http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/powerranking...on=2005&week=15Power Rankings: Patriots back in top 10ESPN.comESPN.com's Power RankingsThis week's rankings were determined by a poll of ESPN.com's NFL staff: writers John Clayton, Len Pasquarelli, Michael Smith, NFL Insider Jeremy Green, Scouts Inc., and ESPN.com NFL editors Peter Lawrence-Riddell and James C. Black.There was no movement in the top four in this week's Power Rankings, with the Colts, Seahawks, Broncos and Bengals all holding steady. But after that, there was some shuffling, with the Buccaneers (No. 11 to No. 5) and the Giants (No. 9 to No. 6) each making strong moves forward.Another team moving its way back up the rankings is the defending champion Patriots, who moved back into the top 10 for the first time since losing to the Colts in Week 9.While the Bucs, Giants and Patriots jumped up, the Chargers dropped from No. 6 to No. 11. The Chargers might have one of the NFL's toughest schedules, but if they don't get in the playoffs they'll have nothing to blame but their inability to win close games (2-5 in games decided by six points or less). Yes, the Chargers are clearly among the six most talented teams in the AFC, but that won't matter all that much if they miss out on the playoffs.One other thing to touch on this week. It has become increasingly clear after doing these rankings for the last 13 weeks that the NFL is divided down the middle between good teams and bad teams, with almost no one in the middle. Just look at the rankings. From No. 1-17 you have teams that are legitimately in the playoff hunt. At No. 18 (Dolphins), you have a team that has an outside shot, but is basically just trying to get to .500. After that, you fall off a cliff. There is no middle ground in the NFL this year. You're either good or bad.On to the rankings. Also, you can rank the teams yourself with SportsNation's NFL Power Rankings.2005 Power Rankings: Week 15 RK (LW) TEAM REC COMMENT 1 (1) Colts 13-0-0 Go for 16-0 or rest? We'll leave it to Tony Dungy to make the right call for his team. 2 (2) Seahawks 11-2-0 It's funny how rapidly things change. This time last year, Mike Holmgren was an 'idiot.' Now, there's sentiment for a contract extension. 3 (3) Broncos 10-3-0 Christmas certainly came early this year. First Kyle Boller gift wraps one, then fellow AFC West foes provide a cushion in the standings. 4 (4) Bengals 10-3-0 Willie Anderson, in his 10th year with the Bengals, said after the team's win Sunday that he hadn't been on a team that won 10 games since his second year in college. 5 (11) Buccaneers 9-4-0 The Bucs are clearly a much different -- and more dangerous -- team when Cadillac Williams is operating at full speed. 6 (9) Giants 9-4-0 He's not going to win, but Tiki Barber certainly deserves a mention in any MVP talk. 7 (5) Panthers 9-4-0 Pretty big stumble by the Panthers, who essentially had a chance to put away the NFC South with a win over the Bucs. 8 (7) Bears 9-4-0 We understand the questions surrounding Kyle Orton. But what has Rex Grossman done to make anyone think he's the answer? 9 (12) Patriots 8-5-0 It sounds like he's fine, but Tom Brady limping off the field Sunday after his TD run had to be every Patriots fan's worst nightmare. 10 (8) Jaguars 9-4-0 We've harped on it before, but the Jaguars' remaining schedule is ridiculously easy (vs. 49ers, at Texans, vs. Titans). 11 (6) Chargers 8-5-0 Marty Schottenheimer said Sunday's loss doesn't define the Chargers' season. Given their 2-5 record in games decided by six points or less, we disagree. 12 (13) Steelers 8-5-0 There's just something right about watching Jerome Bettis rumble down the field in the snow in December. That's Steelers football. 13 (14) Cowboys 8-5-0 A week after having arguably his worst game of the season Drew Bledsoe bounced back with arguably his best in a game the Cowboys had to win. 14 (15) Vikings 8-5-0 We've heard some Brad Johnson-for-MVP talk. That's a bit of a stretch. But it's hard to ignore the Vikings' record with him (6-0) and without him (2-5). MVP? No. But maybe second-half MVP, if there was such a thing. 15 (16) Falcons 8-5-0 Sounds like Michael Vick is going to be OK to play against the Bears this weekend. But if he's limited at all, he'll be in for a long night against a defense that will chase him all over the field. 16 (10) Chiefs 8-5-0 Talk about letting one slip through your fingers. Patrick Surtain dropped a potential 'Pick 6' in the fourth quarter that could have sealed Sunday's game. 17 (17) Redskins 7-6-0 If, and it's a big if, the Redskins win out, they'll have a 5-1 division record and a 10-2 conference record, putting them in pretty good shape for tiebreakers. 18 (18) Dolphins 6-7-0 OK, we take back what we said last week about Sage Rosenfels starting ahead of Gus Frerotte. 19 (20) Eagles 5-8-0 The Eagles are officially the fifth straight Super Bowl loser to miss the playoffs the following season. Of the four before them, two made it back to the playoffs (Giants, Rams) the year after missing out, and the Panthers appear on their way. 20 (23) Browns 4-9-0 Charlie Frye has shown enough in the last two games to give Browns fans something to be excited about. 21 (19) Rams 5-8-0 Ryan Fitzpatrick's feel-good intro to the league in Week 12 has quickly been replaced with a harsh 'welcome to the league, rook!' 22 (26) Titans 4-9-0 The Power Rankings have been tough on him a few times this season, but rookie CB Pacman Jones deserves some praise this week for turning in the play of the game (a 52-yard punt return for a touchdown) in the Titans' win over the Texans. 23 (25) Ravens 4-9-0 So, Brian Billick and Jamal Lewis aren't talking to each other? Sounds like a healthy working environment. 24 (24) Cardinals 4-9-0 The whole parity concept escapes the Cards, who have now had losing campaigns in 16 of the past 18 seasons. 25 (21) Raiders 4-9-0 One and done? There's already talk of Marques Tuiasosopo being replaced next weekend. What a sad state of affairs! 26 (22) Bills 4-9-0 Since declaring himself the best back in the NFL, Willis McGahee has carried the ball 133 times for 428 yards in seven games. That just 61 yards per game and 3.22 yards per carry. That doesn't fit our definition of the best. 27 (29) Packers 3-10-0 The fumbling issues have to make you a little nervous if you're a Packers fan, but Samkon Gado (171 yards and a TD vs. the Lions) is a playmaker. 28 (27) Saints 3-10-0 Aaron Brooks is playing and talking like a guy who probably won't be the Saints QB next year. 29 (31) Jets 3-10-0 To all Jets fans upset that Sunday's win might have knocked them out of the Reggie Bush sweepstakes, just remember what Herman Edwards said: 'You play to win the game.' 30 (28) Lions 4-9-0 Roy Williams wondered the other day if the Lions were 'cursed.' If by cursed he means a team with poor management and underachieving players, then maybe he's right. 31 (31) 49ers 2-11-0 Local headline: 'Battle high on Nolan's wish list for 2006.' Is this a reference to Arnez Battle or the team actually playing competitive football? 32 (32) Texans 1-12-0 If the Texans end up with the No. 1 overall pick and Reggie Bush, Kris Brown will certainly have his own special place in franchise history.
