NFL 2014 Week 15 news and Power Rankings

Takeaways from Week 15:
1.  The Cowboys seem to have overcome their December slump.  Now let's see if they can overcome their playoff woes.
2.  Something has happened to the Eagles defense.  Two consecutive weeks they have allowed opponents to score plenty against them. 
3.  Speaking of defenses, the Chicago Bears, historically a tough defensive team, has the worst scoring defense in the league this year.  That, more than anything, is an indication that it's time for a massive coaching change.
4.  NOW will you all believe me about how bad Johnny Manziel really is?

I have expanded my Top Ten to the Top Half, so that playoff contenders can be ranked.
Top Half [Last week's position]
1.  NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (11-3) [1] : With Green Bay's loss, there is no doubt who the top team is
2.  Denver Broncos (11-3) [3] : Defense still needs work, but that offense is tough to stop
3.  Green Bay Packers (10-4) [2] : Buffalo's defense handed Aaron Rodgers his worst game ever, but they should bounce back
4.  Indianapolis Colts (10-4) [4] : Like Denver, the defense lacks some punch, but the offense makes up for it
5.  Seattle Seahawks (10-4) [6] : They keep improving as the playoffs approach.  That momentum could be important
6.  Baltimore Ravens (9-5) [5] : Playoff contender, but behind in their own division
7.  Arizona Cardinals (11-3) [8] : With this defense, it doesn't seem to matter who is under center
8.  Dallas Cowboys (10-4) [9] : Dismantled Philly to take NFC East lead
9.  Philadelphia Eagles (9-5) [7] : Second straight loss brings them down
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5) [11] : They don't win big, but they find ways to win
11. Detroit Lions (10-4) [10] : Not an impressive win, but they gained NFC North lead with Packers loss
12. Buffalo Bills (8-6) [14] : Kept playoff hopes alive by skunking Aaron Rodgers
13. Kansas City Chiefs (8-6) [17] : Huge win, but they did play Oakland
14. Houston Texans (7-7) [12] : Not looking good for the team, especially with the loss of their QB
15. Cincinnati Bengals (9-4-1) [18]:  Been a long time since the Bengals shut out anyone
16. San Diego Chargers (8-6) [15]

Divisional rankings [Last week's position]
1 (tie). NFC West [1] : Despite the 49ers falling, Seattle and Arizona dominate the conference
1 (tie). AFC North [2] : Cleveland has ensured that not all the teams have winning records, but with three teams in the top half of the league, it's still a strong division.  Likely to provide both wildcards
3.  AFC East [3] : Huge win by Buffalo helped the division
4.  NFC North [4] : Detroit was the only winner, and it was unimpressive.  Gap between them and #5 is shrinking
5.  AFC West [5] : Denver and KC won big, but both played divisional opponents, so their opponents fell
6.  NFC East [6] : Beat up on each other
7.  AFC South [7] : Jacksonville and Tennessee hung in there, but ultimately only Indy was a winner
8.  NFC South [8] : Their highest ranked team is #19.  Nuff said