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

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 12: Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys forces Taylor Heinicke #4 of the Washington Football Team to fumble and is returned for a touchdown by Dorance Armstrong #92 (not pictured) during the first quarter at FedExField on December 12, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

6

Dallas Cowboys 9-4

Last week: W, 27-20 at WAS
Last rank: 6th

Mike McCarthy expected his team to defeat their longtime rivals from D.C. The Cowboys outgained Washington, 214-29, in building a 24-0 halftime lead. Rookie linebacker Micah Parsons had two of the club’s five sacks and forced a fumble that was returned 37 yards for a score.

It was a shaky day for Dak Prescott, whose fourth-quarter pick-six gave Washington a chance to complete a comeback. But Dallas finished the day with four takeaways.

5

Tennessee Titans 9-4

Last week: W, 20-0 vs JAC
Last rank: 5th

The AFC South frontrunners returned to action and looked to complete a sweep of the Jaguars. And Mike Vrabel’s club snapped a brief two-game skid with a shutout. Once again, the Titans didn’t generate a lot of points (20) and yards (263).

But the team held the ball for 36:57 and ran 69 plays to Jacksonville’s 51. Ryan Tannehill threw for 191 yards and ran for a touchdown. And the Titans’ defense came up with four interceptions of Trevor Lawrence.

4

Kansas City Chiefs 9-4

Last week: W, 48-9 vs LVR
Last rank: 4th

For the second time this season, Andy Reid’s team made easy work of the Silver and Black. The team’s rejuvenated defense limited the Raiders to nine points and 290 total yards. The Chiefs amassed four sacks and five takeaways.

Patrick Mahomes hit on 20-of-24 passes for 258 yards and a pair of scores. Since taking over in Kansas City in 2013, Reid’s club owns a 15-3 record in this series. This season, they beat this AFC West rival by a combined 89-23 score.