Pittsburgh is not mathematically eliminated from the AFC playoff chase as we roll out our NFL Power Rankings for Week 15. With a few losses here or there plus a 3-0 close from the Steelers, they could squeak in as the No. 6 seed. It's highly unlikely and extremely undeserved at this point.So barring a miracle, the NFL will have a new champion come February.
But let's not underestimate how incredible this collapse has been. On the morning of Nov. 10, the Steelers were 6-2, riding a five-game winning streak, and coming off a 28-10 beatdown of the Broncos in Denver the previous night. Since then, Pittsburgh has lost five straight games, with Kansas City, Oakland and Cleveland all toppling the league's current kings.
So who's waiting in the wings to assume the crown? Well, the Colts and Saints look like likely candidates, but there are a handful of other teams capable of usurping Pittsburgh's position. And so, without further adieu, this week's rankings:
- 1. Colts (13-0) Last Week: 2
At this point, New Orleans and Indianapolis are interchangeable -- both are three wins from an elusive undefeated season and are the odds-on favorite to represent their respective conferences in the Super Bowl. But while the Saints struggled with a banged-up Falcons team in Week 13, Indy smoked Denver, so the Colts reclaim the top spot this week. - 2. Saints (13-0) Last Week: 1
The Saints won another close one in Atlanta this past weekend, and even though New Orleans was never behind, the Falcons had a shot at winning. The Saints defense gave up 303 yards in the air to Chris Redman, which proves that they need to fix a few problems in that area. -- Knox Bardeen
- 3. Chargers (10-3) Last Week: 3
If I were a total loser, I would just quote Aerosmith re: trains and rolling right here. Instead, I'll just repeat what I said on the Wildcast Tuesday: Philip Rivers should be considered an MVP candidate and he's being totally hosed by the fact that the guys in Indy and NOLA are undefeated. It's almost criminal how under the radar his monster season is moving. -- Will Brinson - 4. Vikings (11-2) Last Week: 4
All the Minnesota naysayers who assumed that a Week 13 flop in Arizona was the end of the line for Favre's bunch were snapped back to reality on Sunday. The Vikings throttled Cincinnati, 30-10, to move within a whisker of clinching the NFC North. If any team will challenge the Saints in the NFC, this is probably it.
- 5. Packers (9-4) Last Week: 6
The Packers are looking like a team that could make some noise in the playoffs. An upset at New Orleans in the second round could set up an epic Green Bay at Minnesota tilt in the NFC Championship. - 6. Eagles (9-4) Last Week: 9
It's hard to say if the Eagles actually belong this high. They're still dealing with quite a few injuries, and their defense didn't exactly look stout in a 45-38 win over the Giants in New York on Sunday night. But Philadelphia's got the inside track to the NFC East crown, and with their host of big-play guys, the Eagles are still dangerous. - 7. Bengals (9-4) Last Week: 5
Even if Cincinnati looked awful in a loss at Minnesota, that's a game that can be forgiven. And that's especially true when you consider that the Bengals still just need one win or one Ravens loss over the final three weeks to clinch the AFC North. - 8. Broncos (8-5) Last Week: 7
Indy's been quite good at quashing teams trying to get on a roll; they did the same thing to Denver that they did to Tennessee two weeks ago as Peyton Manning went large to Dallas Clark and the Colts remained unbeaten. No shame in that game for the Broncos, though, and at least Brandon Marshall got the moral victory of an NFL-record 21 catches in a single game. We certainly don't want a loud-mouthed, self-involved jerk of a wideout like Terrell Owens holding something like that. -- WB
- 9. Patriots (8-5) Last Week: 11
Is this a top-10 team? Debatable, but there aren't many contenders knocking down the door to get up this high in the rankings. New England looks more and more vulnerable every week, despite a Week 14 win over Carolina. The Patriots may still win the AFC East, but they need to make some big strides down the stretch to be considered a contender. - 10. Dolphins (7-6) Last Week: 14
Welcome to the big leagues, Miami. This is another team that only ascends because of others' struggles -- heck, the Dolphins could win out, finish 10-6 and still not make the playoffs. But with a road win at Jacksonville on Sunday, Miami has now won seven of 10 games to at least get in the thick of things. And with a sturdy defense and punishing ground game, it's the type of team built for the postseason, if it can get there.
- 11. Cardinals (8-5) Last Week: 8
Fresh off a beatdown of Minnesota in prime time, the Cardinals laid one of the biggest eggs of their season in getting blown out by the 49ers. Remember, if SF hadn't choked against Seattle, this game might have actually mattered. I'm not saying I want the tectonic plates to hurry up and start shifting so the West Coast falls into the Pacific Ocean, but it certainly would be better for football. -- WB - 12. Ravens (7-6) Last Week: 15
Hard to know exactly what to make of the Ravens -- a 47-3 thrashing of Detroit doesn't prove too much other than that Detroit is still awful, and that's a fact we already knew. Running back Ray Rice has developed into a star, though, and just like Miami, the Ravens could be a dangerous wild-card team. A Week 16 trip to Pittsburgh might decide their fate.
- 13. Cowboys (8-5) Last Week: 10
Dallas' annual December collapse is in full swing after back-to-back losses, and a Saturday night trip to New Orleans doesn't bode well for righting the ship. That said, the NFC is such a mess that Dallas could lose out and still get in the playoffs at 8-8. Just one win in the final three weeks might get the job done. - 14. Jets (7-6) Last Week: 17
New York's on its second three-game win streak of the season after bombarding the Bucs in Week 14. The problem, of course, is that the Jets also have two three-game losing streaks, which means their playoff chances are still in a tenuous spot. Closing with Atlanta, Indianapolis and Cincinnati won't help.
- 15. Jaguars (7-6) Last Week: 12
Jacksonville blew its chance to really assert itself in the AFC race by losing to Miami at home. The Jags get another shot on Thursday night when the 13-0 Colts visit -- the first game all year that Jacksonville's sold out. It's probably a must-win, too, with a trip to New England looming in Week 16. - 16. Titans (6-7) Last Week: 18
Tennessee's probably not going to have enough to make the playoffs, which is a shame, because with Vince Young at QB and Chris Johnson going wild at RB, the Titans are as much fun to watch right now as anyone. - 17. Giants (7-6) Last Week: 13
Ugh. New York badly needed a win over Philadelphia on Sunday night. Instead, the Giants gave up a whopping 45 points and lost by seven, putting their backs smack-dab up against the proverbial wall.
- 18. 49ers (6-7) Last Week: 21
Again, just a maddeningly inconsistent team. One thing I did notice, though, is that when Frank Gore's out of the game, the Niners don't even consider running the ball. If opposing defenses pick up on this, it will probably not fare well for Alex Smith's rejuvenation. -- WB - 19. Falcons (6-7) Last Week: 19
The Falcons lost a heartbreaker to New Orleans and now must win their remaining three games while getting help from the teams playing the Giants and Cowboys. It's still not known when or if Michael Turner or Matt Ryan will return from injury. But, if Atlanta does squeak into the playoffs, they'll need those two big guns. -- KB
- 20. Steelers (6-7) Last Week: 16
There is absolutely no way that there are 19 teams in the NFL better than the defending Super Bowl champions. But Pittsburgh is playing like a bottom-feeder right now, having lost five straight games, with three of those coming to Kansas City, Oakland and Cleveland -- all teams even further down in these rankings.
- 21. Texans (6-7) Last Week: 23
Round and round and round we go. Where we stop is probably right about 8-8 again for the Texans, who just cannot get over the top and into the playoffs. Houston could still get in with a 9-7 mark, but it's hard to see this team running off several wins in a row.
- 22. Panthers (5-8) Last Week: 20
The Panthers have lost three of their last four games and still have New Orleans and Minnesota remaining on their schedule. Add to the list of growing problems a Jonathan Stewart toe injury, and a quarterback that no one has ever heard of, and the last three games could get ugly. -- KB - 23. Seahawks (5-8) Last Week: 22
Just when Seattle seemed to climb back towards a lower level of mediocrity, they ran smack-dab into Andre Johnson on a career day. The 'Hawks pass D isn't good, so the big day from Matt Schaub and A.J. wasn't that surprising, but it'll make people think twice before they give Seattle any prayer of a chance against a team with a strong passing attack. At least Jim Mora's specialty isn't secondaries ... -- WB - 24. Bears (5-8) Last Week: 24
What a sad state of affairs in Chicago, with the Bears now officially eliminated from postseason contention. There's going to be a lot of soul-searching in the Windy City this summer. - 25. Redskins (4-9) Last Week: 26
Washington moves up a spot after taking down the Raiders in Oakland. Woo hoo. The Redskins are certainly playing better the last couple weeks, and have a schedule that sets them up as a potential spoiler team down the stretch. - 26. Bills (5-8) Last Week: 27
The Bills are essentially a non-factor in the AFC again -- until you consider this: Buffalo hosts New England this Sunday, then gets Indianapolis in Week 17. The Bills could really turn some situations inside-out with a couple of home upsets. - 27. Raiders (4-9) Last Week: 25
How bad is JaMarcus Russell? Well, let's put it this way: Raiders head coach Tom Cable is considering starting Bruce Gradkowski in Week 15, and Gradkowski has torn ligaments in both his knees. - 28. Chiefs (3-10) Last Week: 25
A missed catch by Chris Chambers cost K.C. a win over the Bills, but that's the story of the season, as the Chiefs have had many a close call in 2009. But when you're a largely untalented team in a serious rebuilding phase, you can't realistically expect to get all the breaks, right? -- WB - 29. Lions (2-11) Last Week: 29
Rookie head coach Jim Schwartz let his team have it after a 47-3 loss at Baltimore on Sunday. And we'll find out a decent amount about Schwartz's future in Detroit the more he lays into his squad -- either the team will respond and start to improve, or they'll tune him out completely. The latter would be bad news for a constantly rebuilding franchise. - 30. Browns (2-11) Last Week: 32
Cleveland could probably jump the Lions, but Detroit beat the Browns, so the head-to-head tiebreaker stays in the Motor City. And you could argue that the Browns should move up more because they beat the Steelers -- but, really, how impressive is that these days? - 31. Buccaneers (1-12) Last Week: 31
The Buccaneers are averaging just 8.25 points per game over their last four games, all losses. The 2010 season, and more specifically the offseason where the Bucs get to retool their team, can't get here quickly enough. -- KB - 32. Rams (1-12) Last Week: 32
Kerry Collins was arguably the biggest loser of the NFL season thus far. Until Sunday, when he shredded the Rams. Therefore making St. Louis the biggest loser by a long stretch. There aren't many more insulting things I can keep writing about this team, but I would appreciate it if they wouldn't hurt any more of my fantasy players on meaningless 44-yard runs. -- WB
Comments (Page 1 of 3)
lions ranked 29...that is tooooo generous
I don't think the Packers can get the #3 seed and a first round home game because the Vikings will have the division. IDK, I might be wrong, but this rule change was discussed but never actually occurred.
I would think you're correct on that. If the packers get in as a wild card the only way they would get a home field game is if the other wild card team advanced and the packers had a better record than them. But a first round home game as a wild card is not possible I would think because the two wild card teams play the two divisional champions(which would give them the home game)who did not get a bye in the first round.
The Packer/Viking rematch in NFC Champioship game is a possible scenario as written in article. GB is current #5 seed. They would play #4, currently Arizona, in first round. If they win, they could play #1 Saints. If they upset Saints, then a Championship rematch with Vikes is possible. GB would be on the road in all games.
It's about time the Colts have the #1 spot. About time!! Long over due!! The best team in the NFL. Who dey?? The Colts, that's who!!!!!
Not only are the Dolts not the best team in the NFL, they aren't even the best team in the AFC. They are the luckiest but I think the Chargers are better.
I guess "me" favors the "Bolts" over the "Dolts."
WOW!! Kudos to Philip Rivers and the Chargers. But did you actually refer to the Colts and Saints as jerks?? You, Chris, not sure if that name is that of a man or woman, are an idiot!!! And yes, a total loser to boot. Quit your day job and go join a rock band!!
I have two issues with the rankings. First of all the Colts were far from smoking the Broncos. The Broncos out gained the Colts and if not for a few huge 4th down pickups by the Colts they could of easily lost.
2nd, the Packers cannot get a higher seed than the 5th unless you think they are going to win the NFC North so there goes your 2nd round matchup in MN idea.
The Colts had that game wrapped up half way through the 2nd quarter. They just let the Broncos hang around, for some reason.
Colts, LOL, this was a reconisance mission for the Broncos. To see if they could compete and beat em. They did, and they can. Playoffs will be a different story.
well...about your carolina description, they do not have a quarterback that no one has ever heard of. I went to high school with him and played with him for about 7 years. He's got an out of control arm so give him another game to show you what he's made of. Next years gonna be big for him.
I read what you said about the 49er's that they would not run without but they did with coffee in and gore was on the side lines
Although it is very hard to believe that the Steelers are not good this year, (it is hard to repeat anyway) THIS LIFE-LONG STEELER FAN knew it was over the first day when Troy Polamalu was injured by that IDIOT Alge Crumpler. I am willing to accept a poor season because I know that there is always next year. As for those who think that they are an arrogant bunch of losers, HA! think again. Look past your hate and anger (and jealousy) because WE WILL NOT DIE! WE WILL BE BACK! Injuries have plagued the team all year long and, let's face it, they have been POLAMALU-LESS for almost the entire year. If you don't think that ONE MAN makes a team, just look at the footage of the games that he played in with footage of those games that he didn't play in. They need a leader, and with Troy on the sidelines (again thanks to that b*!@&?d) Crumpler, he can't lead the defense very well. Let other teams have a shot this year. I might enjoy seeing the Cowboys and Patriots fall.
I agree with you I said the same thing STEELER FAN 2
The Steelers are bad because they are missing Polamalu ? I think there problems are much deeper than him being out. When is Pittsburgh going to wake up and take a look at their offensive line..... bad by any standards !!!!!!!! And to get back to the polamalu thing, look at the colts. They have been missing Bob Sanders most of the season and they are undefeated !!!! Injuries are part of the game and good teams find a way to work through the injuries. Steeler fans need to stop making excuses and realize its just not their year !!!!!
Did you bother to read everything I wrote? I also said that injuries have plagued us the entire year. That is a fact and not an excuse. As for Troy, the defensive game is Definitely Not The Same without him! We will move on and survive.
BTW: I said injuries have plagues the Steelers all year. I didn't try to claim that it was the only reason they have the record they have this year. It is tough to win a Super Bowl, it is tougher to win two in a row. That is something not all Teams (or their fans) can understand (or have experienced). Great teams also have their good and bad seasons. If history repeats itself, the Steelers will be in another Super Bowl within 3 years. Great teams can overcome anything, even injuries (and poor seasons).
Losing one player shouldn't take your team from the top of the NFL to a joke. As for all these injuries they are battling, other then Troy who? The truth is since Tomlin took over they have progressively gone away from what made all those teams over the last 15 years good. Running the ball and stopping the run. Last Thursday they were manhandled by the Browns. If Ben wasn't 20 feet tall they would have been sacked 10 times because he fell forward to take a no gain instead of a sack a few times. You people need to get Cowher on the phone pronto.
Let's see:
Troy has had a knee injury most of the season, Chris Kemoeatu has had knee and wrist injuries, K. Lewis, C. Davis, Urbik, Hills, S. Harris, Urbik and Eason haven't played for at least part of the year. There's William Gay (concussion), Ben was out for a week or so, Hines Ward was also on the list. There's Kirschke (calf), Parker (hip and toe), Batch (wrist), Davis (hamstring), Timmons (ankle), Frazier (thigh), Mendenhall (knee), Frazier (shoulder), Johnson (ankle), Hartwig (ankle), Spaeth (hip), Sweed (foot). Now, you probably never heard of most of these players, but all of these guys were injured throughout the season. All of these injuries aren't the only reason for their poor season, however, this is one (of many) contributing factors. Mistakes made by the players also don't help. Consequently, many factors are contributing to their poor season. It won't make a difference what I say, all of you Biased Steeler haters won't ever understand. This season is not the end of world, and the NFL will be back next year (and so will the Steelers) There is next year, and we still have our 6 Super Bowl Trophies to help us get through until next year. GREAT TEAMS can overcome ANYTHING, and we will overcome. I will wait. It might be sweeter to see Dallas or New England falter.