Weekly rankings: Steelers take over top spot with hot play

This is how the NFL's 32 teams stack up after Week 15.

• Pittsburgh Steelers
  11-3 (Previous: 2) A lights-out defense, an offense that makes plays when it needs to, and strong coaching are the ingredients of a team deserving of the top spot.
• New York Giants
  11-3 (1)A year ago, they rode a late-season surge all the way to glory. Now, they're mired in a late-season slump.
• Carolina Panthers
  11-3 (7)After winning a big one for their ailing owner, the Panthers are geared up for an even larger challenge at Giants Stadium.
• Dallas Cowboys
  9-5 (4)Funny how a win can turn down the drama … for one week, at least.
• Indianapolis Colts
  10-4 (5)The Lions made it far too interesting, but the Colts -- and especially Peyton Manning -- won't be denied on their playoff run through Patsieville.
• Tennessee Titans
  12-2 (3)That 10-0 start seems like a long time ago, doesn't it?
• New York Jets
  9-5 (6)They played poorly enough to lose to the hapless Bills, but they'll take a win any way they can get it.
• Minnesota Vikings
  9-5 (--)Tarvaris Jackson comes up big in his first start since being benched, putting this team one win away from clinching a division championship.
• Baltimore Ravens
  9-5 (9)Their offense was rolling along nicely … until it came up against the NFL's best defense.
• Atlanta Falcons
  9-5 (11)Granted, the task was a little easier with the other team's starting quarterback sidelined, but the Falcons' defense came up big vs. the Bucs.
• Miami Dolphins
  9-5 (--)After surviving vs. the 49ers, the Dolphins are two wins away from completing one of the most astonishing turnarounds in NFL history.
• New England Patriots
  9-5 (12)That was an inspiring performance by Matt Cassel. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.