Week 15 NFL Power Rankings: The Top 16

The top of the league is full of teams heating up at the perfect time—and a few trying to stop late-season slides.

16. Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1)

Dallas lost 44-30 to the Lions in a game filled with turnovers that kept them from ever taking control. Dak Prescott threw for a lot of yards, but losing CeeDee Lamb to a concussion made it even harder for the offense. The Cowboys are not eliminated, but they are slipping at the wrong time.

15. Carolina Panthers (7-6)

Carolina moves into this spot after other teams around them fell, and their earlier upset over the Rams still stands out as their best moment. They didn’t play in Week 14 but remain an inconsistent team searching for direction. The Panthers are not eliminated, but their path is very unlikely.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)

The Steelers beat the Ravens 27-22 behind Aaron Rodgers’ sharp play and a big defensive stop late in the game. Their screen-pass touchdown to Jaylen Warren changed the momentum completely. Pittsburgh is not eliminated and stays right in the AFC playoff hunt.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)

Jacksonville dominated the Colts 36-19, with Trevor Lawrence looking calm and confident all game. The Jaguars took control early and never let Indianapolis recover after Daniel Jones’ injury. The Jaguars now have a strong hold on the AFC South.

12. Chicago Bears (9-4)

The Bears lost 28-21 to the Packers after rallying back but falling short in the final minutes. Caleb Williams played well and kept them close, but turnovers ended their comeback try. Chicago’s loss puts pressure on their division chase.

11. Houston Texans (8-5)

Houston beat the Chiefs 20-10 with three interceptions on Patrick Mahomes and smart play from C.J. Stroud. Nico Collins and Woody Marks made big plays that helped the Texans pull away. They are not eliminated, and their playoff chances are rising fast.

10. Detroit Lions (8-5)

The Lions beat the Cowboys 44-30 with a monster performance from Jahmyr Gibbs, who scored three touchdowns. Their offense looked explosive, and their defense created the turnovers they needed. Detroit is gaining momentum.

9. Philadelphia Eagles (8-5)

The Eagles lost 22-19 in overtime to the Chargers after Jalen Hurts threw four costly interceptions. Saquon Barkley had his best game of the season, but turnovers kept hurting them. Philadelphia’s division lead is slipping.

8. Los Angeles Chargers (9-4)

The Chargers survived a wild overtime win against the Eagles thanks to their defense forcing four interceptions. Justin Herbert struggled, but the team found a way to win with big field goals and timely plays. The Chargers are firmly in the AFC race.

7. San Francisco 49ers (9-4)

San Francisco climbs the rankings with several contenders around them losing and their consistent play all year. Their strong running game and tough defense keep them among the NFC’s best. The 49ers are playing hard and eyeing playoff seeding.

6. Buffalo Bills (9-4)

Buffalo beat Cincinnati 39-34 in a wild shootout where Josh Allen made huge plays with both his arm and legs. The defense stepped up late with two interceptions that changed the game completely. The Bills look dangerous again.

5. Seattle Seahawks (10-3)

Seattle crushed the Falcons 37-9 with Sam Darnold throwing three touchdowns and the defense dominating. A 100-yard kickoff return helped blow the game open in the second half. The Seahawks are playing their best football.

4. New England Patriots (11-2)

The Patriots stay near the top thanks to their consistent defense and balanced offense. They continue to control games and protect leads better than almost anyone. New England is chasing the AFC’s top seed.

3. Green Bay Packers (9-3-1)

The Packers beat the Bears 28-21 behind Jordan Love’s clutch throws and Josh Jacobs’ late touchdown run. Their defense sealed the win with a huge interception on Chicago’s final drive. Green Bay looks like a real contender.

2. Denver Broncos (11-2)

Denver earned its 10th straight victory by beating the Raiders 24-17, staying one of the hottest teams in the league. Bo Nix continues to play smart and efficient football, and the defense handles the rest. The Broncos may be the AFC’s most complete team.

1. Los Angeles Rams (10-3)

The Rams dominated the Cardinals 45-17 behind Blake Corum’s breakout 128-yard, two-touchdown game and Matthew Stafford’s sharp passing. Their offense exploded for big plays all game, and the defense took over after halftime. L.A. looks like the NFC’s most dangerous team heading into the final stretch.