The Power Rankings remain unchanged at the top for now, but the scenario may drastically shift by next week. This is because the Philadelphia Eagles are set to host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13, a monumental game in the NFC, which also includes the thriving Dallas Cowboys. Meanwhile, Baltimore, Kansas City, Miami, and Jacksonville are all standing at an 8-3 tie, boasting the best record in the AFC. The competition leading to the Super Bowl promises to be extraordinary.
The Eagles prove to be a challenging team to defeat. Despite limiting Jalen Hurts to only four completions in last Sunday’s first half, the Buffalo Bills should have emerged victorious in that game. However, Hurts and his team consistently demonstrate their ability to turn the game around, which explains their leading NFL record of 10-1.
The 49ers are on a roll with three consecutive wins. In their Week 12 domination of Seattle, Brock Purdy was overshadowed by the offensive performances of Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel. Moreover, the defense was in top form, achieving six sacks and not allowing any offensive touchdowns.
Last week in LA, the Ravens delivered as expected and are now heading into a convenient late-season bye with the best AFC record. There is ample offensive power under the leadership of Lamar Jackson. However, the defense led by Mike Macdonald could be the driving force to the Super Bowl.
Last week, the Kansas City Chiefs were down 14-0 in Las Vegas but managed to turn the game around. Rashee Rice showed potential, hinting that he might be the long-term solution as a receiver. Now, the team needs to focus on maintaining consistency in its offensive game.
Currently, the Cowboys have a distinctive and impressive aura. Dak Prescott is displaying the peak performance of his career, multiple players are making significant contributions to the offense, and the defense is executing game-changing plays which could dictate and secure wins.
The Dolphins exhibited significant firepower on Black Friday, scoring over 30 points for the sixth time this season in their easy victory over the Jets. However, Miami also matched the performance level of their less formidable opponent, and some of their errors may prove costly in the playoffs.
Trevor Lawrence reaffirmed his credentials by outperforming the rising star, C.J. Stroud, last Sunday. It was remarkable to witness many others stepping up and making significant plays, particularly defensive end Josh Allen, who deserves to be recognized as one of the league’s top players.
Jared Goff’s game has been marred by troubling turnovers lately, making him appear quite unstable in recent weeks. Despite these issues, it’s probable that the Lions will maintain their path to the playoffs. However, their recent performances indicate that they are still refining their strategies and skills.
Last Sunday, the Texans failed to overcome the Jaguars, with Matt Ammendola’s 58-yard field goal hitting the crossbar. However, after watching that game, I am convinced that Houston holds significant relevance in the current NFL landscape. This relevance could potentially extend for a considerable period, especially with C.J. Stroud as their QB.
Josh Allen dominated the field for considerable parts of last week’s overtime defeat to Philadelphia. The Bills would have been the rightful victors had Allen successfully passed to Gabe Davis during overtime. Despite this setback, I maintain the belief that they are still in the game, although they face the challenge of playing Kansas City away next.
The Colts are on a five-game winning streak, and I appreciate their relentless effort under the leadership of head coach Shane Steichen. Michael Pittman proves to be a reliable receiver for Gardner Minshew. However, it’s unfortunate that running back Jonathan Taylor will be absent for a few weeks just as he was gaining momentum.
The Broncos have made an impressive comeback, securing five consecutive wins and elevating their record from 1-5 to 6-5. Their defense is contributing with crucial takeaways, while Russell Wilson is not being overburdened on offense. Nevertheless, he is performing exceptionally in his role.
Despite the Pittsburgh Steelers dismissing their offensive coordinator, wide receivers Diontae Johnson and George Pickens seemingly not playing with full effort, and the team only securing one offensive touchdown last week, they still hold a 7-4 record and have their sights set on the AFC playoffs.
The defeat at home to the San Francisco 49ers on Thanksgiving Day was a humbling experience. The line was unable to hold up and Geno Smith seemingly struggles to reproduce the phenomenal performance of his 2022 season. While Seattle is a playoff team, they are not a contender.
The Browns were always set for a tough time when their quarterback, Deshaun Watson, was ruled out for the year. His performance may not have been exceptional, but there’s a noticeable decline to Dorian Thompson-Robinson and P.J. Walker. The situation is now further complicated by a concerning shoulder injury to Myles Garrett.
The Vikings’ performance has been underwhelming, as they have suffered consecutive losses to Denver and Chicago, each by a mere single score. Josh Dobbs’ poor performance, marked by four interceptions against the Bears, did not help matters. However, with a 6-6 record, Minnesota still holds potential as they approach their bye.
Currently holding the eighth seed in the NFC, the Packers have been on a winning streak, thanks in part to Jordan Love’s impressive performance of throwing five touchdown passes without any interceptions. Love is currently showcasing some of his finest football of the season, and the team is still very much in the competition.
The Bengals put up a stronger fight against Pittsburgh on Sunday than I anticipated, but with Jake Browning replacing Joe Burrow as quarterback, they’re unlikely to score enough points. They had a successful two-year stint, but the rest of 2023 probably won’t create much excitement.
Don’t be deceived by the significant jump. By the time you reach this part of the power rankings, there is quite a bit of average performance and any win can trigger an increase. My confidence in Desmond Ridder playing as quarterback is still minimal, but my faith in Bijan is strong. Give him the ball!
Let’s talk about average teams. Allow me to bring up the New Orleans Saints. They are currently experiencing a slump in their offense, which has been a recurring issue throughout this season. Their performance against the Falcons was marred by expensive red zone interceptions, causing them to lose their lead position in the NFC South.
Following a three-game losing streak that leaves them at 4-7, the Chargers are looking to bounce back as they face the New England Patriots in Week 13. However, if they fail to defeat this underperforming team, it could potentially mean the end of the road for head coach Brandon Staley.
A few promising players, including running back Kyren Williams and wide receiver Puka Nacua, are set to help build a brighter future in LA. In Week 12 against Arizona, Williams demonstrated his potential by rushing for 143 yards, contributing to the Rams’ season-high of 228 ground yards.
Aidan O’Connell, Josh Jacobs, and Davante Adams are producing offensively for the Raiders, but their defensive talent is lacking. Additionally, Maxx Crosby is currently playing with a knee injury that necessitates surgery and could potentially terminate his season at any time.
If you’re looking for positives, then watching the Bucs on NFL Redzone is a great choice. You’ll be captivated by the plays of Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans at some point during an NFL Sunday. However, their inability to sustain success is evident as Tampa has suffered losses in six of their last seven games.
The Titans occasionally show promise, especially during home games, but struggle with consistency. The rookie quarterback, Will Levis, possesses qualities that keep me interested in their remaining season.
The Bears’ performance on Monday Night Football was far from classic as they managed to scrape together only four field goals, yet still defeated the Vikings. Despite Justin Fields setting them up for the victorious kick, his game is not up to par to silence the chatter about Caleb Williams being the first pick in the NFL Draft.
Tommy DeVito may soon return to the bench as Tyrod Taylor is taken off injured reserve, but it’s uncertain. The Giants have managed to win their last two games, providing a short relief from the dismal 2023 season. For now, DeVito, the local boy who has made good, is the talk of the town.
This week, Jets’ HQ released some positive news as Aaron Rodgers’ 21-day practice window was opened. Although it doesn’t assure a return in 2023 – a proposition some may deem pointless – it will assist him in preparing for 2024.
I had a good time watching Sam Howell play on Thanksgiving Day. Despite being the most-sacked and most-hit quarterback in the NFL, he definitely made some remarkable plays and demonstrated great enthusiasm. However, things fell apart for the Commanders in Dallas, and their deficiency of talent supporting Howell is vividly apparent.
The Cardinals, though offering fleeting moments of brilliance under Kyler Murray’s leadership, are decidedly struggling at 2-10. Their defense’s inability to stifle the Rams in Week 12, allowing 37 points and 457 yards, underscores the team’s current predicament, suggesting they are merely going through the motions for the rest of the season.
Last weekend, we were unsure whether Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe would be the quarterback. Regardless, their performances were disappointing, leaving no optimism for what’s to come. It seems like Bill Belichick’s final days in New England will indeed be grim.
Bryce Young has the capability to throw the football, however, he will have to weather some difficulties due to a poor offensive line and with owner David Tepper ending Frank Reich’s tenure. The outlook appears grim without a first-round pick in 2024, hence it’s crucial for Young to succeed.
