NFL Power Rankings: Week 15
By Al Stahl
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) celebrates with wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (88) after Brown caught a twenty-three yard touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Contenders
In case you’ve grown tired of reading about the Chiefs and their inability to lose over the past two months, the Pittsburgh Steelers have now won five of their last six games and if it weren’t for the Patriots, these two teams would seem to be destined to meet in the AFC Championship game. Some even think Pittsburgh is the one team in the AFC that’s built to beat New England. It would make for quite a game, that’s for sure.
Minnesota Vikings. 8. team. 60. All the Vikings need is a win or a Falcons loss and they are in the playoffs. The Falcons play undefeated Carolina who beat them 38-0 just two weeks ago.. (9-5). Previous:
team. 124. The Chiefs can’t stop winning. I kind of want them to steal the division from the Broncos.. (9-5). Previous: . Kansas City Chiefs. 9
The Steelers are also hot at the right time, having won five of their last six while scoring at least 30 points in each of those games.. (9-5). Previous: . Pittsburgh Steelers. 10. team. 55
Houston Texans. 11. team. 10. Because of tiebreakers, the Texans just need one more win and they are in the playoffs. And hosting a playoff game.. (7-7). Previous:
team. 30. In order to make the playoffs, the Jets need to win out (which includes a matchup against New England) and have Kansas City or Pittsburgh lose one game. Or they can make it with a loss to New England, but Kansas City or Pittsburgh would have to lose out.. (9-5). Previous: . New York Jets. 12
Philadelphia Eagles. 15. team. 54. The Eagles need to win out to make the playoffs.. (6-8). Previous:
Previous: . New York Giants. 14. team. 31. The Giants need some help. They need to win out and have Washington lose out.. (6-8)
(6-8). Previous: . Indianapolis Colts. 16. team. 46. To make the playoffs, the Colts need to win out and have the Texans lose out.
team. 52. The Jaguars’ playoff hopes require beating New Orleans and Houston while Houston also loses to Tennessee and Indianapolis loses to both Miami and Tennessee. Got that?. (5-9). Previous: . Jacksonville Jaguars. 17
(7-7). Previous: . Atlanta Falcons. 18. team. 44. Atlanta’s path to the playoffs is clear. They just need the Vikings to lose to the Giants, then have the Seahawks to lose to the Rams, then beat the undefeated Panthers, then have the Vikings lose to the Packers, then have the Seahawks lose to the Cardinals, and then beat the Saints. Easy as pie.
Next: Not Gonna Happen This Year