FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Bills and Lions had an epic showdown in a game that many believe could be a preview of the Super Bowl. Given the injuries mounting in Detroit, that could be a tall order for the Lions. But that team should not be counted out by any means.
Detroit's first loss since Week 2 (!!) created room for another team to climb atop the power rankings and led to a shuffle among the NFL's elite. This year's playoffs are shaping up to be very fun.
Here are my updated NFL power rankings after Week 15.
(12-2)
1
1
Philadelphia Eagles
Saquon Barkley is chasing records and the Eagles' defense is the best in the league. Look out.
(11-3)
2
3
Buffalo Bills
Since they were drafted in 2018. Josh Allen has scored more rushing/receiving TDs (66) than Saquon Barkley (60).
(13-1)
3
Kansas City Chiefs
It seems like Patrick Mahomes will play, but could his ankle be the difference in another close game?
(12-2)
4
3
Detroit Lions
The Lions are one of the most fun teams I've ever watched, but the injuries are really taking a toll.
(12-2)
5
1
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota has been consistent and well-rounded all year long. Can they make a final division push?
(10-4)
6
1
Green Bay Packers
This team could be a hard out in the playoffs, and that seven-sack performance was very impressive.
(9-5)
7
1
Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson has 16 explosive plays on designed quarterback runs, more than double the No. 2 QB on that list.
(10-4)
8
2
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh dropped its first game of a tough three-game stretch. How the Steelers respond will be telling.
(8-6)
9
3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are one of the hottest teams in the NFL. Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans are locked in.
(9-5)
10
Denver Broncos
Denver finally woke up in the fourth quarter, but Bo Nix can't afford a game like that in the playoffs.
(8-6)
11
3
Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles won a gross rock fight on Thursday night, but it's nice to know it can win that way.
(9-5)
12
1
Houston Texans
Houston wrapped up its division, and it still feels like we haven't seen the Texans' best.
(8-6)
13
4
Seattle Seahawks
Geno Smith may have dodged a bullet, but the Seahawks have a tough game ahead against the Vikings.
(9-5)
14
1
Washington Commanders
Sometimes teams barely escape with a win against a lesser opponent. Better than the alternative.
(8-6)
15
4
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have lost three of their last four, and they have not looked great on offense.
(7-7)
16
4
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona desperately needed that win on Sunday to keep division hopes alive.
(6-8)
17
1
Cincinnati Bengals
It just feels like the Bengals' wins started coming too late in the season, but this is a good team.
(7-7)
18
3
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons looked great on defense and special teams. Can a QB change get the offense rolling again?
(6-8)
19
3
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas finally got back to its formula of using the run to set up the pass. Micah Parsons remains a monster.
(6-8)
20
4
Indianapolis Colts
Credit the Colts for staying in that game on the road, but they still have work to do.
(6-8)
21
4
Miami Dolphins
Who would have guessed the Dolphins would be 31st in rushing yards per play at the start of the year?
(6-8)
22
3
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco is still Top 10 in a ton of offensive categories, but this season felt cursed from the start.
(5-9)
23
New Orleans Saints
You win some close ones. You lose some close ones. Such is life.
(4-10)
24
5
New York Jets
It's entirely possible Aaron Rodgers doesn't throw to anyone but Davante Adams the rest of the year.
(3-11)
25
1
Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young looked like the player who started the year, not the one we've seen recently.
(4-10)
26
1
Chicago Bears
On passes 10+ yards, Caleb Williams has a 36.1% completion rate, which is second-worst among QBs.
(3-11)
27
2
New England Patriots
It's clear the Patriots have a ways to go in the rebuild, but they've at least got a quarterback.
(3-11)
28
Jacksonville Jaguars
Brian Thomas has quietly been one of the best rookies this year. He's gained 956 yards and scored 8 TDs.
(3-11)
29
3
Cleveland Browns
Nick Chubb is back on IR, Myles Garrett got poked in the eye and the QBs had 4 INTs. Oof.
(3-11)
30
Tennessee Titans
Mason Rudolph is the new starter in Tennessee. Is Will Levis' time there over?
(2-12)
31
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders had a chance to pull off the upset, but their losing streak has now hit double digits.
(2-12)
32
New York Giants
New York has talent on both sides of the ball, which is what makes its record a bit frustrating.
