2023 B/R NFL Power Rankings: Where Does Every Team Stand Entering Week 16?
The closer to the end of the regular season we get, the more important each week's games become. There were several contests with major stakes in Week 15.
The Buffalo Bills sent the biggest message, pounding the Dallas Cowboys to stay within striking distance of the Miami Dolphins, who blew out the hapless New York Jets.
First place changed hands in the division no one wants to win—by virtue of wins by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints and an ugly loss by the Atlanta Falcons, the Bucs and Saints are now tied atop the NFC South at 7-7.
In Cleveland, the injury-ravaged Browns continued their improbable run, squeaking by the Chicago Bears. In Jacksonville, the Jaguars fell to the top-seeded Ravens, creating a three-way tie atop the AFC South thanks to wins by the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans.
Even the Carolina Panthers won in Week 15. Told you that Atlanta's loss was ugly.
As is the case every week, Week 15's action shook up the NFL's pecking order—significantly. And as is the case every week, Bleacher Report NFL Analysts Gary Davenport, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski have come together to examine the week's events and slot the NFL's teams from No. 32 to No. 1.
That pair remained the same. But in-between? Shake shake shake.
32. Carolina Panthers (2-12)
1 of 32
Last Week: 32
Week 15 Result: Won vs. Atlanta 9-7
When you have one win on the season and have lost six in a row, you'll take a victory any way you can get it—including a last-second field goal to win a slopfest 9-7. That's what the Panthers did Sunday—earning interim head coach Chris Tabor his first win.
"I was really happy for our guys that they were able to break through," Tabor told reporters. "Sometimes you knock at the door all of the time, and no one answers. And sooner or later, you have to kick it down. And we did that tonight."
Rookie quarterback Bryce Young echoed that sentiment—stating that even as the losses have piled up, the Panthers never lost belief in themselves.
"We all have faith in each other, and we all believe in each other," Young said. "It was just a great opportunity. Being in the huddle and being able to look at each other, we all had the same look in our eyes. We all had confidence that we would be able to put it together."
Barely beating a mediocre Falcons team doesn't really move the needle in Charlotte—the Panthers are still awful. But this is a team trying to find positive things to build on in 2024.
And in that regard, Sunday was a good day.
31. New England Patriots (3-11)
2 of 32
Last Week: 30
Week 15 Result: Lost vs. Kansas City 27-17
As the losses continue piling up, the conversation in Beantown goes more from the depressing present to the future—specifically, Bill Belichick's as the team's head coach.
There has been speculation galore that 2023 could be the end of the line for Darth Hoodie with the team. But Belichick told reporters that his only focus is on this week's night game against the Denver Broncos.
"I think any questions you have for Mr. Kraft, you should ask Mr. Kraft. I mean, I don't know," Belichick said. "I don't sit around and listen to talk radio and read stuff every day, so. I'm going to do what I do and prepare the team to get ready for Denver."
"Belichick can keep deflecting with a variation of 'We're on to Cincinnati,'" Davenport said. "But with each listless loss, it becomes harder and harder to imagine him being back with the team in 2024. To his credit, the New England defense continues to play at a high level. But the hiring of Bill O'Brien didn't reverse the fortunes of an offense that has looked lost much of 2023. The Patriots need a new quarterback. They need a skill-position overhaul. And as hard as it is for some to accept after 20 years of success, the Patriots need a new head coach."
30. Arizona Cardinals (3-11)
3 of 32
Last Week: 31
Week 15 Result: Lost vs. San Francisco 45-29
There were actually some positives for the Arizona Cardinals Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.
Playing arguably the NFL's best team, the Cardinals actually outgained the 49ers 436-406. The Redbirds posted 234 yards on the ground against the NFL's No. 1 run defense entering Week 15. And Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon lauded his team's effort while speaking to reporters.
"We've got to play cleaner than that to play a really good football team," Gannon said. "We hung in; it kind of got away from us at the end. I appreciate the effort."
Frankly, this may have been the best thing that could happen to the Cardinals—a well-played loss. The season has been over for weeks. As things stand right now, the Cardinals would pick third in the 2024 NFL draft. The last thing the team needs is to louse up that pick.
With that said, there are some massive questions the team will have to answer in a few weeks. Has Gannon earned another season as head coach after this year's miserable campaign? Do the Cardinals dare consider drafting a quarterback after handing Kyler Murray a $230 million extension?
It's been a rough season in the desert. But the offseason is going to be long on drama and short on boring days.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
29. Washington Commanders (4-10)
4 of 32
Last Week: 29
Week 15 Result: Lost at Los Angeles Rams 28-20
It has been a miserable season for the Washington Commanders. And in Sunday's loss to the Rams, head coach Ron Rivera finally pulled struggling quarterback Sam Howell in favor of veteran Jacoby Brissett.
Despite the fact that Brissett played arguably the best quarterback of the season for the team, head coach Ron Rivera told reporters after yet another defeat that Howell will start in Week 16—he was simply trying to loosen the pounding taken by a quarterback who has been sacked more times (59) than any signal-caller in the league.
"Just wanted to take care of him a little bit," Rivera said. "In a situation with their ears pulled back like that, I didn't want to see anything crazy."
Sobleski doesn't see the point in going back to Howell.
"Rivera benched Sam Howell Sunday and veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett looked better during his limited time," he said. "The decision should serve as a watershed moment for the organization. Howell has been tough and productive. At the same time, he leads the NFL in interceptions and Washington has been eliminated from the postseason. The organization decided to give the 2022 fifth-round draft pick an opportunity to seize the starting job long-term. Clearly, it hasn't happened. So the Commanders now find themselves in the quarterback market again. With new ownership and potential change coming among the coaching staff and front office, it's a natural progression toward a different direction."
28. New York Giants (5-9)
5 of 32
Last Week: 26
Week 15 Result: Lost at New Orleans 24-6
In recent weeks, there hadn't been a more entertaining story in the NFL than "Tommy Cutlets." Tommy DeVito, the backup quarterback who still lives with his parents, had become a folk hero after leading the Giants to three straight wins.
The clock struck midnight for Cinderella Sunday in New Orleans.
Against a solid Saints defense, DeVito threw for just 177 yards with a passer rating of 72.8. He was battered by the New Orleans pass rush to the tune of seven sacks. And the Giants could get very little going offensively, managing just 193 yards of offense.
DeVito told reporters that he didn't play well enough.
"We just lacked execution on offense. We weren't good on third downs. We have to be better," DeVito said. "I don't think we played with enough swagger. I put that on me because I take that personally as far as playing with energy, playing with juice. So, I need to be better with that."
Head coach Brian Daboll gave DeVito a vote of confidence after the loss, but things in New York will all but certainly get worse before they get better—two of New York's three remaining games are against the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles.
27. Los Angeles Chargers (5-9)
6 of 32
Last Week: 25
Week 15 Result: Lost at Las Vegas 63-21
Thursday night, the Los Angeles Chargers allowed 63 points—the most in franchise history.
By Friday, the team decided that a new direction was needed.
After three mostly disappointing seasons at the helm, the Chargers fired head coach Brandon Staley, showing general manager Tom Telesco the door as well. Team owner Dean Spanos said in a statement that the product the Chargers were putting on the field just wasn't acceptable.
"These decisions are never easy, nor are they something I take lightly -- especially when you consider the number of people they impact," Spanos said. "We are clearly not where we expect to be, however, and we need a new vision. Doing nothing in the name of continuity was not a risk I was willing to take. Our fans have stood strong through so many ups and downs and close games. They deserve more. Frankly, they've earned more."
"The Chargers face an absolutely critical series of decisions in the offseason now," Davenport said. "This will mark the third head coach the Bolts have had since Justin Herbert was drafted, and the team doesn't have much to show for it. The Chargers have no shortage of talent on both sides of the ball—now they need to find a general manager who can add to it and a head coach who can translate that talent into wins. If nothing else, it should be a relatively attractive job."
26. Chicago Bears (5-9)
7 of 32
Last Week: 24
Week 15 Result: Lost at Cleveland 20-17
At this point in another lost season for the Chicago Bears, there's really only one question that matters.
Is Justin Fields the guy at quarterback?
Sunday, Fields took on the NFL's top-ranked defense in terms of both total yards allowed and passing yards allowed. But as Josh Schrock wrote for NBC Sports Chicago, paltry stat lines like the one Fields had against Cleveland are as much rule as exception.
"He went 19-for-40 for 166 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions -- both on Hail Mary attempts," Schrock said. "That's not good enough, plain and simple. With Fields, sub-200-yard passing games have been far too common over the past two seasons. Sunday marked the 16th time in Fields' last 24 starts he failed to eclipse that mark. There is a monsoon game and the game where Fields dislocated his thumb in there, to be fair. Still, that's not good enough."
"How bad was Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Browns? According to Stathead, the Bears became only the fourth team since 2013 to lose a game despite snagging three interceptions and sacking the opposing quarterback four or more times," Sobleski wrote. "On the bright side, the effort shows Chicago is building an identity on the defensive side of the ball, led by Montez Sweat. The midseason acquisition has been a game-wrecker, with six sacks over the last four games. Offensively, plenty of questions still remain. Those will need to be addressed this offseason. But it's clear that the Bears are once again trying to build in the same manner the franchise has historically and that's through standout defensive prowess."
25. Tennessee Titans (5-9)
8 of 32
Last Week: 23
Week 15 Result: Lost vs. Houston 19-16 (OT)
In Week 14 the Titans stunned the Dolphins in Miami, scoring two quick touchdowns in a matter of minutes in the fourth quarter.
Sunday against the Texans, the Titans had one touchdown the entire game—and now the Titans are guaranteed a losing season and missing the playoffs for a second straight season.
The Titans run game was particularly dismal Sunday—Derrick Henry carried the ball 16 times for all of nine yards. But when asked by reporters why the Titans ran the ball 30 times despite zero success against 26 passes, head coach Mike Vrabel had an, um, interesting answer.
"Well, we have to be able to establish a run, whether that's with Derrick (Henry), whether that's Tyjae (Spears), whether that's Jonathan Ward," Vrabel said. "So, we've won a lot of football games with that formula. And we've seen where it's been some inefficient runs, and then we break one and turn things around, and that didn't happen."
In other words, just because something is not working even a little, that's no reason not to keep doing it.
With Tennessee now just playing out the string, the focus turns to an uncertain future for the franchise. Henry is set to hit free agency and likely won't be back. Whether Vrabel will be is anyone's guess.
24. New York Jets (5-9)
9 of 32
Last Week: 27
Week 15 Result: Lost at Miami 30-0
So much for Aaron Rodgers playing in 2023.
Frankly, it was always rather unlikely that Rodgers was going to play so soon after tearing his Achilles. But he had already been cleared to practice and could reportedly be cleared to play in Week 16.
But Rodgers' return was all but certainly contingent on the Jets still being mathematically alive for a playoff spot. And an embarrassing shutout loss to the Dolphins combined with wins by the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans put the Jets out of their misery where this season is concerned. There will be three more games, and that's that. And even veteran cornerback D.J. Reed acknowledged that there's no point in New York's franchise quarterback risking injury in meaningless games.
"I don't think so," Reed said. "He's a grown man. He's gonna do what he wants to do at the end of the day. But I just feel like it's a high risk, low reward just because we're not going to the playoffs, so … the season, in a way, is over. The ultimate goal is to win a Super Bowl, in my opinion."
Given the pounding that New York's quarterbacks have taken behind a banged up and porous offensive line (including a concussion for Zach Wilson Sunday), if Rodgers has any sense at all he'll stay on the sideline where it's safe.
"Can we stop the ridiculous discussion about Aaron Rodgers' potential return from a torn Achilles? On Sunday, the Dolphins shut out the Jets 30-0, which eliminated Gang Green from playoff contention," Moton said. "At 5-9, the Jets are guaranteed an eighth consecutive losing season, and they have no shot at a playoff berth. By the way, New York has holes along its offensive line. Other than pure joy to play the game, Rodgers has little to gain from a return."
23. Las Vegas Raiders (6-8)
10 of 32
Last Week: 28
Week 15 Result: Won vs. Los Angeles Chargers 63-21
In Week 14, the Raiders were shut out 3-0 in a miserable performance offensively. Four days later, the team set a new franchise scoring record, dropping 63 points on the Chargers.
For wide receiver Davante Adams, the explosion was a sign that even in a lost season, the Raiders remain a resilient group.
"It shows the resilience we have as a group," Adams told reporters. "You can easily let something like that get in your head and throw off the rest of the season. To bounce back in just a short amount of time in front of you, that's the type of response we're going to need."
"On Thursday, the Raiders pummeled the Los Angeles Chargers 63-21, which prompted owner Dean Spanos to fire general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Brandon Staley," Moton wrote. "For the first time in a while, the Raiders looked across the field at a more dysfunctional, rudderless franchise. Under interim head coach Antonio Pierce, the Raiders aren't a legitimate playoff contender, but he runs a buttoned-up operation that's capable of crushing bottom-tier squads. Las Vegas looked like a juggernaut against Los Angeles, but it's not even a top-20 squad. Yet the Raiders can embarrass other clubs in the bottom third of the league. They're a prime example of a mediocre team."
22. Atlanta Falcons (6-8)
11 of 32
Last Week: 20
Week 15 Result: Lost at Carolina 9-7
Week 15 was when it all came apart for the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta entered Sunday's game with the one-win Panthers in first place in the NFC South.
They left it a floundering mess with a bewildered head coach in Arthur Smith trying to figure out where things went wrong.
"This one stings," Smith told reporters. "We've got to get back and find a way. We've got to get back in the win column, This was not the result we expected."
Despite the dismal showing, Smith insisted the Falcons aren't out of it.
"When you're coming off two close losses like that in the division, a lot changes in eight days," Smith said. "But we've still got three more. We've got to find a way. We've got a lot going on. We did it to ourselves. We've got get back in there and find a way to beat Indy."
However, at least one of our analysts believes the Falcons are done—and that Smith bears much of the blame.
"Sunday against the Panthers, running back Tyler Allgeier touched the ball 15 times," Davenport said. "That's two more touches than running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts had combined. Mediocre quarterback play hasn't helped the Falcons one bit this season. But not scheming the ball into the hands of your best offensive weapons is coaching malpractice. If Smith survives this season, stunned won't begin to describe my feelings."
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7)
12 of 32
Last Week: 21
Week 15 Result: Lost at Indianapolis 30-13
The Pittsburgh Steelers have never had a losing season with Mike Tomlin as head coach. But the team also hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season, and it doesn't appear that latter streak will be ending in 2023.
The Steelers have had all kinds of problems offensively this year, and Week 15 was no exception—Pittsburgh had just 216 yards of offense, converted four of 12 third-down tries, turned the ball over three times and benched quarterback Mitch Trubisky in favor of Mason Rudolph late.
While talking to reporters after the game, Tomlin was blunt about the state of his team.
"Let's be honest, we're a fundamentally poor football team right now," Tomlin said. "We're playing losing football and I own that. I don't necessarily have the answers today. If I did, we'd have played differently today. But I will acknowledge things will not continue the way that they are."
The problem is that there's no quick fix to Pittsburgh's problems. It's not like the Steelers were moving the ball before Kenny Pickett got hurt. The team ranks 27th in total offense and 28th in scoring. They struggle to run the ball consistently. The quarterback position is a major weakness.
Until the weakness is addressed, the Steelers are who they are—a mediocre football team.
20. Green Bay Packers (6-8)
13 of 32
Last Week: 16
Week 15 Result: Lost vs. Tampa Bay 34-20
The Bad Packers are back.
After picking up four wins in five games to get back into the postseason hunt, the Packers have dropped two in a row to fall into desperation mode. For the second week in a row, it was the Green Bay defense that let the team down. Against the New York Giants, it was a late collapse. Against Tampa, the Packers decided to essentially collapse from the jump, allowing a perfect passer rating to Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.
However, despite the skid, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters the team still isn't ruling out a playoff run.
"All I know is this…we've got three weeks left," LaFleur said. "We've got three games, and every game is a playoff mentality. Who knows what will happen? But we can't get it all back at once. You've got to earn it every day. You've got to get back to practice and just give it our best shot from here on out."
Green Bay's remaining schedule is manageable—at Carolina and Minnesota before closing out the season with a home date against the rival Bears. The edict is pretty clear at this point—win out, and at 9-8 the Pack might be able to sneak in as a wild card.
But suffer a ninth loss somewhere along the way, and it's no playoffs for the second straight season.
19. Minnesota Vikings (7-7)
14 of 32
Last Week: 19
Week 15 Result: Lost at Cincinnati 27-24 (OT)
Saturday in Cincinnati, the Vikings rolled out their fourth starting quarterback of the season. And while the name on the back of the jersey was different, the result was the same—and after dropping three of four, Minnesota's postseason aspirations are fading.
To be fair, it wasn't Nick Mullens' fault Minnesota lost—while he did throw a pair of interceptions, Mullens passed for 303 yards and two touchdowns, drawing praise from star receiver Justin Jefferson.
"Nick did a fantastic job today," Jefferson told reporters. "Especially with just a week of preparation of him being the starting quarterback. I feel like he came out today with confidence."
But the Vikings couldn't hold a 14-point fourth-quarter lead, and head coach Kevin O'Connell said after the loss that this setback stung.
"Very unfortunate," O'Connell said. "Come on the road and battle a team that's playing well right now. Felt like we let one slip away."
Now the Vikings are left with essentially no margin for error if they want to head back to the postseason. And with two of the team's final three games against the NFC North-leading Lions, Minnesota faces an uphill climb.
18. New Orleans Saints (7-7)
15 of 32
Last Week: 22
Week 15 Result: Won vs. New York Giants 24-6
It's been a bumpy first season in New Orleans for Derek Carr. He has been battered and booed. The Saints have struggled to score touchdowns.
Sunday against the Giants, however, Carr got it going—just five incompletions in 28 attempts, 218 passing yards, three touchdowns and a passer rating north of 130. The performance was all the more impressive given that top wideout Chris Olave missed the game.
Given the criticisms that Carr has endured this year, head coach Dennis Allen made a point of singling Carr out for praise when speaking to reporters.
"My personal opinion, but I thought he played really good in this game," Allen said. "Just like with everything else, when you play that position, you're going to get your fair share of criticism and when somebody plays really good I think we need to make sure we recognize that he played well."
With three games left to play, the Saints are a .500 team tied with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers atop the NFC South. The Saints were drilled at home by the Buccaneers in Week 4, and on New Year's Eve the two teams will meet in Tampa.
That contest is about as must-win as it gets if Carr wants to avoid hearing more boos.
17. Denver Broncos (7-7)
16 of 32
Last Week: 11
Week 15 Result: Lost at Detroit 42-17
The Denver Broncos entered Week 15 one of the NFL's hottest teams after winning six of seven games.
They left it looking more like a pretender than a contender after getting waylaid by the Lions in Detroit.
This is a game where the Broncos were thoroughly dominated in the first half, converting just one third down, managing just 76 yards and digging a 21-0 halftime hole.
Frustrations boiled over in the second half when quarterback Russell Wilson and head coach Sean Payton had a heated exchange on the sideline. While addressing the media after the game, Wilson downplayed the dust-up.
"I think the biggest thing is we're trying to score a touchdown there," Wilson said. "I think we all want to score there. I think that's our focus, and that's—you want a coach that's passionate."
Payton was a little less diplomatic.
"Listen, what I talk to Russell about is none of your business," he said.
If there's a silver lining moving forward, it's that none of Denver's remaining opponents currently sport a winning record. That's good, because for Denver to have any real chance of making the playoffs, the team needs to win out—and even then, it will need help.
16. Tampa Bay Bucaneers (7-7)
17 of 32
Last Week: 18
Week 15 Result: Won at Green Bay 34-20
For the third time in as many years, Tampa quarterback Baker Mayfield played in Lambeau Field in December. After losing with the Cleveland Browns and then the Los Angeles Rams, the third team was the charm.
Mayfield was outstanding against the Packers, throwing for 381 yards and four touchdowns to pull Tampa into a tie atop the NFC South with the New Orleans Saints.
Head coach Todd Bowles told reporters after the game that while it's been an up-and-down season, he's been pleased with what Mayfield has brought to the team as quarterback.
"He's meant everything, from a mental standpoint to a quarterback standpoint making plays, from a toughness standpoint, from a leadership standpoint," Bowles said. "He's done everything. He's checked all the boxes. He's doing all the right things now. I can't say enough about him."
"The Buccaneers have a leg up on the Saints in the division by virtue of a Week 4 shellacking the Bucs laid on New Orleans at the Superdome," Davenport said. "But a home date this week with the reeling Jaguars is a stiff test ahead of an all-important rematch with the Saints in Week 17. If Tampa wants to establish itself as any sort of legit playoff team, winning those two games will go a long way."
"It may have taken Baker Mayfield six years and four teams to play up to his utmost potential, but he's at his best right now," Moton said. "Over the last two weeks, Mayfield has thrown for six touchdowns without an interception, and he recorded a perfect passer rating (158.3) in a 34-20 win over the Green Bay Packers. Credit to Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales, he's called a balanced attack. Tampa Bay is averaging 125 rushing yards over its last four games, which is quality support for Mayfield. With that said, Mayfield's sparkling performance against the Packers' then-ninth-ranked pass defense should give the Buccaneers a boost in the power rankings."
15. Seattle Seahawks (7-7)
18 of 32
Last Week: 17
Week 15 Result: Won vs. Philadelphia 20-17
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll decided that who would start at quarterback against the Philadelphia Eagles was to be a closely guarded secret. But even before Drew Lock finally got the nod, Carroll offered up an endorsement of Lock's performance against the San Francisco 49ers last week.
"He needed to be in this situation [vs. 49ers] with our uniform and playing for us and all of that," Carroll said. "He's had games in the past, but it's been a while. To come back, I don't know how he would've been more prepared mentally to take this challenge on just judging by how he responded, how he handled it, how he communicated, how he handled the huddle and all of the calls and the situations, and the adjustments on the sidelines and halftime. He was a real pro about it. That's a great sign, and he's been preparing for this, and he came through in that regard."
Lock came through in the biggest way imaginable Monday night, leading a 92-yard go-ahead drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Make no mistake—this was a season-saver. Had the Seahawks fallen to 6-8, their playoff hopes would have been all but dashed.
Seattle remains on the outside looking in—but it's still very much alive.
14. Houston Texans (8-6)
19 of 32
Last Week: 12
Week 15 Result: Won at Tennessee 19-16 (OT)
The Houston Texans headed to Nashville on Sunday with problems galore. Quarterback C.J. Stroud was out. So was wide receiver Nico Collins. And edge-rusher Will Anderson. Houston had dropped two of three and its postseason hopes were fading.
Luckily, Keenum was on the case. Veteran backup quarterback Case Keenum outplayed Tennessee's Will Levis under center, and Ka'imi Fairbairn hit four field goals—including a 54-yarder in overtime.
The 35-year-old Keenum told reporters that this sort of fill-in duty was old hat for him.
"I've been in a lot of situations," Keenum said. "I've been in a lot of systems, been in a lot of different games and God's made me who I am for this, for moments like this. I'm just trying to make sure that I'm ready when my number's called. Like I said before, you don't have to get ready if you stay ready."
Head coach DeMeco Ryans lauded his team for gutting out the win short-handed.
"Of course, we miss C.J., we miss Will, we miss Blake [Cashman]," Ryans said. "A lot of guys are out, and our guys didn't blink. It didn't matter. Whoever steps on that field, we expect our guys to give their best and that's what our guys did today."
Now the Texans will try to get as healthy as possible as quickly as possible—next week's meeting with the Cleveland Browns carries enormous stakes for both teams.
13. Los Angeles Rams (7-7)
20 of 32
Last Week: 15
Week 15 Result: Won vs. Washington 28-20
Had you said before the season that the Los Angeles Rams would be in the playoffs 15 weeks into the season, you would have been going out on a limb.
After taking care of the Commanders on Sunday to move to 7-7 on the season, that's where the Rams find themselves. But head coach Sean McVay told reporters that he's not looking any further ahead than Thursday's contest with the 7-7 New Orleans Saints.
"Unless you told me the season ended right now, it doesn't mean anything to me," McVay said. "How we move forward and how we handle our business over the next 72 hours and then leading into the game on Thursday is what's most important."
By most estimations, the Rams have exceeded expectations this season. Matthew Stafford has been solid under center. Young running back Kyren Williams and rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua have been revelations. The Rams' young defense has exceeded expectations.
This isn't a team that's a threat to do real damage in the postseason. But this was a team that was thought to be in the opening stages of a ground-up rebuild.
As it happens, that rebuild could be considerably further along than we suspected.
12. Cincinnati Bengals (8-6)
21 of 32
Last Week: 13
Week 15 Result: Won vs. Minnesota 27-24 (OT)
Two years ago, the Minnesota Vikings cut quarterback Jake Browning. After watching him lead the Bengals to three fourth-quarter touchdowns in a comeback that culminated in an overtime win, it's safe to say Minnesota regrets that decision.
Browning admitted to reporters after the game that being let go in Minnesota was added motivation this week—he just didn't want to admit it beforehand.
"I know I denied it and I know there's some great people over there," Browning said. "It's completely different coaching staff and everything and I want to empathize there's some incredible people over there, but that one felt good. I think after the field goal (Evan McPherson's game-winner in overtime) I went over and screamed at a camera. 'They never should have cut me.'"
It marked the second consecutive game in which Browning eclipsed 300 passing yards. Browning had 184 passing yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter and overtime alone—a feat accomplished by just three other quarterbacks in the last two years.
When Joe Burrow was lost to a season-ending wrist injury, most assumed that was that—that Cincinnati's postseason aspirations were finished.
But Browning has won three of four starts, and the Bengals are in the thick of the AFC wild-card race.
11. Indianapolis Colts (8-6)
22 of 32
Last Week: 14
Week 15 Result: Won vs. Pittsburgh 30-13
To say the Colts were short-handed offensively in Week 15 is an understatement. The team went into the game without quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor. During the game, running back Zack Moss and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. were also sidelined. But thanks largely to 215 passing yards and three scores from backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, the Colts won in emphatic fashion to remain in the thick of the playoff race in the AFC.
While addressing the media after the game. Minshew credited his teammates for rallying to win a game the Colts had to have.
"We've needed to win these games and we've done a great job down the stretch," Minshew said. "I think everybody was locked in, the urgency was there, the attention to details. At this point it's all about winning games."
Minshew wasn't the only one impressed by Indy's performance in Week 15.
"Somehow, the Colts continue to find a way," Sobleski wrote. "Despite all the injuries to key personnel throughout the season, they own a winning record. They're within striking distance of a division title. Plus, Shane Steichen's squad currently holds a wild-card playoff spot in the logjam that is the AFC postseason picture. More importantly, the Colts' back-to-basics approach in Saturday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers provided a blueprint to become more than serve as a good story. Indianapolis' offensive line dominated. With Jonathan Taylor still out of the lineup and Zack Moss dinged during the contest, the duo of Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson combined for 157 rushing yards. Let Quenton Nelson and Co. go to work and good things happen."
10. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6)
23 of 32
Last Week: 5
Week 15 Result: Lost vs. Baltimore 23-7
It's getting away from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
A few weeks ago, the Jaguars were an 8-3 team competing for the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC. Now, after getting pasted by the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night, the Jags' lead in the AFC South is gone. Jacksonville has gone from vying for home-field advantage to potentially missing the postseason altogether.
After the loss, Jags head coach Doug Pederson told reporters that of late, Jacksonville has been its own worst enemy.
"We had a fumble at the 20. We didn't score before the half. We missed two field goals. And I think a handful of pre-snap penalties," Pederson said. "To me, that's, you put 181 yards in the first half on a really good defense. And you do some really good things, but then you do some dumb things. And to me that's the ballgame, or at least keeping us in the game."
It gets even better—with the Jaguars now facing a must-win game in Week 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is in the concussion protocol. Pederson admitted he has no idea if Lawrence will be able to play against the Bucs.
"Not at liberty to speculate with head injuries, so I can't say one way or another," Pederson said on Monday.
If Lawrence sits, the Jaguars are in real trouble.
9. Cleveland Browns (9-5)
24 of 32
Last Week: 9
Week 15 Result: Won vs. Chicago 20-17
There isn't much the Cleveland Browns haven't been through in 2023. And as star edge-rusher Myles Garrett told reporters after Cleveland's comeback victory, all the adversity has only served to strengthen the team.
"We've been through four quarterbacks," Garrett said. "It's not going to shake us because we've literally been through it all with injuries and everything else. So, this is just another step in our journey, another opportunity for us to write a very peculiar but great legacy."
There's been the season-ending injuries to quarterback Deshaun Watson and running back Nick Chubb. Innumerable other injuries on both sides of the ball. A second-half deficit Sunday brought on in part by an uneven game from veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. But like Garrett, Flacco said the Browns aren't about to pack it in when something bad happens.
"You just have to keep your eyes on what's next," Flacco said. "You have to continue to look forward and continue to have faith that your teammates are going to get themselves in the right positions for you to get the ball to them."
Given all the injuries, the Browns may not be a threat to the Ravens, Chiefs and Dolphins in the AFC. But given how well Cleveland plays defense, the Browns are also the first-round matchup exactly no one wants.
"Despite what many would view as a crippling number of injuries, the Browns are one of eight teams with nine or more wins," Sobleski said. "It's a testament to Cleveland's defense, the coaching staff and the next-man-up mentality, with unexpected individuals delivering when necessary. Now with Joe Flacco settled at quarterback, one major concern does arise: The Browns' vaunted offensive line is in shambles. As deep as the group was and how good position coach Bill Callahan is at his job, Cleveland left Sunday's contest with one starter, Wyatt Teller, still in the lineup. All-Pro left guard Joel Bitonio is now dealing with back spasms. Flacco has exceeded every expectation anyone could have had for him after signing with the team a month ago. However, the veteran can still be rattled by pressure. It might be what finally breaks this team, if anything does."
8. Buffalo Bills (8-6)
25 of 32
Last Week: 10
Week 15 Result: Won vs. Dallas 31-10
The Bills are on a roll.
After falling to 6-6, the Bills are back in the playoff hunt compliments of wins over a pair of Super Bowl contenders in the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys. And the Bills pounded the Cowboys by, well, pounding the ball.
Against Dallas, the Bills piled up a staggering 266 yards on the ground, dominating time of possession and tempo. James Cook had the best game of his career, topping 220 total yards and scoring twice. Bills quarterback Josh Allen told reporters it felt strange to win in dominant fashion in a game where he failed to throw for 100 yards.
"I felt like the kid that didn't do anything in a class project but got an A," Allen said. "But I'll do this 10 times out of 10 times, man. Like, keep going."
For his part, Cook was glad to carry the offense.
"I just let it rip when I get my opportunity," Cook said. "My O-linemen, they were opening it up and I was hitting it. Finding that rhythm."
There's still work to do to get into the playoffs—if the season ended today, Buffalo would be on the outside looking in. But the Bills have plenty of momentum right now, and having to play Buffalo would be quite the ironic "reward" for the AFC's No. 2 or No. 3 seed this season.
7. Kansas City Chiefs (9-5)
26 of 32
Last Week: 6
Week 15 Result: Won at New England 27-17
The Kansas City Chiefs headed to Gillette Stadium on Sunday in somewhat uncharted territory. For the first time since 2021, the team was attempting to shake off a two-game skid.
The Chiefs' problems, oddly enough, have mostly been offensive. And while Kansas City was able to defeat a hapless Patriots team by double digits, those issues remain—326 yards of offense might be good for many teams, but by the Chiefs' standards it's pedestrian. Patrick Mahomes was picked off twice, and the Chiefs converted just five of 13 third downs.
However, Moton believes the Chiefs may have found an answer to some of their offensive woes—run the ball more.
"The Chiefs' running back room may be their most important position group as they try to spark the offense," he said. "On Sunday, Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire threw for or caught all three of their touchdown passes in a 27-17 win over the New England Patriots. Kansas City lead running back Isiah Pacheco (shoulder) didn't suit up for the contest, though he'll likely play a big role upon his return. He's logged 20 touches in each of his last three outings. Though a 10-point win over New England isn't going to erase all of our concerns about Kansas City's offense, the reigning champions have a stable of running backs who can help shorten the team's offensive dry spells."
6. Philadelphia Eagles (10-4)
27 of 32
Last Week: 4
Week 15 Result: Lost at Seattle 20-17
After his team lost a pair of lopsided games, veteran defensive tackle Fletcher Cox told reporters that the Eagles needed to bear down. To rally around one another.
"I think the biggest thing for this team now is really find out who the dudes are," he said. "I've been a part of teams where the dudes in the locker room do something about it, and I've been part of teams where it kind of crumbles. And now it's time to see the real leadership, the real players, the guys that's elite on this team, myself included, step up and do something about it."
One week later, the Eagles are still trying to figure it out—this time after being stunned by the Seahawks in Seattle.
The Eagles changed defensive play-callers to Matt Patricia but continue to be gashed on the ground. The pass defense was already a major liability. Philadelphia hasn't scored 20 points in a game since Week 12.
Now, the Eagles schedule has more cake from here out than a Hostess truck—two meetings with the Giants and a game with the Arizona Cardinals. If Philadelphia wins out, it will capture the NFC East.
But the No. 1 seed in the NFC is looking less likely by the week. Six weeks ago, the Eagles looked like the clear class of the NFC. Now, they appear vulnerable—and a team that just isn't on the same level as the San Francisco 49ers.
5. Dallas Cowboys (10-4)
28 of 32
Last Week: 2
Week 15 Result: Lost at Buffalo 31-10
At AT&T Stadium this year, the Dallas Cowboys are a perfect 7-0. They have outscored their opponents by a staggering margin of 279-108.
However, get the Cowboys away from home, and it's a much different story—after getting thumped by the Bills Sunday, the Cowboys are just 3-4 on the road. Head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters the Cowboys are well aware that this Jekyll and Hyde act isn't going to get it done in the postseason.
"It's a gap. That's part of my message. We play so well at home, and there's just too big of a gap in our road games," McCarthy said. "We are conscious of it. We have a long flight home to continue to talk about, think about (it)."
However, after another road disappointment, Davenport doesn't see much difference between these Cowboys and past teams.
"I hope Dallas fans are ready for another early-round playoff disappointment," he said, "because that's what coming. The Cowboys aren't going to catch the Eagles in the NFC East—not after getting stomped by the Bills and with a trip to Miami next on the slate. Dallas will enter the playoffs as the No. 5 seed, just like last year. The Cowboys will beat a flawed NFC South champion in the Wild Card Round, just like last year. Then they'll go on the road in the Divisional Round and that will be that—just like last year."
4. Miami Dolphins (10-4)
29 of 32
Last Week: 7
Week 15 Result: Won vs. New York Jets 30-0
Last week, the Miami Dolphins collapsed against the Tennessee Titans, blowing a 14-point lead with just a few minutes left in the game.
Sunday, Miami got back on track.
Yes, beating the New York Jets isn't the hardest thing in the world to do this year. But despite not having top wide receiver Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins dominated every aspect of the game on the way to a shutout win.
While speaking with the media after the game, head coach Mike McDaniel applauded the team for rebounding from last week's stunning faceplant.
"You can't do anything about the past, and the future doesn't exist," McDaniel said. "They really leaned into the day each and every day this week, and I was very proud, as proud as I've been of any performance from this team since I've been here."
However, Davenport remains skeptical of the Dolphins' viability as Super Bowl contenders.
"Blowing out the hapless Jets is all well and good," he said. "But Miami is a 10-win team who hasn't beaten anyone—its best win was the 70-20 shellacking of the Broncos. Miami lost to Buffalo. Lost to the Eagles. Lost to the Chiefs. We're about to find out if the Dolphins are for real—they host the Dallas Cowboys, travel to Baltimore and have a rematch with the Bills as their last three games. If Miami isn't careful, that Week 18 date with Buffalo could be for the AFC East.
"True to 2023 form, the Dolphins thumped the New York Jets 30-0 at home," Moton agreed. "For the most part, they've routinely crushed low-tier teams this season with the exception of the Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans, but the AFC East leaders have struggled against comparable opponents. Miami has one win against a team with a record of .500 or better, the Denver Broncos. Before you even think about moving the Dolphins into your top three, watch them closely in their final three regular-season games against the Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills."
3. Detroit Lions (10-4)
30 of 32
Last Week: 5
Week 15 Result: Won vs. Denver 42-17
After losing two of three heading into Week 15, whispers had begun to grow that maybe the Lions weren't a top-tier team after all. Sure, they were the best team in their division, but they didn't look the part of a team that could hang with the likes of the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.
Saturday night against a Broncos team that had won six of seven, the Lions looked like a team who could beat anyone.
There wasn't much that the Lions didn't excel at Saturday night. After eight turnovers in his previous four games, Detroit quarterback Jared Goff threw five touchdown passes without a turnover. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs combined for 185 rushing yards. Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta found the end zone three times. The Lions defense allowed just 75 yards in the first half and 287 overall.
Goff told reporters he never doubted that the Lions would break out of their recent funk.
"We've been through a lot of adversity as a group and a three-game lull is not the worst thing we've been through," Goff said.
With one more victory, the Lions will win the NFC North for the first time, well, ever. Back when the Lions last captured the division, it was still called the NFC Central.
2. Baltimore Ravens (11-3)
31 of 32
Last Week: 3
Week 15 Result: Won at Jacksonville 23-7
The Baltimore Ravens are the first AFC team to clinch a playoff berth. And with each successive week, the team looks more and more like the class of the conference.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had another solid game, throwing for 171 yards and adding another 97 on the ground. That included a highlight-reel escape and throw to tight end Isaiah Likely, but Jackson told reporters he's much more worried about winning games than making appearances on SportsCenter.
"I'm trying to make something happen. That defensive line is a great defense we just faced, playoff atmosphere. Just thank God," Jackson said, "I'm just trying to win, take it a game at a time. This is my first time winning in this stadium. I lost here in college, lost last year. It was a sloppy win, but we got it done."
"The Ravens appear to clearly be the No. 1 team in the AFC," Davenport said. "Jackson is making a run at another MVP award. Baltimore leads the league in rushing, although the Ravens lost rookie Keaton Mitchell to a knee injury Sunday night. Baltimore possesses a stout defense that leads the NFL in sacks. This is a team that is strong just about across the board without any glaring weaknesses. And on Christmas, the Ravens have an opportunity in San Francisco to lay claim to the title of top team in the entire NFL."
1. San Francisco 49ers (11-3)
32 of 32
Last Week: 1
Week 15 Result: Won at Arizona 45-29
The San Francisco 49ers are rolling.
After taking care of the Arizona Cardinals for their sixth consecutive victory, the 49ers are champions of the NFC West for the second consecutive season. It's the first time the team has repeated as division champions in over a decade.
While conversing with reporters after the win, running back Christian McCaffrey said that winning the NFC West is just one step toward the ultimate goal—a trip to Las Vegas and Super Bowl LVIII.
"Winning the division is very important—it's a big step for us," McCaffrey said. "But everyone knows where we want to be. We know that each week, we have to play our best ball. We're going to get everybody's best shot, so the standard has to continue to rise."
This was a game where McCaffrey gouged Arizona for 187 total yards and three scores. Quarterback Brock Purdy continued making his MVP case, tossing four touchdown passes. The Cardinals piled up 436 yards of offense, but a sizable chunk of that came with the game well out of hand.
Now comes a chance for the Niners to really make a statement. On Christmas night, the Baltimore Ravens will travel to Santa Clara to face the 49ers in a battle of the top seeds in each conference.
The winner of that game will have to be viewed as the favorite to win Super Bowl LVIII.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
