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It was only a month ago that the Kansas City Chiefs were ahead of the Denver Broncos in some sets of 2014 NFL power rankings. Reality has begun to set in over the past few weeks as the Chiefs went on a three-game losing streak and now stand on the outside looking in of the AFC playoff picture.
I decided to do my own set of power rankings this week. I don't normally do this so there are no previous versions to compare this to. Let's hop into it and see how I have the teams ranked. Put your biggest disagreements in the comments section.
The best teams in the NFL
1. New England Patriots (11-3)
You could put any of my top four teams at No. 1 and I wouldn't argue too much about it.
2. Green Bay Packers (10-4)
Don't care all that much about a loss to Buffalo, whose defensive line and secondary has been dominating fools. The Packers other 13 games are pretty damn good. By the way, they would be in the sixth seed if the playoffs started today.
3. Denver Broncos (11-3)
People are worrying about the passing game but I see a team that just became more than a one-dimensional passing offense. They can run the ball now.
4. Seattle Seahawks (10-4)
After all the talk this year about the Seahawks falling back to Earth and yet the homefield advantage is still in play for them.
These teams are playoff-caliber
5. Indianapolis Colts (10-4)
Andrew Luck is good enough to get them there. I'm not sure they have the pieces to put together four straight wins in the playoffs.
6. Dallas Cowboys (10-4)
This team has weapons. They're more balanced than Indy. I just always feel like the Cowboys will blow it though.
7. Arizona Cardinals (11-3)
I continue to underestimate Bruce Arians and the Cardinals. They probably should be higher. But they're working with their third string quarterback now.
8. Philadelphia Eagles (9-5)
I have no idea where to rank the Eagles. They would be out if the playoffs started today.
9. Detroit Lions (10-4)
Are you aware that this is the NFL's No. 1 defense?
10. Cincinnati Bengals (9-4-1)
The run of three straight AFC North teams. Nope, I don't know how to rank these teams either.
11. Baltimore Ravens (9-5)
Baltimore losing would be good for the Chiefs playoff chances. They finish at Houston and hosting Cleveland.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5)
By Sunday afternoon we'll know whether it should be the Steelers or Chiefs first.
13. Kansas City Chiefs (8-6)
Twelve teams make the playoffs. So doesn't it feel right that the Chiefs are sitting just outside at No. 13 right now?
14. San Diego Chargers (8-6)
By Sunday afternoon in Week 17, we'll know whether it should be the Chargers or Chiefs first.
The best of the rest
Must Reads
15. Buffalo Bills (8-6)
Kyle Orton, the Packer killer. Remember when the Chiefs did that to the unbeaten Packers in 2011? One of three Kyle Orton games that year.
16. San Francisco 49ers (7-7)
How would you react if someone in your office just couldn't work with someone else so they had to quit even though they were really good? I would say grow the F up. You're an adult and you can't work with others!
17. St. Louis Rams (6-8)
You know they're finishing 8-8.
18. Houston Texans (7-7)
JJ Watt ... most fun player to watch in the NFL right now? Him not knowing former Chief Will Svitek's name after dominating him was awesome.
19. Miami Dolphins (7-7)
Mike Tannenbaum is hanging around the Dolphins owner, huh? Probably not good for their current leadership.
20. Minnesota Vikings (6-8)
Teddy is 5-5 on the season completing 63.5 percent of his passes. Not bad.
21. Cleveland Browns (7-7)
Should've been playing Johnny Football all season.
22. New Orleans Saints (6-8)
The Saints were 10-point favorites visiting the 7-9 division winning Seahawks in the 2010 NFL playoffs. The Seahawks beat them. So the Saints will win the division this year at 7-9 and then beat the Seahawks in the playoffs. Because football.
23. Atlanta Falcons (5-9)
What a disappointing season for Atlanta.
24. Carolina Panthers (5-8-1)
Even more disappointing season for Carolina. They had a first round bye last year.
25. New York Giants (5-9)
If Eli Manning became a free agent, how many teams would try to sign him? Put your guess in the comments.
26. Chicago Bears (5-9)
They are so bad and everyone knew the Jay Cutler deal was horrible the minute it was signed. I guess they were stuck but still. They're screwed for a while.
With the first pick in the 2015 draft...
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-12)
Dream spot for a rookie quarterback to land with Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson and a veteran head coach in Lovie Smith.
28. New York Jets (3-11)
Like Jim Harbaugh, Rex Ryan is a better coach than this.
29. Washington Redskins (3-11)
They're awful.
30. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12)
At least they've got a quarterback they want to believe in.
31. Oakland Raiders (2-12)
As His Dirkness said, the best moment of the 2015 draft will be when the Raiders pass on a quarterback for Derek Carr.
32. Tennessee Titans (2-12)
Can't believe I'm arguing they're more hopeless than the Raiders. But that game against the Jets was some of the saddest stuff I've seen. Won't someone think of the Titans fans who have to watch this?!