Causion's NFL Power Rankings: Pre - Week 15
Today I reveal my weekly NFL power rankings heading into week 15 of the season. I will take into account everything I know about these teams, and give heavy consideration to what was displayed on the field so far this season. This gives an accurate assessment of where teams are at in my opinion.
This Week's Rankings
1. Carolina Panthers
They continue to dominate on both sides of the ball. The scary thing is the passing game is getting better.
They continue to dominate on both sides of the ball. The scary thing is the passing game is getting better.
2. Arizona Cardinals
They continue to roll on, even if that was a tough game against the Vikings. Those are the games that will get them ready for the postseason.
They continue to roll on, even if that was a tough game against the Vikings. Those are the games that will get them ready for the postseason.
3. New England Patriots
They are back atop the AFC and have control of the No. 1 seed. Getting Rob Gronkowski back healthy is so important for the offense.
They are back atop the AFC and have control of the No. 1 seed. Getting Rob Gronkowski back healthy is so important for the offense.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
How long will Andy Dalton sit? The good news is his thumb isn't broken. The bad news is he will miss time.
How long will Andy Dalton sit? The good news is his thumb isn't broken. The bad news is he will miss time.
5. Seattle Seahawks
Russell Wilson is playing unreal football right now. If it carries over the playoffs, they will be tough to beat.
Russell Wilson is playing unreal football right now. If it carries over the playoffs, they will be tough to beat.
6. Green Bay Packers
With Mike McCarthy back as the play-caller, they looked much better on offense. What took so long?
With Mike McCarthy back as the play-caller, they looked much better on offense. What took so long?
7. Denver Broncos
That was a bad loss at home to the Raiders. Peyton Manning has to go back in as the starter when he's healthy.
That was a bad loss at home to the Raiders. Peyton Manning has to go back in as the starter when he's healthy.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
If the playoffs started today, they wouldn't be in the party. But that will change, and they will be dangerous in the postseason.
If the playoffs started today, they wouldn't be in the party. But that will change, and they will be dangerous in the postseason.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
They keep winning, even if it isn't pretty like Sunday against the Chargers. They are almost a lock to make the playoffs now.
They keep winning, even if it isn't pretty like Sunday against the Chargers. They are almost a lock to make the playoffs now.
10. New York Jets
Three consecutive victories has them on the rise. They would be in the playoffs if they started today.
Three consecutive victories has them on the rise. They would be in the playoffs if they started today.
11. Minnesota Vikings
With two consecutive losses, they need to turn it around quickly. The playoffs are still likely, but they have to get it going.
With two consecutive losses, they need to turn it around quickly. The playoffs are still likely, but they have to get it going.
12. Philadelphia Eagles
They stayed alive in the bad NFC East by beating the Bills. Now comes a tough one with the Arizona Cardinals.
They stayed alive in the bad NFC East by beating the Bills. Now comes a tough one with the Arizona Cardinals.
13. Washington Redskins
They broke their road-losing streak against the Bears. They face the Bills this week in a big game for both teams.
They broke their road-losing streak against the Bears. They face the Bills this week in a big game for both teams.
14. New York Giants
They saved their season winning at Miami. Now comes a tough one with the undefeated Panthers.
They saved their season winning at Miami. Now comes a tough one with the undefeated Panthers.
15. Buffalo Bills
Up and down. Up and down. Their season is on the line this week in Washington against the Redskins.
Up and down. Up and down. Their season is on the line this week in Washington against the Redskins.
16. Tampa Bay Bucs
That was a tinkle-down-your-leg game against the Saints. They have a short turnaround with a Thursday game against the Rams.
That was a tinkle-down-your-leg game against the Saints. They have a short turnaround with a Thursday game against the Rams.
17. Houston Texans
They will play the Colts for first place this week in the AFC South. They might have to do it with T.J. Yates. Oh, boy.
They will play the Colts for first place this week in the AFC South. They might have to do it with T.J. Yates. Oh, boy.
18. Oakland Raiders
This will be a tough beat for any opponent as the Broncos found out. Khalil Mack is a star.
This will be a tough beat for any opponent as the Broncos found out. Khalil Mack is a star.
19. Chicago Bears
Robbie Gould has cost them two games and a chance to be in the playoff race. That's not a good look for the veteran kicker.
Robbie Gould has cost them two games and a chance to be in the playoff race. That's not a good look for the veteran kicker.
20. Indiannapolis Colts
Do they miss Andrew Luck or what? What happened to the defense in Jacksonville? That was awful.
Do they miss Andrew Luck or what? What happened to the defense in Jacksonville? That was awful.
21. Miami Dolphins
The season is over, and the question now is about the next coach. Who will it be?
The season is over, and the question now is about the next coach. Who will it be?
22. St. Louis Rams
They got the ball back to Todd Gurley and won a game. Now we know why offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti was fired.
They got the ball back to Todd Gurley and won a game. Now we know why offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti was fired.
23. New Orleans Saints
They showed some fight by going to Tampa and beating the Bucs. That's Drew Brees for you.
They showed some fight by going to Tampa and beating the Bucs. That's Drew Brees for you.
24. Detroit Lions
What happened to the resurgent Lions against the Rams? Was it a Hail Mary hangover?
What happened to the resurgent Lions against the Rams? Was it a Hail Mary hangover?
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
They have the makings of one of the NFL's best offenses. Now they have to fix the defense.
They have the makings of one of the NFL's best offenses. Now they have to fix the defense.
26. Dallas Cowboys
They just are not a good enough team to win games without Romo and Dez, well, he's no leader.
They just are not a good enough team to win games without Romo and Dez, well, he's no leader.
27. San Francisco 49ers
The Blaine Gabbert roll was slowed in Cleveland. It would have helped if the offensive line showed up to help him.
The Blaine Gabbert roll was slowed in Cleveland. It would have helped if the offensive line showed up to help him.
28. Atlanta Falcons
They can't stop their free fall. Why? The talent on the roster is lacking.
They can't stop their free fall. Why? The talent on the roster is lacking.
29. San Diego Chargers
They competed at San Diego, but it's tough to win when a team is so shorthanded. I feel for Philip Rivers.
They competed at San Diego, but it's tough to win when a team is so shorthanded. I feel for Philip Rivers.
30. Baltimore Ravens
They have no bodies left to compete anymore. Can it get any worse?
They have no bodies left to compete anymore. Can it get any worse?
31. Cleveland Browns
Johnny Manziel impressed in his start against the 49ers. Can he keep that up?
Johnny Manziel impressed in his start against the 49ers. Can he keep that up?
32. Tennessee Titans
They didn't show up against the Jets and now have a tough turnaround at New England. Good luck.
They didn't show up against the Jets and now have a tough turnaround at New England. Good luck.