NFL Week 15 Power Rankings – Shocking Shifts After Wild Upsets Rock the League
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
If you missed where each team stood before this week’s shake-up, make sure to revisit our Week 14 Power Rankings, which set the stage for many of the dramatic rises and falls we’re seeing now. As the 2025 NFL season barrels into Week 15, the playoff picture is finally starting to take shape and the pressure couldn’t be higher.
Contenders are separating from pretenders, superstar quarterbacks are entering must-win territory, and fringe teams are fighting to keep their postseason hopes alive. Upsets, breakout performances, and late-season injuries have reshuffled the league yet again, making this week’s power rankings one of the most dramatic of the year.
From dominant squads proving why they’re built for January to surprising risers rewriting their season narrative, here’s where every team stands heading into a crucial NFL Week 15.
Who are the top teams in the NFL power rankings week 15 edition?
32. Las Vegas Raiders (31)
Congrats to the Las Vegas Raiders. We’ve got a new number 32 on our list! Can you believe it?1
The Raiders needed 10 garbage-time points to make the game closer, but ultimately fell to a 24-17 loss against the Broncos. Vegas only had the ball for 21 minutes. Ashton Jeanty had 30 yards on 10 carries. Brock Bowers held receptions. Other than that, the effort on offense was good.
Vegas dropped its seventh straight and now sits at the bottom of the NFL’s power rankings. They’re now tied for the worst record in football. And we thought last year was bad!
31. Tennessee Titans (32)
The Titans finally got interim head coach Mike McCoy his first win by winning an unexpected thriller in Cleveland. Two takeaways by the defense and 161 rushing yards and two scores by Tony Pollard were enough to escape with a 31-29 win.
Almost nothing has gone right for the Titans this year, so take every win when you can get ‘em. And if you’re a Tennessee fan on #TeamTank? Not to worry. They’re still likely to pick in the top three with a daunting schedule to close out the year.
30. New York Giants (30)
After a humiliating road loss to the Patriots, the banged-up Giants got to enjoy a much-needed bye week. A good time to refresh after losing seven straight games.
Despite losing seven in a row, they have a shot to win three straight here with Washington, Minnesota, and Las Vegas next on the schedule.
29. Cleveland Browns (28)
Three hundred sixty-four passing yards and four total touchdowns from Shedeur Sanders meant one genius idea from Kevin Stefanski: Take him out of the game-tying two-point conversion attempt and draw up a trick play instead. Yep. Real genius. Yep.
Weird that Stefanski is sabotaging Sanders even though the rookie has sparked this offense. Seriously, is Stefanski trying to get himself fired? Losing at home to football’s worst team is a very bad look for him. The Titans have been at the bottom of the NFL’s weekly power rankings all season long. Yikes.
28. Washington Commanders (27)
Is the season over yet?
No? The Commanders have four games left? Well, that’s a shame.
Washington’s nightmare season somehow hit a new low: A 31-0 shutout loss to the Vikings. Yes, that very Minnesota team that started JJ McCarthy, who’s been like the worst starting QB this year.
To sum up the season? Jayden Daniels left the game with an elbow injury after getting hit on an interception. Dan Quinn said he was removed for precaution. Good grief. What is wrong with this team failing to protect its quarterbacks?
27. Arizona Cardinals (26)
Not much to see here. The Cardinals lost their fifth in a row via an unimaginative offense and a horrific defense. Ho hum.
If the Rams wanted, they could have dropped a 50-burger on the Cardinals. But alas, they “only” gave up 45 in a 28-point defeat. Now at 3-10, Arizona fans may as well just cheer for their team to tank and get the highest pick possible. They’re definitely getting a new QB, right?
26. New York Jets (25)
The New York Jets’ hopes of beating Miami ended once Tyrod Taylor left the game with a groin injury. Third-stringer Brady Cook, an undrafted rookie, stood no chance against a suddenly surging Miami defense.
But it was the Jets’ rush D that doomed them here. They allowed 239 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. But hey, such is life when you trade away Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner, we guess.
Losing out and finishing 3-14 isn’t out of the question for the Jets, now. After all, they’ve been at the bottom half of the NFL’s power rankings throughout this season. At least they’re in a position to get a good quarterback in the draft?
25. New Orleans Saints (29)
Well, that must have felt good.
In a rebuilding year where there’s been little to celebrate, the Saints walked into Tampa and handed the division bullies a stunning 24-20 loss. How ‘bout two rushing touchdowns from rookie Tyler Shough in a thrilling victory at Raymond James Stadium?
New Orleans just delivered a giant blow to Tampa’s NFC South hopes. More efforts like this from Shough could result in him getting an extended look behind center.
24. Atlanta Falcons (24)
The Falcons clinched an eighth straight losing season with an ugly 37-9 home loss to the Seahawks. The Rams, proud owners of Atlanta’s 2026 first-round pick, cruised to their 10th win of the year, thank you very much.
Atlanta’s many flaws were exposed in Sunday’s punchless effort. Hopefully, Arthur Blank was watching closely and realized that it’s time to get a new coach and GM after this season.
23. Cincinnati Bengals (22)
Joe Burrow and the offense did everything to keep the Cincinnati Bengals in the game. The Bengals’ D did everything to lose the game. Unfortunately for Cincy, it was the D that won this battle.
The defense imploded by allowing 28 second-half points, wasting a four-touchdown day from Burrow. A 39-34 loss clinched Cincy’s first losing season in five years and officially extended their playoff drought to three years. That’s what happens when your inept owner won’t invest in a real coach or a defense.
22. Minnesota Vikings (23)
In a year where everything has gone wrong in Minny, we’re sure a 31-0 dismantling of the Commanders felt good. JJ McCarthy finally looked the part with a three-touchdown performance in the victory.
The playoffs aren’t happening, but there will be lots to build off of if McCarthy can finish his rocky season on a high note. A blowout win over Washington is a good start to improve their standing in the weekly NFL power rankings.
21. Kansas City Chiefs (20)
Stick a fork in the 2025 Chiefs. That’s it for them.
Just when we thought they had it figured out, they put up a stinker in a 20-10 loss to Houston in a must-win game. A WEEK AFTER losing another “must-win” to the Dallas Cowboys.
Travis Kelce needs to just retire. The defense needs to be rebuilt. Patrick Mahomes needs new weapons. Fire Matt Nagy. To miss the playoffs after three straight Super Bowl appearances is embarrassing. See ya, boys, next year.
20. Baltimore Ravens (18)
The 2025 Ravens are really something else.
Just when we thought the Ravens had the inside track on the AFC North, they put up horrific and embarrassing efforts in back-to-back home losses against division rivals. This time, a 27-22 home loss to the slumping Steelers.
Now, Pittsburgh has the advantage. The Ravens close out against the Bengals, Patriots, Packers, and Steelers. Now they HAVE TO win out to have any shot at the postseason. But does anyone actually think that will happen?
19. Miami Dolphins (21)
Break up the Dolphins!!
Everyone wanted Mike McDaniel fired after a 1-and-6 start. Now, Miami is winners of four straight, the latest a 34-10 blowout win over the Jets. Man, these players really are fighting for their coach.
The Dolphins are now 6-7 and clearly love the idea of having nothing to lose. Three of their final four games are against playoff contenders, but you know they’ll embrace every opportunity to play spoiler here.
18. Dallas Cowboys (17)
Well, so much for the Cowboys being back.
The good vibes from their three-game winning streak ended with a sloppy loss to the Lions on Thursday night. The rebuilt defense gave up 44 points in a frustrating loss that likely spells the end of their playoff hopes.
Dallas needs to win out now just to finish 10-6-1, then hope the Eagles inexplicably collapse. That’s probably not happening, so Cowboys fans had better keep their hopes reasonable. The season’s most likely over. And this might be their best finish in weekly NFL power rankings.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers (19)
In a battle of two teams trying to blow the AFC North race, the Steelers screwed up just a little less to leave Baltimore with a 27-22 win. Just like that, Aaron Rodgers’ squad is in the driver’s seat for the division that nobody wants.
Anyway, Pittsburgh has a much friendlier schedule to close out the year than Baltimore. Can they finish it and hold off the Ravens? Beating the surging Dolphins would help aplenty.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (15)
The Bucs are in trouble, with no sign of a solution in sight.
Now losers in four of their last five, the Bucs have coughed up a seemingly insurmountable division lead and are in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019. No more playing around. They gotta get back on track with a “get-right” game against Atlanta this Sunday.
15. Carolina Panthers (16)
The Carolina Panthers couldn’t have asked for a better bye week. The Bucs inexplicably fell to the Saints at home, so now Carolina has a simple path to winning the division: Just win your two games against Tampa, and you have your first NFC South crown in 10 years.
First things first: Gotta take care of business against New Orleans on Sunday.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (12)
It’s official: The Eagles are the worst defending Super Bowl champion that sits three games above .500 at this point of the season in league history. My goodness. Outside the top 10 of the NFL’s weekly power rankings, too.
Five turnovers by the Eagles doomed them in a heartbreaking 22-19 overtime loss to the Chargers on Monday night. Way to waste a great effort by the defense, Jalen Hurts, and the entire offense.
Dallas’ crappy defense means Philly will still win the division. But woof, they’re so going one-and-done in the playoffs. Worst playoff team in recent memory.
13. Indianapolis Colts (9)
Losing to the Jaguars soundly is one thing. But losing Daniel Jones for the season with a torn Achilles? It’s a heartbreaking development for Jones and the Colts. Their playoff hopes are basically done now.
We have no faith in Riley Leonard or Anthony Richardson. And have you seen their remaining schedule? It’s all over after such a promising start. You just gotta feel for this club and its fans who can never catch a break at QB.
12. Detroit Lions (15)
The Lions saved their season for the time being with a statement home win over the Cowboys. Nice work by Dan Campbell’s squad. And the Bears losing to Green Bay was a cherry on top of a good week in Motor City.
The Lions are now just a game behind Chicago and San Fran, who hold the last two wild-card spots. Remember, Detroit visits Chicago in Week 18. So winning out would get them to 12-5 and secure the tiebreaker over the Bears.
But the NFC-leading Rams are next on the schedule, so the Lions can’t get ahead of themselves. One game at a time.
11. Houston Texans (13)
Break up the Texans, too!!!!
DeMeco Ryans’ squad made a statement by coming into Kansas City and dismantling the Chiefs’ dynasty – for a year at least! — with a 20-10 victory. The lights-out defense gave Patrick Mahomes nothing in a season-saving win.
With the Colts losing, Houston controls its own destiny for a playoff spot. Their toughest game left is against the banged-up Chargers. Who’s to say they can’t win out?
10. Los Angeles Chargers (11)
By the slimmest of margins, the Chargers scraped out a tight 22-19 home win over the Eagles on Monday. Couple that with losses by the Chiefs, Colts, and Ravens, and Jim Harbaugh’s squad can basically dance their way over the final four games.
The NFL playoffs are almost assured now and a top 10 finish in the power rankings, too.
9. Chicago Bears (7)
It just felt like the Bears were due for a loss after reeling off five straight wins, four of which were decided by a single score. So we won’t panic too much, even though losing to the Packers in heartbreaking fashion is never a fun experience for Bears fans.
At 9-4, the Bears are still in a good spot here. However, they must beat Cleveland on Sunday, as the Packers, 49ers, and Lions are rounding out their final three games.
8. Buffalo Bills (10)
Josh Allen put on the Superman cape and led the Bills to a thrilling 39-34 victory over the Bengals in a back-and-forth shootout. So, they keep their slimmest of AFC East hopes alive — but also inch closer to at least securing a wild-card berth.
Buffalo HAS to beat New England on Sunday to have any shot at the division. Hey, Josh Allen has owned the Pats on the road, so be careful betting against him.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars (8)
A dismantling of the Colts a) clinched a third winning season in four years for the Jags and b) put them back in the driver’s seat for the AFC South. What a masterful performance by first-year head coach Liam Coen.
It’s gonna be tough to blow the division now with the Jets, Titans, and Daniel Jones-less Colts making up three of their final four games. Heck, the second seed is still a possibility for these guys.
6. San Francisco 49ers (6)
Well, it wasn’t the best of bye weeks for the 49ers. The Rams and Seahawks both won. As did the Lions, who are just one game behind San Francisco in the playoff race now.
But they were lucky that the Bears lost. San Fran moves up to the sixth seed now. They have a guaranteed win at home against Tennessee this week. Then the Daniel Jones-less Colts. And then the Bears at home. Winning three of their final four probably gets the 49ers into the playoffs. Plus, a top-five finish in the weekly NFL power rankings is very likely at this point.
5. Green Bay Packers (5)
Back to a familiar spot: Alone atop the NFC North after a thrilling 28-21 win over the Bears at Lambeau Field. Three touchdowns from Jordan Love — two of them going to Christian Watson — led the way as the Packers extended their winning streak to four.
Now they control their own destiny for the NFC North. But it’s a tricky road ahead, as the Packers have to face the Broncos and Bears in back-to-back road games. Giddy up!
4. Seattle Seahawks (4)
The Seahawks kept pace with the Rams with a way-too-easy 37-9 win in Atlanta. Mike Macdonald’s overlooked defense didn’t allow a single touchdown. Sam Darnold threw three touchdowns. The ground game picked up 149 yards.
It was a practically perfect day for the Seahawks, who clinched a second straight 10-win season. How’s Pete Carroll doing in Vegas again? These ‘Hawks are reaping the rewards for dumping the Hall of Famer for Macdonald.
3. Los Angeles Rams (3)
The Los Angeles Rams put another stamp on their status as a juggernaut with a 45-17 dismantling of the Cardinals. Matt Stafford bounced back from an ugly game in Carolina with three touchdowns in LA’s latest demolition.
It’s between the Rams, Packers, Seahawks, and 49ers for the NFC’s top seed. For LA, getting through the Lions and then the Seahawks over the next two weeks would cement them as the conference’s team to beat.
2. Denver Broncos (2)
Don’t let the final score trick you. This was utter domination of the Raiders. 39 minutes of possession? That’s championship-caliber football, baby.
The Broncos hold the tiebreaker over the Patriots, who were on a bye this week. Still a lot of football ahead, starting with a potential Super Bowl 60 preview against Green Bay. But for now, the vibes couldn’t be any better in Denver, whose Avalanche and Nuggets are also off to scorching starts.
1. New England Patriots (1)
The New England Patriots surely weren’t happy to see the Broncos win on Sunday, but it’s not like the Raiders had any shot there. As the Broncos own the head-to-head tiebreaker, the Pats will need Denver to lose at least one game if they want the first-round bye.
The Broncos host the Packers on Sunday. The Patriots host the Bills. It’s like the Peyton Manning-Tom Brady days have returned. A real late-season dog fight for the AFC’s top seed. Fasten your seatbelts, Pats fans.
