NFL Power Rankings: Cardinals rise, Broncos fall in Week 15

Dec 14, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Giants wide reciever Odell Beckham Jr (13) runs untouched into the endzone for a Giants touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports

14. NEW YORK GIANTS (6-7)

Last week: 17
Change: +3

Odell Beckham, not for the first time and certainly not for the last, proves to be the difference maker. His 84-yard touchdown reception early in the fourth quarter put the New York Giants up by a touchdown, a margin the Miami Dolphins were unable to come back from. It was yet another excellent evening for Beckham.

And it could have been even better. In the second quarter, the Giants had the ball at their own 10-yard line. Beckham gained separation and looked gone for what would have been a 90-yard touchdown, but Eli Manning under-threw the ball and Beckham was called for offensive pass interference.

Manning, though, was at his best. He threw 31 times and only failed to complete four of his passes, piling up 327 yards and four touchdowns. When the Giants passing game is able to operate efficiently, they become an incredibly tough prospect. If they make the playoffs, don’t sleep on them.

The issue for the Giants is consistency. On their day, are they capable of beating the Eagles, Redskins and Cowboys? You bet they are. But too often they throw away games from winning positions. Not against the Dolphins, though.

They are now tied with the Redskins and Eagles atop the NFC East. The Giants needed that one.

Next: No. 13