NFL power rankings: 49ers drop, Patriots rise entering Week 16

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Free safety Ricardo Allen #37 of the Atlanta Falcons tackles tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Levi's Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Free safety Ricardo Allen #37 of the Atlanta Falcons tackles tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Levi's Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Tae Davis, Browns
Linebacker Tae Davis #55 of the Cleveland Browns (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

NFL power rankings, Nos. 20-11

54. . 7-7. Previous: . Philadelphia Eagles. 20. team

W, 37-27 @ Redskins

It’s crazy to think the Eagles are now technically leading the NFC East after beating the Redskins in strange, weird fashion.

Yeah, the NFC East stinks. Philly will see who stinks less in Week 16 versus the Cowboys.

6-8. Previous: . Cleveland Browns. 19. team. 53.

L, 38-24 @ Cardinals

Remember all those Browns problems? Want to understand a deeper reason why Cleveland falls deeper in our NFL power rankings?

Just ask NFL Network’s Mike Silver:

Yikes.

46. . 6-8. Previous: . Indianapolis Colts. 18. team

L, 34-7 @ Saints

Let’s face it, the Colts had zero business beating the Saints on Monday Night Football. It was going to be a night all about the future Hall of Famer, Drew Brees.

And Indy’s chances to make the playoffs disappeared in prime time, but that was the distant part of the story.

Las Vegas Raiders. 17. team. 28. . 6-8. Previous:

L, 20-16 vs. Jaguars

What a way for the Raiders to send off the Coliseum, at least in terms of its football usage.

Head coach Jon Gruden’s squad officially said goodbye to Oakland in sputtering fashion, and the team’s stretch-run efforts have also been nothing more than sputtering, dropping the Raiders in our NFL power rankings.

It’s hard to blame the fans for being frustrated, although there was no shortage of ugly moments at the game’s conclusion.

16. team. 48. . 7-7. Previous: . Tampa Bay Buccaneers

W, 38-17 @ Lions

Let’s admit this, the Buccaneers are never dull or boring. They always give you something to talk about, and quarterback Jameis Winston proved that again.

Wide receiver Chris Godwin suffering a likely season-ending hamstring injury stinks, though. He was having an excellent year.

Chicago Bears. 15. team. 57. . 7-7. Previous:

L, 21-13 @ Packers

Just when you think Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky turned a page, he goes into Green Bay and puts up yet another one of those performances which make Chicago fans wonder why the team traded up to No. 2 overall to get him. Passing on quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson in the process.

No, that narrative isn’t going away anytime soon.

7-7. Previous: . Dallas Cowboys. 14. team. 123.

W, 44-21 vs. Rams

No. 14 might seem a bit too high in our NFL power rankings for the Cowboys, who have been up and down all season and still don’t lead the lowly NFC East right now. But for the level of inconsistency Dallas has had this year, pulling off a huge win in crunch time over the Rams is a vital and much-needed step.

Let’s see if the Cowboys can keep that momentum rolling.

55. . 8-6. Previous: . Pittsburgh Steelers. 13. team

L, 17-10 vs. Bills

It’s crazy to think the Steelers are still holding onto a playoff berth despite their Week 15 loss to the Bills and third-string quarterback Devlin Hodges tossing four interceptions. He might not be the answer, neither was Mason Rudolph. Ben Roethlisberger is probably giggling somewhere right now.

51. . 8-6. Previous: . Los Angeles Rams. 12. team

L, 44-21 @ Cowboys

Los Angeles suffered a serious setback by losing in Week 15, and now head coach Sean McVay’s squad has to get some help down the stretch in addition to winning out.

The Rams will be watching closely what happens with the current No. 6 seed, the Vikings.

Tennessee Titans. 11. team. 35. . 8-6. Previous:

L, 24-21 vs. Texans

Gosh, this loss hurt the Titans a lot and far more than just in the NFL power rankings entering Week 16, which forces Tennessee out of the top 10.

The Titans now find themselves a game behind the now-AFC South-leading Texans before having to face off against the high-powered Saints this upcoming week. While Tennessee gets one more game against Houston to close out the season, one has to wonder if this loss at home could ultimately cost the Titans the division and a playoff spot.

Currently, Tennessee is on the outside, looking in as the No. 7 seed.