NFL Power Rankings Week 15: Falcons Flying High but Not as High as New No. 1

The NFL power rankings for Week 15 of the 2010 NFL regular season are here.

A snow-covered dome collapses in Minnesota, a coach trips up a Dolphin, Tashard Choice can't help himself and gets Michael Vick's autograph, Brett Favre's streak ends, and Bill Cowher-to-the-NFC-South rumors start up—it all happened during Week 14.

Without delay, here are the updated power rankings for Week 15.

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32. Carolina Panthers (1-12)

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PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 5: Pittsburgh Steelers' Coach Bill Cowher announces his retirement during a press conference at the Pittsburgh Steelers' headquarters on January 5, 2007 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)

Last game: Lost 31-10 to the Falcons

Is this the face of Carolina's next head coach?

Next game: Home vs. Cardinals

31. Cincinnati Bengals (2-11)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Quarterback Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Last game: Lost 23-7 to the Steelers

Carson Palmer may be giving thumbs up to both Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco in this picture, but it is highly unlikely that all three will be together after 2010.

 

Next game: Home vs. Browns

30. Denver Broncos (3-10)

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos walks off the field following the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated t

Last game: Lost 43-13 to the Cardinals

Can you hear the quiet chanting of Tim Tebow's name coming from Denver? If not, you will, because it is only getting louder by the week.

 

Next game: At Raiders

29. Arizona Cardinals (4-9)

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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 29: Runningback Beanie Wells #26 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes the football against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 29, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona

Last game: Won 43-13 over the Broncos

With their quarterback issues well documented, no one is talking about Chris "Beanie" Wells and his bust-like 323 yards this season.

 

Next game: At Panthers

28. Detroit Lions (3-10)

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DETROIT - DECEMBER 05: Matthew Stafford #9 and Shaun Hill #14 of the Detroit Lions watch the pregame warm-up prior to the start of the game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field on December 5, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Image

Last game: Won 7-3 over the Packers

All the talent on the Lions' roster has proven to be meaningless without a healthy Matthew Stafford at quarterback.

 

Next game: At Buccaneers

27. Buffalo Bills (3-10)

Nick Laham/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 05: C.J. Spiller #21 of the Buffalo Bills rushes against the Minnesota Vikings at the Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on December 5, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Last game: Won 13-6 over the Browns

It is really sad when your first-round running back has less rushing yards than the starting quarterback, especially when you are talking about C.J. Spiller and Ryan Fitzpatrick.

 

Next game: At Dolphins

26. Tennessee Titans (5-8)

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ATLANTA - DECEMBER 04: Quarterback Cam Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers looks to pass the ball during the 2010 SEC Championship against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Georgia Dome on December 4, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Ima

Last game: Lost 30-28 to the Colts

Kerry Collins is a solid veteran behind center but the Titans need someone for Collins to mentor. Cam Newton, anyone?

 

Next game: Home vs. Texans

25. Minnesota Vikings (5-8)

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 13: A torn section of the roof sags inside the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on December 13, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Metrodome's roof collapsed under the weight of snow after a powerful blizzard hit the area on Decemb

Last game: Lost 21-3 to the Giants

Their dome collapses, Brett Favre is hurting and they lose another to the Giants at Ford Field. Can things get much worse for the Vikings and their fans right now?

On the bright side, the team might get a new stadium out of it.

 

Next game: Home vs. Bears

24. Houston Texans (5-8)

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HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 13: A dejected Andre Johnson #80 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after Houston was defeated by Baltimore in overtime at Reliant Stadium on December 13, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Last game: Lost 34-28 to the Ravens

In their overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football, there were four Texans wideouts with over 50 yards receiving. Andre Johnson led the way, catching nine passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns.

 

Next game: At Titans

23. Cleveland Browns (5-8)

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 12: Eric Mangini, head coach of the Cleveland Browns stands over injured Browns player David Bowens #86 during a timeout against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo

Last game: Lost 13-6 to the Bills

Did Browns coach Eric Mangini plant his behind right back onto the hot seat after losing a game that was supposed to pad his resume this season?

 

Next game: At Bengals

22. San Francisco 49ers (5-8)

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SAN FRANCISCO - DECEMBER 12: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers passes against the Seattle Seahawks during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on December 12, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Last game: Won 40-21 over the Seahawks

Alex Smith just needed the last six weeks to shake off some bad habits or something. Well, whatever it was, he threw for three touchdowns with no interceptions and had one of his best games in Week 14.

 

Next game: At Chargers

21. Washington Redskins (5-8)

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 05: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins looks to throw a pass against the New York Giants on December 5, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Redskins 31-7. (

Last game: Lost 17-16 to the Buccaneers

Despite the loss to the Bucs, Donovan McNabb had his first game since Week 2 without throwing an interception. This game was hard-fought and should have gone into overtime, but a bad snap thwarted the game-tying extra point.

 

Next game: At Cowboys

20. Dallas Cowboys (4-9)

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 05: Tashard Choice #23 of the Dallas Cowboys runs in the end zone for a touchdown in the 1st quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty

Last game: Lost 30-27 to the Eagles

Tashard Choice now has Michael Vick's autograph on one of those gloves pictured.

 

Next game: Home vs. Redskins

19. Seattle Seahawks (6-7)

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SEATTLE - DECEMBER 05: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks rushes against Charles Johnson #95 of the Carolina Panthers at Qwest Field on December 5, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks won, 31-14. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty

Last game: Lost 40-21 to the 49ers

With only a 3.2-yard-per-carry average, it appears that Marshawn Lynch is not the answer for Seattle's 31st-ranked rushing attack.

 

Next game: Home vs. Falcons

18. Oakland Raiders (6-7)

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 12: Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders breaks the tackle of Sean Considine #37 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at EverBank Field on December 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty

Last game: Lost 38-31 to the Jaguars

Darren McFadden is seventh in the NFL in total yards from scrimmage, with 1,430 yards to go along with his 10 total touchdowns, tying him for sixth most in the NFL this season.

 

Next game: Home vs. Broncos

17. St. Louis Rams (6-7)

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 19-6. (Photo b

Last game: Lost 31-13 to the Saints

They may not have an even record yet, but Sam Bradford and the Rams are fighting for the NFC West and currently sit atop it. Just think that this was a one-win team one year ago.

It shows how much a franchise quarterback really helps a team.

 

Next game: Home vs. Chiefs

16. Indianapolis Colts (7-6)

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 09: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts gives instructions to his team during the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on December 9, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Last game: Won 30-28 over the Titans

In what should be one of the better games in Week 15, the Colts face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in a game that will be the "AFC South Championship" and should decide the winner of the division.

Next game: Home vs. Jags

15. Miami Dolphins (7-6)

Nick Laham/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 12: The Miami Dolphins celebrate the touchdown of Brandon Marshall #19 against the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Last game: Won 10-6 over the Jets

The Dolphins are going to need to do a little bit more than just beat their division rivals to get a shot at a Wild Card spot in the AFC. They need to win out their remaining games and get a little help from other teams, too.

Very slim chance still, though.

 

Next game: Home vs. Bills

14. San Diego Chargers (7-6)

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 12: Running back Ryan Mathews #24 of the San Diego Chargers carries the ball on a 15 yard touchdown run against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium on December 12, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 31-0. (Photo

Last game: Won 31-0 over the Chiefs

The Chargers are 5-1 in their last six games and only one game out of first place in the AFC West. If this continues, there is no reason they cannot overtake the Kansas City Chiefs and move into first place, especially after shutting out the Chiefs in Week 14.

Next game: Home vs. 49ers

13. Kansas City Chiefs (8-5)

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Denver Broncos on December 5, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Last game: Lost 31-0 to the Chargers

The Chiefs really need to get a healthy Matt Cassel back under center after a blowout loss to division rival San Diego. The Bolts are right behind them in the AFC West as the season slowly wraps up the next three weeks.

Next game: At Rams

12. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5)

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 12: Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars breaks the tackle of Travis Goethel #50 of the Oakland Raiders during the game at EverBank Field on December 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Ge

Last game: Won 38-31 over the Raiders

Maurice Jones-Drew rattled off his sixth straight 100-yard game on the ground in Week 14 and is averaging 5.1 yards per carry during that span. In a game that could determine the winner of the AFC South in Week 15 against the Indianapolis Colts, Jones-Drew will put the NFL's worst run defense to the test.

Next game: At Colts

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-5)

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Last game: Won 17-16 over the Redskins

The Bucs are fighting to stay alive for a possible Wild Card spot, but they will have a tough time getting into the playoffs. They reside in the same division as two teams that have the best records in the NFC (Falcons, Saints). Tampa needs to win all the remaining games on the schedule to get in, and get some help for other teams too.

Next game: Home vs. Lions

10. Green Bay Packers (8-5)

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 12: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers leaves the field at halftime after leaving the game with a concussion while playing the Detroit Lions on December 12, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/

Last game: Lost 7-3 to the Lions

Has Aaron Rodgers' concussion shattered the Packers' playoff hopes?

Next game: At Patriots

9. Chicago Bears (9-4)

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Ron Brace #97 of the New England Patriots looks to sack Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots beat the Bears 36-7. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Last game: Lost 36-7 to the Patriots

A bad loss to the Pats in a blizzard has made some experts question whether or not the Bears are indeed for real this season.

Next week: At Vikings

8. NY Jets (9-4)

Nick Laham/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 12: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets against the Miami Dolphins at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Last game: Lost 10-6 to the Dolphins

Mark Sanchez started off the season not throwing an interception in the first five weeks of the season, but now he has thrown at least one interception in the last eight weeks.

 

Next week: At Steelers

7. Baltimore Ravens (9-4)

Geoff Burke/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Derrick Mason #85 of the Baltimore Ravens argues a call with a referee during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. Pittsburgh won 13-10. (Photo by Geoff Bur

Last game: Won 34-28 over the Texans

Derrick Mason has stepped up his play since Baltimore's Week 8 bye and has caught five touchdowns in the last six weeks. Not bad for the 36-year-old veteran.

Next game: Home vs. Saints

6. NY Giants (9-4)

Nick Laham/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 17: Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants talks with Ahmad Bradshaw #44 against the Detroit Lions at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 17, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Last game: Won 21-3 over the Vikings

Both running backs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs had high yards per carry in Week 14, and quarterback Eli Manning had both his starting receivers (Hakeem Nicks, Steve Smith) back in the lineup too. The Giants look to be healthy to make a big playoff push in the final weeks of the season.

Next game: Home vs. Eagles

5. Philadelphia Eagles (9-4)

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 27: Michael Vick #7 throws a pass to DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field on August 27, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo b

Last game: Won 30-28 over the Cowboys

Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson make up the most exciting quarterback-wide receiver combo in the NFL to watch today.

 

Next week: At Giants

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3)

Geoff Burke/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks from the sidelines while playing against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by

Last game: Won 23-7 over the Bengals

Troy Polamalu for Defensive Player of the Year? He is making a strong case for it after his two interceptions against the Bengals, one of which was for a touchdown.

 

Next week: Home vs. Jets

3. New Orleans Saints (10-3)

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 05: Chris Ivory #29 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Saints won 34-30. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Gett

Last game: Won 31-13 over the Rams

Chris Ivory was showing a ton of promise running the ball the past few weeks only to leave the Rams game early with an injury. The running back carousel continues in New Orleans.

 

Next week: At Ravens

2. Atlanta Falcons (11-2)

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 12: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Last game: Won 31-10 over the Panthers

After four straight weeks in the top spot, the Falcons fall down to No. 2 because there is no denying the domination of this week's top-ranked team.

 

Next week: At Seahawks

1. New England Patriots (11-2)

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 12: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots calls out signals as Dan Koppen #67 and Logan Mankins #70 awaits the snap against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the

Last game: Won 36-7 over the Bears

Whenever a team can blow out playoff contenders (Jets, Bears) two weeks in a row with a combined score of 81-10, then you have to place them in the top spot in the rankings. The Pats can win in sun, rain, cold and snow, and they are clicking on all cylinders heading into the playoffs. Oh yeah, and they are definitely going into the playoffs because they are the only team in the league that has clinched a spot.

 

Next week: Home vs. Packers