Welcome back to the NFL power rankings! With only 5 weeks left to go in the regular season, playoff races are heating up, and many teams are still positioned to make a final push toward securing a playoff spot. Here is where we sit heading into the start of week 14!
1. Detroit Lions
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 12: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions takes the field to play the Atlanta Falcons for a NFL preseason game at Ford Field on August 12, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
If they beat the Packers on TNF, they will certainly remain in the top spot for another week. If the Packers go into Detroit and win though, then chances are, they are going to fall. Their defense is dealing with plenty of injuries, and it could become their achillies heel when they face other good teams.
2. Buffalo Bills
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 16: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills calls a play at the line during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
They are playing like the best team in the AFC, and they have an opportunity to win out and get the number one seed if the Chiefs lose even one game. Josh Allen is playing fantastic football, James Cook has taken the next step, and the defense is playing as well as it has all year.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 04: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
The Chiefs keep finding ways to win, but how long will it last? They easily could have lost each of their past 4 games, not to mention a handful of others earlier in the season. Patrick Mahomes is turning the ball over far too often, the offensive line is lacking, and although we know they can turn it on at any time, their lackluster play cannot be ignored.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 29: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles takes the field against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 29, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
They could be the best team in the NFL after their win last week against the Ravens, but with Goedert hurt, Smith banged up, and inconsistent play from Jalen Hurts, they still have something left to prove over the next few weeks and into the playoffs.
5. Minnesota Vikings
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
This could be the Vikings or the Packers. They are both good teams, but are they great? It is yet to be determined; however, right now, they have a better record than the Packers, so it is only fair to put them ahead. Their pass defense could be a weakness, but their run defense is excellent, and they find ways to win with QB Sam Darnold.
6. Green Packers
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 31: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass the ball in the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
They have a chance to show the world how good they are this week. They head to Detroit to take on the NFC North and NFC leading Lions. If they win, they will definitely move up a spot or two, and they will also bump the Lions down. Jordan Love needs to put up big time games like he did a year ago.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 9: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the preseason game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
The Steelers offense looked as good as it has all season in week 13, and if they want to hold onto their division lead, they will need that to continue. They have an excellent defense, and if their offense can play at a high level, they can make a run to the Super Bowl.
8. Baltimore Ravens
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, JANUARY 20: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball in the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Texans 34-10. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
They lost a tough one against a really good Eagles team, and the most surprising thing was how bad the offense looked. Perhaps this bye week will help get them back on track as they look to lock down a wild card spot and make a run at the top spot in the AFC North too.
9. Denver Broncos
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 22: Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Their defense struggled on MNF against the Browns, but they are headed on a much-needed bye. The good news is that their offense put up more than 40 points, and they still found a way to win. They are getting excellent QB play from rookie Bo Nix and have a real shot at a playoff spot if he continues to play this well.
10. Los Angeles Chargers
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 6: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers duding training camp at Jack Hammett Sports Complex on August 6, 2023 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Big road win for them in Atlanta last week, and they have an even bigger game this week against the Chiefs. A win would definitely prove that they belong in the top 10 and could even move them onto the top 6-7.
11. Seattle Seahawks
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 12: Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Lumen Field on September 12, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
They are on a roll and control their own destiny in the NFC West now. Geno Smith is playing great, they have a great group of receivers, and the defense has gotten hot again after starting the season strong and then looking like Swiss cheese for a handful of weeks.
12. Houston Texans
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 10: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans in action against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Texans 30-6. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
They are probably not the 12th-best team in the league, but they have a good record and are leading their division. They have a team that can make some noise come playoff time, but they need last seasons C.J. Stroud to come back.
13. Washington Commanders
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 06: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders rushes against the Cleveland Browns at Northwest Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
They are on the bye this week but got a much-needed win last week against the Titans. They were starting to slip, but this bye should get them healthy and ready to make a final push towards holding down a wild card spot.
14. Tampa Bay Bucs
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 31: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Had they not lost Chris Godwin for the season and Mike Evans for multiple weeks, they would be leading the NFC South. Still, they are in a position to win the division if they keep playing good football. Baker Mayfield is a gamer, and their run game has come on strong.
15. Los Angeles Rams
ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 29: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams drops back to pass during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
They have turned it on since they got Healthy and they have a proven winner at QB with Stafford.
16. Arizona Cardinals
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 31: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts to a touchdown pass during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
They lost a tough one to the Vikings and now have a must-win game against the Seahawks. If they lose, they can kiss their chances at the division goodbye. They need to get better QB play from Murray.
17. Atlanta Falcons
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 20: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Based on tiebreakers, the 6-6 Falcons are currently the fourth seed in the NFC playoff picture…someone coming out of the NFC South will be, but if Cousins keeps turning the ball over, it won’t be the Falcons.
18. Miami Dolphins
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 5: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa of Miami Dolphins looks on during the NFL match between Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs at Deutsche Bank Park on November 5, 2023 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Ralf Ibing – firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
The Dolphins lost a tough game in Green Bay last week that they were never really in. Tua Tagovailoa just cannot win in cold temperatures.
19. Indianapolis Colts
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 27: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts jukes past a defender as he runs downfield during the second quarter of the game against the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
The Colts are doing what they have to do at this stage of the game. They beat another team that is worse than them and are sitting at 6-7 one spot outside of the playoffs at the moment.
20. Dallas Cowboys
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 18: Cooper Rush #10 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass on the run during an NFL Football game against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium on November 18, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
At 5-7, the Cowboys would be ninth seed in the AFC, but in the NFC, it only puts them at no.12. There are just too many teams to leapfrog.
21. San Francisco 49ers
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 25: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers passes during the first half of a preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi’s Stadium on August 25, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Loren Elliott/Getty Images)
The same can be said of the 5-7 49ers, except because they are in the NFC West, they have twice the odds of the Cowboys sneaking into the playoffs…granted, the difference is 12% compared to the Cowboys 6%, “But you’re saying there’s a chance.”
22. Cincinnati Bengals
CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 30: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paul Brown Stadium on September 30, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
The Bengals are 4-8 with only a 3% chance of making the playoffs, and if they defeat the Cowboys this week, their odds skyrocket to 4%.
23. New Orleans Saints
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 29: Taysom Hill #7 of the New Orleans Saints runs past Kenny Moore II #23 of the Indianapolis Colts while scoring a rushing touchdown during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The Saints are also sitting at 4-8 with virtually no shot at the playoffs and just lost Taysom Hill for the rest of the season.
24. Cleveland Browns
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 17: Jerry Jeudy #3, Jameis Winston #5 and Elijah Moore #8 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates a third quarter touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on November 17, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
The Browns put up a spirited game this week in Denver, but three Jameis Winston interceptions were just too much to overcome. At 3-9 they are clinging to less than a 1% chance at seeing the postseason.
25. Tennessee Titans
PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 02: Will Levis #8 of the Tennessee Titans drops back to pass during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on November 2, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The Titans are sitting in the exact same position as the Browns, 3-9, and less than a 1% shot. At this point, players on all of these teams need to audition for 2025.
26. New York Jets
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 14: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets throws a pass during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on October 14, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
And the Jets are coming in at that same 3-9 record. Rodgers looks his age, and this season has been an utter failure.
27. Chicago Bears
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – APRIL 26: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears speaks answers a question from the media during his introductory press conference at Halas Hall on April 26, 2024 in Lake Forest, Illinois. Caleb Williams was drafted first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Bears actually have four wins on the season but find themselves in the monstrous NFC North. And those wins all came in the first six weeks of the season…they have now lost six in a row.
28. Carolina Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 25: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers throws a touchdown pass during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions at Bank of America Stadium on August 25, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The Panthers find themselves with the no.15 seed in the NFC and the last team not to be eliminated yet…or, to put it another way, the next team that will be eliminated in the NFC.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars
JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 04: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at EverBank Stadium on December 4, 2023 in Jacksonville, FL. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
The Jaguars season has seemingly been over for a while. Losing Trevor Lawrence for the rest of the year due to a concussion has put the final nail in their coffin for the 2024 season.
30. New England Patriots
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 17: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots runs with the football during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium on November 17, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
The Patriots have shown some heart this season, but the scoreboard is what the scoreboard is. Last season, they were 3-10, and this season they are 3-10.
31. Las Vegas Raiders
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 24: Owner and managing general partner Mark Davis of the Las Vegas Raiders (L) and head coach Antonio Pierce of the Raiders talk before their game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.The Broncos defeated the Raiders 29-19. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
At 2-10, the Raiders are truly one of the worst teams in the league…I feel vindicated because, before week one, I listed them as the no.32 team in the league, dead last.
32. New York Giants
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 24: Tommy DeVito #15 of the New York Giants throws a pass against the New York Jets during the second quarter of a preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 24, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
This Giants team is a disaster. The week after they dropped Daniel Jones, they lost Tommy DeVito to an injury. Drew Lock filled in and was no better. DeVito might get his job at some point if he is healthy, but it doesn’t really matter. Giants need new leadership.
