Achieving an 11-2 record in the NFL is becoming increasingly rare.
With many teams still competing for playoff spots, it’s surprising that the division leaders in the AFC haven’t yet secured their playoff positions as Week 15 approaches, even though multiple teams have managed 11-2 records. The NFC West, which has two teams boasting double-digit wins, is proving to be particularly intense.
For instance, the Bears started Week 14 as the top seed in the NFC but ended up dropping to the No. 7 seed after a tough loss. Meanwhile, the Lions are close behind, looking to put the Bears in their place.
Teams like the Commanders, Jets, Browns, and Falcons have now been eliminated from playoff contention. They join the Giants, Saints, Cardinals, Titans, and Raiders on the list of teams that won’t be seeing the postseason.
Here are the power rankings for the NFL as we enter Week 15.
1. Patriots 11-2 (1)
One might wonder if the Patriots’ success is mainly due to having an easier schedule or if it’s thanks to their excellent head coach (Mike Vrabel) and standout quarterback (Drake Maye)—perhaps it’s a mix of both. The upcoming games against the Bills and Ravens should clarify things. Maye is, without a doubt, one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league.
2. Broncos 11-2 (2)
The Broncos continue their dominance, marking their tenth consecutive victory over the Raiders while halting the NFL’s nine-game win streak with a 24-17 win. Bo Nix threw for 212 yards and rushed for a touchdown. Additionally, Marvin Mims Jr. contributed a pivotal 48-yard punt return touchdown that broke a 7-7 tie. Nick Bonitto added two sacks to the mix.
3. Rams 10-3 (3)
During a 45-17 blowout against the Cardinals, Puka Nacua and Blake Collum each had two touchdowns, while Matthew Stafford passed for 281 yards and three scores. The Rams scored 35 unanswered points between the second and fourth quarters, showcasing an impressive 530 yards of total offense. It’s hard to believe they were actually down 7-0 at one point.
4. Packers 9-3-1 (5)
A late interception by Keyshawn Nixon on a crucial fourth-and-1 sealed a 28-21 win against the Bears. Jordan Love threw for three touchdowns, with two of those connecting with Christian Watson. A timely 21-yard run by Josh Jacobs put the Packers in a position to take the lead.
5. Seahawks 10-3 (4)
Rashid Shahid’s 100-yard kickoff return to open the second half gave the Seahawks a much-needed edge over the Falcons, leading to a 37-9 victory. Shahid wasn’t the only one to find the end zone—Jackson Smith-Njigba added two touchdowns, and Cooper Kupp also made a scoring catch from Sam Darnold.
6. Bears 9-4 (6)
The Bears made a comeback by scoring on their first three possessions of the second half, yet they regretted their sluggish start against the Packers. Caleb Williams, who had five fourth-quarter comebacks over the season, threw a critical interception while attempting a pass to Cole Kmet. CJ Gardner-Johnson stood out with ten tackles and an interception.
7. Bills 9-4 (7)
In a thrilling matchup, Christian Benford and AJ Epenesa intercepted back-to-back passes from Joe Burrow during the fourth quarter, enabling the Bills to stage a 39-34 comeback over the struggling Bengals. Benford returned one of those picks for a 63-yard touchdown, while Josh Allen threw three touchdowns, including a decisive pass to Jackson Hawes.
8. 49ers 9-4 (8)
The 49ers, after enjoying a bye week and moving up from the NFC’s seventh seed, didn’t need to play to better their playoff standing. A pressing question going forward is whether receiver Brandon Aiyuk will be back after suffering a torn ACL last October, or will his contract come to an end with the organization?
9. Jaguars 9-4 (11)
The Jaguars celebrated their eleventh win on their home turf against the Colts, with Travis Etienne scoring two touchdowns in a 36-19 victory that put them in first place in the AFC South. Quarterback Josh Hynes-Allen faced his fourth consecutive game with a sack but made a crucial safety. Defensive standout Devin Lloyd picked off rookie quarterback Riley Leonard in place of the injured Daniel Jones.
10. Chargers 9-4 (12)
In a tightly contested match, Tony Jefferson’s interception in overtime capped off a stellar defensive showing that included five turnovers in a 22-19 win over the Eagles. Justin Herbert, despite playing through a fractured left hand, threw for 139 yards and rushed for 66 yards. Cameron Dicker was perfect with five field goals, with a long of 54 yards.
11. Lions 8-5 (13)
12. Texans 8-5 (15)
13. Eagles 8-5 (10)
14. Steelers 7-6 (21)
15. Colts 8-5 (9)
16. Panthers 7-6 (16)
17. Buccaneers 7-6 (14)
18. Cowboys 6-6-1 (17)
19. Chiefs 6-7 (18)
20. Dolphins 6-7 (20)
21. Ravens 6-7 (19)
22. Vikings 5-8 (24)
23. Bengals 4-9 (22)
24. Falcons 4-9 (23)
25. Saints 3-10 (29)
26. Jets 3-10 (25)
The Jets faced a harsh reality as their supposed home advantage faded against the Dolphins, suffering a 34-10 loss. Tyrod Taylor’s early injury handed the reins to rookie Brady Cook, who had a rough debut. The offense struggled significantly, not managing a first down until late in the first half.
27. Cardinals 3-10 (26)
28. Commanders 3-10 (27)
29. Titans 2-11 (32)
30. Browns 3-10 (28)
31. Giants 2-11 (30)
The Giants continue to be mired in a troubling streak, now 0-8 away from home, marking a franchise-record 13 consecutive road losses. With seven straight losses, they risk breaking their own record of ten consecutive losses set last season. For them, Jackson Dart’s development—and health—has become more crucial than ever as they move forward.
