Week 15 was the longest week this season. The games started on Thursday and were played until Tuesday night. It was full of defensive games that ensured the final scores stayed close.
The Packers moved up in the power rankings after a close victory against the Ravens. The Colts also moved up, after a convincing win against the Patriots. However the Chargers, Buccaneers, and Cardinals all lost after surprising upsets.
Where does your team stand going into week 16? Check in the power rankings below.
1. Green Bay Packers
The Packers are once again the dominant force in the NFC. Aaron Rodgers looked dominant in a win over the Ravens. He threw for 268 yards and 3 touchdowns. Marquez Valdes-Scantling was Rodgers’ favorite target, recording 98 yards and 1 touchdown. Aaron Jones also contributed to the win, with 70 total yards. The Packers continue to roll as the playoffs inch ever closer. They look likely to play in another NFC Championship game.
Previous Rank: 4
2. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have proven that they are a true AFC contender. Jonathan Taylor led the Colts to a Saturday victory against the Patriots. Taylor continues to be the heart of this team, finishing with 170 yards and a touchdown. As for the rest of the offense, no one is worth mentioning. Carson Wentz only threw for 57 yards. The Colts have the best running game in the league right now. However, if a team can stop Jonathan Taylor, they could completely shut down the Colts’ offense.
Previous Rank: 6
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Not a lot of positives can be taken away from the Buccaneers’ loss to the Saints on Sunday. Tom Brady looked putrid in the loss, letting his frustrations boil over on camera. The loss of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans due to injury didn’t help. Hopefully with the the return of Antonio Brown, this ugly loss will prove to be an anomaly for Tampa Bay.
Previous Rank: 5
4. New England Patriots
The Patriots showed on Saturday what happens if they can’t follow their game plan. They lost to the Colts, 27-17. Mac Jones threw 2 costly interceptions that might have costed the Patriots the game. The running game was a non-factor this game. Hunter Henry was Jones’ favorite target, finishing with 77 yards and 2 touchdowns. As for the defense, no one could do anything to stop Jonathan Taylor. The Patriots’ formula requires limiting mistakes, a strong run game, and a great defensive performance. If a team can prevent even one of those things from happening, the Patriots can lose.
Previous Rank: 1
5. Arizona Cardinals
Sunday was not kind to Cardinals’ fans. The Cardinals lost to the Lions, in a game where they only put up 12 points. Kyler Murray didn’t look good. Going up against a weak Detroit defense, Murray threw for 257 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Christian Kirk was his favorite target, finishing with 94 yards and a touchdown. With the news that Deandre Hopkins is likely done for the year, there’s a lot to be worried about for Arizona. This is a troubling game just before the playoffs.
Previous Rank: 2
6. Buffalo Bills
The Bills surged past a hapless Panthers’ team on Sunday. Josh Allen didn’t have his best game, but did throw 3 touchdowns. Devin Singletary had 86 yards and a touchdown. Gabriel Davis was the leading receiver with 85 yards and 2 touchdowns. Still, it would have been nice to see the Bills torch a far inferior opponent. At this point in the season, the Bills inability to have an explosive offense is worrying.
Previous Rank: 8
7. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams continued to be a dominant force in the NFC on Tuesday night. Matthew Stafford proved effective moving the ball, but Cooper Kupp was the star once again for Los Angeles. Kupp finished with 136 yards and 2 touchdowns. Sony Michel was also effective, finishing with 92 yards. As far as the defense, Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey ensured Russell Wilson and DK Metcalf wouldn’t be a factor. The Rams are a complete team and are a serious threat in the NFC.
Previous Rank: 10
8. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ offense returned to high flying fashion on Thursday night. Patrick Mahomes threw for 410 yards and 3 touchdowns in the win against the Chargers. Tyreek Hill finished with 148 yards, but Travis Kelce was the star of the offense. He finished with 191 yards and 2 touchdowns. We haven’t seen this since the Chiefs’ week 10 against the Raiders. The Chiefs’ offense is still capable of dominating weak defenses, but we need to see this against stronger defenses before we definitively say that Mahomes is back.
Previous Rank: 9
9. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ offense remained ineffective in a win against the Giants. Dak Prescott finished with 217 yards and a touchdown. Tony Pollard was the more effecting rusher, finishing with 74 yards. Dalton Schultz was the most reliable pass catcher, finishing with 67 yards and a touchdown. The Dallas defense was responsible for the win, as the defensive line and secondary suffocated a struggling Mike Glennon. The lack of an elite offense will eventually get the Cowboys in trouble in the playoffs.
Previous Rank: 8
10. Los Angeles Chargers
It was overtime heartbreak for the Chargers on Thursday night. Justin Herbert never touched the ball in overtime, after having an efficient game. Herbert threw for 236 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Keenan Allen was once again Herbert’s favorite target, finishing with 78 yards and 1 touchdown. Ultimately, the difference maker was being unable to convert key fourth downs. Perhaps a moral victory can be taken away from this loss, but the Chargers still need to step up in big moments. With an excellent young quarterback, the Chargers feel just a few pieces short of being a serious threat.
Previous Rank: 5
11. Baltimore Ravens
It was another heartbreaking, last second lose for the Ravens against the Packers. Tyler Huntley still deserves credit. He threw for 215 yards and 2 touchdowns, while rushing for 73 yards and 2 more touchdowns. Huntley’s favorite target was Mark Andrews, who threw for 136 yards and 2 touchdowns. Ultimately, it came down to the final play of the game. John Harbaugh once again decided to go for 2 instead of kicking a field goal to tie the game. Once again, it cost the Ravens the game. At a certain point, you have to keep aggressive play calling in check.
Previous Rank: 11
12. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers were dominant in a win over the Falcons. Jimmy Garoppolo threw for 235 yards and 1 touchdown in the win. Deebo Samuel continued to be a dual threat, gaining 29 yards on the ground and 60 receiving yards. Jeff Wilson also had 110 yards and a touchdown. George Kittle was Garoppolo’s favorite target once again, leading the receivers with 93 yards. The running game is once again the difference maker for the 49ers. Their true test comes in week 18, against the Rams, in a game that will likely have playoff implications for the 49ers.
Previous Rank: 14
13. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals won ugly against the Broncos to claim the first spot in the AFC North. The Broncos defense made sure that Joe Burrow had a bad day. Burrow only threw for 157 yards and 1 touchdown.Tyler Boyd was his favorite target this game, finishing for 96 yards and 1 touchdown. The defense did more than the offense to ensure the Bengals would win. Khalid Kareem’s strip fumble of Drew Lock sealed the win for Cincinnati. At some point, the Bengals offense needs to start firing on all cylinders again. Ja’Marr Chase’s up and down season continued on Sunday.
Previous Rank: 14
14. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles offense was on fire Tuesday night. Jalen Hurts finished with 296 yards, plus a passing touchdown and 2 rushing touchdowns. Miles Sanders was on fire, finishing with 131 yards. Dallas Goedert also had 135 yards. The Eagles stay alive in a tight playoff race. A game like this instills confidence in Philadelphia.
Previous Rank: 13
15. Tennessee Titans
The Titans are in trouble after a Sunday loss to the Steelers. Ryan Tannehill had a horrible performance with 153 yards and an interception. No receiver made an impact. However, D’Onta Foreman was a bright spot, finishing with 108 yards. The defense also played well against a struggling Steelers offense. With the Colts surging and the Titans struggling, the 1st spot in the AFC South is still up for grabs.
Previous Rank: 12
16. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings continually play down to their opponents. Kirk Cousins was constantly under pressure and only threw 87 yards against a depleted Bears’ secondary. Dalvin Cook was the heart of the offense, finishing with 89 yards. It was the Minnesota defense that won the game. DJ Wonnum had his best game of the season, finishing with 3 sacks. The Vikings blitzed often to confuse and fluster a struggling Justin Fields. The Vikings stay alive in a tight NFC playoff race, but with a team this inconsistent, it likely won’t matter if they make the playoffs.
Previous Rank: 18
17. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins continued a surge, defeating the Jets on Sunday. It was a puzzling performance by Tua Tagovailoa. He almost threw the game away with a pick-six, but is also responsible for a touchdown pass that won the game for Miami. Duke Johnson had a big game, finishing with 107 yards and 2 touchdowns. DeVante Parker finished with 68 yards and a touchdown. The Dolphins continue to stay in the playoff race, but will likely need to win out to make it.
Previous Rank: 16
18. Cleveland Browns
A depleted Browns’ offense did the best they could against the Raiders. Nick Mullens limited mistakes, but did little to help the Browns win. Nick Chubb had a good game, with 91 yards and 1 touchdown. Ultimately, this game probably looks different if the Browns aren’t missing key players. Despite that, the Browns now find themselves at fourth in the AFC North and their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
Previous Rank: 17
19. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ defense deserves full credit for their victory on Sunday. Ben Roethlisberger only threw for 148 yards. Najee Harris only had 18 rushing yards. Diontae Johnson was the leading receiver with 38 yards. The Pittsburgh offense is by far it’s biggest liability. However, TJ Watt and Cam Heyward were consistently getting pressure. Both finished with a sack. Joe Haden made a key fourth down stop to seal the victory. If the Steelers are asked to outscore an opponent in the playoffs, they simply won’t be able to do it.
Previous Rank: 22
20. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders limped past a Browns team depleted by Covid-19. Daniel Carlson was the MVP of the game, accounting for 9 of 16 points scored by Las Vegas. Derek Carr once again had an ugly game, recording an interception and a fumble. Josh Jacobs had a decent game, with 94 total yards. The Raiders got lucky on Sunday. This game likely looks different with a healthy Browns’ team.
Previous Rank: 20
21. Denver Broncos
The Broncos continually prove that they are not a true AFC contender. Teddy Bridgewater left the game with an injury on Sunday and Drew Lock was not good stepping in. A critical second-and-goal turnover proved why Bridgewater was chosen as the starter over Lock. As for the rest of the offense, few things are worth mentioning. This team couldn’t score and the defense couldn’t do enough to get the win. The Broncos need to start focusing on a 2022 rebuild.
Previous Rank: 19
22. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks continued another hopeless season with a loss to the Rams. Russell Wilson struggled under pressure, finishing with 156 yards and an interception. No offensive weapons made a difference. The defensive line played good with Carlos Dunlap, but the pressures wouldn’t make a difference. Seattle’s season is all but over.
Previous Rank: 21
23. Washington Football Team
Washington’s season is all but over. Garret Gilbert stepped in, with Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen on the Covid-19/Reserve List. Gilbert couldn’t move the ball. Antonio Gibson and Terry McLaurin couldn’t make a difference. The defense was a non-factor. Washington has shown glimpses all year of what it could be. They should focus on filling key holes in the off season, starting with quarterback.
Previous Rank: 23
24. New Orleans Saints
The Saints‘ defense won the day on Sunday. The offense is barely worth mentioning, besides Marquez Callaway’s 112 yard game. Taysom Hill also consistently shows he’s not a starting caliber quarterback. Cameron Jordan made life extremely difficult for Tom Brady. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson was excellent in the secondary, shutting down Brady’s passing game. The New Orleans offense inspires little confidence, but the Saints defense might be good enough to drag them into the playoffs.
Previous Rank: 24
25. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons continued a mediocre season against the 49ers. Matt Ryan threw for 236 yards and a touchdown. The run game wasn’t a factor. Russell Gage stepped up big to gain 91 yards and 1 touchdown. This team has a long way to go before they’re ready to be a serious threat again.
Previous Rank: 25
26. Detroit Lions
The Lions beat the Cardinals. It’s hard to believe, but the Lions actually looked like a complete team in the win. Jared Goff time traveled to 2018, finishing with 216 yards and 3 touchdowns. Craig Reynolds finished with 112 yards. Amon-Ra St. Brown had 90 yards and a touchdown. The Detroit offense was dominant for the entire game. It’s an interesting time in the season to start fighting, considering that the Lions have already been eliminated from playoff contention. It will be interesting to see what Dan Campbell can do with this team in 2022.
Previous Rank: 30
27. Houston Texans
The Texans beat a terrible Jaguars team on Sunday. Brandin Cooks was the bright spot, finishing with 102 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Previous Rank: 32
28. New York Giants
Mike Glennon was the match that lit a dumpster fire of a game for the Giants. The Giants only put up 6 points against the Cowboys and lost.
Previous Rank: 26
29. Carolina Panthers
The future is not bright for the Panthers. Cam Newton once again looked hapless in another Carolina loss.
Previous Rank: 27
30. New York Jets
The Jets kept things interesting against Miami, but this is the Jets we’re talking about. They did what they do best and lost.
Previous Rank: 28
31. Chicago Bears
The Bears were hopeless on Monday night against the Vikings. How is Matt Nagy still employed?
Previous Rank: 31
32. Jacksonville Jaguars
Urban Meyer wasn’t the only problem in Jacksonville. The Jaguars were still an awful team without him.
Previous Rank: 31
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