New top-three teams emerge led Buccaneers

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10)

15. Cleveland Browns (7-6)

Last week: 17

The Browns won, but certainly not in convincing fashion. It looked like it would be a rout when Ravens QB Lamar Jackson went down and backup Tyler Huntley was strip-sacked for a TD by Cleveland DE Myles Garrett. But then the final score was only 24-22 with Baltimore close to coming all the way back…

14. Cincinnati Bengals (7-6)

Last week: 13

The Bengals lost in overtime to the Niners, 26-23. Cincy did put up a field goal in the extra frame, but then the 49ers scored a TD to seal it afterword. This one just screamed that the Bengals are a team that’s still learning to win a bit with some mistakes, but positive signs are there like QB Joe Burrow’s 348 yards and two touchdowns to rookie WR Ja’Marr Chase.

13. San Francisco 49ers (7-6)

Last week: 14

To their credit the 49ers did take advantage of miscues by the Bengals. Two fumbled punts turned into 10 points for the Niners among other plays San Francisco capitalized on. QB Jimmy Garoppolo was 27 for 41 for 296 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning score to close it out in OT to WR Brandon Aiyuk.

12. Baltimore Ravens (8-5)

Last week: 11

Jackson was the only Ravens player that wasn’t prone to being injured… until Week 14 against Cleveland. An ankle injury will be monitored going forward and if he can’t get back out there, the AFC North isn’t far behind. QB Tyler Huntley kept the ship afloat against an average Browns team… but is that sustainable?

11. Buffalo Bills (7-6)

Last week: 10

The Bills were in Raiders drop territory in this poll at halftime as they looked lifeless against the Buccaneers. The Bucs took their foot off the gas a bit on offense, but Buffalo stormed back thanks to QB Josh Allen. Despite the 33-27 overtime loss, the Bills have to take a moral victory here and turn it into wins down the stretch.