NFL Power Rankings: Does Your Team Crack Top-4?
By Joe Wedra
Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) leaves the field following the win against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
It’s NFL Divisional Playoffs time – the perfect time to publish the one last NFL Power Rankings heading into one of the biggest weekends of the year. In the next few slides, read why it’s the New England Patriots that teams need to be worried about.
(7-8-1). Previous: . Carolina Panthers. 8. team. 87. It’s odd to say a team in the 8th spot has a huge chance to pull the upset, but that’s just the case this week. Despite questions surrounding the offensive line and rushing attack, Carolina has gotten hot at the right time and is proving that the regular season wasn’t a true indicator of how good they can be. If it weren’t for the impressive talent of the other seven, Carolina wouldn’t be at the bottom — getting going at this time of the year can be dangerous.
26. It may not be pretty, but the Ravens find a way to get to the playoffs and make noise year after year. In 2015, Gary Kubiak’s offensive game-plan has sparked several players including the seemingly ageless Steve Smith Sr. At some point this team is going to drop the ball in the playoffs. Will the Patriots be the team that finally stops Flacco and Co. in the postseason?. (10-6). Previous: . Baltimore Ravens. 7. team
team. 123. These guys probably shouldn’t be here in the first place, so being this high in the rankings is already a feat accomplished. DeMarco Murray needs to carry the rock more for success, the pass rush needs to be consistent, and the defensive backfield has to play greater than their talent says they should. This offense can match Green Bay’s if they fire on all cylinders. The key here will ultimately be putting all three aspects of the game together.. (12-4). Previous: . Dallas Cowboys. 6
team. 45. It’s time to get real when analyzing this Denver team. Can they really make a run at the Super Bowl having to go head-to-head against elite offenses? After watching underwhelming late-season performances against Buffalo, Miami, and St. Louis, it’s hard to put any trust into this unit as a whole. They may beat Indianapolis, but the matchup certainly says they won’t.. (12-4). Previous: . Denver Broncos. 5