NFL Power Rankings Week 16: Biggest Losers After Week 15's Upsets

Week 15 was big for underdogs all around. The Green Bay Packers were defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs, as I predicted. The Indianapolis Colts grabbed their first win, and the Houston Texans fell to Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers.

The biggest loser in Week 15 was by far the Baltimore Ravens. In losing to the Chargers 34-14, the Ravens squandered an opportunity to place a huge, one-game lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers, who lost to the San Francisco 49ers.

The one-game lead would have all but sealed the division for the Ravens, as they own the tie-breaker. They also lost a game to the New England Patriots in the race for the AFC's best overall record.

Psychologically, they lose the game Ray Lewis returns and turn in their worst defensive performance of the year. 

The Ravens had better get it together for Week 16 as they face the offense-less Cleveland Browns.

The other big losers this week:

The Chicago Bears are all about done as far as 2011 playoff consideration goes. Caleb Hanie has proven he is not a viable option as a backup QB, and the rash of injuries has been freakish. Most recently, Johnny Knox's gruesome back injury leaves the Bears short yet another weapon. At 7-7, with the Packers waiting this week to right the ship after dropping their first game, the Bears are headed for an 8-8 finish at best.

The Indianapolis Colts were losers even in victory. The Colts need the No. 1 pick, even if they choose not to select Andrew Luck with the top spot (the smarter option), they need the leverage to trade down and grab multiple picks. By winning they bring doubt into whether they will receive that top selection, but, as Herm Edwards once said, "You play to win the game."

Here are my complete power rankings heading into Week 16:

1. Green Bay Packers 13-1

2. San Francisco 49ers 11-3

3. New England Patriots 11-3

4. New Orleans Saints 11-3

5. Baltimore Ravens 10-4

6. Pittsburgh Steelers 10-4

7. Houston Texans 10-4

8. Atlanta Falcons 9-5

9. Detroit Lions 9-5

10. Dallas Cowboys 8-6

11. Denver Broncos 8-6

12. Cincinnati Bengals 8-6

13. San Diego Chargers 7-7

14. Arizona Cardinals 7-7

15. NY Jets 8-6

16. Seattle Seahawks 7-7

17. Philadelphia Eagles 6-8

18. Oakland Raiders 7-7

19. Tennessee Titans 7-7

20. NY Giants 7-7

21. Kansas City Chiefs 6-8

22. Miami Dolphins 5-9

23. Chicago Bears 7-7

24. Carolina Panthers 5-9

25. Washington Redskins 5-9

26. Buffalo Bills 5-9

27. Cleveland Browns 4-10

28. Jacksonville Jaguars 4-10

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-10

30. St. Louis Rams 2-12

31. Minnesota Vikings 2-12

32. Indianapolis Colts 1-13