2021 NFL Power Rankings Week 15: Chiefs explode, Broncos remember a hero

The Denver Broncos paid respect to a hero while the Kansas City Chiefs blow out the Raiders. See how it changes our 2021 NFL Power Rankings at Week 15.

Several games came down to the wire in Week 14 including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Buffalo Bills as well as the Cincinnati Bengals against the San Francisco 49ers.

However, there were also a few blowouts including the Kansas City Chiefs taking it to the Las Vegas Raiders and the Denver Broncos making it look easy against the Detroit Lions.

For the Chiefs, this set them apart in the AFC West as they continue to put a poor start in the rearview. As for the Broncos, it meant much more.

Detroit Lions staying consistent at 32 in latest NFL Power Rankings

Playing with heavy hearts following the shocking passing of former playoff hero, Demaryius Thomas, the Broncos looked inspired and dominated from start to finish. They also paid respect with a moment of silence, as well as wearing No. 88 on their helmets. However, it was the symbolic going on offense with 10 players as they left a spot for DT that really hit home.

With all this now behind us, let’s see how the 2021 NFL Power Rankings look at Week 15.

32. Detroit Lions

The losses are still piling up for the Detroit Lions. This weekend, they were in Denver taking on the Broncos who were honoring the late Demaryius Thomas — whose passing shocked the entire NFL nation. Even Lions fans in attendance were showing their love for a player who touched many despite not getting nearly enough time on this earth.

As for the game, the Broncos came out ready to play for DT and made it look easy. They ren 184 yards on the ground and had three touchdowns — as well as two passing touchdowns from Teddy Bridgewater. Detroit had no answers for anything Denver was doing — and their two turnovers didn’t help.

If there were any bright spots in this one, it would have to be the play of Amon-Ra St. Brown who had 73 yards on eight receptions, and Craig Reynolds who ran for 83 yards on 11 carries. Jared Goff did his best as well, making a few good throws, but once again the lack of talent on this roster was too much to overcome.

Now at 1-11-1, the only solace Detroit has this season is that they won’t be the first team to go 0-17 — or the first team to have two winless seasons in their history.