The top-two teams in our power rankings from last week each suffered losses in Week 14. so, will that be enough to cause a shakeup at the top of the list this week? Well, the Atlanta Falcons had been holding strong at the No.2 spot, but they really didn’t look good on the road against Carolina this past Sunday.
As for last week’s No.3 team, they dropped 42-14 to last week’s No.3 team. The Houston Texans had a big opportunity to increase their lead in the AFC for home field advantage, but were blown out at home by the New England Patriots.
Let’s take a look and see how the rankings look this week.
1. New England Patriots
We have a new team atop our NFL power rankings this week. For the first time all season the Patriots are No.1. They just two slots over the Falcons and Texans, despite having a slightly inferior record. But it’s hard to argue the performance that Tom Brady and company put up against a good Houston defense. We fully expect the Patriots to contend hard for another Super Bowl given the way that they are playing right now.
2. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons fall just one spot after suffering only their second loss of the season. It was an ugly start though, as they were down 23-0 in the third quarter. The final was 30-20, but it was a bad day on offense and defense for Atlanta. We will see how they respond this week, with a huge game against the New York Giants.
3. Houston Texans
When the Texans lose, they lose bad. Houston has just a pair of losses on the season, but are by a combined score of 84-38. That is an average margin of defeat by 24 points. Those losses happened to come against Green Bay and New England, two teams that can certainly put up points. But if Houston is going to make a Super bowl run, they might have to see the Patriots for a second time.
4. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers got back on the winning side of things, and are still in contention for the top seed in the NFC. San Francisco is only one game up in the NFC West though over Seattle. They have a dog fight on their hands the rest of the way, and it should be a fun division to watch. It’s certainly much closer than anyone expected.
5. New York Giants
The Giants showed once again why they are still one of the best teams in the league. New York blew out New Orleans on Sunday and continue to hold a one-game lead over Dallas and Washington in the NFC East. New York has big game this upcoming Sunday in Week 15 against the Atlanta Falcons.