NFL Power Rankings Week 15: Playoff Contenders Fading into Obscurity

The NFL playoff race is heating up with just three weeks left in the regular season, and there are plenty of movers and shakers in the power rankings. 

By now, we have finally figured out who the elite teams and bottom feeders are. However, it's that area in between that still leaves questions, and the answers are coming in fast and furious. 

For a few teams, the answers aren't exactly what they were hoping for, but that is their own fault for not taking advantage of a situation that is right in front of them. 

Here are the biggest losers in the Week 15 NFL power rankings. 

 

Dallas Cowboys (7-6)

I was willing to give the 'Boys a hall pass for their loss two weeks ago in Arizona because everyone is entitled to a bad day. However, the loss against the Giants was indicative of the way that they have played all season long. 

They had the game won in the fourth quarter, but a few stupid mistakes and missed opportunities cost them. They then had a chance to send the game into overtime but had a field goal attempt blocked. 

They still have the inside track on the NFC East title, but nothing that they have shown in the last two weeks makes it seem like they are focused on the task right in front of them. 

 

Cincinnati Bengals (7-6)

We were all surprised by the way that the Bengals started the season. We wondered if they would be able to keep it up in the same division as the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. However, four losses in their last five games have put a dent in their postseason hopes.

They do have two winnable games against St. Louis and Arizona coming up, before they end the season against the Ravens. What's more, Baltimore could have the division won by that time, so it is not impossible for the Bengals to make the postseason. 

However, with the AFC being as deep as it is, they can't afford to have another bad game throughout the remainder of the season. Considering how young they are at key positions, I would be shocked if they didn't have at least one hiccup along the way. 

 

Oakland Raiders (7-6)

I am still not convinced that the Raiders aren't the best team in the AFC West, but at some point what you see on paper has to start matching what you see on the field. That just hasn't happened for them lately. 

Nine wins is probably going to win the division, and the Raiders have two winnable games against Kansas City and San Diego in the final two weeks. However, considering the way that they have played, you can't count on them. 

The loss of Darren McFadden hurt this team more than we will know, and from the looks of things he will not be back this season. It's too bad, because he was the best running back in the league when he was healthy. 

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