Adrian Peterson
Predominantly Orange Week 15 NFL Power Rankings
Adrian Peterson

Predominantly Orange Week 15 NFL Power Rankings

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:51 p.m. ET

 We have a new, but predictable number one at the top of the Power Rankings. See how the rest of the rankings fall going into the final three games.The Patriots are back on top of the Power Rankings.  Surprise surprise.  With their week 15 game against the Denver Broncos, can they hold on?  Will Dallas bounce back?  With only three weeks remaining, only one team has clinched a playoff spot.  Lots of questions will be answered in week 15.

The Rankings

1. New England Patriots (2)

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In a year in which there just simply isn’t a dominant team, the Patriots have done their best to be the most consistent contender.  No Gronk—no problem, so far.

Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) breaks up a pass intended for Oakland Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

2. Kansas City Chiefs (4)

The Chiefs have found a lot of ways to win this season, and have had some good fortune in doing so.  However, there is little doubt that they flat-out dominate the Raiders.  In 2 games, the Chiefs have stifled the high-scoring Oakland attack, and have now taken full control of the AFC West.

Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) fumbles the ball late in the fourth quarter as New York Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins (20) makes the hit at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

3. Dallas Cowboys (1)

Dak Prescott has been incredible in his rookie season for the Cowboys.  However, it can’t be easy seeing Tony Romo on the sideline, ready to go if you stumble.  The past two games haven’t been as seamless for the rookie.  This is a team that is built to go to the Super Bowl this year.  If the struggles continue, at what point do they look to the veteran who is yearning for one more shot.  Worked out alright for the Broncos a season ago.  Could Jason Garrett reach for that spark?

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (7)

Big Ben hasn’t been quite the same quarterback since returning from his knee injury.  However, he doesn’t have to be when LeVeon Bell is turning in 298 yard, three TD days.  There are so many weapons for this Steelers team.  If they can get a good defensive effort, they can win a Super Bowl.

Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrates after throwing a 64-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

5. Atlanta Falcons (8)

Matt Ryan doesn’t need Julio.  Matt Ryan will toy with defenses without his top wideout.  The beat down they just laid on the Rams forced Jeff Fisher to be fired only a week after he signed a contract extension.  The Falcons can’t stop now though, as the Buccaneers are tied for the same record.

Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during a NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

6. Oakland Raiders (3)

Not sure if it was the finger, not sure if it was the cold; perhaps it was just the Chiefs defense that had Derek Carr so far out of whack.  That is now twice they have been stomped by the Chiefs.  They will have to finish ahead of the Chiefs in the standings if they’d like to win the west.

Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws in the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

7. New York Giants (10).

When people think of the Giants, they think of Odell Beckham, Eli, etc.  However, it is the defense that has this team humming right now.  The Giants have now swept the Cowboys.  They are the most under-the-radar Super Bowl contender in the NFL.

Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game winning touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Lions win 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

8. Detroit Lions (9)

The Lions are going to win the NFC North—unless they don’t.  With the way the Packers are playing, the recent hand injury to Stafford, and the Ziggy Ansah injury, this just screams an epic collapse.  That would be the most Lions thing ever.

Dec 11, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) is seen leaving the game during the second half against Arizona Cardinals at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

9. Miami Dolphins (11)

Good news-bad news for the Dolphins.  Good news is that they won the game, and that they get to play the Jets next week.  Bad news is Tannehill has a serious knee injury, and a return this season may not happen.

Dec 11, 2016;  Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

10.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12)

Jameis Winston is blossoming into a superstar before our very eyes.  He also has his team on a 5-game win streak, and even in the standings with Atlanta.  It appears he really wants a shot in the big dance.

Dec 11, 2016; Green Bay, WS, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jeff Janis (83) does a Lambeau Leap after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter as the Green Bay Packers host the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field. Mandatory credit: Adam Wesley/Green Bay Press Gazette via USA TODAY NETWORK

11. Green Bay Packers (17)

Just like that, the Packers are right back in this thing.  They are the hottest team in the NFL over the past month, and are finally looking like the contenders we all thought they’d be.  Watch out Lions, Rodgers and Co. are coming.

Dec 11, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) rushes with the football during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

12. Seattle Seahawks (5)

Seattle is a bit bi-polar.  One week they are blowing the doors off the Panthers.  The next, they are getting smacked around by the Packers.  The Earl Thomas injury hurts more than anyone realizes.  He was the best player on that defense, and without him, they simply aren’t the same.

Dec 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee TItans players celebrate after recovering a fumble by Denver Broncos tight end A.J. Derby (83) late in the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium. The Titans won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

13. Denver Broncos (6)

Things are starting to get ugly for the defending champs.  The offense is just a mess right now.  Everything wrong is correctable, but it better get corrected fast.  They are likely going to need to win two of three to get in, and they play the top three teams in the NFL in their final three games.

Dec 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) turns to hand the ball off during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

14. Tennessee Titans (14)

The Titans got the win they needed to finally get over .500.  Now they get to take on the division leading Chiefs, in Kansas City.  Lets see if they can stay over .500.

Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins defeated the Eagles, 27-22. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

15. Washington Redskins (15)

The Skins notched a very important win to stay in the Wildcard chase.  They will need some help, and will need to help themselves by continuing to win to get in.  This week Josh Norman gets the chance at a little revenge against his former team that let him walk.

Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon (30) scores a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

16. Baltimore Ravens (13)

It’s going to be a tough road to the playoffs for the Ravens right now.  One game at a time, but looking ahead, it’s going to be a challenge.

Dec 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) celebrates scoring a touchdown with quarterback Sam Bradford (8) in the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The Vikings won 25-16. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

17. Minnesota Vikings (18)

The Vikings win at Jacksonville has apparently made it worth it for Adrian Peterson to return this year.  Peterson has returned to practice, and will be eligible to return in week 16.

Dec 11, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

18. Cincinnati Bengals (23)

This Bengals win streak would have been more helpful to them early in the year.  The playoffs are simply out of reach at this point.

Dec 11, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) with the ball as San Diego Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward (26) and inside linebacker Korey Toomer (56) defend in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Chargers 28-16 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

19. Carolina Panthers (25)

There is no doubt that the Panthers have under performed this season.  This is still a talented bunch, and should have a bright future.  Getting Cam Newton back to MVP level would certainly help their cause.

Dec 11, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) drops back on the pocket against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

20. Arizona Cardinals (16)

Much like the Panthers, the 2015 runner-up in the NFC has under performed all year long as well.  Unlike the Panthers, their quarterback is probably too old to get back to the level he was at a season ago.

Dec 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

21. Houston Texans (26)

It is really remarkable that the Texans are over .500 this late in the season.  They have a minus 45 point differential, and just don’t pass the eye test.  Despite all that, they have done just enough to put themselves at the top of a poor division with a chance to make the playoffs.

Dec 11, 2016; Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

22. New Orleans Saints (20)

Not sure what the problem is with the Saints.  In spite of a terrible defense, this team has been one of the best teams in the NFL on the offensive side of the ball.  That is until the past two weeks where they have failed to put up more than 13 points in either game.

Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) passes as Washington Redskins linebacker Preston Smith (94) pressures in the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Washington defeated Philadelphia 27-22. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

23. Philadelphia Eagles (19)

Carson Wentz, the rookie, has finally arrived.  After spending the first half of the season looking like an elite quarterback, the back half has looked much how the first half was expected to look.  There’s still a bright future ahead for this kid, for now, he’s a rookie.

Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) throws a pass during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at New Era Field. Steelers beat the Bills 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

24. Buffalo Bills (21)

Rex Ryan at least gave thought of benching Tyrod Taylor when he was non-committal about a starter early in the week.  Could this mean that the young quarterbacks future with the team is up in the air?  We shall find out in the offseason.

Dec 11, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes as Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Vernon Butler (92) and defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) pressure in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Chargers 28-16 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

25. San Diego Chargers (22)

With the Chargers essentially being out of playoff contention, they should probably take it easy with Melvin Gordon.  That may tick off some fantasy owners, but messing with a hip is probably not something they want to do.

Dec 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) drops back to pass against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

26. Indianapolis Colts (24)

How this Colts team lost to the Texans at home is unknown.  However, it shouldn’t be too surprising as they haven’t been a good team this year, aside from the recent flashes and are now way behind the 8-ball.  Winning the division seemed more likely than not before, and now is probably not realistic.

Dec 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) calls out before receiving the snap from defensive tackle Anthony Johnson (75) against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at Levi

27.  New York Jets (29)

Bryce Petty is now in the win column for his short career.  Beating the Niners is nothing to write home about, but hey, a win is a win.

Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Barkley (12) passes the ball during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The Lions won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

28. Chicago Bears (27)

Will John Fox survive this disaster of a season?  That is probably the biggest question going into the offseason.  That and who the quarterback will be in 2017.

Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws a pass in the fourth quarter Atlanta Falcons Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Falcons defeated the Rams 42-14. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

29. Los Angeles Rams (28)

Extend a coach one week, fire him the next.  That is life in the NFL.  Jeff Fisher certainly had it coming.  He hasn’t had a winning season since—well, it’s been awhile.

Dec 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Kelvin Beachum (68) sits on the bench after a game against the Minnesota Vikings at EverBank Field. The Minnesota Vikings won 25-16. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (31)

The Jaguars won the offseason.  And that lead to two wins—in 13 games.  They need to follow the Rams lead and move on from a coach who has shown nothing.

Dec 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) scores a two point conversion against San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) and cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) during the fourth quarter at Levi

31.  San Francisco 49ers (30)

The only thing worse than being the 49ers is being the only team below them in these rankings.  What a disaster.

Dec 11, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) spikes the ball after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

32. Cleveland Browns (32)

RGIII, Josh McCown, Cody Kessler, Kevin Hogan; it really doesn’t matter.  This team won’t win a game and will join only the Detroit Lions and become the second team to not win one game.  Good work Hue Jackson—Carson Wentz could have been yours.

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