NFL Power Rankings Week Fifteen: Packers Going Wire To Wire

The Green Bay Packers have been as close to an unbeatable team as the NFL has seen in its history. Green Bay started their run at the end of last season, won all of their games in the playoffs, including the Super Bowl, and then won their first thirteen games this season.

The Kansas City Chiefs put an end to the invincibility factor when they handed the Packers their first loss in over a calendar year, but the Packers responded this past Sunday with a win over Chicago. Green Bay, thanks to that victory over the Bears, stays on top this week in the Power Rankings, and is poised to become the first team ever to go wire to wire in the top spot for a full season.

San Francisco won again this past weekend, moving the 49ers to the number two spot in the rankings. San Francisco has been perhaps the most consistent team in the league outside of Green Bay. The 49ers have the leagues top ranked defense, and the offense relies heavily on Frank Gore and the running game. San Francisco can clinch a first round bye this week if they win.

New England was impressive again Sunday, erasing an early double-digit deficit against the Dolphins. The Patriots are in control of their own fate in the AFC. If New England beats Buffalo this weekend, they will secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs. A loss to the Bills opens the door for the Ravens or Steelers to steal the top spot.

New Orleans is at four this week after routing the Falcons Monday night. Drew Brees set the single season passing record in that game, and the Saints are still hoping to steal a first round bye away from the 49ers.

Baltimore moves up to number five this week after narrowly escaping with a win over divisional rival Cleveland. The Ravens will earn at least a first round bye if they beat Cincinnati this week, while the Ravens could drop to the five position with a loss and a Steelers win over the Browns. Pittsburgh rounds out the top six in this week's rankings.

Detroit showed they were over their mid-season slump when they trounced San Diego and clinched a playoff spot Sunday. The Lions come in at number seven, with the sliding Houston Texans dropping to eight. The Texans have lost two straight, their latest an embarrassing loss to Indianapolis.

Cincinnati moves back into the top ten at number nine, and can secure a playoff berth with a win at home against Baltimore. The Bengals can still make it to the playoffs with a loss and help from the Raiders, Jets, and Titans.

Atlanta's beating Monday night at the hands of the Saints, cost themselves a chance at the NFC South division title. The Falcons have already qualified for the playoffs, and may open up back in New Orleans in two weeks. Atlanta closes out the top ten.

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