Nine Straight Threes' NFL Power Rankings: Week 15
Finally, a change at the top spot
Week 15 went a long way towards clarifying some playoff situations. Congratulations to the Texans, who clinched the AFC South thanks to their win over Miami, and a Colts loss in Denver.
The Steelers also clinched a playoff berth despite losing the battle of Pennsylvania to Philadelphia, thanks to Miami and Indy’s losses. Pittsburgh can clinch the AFC North with a win over Baltimore this week.
Philly’s win didn’t quite sew up the NFC East just yet, since Washington survived the Saints’ 2-point attempt with no time left to escape New Orleans with a win. The Eagles would have to lose out and Washington would need to win out for the Commanders to steal the division, so that feels more like a formality for the Birds.
Things are suddenly mighty interesting at the top of both conferences, however. The Bills’ win over Detroit made the Lions’ grip on the NFC’s top seed much more tenuous, and Dan Campbell’s team is *injured*. Buffalo kept the pressure on Kansas City, and now Patrick Mahomes has a gimpy ankle, even if signs are pointing to him playing this weekend. Suddenly, the Bills are back in play for the AFC’s number-one seed.
The AFC playoff field is all but set, the NFC field only slightly more uncertain, and the dregs of the league? They stunk. Oh, did they stink.
As always, NST’s power rankings take two factors into account: Performance and watchability. Away we go.
Offensive to the Senses
32. New York Giants (2-12)
LW: 32
Something called a “Tim Boyle” finished a 35-14 loss to the Ravens after Tommy DeVito got hurt. The Giants have yet to win a game at home this year.
Week 16: at Atlanta
31. Las Vegas Raiders (2-12)
LW: 31
[Pending MNF]
Week 16: vs. Jacksonville
30. Tennessee Titans (3-11)
LW: 29
Mercifully, the Will Levis experiment appears to be over. Three interceptions, one of them a pick-six, will do that to you. Time to go back to the drawing board. Cam Ward? Shedeur Sanders?
Week 16: at Indianapolis
29. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-11)
LW: 28
Mac Jones cooked a little bit, but not enough. He also did this. If that isn’t a microcosm of the Jags’ season, what is?
Week 16: at Las Vegas
28. Cleveland Browns (3-11)
LW: 27
Jameis keeps throwing awful interceptions, Nick Chubb’s season ended because of injury again, and the Browns may have ruined the NFL’s Christmas Day plans by being the team that injured Patrick Mahomes. I doubt most fans are mad at them for that last part, at least.
Week 16: at Cincinnati
27. Carolina Panthers (3-11)
LW: 23
They did kind of come crashing back to earth against the Cowboys, and now, all we’re left with is a three-game stretch to continue to gather information on Bryce Young. Still see sneaky flickers of life here, though.
Week 16: vs. Arizona
26. New York Jets (3-11)
LW: 30
I am disinclined to give the Jets much credit for beating fellow bottom-feeder Jacksonville. That said, congratulations to Davante Adams, who had a monster game, with 9 catches, 198 yards and two touchdowns, becoming just the 12th player in league history with 100 receiving touchdowns.
Week 16: vs. Los Angeles Rams