The Athletic: NFL Power Rankings Week 13: Eagles, Packers on the rise as Chiefs, Steelers slip

HipKat · Nov 26, 2024

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6)

Last week: 18

Sunday: Beat New York Giants 30-7

Best-case scenario: Winning NFC South

Mike Evans returned Sunday, and Tampa Bay snapped a four-game losing streak. The Buccaneers play only one more team with a winning record (the Chargers) while the Falcons, who are one spot ahead of them in the division, play three. Tampa Bay gained 450 yards, including 156 on the ground, against the reeling Giants.

Up next: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

17. Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)

Last week: 20

Sunday: Bye

Best-case scenario: One playoff win

Yes, this would take quite a run, but the Bengals are capable of quite a run because they have Joe Burrow and one of the easiest remaining schedules in the league. Burrow is second in passing yards (3,028) and sixth in EPA per dropback (.16), and Cincinnati has the 25th-toughest remaining schedule. The Bengals are the favorites in each of their next five games, according to The Athletic’s projections. As for doing any damage in the postseason, this defense is not good enough to expect multiple playoff wins.

Up next: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

18. Miami Dolphins (5-6)

Last week: 21

Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 34-15

Best-case scenario: Playoffs

Miami is still alive despite starting the season 2-6, and Tua Tagovailoa gets the credit. The Dolphins quarterback missed Weeks 3-7 because of another concussion, but since Week 9, he has 10 touchdowns and one interception and leads the league in EPA per dropback (.36) and completion percentage (77.3). “The guy is Magic Johnson,” Jason Garrett said on “Sunday Night Football.” “When you take this guy out of the lineup, no one can replace him. He’s playing as well as anyone in the league right now.” Sunday was Miami’s third straight win.

Up next: at Green Bay Packers, Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET

19. Los Angeles Rams (5-6)

Last week: 15

Sunday: Lost to Philadelphia Eagles 37-20

Best-case scenario: Playoffs

The NFC West standings make it impossible to rule out anyone in the division, but Sunday proved this team doesn’t have a lot of potential against the NFC powers. Matthew Stafford was sacked four times and hit another 11 against the Eagles. Puka Nacua had nine catches for 117 yards, but Los Angeles lost for the second time in the last three games.

Up next: at New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

https://twitter.com/x/status/1860900263919497377

20. San Francisco 49ers (5-6)

Last week: 16

Sunday: Lost to Green Bay Packers 38-10

Best-case scenario: Playoffs

The boost provided by Christian McCaffrey’s return didn’t last long. San Francisco won its first game with McCaffrey back in the lineup but has now lost two straight. McCaffrey has averaged only 3.5 yards per carry since his return, including 2.8 Sunday against the Packers. Brock Purdy missed the game with a shoulder injury. As long as he’s back soon, we can’t count out the 49ers yet because they’re only one game back in the division.

Up next: at Buffalo Bills, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

21. Indianapolis Colts (5-7)

Last week: 19

Sunday: Lost to Detroit Lions 24-6

Best-case scenario: Developing Anthony Richardson

The Colts aren’t out of the playoff picture, but this season won’t be remembered for making the postseason or not. It will be remembered as the year their second-year quarterback either worked or didn’t. Richardson was 11-of-28 passing for 172 yards and led Indianapolis with 61 rushing yards against the Lions. Indianapolis should think about protecting him better. He was 3 of 13 when pressured, according to TruMedia.

Up next: at New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

22. Chicago Bears (4-7)

Last week: 23

Sunday: Lost to Minnesota Vikings 30-27

Best-case scenario: Protecting Caleb Williams

The Bears lost their fifth straight game Sunday, but the rookie quarterback is showing development, which is all this season is about. Williams was 32 of 47 for 340 yards and two touchdowns against Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, which is a feather in any quarterback’s cap. Flores’ defense gave up an EPA per dropback of .04 in Weeks 1-11. Williams posted a .16.

Up next: at Detroit Lions, Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET

23. Dallas Cowboys (4-7)

Last week: 26

Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 34-26

Best-case scenario: Not getting fooled

The Cowboys have a less than one percent chance of making the playoffs, according to The Athletic’s model, and a wacky win over an old rival shouldn’t convince this team it’s in decent shape. Dallas is 29th in scoring margin (minus-98) and 31st in points allowed (29 ppg). The good news is KaVontae Turpin is fun to watch. He leads the league with 906 return yards, including an electric 99-yard kickoff return Sunday.

Up next: vs. New York Giants, Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET

https://twitter.com/x/status/1860790966195487030

24. New Orleans Saints (4-7)

Last week: 24

Sunday: Bye

Best-case scenario: A top-10 pick

The Saints are on a two-game winning streak under interim head coach Darren Rizzi, and he has a shot at getting the full-time job because of his popularity in the locker room. However, winning a lot more games may not be in New Orleans’ best interests. The Saints, who are a projected $62 million over the 2025 salary cap, need to be stocking up on young talent. They’re probably already out of the No. 1 pick conversation, but the higher this team picks in April the better.

Up next: vs. Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

25. Cleveland Browns (3-8)

Last week: 30

Thursday: Beat Pittsburgh Steelers 24-19

Best-case scenario: A time machine

This season is over, and the most likely outcome for 2025 is that Deshaun Watson (and his $72.9 million cap hit) will be starting at quarterback. The Browns could be stuck with Watson for a couple more years, so the best-case scenario (remember, we’re not doing most-realistic scenarios here) is for Watson to return somewhere near his Houston form.

Up next: at Denver Broncos, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

26. Tennessee Titans (3-8)

Last week: 31

Sunday: Beat Houston Texans 32-27

Best-case scenario: Building some confidence

There’s a lone Titans fan out there screaming that this team still has four games left against AFC South teams, including two against the Jaguars, and could still get into the division race, but let’s be serious here. Will Levis outplayed C.J. Stroud on Sunday (123.3 passer rating to 78.7), and that might be something first-year head coach Brian Callahan can build on down the stretch.

Up next: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

27. New England Patriots (3-9)

Last week: 22

Sunday: Lost to Miami Dolphins 34-15

Best-case scenario: Keeping Drake Maye healthy

New England’s rookie quarterback is the team’s only real bright spot this season, but he’s taking some punishment. Maye is fourth in the league in sacks taken (19) and hits taken (39) since taking over as the starter in Week 6, according to TruMedia. He leads the league in scrambles (28) and has 274 rushing yards, which is second among quarterbacks, in that same stretch.

Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

28. Carolina Panthers (3-8)

Last week: 27

Sunday: Lost to Kansas City Chiefs 30-27

Best-case scenario: That Bryce Young is the answer

Carolina had given up on its second-year quarterback six weeks ago, but since being thrust back into the starting role because of an injury to Andy Dalton, Young has been better. He passed for 263 yards and no interceptions against Steve Spagnuolo’s defense Sunday. Buffalo and Cincinnati are the only other teams to score more than 24 points this year against the Chiefs. The offseason decision about Young will be interesting.

Up next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

https://twitter.com/x/status/1860793876359074177

29. New York Jets (3-8)

Last week: 25

Sunday: Bye

Best-case scenario: A fresh start

Aaron Rodgers is 26th in EPA per dropback (minus-.02). His passer rating (88.9) and yards per attempt (6.4) are his lowest in any full season. And still there’s the thought he might come back in 2025. Nobody needs that, particularly the new head coach, whoever he may be. The 2025 quarterback draft class is a tricky one and the looming free-agent list at the position doesn’t provide any obvious answers, either, but anything is better than this Jets season.

Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

30. Las Vegas Raiders (2-9)

Last week: 29

Sunday: Lost to Denver Broncos 29-19

Best-case scenario: The No. 1 draft pick

If the season ended today, Las Vegas would pick No. 3, but the Raiders are closing in on the top spot fast. Las Vegas lost its seventh straight Sunday and lost starting quarterback Gardner Minshew for the season. This isn’t the draft to be in the quarterback market, according to most experts, but having the first shot to draft one still is the best option for the Raiders.

Up next: at Kansas City Chiefs, Friday, 3 p.m. ET

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)

Last week: 32

Sunday: Bye

Best-case scenario: Bill Belichick

Hiring the third-winningest coach in league history would immediately give Jacksonville relevance. Pairing Belichick with Colorado’s Travis Hunter, whom the Jaguars could select at No. 1 if they continue their current ways, would make for one of the most interesting player-coach dynamics in the league. Hunter might be as versatile in the league as was his current college head coach (Deion Sanders), and Belichick could figure out fascinating ways to deploy him.

Up next: vs. Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

32. New York Giants (2-9)

Last week: 28

Sunday: Lost to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-7

Best-case scenario: This season ending

Malik Nabers called out the play calling Sunday. Dexter Lawrence definitely called out his team’s toughness. And the Giants lost their sixth straight while former Giant Saquon Barkley continued his MVP-caliber season. The Giants, who were outgained by 205 yards Sunday, already have cut one-time franchise quarterback Daniel Jones. Coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen may be next.

Up next: at Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, 4:30 p.m.

HipKat · Nov 26, 2024

NFL Power Rankings, Week 13: Eagles leapfrog Chiefs to hit top three; Ravens, Broncos on the rise

Buffalo got to sit back on its Week 12 bye with a 9-2 record, having won six straight, culminating with a big win over Kansas City. Part of the Bills' bye-week viewing likely included the Chiefs' struggles to put the Panthers away, which had to make the week of rest even better. Buffalo all but has the AFC East wrapped up, and it still has a puncher's chance to wrestle away the AFC's top seed from Kansas City, thanks to the head-to-head win and a stretch run that is far easier than the Chiefs'. Buffalo will come out of the bye with a home game against the suddenly sinking 5-6 49ers. There also are games left against the Rams, Jets and Patriots (twice), as well as a showdown against the Lions in Detroit that could serve as a Super Bowl sneak peek. All told, the Bills are in great shape, and they appear to be getting a little healthier, too

The Athletic: NFL Power Rankings Week 13: Eagles, Packers on the rise as Chiefs, Steelers slip

1. Detroit Lions (10-1)

2. Philadelphia Eagles (9-2)

3. Buffalo Bills (9-2)

4. Kansas City Chiefs (10-1)

5. Green Bay Packers (8-3)

6. Minnesota Vikings (9-2)

7. Baltimore Ravens (8-4)

8. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)

9. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)

10. Denver Broncos (7-5)

11. Washington Commanders (7-5)

12. Seattle Seahawks (6-5)

13. Houston Texans (7-5)

14. Arizona Cardinals (6-5)

15. Atlanta Falcons (6-5)

HipKat

Administrator

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6)

17. Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)

18. Miami Dolphins (5-6)

19. Los Angeles Rams (5-6)

20. San Francisco 49ers (5-6)

21. Indianapolis Colts (5-7)

22. Chicago Bears (4-7)

23. Dallas Cowboys (4-7)

24. New Orleans Saints (4-7)

25. Cleveland Browns (3-8)

26. Tennessee Titans (3-8)

27. New England Patriots (3-9)

28. Carolina Panthers (3-8)

29. New York Jets (3-8)

30. Las Vegas Raiders (2-9)

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)

32. New York Giants (2-9)

HipKat

Administrator

The Athletic: NFL Power Rankings Week 13: Eagles, Packers on the rise as Chiefs, Steelers slip

1. Detroit Lions (10-1)​

2. Philadelphia Eagles (9-2)​

3. Buffalo Bills (9-2)​

4. Kansas City Chiefs (10-1)​

5. Green Bay Packers (8-3)​

6. Minnesota Vikings (9-2)​

7. Baltimore Ravens (8-4)​

8. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)​

9. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)​

10. Denver Broncos (7-5)​

11. Washington Commanders (7-5)​

12. Seattle Seahawks (6-5)​

13. Houston Texans (7-5)​

14. Arizona Cardinals (6-5)​

15. Atlanta Falcons (6-5)​

HipKat

Administrator

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6)​

17. Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)​

18. Miami Dolphins (5-6)​

19. Los Angeles Rams (5-6)​

20. San Francisco 49ers (5-6)​

21. Indianapolis Colts (5-7)​

22. Chicago Bears (4-7)​

23. Dallas Cowboys (4-7)​

24. New Orleans Saints (4-7)​

25. Cleveland Browns (3-8)​

26. Tennessee Titans (3-8)​

27. New England Patriots (3-9)​

28. Carolina Panthers (3-8)​

29. New York Jets (3-8)​

30. Las Vegas Raiders (2-9)​

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)​

32. New York Giants (2-9)​

HipKat

Administrator

1. Detroit Lions (10-1)

2. Philadelphia Eagles (9-2)

3. Buffalo Bills (9-2)

4. Kansas City Chiefs (10-1)

5. Green Bay Packers (8-3)

6. Minnesota Vikings (9-2)

7. Baltimore Ravens (8-4)

8. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)

9. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)

10. Denver Broncos (7-5)

11. Washington Commanders (7-5)

12. Seattle Seahawks (6-5)

13. Houston Texans (7-5)

14. Arizona Cardinals (6-5)

15. Atlanta Falcons (6-5)

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6)

17. Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)

18. Miami Dolphins (5-6)

19. Los Angeles Rams (5-6)

20. San Francisco 49ers (5-6)

21. Indianapolis Colts (5-7)

22. Chicago Bears (4-7)

23. Dallas Cowboys (4-7)

24. New Orleans Saints (4-7)

25. Cleveland Browns (3-8)

26. Tennessee Titans (3-8)

27. New England Patriots (3-9)

28. Carolina Panthers (3-8)

29. New York Jets (3-8)

30. Las Vegas Raiders (2-9)

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)

32. New York Giants (2-9)