I hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving full of football. After three very interesting games on turkey day, many football fans may be left with more questions than answers. While a few big-time matchups would usually think to bring more clarity to the state of the NFL, it seemed it may have done just the opposite. With the playoff race starting to kick into high gear, here are your updated NFL Power Rankings.
NFL Power Rankings: Week 13
1) Arizona Cardinals (9-2) (Last Week: 1)
The Arizona Cardinals had a nice bye week that allowed star quarterback Kyler Murray to get some much-needed rest without missing another game. They still rest atop the NFL at the moment, but the Packers and Buccaneers are nipping on their heels. Arizona should have a nice tune-up game in Chicago against the Bears before a big game against the Rams the week after.
2) Green Bay Packers (9-3) (4)
Toe injury and all, the Green Bay Packers dominated the Rams. Not only did they dominate time of possession and the turnover battle, but they were a couple of breaks away from blowing the doors off the Rams. The Packers dropped two interceptions, muffed a punt, blew multiple assignments on deep balls resulting in touchdowns and were still leading by 19 going into the fourth. Broken toe and all, Aaron Rodgers proved again why he is the most talented quarterback of all time, carving up this Rams secondary. They get a much-needed bye and hopefully can get some key players back from injury.
3) Kansas City Chiefs (7-4) (2)
The Kansas City Chiefs joined the Cardinals this week in having the week off. With the Patriots’ emphatic win over the Titans, the Chiefs, for as bad as they started, have a route to get the top seed in the AFC. Kansas City plays Denver at home this week and, if Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater can’t go, they will likely have little resistance in improving to 8-4.
4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-3) (3)
Tampa Bay won a gutsy game in Indianapolis in which they outscored the Colts, 24-7, in the second half on the way to a 38-31 victory. While it is a nice win against a hot Colts team, some serious question marks showed up again for this team. Defensively, this team should not be giving up 24 points in the first half to Carson Wentz. Offensively, they are still having trouble with turnovers, with a fumble and interception Sunday. For all that they have to fix, they are still one of the most complete and talented teams in the league.
5) New England Patriots (8-4) (5)
If anyone wanted proof for their argument that Tom Brady was a system quarterback, they got it on Sunday. The Patriots ripped the injury-plagued Titans, 36-13. Once again, the defense is one of the best, if not the best defense in the league. Quarterback Mac Jones was consistent as always and the Patriots defense forced four turnovers. For as much love as the defense gets for their ability to force interceptions, they are equally as good at punching the ball out as seen in three forced fumbles. The Pats will be tested in the upcoming weeks, however, with a matchup with their next three coming against the Colts and the Bills twice.
6) Buffalo Bills (7-4) (12)
Just like many teams in the NFL currently, the Buffalo Bills are struggling mightily with consistency. After getting blown out at home, 41-15, by the Colts, Buffalo destroyed the Saints, 31-6. Although the final score looks good, it is concerning to see quarterback Josh Allen still forcing multiple dangerous throws each game. While he threw four touchdowns, he also threw two terrible interceptions. If the Saints had any semblance of an offense, this game would’ve gone much differently. Allen has a tall task this next week, with a date with the Patriots.
7) Cincinnati Bengals (7-4) (13)
After getting the doors blown off of them by the Browns two weeks ago, the Cincinnati Bengals have since outscored their opponents 73-23. This week, their victim was the Pittsburgh Steelers. Joe Burrow looked solid and the defense made Ben Roethlisberger look like a frail old man who needs to retire. While Ja’Marr Chase was mostly bottled up, the Bengals showed that they can win multiple ways, with receiver Tee Higgins stepping up with over 110 receiving yards and a touchdown. If this defense can continue to play well, they have a shot at the AFC North crown.
8) Los Angeles Rams (7-4) (6)
There are two ways to look at this Rams game. One is to say that it’s impressive they were able to keep it close even with all of their mistakes. The other is to say that it is concerning to be so outclassed for three quarters. Seeing this is their third loss in a row and had a bye week to prepare for this game, I don’t think there’s much good to take away from this week. Something is wrong with quarterback Matthew Stafford and he needs to fix whatever it is immediately. The poor playcalling and decision-making by head coach Sean McVay doesn’t help much either. They continue to drop in the NFL Power Rankings.
9) Baltimore Ravens (8-3) (7)
There is something to be said about being able to win ugly. Saying Baltimore “won ugly” Sunday night against the Browns may be the understatement of the year. Lamar Jackson threw away his MVP hopes with four interceptions. While the Browns defense certainly isn’t the worst in the league, it’s not good enough to dismiss the Ravens only being able to manufacture 303 yards of offense and 16 points. Jackson proved his haters right for the second straight week he’s played, and he needs to get his act together next week against a bad Steelers team.
10) Dallas Cowboys (7-4) (8)
In defense of Dallas Cowboys fans, the referees in their Thanksgiving tilt with the Raiders were atrocious. With that being said, they still lost at home to a Raiders team they should’ve easily beaten. Say what you want about the pass interference calls, but they were the correct calls and this team showed just how little discipline they have. There is little excuse for Dak Prescott’s play as of late, and even less for why coach Mike McCarthy uses Tony Pollard more than star running back Ezekiel Elliott. Dallas lost the time of possession battle by 13 minutes and gave up over 500 yards of offense to Las Vegas. Neither is the play of a legitimate contender in a loaded NFC, which is why they fall in the NFL Power Rankings.
11) Indianapolis Colts (6-6) (10)
12) Tennessee Titans (8-4) (9)
13) Las Vegas Raiders (6-5) (16)
14) San Francisco 49ers (6-5) (14)
15) Denver Broncos (6-5) (21)
16) Los Angeles Chargers (6-5) (11)
17) Minnesota Vikings (5-6) (18)
18) Cleveland Browns (6-6) (17)
19) Pittsburgh Steelers (5-5-1) (15)
20) New Orleans Saints (5-6) (20)
21) Miami Dolphins (5-7) (28)
22) Philadelphia Eagles (5-7) (19)
23) Atlanta Falcons (5-6) (27)
24) Washington Football Team (5-6) (22)
25) Carolina Panthers (5-7) (23)
26) New York Giants (4-7) (24)
27) Chicago Bears (4-7) (25)
28) Seattle Seahawks (3-8) (26)
29) New York Jets (3-8) (31)
30) Houston Texans (2-9) (29)
31) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9) (30)
32) Detroit Lions (0-10-1) (32)
