NFL power rankings, Week 15: Chiefs roll, Browns escape

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 12: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown after a fumble recovery in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 12, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 12: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball on his way to a rushing touchdown past Bryce Hall #37 of the New York Jets in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 12, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

. 6-7. Previous: . New Orleans Saints. 24. team. 15

Losers of five straight games, the Saints made their way north to take on the Jets. Running back Alvin Kamara totaled 27 carries for 120 yards and one score, plus caught four passes for 25 yards. Taysom Hill overcame three sacks and two fumbles by throwing for 175 yards.

More significantly, he ran for 73 yards and a pair of touchdowns as Sean Payton’s club rolled up 203 yards on the ground. Linebacker Kwon Alexander came up with two sacks.

Previous: . Atlanta Falcons. 23. team. 44. . 6-7

Arthur Smith’s club has been erratic at best this season. The Falcons made their way to Charlotte looking to avenge an early-season home loss to the Panthers. Dean Pees’ defensive unit came up with three takeaways and picked off both Cam Newton and P.J. Walker once.

The former was intercepted by Mykal Walker, who returned the prize 66 yards for a touchdown. Matt Ryan threw for 190 yards and one TD and Atlanta raised its road record to 5-2.

60. . 6-7. Previous: . Minnesota Vikings. 22. team

The Purple Gang had dropped two straight games entering Thursday night’s visit from the Steelers. Running back Dalvin Cook had a monster night, running for 205 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries. Minnesota opened up a 29-0 third quarter lead.

Then things began to get interesting. Pittsburgh came up with 21 fourth-quarter points and narrowed the gap to 36-28. Safety Harrison Smith separated Pat Freiermuth from the ball in the end zone.

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