Two weeks left in the NFL season and we are getting down to the nitty gritty when it comes to who will make the postseason. There are still divisions up in the air, but only one division is up for grabs for all four teams. That is an anomaly, but it shows that anything can happen over the final two weeks of the NFL. With that being said this week’s power rankings will look at what is the best position each team to be in come playoff time or over the offeseason.
Rank Kansas City Chiefs (13-1)
1 Prev. (1 ⏤)
Week 15 Result: 32-29 W against New Orleans
Best Position: Top Seed in the AFC
In years past the teams who got byes in the first round of the playoffs did not earn a playoff check, now they do and now only one team gets a bye. As of right now the Chiefs are in great position to lock that spot down and based off last season where they had a first-round bye, this is exactly where they want to be. Kansas City is one of the cities where home field advantage is still a thing. While it may not be a packed house, having fans is better than having none for a team in the playoffs. This will make things somewhat tougher for opponents and having a great offense means the teams will have to play from behind dealing with the crowd noise. Usually, this would not be a big deal, but the fact that some teams are now almost a full season in not having fans it could make a difference. One more win could do it for them, so the Chiefs are in a great position.
Rank Green Bay Packers (11-3)
2 Prev. (2 ⏤)
Week 15 Result: 24-16 W against Carolina
Best Position: Top Seed in the NFC
With a win this week the Packers have locked the division victory in the NFC North, the next step is to earn the top seed in the conference. This season is different because of the one bye week and seven teams in the playoffs, but the team who does earn that one seed also gets something that has never been done before, they get a playoff check even though they have a bye week. What more could you want, you get a bye and a check? Well, if they do earn that top spot, they would probably wish they could have a true home field advantage with fans in the stadium but being in Green Bay will already be huge because many of the teams in the race are not cold weather teams. This could give an advantage, but in order to do this they will need to stay at least one game ahead of the Saints because if they end up tied then New Orleans will get those honors.
Rank Buffalo Bills (11-3)
3 Prev. (3 ⏤)
Week 15 Result: 48-19 W against Denver
Best Position: #2 Seed in the AFC
Denver may not be the best team, but Buffalo absolutely dismantled them and now have a chance to fight for the one seed. In order to get that spot they need at least two losses out of Kansas City and one out of Pittsburgh, so it will be much more likely that they will just get a home playoff game. They made the playoffs and won the division so there is really not more to ask for, but if they can get the one, two, or three seed then it’s possible they see two or more home games. Like the Packers, it will not be a true home field due to no fans in the stadium, but you have a chance to play at home where you are used to the weather, that could become an advantage. Getting the one seed would be the best, but for a team who has not won the division since 1995 they will take a division win and a home playoff game.
Rank Tennessee Titans (10-4)
4 Prev. (7 ↑3)
Week 15 Result: 46-25 W against Detroit
Best Position: AFC South Win and Home Playoff Game
There is no shot the Titans can get the top seed in the AFC, but they are in a fight and that is for the AFC South. If they can win out to end the season off then they win the division since they have the tiebreaker over the Colts, but with a loss the Colts could sneak in and take over that top spot. They don’t want that to happen for obvious reasons, but one of those is not because they need home field. They have actually played better on the road this season at 5-1 compared to 4-3 at home this season, but a better record means that they can play a team they have an advantage over. As we know, home field means very little in this season, but the Titans are one of the teams that does allow a number of fans into the stadium, so having that home game will mean there is a bit of an advantage to go along with bragging rights in the division.
Rank Seattle Seahawks (10-4)
5 Prev. (8 ↑3)
Week 15 Result: 20-15 W against Washington
Best Position: #1 Seed in the NFC
The NFC is a much tighter race for that top seed than the AFC and the Seahawks are right in the middle of that race. In fact, the Seahawks are in an interesting position, they could get the number one seed, or they could fall to the wild card depending on how their cards fall. If they win out, they don’t have to worry about the wild card considering they still play the Rams but getting that number one seed could be big. They may not allow fans in the stands, but they are a significantly better team at home then on the road this season. While the one seed would be nice, they need help to get there. The most important thing is to win out and win the division to ensure at least one playoff game.
Rank Baltimore Ravens (9-5)
6 Prev. (9 ↑3)
Week 15 Result: 40-14 W against Jacksonville
Best Position: #5 Seed in the AFC
After Baltimore lost to Pittsburgh for the second time this season, they were officially eliminated from the division with their fifth loss of the season. The wild card was the only hope at that point and now they just hope they get the top spot in that wild card. The Ravens are starting to find their offensive groove and going up against the “worst” division winner will be better than playing the “best”. Plus, in the John Harbaugh era the Ravens are 10-7 in the playoffs, 7-5 on the road and 2-2 at home (Super Bowl = neutral), so the Ravens are used to going on the road. No matter what position they get, their main focus is just getting in the playoffs. Even if they win out Baltimore needs some help, so all they can do is focus on them and win, but they need some help to get in.
Rank Cleveland Browns (10-4)
7 Prev. (10 ↑3)
Week 15 Result: 20-6 W against New York Giants
Best Position: AFC North Victory
The Browns are one of the oddities remaining in the NFL as they have a chance to win their division and they have a chance to not even make the playoffs. The playoffs will most likely be made, but if they lose one game plus any other factors, they could miss out even with double digit victories. Again, that is not likely, but what could be is winning the AFC North. The Steelers have a lead over the Browns, but they need the Steelers to lose out considering the Steelers would have the tiebreaker over Cleveland even if they lose one of their upcoming games. The division victory may only be a dream, but they need to win and just make the playoffs, if they do that it will be the first time since 2002 that has happened.
Rank Indianapolis Colts (10-4)
8 Prev. (11 ↑3)
Week 15 Result: 27-20 W against Houston
Best Position: AFC South Victory and Home Playoff Game
The Colts can only focus on themselves right now, but even if they win out a division win is not guaranteed. A playoff spot would be, but with their in-division record if they are tied with the Titans at the end of the season the Titans would hold the division. This means that they will need a Tennessee loss in the upcoming games, but Indy has to focus on victories right now, a division win would only be icing on the cake. Indianapolis still has a divisional game in week 17, but next week they play the Steelers who are fighting for the top seed in the AFC. This will not be an easy game, but if they lose, they could be out of the playoff race. If Indy somehow takes the division, they will have a bit of an advantage like Tennessee as they are allowing some fans, but making the playoffs is the important part right now.
Rank New Orleans Saints (10-4)
9 Prev. (5 ↓4)
Week 15 Result: 32-29 L against Kansas City
Best Position: #1 Seed in the NFC
The Saints already have the division locked up and earning home field advantage is big and not only because they get to play in their dome. The bigger reason is who they are competing with for that top seed and home field, the Green Bay Packers. While the Packers may not allow fans in the stadium, they are a cold city team and currently in the NFC playoff picture only the Seahawks are a city that is comparable to Green Bay. Assuming they would reach the championship game and Green Bay does this would be the difference from traveling to Green Bay to staying in the Superdome. New Orleans does have a head-to-head advantage over the Packers, but unless they lose another game there is no shot the Saints can get it. All the Saints can do is focus on their schedule and if they win out, they at least will earn the two seed.
Rank Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3)
10 Prev. (4 ↓6)
Week 15 Result: 27-17 L against Cincinnati
Best Position: AFC North Victory
A couple of weeks ago it looked like a sure thing for the Steelers to win the division and they were fighting for the number one seed. Now, with three straight losses they are in a position where it is not even certain they will win the division. Three straight losses could easily turn into five straight losses with the Colts and the Browns still remaining. Luckily, they have already made the playoffs, but entering the playoffs as a wild card team and five straight losses will not do any good for this team. Pittsburgh needs some sort of momentum going into the playoffs and therefore need to win at least one, if not both of their final games. It would be great for Pittsburgh to get a home game, but right now they just need a victory and if they get one, they will most likely win the division.
Rank Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5)
11 Prev. (12 ↑1)
Week 15 Result: 31-27 W against Atlanta
Best Position: #5 Seed in the NFC
Tampa is eliminated from winning the division, but they control their own fate right now. They are not currently in the position to get that five seed but winning out as well as help from other teams they could get there. This would be the best scenario because then they would play whoever is the champion of the NFC East and though they should not be overlooked, the Bucs should have confidence. There is still a chance that they end up missing the playoffs, so winning these next two games is their only focus, if they do, they will be in the playoffs. The NFC West has the current five seed with either the Seahawks or the Rams, but don’t focus on them, focus on winning because some of the recent games have been a toss-up. Winning will ensure they enter the playoffs with some momentum.
Rank Miami Dolphins (9-5)
12 Prev. (13 ↑1)
Week 15 Result: 22-12 W against New England
Best Position: A Playoff Spot
Miami eliminated New England from playoff contention with a win this weekend, but they are still fighting for their own playoff lives. Currently, they own the seventh seed in the AFC, but over the next two games they play the Raiders who are still fighting for a spot and the Bills who are pushing for that one seed. Miami controls what happens to them, if they win both games then they are in no matter what happens, but if they lose one or both then the other teams could take a leap. Facing two teams who are fighting to either get into the playoffs or seeding will not make it easy to win, but they can’t rely on other teams to help them out. These will no question be the toughest games of the season for them and they still have a chance to get that five seed in the AFC, but winning the games is the only way to ensure a playoff spot.
Rank Los Angeles Rams (9-5)
13 Prev. (6 ↓7)
Week 15 Result: 23-20 L against New York Jets
Best Position: NFC West Victory
Unless the Rams go and win the Super Bowl this season there is almost no way, they will overcome the jokes of losing to the Jets this season. The Jets were three games away from 0-16 and now that dream is over, but even more concerning for the Rams is that they are now one game out of the division. Strictly looking this is not a major concern, but this is a minor issue because they play Seattle next week and they already have one win over Seattle, so if they win out then the division is theirs. That’s the key though, they have to win out, if they don’t there is a possibility, they miss the playoffs. While the loss to the will not directly affect them considering they are in separate conferences, it could be what ends up keeping them out of the playoffs. This upcoming game against Seattle will be what decides their season, a win and they are almost guaranteed a playoff spot, a loss and it’s up in the air.
Rank Arizona Cardinals (8-6)
14 Prev. (14 ⏤)
Week 15 Result: 33-26 W against Philadelphia
Best Position: NFC West Victory
Winning the division is very unlikely for Arizona, but it is still a possibility. The NFC West is only going up against the NFC West over the next two weeks, so things at least are in their control whether or not they make the playoffs. There will be a lot that needs to happen in order for Arizona to win the division, so let’s make it simple. Arizona wins out they are 10-6 with a 4-2 division record, the Rams win against Seattle and lose to Arizona they are 10-6 with a 3-3 division record, and Seattle loses out they go 10-6 with a 2-4 division record. It is very complicated but in this scenario the Cardinals will win the division, however, they can’t count on it, if they win out, they for sure make the playoffs so that’s what the focus is on.
Rank Washington Football Team (6-8)
15 Prev. (15 ⏤)
Week 15 Result: 20-15 L against Seattle
Best Position: NFC East Victory
Like the NFC West there is a battle for first place in the NFC East, the biggest difference is that there could be multiple teams from the west in the playoffs, the east can only send one team. It’s pretty simple how they are going to win the division, win out and there is no chance another team gets close. It is even possible for them to win the division if they lose out, but that is not the way they want to win it. Their next two games are very winnable, but they need to get the offense going. Last week without Alex Smith they did not look as confident on the offensive end, if he cannot play anymore, they need to do something to win. The Giants sit at 5-9, the Eagles sit at 4-9-1, and the Cowboys sit at 5-9. It is still possible that any of these teams win the division, but the only certain way Washington gets in the playoffs is to win out.
Rank Las Vegas Raiders (7-7)
16 Prev. (16 ⏤)
Week 15 Result: 30-27 L against Los Angeles Chargers
Best Position: #7 Seed in the AFC
Things are not looking good for Vegas entering the final two weeks of the season after a loss to the Chargers this week. Now they are sitting even further outside the playoff picture and they need all the help they can get. Yes, Vegas needs a ton of help, but they can only focus on themselves and it all starts with a victory next week against Miami. Defeating Miami would put them at 8-7 and though they would still be out of the playoff picture it would put them one game behind Miami. If they defeat Miami, they then have to defeat Denver to even have a chance, but it is not likely they make the playoffs. Don’t scoreboard watch during these games, leave that to everyone else, the only important thing is winning the games. If you don’t win you have no shot of making the playoffs, win the games and your limited chance becomes greater even though not good.
Rank Chicago Bears (7-7)
17 Prev. (22 ↑5)
Week 15 Result: 33-27 W against Minnesota
Best Position: A Playoff Spot
Early in the season it looked as though there would be almost locks to be in the playoffs, assuming their offense was up to the task. Well, their offense was not up to the task and they fell from 5-1 to 5-7 and were almost out of the playoff race. Now, they have won their last two games with very good offensive performances and they will continue to need those if they want to make the playoffs. Both wild card races are up for the taking right now so the only thing teams on the bubble can do is focus on themselves and their schedule. Chicago has Jacksonville and Green Bay coming up, so one win is almost certain, but it will likely take two wins to make the postseason. At this point they are in a decent position based on others schedules, but if they can’t win both their chances go way down.
Rank Minnesota Vikings (6-8)
18 Prev. (18 ⏤)
Week 15 Result: 33-27 W against Chicago
Best Position: A Playoff Spot
Losing to Chicago makes things really tough for Minnesota in the final weeks of the season, but there is still a chance to see the playoffs, assuming things fall their way. They have the Saints and the Lions coming up on their schedule, so they need both wins in order to even have a chance to see the postseason. Next week will be the toughest game because the Saints are pushing for that one seed in the NFC and the one thing that is going for them is that both of their final games are on the road. Minnesota has played much better on the road this season and both wins are vital if they want to see the playoffs. They currently sit in ninth place right now, but if they get help, they can make the playoffs, nothing will happen however, if they don’t win their final two games.
Rank New England Patriots (6-8)
19 Prev. (19 ⏤)
Week 15 Result: 22-12 L against Miami
Best Position: Get a True #1 Receiver
For the first time since 2008 the Patriots have failed to make the playoffs and that is in large part to the offense and their lack of ability to score. We don’t know what will be happening at the quarterback position next season, whether it will be Cam or someone different, but no matter who is at QB they need someone reliable they can throw the ball to. Next season the Pats should have a majority of their defense back out of the players who opted out, but if they want to make a run back to the playoffs, they need a wide out. This can be accomplished through either the draft or free agency, there are great receivers in both. Obviously, the free agents are more proven, but there is a chance to get a stud in the draft. Whatever route they choose to go they have to ensure they get a receiver which will help their offense.
Rank New York Giants (5-9)
20 Prev. (20 ⏤)
Week 15 Result: 20-6 L against Cleveland
Best Position: NFC East Victory
The Giants, just like every other team in the NFC East right now are right in the middle of a race to win the division. Losing their past two games has made winning the division less likely, but if they can manage to win their next two games there is still a shot. Facing the Ravens, and the Cowboys will not make those two wins easy considering both teams are looking to make the playoffs themselves, but they do have one thing going for them. If they manage to win one or both of their games and somehow finish with the same record as Washington, they have the tiebreaker as they won both games against them earlier this season. Their season really comes down to next week in Baltimore and with the way their offense has been playing recently they will need to have their best defensive game of the season for a chance to win.
Rank San Francisco 49ers (5-9)
21 Prev. (17 ↓4)
Week 15 Result: 41-33 L against Dallas
Best Position: Play Spoiler
We reach another team on this list who has no mathematic chance of making the playoffs, so now comes the argument of what is better, getting a better draft pick or playing spoiler for potential playoff teams. Depending on the situation I would usually say the draft picks, but over the next two weeks they can spoil two teams within their division. The 49ers are currently on a three-game losing streak so it may be tough to play spoiler but going against the Cardinals and Seahawks could give them extra motivation. They have a shot to not only take one team out of the playoffs, but maybe two, so there is a decent amount to play for. The key for the remainder of the season is to remain healthy and don’t bring certain players back from injury too soon because they are not needed. It would be great to play spoiler to one or two teams but remaining healthy before next season is the most important.
Rank Detroit Lions (5-9)
22 Prev. (21 ↓1)
Week 15 Result: 46-25 L against Tennessee
Best Position: Matthew Stafford Returns
Matthew Stafford is not an unrestricted free agent until 2023, but there is a potential out in his contract after this season. This means that Stafford may not be part of the Lions next season and while that may benefit him, it would not benefit the Lions whatsoever. The Lions would take on the most dead cap in NFL history if they decide to part ways with Stafford’s contract after this season. At this point you are going to be drafting a quarterback no matter what, so keep Stafford and let the rookie learn under him for at least one year or for the remainder of his contract. Stafford is the best chance the team has to win and unless you want to “tank” next season it would make no sense to get rid of Stafford. Keep him and get weapons around him to make the team better for the next quarterback.
Rank Philadelphia Eagles (4-9-1)
23 Prev. (23 ⏤)
Week 15 Result: 33-26 L against Arizona
Best Position: NFC East Victory
Philadelphia may have lost another game which almost puts them at double digit losses, but they are still in a battle for first place. There chances are slim though because they will need to win both games plus get some help along the way. Luckily, they play two teams within their division, so two wins could mean a division victory. They start with Dallas next week and if they can do that, they will have five wins and week 17 could turn into a fight for the division between them and Washington. They can only focus on their games, but they need Washington to lose to even have a shot at the division. Washington plays Carolina next week so if they lose every other NFC East team is still in the race, but if they win then Philly has no shot of winning the division.
Rank Los Angeles Chargers (5-9)
24 Prev. (25 ↑1)
Week 15 Result: 30-27 W against Las Vegas
Best Position: Get a New Head Coach
The Chargers have dealt with injury issues all season long and that is part of the reason they only have five wins; the other part is their head coach. Since becoming the head coach, Lynn has gone from 9-7, to 12-4, to currently two five-win seasons in a row. This could obviously change this season with two games remaining, but LA currently has a young team with a QB who looks to have shown he is the future of the team. Lynn may be good for mentoring the QB, but that is where the line is drawn. The clock management of this team has been awful, and it has cost them a good number of victories that could have had them at .500 this season. Lynn will no doubt get a job no matter where he goes and whether it is a head coach or coordinator, but his time in LA should be over after this season.
Rank Dallas Cowboys (5-9)
25 Prev. (28 ↑3)
Week 15 Result: 41-33 W against San Francisco
Best Position: NFC East Victory
The Cowboys are currently tied for second place in the division and they are only one game out of the division lead. Over the next two games they play two divisional opponents, but they do not play the division leader. Since they do not play the division leader, they have no direct control over their fate, so they just need to win both games for the best chance at a postseason appearance. They start out with Philadelphia and they end the season with the Giants, they key to winning both of those games is just what they have been doing over recent weeks, get the offense going. Their offense has been rolling over the last two games and if they keep that going then their chances of winning the division go up, but Philadelphia may be tough on the defensive side because Hurts has sparked that team. Go one game at a time and the division will still be in reach.
Rank Denver Broncos (5-9)
26 Prev. (24 ↓2)
Week 15 Result: 48-19 L against Buffalo
Best Position: Get a New Quarterback
Denver has some questions over the offseason entering the 2021 draft and maybe the biggest one is how they feel about Drew Lock. If they believe Lock is the permanent answer than drafting a QB in the first or second round foolish, but if they don’t have faith in Lock then getting a QB early in the draft may be the answer. There are some good QBs in this draft and potentially free agency, so what will the Broncos do? Well, these final two games of the season could determine Lock’s fate, if he plays well and wins the games, he should at least earn himself a starting job next season, but if that does not happen then who knows. They need more help than just a QB on the offensive end, but whenever teams struggle, they tend to go for the QB first so it will be interesting to see where the Broncos go.
Rank Carolina Panthers (4-10)
27 Prev. (26 ↓1)
Week 15 Result: 24-16 L against Green Bay
Best Position: Get a True Tight End
This one is very similar to their draft upgrade piece from last week, but the Panthers need a true tight end. They were spoiled for the past decade with the very reliable Greg Olsen and in their first season without him they hardly use their tight ends. Before that happens, they wouldn’t mind playing spoiler to Washington and pushing New Orleans even further down the totem pole, but they are looking forward to next season. Head Coach Matt Rhule looks to be a good fit at least early on, just because they don’t have a winning record does not mean they need to move on. They just need more weapons and that starts on the offensive end, Christian McCaffrey will be back and healthy, but having a true tight end will be the best news for Bridgewater. They need that guy on the offense who can take pressure of their receivers and their running backs, the sure-handed tight end is that guy.
Rank Atlanta Falcons (4-10)
28 Prev. (27 ↓1)
Week 15 Result: 31-27 L against Tampa Bay
Best Position: NFC East Victory Best Position: Re-Up the Defense
Atlanta could easily be over .500 or even a playoff team, but their defense has not been able to hold a lead. Their offense in some recent games has not been great, but that is no excuse for the defense playing the way they are. Many thought it was just a coaching issue, which it partly was, and they will have a new head coach next season, but it was also that they need a true overhaul on the defensive side. The NFL is a pass happy league and if you cannot defend the pass then you most likely will not be competitive. This is the problem with the Falcons, they have the 31st ranked pass defense in the league and this does not all boil down to the secondary, but what is certain is that they need help on the defensive side to become competitive once again.
Rank Cincinnati Bengals (3-10-1)
29 Prev. (30 ↑1)
Week 15 Result: 27-17 W against Pittsburgh
Best Position: Play Spoiler/Upgrade Offensive Line
The Bengals have a chance to play spoiler to a divisional opponent in Baltimore in week 17 and although Baltimore is not currently in the playoffs, they would love to knock them out. That will be big for them, but they are more worried about making their team better in the offseason. This all starts by upgrading the offensive line. Joe Burrow likely will not be ready for the start of the season, but he could return next season and it is likely that he will be a little less mobile than before. Whether he is back or not they will need help on that line because they have given up the second most sacks on the season. They will not be a team that can compete next season but getting an offensive line that can protect the QB and block for the run will be huge for the future of the franchise.
Rank Houston Texans (4-10)
30 Prev. (29 ↓1)
Week 15 Result: 27-20 L against Indianapolis
Best Position: Play Spoiler/Get a #1 Receiver
Imagine what Houston and Deshaun Watson would look like if they had a true #1 receiver, oh, wait we’ve seen that with DeAndre Hopkins. Offensively that would be great for Watson, but before they get there, they have a chance to play spoiler to a divisional team. Tennessee is still in a race for the division and they play the Packers next week and the Texans in the final week of the season. If the Titans lose to the Packers, they will be on the brink of the playoffs and Houston could push them off. That is for this season, but they are out of the race, so they are looking forward to the offseason. Getting a true number one receiver will not be what turns this team around, but not having a first-round draft pick for the foreseeable future, they need to go and get one in free agency.
Rank New York Jets (1-13)
31 Prev. (32 ↑1)
Week 15 Result: 23-20 W against Los Angeles Rams
Best Position: Get a #1 Receiver
The Jets did the impossible and they won their first game of the season, while that is great now, they do not have the #1 draft pick. This may be a blessing in disguise (or not) because the Jets do not have any weapons surrounding their current QB. This does not mean they are not going to draft a QB, but they need tons of help on the offensive side. They can get offensive linemen through the draft, but they need players to get the ball to for Darnold. Now, if they are giving up on Darnold then okay, but they need true receivers, something they have not had in a long time. The Jets are still a while away from competing in the division but getting a true receiver to go along with linemen will be the first step to rebuilding.
Rank Jacksonville Jaguars (1-13)
32 Prev. (31 ↓1)
Week 15 Result: 40-14 L against Baltimore
Best Position: Get a Franchise QB
The Jaguars seem to have given up on the Gardner Minshew long term project, so the next logical step would be to draft a QB early in the first round. With the Jets win this weekend they now own the rights to the #1 pick and that means that Trevor Lawrence will most likely be available come draft time. Will Trevor Lawrence be the answer to their problems, we don’t know but what we do know is that the Jaguars need more help than just a QB. Getting a franchise QB is great, but if you don’t go out and give him help then the QB does nothing. This is a situation the Jaguars are in because a QB will not be the end move, they need weapons around him on the offensive line and on the outside and that will be the best way for the Jaguars to work with a new QB.