NFL Power Rankings Week 15: Fast-Rising Teams Nobody Wants to See in Playoffs

We know about the traditional powers. The Packers, Ravens, Steelers, Patriots and Saints are going to be there in the end. While the 49ers and Texans haven't been good in recent years, they have been near the top of the standings all year, so we can include them in that mix for the sake of this discussion.

OK, now that we've named the favorites, let's take a look at the rest of the group. The teams that have struggled in 2011, but are now incredibly hot. In other words, the teams the established favorites want no part of. 

Atlanta Falcons

The best thing about the Falcons is that they're likely looking at a first-round matchup with the NFC East champion, which sets up well. 

This team is loaded with talent. With Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Julio Jones, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, they have one of the scariest group of skill position players in the league. On top of all of that, they have a defense. Never underestimate that. 

After a 2-3 start, it's hard to imagine many people in Atlanta turning down an 8-5 record. With games against the Jaguars and Buccaneers sandwiching a game in New Orleans, they will be nice and hot going into the playoffs.

The completeness of this team makes it a scary match. Also, know that a first-round win would give the Falcons a chance at revenge against the Packers for last season. They would be quite amped for that one. 

Denver Broncos

You do not want to be close to this team at the end of a game. When Tim Tebow and the offense are struggling for the first three quarters, you have to put the game away. If the Broncos are within about 10 points, they believe they can win. The reason they believe that is that they've done it. 

Since they're looking at a division title, their first game will be in Denver, which does not bode well for the team that goes in. 

Denver's defense is playing incredibly strong right now, which allows the offense to be clutch. On paper, these guys shouldn't beat anyone. However, games aren't won on paper, games are won on the field—specifically in the fourth quarter. That's where the Broncos are kings.

New York Jets

This story is getting familiar. Drama in New York, Rex Ryan talking, the team looking like it won't make the playoffs, etc.

Yet, every single year Ryan has been the coach, the Jets have reached the AFC Championship Game. Their defense is potent and their offense is starting to come around to at least take advantage of what the defense gives them.

The Jets are perfectly built to win in the playoffs. The games are low scoring, close, often played in cold weather and just ugly. That's the Jets' strength. 

Worst of all for their opposition, the Jets know they can win in the playoffs, on the road. That's scary.

Michael Dixon's Week 15 NFL Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers	13-0
2. Baltimore Ravens	10-3
3. New Orleans Saints	10-3
4. Pittsburgh Steelers	10-3
5. New England Patriots	10-3
6. San Francisco 49ers	10-3
7. Houston Texans	10-3
8. Atlanta Falcons	8-5
9. Denver Broncos	8-5
10. Detroit Lions	8-5
11. New York Jets	8-5
12. New York Giants	7-6
13. Dallas Cowboys	7-6
14. Oakland Raiders	7-6
15. Chicago Bears	7-6
16. Cincinnati Bengals	7-6
17. Tennessee Titans	7-6
18. San Diego Chargers	6-7
19. Arizona Cardinals	6-7
20. Seattle Seahawks	6-7
21. Carolina Panthers	4-9
22. Philadelphia Eagles	5-8
23. Miami Dolphins	4-9
24. Buffalo Bills	5-8
25. Washington Redskins	4-9
26. Jacksonville Jaguars	4-9
27. Cleveland Browns	4-9
28. Kansas City Chiefs	5-8
29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers	4-9
30. Minnesota Vikings	2-11
31. St. Louis Rams	2-11
32. Indianapolis Colts	0-13

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