The New Orleans Saints ranked 18th in ESPN.com's NFL Power Rankings for Week 1.
"Skepticism seems appropriate until the Saints prove they've finally upgraded their defense," I wrote. "Until then, it's fantasy football with Drew Brees."
The Colts, also known for offense, ranked sixth.
Both remain offensive powerhouses, but their defenses also help explain why each team is 13-0 heading into Week 15.
The Saints have scored eight defensive touchdowns, twice as many as any other team. The Colts rank second only to the Jets in points allowed.
As for those defending Super Bowl champion Steelers? Their ESPN.com power ranking has fallen from first in Week 1 to 15th last week. Expect the free-fall to continue after their stunning defeat to the 32nd-ranked Browns.
The Steelers were ranked as low as 24th in 2006 and 26th in 2003. How low can they go this season? We'll have a better idea when the Week 15 power rankings appear Tuesday (the chart shows how we voted last week, with red type identifying teams that lost in Week 14).
And now, on to the power rankings revisited ...
The reckoning: Four games featured lower-ranked teams defeating higher-ranked teams:
Fraud alert: The Jaguars have averaged 15.3 points per game over their last nine games. Do not let their winning record fool you.
Divisional dominance: AFC South teams outscored NFC West teams 81-14 on Sunday.
Northbound in a hurry: The Eagles have won four in a row to reclaim the NFC East lead from the Cowboys. The Packers have won five in a row, tightening their grip on a wild-card playoff berth.
Look out below: The Bucs, Rams and Steelers have each lost five in a row. The Rams and Lions re-established themselves as the NFL's worst teams, getting outscored 95-10. Their defensive-minded head coaches were powerless.
My early favorite for the No. 1 spot: Indianapolis. How should we handle the Colts' ranking if they decide to rest key starters?
"Skepticism seems appropriate until the Saints prove they've finally upgraded their defense," I wrote. "Until then, it's fantasy football with Drew Brees."
Podcast: Football Today
Jeremy Green and Matt Williamson recap Week 14 in the NFL and look at its impact on the playoff picture. Listen 
Both remain offensive powerhouses, but their defenses also help explain why each team is 13-0 heading into Week 15.
The Saints have scored eight defensive touchdowns, twice as many as any other team. The Colts rank second only to the Jets in points allowed.
As for those defending Super Bowl champion Steelers? Their ESPN.com power ranking has fallen from first in Week 1 to 15th last week. Expect the free-fall to continue after their stunning defeat to the 32nd-ranked Browns.
Power rankings revisited
| Rk | Tm |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NO | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | IND | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 3 | MIN | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 4 | SD | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| 5 | CIN | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| 6 | ARI | 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 7 | GB | 7 | 10 | 7 | 7 |
| 8 | PHI | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| 9 | DEN | 9 | 7 | 10 | 9 |
| 10 | DAL | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 |
| 11 | NE | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 |
| 12 | NYG | 12 | 12 | 11 | 12 |
| 13 | JAC | 16 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| 14 | MIA | 14 | 16 | 14 | 16 |
| 15 | PIT | 17 | 15 | 15 | 14 |
| 16 | BAL | 15 | 14 | 18 | 15 |
| 17 | TEN | 13 | 19 | 16 | 19 |
| 18 | ATL | 18 | 18 | 17 | 17 |
| 19 | NYJ | 19 | 17 | 19 | 18 |
| 20 | CAR | 21 | 22 | 21 | 21 |
| 21 | SEA | 23 | 23 | 20 | 20 |
| 22 | HOU | 20 | 21 | 23 | 23 |
| 23 | SF | 22 | 24 | 24 | 22 |
| 24 | CHI | 26 | 20 | 25 | 24 |
| 25 | OAK | 24 | 25 | 22 | 25 |
| 26 | BUF | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
| 27 | WAS | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| 28 | KC | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| 29 | DET | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 |
| 30 | TB | 30 | 30 | 30 | 31 |
| 31 | STL | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 |
| 32 | CLE | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
And now, on to the power rankings revisited ...
The reckoning: Four games featured lower-ranked teams defeating higher-ranked teams:
- (32) Cleveland 13, (15) Pittsburgh 6: Each of the Steelers' remaining three opponents has a winning record to this point.
- (22) Houston 34, (21) Seattle 7: The Seahawks have no star players right now.
- (14) Miami 14, (13) Jacksonville 10: The Dolphins improbably have a shot at a second consecutive AFC East title.
- (27) Washington 34, (25) Oakland 13: The Redskins prove they are the best 4-9 team in the NFL (Raiders are the only other one).
Fraud alert: The Jaguars have averaged 15.3 points per game over their last nine games. Do not let their winning record fool you.
Divisional dominance: AFC South teams outscored NFC West teams 81-14 on Sunday.
Northbound in a hurry: The Eagles have won four in a row to reclaim the NFC East lead from the Cowboys. The Packers have won five in a row, tightening their grip on a wild-card playoff berth.
Look out below: The Bucs, Rams and Steelers have each lost five in a row. The Rams and Lions re-established themselves as the NFL's worst teams, getting outscored 95-10. Their defensive-minded head coaches were powerless.
My early favorite for the No. 1 spot: Indianapolis. How should we handle the Colts' ranking if they decide to rest key starters?
Mike Sando | email
NFL- NFC West Blogger
- Joined ESPN in 2007
- Lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons
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