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USA Today Sports Media Group
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glenn erby

NFL Power Rankings Week 15: Ravens and 49ers on a collision course for No. 1 spot

Baltimore is 10-3 and back as the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC after a 37-31 win over the Rams (6-7) on Sunday in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium.

After an earlier penalty cost the Ravens points, Tylan Wallace repaid his team and the city of Baltimore with a thrilling 76-yard punt return for the win in Overtime.

Lamar Jackson was dynamic, logging 316 passing yards, 70 rushing yards, and 3 TDs with a 92.8 passer rating. After getting shredded in the first half, the Baltimore defense held the Rams to 11 points in the final three quarters.

In the NFC, Philadelphia’s sixth straight loss in Dallas gives San Francisco the top spot in the conference, and pulls the Cowboys into a first place tie in the division.

Around the league, Kansas City joined the Eagles in losing their second straight game after dissapointing ending at homme against the Buffalo Bills.

With two Monday night football telecast set to end this intense week of football, we’re previewing the NFL’s Week 15 Power Rankings.

32
Carolina Panthers 1-12

Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The first overall pick finished 13 of 36 for 137 yards and lost a fumble in the first half, and he was sacked four times as the Panthers dropped to 1-12 with a 28-6 loss to the Saints.

31
New England Patriots 3-10

Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) chases during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. New England won 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Bailey Zappe tossed three touchdown passes, and the Patriots impacted the Steelers’ playoff hopes with a 21-18 win on Thursday night.

30
Arizona Cardinals 3-10

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium on Nov. 12, 2023, in Glendale.

Arizona was on a bye week in Week 14, but return to face the 49ers next Sunday.

29
Washington Commanders 4-9

Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Washington was on a bye last week, but will return to face the Rams in Week 15.

28
Tennessee Titans 4-8

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) looks for a receiver against the Indianapolis Colts during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023.

The Titans are in the midst of a highly disappointing season that has them in last place in the AFC South.

Still, they can shake up the AFC playoff race with an upset of the Dolphins are the Monday Night Football simulcast.

27
New York Giants 4-8

New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) is shown as his teammates play the New England Patriots, Sunday, November 26, 2023.

The Giants have been a disaster, but can derail the Packers playoff hopes with a Monday night win.

26
Las Vegas Raiders 5-8

Dec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) walks off the field after the Raiders were defeated by the Minnesota Vikings 3-0 at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

In what can only be described as bad football, the Raiders and 3-0 loss to the Vikings on Sunday was the lowest scoring NFL game in 16-years.

25
Los Angeles Chargers 5-8

Dec 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) moves out to pass against the defense of Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Wilson tossed two touchdown passes as the Broncos beat the Chargers 24-7 Sunday after Los Angeles lost quarterback Justin Herbert due to broken finger in the first half.

Herbert was 9 of 17 for 96 yards with an interception before being injured, and had been sacked four times and hit six times during the Chargers’ first six possessions.

The Chargers have the Raiders on a short week.

24
Chicago Bears 5-8

Dec 10, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) reacts against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Fields threw for a touchdown and ran for another, as Chicago played its most impressive game of the season, beating the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions 28-13 on Sunday.

23
New York Jets 5-8

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 10: Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets looks to pass during the second half in the game against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Playing the best game of his career, Zach Wilson was 27 of 36 for 301 yards — his third career game of 300 or more yards, as the Jets upset the Texans without an injured C.J. Stroud.

Stroud left with 6:30 remaining when he was hit by Quinnen Williams.

22
Atlanta Falcons 6-7

Dec 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) breaks a tackle by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker SirVocea Dennis (8) to score a touchdown during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta was looking to put together their first three-game winning streak since 2019, while taking another step toward their first playoff appearance in six seasons.

21
New Orleans Saints 6-7

Dec 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks to pass against Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown (95) during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Carr three two late touchdown passes to Chris Olave and Jimmy Graham, and the Saints beat the Carolina Panthers 28-6 on Sunday to pull back into a tie with the Buccaneers atop the NFC South.

20
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6-7

Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Cade Otton hauled in an 11-yard touchdown pass with 31 seconds remaining, capping a wild fourth quarter that pushed the Buccaneers into a tie for first place in the wobbly NFC South with a 29-25 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

19
Seattle Seahawks 6-7

Dec 10, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) is unable to make a catch next to San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (2) in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Playing without Geno Smith, the Seahawks lost their fourth straight games for the first time in 14 seasons under Pete Carroll and has lost five in a row to San Francisco for the first time.

Drew Lock threw two TD passes in his first start since the end of the 2021 season, but Seattle couldn’t hang with the high-powered 49ers, who came away with a 28-16 win.

18
Los Angeles Rams 6-7

Mandatory Credit: Yannick Peterhans-USA TODAY Sports

Matthew Stafford tried to will the Rams to a win, going 23-41 passing, for 294 yards and three touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough as Tylan Wallace returned a punt 76-yards for a touchdown in overtime to give Baltimore a 37-31 win.

17
Minnesota Vikings 7-6

Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Greg Joseph’s 36-yard field goal with 1:57 left gave the Vikings a 3-0 victory over the Raiders on Sunday in the lowest scoring NFL game from the past 16 years.

Nick Mullens was inserted for a struggling Joshua Dobbs at quarterback and led the Vikings on their lone scoring drive. Even more concerning, the Vikings lost wide receiver Justin Jefferson, the 2022 AP Offensive Player of the Year, in the second quarter to a chest injury.

This was Jefferson’s first game back after missing the previous seven because of a hamstring injury.

16
Pittsburgh Steelers 7-6

Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks out on the field as quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) and cornerback Darius Rush (21) leave the field against the New England Patriots at Acrisure Stadium. The Patriots won 21-18. . Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh (7-6) lost to a two-win team at home for the second time in five days, dropping them out of the top spot in the AFC wild-card race.

15
Indianapolis Colts 7-6

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew (10) roll out of the pocket to throw in the first quarter during a Week 14 NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.

Gardner Minshew threw for 240 yards with a touchdown and an interception for the Colts, as Indianapolis was held scoreless in the second half of a 34-14 loss.

14
Houston Texans 7-6

Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Wilson threw a pair of second-half touchdown passes in his return from a two-game benching, and the Jets defense stymied C.J. Stroud before Houston’s star rookie quarterback left late with a concussion and the Jets ended a five-game losing streak with a 30-6 victory over the Texans on Sunday.

13
Denver Broncos 7-6

Dec 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) reacts following the victory against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Denver is within a game of the Chiefs in the AFC West after a 24-7 win over the Chargers in Week 14.

12
Green Bay Packers 6-6

Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Green Bay didn’t play on Sunday, but have the No. 7 spot in the NFC and are rising after winning three straight.

They’ll face the Giants on Monday night with a ton at stake.

11
Buffalo Bills 7-6

Dec 10, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws a pass as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay (50) defends during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo overcame distractions from Von Miller and Sean McDermott this week as Josh Allen threw for 233 yards with touchdowns running and throwing, leading the Bills to a 20-17 upset win over the Chiefs.

James Cook had 58 yards rushing and caught five passes for 83 yards and a score.

The Bills had been 2-6 in games decided by six points or fewer, and they had lost a lead in the final two minutes in three losses.

10
Cincinnati Bengals 7-6

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) checks the position of Indianapolis Colts safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. (48) in the fourth quarter during a Week 14 NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.

Making his third NFL start,Jake Browning completed 18 of 24 passes for 275 yards with an interception against the Colts (7-6), ending Indianapolis four-game winning streak, while keeping the Bengals in the playoff hunt.

9
Jacksonville Jaguars 6-5

Dec 10, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) scrambles from Cleveland Browns cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during the second half at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Jaguars suffered their second loss in six days, as quarterback Trevor Lawrence finished 28 of 50 for 257 yards, and three interceptions.

Jacksonville lost for the first time in seven road games, and are trying to hold off Houston and Indianapolis in the AFC South.

8
Kansas City Chiefs 8-5

Dec 10, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass as Buffalo Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd (56) defends during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

It was the second straight week the Chiefs (8-5) have dealt with questionable officiating, and Andy Reid’s squad is now 3rd in the AFC after a 20-17 loss to the Bills.

7
Cleveland Browns 8-5

Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Flacco passed for 311 yards and three touchdowns — two to tight end David Njoku — in his home debut for Cleveland, and the Browns survived late to defeat the Jaguars 31-27 Sunday.

The 38-year-old Flacco improved to 10-2 as a starter in Cleveland.

6
Detroit Lions 9-4

Dec 10, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit’s Jared Goff threw two interceptions and was sacked four times as the Lions (9-4) have lost two of three.

5
Miiami Dolphins 9-3

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Miami host the Tennessee Titans on Monday night, and a win would catapult the Dolphins back into the top spot in the AFC.

4
Philadelphia Eagles 10-3

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 10: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

The Eagles have lost two games in a row and are now second in the NFC East after a 33-13 loss to the Cowboys in Dallas.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts was 18-27 passing, for 197 yards, no touchdowns and one costly turnovers. Philadelphia’s big-3 of Hurts, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith accounted for all three turnovers on the night.

The Eagles still control their own destiny and can win the NFC East by winning out.

3
Dallas Cowboys 10-3

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 10: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Dak Prescott was 24-39 passing, for 270 yards and two touchdowns as the Dallas Cowboys (10-3) moved into first place in the NFC after a 33-13 win over the Eagles on Sunday night.

The Dallas defense forced three Philadelphia turnovers, and held D’Andre Swift to 39 yards on 11 carries in the win.

2
Baltimore Ravens 10-3

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 10: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws a pass during the second half in the game against the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)

Baltimore is 10-3, and back as the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC after a 37-31 win over the Rams (6-7) on Sunday in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium.

After an earlier penalty cost the Ravens points, Tylan Wallace repaid his team and the city of Baltimore will a thrilling 76 yard punt return for the win in Overtime.

Lamar Jackson was dynamic, logging 316 passing yards, 70 rushing yards, and 3 TDs with a 92.8 passer rating. After getting shredded in the first half, the Baltimore defense held the Rams to 11 points in the final three quarters.

 

1
San Francisco 49ers 10-3

Dec 10, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) jumps in the air during a break in the action against the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Brock Purdy finished 19 for 27 for a career-high 368 yards with two TDs and one interception, becoming the fourth player to complete at least 70% of his passes in seven straight games. Joe Montana holds the record with eight in 1989 for San Francisco.

Deebo Samuel scored two touchdowns, George Kittle had a long touchdow catch and Christian McCaffrey ran for 145 yards to lead the 49ers to their 11th straight division win, 28-16 over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Brandon Aiyuk added 126 yards receiving for the 49ers (10-3) as the skill position players combined for 505 yards from scrimmage on the day.

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