NFL Power Rankings: Week 15

That’s right folks. Week 15. It’s hard to believe that we are just a few weeks away from the end of the regular season. But, that also means that we’re getting closer to playoff time, which will bring nothing but exciting matchups.

For now, it’s time for another edition of power rankings here on BlitzNation. So let’s get right to it!

10. New England Patriots (8-5)

This Week: at Buffalo (5-8)

Why They Could Rise: While New England hasn’t played their best football as of late, but they still know what it takes to win when this time of year rolls around. The Brady to Moss connection hasn’t been there much lately, but the Bills could be just what they need to get going.

Why They Could Fall: The Patriots have some huge question marks. Defensively, I’m not sure they can stop any of the AFC powers come playoff time. And offensively, I just don’t see the type of fear in opposing defense that we use to see. It would not surprise me one bit if the Bills made this one close, since the Pats are 1-5 on the road this season.

9. Denver Broncos (8-5)

This Week: vs. Oakland (4-9)

Why They Could Rise: Yes, the Broncos actually move up a spot in this week’s rankings after a loss, but c’mon, they played the undefeated Colts. I haven’t really been on the Broncos’ bandwagon much of the season, but they could certainly be a wild-card team that could cause some problems for one of the big boys.

Why They Could Fall: The Broncos host the Raiders this week, and I can’t see them dropping that one. They have to win to keep competing for the wild-card spot, and their defense should be able to completely shut down the Raider attack.

8. Arizona Cardinals (8-5)

This Week: at Detroit (2-11)

Why They Could Rise: The Cards come off of a bad loss against the Lions, but I find it hard to believe that they’ll commit seven turnovers again. It was one of those games that you can probably throw out the window. Unless…..

Why They Could Fall: They play the lowly Lions this week, and a loss here would probably cause the Cards to hit the panic button. The Lions have nothing to lose, and the Cards will have to be ready for this one. A loss here could take all that confidence away that they gained in the Minnesota victory.

7. Cincinnati Bengals (9-4)

This Week: at San Diego (10-3)

Why They Could Rise: Well, the Bengals don’t have a whole lot going for them right now, after a lackluster performance against the Vikings last week. They still have the offense to be able to score with the best of them, and they’ll need to use it this week.

Why They Could Fall: It doesn’t get a whole lot tougher than facing the Chargers in December, so this will essentially feel like a playoff game for the Bengals. A win in SD, and they’ll be riding high heading into the postseason. A loss, and there will be some questions that they have to answer before playoff time.

6. Green Bay Packers (9-4)

This Week: at Pittsburgh (6-7)

Why They Could Rise: Speaking of teams on a roll, the Packers have won five straight, and are trying to cement their spot in the playoffs. They’ve turned things up defensively, as Charles Woodson looks like a front-runner for Defensive MVP in the league.

Why They Could Fall: The Steelers are on the other side of the spectrum right now, as they’ve lost five straight, and pretty much have no shot at the playoffs unless they can win out. Big Ben and company will be hungry for a win this week, and they could halt the Packer win streak.

5. Philadelphia Eagles (9-4)

This Week: vs. San Francisco (6-7)

Why They Could Rise: The Eagles put up 45 points against a defense that was considered to be pretty decent, and there’s not a whole lot else you can say other than that this team is one of the hottest teams in the league right now, and they show no signs of slowing down.

Why They Could Fall: The Niners do bring a hard-nosed aggressive defense to town, and should be able to contain this offense a little bit. The question will be whether or not the Niners can score enough to keep up with Philly.

4. San Diego Chargers (10-3)

This Week: vs. Cincinnati (9-4)

Why They Could Rise: The Chargers went into Dallas, and came away with what was a pretty easy victory, as the score was actually closer than it should have been. Offensively, this team has a whole lot of weapons, and I wouldn’t want to see them in the playoffs.

Why They Could Fall: Perhaps the Bengals have woke up after the beatdown they took this past week in Minnesota. They could certainly be the team to knock off the Chargers, as I would expect this one to be a high-scoring affair.

3. Minnesota Vikings (11-2)

This Week: at Carolina (5-8)

Why They Could Rise: The Vikings bounced back from the loss to the Cards with a blowout win against the Bengals. Once again, Favre and company looked great, and they also have the defense to compliment the excellent offensive attack.

Why They Could Fall: Carolina always plays tough, and this may be one of those games where the Vikings have a letdown. The Panthers have nothing to lose, and will get after you defensively.

2. Indianapolis Colts (13-0)

This Week: at Jacksonville (7-6)

Why They Could Rise: Some people thought the Broncos could be the team to knock off the Colts. And those people were wrong. The Colts just keep on winning, and Peyton Manning threw for four TD’s this past week against a very good secondary. Jags’ secondary? Not very good.

Why They Could Fall: The Jaguars have always played the Colts tough, and could have beat them in Week 1. The pass rush could give Manning some problems, and MJD could rack up some nice yards on the ground. This is the last true test for Indy. Can they pass it?

1. New Orleans Saints (13-0)

This Week: vs. Dallas (8-5)

Why They Are the Best: A team that wins close games can build up some confidence, and know that they can win in pretty much any situation. Well, it seems like the Saints have done nothing but win close games lately.

Why They Could Fall: I don’t see this being a letdown against the Cowboys this week, though you could make the argument that the Saints could be hyped up too much for this one. I don’t buy it, and if the Saints win, they will go 16-0.

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