Week 16 Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, plus the most underrated standout on each team
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SEA | TB | TEN | WSHWeek 15 ranking: 1
Most underrated star: CB L’Jarius Sneed
The rookie has not only been as dependable as one could expect of a fourth-round draft pick from Louisiana Tech, but he has also been a playmaker. Sneed is third on the Chiefs in interceptions, with three, despite missing six games because of a broken collarbone. He had an interception, a sack and three passes broken up in Sunday’s three-point win over Drew Brees and the Saints. — Adam Teicher
Week 15 ranking: 3
Week 15 ranking: 2
An NFL All-Rookie Team selection at left guard last season, Jenkins has played everywhere on the line except right guard this season. That’s right: He has played left guard, left tackle, right tackle and center. “That kid’s special to do that,” Packers guard Lucas Patrick said. “I’ve never been around a player — high school, college or this level — to do that.” Since Corey Linsley’s Week 12 knee injury, Jenkins has started at center, a spot that could become his permanent home if the Packers don’t re-sign Linsley after this season. — Rob Demovsky
Week 15 ranking: 5
1:25
Matthew Berry admits that Ryan Tannehill isn’t as flashy as Kyler Murray or Deshaun Watson, but Berry still considers Tannehill a legitimate QB1.
Week 15 ranking: 8
Week 15 ranking: 4
Week 15 ranking: 10
Week 15 ranking: 7
Week 15 ranking: 11
Week 15 ranking: 9
Week 15 ranking: 12
Week 15 ranking: 13
Week 15 ranking: 6
Everything you need this week:
• Full schedule » | Standings »
• Depth charts for every team »
• Transactions » | Injuries »
• Football Power Index rankings »
More NFL coverage »Most underrated star: S John Johnson III
On a top-ranked defense that includes star defensive tackle Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Johnson doesn’t garner much attention. However, as the defensive signal-caller, the fourth-year pro has been critical to the unit’s success. He has played 100% of the snaps, and he has a team-high 95 tackles and seven pass breakups. “When you have those safeties that have that high football capacity and great command over everything that’s going on, it’s not the norm,” coach Sean McVay said of Johnson’s signal-calling duties. “But John Johnson is kind of an outlier in terms of his versatility as a player.” — Lindsey Thiry
Week 15 ranking: 14
Most underrated star: LB Jordan Hicks
While the Cardinals’ defense is full of individual stars such as Chandler Jones, Budda Baker, Patrick Peterson, Isaiah Simmons and Dennis Gardeck, it’s Hicks who keeps the unit together at inside linebacker. He’s the quarterback of the defense, and he hardly comes off the field, playing 901 snaps this season, second most on the team and 22nd in the NFL, while leading the team in tackles. Hicks has been quietly consistent, also leading the team in defensive snaps and tackles last season. Without him, the Cardinals’ defense wouldn’t rank as a top-10 unit since Week 8. — Josh Weinfuss
Week 15 ranking: 18
Week 15 ranking: 15
Week 15 ranking: 21
Here’s how the postseason bracket looks at the moment and what scenarios lie ahead.
• Playoff picture (ESPN+) »
• Playoff Machine: See scenarios »
• Standings » | Football Power Index »Most underrated star: LB Danny Trevathan
Trevathan is often overshadowed by fellow inside linebacker Roquan Smith, but the 30-year-old veteran is having another solid season, with 100 total tackles through 14 games. Trevathan — re-signed to a three-year contract with $13.625 million guaranteed this offseason — suffered a gruesome elbow injury in November that landed him on injured reserve and therefore required offseason rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because NFL teams were forced to cancel offseason programs and shorten training camps, Trevathan looked a little rusty to open the season, but he has rebounded nicely. Trevathan’s experienced leadership is also a bonus for the Bears. — Jeff Dickerson
Week 15 ranking: 16
2:13
Stephen A. Smith wants to see Cam Newton move on from the Patriots because he thinks Cam doesn’t fit with the offense.
Week 15 ranking: 17
Week 15 ranking: 18
Week 15 ranking: 23
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Most underrated star: WR Keenan Allen
He is the most trustworthy receiver on the squad. Allen ranks third in the league in receptions (100), 13th in receiving yards (992) and tied for 10th in receiving touchdowns (eight). Despite that, he doesn’t get mentioned much among the league’s top receivers, but the Chargers rely on him for steady leadership and influence. He’s one of QB Justin Herbert’s go-to guys and a reason the first-rounder is on the verge of breaking the record for most passing touchdowns by a rookie. — Shelley Smith
Week 15 ranking: 20 1:21 Dan Orlovsky is adamant that Carson Wentz will not take another snap for the Eagles because of how good Jalen Hurts has been.
Week 15 ranking: 24
Week 15 ranking: 22
Week 15 ranking: 25
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Most underrated star: P Jack Fox
Defensive end Romeo Okwara is another worthy candidate, but Fox has had a phenomenal rookie season. He has averaged 49.5 yards per punt and a net punting average of 45.5 yards. As of now, his gross average yardage is the No. 11 all-time, single-season mark in NFL history, and his net punting average is third all time. He has flipped fields with regularity and been an asset mere months after winning a close battle with Arryn Siposs in training camp. Now he looks like a long-term solution at the position and represents one area the team’s new general manager and coach don’t have to be concerned with. — Michael Rothstein
Week 15 ranking: 28
Week 15 ranking: 26
Week 15 ranking: 27
Week 15 ranking: 30
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Most underrated star: S Jessie Bates III
Outside of Cincinnati, Bates doesn’t get nearly enough credit for what he does. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Bates leads all safeties with 15 pass deflections and has the lowest expected points added of any safety when targeted (minus-10.9). The big knock against Bates this season is that he hasn’t been able to convert on some big interception opportunities. Then again, the fact that Bates has been in position for a couple of potential pick-sixes shows how well he has played this season. If Bates played for a good team, he probably would get the recognition he deserves. — Ben Baby
Week 15 ranking: 29 1:07 Rich Cimini breaks down the ramifications of the Jets’ stunning victory over the Rams and whether the win cost the franchise the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft.
Week 15 ranking: 32
Week 15 ranking: 31
