We've finally reached Thanksgiving week here in the NFL season, and the race for the playoffs is officially on. It is a crowded race in both the NFC and AFC, and it will be a close-knit race in the season's final weeks. Without further ado, here are the rankings.
32. New York Giants
Last week's ranking: 28
Week 12 result: 30-7 loss vs Buccaneers
Week 13 opponent: Away vs Cowboys
What an absolute mess that Joe Schoen built in New York. I would be shocked if he survived the season. He put all of his resources and money into a quarterback that had one good year, made the face of the franchise mad by lowballing him on a contract extension, and now fast forward a few months later, and the quarterback he kept is a free agent, and the running back is in the MVP conversation for a division rival. Is there a bigger mess in sports right now? No matter how good of a roster he will build, this will always stick with him during his tenure as the GM of the Giants. For the Giants on the field, the less said, the better. The Tommy Devito experience didn't work out, and they were dominated by Tampa Bay. They have scored an NFL-low 163 points this season and are 0-6 at home this season. Oh, and they were outgained in yards by Saquon Barkley on Sunday as a team. Not good.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars
Last week's ranking: 32
Week 12 result: Bye
Week 13 opponent: Home vs Texans
I have to be honest, I did not think that Doug Pederson would survive the bye week after the 52-6 thumping from the Detroit Lions. There's no doubt in my mind that he will not be the head coach of this team in February, so why wait to get rid of him. After a late-season collapse last season, many people called for the head of Pederson the previous year. The Jaguars gave him another opportunity with a new coaching staff, and they got off to a really slow start to the season. Notice a trend? Maybe it is a Doug Pederson issue. This team has an easier schedule coming up, but nothing has been easy for the Jaguars this season.
30. Las Vegas Raiders
Last week's ranking: 31
Week 12 result: 29-19 loss vs Broncos
Week 13 opponent: Away vs Chiefs
So far this season, it has been tough sledding for Antonio Pierce and the Las Vegas Raiders. After gaining some momentum after last year when they promoted Pierce to head coach, they do not look like the same team as they did last year, and a big reason can be pointed toward the quarterback position. Las Vegas gave Gardner Minshew the keys to the kingdom, and he did not look like he did last year for the Indianapolis Colts. They have also given Aidan O'Connell every chance to be the guy, but he has not figured things out. This team will be picking very high in the draft and going through a rebuild on the offensive side of the ball. The question now becomes whether Antonio Pierce showed enough to Tom Telesco and the front office to earn the job for next season. A lot depends on how the Raiders perform the rest of the season.
29. New England Patriots
Last week's ranking: 26
Week 12 result: 34-15 loss vs Dolphins
Week 13 opponent: Home vs Colts
Though they are still losing games and don't look like a good football team, you have to feel pretty good from what you have seen from Drake Maye so far in his young career, especially with the lack of weapons he was given as a rookie. With a foul, offensive line and bad receivers, Maye has looked the part and has been able to do some good things with the New England offense. That's a good sign for the future of the Patriots. At the beginning of the season, you worried how Maye would fare with the struggling offensive line that the Patriots have, but they have played much better since. It is early, but New England looks like they got their guy at the quarterback position. Now, it is time to surround this guy with some weapons. The Patriots are guaranteed to finish with a losing record for the third straight season, the first time since 1991-93.
28. Carolina Panthers
Last week's ranking: 25
Week 12 result: 30-27 loss vs Chiefs
Week 13 opponent: Home vs Bucs
It has been a tale of two seasons for Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers. At the beginning of the season, Bryce Young did not look like he could be an NFL quarterback, and he was benched in favor of the veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. Dalton came in for a few weeks but was also benched, and the Panthers decided to go back to Young. What was the final chance he would get to be the quarterback for the Panthers if he didn't play well? Bryce Young changed his season and has looked like a different player these last few weeks. He just seems to look more comfortable in the new offensive system and looks like the Bryce Young of old. Carolina played a perfect game against Kansas City this week; they just came up a few plays short. That happens when you play the champs.
27. Tennessee Titans
Last week's ranking: 30
Week 12 result: 32-27 win vs Texans
Week 13 opponent: Away vs Commanders
After a slow start to the season, Will Levis has played much better the last couple of weeks and has gotten the ball to his playmakers on the offensive side. He is going through some growing pains in becoming an NFL quarterback, but you can see this guy's talent when he plays well. Sure, he will still make boneheaded mistakes and turn the ball over, but he has improved since he was benched. Though he hasn't been given any help from the offensive line. He has been sacked 20 times over the last 3 games. Are they trying to get him killed? The Titans won, but how much did they really win? This ruins the chances of Tennessee getting the number one pick and drafting a quarterback high. Yes, they won, but did they really win?
26. New York Jets
Last week's ranking: 27
Week 12 result: Bye
Week 13 opponent: Home vs Seahawks
The Jets fired everyone, as general manager Joe Douglas was fired last week, and the rebuild is on for the New York Jets. You have to wonder how attractive of a job the New York Jets general manager job is? Sure, they have talent, but they have a big question mark at the quarterback position and a player who seemingly has all the power inside the organization. Who would want to take that? The season for the Jets is a lost cause, and we don't know what Aaron Rodgers will be doing next season. The season for the Jets now becomes what could have been. It was a lost season ever since they got rid of Robert Saleh. Who's fault is it?
25. Indianapolis Colts
Last week's ranking: 17
Week 12 result: 24-6 loss vs Lions
Week 13 opponent: Away vs Patriots
If you want to win in today's NFL, you have to be able to run the ball effectively and stop the run. The Colts cannot do either, so where does that lead them? On offense, it was another ride on the roller coaster, and that was Anthony Richardson. One week, he looks like he is the guy for the future, and the next, he should still be in college. Will we ever get any sort of consistency from Richardson? With a loss from the division leader in the Houston Texans, the Colts blew their chance to get back into the AFC playoff race. Hard to win when you don't have the ball, as the Colts only had the ball for 22:59 on Sunday. Not gonna win with that.
24. Dallas Cowboys
Last week's ranking: 24
Week 12 result: 34-26 win vs Commanders
Week 13 opponent: Home vs Giants
This was a wild game between the Cowboys and the Commanders on Sunday, especially the fourth-quarter craziness. Dallas had mostly backups in this game on the offensive side of the ball after dealing with a flurry of injuries, and they were able to find something and come out and win the game over their divisional rival. Cooper's rush didn't look half bad in this game, and they looked like a solid NFL backup. This was a good win from Dallas to end the five-game skid, and it was a crazy fourth quarter, with them putting up 24 points in the final frame.
23. Cleveland Browns
Last week's ranking: 29
Week 12 result: 24-19 win vs Steelers
Week 13 opponent: Away vs Broncos
In a season where the Browns have struggled heavily on the offensive side of the ball, they chose to play their best game in an AFC North classic on Thursday night in the snow against the Steelers. This was a fun game for the Cleveland fans and one they deserve with such a bad year like this. The commitment from the fans to still go to the game and stay for the whole game in the pouring snow when the team is 2-8 is something special. That's what makes sports great. A better quarterback situation and the Browns can turn it around quickly in 2025. The one thing I have an issue with is how the Cleveland Browns organization can watch a game like that and still want to build a dome. Taking away all of the fun in football.
22. Chicago Bears
Last week's ranking: 23
Week 12 result: 30-27 loss vs Vikings
Week 13 opponent: Away vs Lions
After two weeks of being without Shane Waldron after he was fired as the offensive coordinator, you have to feel pretty good about what you have seen from Caleb Williams and the Chicago offense so far. Williams looks much more comfortable than he did a month ago, and the offense is making some strides with a rookie quarterback. The Bears just can't mesh a good offense with a good defense, which ultimately falls on the head coach. They aren't a consistent team right now, and they have not played well late in games. All of that can be attributed to coaching. They must get rid of Eberflus after the season. They will need to nail this hire. The future depends on it.
21. New Orleans Saints
Last week's ranking: 22
Week 12 result: Bye
Week 13 opponent: Home vs Rams
After a hot start to the season, the Saints ultimately returned to ground level and went on a massive losing streak. They changed things up, firing Dennis Allen mid-season and making their special teams coordinator the interim head coach. So far, it's been suitable for Darren Rizzi as the head coach and the Saints are right back in the NFC South conversation after getting some help. The Falcons have been struggling as of late, as have the Bucs, so the Saints are right back in the division hunt. A big game on Sunday against the Rams is almost a must-win for both teams to keep their playoff chances alive.
20. Cincinnati Bengals
Last week's ranking: 20
Week 12 result: Bye
Week 13 opponent: Home vs Steelers
Is this the best 4-7 team of all time? Has to be right? The Bengals had a bye week this week and hopefully spent it trying to figure out how to win close games. They have dug themselves a big hole already and will likely have to win out to remain in the playoff hunt, but they are more than capable of doing so and making a run. If they can turn this around and somehow make a run to the playoffs, this will be a team that no one will want to play come playoffs. They have the roster to hang with anybody, but they have been so bad in one-possession games that they are 4-7. Joe Burrow is having the best season of his career, there is nothing to show of it.
19. Miami Dolphins
Last week's ranking: 19
Week 12 result: 34-15 win vs Patriot
Week 13 opponent: Away vs Packers
After struggling most of the season with the absence of Tua as their quarterback, the Dolphins have turned things around quickly and are 5-6 and in the hunt for the playoffs in the AFC. They seem to be finding their groove on offense with Tua back as quarterback, and Mike McDaniel can finally get his playmakers out in space and run the offense that he has run in the past. They haven't utilized Tyreek Hill as much as they should and still look like an elite offense. Just imagine if they can reach the next level on offense and start to utilize their best player. This could be a scary team. With three wins in a row, the Dolphins are right back in the mix.
18. San Francisco 49ers
Last week's ranking: 15
Week 12 result: 38-10 loss vs Packers
Week 13 opponent: Away vs Bills
Things are looking bleak in the bay for the San Francisco 49ers. It was a tough challenge to go into Lambeau Field with a backup quarterback and your best defensive player out to try and win the game, and they were just unable to do anything on offense without Brock Purdy. It has been a season of what-ifs for the Niners. What if they didn't get injured? What if they could play consistently for one game? The best chance the Niners have of making the playoffs seems like it would come through the division. The NFC is already stacked with teams in the wild card, so winning the NFC West will be the easiest way for San Francisco to get in. Things are looking bleak for the Niners. Not to mention, the schedule coming up for San Francisco is brutal.
17. Atlanta Falcons
Last week's ranking: 18
Week 12 result: Bye
Week 13 opponent: Home vs Chargers
After a solid start to the season and other teams within the division struggling, the Atlanta Falcons looked to be front runners to win the NFC South. A few weeks later, the Falcons only had a one-game lead in the division. This team needs to find more consistency in how they play, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The offense with Kirk Cousins will always keep them in it, but many of these games will come down to the Falcons' defense and if they can stop. Sunday against the Chargers just became a lot more critical.
16. Houston Texans
Last week's ranking: 13
Week 12 result: 32-27 loss vs Titans
Week 13 opponent: Away vs Jaguars
Is it time to start to worry about the Houston Texans? We knew about the problems the Texans had on offense and on the offensive line, but the defense for the Texans has not played well as of late, especially the pass defense. Pass defense and pass protection continue to be bugaboos for the Texans, and I don't know if they can get over it. C.J. Stroud has taken a step back from his rookie year. I still think the Texans will be okay with how bad their division looks, but you can't deny that this team has problems.
15. Los Angeles Rams
Last week's ranking: 16
Week 12 result: 37-20 loss vs Eagles
Week 13 opponent: Away vs Saints
This was a team that was pushed around on Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. Something that is going to hurt this team and hold them back from making a run is the run defense. Saquon Barkley ran all over this team, and the Rams did not know how to stop them. With the division still up in the air, the Rams still have a chance to make a run and end up in the playoffs. You never want to doubt Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford. You will always have a chance if you have them on your team. Who would have thought at the beginning of the season that they would be 5-6 and in the thick of the division race. What a wild season this has been.
14. Washington Commanders
Last week's ranking: 10
Week 12 result: 34-26 loss vs Cowboys
Week 13 opponent: Home vs Titans
Over the past three weeks, Jayden Daniels has returned to looking like a rookie and going through the struggles we are used to seeing. This team was 7-2 and was playing well, but they have dropped their last three games, and you can't ignore the team's flaws. A loss to the Cowboys at home is inexcusable if this team wants to make the playoffs. What I wonder is how many quality wins the Commanders have. They are one Hail Mary away from being 6-6. The margin for error is pretty slim with the Commanders sitting at 7-5, especially with how crowded the NFC wild-card race is. It will be a challenging path.
13. Arizona Cardinals
Last week's ranking: 11
Week 12 result: 16-6 loss vs Seahawks
Week 13 opponent: Away vs Vikings
After looking so good the past few weeks on offense, pre-bye, I think the Arizona Cardinals struggled on the road against the Seahawks in a pivotal division game. Kyler Murray has to be better in order for the Cardinals to win. The key for the Cardinals to win football games is to run the ball to be efficient. If they cannot run the ball and stay ahead of the sticks, they are not a good enough team to throw it to win the game. If they are unable to run the ball well enough, the defense is put in a lot of tough spots, and they are asked to respond. The bye week seemed to snap all of the momentum for the Cardinals.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last week's ranking: 21
Week 12 result: 30-7 win vs Giants
Week 13 opponent: Away vs Panthers
If this game told us anything, it tells us how important Mike Evans is to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense and how important he is to the passing attack. The Bucs look like an entirely different team with Mike Evans back on offense, and they just had to get by the few weeks without him. We've seen Tampa Bay go through the gauntlet of their schedule already, and the schedule eases up the rest of the way. This is a team that is capable of making a run. They did it last year with Baker as their quarterback and were able to win a playoff game with it. We can't forget that this is a talented roster with a good defense. That can win you games in the playoffs. Tampa Bay is in good shape to make a run. That's all you can ask for.
11. Denver Broncos
Last week's ranking: 12
Week 12 result: 29-19 win vs Raiders
Week 13 opponent: Home vs Browns
You have to feel pretty good about where Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos are at this point of the season. Bo Nix has an argument to be looked at as one of the better rookie quarterbacks this season with how he is playing. He isn't wowing anyone with his stats, but he knows what he has to do, his team around him, and what it takes to win. There is no doubt that the Denver Broncos have an elite defense. This is a team that can make some noise if Bo Nix can get better each and every week. The playoffs are within this team's reach. They have a great defense, a coach, and a rookie quarterback who is getting better each week.
10. Seattle Seahawks
Last week's ranking: 14
Week 12 result: 16-6 win vs Cardinals
Week 13 opponent: Away vs Jets
This was a massive divisional win at home for Mike Macdonald and the Seattle Seahawks, and one that keeps them alive in the NFC West. This team is doing this without identity, which has been very impressive. One week, they will go out and win the game 16-6, and one week, they can go out there and look very good on offense and win the game. That is a sign of a good team that is growing each and every week, and you have to give Mike Macdonald credit for what he has been able to do in year one for Seattle. They are now the division leaders in the NFC West, and they control their destiny. Seattle could hold Arizona to 49 yards rushing on Sunday and 298 yards. Arizona averaged more than 29 points per game in its previous three games. The defense is finally getting better under Mike Macdonald.
9. Los Angeles Chargers
Last week's ranking: 8
Week 12 result: 30-23 loss vs Ravens
Week 13 opponent: Away vs Falcons
The top-ranked defense in the league was exposed a little bit at home against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. That's to be expected, though, as Jackson and the Ravens have been among the top offensive units this season. At 7-4, the Chargers are still in good shape to make a run at the playoffs, but they have a tough road game against the Falcons on Sunday, one that the Chargers need to win. Jim Harbaugh is unable to beat his big brother. If J.K. Dobbins is out long-term with the knee injury he suffered, that would be a big blow for the Chargers.
8. Minnesota Vikings
Last week's ranking: 6
Week 12 result: 30-27 win vs Bears
Week 13 opponent: Home vs Cardinals
While they were able to pull out the win in Chicago on Sunday against the Bears, you have to feel a bit worried about the Vikings and if they are a legit contender in the NFC. The defense for Minnesota has been outstanding this season, and they are playing at a championship level with Brian Flores at the helm. I am reluctant about Minnesota's offense and whether Sam Darnold can do enough to win big games for the Vikings. After a solid start to the season, it hasn't been pretty as of late, and there have been some struggles within the Vikings' offense. At 9-2, they are almost a lock to make the playoffs and win many close games, but I still question if this team is a legit contender.
7. Baltimore Ravens
Last week's ranking: 7
Week 12 result: 30-23 win vs Chargers
Week 13 opponent: Home vs Eagles
After a stinker last week on the road against the Steelers, Baltimore was able to go to Los Angeles and get a big road victory against one of the top contenders in the AFC. What was different this week for the Ravens? They returned to playing Ravens football on the road to beat the Chargers. It was the Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry show in Los Angeles, and there wasn't much the Chargers could do to stop them. I will continue to say that when this team plays well, and they are able to utilize both Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, this team is almost unstoppable. The defense has its issues, but you have to trust that Lamar Jackson is able to put his team in a position to win the game. They got back on track this week against the Chargers and will face another big test on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
Last week's ranking: 4
Week 12 result: 24-19 loss vs Browns
Week 13 opponent: Away vs Bengals
This was a typical Pittsburgh Steelers loss in a classic letdown game against the Cleveland Browns. In this game, we saw the physical toll of playing against the Ravens and going on the road in the snow on a short week against the Browns. This was a game that the Steelers should have won and one they won't let down if they cannot win the AFC North. In a snowstorm, Russell Wilson and the offense didn't make enough plays, and the Steelers could not contain Myles Garrett and the defense of Cleveland. Just like that, the division lead is down to one game, and Pittsburgh has one of the more challenging schedules in the league for the remainder of the season.
5. Green Bay Packers
Last week's ranking: 9
Week 12 result: 38-10 win vs 49ers
Week 13 opponent: Home vs Dolphins
While they dominated the 49ers, they were expected to do that with how undermanned San Francisco was and all the injuries they were dealing with. Jordan Love is returning to last season's form, and his key has been to limit the turnovers. The running game and how they could click with Josh Jacobs impressed me in this performance. If Green Bay can run the ball efficiently, it will be a tough out in the playoffs. The defense has been outstanding this season for the Packers, and they have everything they need to be a great team and make it far in the playoffs. This was an impressive win for the Packers.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
Last week's ranking: 3
Week 12 result: 30-27 loss vs Panthers
Week 13 opponent: Home vs Raiders
Has a team looked so bad yet looked so good this season than the Kansas City Chiefs? They had a lot of trouble in Carolina on Sunday, but Mahomes had the ball last, and they got a game-winning field goal and won the game. You have to give this team the benefit of the doubt, but they have not looked good, and they still hold a 10-1 record and are the top seed in the AFC. It isn't good that they are having close games against the Panthers, but they are winning these games, so you can't complain too much. I will never doubt Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. I refuse to. We have seen this movie before.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
Last week's ranking: 5
Week 12 result: 37-20 win vs Rams
Week 13 opponent: Away vs Ravens
What a season it has been for Nick Sirianni and the Philadelphia Eagles. Who else in the NFL is being called to be fired with a 43-19 record? Only in Philadelphia and only the Eagles. Nick Sirianni seemed to be going down the path of a fired coach after arguing with fans and seemingly losing the locker room. What he has done since that has been remarkable. This team is finally clicking on both sides of the ball, and they look like the Eagles team that went to the Super Bowl. Saquon Barkley is playing like an MVP candidate, and the defense is finally clicking under Vic Fangio. Philadelphia has won seven straight games after a 2-2 start. You have to give credit where it is due.
2. Buffalo Bills
Last week's ranking: 2
Week 12 result: Bye
Week 13 opponent: Home vs 49ers
Buffalo went into their bye, scoring 30 points or more in five straight games. A win against the Chiefs right before the bye is something Buffalo wanted to see, but it is something we have seen before. Buffalo has been able to beat Kansas City in the regular season, but it has been a different story in the playoffs. They will most likely be seeing the chiefs again. The Bills have won six straight games and are 5-0 at home this season. They face the struggling 49ers this week at home on Sunday night.
1. Detroit Lions
Last week's ranking: 1
Week 12 result: 24-6 win vs Colts
Week 13 opponent: Home vs Bears
The Lions continue to look like the top team in the league, and they can win games in many different ways, which has been very impressive. They have one of the best offenses in the league and can put up points quickly. Aaron Glenn and the defense of Detroit have been so remarkable this season from the Lions. They were not a great unit last season, and they have made an immediate upgrade this season despite losing their best player, Ai, Dan Hutchinson. This is a team on a mission right now, and you can see it in how they play and the players they have. They aren't just beating teams; they are destroying them. They have outscored their opponents 360-183 this season. They are the clear-cut best team in the league.
HN's NFL Power Rankings: Week 11
