2022 NFL Power Rankings Week 15: Cowboys avoid disaster, Bucs get blown out
The Dallas Cowboys nearly lost to the lowest-ranked team in our 2022 NFL Power Rankings while the San Francisco 49ers embarrassed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This season’s playoff picture is becoming more clear as we enter the final four weeks of the season. This Sunday, we saw a lot of action and nearly witnessed a major upset. The Houston Texans had the Dallas Cowboys on the ropes, but a last-minute touchdown kept that upset from happening.
Another surprising game happened on the West Coast as the San Francisco 49ers, led by Brock Purdy, blew out Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Let’s now jump in and see how those games, and more, alter our 2022 NFL Power Rankings.
2022 NFL Power Rankings Week 15
Michael Gallup #13 of the Dallas Cowboys works to make a catch in the fourth quarter of a game against the Houston Texans. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
32
Houston Texans
Last rank: 32
32. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans players deserve a lot of credit. Despite having just one win, they went into AT&T Stadium and gave the Dallas Cowboys everything they had. They nearly pulled off the win as well, with a lead of 23-20 late in the fourth quarter.
Tremon Smith secured his second pick of the game as Dallas was trying to take the lead back, setting the offense up inside the five. They were unable to punch it in and turned the ball over on downs, leading to a 98-yard drive and a victory for the Cowboys.
Now at 1-11-1, Houston should be a lock for the No. 1 pick. And the good news is, they’ve seen a few players stand out lately meaning the cupboard might not be completely bare.
31
Denver Broncos
Last rank: 31
31. Denver Broncos
There was some good news and bad news for the Denver Broncos in Week 14. The good news was that they finally showed some life on offense, scoring 28 points which was a season-high.
The bad news is, they only started scoring points after the Chiefs had the game thoroughly in control.
They did wind up seeing some flashes from Russell Wilson, who had 247 yards passing and 57 on the ground with three touchdowns. But he also took a nasty hit and Brett Rypien had to come into the game.
Denver pulled to within six but it never really felt as though they were pulling anything off. Now, they’re 3-10 and officially have no answers.
