Benigno's Best: Week 15 NFL Power Rankings
1. Green Bay Packers 13-0 (1)
The Packer train just keeps on rolling, 19 in a row now after a 46-16 pasting of the Raiders in Super Bowl II rematch. Just can't see where this team is going to lose. Injury to Greg Jennings hurts, but he should be ready for the playoffs.
Next: @ Chiefs
2. New Orleans Saints 10-3 (2)
New Orleans clinches playoff spot with gutty win in Nashville. With two more TD passes, Drew Brees continues his chase of Johnny U's consecutive TD pass record. These guys may have best shot at Packers.
Next: @ Vikings
3. Baltimore Ravens 10-3 (3)
Baltimore with a walk in the park Sunday in beating winless Colts. Another 100 yard plus rushing day for Ray Rice. Big day for Terrell Suggs with three sacks and three forced fumbles.
Next: @ Chargers
4. Houston Texans 10-3 (5)
Historic win for Houston in Cincy. Not only does T.J. Yates hit Kevin Walter for game-winner with two seconds left, but Texans clinch first-ever division title and playoff spot with seventh straight win.
Next: vs. Panthers
5. New England Patriots 10-3 (6)
Skins give Pats more trouble than expected in first ever win in Washington. Rob Gronkowski now with 15 TD catches, setting all-time tight end record. What about that shouting match with Brady and his offensive coordinator?
Next: @ Broncos
6. Pittsburgh Steelers 10-3 (7)
Gutty performance by "Big Ben," playing on one leg in second half of win over Browns. We'll see if he misses any time. Center Maurkice Pouncey also hurt. When is James Harrison going to stop hitting quarterbacks in the head?
Next: @ 49ers
7. San Francisco 49ers 10-3 (4)
Niners with division clinching hangover in loss to Cardinals in desert, which could wind up costing them first round bye. Steelers next on the docket. Eleven Super Bowl wins between these two storied franchises.
Next: vs. Steelers
8. Denver Broncos 8-5 (8)
The Tebows just keep getting it done, now 7-1 with Tim as starter, with third OT win this year in comeback win versus Bears. Broncos now all alone in first in AFC West. John Fox should send Marion Barber a game ball.
Next: vs. Patriots
9. New York Jets 8-5 (10)
Jets send Todd Haley to unemployment line with beat down of inept Chiefs. Gang Green now in control of playoff destiny, after Bengals, Titans and Raiders all lose. Jim Leonhard injury hurts.
Next: @ Eagles
10. Atlanta Falcons 8-5 (unranked)
Atlanta remains in playoff spot with super come-from-behind win in Carolina. Big day for Matt Ryan with four TD passes as Falcs overcome 23-7 deficit.
Next: vs. Jaguars
Fading Out: Tennessee Titans
Closing In: Detroit Lions, New York Giants
Do you take issue with Joe's Top 10? Make your case in the comments below...
