NFL Power Rankings Week 15: Rising Teams That Will Surge into Postseason

With three weeks to go in the regular season, the playoff picture is becoming clearer. Teams are heating up at the right time, while others are getting banged up and playing cold at the wrong moment. 

But since we're focusing on the positives here, let's take a look at the teams that are doing well right now. The combination of hot play and a favorable schedule will take these teams right into the playoffs. There, they will be a scary matchup for anyone.

New York Jets

This is the absolute worst nightmare for any of the AFC's top teams. They all know that the Jets can win in the playoffs, and on the road. That's why they have played in the last two AFC Championship Games. 

Mark Sanchez is beginning to play a better football, not turning the ball over. Their defense is stellar, as always. 

A nice schedule will likely put the Jets at 10-6, or even 11-5. Either will be good enough to earn a postseason bid. We'll be seeing Rex Ryan and crew in the postseason, and don't be at all surprised if we see them for a few rounds.

Denver Broncos

This team is inexplicable, but that doesn't matter. Their defense is playing well enough to keep them around in every game they play. Then Tim Tebow steps up his game and leads the team to victory. It's happened seven out of eight times. That's not luck, that's a trend.

Even a loss to the Patriots this weekend will have the Broncos in good position to win the AFC West. They will be at worst tied with the Raiders and in strong position to earn the tiebreakers over the Raiders.

Detroit Lions

Detroit earned a much-needed win against Minnesota on Sunday. With the injuries to the Bears and slow starts of teams like the Cardinals and Seahawks, the Lions will do enough to get into the playoffs. 

Once there, they are a scary team. The talent is clearly in place in Detroit. They are often doomed by stupid play, but the Lions don't lack talent. 

With games against the struggling Raiders and inconsistent Chargers before a date with the Packers, the Lions are in great position to go 2-1 and make the playoffs. I can guarantee that none of the NFC's division champions will want to see Calvin Johnson and the Lions' fierce defensive front in a playoff game.

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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