After Week 12 the playoff picture is starting to take shape around the NFL. There is a big drop-off after the top eight teams in the NFL right now. The Commanders continue to trend in the wrong direction while the Dolphins continue to sneak up in the AFC. With many big Thanksgiving week matchups ahead let’s take a look at the Power Rankings ahead of Week 13.
1. Detroit Lions 10-1 (-)
The Lions continue to dominate teams behind the rushing attack of Sonic and Knuckles finding themselves at the top of the power rankings for the second straight week. The rest of the Lions’ schedule is a rough stretch between the Bears, Packers, Bills, Bears, 49ers, and Vikings to close out the season. Unfortunately for the Lions, the Vikings and Packers keep winning, giving them little room for error during that stretch. I expect the Lions to hold onto the division and be the one seed in the NFC.
2. Buffalo Bills 9-2 (-)
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3. Kansas City Chiefs 10-1 (-)
The Chiefs come in at number three in the power rankings despite the Panthers taking them to the wire. Defensively, this unit is gassed and has not been translating pressures into sacks in the last couple of games. Offensively, they are starting to hit their stride as Patrick Mahomes has 3 touchdowns in three of his last four games. They will be getting Isiah Pacheco and Charles Omenihu back ahead of this week’s game with Marquise Brown slated to return around Christmas.
4. Philadelphia Eagles 9-2 (-)
The Eagles have been one of the hottest teams in the NFL as of late behind Saquon Barkley’s MVP campaign. The veteran running back has over 500 total yards in the last two games and has been able to showcase his talents behind a good offensive line. Defensively they are a force with young stars like Quinyon Mitchell and Jalen Carter. I would not be surprised if the Eagles give the Lions a good run for their money for the one seed.
5. Baltimore Ravens 8-4 (-2)
The Ravens gained ground on the Steelers in the division race with a big win over the Chargers. They once again started the game slow getting down by two scores and then answering with a dominant performance on both sides of the ball. The secondary is improving and has been playing better in the last two weeks. The Ravens are going to need to start fast in the playoffs in order to avoid another let down season.
6. Green Bay Packers 8-3 (-)
The Packers continue their winning ways behind Josh Jacobs dominant performance on the ground with 3 rushing touchdowns. Jordan Love was not particularly efficient in the win but was able to hit on the play action throws that are necessary within the Packers’ offense. Defensively they impressed shutting down McCaffrey and the 49ers run game. The Packers are going to be a tough matchup for any team in the postseason if Jordan Love is making smart decisions.
7. Minnesota Vikings 9-2 (+1)
The Vikings held onto a wild game against the Bears with Sam Darnold having one of his best performances of the season. With Justin Jefferson being tripled team, the Vikings involved Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson more allowing them to combine for over 250 yards receiving. The Vikings are certainly going to make the playoffs, but the real question is, can they steal the division from Detroit in the coming weeks?
8. Pittsburgh Steelers 8-3 (-3)
The Steelers dropped a divisional matchup against the Browns causing them to slide in the power rankings this week. It was a trap game for them, and it allowed the Ravens to close the gap in the division. Offensively they still struggle to finish drives allowing the other team to hang around. Defensively I do think they are a good unit but is that enough to make some noise in a stacked AFC?
9. Los Angeles Chargers 7-4 (+1)
The Chargers might not be as good as we think. Their only win this season to a team above .500 is the Denver Broncos meanwhile they are 0-4 against teams currently in the playoff picture. The offense needs more weapons outside of Ladd McConkey while the defense has struggled against better opponents. The Chargers are ahead of schedule right now and won’t be making any noise in the postseason.
10. Denver Broncos 7-5 (+3)
Another big win for the Broncos as they stay ahead of schedule in the AFC playoff race. They weren’t as dominant in this one, but Bo Nix continued to be extremely efficient. Their running back room is a mess right now as they have no clear lead back. Defensively they weren’t as sharp as they have been but made the necessary stops at the end of the game to hold onto the win.
11. Houston Texans 7-5 (+1)
The Texans have been disappointing this season, and it starts up front. Their offensive line has struggled this season and has made C.J. Stroud look like a different quarterback. The big plays hurt them on defense this week and allowed over 400 yards to the Titans. The Texans will walk away with the AFC South for the second straight season, but they will not be winning a playoff game this year.
12. Washington Commanders 7-5 (-3)
The Commanders have now dropped their third game in a row and are now beating the Kliff Kingsbury second half of the season allegations. Their offensive EPA per play has taken a massive hit and while the defense has not been playing much differently it is not enough to carry the offense. They still are ahead of schedule with seven wins but the margin for error is much smaller than it was a few weeks ago.
13. Seattle Seahawks 6-5 (+4)
The Seahawks are a tough team to read right now and pulled off a massive win over the Cardinals. Mike McDaniel continues to elevate the play of the Seahawks’ defense when they need it most. Offensively they were able to do just enough to pull out the win. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a budding superstar along with DK Metcalf and Kenneth Walker III. Geno Smith needs to play better down the stretch if they are going to hold onto the division.
14. Atlanta Falcons 6-5 (+2)
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15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-6 (+4)
The Buccaneers routed the Giants and got star wide receiver Mike Evans back from injury. Bucky Irving continued his hot start to his NFL career with over 100 total yards and a touchdown. Baker Mayfield continues to look like a top-ten quarterback in the league. With an easier schedule ahead, don’t count the Bucs out from making a late playoff push.
16. Arizona Cardinals 6-5 (-5)
The Cardinals were one of the hottest teams in the NFL entering Week 12 and walked away with a disappointing loss to the Seahawks. Drew Petzing was outcoached this week and Kyler Murray continues to disappear in these big games. Defensively their stride over the last two months still showed as they held the Seahawks to 16 points. Last weekend was a missed opportunity to separate themselves in the NFC West.
17. Los Angeles Rams 5-6 (-2)
The Rams were not able to pull off the upset and now find themselves below .500 again. Offensively their line is getting bullied right now and is the main reason their drives stall out. On defense, their run defense has struggled to get off the field and is allowing chunk plays at a high rate. The Rams are not out of it yet but need to be better in the trenches if they are going to make the playoffs.
18. San Francisco 49ers 5-6 (-4)
The 49ers might be one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL this season. The injuries have been a big problem for them all season, but the main concern lies up front. Offensively their run blocking has declined, and Christian McCaffrey is even struggling to get going. Defensively they have had a hard time stopping the run this season due to poor nose tackle play. The lack of depth in the trenches is the main effect of paying all of their superstars.
19. Miami Dolphins 5-6 (+2)
The Dolphins are now on a three-game win streak and continue their push to get into the playoffs. Instead of it being the Tyreek Hill show, the Dolphins are spreading the ball around more than ever. They have unlocked Jonnu Smith’s potential giving them another threat in the pass game. This team defensively still leaves a lot to be desired but was stellar this week against New England.
20. Cincinnati Bengals 4-7 (-2)
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21. Indianapolis Colts 5-7 (-1)
The Colts were unable to pull off the upset against the Lions but there were some encouraging signs. Anthony Richardson continued to trend in the right direction with improved accuracy and decision-making. There were multiple big plays called back due to penalties and drops that resulted in a pedestrian stat line from Richardson. From this point on, the Colts need to win out to have a good chance at the playoffs.
22. New Orleans Saints 4-7 (+1)
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23. Chicago Bears 4-7 (-1)
The Bears are so close to getting over the hump but once again lost in heartbreaking fashion. The heartbreaking losses seem to have become a trend in the Matt Eberflus era in Chicago. I don’t think there is any chance he is back on the team next season despite his skills as a coordinator. Offensively you have to be happy about the strides Caleb Williams has made since the firing of Shane Waldron.
24. Cleveland Browns 3-8 (+4)
The Browns every few weeks show up like they have in the last few seasons with a dominant defense and a consistent run game. They were able to out Steeler the Steelers last week with a gritty performance in the snow. Jameis Winston is a national treasure, and you should check out his Mic’d up clips from the win. In what has been a tough season for Browns fans, this was a good win.
25. New York Jets 3-8 (-)
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26. Carolina Panthers 3-8 (-)
Bryce Young has looked like a different player in his last three games. He is poised and throwing dots to his receivers like we saw in college. Young went toe to toe with Mahomes and the Panthers defense failed to stop Mahomes under two minutes. With Bryce Young playing better football, you build the trenches up front and then get him another talented playmaker on the outside for next season. This is Young’s team for at least another season.
27. Dallas Cowboys 4-7 (-)
After calling the Cowboys an unserious football team after a five-game losing streak, they responded with a big win over their division rivals. It started on the defensive side of the ball completely neutralizing the Commanders’ offense through three quarters. Offensively they were moving the ball consistently and Cooper Rush had a good day. Ultimately it was Kavonte Turpin’s big kickoff return that sealed the day in a wild win.
28. Tennessee Titans 3-8 (+1)
The Titans were able to pull off a big upset against their division rival this week behind a few impressive performances. Brian Callahan was a good hire and with more talent I see his offense being more consistent. Tony Pollard was a great signing this offseason and was a key factor in the win on Sunday. Will Levis on the other hand will not be back next year. There’s a lot of good but he takes too many sacks, and his decision-making is not good enough to be a starter right now.
29. New England Patriots 3-8 (-5)
I am not convinced that Jerad Mayo will be back in New England next season. Compared to the prior regime in New England the lack of preparation every week for the opponent’s offenses is notable. Offensively Drake Maye continues to show flashes of his potential. They need to establish the offensive line more than the weapons around Maye because that unit is one of the worst I’ve ever seen.
30. Las Vegas Raiders 2-9 (+1)
The Raiders deserve some credit for fighting hard the last two weeks despite being out of the race. Before his season-ending injury, Gardner Minshew was playing his best football of the season. The Raiders will now turn to Desmond Ridder or Aidan O’Connell for the rest of the season. The current state of the Raiders is so bad that even Daniel Jones did not want to sign with the team.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars 2-9 (+1)
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32. New York Giants 2-9 (-2)
It’s almost like openly tanking at the front office level would lead to a bad on-the-field product. The Giants players voiced their frustrations all week about the Daniel Jones situation and turned in their worst performance of the season in Week 12. I do think Brian Daboll is a good offensive mind but is not a leader of men who is required to be a head coach. The Giants will likely be looking for a new coach, general manager, and quarterback in the offseason.