Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL Power Rankings: Looking at All 32 Teams Entering Week 15

By Peter Panacy

Dec 11, 2016; Green Bay, WS, USA; Green Bay Packers player Clay Matthews offers a helping hand to Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson after knocking him to the ground in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory credit: Dan Powers/Post-Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK
Dec 11, 2016; Green Bay, WS, USA; Green Bay Packers player Clay Matthews offers a helping hand to Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson after knocking him to the ground in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory credit: Dan Powers/Post-Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) catches a pass from New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (not seen) and runs for a touchdown agains the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) catches a pass from New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (not seen) and runs for a touchdown agains the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /

New England Patriots. 1. team. 47. . 11-2.

What a way to win in a prime-time Monday Night Football matchup.

The Patriots slide into the No. 1 spot in our NFL power rankings this week, thanks largely to this tough-fought bout with the Ravens and the 30-23 victory.

Quarterback Tom Brady continues to do Brady-like things, and he finished with three passing touchdowns for a 116.8 passer rating on the night. As long as he’s under center, the Patriots have to remain favorites in the AFC.

More from Niner Noise

New England and Dallas are two teams who could, essentially, be interchangeable at the top of power rankings. But what separates the Patriots into the No. 1 spot — revealed in the spotlight of a prime-time game — is Brady’s ability and experience. The Patriots have a better defense as well.

The Patriots’ most challenging game left on the schedule is a Week 15 bout with the Denver Broncos.

If they win that, the Patriots could easily finish 2016 with a 14-2 record and have a clear road to yet another Super Bowl berth.