NFL power rankings Week 15

Mark Maske assesses the league’s top teams.

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1. Packers (13-0)

Will WR Greg Jennings's knee injury make Coach Mike McCarthy wary and lead him to sit down key starters once the top seed in the NFC playoffs is secured instead of chasing an undefeated season?

DARREN HAUCK / Reuters

2. Ravens (10-3)

They're in the top 10 in the league rankings in both scoring offense and scoring defense, demonstrating the sort of balance that makes them a team with a serious chance to make a run deep into the postseason.

Nick Wass / AP

3. Steelers (10-3)

The issue now becomes the soundness of Ben Roethlisberger's ailing ankle.

David W Dermer / AP

4. Saints (10-3)

They are emerging as the top threat to the Packers in the NFC postseason field.

Wesley Hitt / Getty Images

5. Patriots (10-3)

It's Tom Brady vs. Tim Tebow this weekend in Denver. Who would've thought that would be a possible playoff preview?

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

6. Texans (10-3)

They have secured their first-ever playoff berth and, better yet for them, it appears that rookie T.J. Yates might be a quarterback capable of winning a postseason game or two.

Al Behrman / AP

7. 49ers (10-3)

The loss to the Cardinals suddenly leaves room to wonder if they can maintain the level at which they've played all season.

Norm Hall / Getty Images

8. Jets (8-5)

No one is paying all that much attention but they've won three in a row and are in position to reach the playoffs for a third straight year under Coach Rex Ryan.

Kathy Willens / AP

9. Broncos (8-5)

Are there any non-Tebow believers left?

Jack Dempsey / AP

10. Falcons (8-5)

They and the Lions have moved in front in the NFC wild-card chase.

CHRIS KEANE / Reuters

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