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NFL Power Rankings: Looking at All 32 Teams Entering Week 15

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The 2016 regular season is coming to a close, and Niner Noise has our breakdown of all 32 teams and where they sit in Week 15 NFL power rankings.

Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws out of his own end zone against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Week 14 provided some interesting results, which will certainly shake up the standings in this week’s NFL power rankings.

49ers

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Top teams — such as the Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders — fell into the loss column during last week’s action, and we also saw some continued ascendance from hot franchises on their way towards the top.

As we’ve done for a good chunk of the season, Niner Noise takes a stab at NFL power rankings for all 32 teams now that Week 15 is on the table.

Being a San Francisco 49ers site, it’s easy to understand why the focus will be on the red and gold. The Niners, of course, are bad. And what’s happened in back-to-back weeks certainly doesn’t help keep San Francisco out of the bottom ranks.

But what about the rest of the league?

Prime-time games certainly provided intrigue. And the rest of the league certainly offered up some discussion as this season gears up for an intriguing postseason.

Let’s kick this thing off with the winless Cleveland Browns, shall we?

Dec 11, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) flies through the air from a hit while carrying the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns

0-13

Last week: 31

Yes, the Browns dropped a spot in NFL power rankings this week after falling 23-10 to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

The Bengals essentially won the game in the first quarter, scoring 13 points and establishing a lead from which the lowly Browns could never recover.

Hey, at least quarterback Robert Griffin III got his first start since Week 1. Not like it mattered anyway.

Dec 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins (48) tackles San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers

1-12

Last week: 32

The 49ers coughed up a 14-point lead for the third time this season, falling to the scuffling New York Jets 23-17 in overtime.

As has been the case almost all season, the Niners second-half woes surfaced in glaring light. San Francisco’s defense let second-year quarterback Bryce Petty engineer a Jets comeback, and 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick simply collapsed in response.

Kap’s four-week stretch of better-than-average play seems like a distant memory now.

CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reported general manager Trent Baalke could be ousted after this season is through, which puts head coach Chip Kelly into a precarious position as well.

Baalke’s possible departure might be the only thing San Francisco fans have to look forward to this offseason.

That, and a high pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Dec 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley yells out during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings at EverBank Field. The Vikings won 25-16. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Jacksonville Jaguars

2-11

Last week: 30

At least the Jacksonville Jaguars had a lead entering the fourth quarter, only to see it slip away to the Minnesota Vikings, who scored 13 unanswered points in the final frame en route to a 25-16 victory.

The Jaguars’ 11th loss of the season doesn’t totally fall on quarterback Blake Bortles, and him hooking up with wide receiver Marqise Lee for 113 yards isn’t wholly bad.

Still, Bortles isn’t a long-term answer. And there are so many issues with Jacksonville, it’s hard to pin where to start.

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

Chicago Bears

3-10

Last week: 29

Kudos to the Chicago Bears for hanging in there against the Detroit Lions in what proved to be a thrilling 20-17 fourth-quarter victory for Detroit.

But that’s about it for Chicago — kudos.

Good teams figure out how to win these kinds of games. Bad teams lose them. And that’s precisely what’s going on with the Bears right now.

Maybe quarterback Matt Barkley isn’t all that bad after all.

December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) scores the game-winning touchdown against San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) during overtime at Levi’s Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

New York Jets

4-9

Last week: 28

Congratulations, Jets fans. Your team got to face the slump-busting 49ers in Week 14, and the 23-17 victory showed.

True, coming back from a 17-3 halftime deficit is what good teams do. But New York is anything but good.

If there are some positives to build on moving forward, one can be excited about running back Bilal Powell — 145 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries — and, perhaps, quarterback Bryce Petty.

Petty might have to be in the discussion for a starting gig next year. It isn’t as if the Jets have any other likable options.

Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams coach Jeff Fisher reacts during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Rams

4-9

Last week: 27

Boy, the Los Angeles Rams would sure like to forget what happened at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons, wouldn’t they?

A 42-14 defeat would make any player cringe. The Rams got almost nothing going, offensively, and rookie quarterback Jared Goff tossed two interceptions en route to a 54.4 passer rating.

But the usually stout Rams defense failed to show up either.

Now-fired head coach Jeff Fisher would likely take one of those 7-9 or 8-8 seasons he promised to avoid last offseason.

Next: No. 26: Philadelphia Eagles

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

Philadelphia Eagles

5-8

Last week: 26

Remember what we said about the Philadelphia Eagles going through a complete free fall last week?

Yeah, that continued in Week 14. The Eagles are now losers of four straight games and six of their last seven, after falling to the Washington Redskins 27-22.

Granted, it took some late-game heroics from Washington to pull away with a lead in the fourth quarter. But still, the Eagles’ demise after such a hot start has to be frustrating.

At least tight end Zach Ertz contributed nicely.

Dec 11, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is sacked for a safety by Carolina Panthers defensive end Mario Addison (97) in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Chargers 28-16 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Chargers

5-8

Last week: 25

The San Diego Chargers managed to hold Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in check for most of the game. But Chargers QB Philip Rivers wasn’t much of a help in response.

Rivers tossed three interceptions, overshadowing his two-touchdown, 236-passing-yard performance in the 28-16 loss in Carolina.

In total, the Panthers defense forced five turnovers. And that number proved to be the No. 1 difference-maker.

Dec 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) walks off the field after the Colts 22-17 loss to the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts

6-7

Last week: 24

A total of 276 passing yards and two touchdowns from quarterback Andrew Luck should be enough to ensure the Indianapolis Colts would come away with a victory against most teams, especially if the opponent has major quarterbacking questions.

But this wasn’t the case, as the Colts fell 22-17 to quarterback Brock Osweiler and the Houston Texans.

The Texans defense is good though. And their two picks of Luck ensured Osweiler wouldn’t have to do too much against a bad Colts defense.

He didn’t have to.

Get younger on defense, Indianapolis. It’s the only way you’ll be competitive again.

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

Cincinnati Bengals

5-7-1

Last week: 23

Any game against the winless Browns should be a victory for almost every remaining NFL team. And it was for the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Bengals won’t get any style or degree-of-difficulty points here. But it was good to see Cincinnati get out to a 13-point lead and hold it against an inferior opponent. That’s what teams should do against sub-par opposition.

Cincinnati is still pretty bad this season, and any hopes of the postseason are long gone.

But at least Bengals defensive back Pacman Jones’ comments about Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor were mildly entertaining.

Next: No. 22: New Orleans Saints

Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) reacts as he walks back to the sideline after the didn’t complete fourth down against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Saints

5-8

Last week: 21

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are streaking, and the New Orleans Saints are skidding.

So what else would you expect, after the Saints fell 16-11 in Tampa Bay?

If Saints quarterback Drew Brees and his offense are playing well, New Orleans stands a chance. But the Bucs defense held Brees and Co. in check over four quarters of action, forcing three interceptions in the process.

Credit to New Orleans’ defense for hanging in there though. This unit has played much worse this season.

Dec 11, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Mike Hull (45) tackles Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the Arizona Cardinals 26-23. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Cardinals

5-7-1

Last week: 22

The Arizona Cardinals should be a better team than their record shows. Although legendary former head coach Bill Parcells would argue a record is a perfect indicator of how good a team is.

At least the Cardinals remained competitive over four quarters against the Miami Dolphins, only to lose 26-23 on a go-ahead field goal by Dolphins kicker Andrew Franks at the end of regulation.

Quarterback Carson Palmer wasn’t particularly great, and one might start to wonder how much the aging veteran has left in the tank. Take away Arizona running back David Johnson, and this offense would be in a messy situation at best.

Dec 11, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) waits for a touchdown signal during the first quarter against San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Korey Toomer (56) at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Panthers

5-8

Last week: 20

Quarterback Cam Newton wasn’t good in the Panthers’ 28-16 victory over the Chargers at home. But Carolina’s defense actually looked somewhat vintage, forcing three interceptions from the hand of San Diego QB Philip Rivers and five turnovers overall.

Newton’s ineffectiveness of late might be a reason wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin hasn’t been much of a factor this year either.

If there is any good news for head coach Ron Rivera, at least Carolina has a lot of the pieces in place to make a solid return after a Super Bowl-loss “hangover” of a season.

Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs with the ball during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Bills

6-7

Last week: 18

Snow games are always fun to watch, and the effort from the Buffalo Bills against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers is commendable to a certain point.

The only problem was this contest was about as much a must-win game for head coach Rex Ryan and Co. to hold onto any playoff prospects this season.

Running back LeSean McCoy wasn’t much of a factor on the ground, but his 81 yards through the air certainly kept the Bills in contention. The only problem was Buffalo’s defense had zero — and we mean zero — answers for Pittsburgh tailback Le’Veon Bell, who rushed for 236 yards and three touchdowns.

Dec 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) walks out for warm ups prior to a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings

7-6

Last week: 19

The Vikings desperately needed a victory in Week 14 to keep their dwindling playoff hopes alive, and facing off against the horrid Jaguars was about the best thing Minnesota could have asked for.

A decisive 25-16 win in Jacksonville, capped off by 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, is exactly what the Vikings needed to do to stay relevant in the NFC North.

Quarterback Sam Bradford looked more like his early season self, going 24-of-34 for 292 yards and a touchdown. But a 3-of-11 third-down conversion rate still hints at there being more problems for the Vikings than likable solutions.

Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers will tell us a lot about the overall situation in Minnesota.

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

Houston Texans

7-6

Last week: 15

Yes, the Texans fall in this week’s NFL power rankings in spite of a victory over the Colts.

Why? Well, this team isn’t going to make any kind of postseason splash with the kind of quarterbacking it’s getting from Brock Osweiler.

And it isn’t as if he doesn’t have weapons at his disposal.

Houston’s precarious hold towards the top of the AFC South is predicated entirely on its defense. And with the Tennessee Titans playing well, it’s a hold that could easily evaporate over the final weeks of the season.

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

Miami Dolphins

8-5

Last week: 13

Yes, the Dolphins pulled off a 26-23 victory over the Cardinals and managed to fall drastically in NFL power rankings this week.

Why? Well, losing quarterback Ryan Tannehill doesn’t help matters at all.

Tannehill was carted off with a leg injury, and initial fears were he suffered a season-ending ACL and/or MCL tear. Reports later suggested it was a sprain and Tannehill could return by Week 17.

Perhaps, but that’s an awfully big dropoff from Tannehill to backup QB Matt Moore. And with Miami wrapping up its regular season with three consecutive AFC East division matchups, Tannehill’s loss couldn’t have come at a worse time.

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

Tennessee Titans

7-6

Last week: 17

Usually a 6-of-20 line for 88 yards would all but ensure any quarterback would come away with a loss.

But that’s not what happened with Tennessee Titans QB Marcus Mariota, despite such a lowly stat line, as the Titans upended the Denver Broncos 13-10 in Week 14.

In all seriousness, Tennessee got lucky. The Broncos managed two 100-yard receivers — Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders — and also clamped down on anything the Titans wanted to do on offense.

Figuring out ways to win is essential, and Tennessee managed to do this.

Even if Titans wideout Harry Douglas needs to learn how to block better.

Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) and quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) react after connecting on an 80 yard touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Redskins

7-5-1

Last week: 11

The Redskins don’t deserve such a drastic NFL power rankings fall, but there are simply other teams who have climbed too sharply to avoid it.

Washington is still in the hunt, and head coach Jay Gruden desperately needed a Week 14 victory to keep his team in the playoff picture. And that’s what he got, with a 27-22 victory over the faltering Eagles.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins is going to have a great offseason, wherever he signs, and his efforts in Philadelphia were equally as commendable. The same goes for wide receiver DeSean Jackson.

The Redskins have a fairly easy schedule over the next two games — the Panthers and Bears — but have a critical Week 17 bout versus the New York Giants.

Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) celebrates to the fans as he runs off the field after they beat the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

8-5

Last week: 14

The Buccaneers might have been relatively lackluster, offensively, in their 16-11 victory over the Saints.

But one should give plenty of credit to an up-and-coming Tampa Bay defense, which forced three interceptions and managed to hold the high-flying New Orleans offense to just four third-down conversions on 13 attempts.

Safety Keith Tandy has been a fun player to watch this season, and the Buccaneers secondary is a solid reason why the team’s defense has improved in recent weeks.

Don’t look now, but the Bucs have won five games in a row. And that streak includes wins over the Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs.

Impressive.

Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) and Baltimore Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon (30) celebrate a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Ravens

7-6

Last week: 12

The Baltimore Ravens managed to stay in a position to come away with a victory over the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football, only to see their hopes dashed by a 79-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tom Brady to wide receiver Chris Hogan in the fourth quarter.

The 30-23 loss was one the Ravens could scantly afford. Baltimore now sees it’s grasp on the AFC North slip into the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who pulled off their own Week 14 victory.

And the usually stout Ravens defense allowed 496 all-purpose yards to Brady and Co., which doesn’t help matters at all.

At least head coach John Harbaugh will have a chance to bounce back against the Bengals in Week 15.

Dec 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) and Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) have to be separated during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos

8-5

Last week: 7

Nope, the Broncos defense can’t always do it all.

Falling 13-10 to the Titans was certainly an ugly look for the defending Super Bowl champs. And while quarterback Trevor Siemian was solid enough, going 35-of-51 for 334 yards and a touchdown, a signal-caller of his stature can’t be asked to do it all on that side of the ball either.

Where was the running game for Denver? Running back Justin Forsett managed just 17 yards on six carries.

At least wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders made some headway. But this group is going to need to find the end zone with more regularity if the Broncos wan’t to salvage any postseason hopes.

Dec 11, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) spikes the football with wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay Packers

7-6

Last week: 16

Forget what happened to the Green Bay Packers between Weeks 8 and 11. This team is right back in the thick of things, thanks to a three-game winning streak and capped off by a dominant 38-10 win over the Seattle Seahawks.

We can say how quarterback Aaron Rodgers is amazing — he was — and how the Packers offense is back to firing on all cylinders — it was.

But what was more impressive was the Packers defense forcing six turnovers, and five of those coming off the hands of Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson.

The Packers are getting hot at exactly the right time and will look to recapture the lead in the NFC North with three games left on the schedule.

Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell (26) runs the ball and tries to jump over Buffalo Bills cornerback Ronald Darby (28) during the second half at New Era Field. Pittsburgh beat Buffalo 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers

8-5

Last week: 10

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger certainly didn’t have his best game, throwing three interceptions and posting a lowly 37.8 passer rating in the Steelers’ 27-20 victory over the Bills.

But the story behind Pittsburgh’s Week 14 wasn’t about its quarterback.

Running back Le’Veon Bell destroyed Buffalo’s ground defense, rushing for a whopping 236 yards and three touchdowns.

We shouldn’t expect the Steelers to have regular quarterbacking problems with Roethlisberger. Not at all. But if Bell is going to produce at this kind of level, which team will be capable of stopping the entirety of Pittsburgh’s offense?

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

Atlanta Falcons

8-5

Last week: 9

The Falcons sure have to thank the Rams for coming to town. And Atlanta’s 42-14 demolishing of Los Angeles certainly carried plenty of influence in the eventual firing of Rams head coach Jeff Fisher this week.

Quarterback Matt Ryan was, well, Matt Ryan. He went 18-of-28 for 237 yards and three touchdowns in what looked like a cruising effort over a typically good Los Angeles defense.

And all this without standout wide receiver Julio Jones, who was out with a toe injury.

The Falcons defense might not be very good. And their stats from Sunday are assisted by the ineptitude of Los Angeles’ offense. But Atlanta’s defense should be good enough to carry them into a postseason berth, especially considering their remaining schedule.

Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker Devon Kennard (59) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants

9-4

Last week: 8

Who would have thought the New York Giants defense would hold the mighty Dallas Cowboys offense to a mere seven points on Sunday Night Football?

Well, that’s what happened as New York edged Dallas 10-7 at MetLife Stadium in Week 14.

Both of the Cowboys’ two losses this season have come to their NFC East division foes and, somehow, the Giants seem to have whatever it takes to take down quarterback Dak Prescott and Co.

New York may not have enough time left to take over the top spot in the division. But this impressive victory does plenty to ensure they bump up in power rankings this week.

Dec 11, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive back Micah Hyde (33) dives past Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) and offensive tackle George Fant (74) after intercepting a pass from Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (not pictured) in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Seahawks

8-4-1

Last week: 3

Quarterback Russell Wilson might just want to forget Week 14 ever happened.

Wilson’s five interceptions thrown led the way to a complete dismantling by the Packers, who dominated the game in almost every aspect.

Those turnovers were certainly the difference, as the Seahawks managed to actually outgain Green Bay 354 yards to 330. And one has to seriously wonder how much losing safety Earl Thomas III to a season-ending leg injury hurts the defense.

In all likelihood, this loss isn’t a total indication of how good Seattle is. The Seahawks will wrap up the NFC West without question. But what happens thereafter is up for debate after such an embarrassing defeat.

Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) runs past Chicago Bears cornerback Demontre Hurst (30) for the game winning touchdown during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Lions win 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions

9-4

Last week: 6

The Lions needed some last-minute heroics to avoid an upset against the Bears on Sunday. And they got them, thanks to quarterback Matthew Stafford’s seven-yard touchdown scramble with time running out in the fourth quarter.

Detroit’s 20-17 win in Week 14 puts the Lions two games ahead of the Vikings and Packers in the NFC North, and it’s a great position to be in down the stretch.

Especially considering the Lions have the Giants, Cowboys and Packers on their schedule in Weeks 15 through 17, respectively.

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

Oakland Raiders

10-3

Last week: 4

The Oakland Raiders don’t drop in our NFL power rankings this week, despite a 21-13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday Night Football.

Thursday night games always put the traveling team in a bind, and this looked to be every bit the case for quarterback Derek Carr and Co. Carr finished the night going 17-of-41 for just 117 yards and never looked comfortable in the pocket. Maybe it’s his injured pinky. Or maybe it just wasn’t going to be Oakland’s night.

The biggest damage came in the second quarter, when Kansas City scored 21 points to the Raiders’ seven. That, and the fact Oakland managed just six points off three turnovers, helped hand the Raiders their third loss of the season.

Oakland has some winnable games over the next couple of weeks, so look for the Raiders to bounce back nicely.

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

Kansas City Chiefs

10-3

Last week: 5

OK, it’s time to admit the Chiefs are for real. Their Thursday Night Football victory over the Raiders is proof enough they belong in the discussion for a realistic AFC contender. And to add an exclamation point to head coach Andy Reid’s team, they’ve knocked off the Raiders in both games this season.

Most impressive, of course, was the Chiefs defense. This unit held the high-flying Raiders offense to a mere 244 yards of total offense and kept Oakland quarterback Derek Carr in check.

And opposing teams need to figure out how to handle tight end Travis Kelce too. As long as Kelce is making plays, Kansas City is a team to be reckoned with.

Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) after missing a 3rd down attempt forcing a punt in the 1st half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys

11-2

Last week: 1

Do the Giants have the magic elixir to beat the mighty Cowboys?

If so, they’re not sharing it with anyone. New York has managed wins in each of their games against Dallas. And nobody else has.

Still, the Cowboys are still the pinnacle team in the NFC. And in spite of the defense-first 10-7 loss, quarterback Dak Prescott and Co. remain as potent as ever as Dallas looks to lock up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

But the Week 14 loss does bring up a valid question. If Prescott and/or running back Ezekiel Elliott aren’t clicking, can the Cowboys defense do enough to hold off opponents’ offensive attacks?

The defense did enough against the Giants but was on the short end of a win. Yet is that something Cowboys fans want to rely upon when the playoffs roll around?

Regardless, about 90 percent of the rest of the NFL would like to have Dallas’ problems right now.

Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) catches a pass from New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (not seen) and runs for a touchdown agains the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots

11-2

Last week: 2

What a way to win in a prime-time Monday Night Football matchup.

The Patriots slide into the No. 1 spot in our NFL power rankings this week, thanks largely to this tough-fought bout with the Ravens and the 30-23 victory.

Quarterback Tom Brady continues to do Brady-like things, and he finished with three passing touchdowns for a 116.8 passer rating on the night. As long as he’s under center, the Patriots have to remain favorites in the AFC.

More from Niner Noise

New England and Dallas are two teams who could, essentially, be interchangeable at the top of power rankings. But what separates the Patriots into the No. 1 spot — revealed in the spotlight of a prime-time game — is Brady’s ability and experience. The Patriots have a better defense as well.

The Patriots’ most challenging game left on the schedule is a Week 15 bout with the Denver Broncos.

If they win that, the Patriots could easily finish 2016 with a 14-2 record and have a clear road to yet another Super Bowl berth.

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