As Week 15 of the NFL season rolls in, the playoff race is heating up, and some teams are making a late-season surge. The Los Angeles Rams and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are two prime examples of teams finding their stride as the postseason looms. With just a few weeks left in the regular season, teams are jockeying for position, and every game matters. Here’s a look at the The guardian power rankings, including the teams making moves and the dominant forces at the top.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (11-2)

The Kansas City Chiefs remain at the top of the power rankings for another week after a dominant 34-28 win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 14. Patrick Mahomes continues to show why he’s one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, with his arm strength and playmaking ability. The Chiefs’ offense is a well-oiled machine, and with their defense improving, they look like a legitimate contender to make a run at the Super Bowl.

Despite some close games, Kansas City’s balanced attack and experience in big games make them the team to beat heading into the postseason. Their stronghold on the AFC West is almost sealed, and they’ll be looking to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

2. Green Bay Packers (10-3)

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers have been one of the most consistent teams of the season. After an impressive 45-30 win over the Chicago Bears in Week 14, the Packers remain firmly in the race for the top spot in the NFC. Rodgers continues to shine, and with an offense that’s firing on all cylinders, Green Bay looks primed for a deep playoff run.

Their defense is playing better than expected, and they are poised to make a run toward the NFC Championship. As long as Rodgers stays healthy, the Packers will be a tough out come playoff time.

3. Arizona Cardinals (10-3)

The Arizona Cardinals have had an impressive season, and their Week 14 win over the Los Angeles Rams showed that they are a force to be reckoned with. With Kyler Murray leading the offense, the Cardinals have been explosive. However, they’ve had their ups and downs, and injuries have been a concern. If Murray and DeAndre Hopkins can stay healthy down the stretch, Arizona has the talent to make a deep playoff push.

Arizona currently sits atop the NFC West, and they’ll need to continue playing at a high level to hold off the Rams and secure a top playoff seed.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-4)

The defending Super Bowl champions have had a somewhat rocky road this season, but they are peaking at just the right time. Tom Brady and the Buccaneers have won four of their last five games, and with a 33-27 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Week 14, they’ve positioned themselves well for the playoffs. The Bucs’ offense is rolling, with Brady leading the charge and an incredible receiving corps at his disposal.

Tampa Bay’s defense has had its struggles, but with Brady under center, you can never count them out of a playoff race. The Bucs are making a late push for the NFC South crown and a favorable playoff spot.

5. Los Angeles Rams (8-5)

The Los Angeles Rams have had a rollercoaster season, but they’re on the rise again after a 30-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 14. Matthew Stafford has looked more comfortable in the Rams’ offense, and the defense, led by Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, has been stout. With playoff hopes on the line, the Rams are in a critical stretch of games and will need to stay hot if they want to make a postseason run.

The Rams are currently fighting for one of the wildcard spots in the NFC, but with a talented roster, they are capable of stringing together a winning streak to end the regular season.

6. Tennessee Titans (9-4)

The Tennessee Titans continue to prove they are one of the best teams in the AFC despite injuries to key players, including star running back Derrick Henry. Even without Henry, the Titans have managed to keep their playoff hopes alive thanks to the leadership of quarterback Ryan Tannehill and an opportunistic defense. The Titans’ 20-0 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 14 demonstrated their ability to control games even when their offense isn’t at full strength.

With the AFC South nearly in hand, the Titans will be focused on staying healthy and securing a strong playoff position.

7. Buffalo Bills (7-6)

The Buffalo Bills’ 2021 season has been a rollercoaster, but they still have a shot at the playoffs. The Bills were defeated 34-28 by the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14, further cementing their up-and-down campaign. Quarterback Josh Allen has had a good season but hasn’t been able to consistently elevate his team. The Bills’ defense has also faced criticism for allowing big plays and not being as dominant as last year.

At 7-6, Buffalo’s playoff hopes are still very much alive, but they must find a way to improve both sides of the ball in the final weeks of the season.

8. Dallas Cowboys (9-4)

The Dallas Cowboys continue to prove themselves as one of the top teams in the NFC. They managed to defeat Washington 27-20 in Week 14, maintaining a solid grip on the NFC East. Dak Prescott is back to playing at a high level, and the defense, led by rookie Micah Parsons, has been one of the most improved units in the league.

With several winnable games ahead, the Cowboys are on track to secure a high playoff seed, but they will need to avoid getting complacent as the regular season winds down.

9. Cincinnati Bengals (8-5)

The Cincinnati Bengals have been one of the surprise teams of 2021. After a 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 14, they’ve positioned themselves well in the AFC playoff race. Quarterback Joe Burrow has been playing at a high level, and rookie wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has been a game-changer. The Bengals’ defense has also stepped up in key moments, making them a dangerous team in the postseason.

If Cincinnati can keep their momentum, they could make a deep playoff run, but they will need to continue to play with consistency.

10. Indianapolis Colts (7-6)

The Indianapolis Colts continue to make strides toward securing a playoff spot after a 31-0 win over the Houston Texans in Week 14. The Colts have one of the league’s best running backs in Jonathan Taylor, and Carson Wentz has been solid at quarterback. With a defense that can make plays when it matters, the Colts are a dangerous team heading into the final stretch of the season.

Indianapolis is still in the hunt for an AFC wildcard spot, and they’ll need to win most of their remaining games to guarantee a spot in the postseason.

Conclusion

As the NFL season enters its final stretch, the race for playoff spots is intensifying. Teams like the Los Angeles Rams and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are making strong pushes, while other contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Arizona Cardinals continue to establish themselves as title favorites. With every game now holding more weight than ever, the Week 15 power rankings reflect the fierce competition for postseason glory.