Bye weeks are officially over, and everyone in the league will be playing football for the rest of the season. As the regular season is wrapping up, playoff spots are filling up as we go. Without further ado, here are the rankings.
32. Las Vegas Raiders
Last week’s ranking: 30
Week 14 result: 28-13 loss vs Buccaneers
Week 15 opponent: Home vs Falcons
The Raiders have been dealing with a big hole at the quarterback position all season, as they haven't found a long-term solution. Aidan O'Connell suffered an injury in the game against the Bucs, so they had to call Desmond Ridder to finish it. Ridder will likely be the starter for the rest of the season, but he is not a long-term solution to the Raiders quarterback issues. The Raiders have lost nine straight games. They will be selecting a quarterback for the draft this spring. They need the face of a franchise type of guy.
31. New York Giants
Last week’s ranking: 32
Week 14 result: 14-11 loss vs Saints
Week 15 opponent: Home vs Ravens
The Giants have had a lousy week both on the football field and in the front office. An opinionated Giants fan flew a plane past the stadium with the words "fix this dumpster fire." Safe to say things are not going well for the Giants, and fans are not too happy. And why would they? They said their best player wasn't good enough to his face, chose a quarterback who was not on a team and decided to let him walk in free agency. I like Brian Daboll as a coach and think he should be given one more year, but the clock is ticking for Joe Schoen. This is a poorly constructed roster, and the path has no straightforward fix.
30. New England Patriots
Last week’s ranking: 28
Week 14 result: Bye
Week 15 opponent: Away vs Cardinals
The Patriots had a very late bye week this season, but it went as well as they could have hoped. Teams with better draft slots won this past weekend, so the Patriots moved up. They will possibly be allowed to get in the Travis Hunter mix. With Jerod Mayo looking like he will come back for another year, you want to see this team playing inspiring football and the end of the season and try to gain some momentum into the offseason.
29. New York Jets
Last week’s ranking: 26
Week 14 result: 32-26 loss vs Dolphins
Week 15 opponent: Away vs Jaguars
Sadly, the Jets showed the most fight of the season in week 14 in a game that didn't matter. I had higher expectations for this team at the start of the season. The Jet's plans now transition to the offseason and answer some big questions about the future of Aaron Rodgers and the quarterback position. Do you trust and think Aaron Rodgers is the future quarterback of the New York Jets? The Jets have a roster ready to compete right now, they just need to find a coach to lead them. Rex Ryan would be good to bring him back, but my first try would certainly be Mike Vrabel. He would be my first choice.
28. Tennessee Titans
Last week’s ranking: 29
Week 14 result: 10-6 loss vs Jaguars
Week 15 opponent: Home vs Bengals
If this year for the Tennessee Titans told us anything, it told us that Will Levis is not a franchise quarterback. Though he has been better since being inserted into the starting lineup, he has not been very good this season for the Titans. The Titans have some good players on their roster who shouldn't be a 3-10 team. Will Levis is because they are a 3-10 team. Luckily, they'll be able to pick atop the NFL draft and pick a quarterback at the very top. Could Cam Ward be the answer to the Titans' plans?
27. Jacksonville Jaguars
Last week’s ranking: 31
Week 14 result: 10-6 win vs Titans
Week 15 opponent: Home vs Jets
You have to respect that Doug Pederson and the Jacksonville Jaguars were able to fight and bring out a win against a division rival, but I feel as if this will be a game that the Jaguars look back and regret in the offseason. Because of the win, they are now outside the top five in the NFL draft. We know Doug Pederson most likely won't be a part of the future plans, so he doesn't care at all. Mac Jones could dig deep on offense and do just enough to win the game. Could the Jaguars make a run at the end of the year and possibly save Doug Pederson's job?
26. Cleveland Browns
Last week’s ranking: 27
Week 14 result: 27-14 loss vs Steelers
Week 15 opponent: Home vs Chiefs
The Browns are trying their best to rally around Jameis Winston and save a lost season, but they just don't have the guys to turn it around. We know that Deshaun Watson and the Browns will most likely talk at the end of the season and find a solution for both of them, but what will it be? The Browns have already invested so much money in Watson, and they can't give up on him. That trade and contract could have set the Browns franchise back 10 years. Even with it, we are experiencing Jameis Winston's whole experience in Cleveland. He was 24 of 41 for 212 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Certainly an entertaining player and a likable guy to root for.
25. Carolina Panthers
Last week’s ranking: 25
Week 14 result: 22-16 loss vs Eagles
Week 15 opponent: Home vs Cowboys
The Panthers have dealt with a gauntlet during the past month, and they have given their opponents a good game, and they did not embarrass themselves. The development of Bryce Young has been outstanding throughout the season. You can tell that he finally feels comfortable and distributes the ball well to his playmakers. The Panthers had the ball with a chance to go down and win the game against the Eagles. That's all that Dave Canales can ask for. This is a team that is getting better each and every week and has a young and talented quarterback. The Panthers went from needing a quarterback in the draft to building around their current one. Oh, how can the NFL change so quickly?
24. Chicago Bears
Last week’s ranking: 24
Week 14 result: 38-13 loss vs 49ers
Week 15 opponent: Away vs Vikings
Maybe firing Matt Ebeflus made it worse. The Bears went into San Francisco and were utterly outclassed by the 49ers. Caleb Williams and the offense have not played well lately, but it is not all put on the shoulders of Caleb Williams. The offensive line has not played as well as they need to, but Caleb has to know he has to get rid of the ball fast. You think that this would be an attractive job on the market, as the Bears have a good roster and a franchise quarterback. They have to get this hire right. They can't have another lackluster hire.
23. Dallas Cowboys
Last week’s ranking: 21
Week 14 result: 27-20 loss vs Bengals
Week 15 opponent: At Cowboys
The Cowboys season is basically over after the loss to the Bengals on Monday night. Like most of the season, they can find a new way to lose a game. Questions about the coaching staff are certainly going to come. After the playoff disappointment, many people thought they would cut ties with McCarthy last year, but Jerry Jones kept him around. They can't possibly be doing this again, can they? McCarthy can blame injuries all he wants, but he has not been able to win for the Cowboys. They brought him in to do that, but they haven't been able to do it.
22. New Orleans Saints
Last week’s ranking: 23
Week 14 result: 14-11 win vs Giants
Week 15 opponent: Home vs Commanders
Will that be the final game that Derek Carr plays in a Saints uniform? He was injured on Sunday against the Giants and is expected to miss the rest of the season. All in all, this has been a very disappointing season for the Saints. They fired their coach midseason and wasted another season of their aging talent. Ever since Drew Brees retired, the Saints have not figured out the quarterback position. They thought that Derek Carr would provide some stability, but do you really trust that Derek Carr can win a Super Bowl as your team's quarterback? The Saints have a big offseason to try and figure out what their next step is.
21. Atlanta Falcons
Last week’s ranking: 17
Week 14 result: 42-21 loss vs Vikings
Week 15 opponent: Away vs Raiders
What the heck happened to Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons? They were cruising in the middle of the season and had a big lead in the NFC South. Fast forward to now, and they are a game out of the division and on the outside looking in. Kirk Cousins has not been playing good football as of late for the Falcons, so is a move to the rookie Michael Penix Jr. imminent? Kirk Cousins has eight interceptions and zero touchdowns in the last four games. That is not a winning recipe. Atlanta has a lot of issues on their team, and the quarterback has been a big one. Luckily, they have the Raiders and the Giants coming up. Atlanta can get back into the playoff picture quickly.
20. Cincinnati Bengals
Last week’s ranking: 22
Week 14 result: 27-20 win vs Cowboys
Week 15 opponent: Away vs Titans
So you're saying there's a chance? The Bengals kept their season alive on Monday night with a big road victory against the Dallas Cowboys. What impressed me so much about this game was the playmaking from the defense. With how good the offense has played, the defense doesn't need to be great for the Bengals to win many games. With the way they are clicking right now, they are almost unstoppable. They are three games out of a Wild Card berth in the AFC with four games. The odds are stacked against them, but they have a chance. If they were to sneak in, no team would want to see Joe Burrow in the playoffs.
19. Arizona Cardinals
Last week’s ranking: 15
Week 14 result: 30-18 loss vs Seahawks
Week 15 opponent: Home vs Patriots
In a playoff game for Jonathan Gannon and the Arizona Cardinals to keep their season alive, they laid a massive egg on offense and could not produce anything. This will be a learning experience for a young team and head coach. They have lost three straight games, and their chances at the playoffs have gotten dim. The defense doesn't have enough talent to stop anything, but they play hard, which is a good sign to see. This year was an overachieving year for Jonathan Gannon and the Cardinals, but it is one that they will have to build on in the offseason and try to carry it to next season.
18. Indianapolis Colts
Last week’s ranking: 18
Week 14 result: Bye
Week 15 opponent: Away vs Broncos
Sunday against the Broncos is a playoff game for Shane Steichen and the Indianapolis Colts. They must go into Denver and handle business if they want to have a chance at the Wild Card and try to sneak into a spot. They are two games out of the AFC South and two behind the AFC Wild Card. They are a team capable of getting hot and making a run in the playoffs. Sunday is a playoff game.
17. Miami Dolphins
Last week’s ranking: 20
Week 14 result: 32-26 win vs Jets
Week 15 opponent: Away vs Texans
Though it didn't look pretty on Sunday against the Jets, a win is a win, and the Dolphins are still alive in the playoff race. The defense had a bad performance against a Jets offense that hasn't been able to click often this season, so that has to have the Dolphins a little worried. Things are finally starting to open up for the passing game. They are using Tyreek Hill a lot more, and Jaylen Waddle had a good game against the Jets. That is key if the Dolphins want to make a run at the playoffs. They already missed so much time without Tua this season that they need to make ground up at the end of the season to have a chance. They can certainly do it, but it is about executing and making the plays.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last week’s ranking: 14
Week 14 result: 28-13 win vs Raiders
Week 15 opponent: Away vs Chargers
The Bucs are now in first place in the NFC South with four games. They finally control their own destiny. After having a midseason drought and losing a lot of close games, the Bucs are finally getting healthy, and this is a team that no one will want to see come playoff time. Baker Mayfield was a bit shaky on Sunday against the Raiders, but the Bucs were able to pull away on an inferior opponent. The Bucs face a tough test this week in the Chargers. That is now the last team the Bucs will play that currently has a winning record. They control their own destiny.
15. San Francisco 49ers
Last week’s ranking: 19
Week 14 result: 38-13 win vs Bears
Week 15 opponent: Home vs Rams
Speaking of a team that no one will want to see when it comes playoff time, the San Francisco 49ers. Was Sunday a turning point for the offense of the Niners, as they were unstoppable against the Bears. We know what this team can do and how they can play in the playoffs. They are as good as anyone when they are healthy. The playoff chances for the Niners remain alive, but they face a massive test on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams. They are alive both in the division and in the wild-card race. They will most likely need to win out, and I don't doubt they can do it.
14. Denver Broncos
Last week’s ranking: 11
Week 14 result: Bye
Week 15 opponent: Home vs Colts
They come off a late bye week this year with a massive game against the Colts at home, which will have massive playoff implications. If the Broncos can win, they are almost guaranteed a spot as a wild card. Bo Nix has been outstanding this season; you can see that he is getting better every week. An offense with a rookie quarterback has to have a good defense too, which the Broncos have. They rank as one of the best defensive units, which is a big reason they are where they are right now.
13. Houston Texans
Last week’s ranking: 12
Week 14 result: Bye
Week 15 opponent: Home vs Dolphins
The bye week came at a good time for a Houston Texans team about to face a schedule gauntlet. After they play the Dolphins this week, they have it followed up with the Chiefs and the Ravens. We will finally see if the Texans are genuine contenders. They haven't played like a playoff team most of the season, and the protection for C.J. Stroud has been poor. He is the face of the franchise, and the Texans are doing a lousy job of protecting him. They must take the next four weeks and get right for the playoffs. They are still in good shape to handle the AFC South.
12. Seattle Seahawks
Last week’s ranking: 13
Week 14 result: 30-18 win vs Cardinals
Week 15 opponent: Home vs Packers
What a turnaround it has been for Mike Macdonald and the Seattle Seahawks. After a midseason slump where the defense struggled, they won their last four games and took command of the NFC West. The defense has come a long way in that short time, and you have to give credit to first-year head coach Mike Macdonald. The offense has been steady, with Geno Smith operating the ship. Zach Charbonnet has turned into a star at the running back position, and the broad receiver group is as good as anybody in the league. Seattle could be a dangerous playoff team. They are playing some good football right now, which has been impressive.
11. Washington Commanders
Last week’s ranking: 10
Week 14 result: Bye
Week 15 opponent: Away vs Saints
After a bit of a slump in the past month, the Commanders handled the Titans two weeks ago in a much-needed get-right game. They now come off their bye in the number seven Wild Card spot, but they are just a game ahead of the Rams. Every game will matter for the Washington Commanders during the season. The season's schedule is favorable for the commanders' last four weeks. The bye week had to be nice for Jayden Daniels, as he had gotten beaten up this week and had extra days to rest the ribs. They control their own destiny.
10. Los Angeles Rams
Last week’s ranking: 16
Week 14 result: 44-42 win vs Bills
Week 15 opponent: Away vs Niners
In what was a must-win game for Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams, Matthew Stafford went out there and played his best game of the season to pull out a win at home against a top team in the AFC. They are making a late-season surge like we saw last year. This team has dealt with many injuries this season, especially on the offensive side of the ball, and now they are getting healthy. This is a team that is capable of making a Super Bowl run. They have guys who can play with anybody and have a great head coach and quarterback. They have a massive away game on Thursday against the Niners, one that the Rams need for both the division and the Wild Card.
9. Los Angeles Chargers
Last week’s ranking: 9
Week 14 result: 19-17 loss vs Chiefs
Week 15 opponent: Home vs Bucs
This was a tough loss for the Chargers on Sunday night against the Chiefs, and it was there for the taking for the Chargers. They were able to rally back after a slow start, but in the end, it was Patrick Mahomes with the ball, and he went down and won the game. At 8-5, they would be the sixth seed in the AFC. This is a team that needs to get Ladd McConkey back on offense. No receiver could get open against the Chiefs, and they became one-dimensional with the run game. They should feel good about where they are and their performance against the Chiefs.
8. Green Bay Packers
Last week’s ranking: 5
Week 14 result: 34-31 loss vs Lions
Week 15 opponent: Away vs Seahawks
Do the Packers have a problem winning close games? They've lost four games and to three of the top teams in the league by a combined 20 points. On Thursday night against the Lions, they just couldn't get off the field on fourth down, and the Lions were able to capitalize and win the game. I still think that Green Bay should be fine. They will be a playoff team regardless and will have a legitimate chance to go on a run in the playoffs. You'd like to win your division and host a playoff game, but the Packers just didn't do enough to pull out a win. They are a contender in the NFC.
7. Baltimore Ravens
Last week’s ranking: 8
Week 14 result: Bye
Week 15 opponent: Away vs Giants
The Ravens are 8-5 and come off their bye two games behind the Steelers, but they play them in two weeks. The AFC North is still in play for Baltimore. The offense needs to get going after having some lackluster performances in the last couple of weeks. They have a guy in Lamar Jackson that can take over a game by himself, so you can never count them out. The defense for Baltimore has to be much better than it has been this season, but then again, their offense can score with anybody and win a shootout.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
Last week’s ranking: 7
Week 14 result: 27-14 win vs Browns
Week 15 opponent: Away vs Eagles
Maybe George Pickens was right. It was the snow that the Steelers lost to the Browns a few weeks ago. Pittsburgh got their revenge on Cleveland on Sunday in a game dominated by the defense and the quarterback play of Russell Wilson. Pittsburgh has everything it needs to win games for the playoffs. They have one of the best defensive units in the league and have an offense that can run the football and make explosive plays downfield. George Pickens injured his hamstring in practice on Friday, so the big thing will be for them to get him back healthy immediately. Pittsburgh faces a gauntlet in the next couple of weeks. They travel to Philadelphia this week, then play Baltimore and Kansas City. Buckle up.
5. Minnesota Vikings
Last week’s ranking: 6
Week 14 result: 42-21 win vs Falcons
Week 15 opponent: Home vs Bears
Maybe Sam Darnold read my article last week, as he was the best player on the field in this game and was unstoppable. When Darnold plays this well, the Vikings will be extremely hard to beat in playoff time. Say what you want about them, and if they are fraudulent, but they are a team that wins, you can't deny that. Minnesota will have a much more demanding schedule after a home game against the Bears. They'll travel to Seattle, have a home game against the Packers, and a road game against the Lions. We will find out a lot in the season's final four games.
4. Buffalo Bills
Last week’s ranking: 2
Week 14 result: 44-42 loss vs Bills
Week 15 opponent: Away vs Lions
This game is where you must feel what kind of game the Bills could beat in the playoffs. Josh Allen played unbelievably and tried everything he could to win the game, but the defense let Buffalo down in the end. The call by Sean McDermott to quarterback sneak it late in the game and then have to waste a timeout was one that he would have liked to have back. The Bills will be tested again this week as they travel to Detroit to play against the Lions in what some think could be a Super Bowl preview. Buffalo will be tested by one of the NFL's best.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
Last week’s ranking: 3
Week 14 result: 22-16 win vs Panthers
Week 15 opponent: Home vs Steelers
It didn't look as pretty as the Eagles would've liked, but they could pull out a win, and that is all that matters. They were able to find a way to win the game. The Eagles have won nine straight games. They have everything that they need for a big playoff run. Was this a look-ahead game for the Eagles against the Panthers? Possibly. The Eagles now face a big test in an in-state rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming to town. This will be a good test for a Philadelphia team that has been outstanding this season.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
Last week’s ranking: 4
Week 14 result: 19-17 win vs Chargers
Week 15 opponent: Away vs Browns
The Kansas City Chiefs have now won 15 straight one-score games. Yes, 15. It's hard to doubt a team with that big of a streak, but people still do, and they respond by winning games closely. They had the ball with four minutes left down a point against the Chargers on Sunday night, and they looked like they were playing backyard football. Patrick Mahomes made the plays he needed to make, and they were able to win the game on a game-winning field goal. That's what they do. They find a way. It will never be pretty, but it doesn't need to be. They'll always have a chance with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid.
1. Detroit Lions
Last week’s ranking: 1
Week 14 result: 34-31 win vs Packers
Week 15 opponent: Home vs Bills
Teams win differently, and the Lions win by putting the ball in the offensive hands to win the game. Multiple fourth down calls against the Packers on Thursday night, Dan Campbell kept his offense on the field, and it paid off in winning the game on a game-winning field goal. We've seen this hurt the Lions, but Dan Campbell will never change who he is. If he sees an opportunity to beat you on the game's last play, he will go for it on fourth down. That's what this team is built for. They'll have another good test to see where they are with the Bills coming to town. At this point of the season, the Lions will remain at the number one spot until they lose.
