With 13 weeks down, we have a good idea of who is good and who is planning for next season, but there is still a lot of time for teams to make a late push.
In this week's power rankings, I
examined how teams have shifted based on their performances through 13 weeks, taking into account injuries, standout players, and overall team trajectory.
Speaking of injuries, Detroit comes to mind. It's not about what the Lions have done. That's unquestioned. They've been the best in the NFL ... to this point. But with injuries mounting on defense, it's putting pressure on the Lions' prolific offense to be even better. And they have some tough games remaining. This poll shows that they were dropped based on their defensive injuries.
NFL Team Rankings:
1. Buffalo Bills (10-2)
The Bills became the first team in 15 years to clinch their division title this early in the season, marking their sixth straight postseason appearance. The Bills have scored 30+ points in six consecutive games while Josh Allen became the first quarterback since 2022 to record passing, rushing, and receiving touchdowns in a single game. Next goal: secure the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage.
2. Detroit Lions (11-1)
This is the Lions' best start to a season in franchise history. The duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, nicknamed “Sonic and Knuckles,” has been historically productive as the first pair of running backs to have 800+ scrimmage yards and 9+ touchdowns through the first 10 games of any season in NFL history. It's hard not to look at this team as one with a true chance of winning the Super Bowl. Their defensive injuries need to be monitored.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (11-1)
The Chiefs have guaranteed themselves a shot at a historic three-peat, aiming to become the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls becoming the first team to clinch a playoff berth in the 2024 season, their 10th straight postseason appearance. With five weeks remaining in the regular season, the Chiefs will focus on securing the AFC's No. 1 seed and the first-round bye that comes with it. In their 11 wins, nine have been by one score. Don’t be afraid to take the points when they’re a big home favorite.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)
The Eagles are in a tight race with the Detroit Lions (10-1) for the NFC's top seed. To win a tiebreaker against the Lions with a 15-2 record, the Eagles need to win out and hope Detroit loses to Green Bay in Week 14. Otherwise, the Eagles need the Lions to lose at least two games to have a realistic shot at securing the top playoff spot. The running game, led by Saquon Barkley, has been impressive, with Barkley rushing for triple digits in three straight games. You’ll get no argument from my numbers if the Eagles were ranked ahead of the Chiefs.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)
The Steelers have secured their 21st consecutive season without a losing record, tying the NFL record set by the Dallas Cowboys from 1965 to 1985. It is a testament to the leadership of head coach Mike Tomlin, who has never had a losing season in his 18-year tenure. Now in a commanding position to win the division title, the Steelers' offense has seen a remarkable turnaround, largely due to the revival of quarterback Russell Wilson. They are well-positioned for a deep playoff run.
6. Baltimore Ravens (8-5)
Lamar Jackson's dual-threat capabilities continue to be a cornerstone of the offense, but his and Derrick Henry's abilities are not translating to wins. All five of their losses have come by a combined 22 points. Kicker Justin Tucker continues to unexpectedly struggle, missing two field goals and an extra point against the Eagles. The public is screaming with each missed field goal to investigate point shaving. Next, they face the Giants, Steelers, and Texans in their next three games. A strong performance during this stretch could help them challenge for the division title or solidify their Wild Card position.
7. Minnesota Vikings (10-2)
After overcoming a 19-6 deficit in the third quarter to defeat the Cardinals 23-22, the Vikings are now 10-2. This the the second time in three years that head coach Kevin O'Connell has led the team to a 10-2 start. The team still has a chance for a first-round bye if they can overtake the Lions. Concern: the team's tendency to fall behind early and rely on comebacks may not be sustainable against stronger opponents. They need to watch a documentary on the Purple People Eaters of the late 60’s.
8. Green Bay Packers (9-3)
The Packers have been on a hot streak, winning three straight games. Josh Jacobs had another notable performance in Week 13, this time forcing nine missed tackles on the ground and seven as a receiver. The competitive nature of the NFC North means they have little room for error in the coming weeks. This is their make or break week. They are on the national stage getting +3.5 while playing in Detroit on Thursday night. One might call it a must win.
9. Houston Texans (8-5)
The Texans currently lead the AFC South by two games over the Indianapolis Colts (6-7). This cushion provides them with some breathing room as they head into their bye week in Week 14. Concerns: Depth issues, particularly on the offensive line and in the defensive interior. Plus, the team has shown a tendency to struggle in closing out games, with blown second-half leads against stronger opponents like the Packers and Lions still fresh in memory. Hopefully quarterback CJ Stroud gets his mojo back.
10. Wash. Commanders (8-5)
The Commanders snapped a three-game losing streak, keeping them ahead of other Wild Card contenders like the Cardinals and Buccaneers. As they head into their bye week, they lead the Cardinals by 2.5 games, which provides a buffer as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.
11. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
12. Denver Broncos (8-5)
13. Seattle Seahawks (7-5)
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-6)
15. LA Rams (6-6)