money Falcons power rankings roundup: Week 15 edition
Somehow, the Atlanta Falcons are 6-7 and despite being out of the divisional race, they find themselves in a prime spot to make the postseason.
Will they do it? Who knows, but how they handle the 49ers on Sunday will be very telling. While a loss won’t mathematically eliminate Atlanta, it would take away the ability for the team to control its own destiny.
If we take a look around the different NFL sites, not many are buying into this 6-7 Falcons squad. Let’s check out this week’s power rankings roundup.
USA TODAY | Falcons: No. 25 (+1)
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
“Would you believe the football analytics site Pro Football Focus currently rates Cordarrelle Patterson as the NFL’s No. 1 running back?” — USA TODAY’s Nate Davis
We have seen what the Falcons offense looks like without Cordarrelle Patterson. It was arguably the worst Thursday night performance of any team this season. Without question, Atlanta’s 2021 MVP has beenn the converted kick returner.
NFC South rival rankings
Buccaneers: No. 2 (-/+)
Saints: No. 22 (+1)
Panthers: No. 27 (-2)
Week 15 opponent ranking
49ers: No. 12 (+2)
Read USA Today’s full rankings here.
Touchdown Wire | Falcons: No. 25 (-/+)
William Howard-USA TODAY Sports
“What a team the Falcons are. A solid win to beat the Panthers which keeps them in the hunt for another week. But imagine if they won at home where they’re 0-5? This one was in Carolina, of course. Atlanta led 26-14 and did allow things to get within one touchdown… but QB Matt Ryan locked up the win by killing the clock late. He also had a touchdown.” — TD Wire’s Nick Wojton
For a team that has been very successful on the road — 6-2 including a win in London — Atlanta just hasn’t been able to perform at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. However, the Falcons are on the road again in Week 15 and with a win, can seriously help their postseason chances.
NFC South rival rankings
Buccaneers: No. 1 (+1)
Saints: No. 22 (+1)
Panthers: No. 26 (-/+)
Week 15 opponent ranking
49ers: No. 13(+1)
Read Touchdown Wire’s full rankings here.
NFL.com | Falcons: No. 24 (+4)
(AP Photo/John Bazemore)
“The Falcons are, almost impossibly, very much alive in the NFC playoff race. Atlanta forced three Carolina turnovers — including a critical Mykal Walker pick-six of Cam Newton — en route to a 29-21 win in Charlotte. The Falcons’ 5-2 road record would ordinarily function as a golden ticket to the playoffs, but a 1-5 mark at Mercedes-Benz Stadium has held Arthur Smith’s team down. Atlanta won on Sunday because it combined those takeaways with a strong running game — the team went over 100 yards rushing for the third straight week, with Mike Davis finally looking like a functional complement to Cordarrelle Patterson.” — NFL.com’s Dan Hanzus
The Falcons defense will need to come alive in a big way this week. They’ve done well thus far, but the 49ers are a physical opponent that will try to impose their will on Atlanta. With pass protection having been shaky at best all season, the Falcons need to establish a solid ground game to keep the 49ers offense at bay and off the field.
NFC South rival rankings
Buccaneers: No. 2 (+1)
Panthers: No. 23 (+3)
Saints: No. 28 (-3)
Week 15 opponent ranking
49ers: No. 11 (+3)
Read NFL.com’s full rankings here.
CBS Sports | Falcons No. 25 (+1)
William Howard-USA TODAY Sports
“They kept their playoff chances alive by winning at Carolina. The defense played well in that one, but now they have a tough trip to San Francisco.” – CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco
Despite what early results showed, the Falcons are among five teams fighting for the final couple of playoff spots. How they got here is irrelevant, all that matters is that the team is finally playing meaningful football late in the season again.
NFC South rival rankings
Buccaneers: No. 2 (+1)
Saints: No. 23 (-/+)
Panthers: No. 26 (-2)
Week 15 opponent ranking
49ers: No. 14 (+2)
Read CBS Sports’ full rankings here.
ESPN | Falcons: No. 24 (-/+)
William Howard-USA TODAY Sports
“None of these ratings is surprising if you’ve watched the way the Falcons have performed this season. Most of their wins have been one-possession games — including Sunday against Carolina — while their losses have been blowouts. Atlanta is one of two teams (hello, Jets) with none of the three phases of football rated in the top 20. At No. 27 overall, the Falcons are the lowest-rated team in contention for the playoffs. So, what does this say about the Falcons? They are performing well as a group and are being well-coached despite each side of the ball having its struggles.” — ESPN’s Michael Rothstein
It is hard to find an outlet that respects the Falcons chances to make the postseason. In fact, of all the 6-7 teams currently on the bubble, ESPN gives Atlanta the lowest possible chance, by a healthy margin. A win this week would bring in a newfound respect for what Arthur Smith has done with a talentless team.
NFC South rival rankings
Buccaneers: No. 1 (+2)
Saints: No. 22 (-/+)
Panthers: No. 26 (-/+)
Week 15 opponent ranking
49ers: No. 11 (+3)
Read ESPN’s full rankings here.
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