Week 13 has definitely been lucky for a few teams this week. Last week, all of the lower-tier teams lost, and I even referenced that as the season wears on, the better teams tend to keep winning, while the lower teams tend to keep losing.
But sometimes, the pride element kicks in. That was the case this week for the Cowboys, Browns, and Titans, who all won improbable games. It won’t do much for them this season, but it has surely affected the teams they beat, who are all currently playoff teams.
The Steelers had clawed their way into the top 10 and then finally reached no.4 last week after defeating the Ravens. After their abysmal loss this week in Cleveland, they have plummeted down to eighth.
Here is the entire power ranking:
Detroit Lions:
This team may not lose again this year…and not just in the regular season. This feels like the first time the Lions will make it to The Big Dance.
Buffalo Bills:
The Bills had a bye.
Kansas City Chiefs:
The Chiefs barely beat the Panthers. They may be the worst 10-1 team in history.
Philadelphia Eagles:
The Eagles are a sneaky No. 4 team. They are the No. 2 seed in the NFC and are the only team with the pedigree and mettle to beat the Lions.
Minnesota Vikings:
The Vikings do not have the same grit or mettle to overtake the Lions or the Eagles.
Green Bay Packers:
The Packers are very young and may be young enough not to feel the pressure of the playoffs.
Baltimore Ravens:
Until Lamar Jackson can prove it in a big spot, on a big stage that is bigger than a random primetime regular season game, I don’t buy them.
Pittsburgh Steelers:
The Steelers have turned back into a pumpkin after their disappointing loss in Cleveland.
Seattle Seahawks:
The Seahawks won a huge matchup against the Cardinals to take over first place in the crazy NFC West.
Denver Broncos:
The Broncos would be in first place in the NFC West but, instead, are barely clinging to a wildcard spot in the AFC.
Los Angeles Chargers:
One Harbaugh won, and one lost on Monday. Unfortunately for Charger fans, it was John who prevailed.
Houston Texans:
The Texans are still a young team and are playing inconsistently, as most young teams do.
Washington Commanders:
See Houston.
Los Angeles Rams:
The Rams faced a buzzsaw, losing big to the Eagles.
Arizona Cardinals:
The Cardinals are tied with the Seahawks at 6-5 but are currently out of the playoffs. They could easily still win the division…or finish in last place.
Atlanta Falcons:
The Falcons are still in first place but have lost two in a row, and if they aren’t careful, the Buccaneers will overtake them.
Miami Dolphins:
The Dolphins are now 5-6, and playing very well with Tua Tagovailoa back healthy.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Don’t look now, but the Buccaneers are 5-6 and have Mike Evans back.
San Francisco 49ers:
This 49ers team is still sitting at 5-6 with a great shot at making the playoffs, but they just seem to be playing much worse.
Cincinnati Bengals:
Sitting at 4-7, their playoff hopes are nearly gone. It is such a strange record, considering they have scored one more point than they’ve given up this season.
New Orleans Saints:
The Saints were sitting at 2-7. They fired their head coach and have now won two in a row…in the NFC South, who knows?
Indianapolis Colts:
Anthony Richardson reverted back to his former self. It will be interesting to see how they play this week, heading to Foxboro to play the Patriots.
Dallas Cowboys:
Say what you want. Their season is going nowhere, and their playoff chances are gone, but they showed true heart, defeating the Commanders in Washington.
Cleveland Browns:
The same is true for the Browns, defeating the Steelers.
Tennessee Titans:
The same is true for the Titans, defeating the Texans.
New York Jets:
Yippee, the Jets didn’t lose…only because they had a bye.
Chicago Bears:
The Bears have now lost five in a row, and it’s hard to believe or remember that they were 4-2 to start the season.
Carolina Panthers:
The Panthers played the two-time defending champs really well, scoring 11 points in the fourth quarter to tie the game.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
The Jaguars were saved by the bye week.
New England Patriots:
The only reason the Pats aren’t lower is because of the Raiders and the Giants.
Las Vegas Raiders:
The only reason the Raiders aren’t lower is because of the Giants.
New York Giants:
And then there is just the Giants. This week’s Thanksgiving game against the Cowboys will be interesting. The Cowboys haven’t won a home game this season…yet. They will on Thursday, taking care of business at home.
