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

Dec 13, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs players celebrate after the final play against the San Diego Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 10-3. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

5. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (8-5)

Last week: 6
Change: +1

The turnaround in Kansas City is nothing short of incredible. A team that was once down and out at 1-5 is now firmly in control of its postseason destiny at 8-5. After putting in a number of dominant performances along the way, it was time for the Chiefs to win an ugly one. And they did.

In a game in which the Chiefs offense struggled to find the end zone, despite moving the ball at ease on the ground, the defense stepped up and limited the depleted Chargers offense to just three points. The game was sealed with an impressive goal line stand as time expired.

It doesn’t matter how you win ‘em, and these type of games help a team prepare for the grind of the playoffs. There is no doubt this Chiefs team is battle tested. They have faced the adversity of starting the season 1-5 and seeing their season written off. But the way they have fought back to win seven straight could set them up for a surprise deep postseason push.

They finish the season with games against Baltimore, Cleveland and Oakland. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, but this team has to be looking at 11-5. And if you enter the playoffs on a 10-game win streak, look out.

Next: No. 4