NFL Power Rankings Week 15: Predicting Every Division Winner

Predicting the NFL division winners with three games left—a cinch. 

I mean, the 49ers, Packers and Texans have already clinched their divisions, so how hard could it be? 

Actually, this season has been filled with more stunning upsets than I can ever remember, but here is my best shot at the winners of the remaining five divisions. 

AFC East: New England Patriots

This one's pretty simple.

The Patriots are 10-3 with a sweep of the Jets on their resume. New York is 8-5. 

Tom Brady is almost single-handedly carrying his team to victories because, however you want to put it, the defense (especially the secondary) is awful.

They'll win the AFC East again, but they must improve defensively or it'll be another premature postseason exit for New England. 

AFC North: Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have yet to play a postseason home game in Joe Flacco's tenure as the team's signal-caller, and this year they finally will get that opportunity. 

At 10-3 with the tiebreaker over the Steelers, if they can get by the Chargers next Sunday night in San Diego, they'll take home the AFC North title. 

They'd better get Ray Rice the ball. 

He received a total of 26 carries in the team's three losses this season. 

AFC South: Houston Texans

With T.J. Yates' heroic game-winning touchdown pass in the final seconds against the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans loss, the Houston Texans wrapped up their first-ever AFC South title and playoff appearance. 

Congratulations to a team that's been close many times before. 

AFC West: Denver Broncos

Yes, I believe in Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos—enough that I envision them winning the AFC West. 

Next week's TV-network dream matchup against the Patriots won't be easy, but they get the Bills the following week and end the season at home against the Chiefs. 

Nine wins will probably win the division, and Denver can get there. 

Tebow's progressing as a passer, and the defense is playing inspired football. 

NFC East: New York Giants

The Cowboys were a few minutes away from taking command of the NFC East. 

Then Eli Manning, a guy who's proving to be one of the best fourth-quarter signal-callers in the league, put his team on his back.

He led an epic comeback, and now the Giants have the upper hand in the division.

After getting the Redskins at home, they'll be the "away" team against the Jets the following week and end the year with Dallas coming to town.

Manning, the pass-rush and—surprisingly—Brandon Jacobs will be the key factors in New York's NFC East crown.  

NFC West: San Franciso 49ers

The 49ers wrapped up the division a week ago, but they looked like the old 49ers against the Cardinals on Sunday. 

No Patrick Willis = No good for San Fran. 

They're a run-first club, but I'd like see more out of Alex Smith. 

A lot more. 

NFC South: New Orleans Saints

The Saints have already clinched a postseason berth and have a two-game lead with three to play in the division. 

They weren't amazingly efficient like they usually are against the Titans on Sunday, but they got the victory. 

Drew Brees threw for 337 yards and two touchdowns and took what Tennessee's underrated secondary gave to him all afternoon. 

I don't envision a collapse on the horizon. 

They'll win the division and host a playoff game.

We all know how unstoppable they are inside the Superdome. 

NFC North: Green Bay Packers

They clinched the division and are looking to lock up home-field advantage throughout next week. 

Aaron Rodgers is being compared to Tom Brady for his epic season, but I see Peyton Manning in him because of the way in which he distributes the ball to all of his wide receivers.

Will their pass-happy offense be hindered by a wintry day in January in Green Bay? 

NFL Power Rankings, Week 15

1. Green Bay Packers
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Baltimore Ravens
4. Houston Texans
5. Pittsburgh Steelers 
6. San Francisco 49ers
7. New England Patriots
8. Atlanta Falcons
9. Denver Broncos
10. New York Jets
11. Detroit Lions
12. New York Giants
13. Cincinnati Bengals
14. Tennessee Titans
15. Arizona Cardinals
16. Dallas Cowboys
17. Seattle Seahawks*
18. San Diego Chargers 
19. Miami Dolphins
20. Oakland Raiders
21. Chicago Bears
22. Buffalo Bills
23. Minnesota Vikings
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
25. Carolina Panthers
26. Kansas City Chiefs
27. Philadelphia Eagles
28. Washington Redskins
29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30. Cleveland Browns
31. St. Louis Rams*
32. Indianapolis Colts 

*MNF matchup