NFL Power Rankings: Teams Destined To Rise After Week 15

Week 15 victories will lead to an escalated position in the power rankings for the following teams. This display of power is coming at just the right time of year. These three teams are all ones to keep an eye on in the postseason.

*Power rankings according to ESPN

No. 9 Denver Broncos

Week 15 Opponent: Patriots

It is an afterthought for most that the Patriots will easily snap Tebow's string of miracles. Football Locks has the Pats as 6.5-point favorites. This game is not going to work out that way.

The reasoning behind the Patriots being such big favorites is the fact that people believe that New England will put up way more points than the deliberate Broncos' offense can match.

What people are forgetting is that the Patriots' defense is awful. They are 32nd in the league in total defense and 32nd in pass defense. We already know the Broncos will be able to get their rushing yards, but they will also be able to get some passing yards.

Against a similarly awful pass defense, Tebow threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns against the Vikings. The Broncos scored 35 points in that game.

You can expect a similar output in this one. And 35 points is more than the Patriots will be able to score on the road against the tough Broncos defense.

Denver will be able to generate enough pressure on Brady to disrupt their prolific offense. The Broncos are fifth in the league in sack percentage.

This will lead to another shocking Broncos upset, and push the ridiculous Tebow-hype machine to an even higher level.

Projected Week 16 Ranking: No. 6

No. 7 Houston Texans

Week 15 Opponent: Panthers

The Houston Texans are defying all odds. They continue to succeed even though they have a third-string rookie QB leading the way.

Houston understandably took a big hit in the power rankings when they lost their first and second-string quarterbacks. However, they have since gone 2-0 with TJ Yates as their starter, and those two wins came against teams in the thick of the playoff hunt.

Still, pollsters are a little behind in recognizing their continued legitimacy. They will help their case this week with a big win against the Panthers.

The Texans' No. 1 rated defense will be able to shut down the Panthers' offense. Plus the Panthers' defense is not capable of shutting anyone down. Carolina is 29th in points allowed this season.

Three straight wins for the Texans with Yates at the helm will be enough to start turning heads.

Projected Week 16 Ranking: No. 5

No. 12 New York Giants

Week 15 Opponent: Redskins

The Giants rollercoaster season will continue its upswing this week. 

Washington does not have the players on offense to fully exploit the Giants' weaknesses on defense. The Redskins are 12th in passing yards and 31st in rushing yards. And while that will lead to some success against the Giants' questionable defense it will not be enough for them to keep pace.

The Giants are fourth in passing yards this season, and that offense is clicking better than ever. Over their last two games they have scored a combined 72 points. The Giants will win this one easy. 

Combine this victory with their almost defeat of the unbeaten Packers two weeks ago and their thrilling victory over the Cowboys last Sunday, and the Giants will have proven that they are ready to be considered one of the best teams in the NFC.

Projected Week 16 Ranking: No. 8