SportsTips’ NFL Power Rankings: Week 15

SportsTips’ NFL Power Rankings: Week 15
Tue 15th December 2020

Two new teams claimed the No. 1 seed in their respective conferences this weekend as the Packers and Chiefs are now in the box seat for a week one playoff bye. In what was a successful weekend for both franchises, Kansas City and Green Bay also became the first two teams to clinch their divisions. With only three weeks remaining in the 2020 regular season, the battle for division titles and playoff spots is heating up. 

Here’s where all 32 NFL teams stand ahead of Week 15 of the 2020 NFL season

1. Kansas City Chiefs (12-1)

Super Bowl Odds: +180
Previous Rank: 1

It took until Week 14 of the NFL season, but Kansas City have finally re-emerged with the No. 1 seed in AFC, clinching their division with a 33-27 victory over the Dolphins. Despite three interceptions from Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs quarterback still threw for 393 yards and two touchdowns, while Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill once again showed why this is the most dynamic offense in football. With three weeks to go this season, Kansas City are clearly the best team in the NFL.

2. Green Bay Packers (10-3)

Super Bowl Odds: +700
Previous Rank: 4

Like the Chiefs, the Packers clinched their division with their Week 14 win over Detroit while also claiming the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Aaron Rodgers was near perfect once again, throwing for 290 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions and a rushing touchdown of his own. While Davante Adams recorded another 100+ yards game with a touchdown. Green Bay’s defense against the run is still a cause for concern however when firing, their offense is one of the best in the league.

3. Buffalo Bills (10-3)

Super Bowl Odds: +1200
Previous Rank: 5

After defeating the Steelers 26-16 on Monday Night Football, the Bills are now just one win or a Dolphins loss away, from their first AFC East division title since 1995. Josh Allen has rediscovered his early season form and Stefon Diggs is looking more and more like the acquisition of the season. Diggs was the best player on the field on Monday Night, with 10 receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown. However it was Levi Wallace’s Pick-6, that was the turning point of the game for Buffalo. The Bills will play the Broncos, Patriots and Dolphins in their final three games of the season.

4. New Orleans Saints (10-3)

Super Bowl Odds: +700
Previous Rank: 3

Heading into a Week 15 matchup against the Chiefs, the Saints really couldn’t afford to drop this weekend’s game against the Eagles, but they did. Although Taysom Hill has been serviceable, Drew Brees cannot come back quick enough. Defensively, New Orleans played arguably their worst game of the season allowing Philadelphia to put up 246 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Despite relinquishing it to Green Bay, the No.1 seed in the NFC is still up for grabs, however they would need to beat Kansas City in Week 15 to stay within reach.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-2)

Super Bowl Odds: +1100
Previous Rank: 2

The style of football that got the Steelers to 11-0 has not been working over the last two weeks, or even the last month. Ben Roethlisberger has thrown three interceptions in two weeks, their receivers are dropping catches, their defensive injuries are starting to pile up and they cannot run the football. Pittsburgh managed just 47 rushing yards against Buffalo on Sunday Night Football, which resulted in a 26-15 loss for the Steelers. Having now lost two games in a row, Pittsburgh should bounce back against Cincinnati next week, before two huge games against the Colts and Browns in Weeks 16 and 17. Both of which will determine whether they can reclaim the No.1 seed in the AFC. 

6. Los Angeles Rams (9-4)

Super Bowl Odds: +900
Previous Rank: 6

The Rams progressed to 9-4 following a 24-3 victory over the Patriots on Thursday Night Football. Los Angeles’ defense is arguably the best in the league, recording six sacks while also holding the Pats to three points and only 220 total yards. On offense Jarred Goff has thrown a measly two touchdowns and three interceptions in the Rams last three games. However, given the emergence of rookie running back Cam Akers (171 yards vs New England) and the ferocious nature of their defense, the Rams are going to be a tough postseason matchup. Still a chance of claiming the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

7. Seattle Seahawks (9-4)

Super Bowl Odds: +1300
Previous Rank: 9

After getting embarrassed by the Giants in Week 14, Seattle enjoyed a 40-3 win over the winless Jets this weekend, to advance to 9-4. In what was essentially a pre-playoff ‘tune-up’, the Seahawks ran the ball well, rushing for 174 yards on the ground while also improving their offensive line, only allowing Russell Wilson (four TD’s, one INT) to be sacked once. Seattle’s offense will face a strong and fierce Washington defense in Week 15. A match they will need to win to stay in the hunt to win the NFC West.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-5)

Super Bowl Odds: +1400
Previous Rank: 7

It wasn’t the post bye performance that we were hoping for from the Bucs, however Tampa Bay did look to have improved their offensive chemistry in their 26-14 win over Minnesota. The Bucs offense was solid, collecting 303 total yards and not allowing Tom Brady to be sacked. Straight field goal kicking from Minnesota’s Dan Bailey could have put the Bucs under more pressure. However, a 12 point win is good enough at this point in the season. Tampa Bay will play the Falcons twice and the Lions down the stretch.

9. Cleveland Browns (9-4)

Super Bowl Odds: +3000
Previous Rank: 8

In what was one of the games of the season on Monday Night Football, Cleveland suffered a five points loss to Baltimore after the Ravens kicked a go ahead field goal with seven seconds left on the clock. Baker Mayfield threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns as well as rushing for a touchdown of his own. The battle between the league’s two best rushing offenses did not disappoint as the Browns recorded 138 rushing yards and four touchdowns, while the Ravens rushed for 231 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Cleveland took a safety when pitching the football backwards in the dying seconds to bump the margin out to five points.

10. Tennessee Titans (9-4)

Super Bowl Odds: +2200
Previous Rank: 10

The Tennessee Titans carried over their second half form from last week’s loss to the Browns, to complete a 31-10 demolition of the Jaguars. Derrick Henry put last week’s poor performance behind him, rushing for 215 yards and two touchdowns, while AJ Brown brought in seven catches for 112 yards and a touchdown. Having put together one of the most inconsistent season’s in recent years, the Titans will look to play their best football against the Lions, Packers and Texans in the coming weeks, with the hope of snatching the AFC South division.

11. Indianapolis Colts (9-4)

Super Bowl Odds: +2800
Previous Rank: 12

In a game that had huge repercussions for the AFC Wild Card race, the Colts convincingly beat the Raiders 44-27. Indianapolis’ defense isn’t dominating like they were earlier in the season, allowing 424 total yards and 27 points. However, the Colts secondary is still making big plays, forcing three Raiders turnovers and scoring a defensive touchdown. On offense, Indy are getting hot at the right time of the year, led by rookie Jonathan Taylor, who recorded 150 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in Sunday’s win.

12. Miami Dolphins (8-5)

Super Bowl Odds: +6600
Previous Rank: 11

Miami picked off Patrick Mahomes on three occasions on Sunday, doubling the MVP favourite’s total interceptions tally for the season. However, the reigning Super Bowl champs were too good for the Dolphins who went down 33-27. Regardless of the result, it was a strong performance from the Dolphins who will face the Patriots in Week 15 looking to keep their AFC East title hopes alive.

13. Baltimore Ravens (8-5)

Super Bowl Odds: +1800
Previous Rank: 14

In what was one of the games of the season on Monday Night Football, the Baltimore Ravens kept their 2020 playoff chances alive, with a 47-42 win over the Cleveland Browns. Despite spending the majority of the fourth quarter in the locker room, Lamar Jackson hobbled back onto the field before throwing the go-ahead touchdown to Marquis Brown with only a minute remaining. Jackson also rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns of his own. After the Browns reclaimed the lead, Ravens kicker Justin Tucker nailed the game winning field goal from 55 yards to win the game with seven seconds left on the clock. With matches against the Jaguars, Giants and Bengals to come, Baltimore should make a push for the postseason in the final three games of the season.

14. Arizona Cardinals (7-6)

Super Bowl Odds: +5500
Previous Rank: 17

Coming up against the in form Giants (by their standards), Arizona were in desperate need of a Week 14 victory to keep their NFC playoff hopes alive, and a win is what they got. Kyler Murray looked to be back to his early season form, throwing for 244 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 47 yards on the ground. Defensively, the Cardinals forced three New York turnovers and kept the Giants to just one score. Arizona’s Week 15 matchup against Jalen Hurts and the Eagles is a must win for the Cardinals, who are still aiming to be the third NFC West team in the postseason.

15. Las Vegas Raiders (7-6)

Super Bowl Odds: +10000
Previous Rank: 13

Having now been blown out by the Falcons and the Colts in two of their past three matches, the Raiders are clinging onto their three-point win over the winless Jets as their best performance in recent weeks. In their past month of football, Las Vegas have given up an average of 37.5 points per game, resulting in defensive coordinator Paul Guenther getting fired following their 44-27 loss to the Colts. Losing to Indianapolis really hurts the Raiders playoff chances, however a win over the Chargers this weekend can keep their postseason aspirations alive.

16. Minnesota Vikings (6-7)

Super Bowl Odds: +8000
Previous Rank: 15

The Vikings were let down by their kicking on Sunday with Dan Bailey missing all three of his field goal attempts and an extra point in Minnesota’s 12-point loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now 6-7 the Vikings will face the offensively inspired Bears in a must win matchup for both team’s playoff chances.

17. Washington Football Team (6-7)

Super Bowl Odds: +6600
Previous Rank: 19

The Washington Football Team are the standalone top of the NFC East following their 23-15 win over the 49’ers. Headlined by Defensive Rookie of the Year favourite Chase Young, Washington’s defense was ferocious on Sunday, forcing three turnovers, collecting four sacks and scoring two defensive touchdowns. Regardless of who their starting quarterback is, Washington’s offense just needs to be competent, allowing their defense to get them over the line. Washington will face the Seahawks, Panthers and Eagles down the stretch with the hope of holding onto their lead in the NFC East.

18. Chicago Bears (6-7)

Super Bowl Odds: +20000
Previous Rank: 24

Although the Texans defense was nothing shy of a disaster, the Bears offense, led by Mitch Trubisky, deserves credit for their 36-7 win over Houston. Trubisky looks to have done enough to hold onto the starting spot in 2021, throwing for 267 yards and three touchdowns against the Texans. David Montgomery collected 113 yards on the ground as well as a touchdown, while Allen Robinson brought in 123 yards in the air, to go along with a touchdown of his own. Now 6-7 the Bears will face the Vikings next week in a must win matchup for both team’s playoff chances.

19. New England Patriots (6-7)

Super Bowl Odds: +30000
Previous Rank: 16

Following their 45-0 victory in Week 14, New England were brought back to reality against the Rams on Thursday Night Football. The Patriots only mustered 220 total yards and three points against Los Angeles with Cam Newton failing to score a touchdown while also recording his 10th interception of the season.

20. New York Giants (6-7)

Super Bowl Odds: +15000
Previous Rank: 18

Arizona brought an end to the Giants four game winning streak with a 26-7 victory on Sunday. Daniel Jones didn’t deliver against the Cardinals in his return to the starting quarterback job, completing 11/21 passes for 127 yards. New York are now a game behind Washington in the NFC East and need them to lose two of their final three games to have a shot at the postseason.

21. Denver Broncos (5-8)

Super Bowl Odds: +50000
Previous Rank: 25

In what was the best game of his NFL career, Drew Lock threw for 280 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in the Broncos 32-27 win over Carolina. If you take away their loss to the Saints (where all of their quarterbacks were unavailable), Denver has put together a great month of football, defeating the Dolphins and the Panther as well as pushing the Chiefs last week. It may be a short-lived victory with a Week 15 matchup against the Bills ahead of them, however the Broncos have something to build on in 2021.

22. San Francisco 49’ers (5-8)

Super Bowl Odds: +20000
Previous Rank: 20

San Francisco suffered their second straight ‘home’ loss in Arizona following their 23-15 loss to Washington. Despite still holding onto a slim playoff hope, the 49’ers will welcome the upcoming offseason with open arms. Given the state of their injury list, San Francisco will be hoping to make it through the last three games of this season unscathed and ready to bounce back in 2021.

23. Philadelphia Eagles (4-8-1)

Super Bowl Odds: +20000
Previous Rank: 27

Jalen Hurts took over the starting quarterback positions against the Saints on Sunday and led Philadelphia to their first win in over a month. Hurts threw for 167 yards and a touchdown in his first start, while also rushing for 106 yards of his own. Miles Sanders also passed the 100+ rushing yards mark, collecting 115 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. The Eagles will face Arizona in Week 15 in a must win game to keep their postseason chances alive.

24. Detroit Lions (5-8)

Super Bowl Odds: +50000
Previous Rank: 23

The Lions put up a strong performance against the division and now conference leading Packers, pushing Green Bay in a 31-24 loss. Detroit keep fighting for interim coach Darrell Bevell, especially on offense with young stars T.J. Hockenson (43 receiving yards and a TD) and D’Andre Swift (24 rushing yards and a TD) continuing to impress. The Lions may put Matthew Stafford (who left the game with an apparent rib injury) on ice for the rest of the season, with playoffs essentially out of question.

25. Houston Texans (4-9)

Super Bowl Odds: N/A
Previous Rank: 22

Houston suffered their ninth loss of the season after getting blown out by Chicago, 36-7. Defensively, the Texans were a sieve on Sunday, allowing Mitch Trubisky and the Bears offense to put up 410 total yards and 36 points. The Texans need to overhaul their roster this offseason and not waste the generational talent they have at quarterback.

26. Dallas Cowboys (4-8)

Super Bowl Odds: +25000
Previous Rank: 28

Dallas recorded win number four for the 2020 season following their 30-7 win over the Bengals. Even though the Cowboys are tied for the NFL’s fourth-worst record, they technically still have a chance of winning the NFC East. And, with matches against the 49’ers, Eagles and Giants to close out the season, you can’t rule Dallas out from stealing the division and hosting a playoff game.

27. Los Angeles Chargers (4-9)

Super Bowl Odds: N/A
Previous Rank: 29

The Chargers finally won a close game this weekend, defeating the Falcons 20-17. As good as it was to see a Chargers win, it felt like more of a Falcons loss, with Atlanta making copious mistakes down the stretch to hand Los Angeles the victory. Justin Herbert became just the fourth rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw 25+ touchdown passes, joining Peyton Manning, Russell Wilson and Baker Mayfield.

28. Atlanta Falcons (4-9)

Super Bowl Odds: N/A
Previous Rank: 21

Atlanta ‘out-Charger-ed’ the Chargers on Sunday, making a variety of mistakes down the stretch to go down 20-17. Despite finding Calvin Ridley for 124 yards and a touchdown, Matt Ryan threw three interceptions, the last of which set up Michael Badgley’s game-winning field goal in the dying seconds of the fourth quarter. Atlanta have the opportunity to upset Tampa Bay’s playoff seeding, with two games against the Bucs in their final three matches.

29. Carolina Panthers (4-9)

Super Bowl Odds: N/A
Previous Rank: 26

It was an impressive feat for Teddy Bridgewater and the Panthers offense to put up 27 points, without McCaffrey and D.J Moore on Sunday. However, defensively Carolina could not contain the Broncos in their 32-27 loss. The Panthers will close out the season with matches against Green Bay, Washington and New Orleans.

30. Cincinnati Bengals (2-10-1)

Super Bowl Odds: N/A
Previous Rank: 30

Since losing Joe Burrow to an ACL injury earlier in the season, the Bengals have averaged just 10.3 points per game. They did not improve that stat in their 7-30 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday. With quarterbacks likely to go with picks one and two in the upcoming NFL draft, Cincinnati (currently with pick three) will have access to the best young defender in the upcoming draft class, a piece that they desperately need.

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-12)

Super Bowl Odds: N/A
Previous Rank: 31

In what will likely be Gardner Minshew’s last month as a starting quarterback in the NFL, the Jaguars put up little resistance against the Titans, going down 31-10. With the Ravens, Bears and Colts to come, Jacksonville will finish with a 1-15 record in 2020, currently giving them access to pick two in the upcoming draft. 

32. New York Jets (0-13)

Super Bowl Odds: N/A
Previous Rank: 32

Seattle demolished New York 40-3 on Sunday to hand the Jets their 13th loss of the season. There are just three games left for New York to avoid the dreaded 0-16. However, with Trevor Lawrence waiting in the wings, the Jets will likely bow out of their final three games, like they did against the Seahawks this weekend.  

*Odds correct at time of publication.

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Jesse is and always has been a lover of sports. No matter the league, no matter the game, Jesse is constantly keeping up to date with the latest odds, news, injuries and stats. He has a strong interest in the NBA and the NFL, and he will always strive to keep you up to date with the best news, odds, predictions and picks that the ever engaging sporting world has to offer.