NFL Top 5 Power Rankings for Week 15

The 2021-22 NFL season has been a wild ride. The news networks have had whirlwind discussions about COVID-19 outbreaks and the implications on this week's football games. How will this affect the Saints?

SI Editorial | Dec 19, 2021

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The news networks have had whirlwind discussions about COVID-19 outbreaks and the implications on this week's football games. Games have been postponed to Tuesday to give players time to rest and recover from the Corona Virus.

The virus has hit the Saints multiple times, and now Coach Sean Payton is out with COVID-19 for the second time. New Orleans meet the Buccaneers this week and are double-digit underdogs. This game is a must-win for the Saints as the Bucs are close to clinching the NFC South. The Saints have dominated the division the past four seasons.

New Orleans will face Tampa Bay without Ryan Ramczyk and Terron Armstead, but more importantly, without head coach Sean Payton. Playoff hopes for the Saints are still alive, but can Alvin Kamara carry the team again this week?

Here are your NFL Top 5 Power Rankings for Week 15 as new number one takes the throne.

USATSI_17363564 — Micah Hyde steps in front of Packers receiver Malik Taylor for an interception, killing a scoring chance. Jamie Germano Poy 22

1. Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals keep trading places as the top team, but the Packers take the throne after a 40-35 win over the Chicago Bears. Aaron Rodgers had a spectacular game throwing for 341 yards, four touchdowns, and not a single interception.

Aaron Jones is also looking healthier just in time for their playoff push. Green Bay currently sits at 10-3 atop the NFC.

USATSI_17373734 — Caption:Indianapolis Colts defensive end Kwity Paye (51) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021. Indianapolis Colts Host Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Also sitting at 10-3 are Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Bucs. The Bucs have put together a couple of nice wins lately, and some of their key contributors are starting to get hot. Leonard Fournette had another big game with 113 yards rushing and a touchdown, and Chris Godwin had 105 yards receiving on ten catches.

Tampa Bay has been flying under the radar, which is crazy to think about the defending champs. They are still dangerous and the team to beat heading into the playoffs.

USATSI_17363738 — Dec 13, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3), linebacker Isaiah Simmons (9), and cornerback Robert Alford (23) tackle Los Angeles Rams running back Sony Michel (25) at State Farm Stadium. Nfl Los Angeles Rams At Arizona Cardinals

3. Arizona Cardinals

The New England Patriots remain at number 4 coming off of their bye week. New England looks to have returned to their steady winning ways by winning seven games in a row. What makes it even more impressive is that they’re doing it with a rookie quarterback and a lack of offensive weapons.

The Patriots’ rebuild has been on fast-forward this year, and New England looks like a legit playoff team.

USATSI_17382387 — New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (25) rushes the ball against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis

4. New England Patriots

The New England Patriots remain at number 4 coming off of their bye week. New England looks to have returned to their steady winning ways by winning 7 games in a row. What makes it even more impressive is that they’re doing it with a rookie quarterback and a lack of offensive weapons.

The Patriots’ rebuild has been put on "fast forward" this year as New England looks like a legit playoff team.

USATSI_17371314 — Dec 16, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs the ball for a touchdown ahead of Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (42) during overtime at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

5. Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs sit at number 5 after demolishing the NFC West rival Las Vegas Raiders 48-9. The offense appears to have found their high-scoring ways by putting up five total touchdowns, two passing, and three rushing.

The defense also helped out with a fumble recovered for a touchdown at the game's beginning. Kansas City is gaining momentum for the playoffs.

USATSI_17349395 — Taysom Hill, of the New Orleans Saints, runs past a New York Jets defender as he runs toward the goal line for his first of two fourth quarter touchdowns. Sunday, December 12, 2021 Jets Host Saints

18. New Orleans Saints

After going winless in November, the New Orleans Saints defeated the Jets 30-9. Taysom Hill had a positive game with 175 yards passing and another 73 yards rushing.

Alvin Kamara returned after missing several games and nearly had 150 offensive yards. New Orleans isn’t entirely out of their slump yet. However, they still need to overcome some critical injuries if they want to make the playoffs.

The most significant blow is to be without their leader and head coach Sean Payton who has COVID-19 for a second time. Prayers are with you, Coach Payton. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will be interim head coach and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael will call the plays.

The Saints take on the Buccaneers in a divisional matchup on NBC and Peacock tonight at 7:00 PM CT Kickoff is expected at 7:20 PM CT. New Orleans area fans can also listen live WWL-870 AM and 105.3 FM.

Saints-Bucs Coverage From the Week

Published Dec 19, 2021

SI EDITORIAL