a bounce-back candidate for next year.

#28) Tennessee Titans (  1) 

Chris Johnson is about as big a question mark as there can be.  He was back to his early season ways with a whopping 44 yards on about a thousand carries.  Despite CJ, there were a few positive takeaways from this game as the defense made things tough for Luck and Kenny Britt got all kinds of lost in the secondary.  There’s only one really interesting opponent left on the schedule (Packers) and they’re probably not beating them.  Locker: let’s see something that makes us confident the Titans won’t go QB in the draft.

#29) Oakland Raiders ( 1)

The defense made positive strides, and they were a unit that looked horrible the past few weeks, so that’s nice to see.  The offense made a number of Raiders-esque mistakes, but that’s somewhat par for the course.  This teams needs a quarterback, some key defensive additions, and a few years to steep.

#30) Arizona Cardinals (  1)  

The quarterback and offensive line are really bad.  Honestly.  And that strong Cardinals defense… ugh.

#31) Kansas City Chiefs 

So much for the offense finding itself.  They’ll look to break out again against the Raiders next Sunday, but fans will be conflicted, as a win might bump them down a few draft spots.  They’re not going to stand a chance against the Colts or Broncos, so this group is pretty much a guaranteed 2 or 3 win team.

#32) Jacksonville Jaguars

You may recall a few Henne comments that now have me knuckle-biting.  Henne looked pretty miserable, but the defense put together another respectable showing.  It’s hard to take it all too seriously considering the offensive group that they faced, but this is a team that needs a strength to build around.  If Henne wants the Jags to take him seriously as the long term solution, he’s going to need to string a few games together before the year’s out.