NFL Power Rankings: Where Does Every Team Stand Heading into Week 16?

Just two weeks remain in the 2014 NFL regular season, which means the power rankings are starting to settle into a final order that won't see major changes. But thanks to losses from teams in the top 10 this week—including one by the No. 1-ranked Green Bay Packers—there has been a sizable shuffle at the top of the order.

In a week that saw the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts each clinch a playoff berth with division titles, we also saw the Buffalo Bills and Carolina Panthers keep their playoff hopes alive with big wins. The AFC North—where every team has at least seven wins—is also starting to get sorted out after the Cleveland Browns lost on Sunday.

Who ranks as the best team in the NFL after the Packers' loss? The answer isn't all that surprising. 

32. Tennessee Titans (2-12)

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Last Week: 32

This Week: 32

Change: 0

A loss against the New York Jets pretty much guarantees you the bottom spot in the power rankings, but at least the Tennessee Titans are improving their resume for the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.

After another loss, the Titans are clearly the NFL's worst team heading into Week 16, and now they have the record to prove it. At 2-12, they're tied with the Oakland Raiders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars for the league's worst mark, but it's the letdown against the Jets that puts the icing on the cake.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-12)

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Last Week: 31

This Week: 31

Change: 0

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinched loss No. 12 on Sunday and in doing so kept themselves in the running for the first pick in the 2015 NFL draft. With that selection, they will have their choice of quarterbacks, but first head coach Lovie Smith has to pick his next offensive coordinator after Jeff Tedford was released from his contract following a season in which he missed most of the year with health issues.

The Buccaneers have talent on paper—enough of it to be considered a trendy playoff pick before the season. But that talent never produced on the field in year one of Smith's reign. In year two, results will be expected, and the best way to get those is to make a wholesale change at quarterback.

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12)

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Last Week: 29

This Week: 30

Change: -1

Progress is the only thing expected for the Jacksonville Jaguars as they field the NFL's youngest offense each week. And in Week 15, there was progress on both sides of the ball but also glaring errors that continue to show up on a weekly basis.

The Ravens sacked rookie quarterback Blake Bortles eight times and intercepted him once as the Jags had a chance to drive late down by eight points. But Bortles also looked more assertive and showed better accuracy against the Ravens secondary. 

Defensively, the Jaguars looked very good in holding Baltimore to just 20 points while bottling up the run game, but as has been the case all year, it was too little too late for them.

29. Washington (3-11)

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Last Week: 28

This Week: 29

Change: -1

The good news for Washington fans coming out of another loss is that quarterback Robert Griffin III was impressive in his play against the New York Giants in Week 15. But that might be bad news, too, considering that solid play from RG3 may lead owner Daniel Snyder to punish head coach Jay Gruden for his benching of the quarterback this year.

Even when things go well in Washington, there's the potential for a negative due to the mess that is the ownership and front office. And the bottom line is still that the team lost another game to fall to 3-11.

Gruden is a good coach, but his decision on how to use RG3 will likely dictate his job security. And if Griffin is successful to end the season, Gruden will have to answer for his hesitation to use him sooner.

28. Oakland Raiders (2-12)

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Last Week: 27

This Week: 28

Change: -1

One week after their surprise win over the San Francisco 49ers, the Oakland Raiders came back down to earth against the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium. A 31-13 loss goes to show that while the Raiders are capable of playing very good football, they're still an inconsistent team in need of more talent across the board.

The upside is that their 2014 draft class—Khalil Mack, Derek Carr, Gabe Jackson and others—are showing early returns and look to be building blocks for the team. Having Carr in place at quarterback allows the Raiders' offseason to be more focused, too, as they can now worry about building around the signal-caller instead of filling a need under center.

27. New York Jets (3-11)

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Last Week: 30

This Week: 27

Change: +3

On his way out of town—or so it seems—Rex Ryan has had fun messing with the New York Jets. In Week 15 he coached them to a win over the Tennessee Titans and single-handedly moved the team from the No. 2 pick in the draft with a loss all the way down to No. 6 overall based on current standings. 

The Jets showed a ton of heart in the comeback win, and maybe that's what ownership wants to see, but it's hard to imagine Woody Johnson preferring a third victory over a chance to get a top-five pick in the upcoming draft class.

The Jets move up with the win, but there may not be many fans celebrating this one.

26. Chicago Bears (5-9)

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Last Week: 26

This Week: 26

Change: 0

The Chicago Bears looked like a completely defeated team on Monday Night Football. With the Bears heading into Week 16 at 5-9, it's hard to imagine general manager Phil Emery or head coach Marc Trestman keeping their jobs with the product on the field as bad as it is.

There is very little positive to report on here. The offense and defense consistently play without heart outside of a few players (notably, Kyle Long and Jeremiah Ratliff), while too many are left with blank stares by the end of a game.

The Bears won't move down by virtue of their record, but a third straight defeat and a guaranteed losing season puts a dark cloud over everything in Chicago.

25. New York Giants (5-9)

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Last Week: 25

This Week: 25

Change: 0

The New York Giants held on for a division win over Washington—securing the No. 3 spot in the NFC East this year and improving to 5-9. But even if they win out, is a 7-9 season enough to keep Tom Coughlin secure as the team's head coach?

Coughlin has won two Super Bowl rings and has been one of the NFL's best coaches over the last 20 years, but two straight losing seasons and a very competitive ownership will make it tough for him to feel great about his chances to return next year. It doesn't help that he's 68 years old and will be 69 when next season starts.

Since winning the Super Bowl after the 2011 season, the Giants haven't made the playoffs. That may be enough to have the Mara and Tisch families looking for a new head coach.

24. New Orleans Saints (6-8)

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Last Week: 24

This Week: 24

Change: 0

The New Orleans Saints beat up the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, 31-15, but there are few teams that couldn't attack the beat-up Bears right now. It's a good win, and it's great for the NFC South playoff race, but this isn't an impressive victory.

Beating the Bears—and letting them get back into the game late—doesn't help the Saints in this week's rankings. They're still too inconsistent overall, but you have to be happy with the showing from quarterback Drew Brees against one of the NFL's worst defenses. If this game serves as a momentum builder for the Saints, then they'll see a quick move up after Week 16.

23. Atlanta Falcons (5-9)

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Last Week: 22

This Week: 23

Change: -1

With Julio Jones out (hip), the Atlanta Falcons knew they would have to turn to Roddy White and Harry Douglas to make plays in the passing game to have a chance at a win in Week 15. And they did—both White and Douglas played well—but it was once again the defense that prevented an Atlanta victory.

The Falcons' loss moves them out of first place in the NFC South, and with their remaining games coming at New Orleans and home against Carolina, they have to win out to keep their playoff hopes alive. To do that, Matt Ryan can't toss interceptions that get returned for touchdowns and the Atlanta defense must hold its own.

22. Carolina Panthers (5-8-1)

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Last Week: 23

This Week: 22

Change: +1

The Carolina Panthers moved into first place in the NFC South in Week 15 thanks to a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That they are in first after a game without Cam Newton (back) and with just five wins perfectly sums up the NFC South this year.

Quarterback Derek Anderson was good enough in replacing Newton, and he had a nice connection with Greg Olsen and Kelvin Benjamin in the passing game. Both receivers went over 100 yards and made the difference against a Tampa Bay team that has won just two games this year.

The Panthers are a tough team to evaluate, and they don't rank as high as other playoff squads, but the win this week and the improved playoff status does bump them up the rankings.

21. Minnesota Vikings (6-8)

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Last Week: 21

This Week: 21

Change: 0

The Week 15 loss to the Detroit Lions isn't ideal, but during the game, the Minnesota Vikings learned a lot about their team and the future of their franchise. That includes players like Teddy Bridgewater, Matt Asiata and Xavier Rhodes.

Mike Zimmer's team isn't quite ready to compete in the NFC, but it proved in its narrow loss to the NFC North-leading Lions that it's close. Two Bridgewater interceptions—one a bad throw and the other a potential defensive pass interference—were the difference, but he was also poised and fluid while playing in command against one of the best defenses in the NFL.

The Vikings don't move this week due to the closeness of the game, but their chances of a winning record died in Week 15.

20. St. Louis Rams (6-8)

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Last Week: 20

This Week: 20

Change: 0

Many fans were mad last week and took to Twitter to defend the St. Louis Rams and plead for a move up in the rankings. A loss to the Arizona Cardinals with Drew Stanton and Ryan Lindley at quarterback won't help the Rams' case.

St. Louis is team that no one wants to see on the schedule right now, and that's a credit to head coach Jeff Fisher, but this is also a group that is seemingly always a tough squad but finishes the season at 6-10 or 8-8. 

Are the Rams a tough out? You bet. But they're not consistent enough to be a top-15 team right now.

19. Cleveland Browns (7-7)

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Last Week: 18

This Week: 19

Change: -1

Johnny Manziel's starting debut was not what many hoped it would be, and now the Cleveland Browns are 7-7 and falling back in the AFC North race. After being shut out by the Cincinnati Bengals in an embarrassing 30-0 loss, the Browns are in trouble.

But it wasn't all Manziel. The play-calling looked disjointed, the offensive line struggled and the defense was exposed by the Bengals' running game. It was a total letdown for the Browns, and the 30-0 score sums up the type of day it was for everyone involved.

Manziel struggled badly, but most rookie quarterbacks do. For anyone to expect him to be Andrew Luck or Russell Wilson isn't fair. But come Week 16, Manziel has to show progress or people in Cleveland will be in a full-on panic.

18. San Francisco 49ers (7-7)

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Last Week: 17

This Week: 18

Change: -1

Has Jim Harbaugh lost his last game to the Seattle Seahawks as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers? It sure feels like it.

With a 7-7 record and two losses to Seattle this year, the 49ers are officially eliminated from playoff contention. And Harbaugh, who has just one year left on his current contract, is a favorite to leave the 49ers for a team that will give him more control over the roster. That may be a blessing in disguise if you believe this season was a Super Bowl-caliber year for the Niners.

The injuries and suspensions suffered this season hurt, but Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman must answer for the obvious regression of quarterback Colin Kaepernick and the entire offense. The struggles at quarterback and the poor record could have general manager Trent Baalke and owner Jed York looking for a new head coach.

17. Miami Dolphins (7-7)

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Last Week: 15

This Week: 17

Change: -2

The Miami Dolphins made news when they beat the New England Patriots in Week 1. Bill Belichick's team remembered that coming into Week 15, and it put a beating on Miami that was reminiscent of Muhammad Ali avenging his loss to Joe Frazier.

The Dolphins were outmatched throughout, and the Patriots rolled to an easy win to clinch the AFC East. The Dolphins may technically be alive in the wild-card race, but the loss makes it a long shot that they can compete with the Pittsburgh Steelers or Baltimore Ravens for the two extra playoff spots.

Even if this is it for Miami, 2014 has to be considered a success due to Ryan Tannehill's development and the improvement of the offensive line. Even a 7-9 season is acceptable given the on-field efforts.

16. Houston Texans (7-7)

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Last Week: 16

This Week: 16

Change: 0

There is no change in the power rankings for the Houston Texans this week, even after the close loss to the Indianapolis Colts. If anything, that game would be a reason for the Texans to move up in the rankings, but wins by Kansas City and Buffalo make it tough for them to climb.

The biggest concern here is the quarterback position. Ryan Mallett and Ryan Fitzpatrick have both been lost for the year with injuries, leaving the job to fourth-round draft pick Tom Savage and journeyman free agent Thad Lewis. This is a talented, well-coached team, but until it finds a viable quarterback option, it's hard to picture Buffalo as more than a really hard matchup each week.

15. Kansas City Chiefs (8-6)

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Last Week: 14

This Week: 15

Change: -1

The Kansas City Chiefs kept their playoff hopes alive in Week 15 with a win over the Oakland Raiders, but they move down after the game brought up concerns about their sustainability. 

With a passing game that's stagnant, especially down the field, the Chiefs become too one-dimensional. And while other such offenses like the Seahawks and Cardinals don't have great passing attacks right now, they have the playmakers to make up for it.

The Chiefs have playmakers in Jamaal Charles and Travis Kelce, but they're not helping to open up the offense. That's my concern—well, that and the secondary—as the Chiefs make a playoff push in a crowded AFC.

14. San Diego Chargers (8-6)

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Last Week: 12

This Week: 14

Change: -2

Losing to the Denver Broncos isn't worth a two-point drop in the rankings, but with the Buffalo Bills winning a huge game and the Cincinnati Bengals also moving up as the AFC North's top team, someone had to move down. That falls on the Chargers and the Ravens.

The Chargers are out of the playoff mix right now, but they're still alive with two games left. Those two games, though, are at San Francisco (eliminated from the playoffs) and at Kansas City, where the Chiefs are fighting for a playoff spot as well. Win both and they'll have a good wild-card argument. Lose one and the season is likely over.

13. Buffalo Bills (8-6)

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Last Week: 19

This Week: 13

Change: +6

The biggest move of the week comes courtesy of the Buffalo Bills and their six-spot jump after they beat the Green Bay Packers, 21-13. It's a well-earned move, too.

The Bills won with a stifling defense and enough plays on offense to get the job done. But this victory was gained due to the defense and the plays made by leader Mario Williams and the rest of the crew. Jim Schwartz's first year as defensive coordinator has been a good one, and the unit was consistent in making Aaron Rodgers move off his spot and throwing off his timing. 

Buffalo didn't get offense but didn't need much of it, either, thanks to four field goals and a safety. And with Rodgers throwing two interceptions, the Bills were able to secure their first eight-win season since 2004.

12. Baltimore Ravens (9-5)

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Last Week: 10

This Week: 12

Change: -2

A narrow win over the Jacksonville Jaguars—a team with two victories and ranked No. 30 in this week's rankings—isn't a good way to make your case right before the postseason. And yes, the Baltimore Ravens are still a playoff team as of Week 15, but they aren't impressing anyone with their last effort.

The defense did its job with eight sacks of rookie quarterback Blake Bortles, but the offense produced little in a 20-12 game that came down to special teams play. It was a forgettable day for the offense and the secondary—a real weak link on this roster—but it is a win, and that's good enough for another week.

That said, their ranking takes a hit, as the Ravens move behind the Bengals and Steelers.

11. Cincinnati Bengals (9-4-1)

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Last Week: 13

This Week: 11

Change: +2

In previous weeks I have been down on the Cincinnati Bengals because of their defense, but apparently playing the Cleveland Browns is a quick fix for problems on that side of the ball. However, a 30-0 rout of the Browns isn't proof that the defense is fixed but rather a showing of how bad the Browns were on Sunday.

The Bengals still lead the AFC North by a half-game with two weeks left, but they face the Denver Broncos before traveling to Pittsburgh to end the year against the Steelers in a game that will likely decide the division and several wild-card spots. In that game, Pittsburgh should be the favorite, which is why the Bengals aren't the top-ranked team in the division in the power rankings.

Getting into the playoffs is simple math for the Bengals—win one game and they're in, win both and they take the division.

10. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5)

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Last Week: 11

This Week: 10

Change: +1

Week 15 saw the Pittsburgh Steelers continue their late-season push to the playoffs with a win over the Atlanta Falcons. Now, at 9-5, the Steelers control their own destiny. But they'll have to be perfect to make a play at the AFC North crown.

Two games remain—both at home—against Kansas City and Cincinnati. If the Steelers win both, they'll win the AFC North. If they win one and lose the other, there's a great chance they secure a wild-card berth, but it's not guaranteed. If they play like they have the last two weeks, the playoffs look like a given.

Once in the postseason, Pittsburgh is the type of team that scares you. The offense is very good, the defense can be solid, and the coaching staff is smart and experienced. While the Steelers may not look like competitors on paper, a hot team can overcome a lot of perceived mismatches in January.

9. Philadelphia Eagles (9-5)

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Last Week: 6

This Week: 9

Change: -3

The Philadelphia Eagles have lost two big games in the past two weeks, which explains the drop in the rankings in the past seven days. With a 9-5 record, the rankings here aren't the biggest concern, but now the playoffs are in question with Dallas taking the top spot in the NFC East for at least this week.

The Cowboys won in much the same way Seattle did—keeping the ball away from the Philadelphia offense. Dallas held the ball for 41 minutes and 55 seconds and ran the most plays by far, 76-53. With the secondary struggling to keep up with Dez Bryant, that ultimately tipped the scales in Dallas' favor during a game that went from a Cowboys blowout to a Philadelphia lead and back to an 11-point win for Dallas.

Two games remain, and they're big ones for the Eagles' playoff hopes. If the Cowboys lose to the Colts in Week 16 and the Eagles beat Washington, Philadelphia will regain the East lead. With Washington and then the Giants on the schedule, it's easy to see the Eagles winning out and getting into the postseason dance.

8. Arizona Cardinals (11-3)

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Last Week: 7

This Week: 8

Change: -1

The Arizona Cardinals don't need superstar quarterback play to win games—which in itself is a stunning development in a quarterback-driven league. But Bruce Arians has his team winning with explosive weapons, opportunistic defensive play and smart coaching.

Can it last? We'll find out soon enough.

I've been hesitant to rank the Cardinals too high because of questions at quarterback, and with Drew Stanton out now, it's even more confusing that they keep winning without a big offense. Against St. Louis in Week 15, all they needed were field goals and a stout defense to win, but it worked.

The playoff hopes in Arizona are settled with the Eagles losing in Week 15, but home-field advantage and seedings are not. Week 16 at home against Seattle will decide the division, but a win against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17 is key too. That the difference between wild-card team and No. 1 seed in the division comes down to one game against Seattle is a perfect kind of NFL harmony.

7. Indianapolis Colts (10-4)

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Last Week: 5

This Week: 7

Change: -2

The Indianapolis Colts are AFC South champions (again), but you might not find many people celebrating after the Houston Texans kept things very interesting in Week 15.

The Colts held on to win, but quarterback Andrew Luck continues to slide into a slump while the offense struggles behind him. The Colts can win gritty, ugly football games against the Houston Texans, but what will they do if the New England Patriots or Denver Broncos are on the playoff schedule? Winning ugly doesn't work there, which puts pressure on head coach Chuck Pagano to straighten his team out over the next two weeks.

The Colts aren't playing for much with two games left—they would need New England and Denver to lose their remaining games to have a chance at a first-round bye—which makes it even more difficult to play through their slump. With Dallas and then Tennessee on the schedule, the Colts will see a great test of their ability in Week 16.

6. Dallas Cowboys (10-4)

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Last Week: 9

This Week: 6

Change: +3

The Dallas Cowboys avenged their home loss to the Eagles by traveling to Philadelphia and winning a Sunday-night game that will have major playoff implications. At 10-4, the Cowboys sit atop the NFC East and control their own playoff destiny with two weeks left.

The real story of the Cowboys' season might not be the offensive line, DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant or the rag-tag defense—it's that they are 7-0 on the road. That's tough to do no matter the opponents, but the Cowboys have traveled to Philadelphia, Seattle, New York and Chicago to get wins against teams that historically do well at home. 

With two games left, against Indianapolis and Washington, the Cowboys have a chance to secure a top seed. The tiebreaker scenarios make them dependent on what other teams do, but a home playoff game and a first-round bye are certainly possible. 

5. Detroit Lions (10-4)

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Last Week: 8

This Week: 5

Change: +3

The Green Bay Packers steal all the headlines, but it's the Detroit Lions who lead the NFC North after 15 weeks of play. That may change over the next two weeks with games against Chicago and Green Bay on the schedule, but with their 10 wins, the Lions are looking playoff-bound.

To make the playoffs, the Lions only need to win in Chicago. That would then make Week 17 against Green Bay (at Lambeau) the game for the NFC North title and maybe even a first-round bye in the conference. This may all sound surprising if you're not a Lions fan, but they've been on a tear lately, winning three straight and finding the balance on offense that will keep defensive coordinators up at night.

4. Denver Broncos (11-3)

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Last Week: 4

This Week: 4

Change: 0

The Denver Broncos secured the AFC West title with a Week 15 win over the San Diego Chargers—and they did it in a game in which Peyton Manning left the team in the hands of Brock Osweiler. Even if Manning's absence was short, the offense came to a standstill with him gone, proving once again that the Broncos will only go as far as Peyton takes them.

The Broncos are currently the No. 2 seed in the AFC, and their Week 9 loss to New England makes it unlikely they will jump to the top spot given the Patriots own the tiebreaker. Broncos fans are praying New England will lose one of its final two games (against the Jets and Bills), which would allow the Broncos to jump it if they can win out against the Bengals and Raiders. 

At least one home playoff game is guaranteed for the Broncos, though, and much of the AFC should be afraid of that fact.

3. Green Bay Packers (10-4)

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Last Week: 1

This Week: 3

Change: -2

Heading into Week 15, Green Bay looked unbeatable coming off five straight wins and a 9-1 record over the last 10 games. Surely the Kyle Orton-led Buffalo Bills couldn't stop the mighty Packers? 

Well, Orton and the offense didn't so much stop the Packers, but Mario Williams and the defense sure did. The Bills had Aaron Rodgers running for his life while the Green Bay receivers added seven dropped passes in a 21-13 road loss for the Packers.

With a 10-4 record, Green Bay looks like a playoff team, but it's still trailing the Detroit Lions in the division. That can all change in Week 17 when the Packers host the Lions, but they have to be better than they were against the Bills if they hope to take the NFC North title and host a home playoff game.

2. Seattle Seahawks (10-4)

Last Week: 3

This Week: 2

Change: +1

The Seattle Seahawks took care of business in beating the San Francisco 49ers for the season sweep in Week 15. Now the NFC's No. 1 seed is within reach, as long as they win out and don't end up in a two-team tie with Dallas.

Can they get it done? Stephen Nelson and I discuss in the video above.

1. New England Patriots (11-3)

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Last Week: 2

This Week: 1

Change: +1

The New England Patriots regain the top spot in this week's power rankings, and they do so by dominating a Miami Dolphins team that beat them in Week 1. Revenge is sweet, and so are division titles.

The Patriots clinched another AFC East crown by winning their 17th straight home game against division opponents. When they added 24 points to the scoreboard in the third quarter alone, you knew this one was over. 

Now Bill Belichick and Co. can focus on securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC. To do that, they'll need to win both of their remaining games—against the Jets (in New Jersey) and Bills. The Patriots are tied with the Broncos in the standings, but since they won the head-to-head game, they'll get the top spot if both teams win out. That means the Patriots can't take their foot off the gas, especially with the Bills on the schedule in Week 17.

But right now, no team looks better prepared for a Super Bowl run than the Patriots. And that should surprise no one.