2012 NFL Power Rankings

New Orleans Saints: Week 15 NFL Power Rankings (#16)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 15 NFL Power Rankings, Saints

Last week: 16 (+0)

Record: 5-8

Net points per drive: -0.13 (19th)

DVOA: -8.1% (22nd)

Weighted DVOA: -7.0% (21st)

I never considered the Saints a true playoff contender because of their schedule, but it gets easier for them now after 3 straight losses. They have very winnable games at home for the Panthers and Buccaneers and they can win in Dallas too as the Cowboys tend to struggle at home, compared to most teams. 7 or 8 wins seems likely, but well short of expectations.

Studs

RB Mark Ingram: Rushed for 68 yards (31 after contact) on 13 attempts, 1 broken tackle

RB Pierre Thomas: Rushed for 19 yards (10 after contact) on 5 attempts, caught 7 passes for 57 yards on 7 attempts

WR Joe Morgan: Caught 2 passes for 106 yards on 2 attempts on 19 pass snaps, 11.5 YAC per catch

Duds

LT Jermon Bushrod: Allowed 1 sack, 1 quarterback hit, and 4 quarterback hurries on 45 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for 8 yards on 2 attempts

RT William Robinson: Allowed 6 quarterback hurries on 30 pass block snaps, run blocked for 19 yards on 1 attempt

WR Devery Henderson: Caught 1 pass for 11 yards on 4 attempts on 31 pass snaps, 3.0 YAC per catch

CB Jabari Greer: Allowed 7 catches for 87 yards and a touchdown on 10 attempts, 1 pass deflection, 5 solo tackles, 1 missed tackle

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San Diego Chargers: Week 15 NFL Power Rankings (#17)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 15 NFL Power Rankings, Chargers

Last week: 22 (+5)

Record: 5-8

Net points per drive: -0.08 (18th)

DVOA: -8.2% (23rd)

Weighted DVOA: -7.2% (22nd)

Every year they go on a run to save Norv Turner’s job. This week, they got a huge upset in Pittsburgh after word broke that Turner might be fired. With remaining games against the Panthers, Jets, and Raiders, I don’t see what’s stopping them from running the table, though it’s questionable if that’s in the best interest of the organization long term since they aren’t a true playoff contender.

Studs

LG Rex Hadnot: Did not allow a pressure on 45 pass block snaps, run blocked for 7 yards on 2 attempts

RG Louis Vasquez: Did not allow a pressure on 45 pass block snaps, run blocked for 51 yards on 9 attempts

CB Antoine Cason: Allowed 2 catches for 23 yards on 7 attempts, 2 pass deflections, 2 solo tackles, 1 penalty

FS Eric Weddle: Did not allow a catch on 2 attempts, 1 pass deflection, 4 solo tackles, 1 assist, 3 stops

MLB Demorrio Williams: 4 solo tackles, 1 assist, 3 stops, 1 missed tackle, allowed 2 catches for 9 yards on 2 attempts, 1 quarterback hit and 1 quarterback hurry on 4 blitzes

ROLB Melvin Ingram: 5 quarterback hurries on 22 pass rush snaps, 1 assist, 1 missed tackle

LE Cam Thomas: 1 quarterback hit and 5 quarterback hurries on 21 pass rush snaps, 2 solo tackles, 2 stops

NT Aubrayo Franklin: 3 quarterback hurries on 15 pass rush snaps, 1 solo tackle, 1 stop

RE Corey Liuget: 1 sack, 1 quarterback hit, and 4 quarterback hurries on 38 pass rush snaps, 2 batted passes, 1 assist, 1 stop

Duds

RB Ryan Mathews: Rushed for 65 yards (58 after contact) on 25 attempts, 2 broken tackles

WR Malcom Floyd: Caught 3 passes for 10 yards and a touchdown on 8 attempts on 42 pass snaps, 1.0 YAC per catch, 1 drop

CB Quentin Jammer: Allowed 6 catches for 79 yards and 2 touchdowns on 10 attempts, 4 solo tackles, 1 stop

SS Corey Lynch: Allowed 3 catches for 50 yards and a touchdown on 5 attempts, 1 pass deflection, 3 solo tackles, 2 missed tackles, 1 quarterback hurry on 1 blitzes

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St. Louis Rams: Week 15 NFL Power Rankings (#18)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 15 NFL Power Rankings, Rams

Last week: 21 (+3)

Record: 6-6-1

Net points per drive: -0.40 (25th)

DVOA: -5.3% (19th)

Weighted DVOA: -6.3% (19th)

Since the bye, the Rams have tied and beaten the 49ers, gotten road wins in Buffalo and Arizona, and only lost to the Jets, who were in a great spot. Improved health is to thank. They won’t win in Seattle, but they should win at least one of two against Minnesota in St. Louis or the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay.

Studs

WR Brandon Gibson: Caught 6 passes for 100 yards and touchdown on 9 attempts on 38 pass snaps, 4.0 YAC per catch, 1 drop

DT Kendall Langford: 2 sacks on 17 pass rush snaps, 2 assists

DT Michael Brockers: 2 sacks, 2 quarterback hits, and 1 quarterback hurry on 19 pass block snaps, 5 solo tackles, 1 assist, 6 stops

Duds

RB Steven Jackson: Rushed for 64 yards (32 after contact) and a touchdown on 19 attempts, 2 broken tackles, caught 1 pass for 9 yards on 2 attempts, 1 drop

WR Chris Givens: Caught 3 passes for 25 yards on 10 attempts on 43 pass snaps, 5.3 YAC per catch, 2 drops

CB Janoris Jenkins: Allowed 4 catches for 27 yards on 7 attempts, 1 pass deflection, 5 solo tackles, 4 stops, 5 missed tackles

LOLB JoLonn Dunbar: 1 solo tackle, 5 assists, 1 stop, 3 missed tackles, 1 penalty, 1 quarterback hit on 12 blitzes, allowed 2 catches for 11 yards and a touchdown on 2 attempts, 1 interception

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Dallas Cowboys: Week 15 NFL Power Rankings (#19)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 15 NFL Power Rankings, Cowboys

Last week: 17 (-2)

Record: 7-6

Net points per drive: -0.07 (17th)

DVOA: -2.1% (17th)

Weighted DVOA: -3.3% (18th)

The Cowboys got an emotional win on this road this week, but they could be flat off that game at home, where they generally struggle, for an angry Pittsburgh team this week. They then host New Orleans and once again, the Cowboys don’t do well at home, before a trip to Washington, who is on fire right now. 7 or 8 wins seems reasonable and a serious playoff run unlikely for a team that generally struggles in December.

Studs

CB Brandon Carr: Allowed 1 catch for 11 yards on 4 attempts, 1 interception, 3 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 missed tackle

LOLB Anthony Spencer: 1 quarterback hit and 2 quarterback hurries on 22 pass rush snaps, 8 solo tackles, 1 assist, 7 stops

LE Tyrone Crawford: 3 quarterback hurries on 14 pass rush snaps, 1 assist

Duds

LT Tyron Smith: Allowed 6 quarterback hurries on 48 pass block snaps, run blocked for 3 yards on 1 attempt

LG Nate Livings: Allowed 1 quarterback hit and 2 quarterback hurries on 46 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for 6 yards on 4 attempts

C Ryan Cook: Allowed 4 quarterback hurries on 48 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for 22 yards on 7 attempts

RG Mackenzy Bernadeau: Allowed 4 quarterback hurries on 48 pass block snaps, run blocked for 1 yard on 2 attempts

RT Doug Free: Allowed 3 quarterback hurries on 38 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for 4 yards on 2 attempts

WR Miles Austin: Caught 4 passes for 46 yards on 10 attempts on 47 attempts, 2.0 YAC per catch, 1 drop

SS Danny McCray: 3 solo tackles, 2 assists, 2 missed tackles, allowed 2 catches for 28 yards on 3 attempts

P Brian Moorman: 5 punts for 165 yards, 1 inside 20, 1 return for -3 yards, 33.6 net yards per punt

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Minnesota Vikings: Week 15 NFL Power Rankings (#20)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 15 NFL Power Rankings, Vikings

Last week: 20 (+0)

Record: 7-6

Net points per drive: -0.14 (20th)

DVOA: -5.1% (18th)

Weighted DVOA: -8.8% (24th)

The Vikings pulled the huge upset at home over the Bears, but things don’t get easier as they have to face the suddenly surging Rams in St. Louis, the Texans in Houston, and then head home to face the Packers. Even Adrian Peterson might not be enough to save them from 7-9. They’ll need Christian Ponder to play like he did when they were 5-2.

Studs

RB Adrian Peterson: Rushed for 154 yards (124 after contact) and 2 touchdowns on 31 attempts, 2 broken tackles, caught 2 passes for 16 yards on 2 attempts, allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 8 pass block snaps

MLB Jasper Brinkley: 8 solo tackles, 2 assist, 4 stops, 2 missed tackles, allowed 5 catches for 32 yards on 8 attempts, 2 pass deflections

CB Antoine Winfield: Allowed 4 catches for 35 yards on 7 attempts, 2 pass deflections, 3 solo tackles, 1 assist, 3 stops

FS Harrison Smith: Allowed 1 catch for 11 yards on 4 attempts, 1 interception, 4 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 missed tackle, 1 quarterback hit and 1 quarterback hurry 4 blitzes

LOLB Erin Henderson: 5 solo tackles, 4 stops, allowed 2 catches for 15 yards on 3 attempts, 1 pass deflection

LE Brian Robison: 1 sack, 2 quarterback hits, and 5 quarterback hurries on 54 pass rush snaps, 1 penalty, 1 solo tackle

DT Letroy Guion: 2 quarterback hits and 1 quarterback hurry on 19 pass rush snaps, 1 solo tackle, 1 assist, 1 stop

DT Christian Ballard: 1 quarterback hit and 5 quarterback hurries on 21 pass rush snaps, 1 solo tackles, 1 stop, 1 missed tackle

Duds

QB Christian Ponder: 11 of 17 for 91 yards and an interception, 1 throw away, 1 drop, 65.0 adjusted QB rating, pressured on 8 of 19 drop backs (1 sack, 1 scramble, 3 of 6)

RT Phil Loadholt: Allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 20 pass block snaps, 3 penalties, run blocked for 5 yards on 1 attempt

C John Sullivan: Allowed 2 quarterback hurries on 20 pass block snaps, run blocked for 67 yards and a touchdown on 18 attempts

LT Matt Kalil: Allowed 2 quarterback hurries on 20 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for 5 yards and a touchdown on 3 attempts

TE Kyle Rudolph: Did not catch a pass on 1 attempt on 15 pass snaps

ROLB Chad Greenway: Allowed 5 catches for 47 yards on 7 attempts, 1 solo tackle, 1 assist

DT Kevin Williams: 2 quarterback hurries on 43 pass rush snaps, 1 batted pass, 2 missed tackles

CB AJ Jefferson: 1 kickoff return for 20 yards, 1 fumble, allowed 4 catches for 99 yards on 6 attempts, 1 pass deflection, 4 solo tackles, 1 missed tackle

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Miami Dolphins: Week 15 NFL Power Rankings (#21)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 15 NFL Power Rankings, Dolphins

Last week: 18 (-3)

Record: 5-8

Net points per drive: -0.18 (21st)

DVOA: -5.9% (20th)

Weighted DVOA: -8.3% (23rd)

The Dolphins have two very winnable home games in a row against the Jaguars and Bills before closing out in New England. Chalk has this team finishing at 7-9 and that seems like what’s going to happen. The Jaguars aren’t a good team and the Dolphins and Bills are comparable teams who should split the season series.

Studs

C Mike Pouncey: Did not allow a pressure on 40 pass block snaps, run blocked for 36 yards on 8 attempts

RG John Jerry: Allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 40 pass block snaps, run blocked for 11 yards on 2 attempts

LE Cameron Wake: 2 sacks, 3 quarterback hits, and 1 quarterback hurry on 24 pass rush snaps, 3 solo tackles, 4 stops

Duds

LT Jonathan Martin: Allowed 1 sack and 4 quarterback hurries on 40 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for 8 yards on 1 attempt

WR Brian Hartline: Caught 2 passes for 34 yards on 5 attempts on 38 pass snaps, 3.5 YAC per catch, 1 drop

TE Anthony Fasano: Caught 2 passes for 9 yards and a touchdown on 4 attempts on 32 pass snaps, 0.5 YAC per catch, allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 5 pass block snaps

CB Sean Smith: Allowed 5 catches for 68 yards on 6 attempts, 5 solo tackles, 1 penalty

SS Reshad Jones: 6 solo tackles, 3 missed tackles, was not thrown on

DT Paul Soliai: 1 quarterback hurry on 19 pass rush snaps, 1 assist, 1 missed tackle

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New York Jets: Week 15 NFL Power Rankings (#22)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 15 NFL Power Rankings, Jets

Last week: 23 (+1)

Record: 6-7

Net points per drive: -0.38 (23rd)

DVOA: -8.9% (24th)

Weighted DVOA: -10.8% (25th)

The Jets are miraculously just one game out of the playoffs right now with 3 winnable games to go. I just don’t think they are a good enough football team to win all 3 and give themselves any shot at the playoffs. They can definitely win in Tennessee, where the Titans aren’t as good as their record, but a game against the Chargers, always tough in December, and a rematch in Buffalo should end in losses and end their season at 7-9.

Studs

RT Austin Howard: Allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 24 pass block snaps, run blocked for 4 yards on 1 attempt

SS LaRon Landry: 10 solo tackles, 1 assist, 5 stops, allowed 2 catches for 15 yards on 5 attempts

MLB David Harris: 7 solo tackles, 3 assists, 4 stops, 1 sack, 1 quarterback hit, and 1 quarterback hurry on 14 blitzes, didn’t allow a catch on 1 attempt, 1 pass deflection

RE Quinton Coples: 1 sack, 2 quarterback hits, and 1 quarterback hurry on 26 pass rush snaps, 1 penalty, 1 solo tackle, 2 stops, 1 missed tackle

FS Yeremiah Bell: Allowed 1 catch for 14 yards on 2 attempts, 6 solo tackles, 3 assists, 2 stops, 1 missed tackle, 1 quarterback hurry on 3 blitzes

RE Muhammad Wilkerson: 1 sack, 1 quarterback hit, and 3 quarterback hurries on 38 pass rush snaps, 2 solo tackles, 3 stops, 1 missed tackle

Duds

ROLB Garret McIntyre: 1 quarterback hit on 22 pass rush snaps, 1 assist

LOLB Calvin Pace: 1 quarterback hit on 30 pass rush snaps, 2 solo tackles, 1 assist, 1 stop, 2 missed tackles

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Buffalo Bills: Week 15 NFL Power Rankings (#23)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 15 NFL Power Rankings, Bills

Last week: 19 (-4)

Record: 5-8

Net points per drive: -0.41 (26th)

DVOA: -6.5% (21st)

Weighted DVOA: -2.0% (17th)

Buffalo has two divisional games against comparable teams, one in Miami, who they already beat, and one at home for the Jets, who they already lost to. I say they split those 2 and the Seattle game is the wild card one. The Seahawks have fallen flat in several games against inferior teams on the road this season, but they might be playing too well right now for the Bills to win in Toronto, where they will play their annual game this week.

Studs

CB Leodis McKelvin: Allowed 4 catches for 25 yards on 7 attempts, 3 solo tackles, 3 stops, 1 quarterback hit on 1 blitz, 4 punt returns for 44 yards, 2 kickoff returns for 57 yards

SS George Wilson: Allowed 1 catch for 9 yards on 1 attempt, 2 pass deflections, 5 solo tackles, 3 stops, 1 quarterback hit on 2 blitzes

DT Kyle Williams: 4 quarterback hurries on 32 pass block snaps, 3 solo tackles, 3 stops

Duds

LT Cordy Glenn: Allowed 2 sacks, 1 quarterback hit, and 2 quarterback hurries on 41 pass block snaps, run blocked for 13 yards on 2 attempts

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Tennessee Titans: Week 15 NFL Power Rankings (#24)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 15 NFL Power Rankings, Titans

Last week: 24 (+0)

Record: 4-9

Net points per drive: -0.76 (29th)

DVOA: -29.1% (29th)

Weighted DVOA: -27.1% (29th)

The Titans have been worse than their record all season and after coming up short against another team who is worse than their record, the Colts, the Titans sit at 4-9, which is still better than they are. However, easy home games against the Jets and Jaguars should get them at least 5, maybe 6 wins, with a trip to Green Bay as their only unwinnable game on their remaining schedule.

Studs

RG Deuce Lutui: Allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 42 pass block snaps, run blocked for 14 yards on 2 attempts

LT Michael Roos: Allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 42 pass block snaps, run blocked for 15 yards on 4 attempts

WR Kenny Britt: Caught 8 passes for 143 yards on 9 attempts on 38 pass snaps, 5.4 YAC per catch, 1 penalty

LE Jairus Wynn: 1 sack and 3 quarterback hurries on 10 pass rush snaps, 1 solo tackles, 2 stops

DT Karl Klug: 2 sacks, 1 quarterback hit, and 3 quarterback hurries on 9 pass rush snaps, 1 assist, 2 stops

DT Sen’Derrick Marks: 5 quarterback hurries on 26 pass rush snaps, 1 penalty, 4 solo tackles, 4 stops

LE Derrick Morgan: 1 sack, 3 quarterback hits, and 5 quarterback hurries on 28 pass rush snaps, 1 penalty, 2 solo tackles, 2 stops

P Brett Kern: 3 punts for 165 yards, 2 inside 20, 2 returns for 24 yards, 47.0 net yards per punt

Duds

WR Nate Washington: Caught 1 pass for 15 yards on 6 attempts on 42 pass snaps, 4.0 YAC per catch, 2 interceptions when thrown to

RE Kamerion Wimbley: 1 quarterback hurry on 31 pass rush snaps, no tackles

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Carolina Panthers: Week 15 NFL Power Rankings (#25)

stevenlourie 2012 NFL Power Rankings, 2012 Week 15 NFL Power Rankings, Panthers

Last week: 27 (+2)

Record: 4-9

Net points per drive: -0.38 (24th)

DVOA: -1.6% (16th)

Weighted DVOA: -1.4% (16th)

Another team that has been better than their record all season, the Panthers showed it last week, beating the Falcons, who they almost knocked off earlier this season. Week 16, they host the Raiders, which should get them their 5th win of the season, but I don’t know if they’ll find another in San Diego or New Orleans.

Studs

LT Jordan Gross: Allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 40 pass block snaps, run blocked for 17 yards on 4 attempts

LG Amini Silatolu: Did not allow a pressure on 40 pass block snaps, run blocked for 78 yards on 3 attempts

RG Garry Williams: Allowed 1 quarterback hurry on 40 pass block snaps, run blocked for 14 yards on 4 attempts

WR Steve Smith: Caught 7 passes for 109 yards on 11 attempts on 38 pass snaps, 2.0 YAC per catch

RE Greg Hardy: 1 sack, 3 quarterback hits, and 2 quarterback hurries on 46 pass rush snaps, 3 assists, 1 stop

Duds

RT Byron Bell: Allowed 1 quarterback hit and 4 quarterback hurries on 40 pass block snaps, 1 penalty, run blocked for 3 yards on 1 attempt

WR Armanti Edwards: Caught 1 pass for 7 yards on 2 attempts on 23 pass snaps, 0.0 YAC per catch

LE Frank Alexander: Did not record a pressure on 34 pass rush snaps, no tackles

CB Captain Munnerlyn: Allowed 6 catches for 68 yards on 8 attempts, 1 penalty, 5 solo tackles, 1 assist, 2 stops, 1 missed tackle, 1 quarterback hit on 2 blitzes

CB James Dockery: Allowed 5 catches for 65 yards on 7 attempts, 4 solo tackles, 2 assists

SS DJ Campbell: 2 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 stop, 2 missed tackles, allowed 4 catches for 42 yards on 5 attempts

DT Andre Neblett: 1 quarterback hurry on 26 pass rush snaps, 1 missed tackle

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