NFL Power Rankings: Analyzing League Landscape Ahead of Week 14

Week 14 of the 2013 NFL season is on the horizon, making this a perfect time to take a look at the updated power rankings.

The landscape across the league has been drastically shifting with each passing slate of games, especially with so many upsets and surprising results.

Let’s quickly break down the league’s hierarchy before it shifts again.

 

1. Seattle Seahawks (11-1)

The Seahawks are the most dominant team in the league and are looking like a lock to make the Super Bowl if the road to it in the NFC runs through Seattle. They absolutely dismantled the Saints in a matchup between two of the best squads in the conference and—once again—proved that they are for real in 2013.

2. Denver Broncos (10-2)

The Broncos rebounded from an embarrassing loss to the Patriots by beating the Chiefs in Week 13. They now have a stranglehold on the AFC West and look to be in the driver’s seat for a playoff bye.

 

3. New England Patriots (9-3)

The Pats had every reason to lose a letdown game to the Texans this past Sunday but showed the heart and desire to score another win. It wasn’t as pretty as their overtime thriller against Denver, but they deserve it just as much and should lock up the other bye in the AFC soon.

4. Carolina Panthers (9-3)

The Panthers recently set a franchise record with eight straight victories and will look to push that to nine on Sunday Night Football. Unfortunately, an angry New Orleans team awaits them in the confines of the Superdome, which will be a true test of this team’s heart and ability.

5. New Orleans Saints (9-3)

The Saints were certainly humbled in the Pacific Northwest, but that doesn’t mean they are down for the count. This squad ripped off a 49-17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys just a week after getting beat by the mediocre Jets.

6. San Francisco 49ers (8-4)

San Francisco is rolling now that their passing offense has come alive with the return of Michael Crabtree. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick and the rest of his squad will now be put to the test against the elite Seattle secondary in Week 14.

7. Kansas City Chiefs (9-3)

The Chiefs became the first team in league history to start 9-0 and then lose three straight games. Regardless, this group has done enough to rebound, going from the league’s worst team to an almost sure playoff contender—a respectable 2013 to say the least.

8. Cincinnati Bengals (8-4)

The Bengals have to fend off Indianapolis to keep a stranglehold on the AFC North. The Colts have been beatable as of late, but this team cannot let its guard down.

9. Indianapolis Colts (8-4)

Indianapolis needs to play better football if it is going to win in the postseason. This squad is fortunate enough to play in a weak division and is almost assuredly going to lock up the AFC South soon, but it won’t go much farther this winter if it cannot stop letting opponents build big leads.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (7-5)

The Eagles are winners of four straight and right in the thick of the NFC East race. They have to get their act together at home and finish the season strong; otherwise, this next team will likely snatch the divisional crown away.

11. Dallas Cowboys (7-5)

America’s Team has earned back-to-back wins coming out of a Week 11 bye and needs to keep that pace up in order to have a shot at making the playoffs for the first time since 2009. The remaining schedule is tough but winnable for arguably the most talented squad in the NFC East.

12. Detroit Lions (7-5)

The Lions finally won a Thanksgiving Day game for the first time in 10 years. They control their destiny in the NFC North and could be poised for another playoff appearance if they finish out the season with just a few more quality wins.

13. Arizona Cardinals (7-5)

The Cardinals finally faltered in Week 13, losing to the Eagles on the road. Aside from the turnovers, the team still put together a gutsy performance and should rebound this coming Sunday against the Rams.

14. Baltimore Ravens (6-6)

The Ravens are creeping up the standings just in time for the playoffs. This team caught fire at the right time last year and could be in position to make another improbable run to the Super Bowl if the stars align yet again.

15. Chicago Bears (6-6)

Head coach Marc Trestman made a foolish decision to attempt a field goal on second down, ultimately costing the Bears a loss to the Vikings. Now this team needs to pick up the pieces ahead of a Monday Night Football showdown against the Cowboys.

16. Miami Dolphins (6-6)

The Dolphins are surprisingly still in contention for the playoffs and could get a big boost to their chances by knocking out the Steelers in Week 14. If Miami can pull this one out, it proves this squad has the heart of a postseason contender.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-7)

As mentioned, the Steelers’ wild-card chances ride on the outcome of Sunday’s tussle with the Dolphins. Their disappointing, controversial loss to the Ravens on Thanksgiving was a major blow, and this team is now on the ropes.

18. San Diego Chargers (5-7)

The Bolts are in one of football’s toughest divisions, but they still have a faint shot of snagging a wild-card spot in the AFC. Unfortunately, their lack of tiebreakers over other contenders and a tough schedule likely mean another year without playoffs in Southern California.

19. New York Giants (5-7)

The surging G-Men simply couldn’t afford to lose to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 12. That loss ultimately destroyed their slim hopes of making an amazingly improbable postseason run after an 0-6 start. Regardless, Big Blue is playing with pride and should finish the season strong.

20. St. Louis Rams (5-7)

The Rams took a beating in San Francisco this past Sunday and have little shot at securing a playoff spot coming out of the brutal NFC West. There is much hope for next year, as young stars such as Zac Stacy and Tavon Austin should flourish with a healthy Sam Bradford under center.

21. Green Bay Packers (5-6-1)

The Packers are not a good team without Aaron Rodgers in the lineup. It seems that this group has fallen too far to make a comeback now, but the potential—if improbable—return of the star signal-caller could make Green Bay competitive down the stretch.

22. Tennessee Titans (5-7)

The Titans have struggled to close games out this season, regardless of whether it has been Jake Locker or Ryan Fitzpatrick under center. This team just isn’t good enough to hang with the big boys and needs to add more firepower during the offseason in order to compete with the Colts in the AFC South.

23. New York Jets (5-7)

Gang Green can’t catch a break lately and is in the midst of a three-game losing streak. They’ve scored a total of six points over the last two weeks, and it may end up costing head coach Rex Ryan his job.

24. Buffalo Bills (4-8)

The Bills have had many near misses in 2013, with the latest coming in Week 13 against the Atlanta Falcons in overtime. This squad definitely has the talent to eventually succeed and just needs to add a few more pieces this offseason.

25. Oakland Raiders (4-8)

Matt McGloin may finally be the answer for this beleaguered franchise’s quarterback woes. He’s not the most exciting player, but the undrafted rookie gets the job done and has a lot of upside. A full offseason as the starter could help the Raiders make a playoff push in 2014.

26. Cleveland Browns (4-8)

Josh Gordon became the first receiver in NFL history to break the 200-yard mark in back-to-back games, one of the most impressive feats ever at his position. If this organization can nail the upcoming draft and land a solid quarterback, the sky is the limit in Cleveland.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-9)

The Bucs’ three-game streak was halted this week, as they were completely destroyed by the Panthers. Regardless, over the last few contests, this roster proved it is loaded with talent and should be a real factor in the NFC South next year.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-9)

Jacksonville has won two in a row and three of its last four heading into a showdown with the lowly Texans. The Jags aren’t going to roll over for anyone to finish this season and seem to enjoy playing for head coach Gus Bradley, winning game after game for him.

29. Minnesota Vikings (3-8-1)

The Vikings have tied and won the past two weeks, finally revealing that this team has some heart. With a world-class running back like Adrian Peterson in the backfield, they should be winning a few more games than this next season.

30. Atlanta Falcons (3-9)

The Falcons finally received some production from Roddy White and—not coincidentally—won for the first time in five games. It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Dirty Birds make a run back to the top of the NFC in 2014, as long as they make a few key free-agent acquisitions.

31. Washington Redskins (3-9)

The Redskins are in complete disarray and need to address that sooner than later. Whether it culminates with the removal of the incompetent Shanahan family from their coaching posts or something else, expect a change to come quickly.

32. Houston Texans (2-10)

The Texans are a complete disappointment and embarrassment. Expect them to be humbled even further with a Week 14 loss to the Jags on Thursday Night Football.