NFL Power Rankings Week 13: Eagles, Packers on the rise as Chiefs, Steelers slip

The Week 13 NFL Power Rankings are in a holiday mood so we’re going to look at this season’s best-case scenario for all 32 teams. For some teams (hello, Philadelphia!), that’s a Super Bowl win. For some teams, it’s a new quarterback. For some teams, it might be sticking with the same quarterback.

We’re also trying to be thankful for such an interesting season while trying to keep our sanity sorting out this league’s muddled middle.

Last week: 1

Sunday: Beat Indianapolis Colts 24-6

Best-case scenario: Statues

The Lions last won a championship in 1957. It was not the Super Bowl because that was still a decade away from being invented. This team absolutely can break that drought. Detroit leads the league in scoring (32.7 ppg) and point differential (plus-177) and is second in points allowed (16.6) after dismissing the Colts. Barry Sanders’ statue outside of Ford Field is eight feet tall. How tall would Dan Campbell’s be?

Up next: vs. Chicago Bears, Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

‘It’s a next-man-up mentality’: Lions keep rolling as injuries remain biggest obstacle

2. Philadelphia Eagles (9-2)

Last week: 4

Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Rams 37-20

Best-case scenario: Super Bowl

Philadelphia established itself as the second-best team in the NFC on Sunday night, and Saquon Barkley put himself into the MVP conversation. Barkley rushed for a franchise-record 255 yards and took over the league rushing lead with 1,392 for the season. He outgained the Rams by himself (302-290). The Eagles haven’t lost with A.J. Brown in the lineup and haven’t lost at all since September.

Up next: at Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

Saquon Barkley recorded 26 carries for 255 yards and 2 touchdowns, resulting in the 2nd-most rushing yards over expected by a player in a single game since 2018 (+150).

Barkley reached 21+ mph on two touches in the 2nd half and has now reached 21+ mph 6 times as a ball carrier… pic.twitter.com/pBpC3OunOC

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 25, 2024

Last week: 2

Sunday: Bye

Best-case scenario: Super Bowl

Buffalo has the second-best point differential in the league (plus-106) behind only Detroit. It also has Josh Allen, who has become the betting favorite to win MVP at most sportsbooks. Buffalo’s goal right now should be taking playoff home-field advantage away from the Chiefs. The Bills already own the tiebreaker thanks to their Week 11 win, and they have the 16th-toughest remaining schedule, according to The Athletic’s projections.

Up next: vs. San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

4. Kansas City Chiefs (10-1)

Last week: 3

Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 30-27

Best-case scenario: History

The Chiefs can become the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls. The Green Bay Packers won three straight titles from 1966 to 1968, but only two of those were Super Bowls because that game didn’t start until 1967. Kansas City fans might not survive the road to the three-peat at this point. After beating Carolina on a walk-off field goal, Kansas City has gotten half its wins on the final snap of the game.

Up next: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Friday, 3 p.m. ET

5. Green Bay Packers (8-3)

Last week: 6

Sunday: Beat San Francisco 49ers 38-10

Best-case scenario: Super Bowl

Green Bay announced itself as a legitimate NFC contender Sunday by demolishing the reigning conference champions. If Jordan Love can be efficient (two touchdowns and a 107.7 passer rating against the 49ers) and Josh Jacobs keeps running like this, the Packers can be a threat to the Lions in the playoffs. Jacobs, who had 106 yards Sunday, is third in rushing yards (944) and has the sixth-best avoided tackle rate among backs with more than 150 carries, according to FTN Fantasy.

Up next: vs. Miami Dolphins, Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Packers’ free-agent tandem of Josh Jacobs, Xavier McKinney fuels blowout of 49ers

Last week: 7

Sunday: Beat Chicago Bears 30-27

Best-case scenario: NFC Championship Game

The Vikings had a 300-yard passer, two 100-yard receivers and a 100-yard rusher in the same game for the first time since the 2000 season, and Justin Jefferson was not part of that. Sam Darnold got the passing yards. Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson got the receiving yards and Aaron Jones got the rushing yards. Darnold’s 330 passing yards were the fifth-most of his career, but his lack of playoff experience makes it hard to pick this team as a Super Bowl contender.

Up next: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

7. Baltimore Ravens (8-4)

Last week: 8

Monday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 30-23

Best-case scenario: Super Bowl

After a one-week slump against the Steelers, Baltimore put 30 points on the league’s best scoring defense, and that’s why this team is still a frontline Super Bowl contender despite its warts — which include being the most penalized team in the league (97) and being 29th in the league in defensive EPA against the pass (minus-.14). Derrick Henry had 140 more rushing yards Monday and now has 1,325 on the season, second only to Saquon Barkley.

Up next: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

8. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)

Last week: 4

Thursday: Lost to Cleveland Browns 24-19

Best-case scenario: AFC Championship Game

Mike Tomlin hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season, so ending that drought is the first order of postseason business. This team has a higher ceiling than that, though. The Steelers defense, better known as T.J. Watt and Friends, is fourth in points allowed (16.9) and top 10 in yards per play allowed (5.2), defensive success rate (60.9 percent) and EPA (9.0 per 100 snaps). The offensive limitations (23rd in yards per play, 5.0) put a ceiling on things.

Up next: at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

9. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)

Last week: 9

Monday: Lost to Baltimore Ravens 30-23

Best-case scenario: AFC Championship Game

The Chargers didn’t allow an opponent to top 20 points in the first 10 weeks of the season. Cincinnati and Baltimore have each gone over 26 in the last two weeks. They still lead the league in scoring defense (15.9 ppg allowed), but they still have something to prove against elite offenses if they want to be a real contender. The Ravens rushed for 214 yards Monday night, and the Chargers had only 70.

Up next: at Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Last week: 11

Sunday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 29-19

Best-case scenario: Playoffs

The Broncos have beaten only one team that currently has a winning record (the Falcons in Week 11,) but they’ve done enough to earn the seventh playoff spot in the AFC for now. In the last three weeks, rookie quarterback Bo Nix is second in passer rating (118.6), third in EPA per dropback (.32) and has thrown eight touchdowns versus no interceptions. In that same time frame, Courtland Sutton is fourth in catches (21) and fifth in receiving yards (245).

Up next: vs. Cleveland Browns, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Bo Nix, Courtland Sutton and a budding bromance steering Broncos toward playoffs

Last week: 10

Sunday: Lost to Dallas Cowboys 34-26

Best-case scenario: Playoffs

Washington has lost three straight and four of its last seven with the three wins coming over the Panthers, Bears and Giants. The Commanders, whose only win over a team with a winning record came in Week 4 against Arizona, are now three games back in the loss column in the NFC East. Jayden Daniels was shaky again Sunday, throwing multiple interceptions (two) for the first time in his career, and Washington’s top running backs on the day — Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols — had 22 yards.

Up next: vs. Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Last week: 14

Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 16-6

Best-case scenario: Playoffs

Despite losing five of six games at one point this season, Seattle now essentially leads the NFC West because it owns the tiebreaker against the Cardinals. The Seahawks were outgained by Arizona and rushed for only 65 yards. Newly acquired linebacker and former Ram Ernest Jones has helped transform the Seattle defense, but it’s not enough to give this team a lot of playoff potential.

Up next: at New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

The Seahawks are finally playing contender-level defense. When will the offense catch up?

Last week: 12

Sunday: Lost to Tennessee Titans 32-27

Best-case scenario: Playoffs

There was a time this team seemed like a conference title contender, but that time feels further and further away. Titans quarterback Will Levis outplayed Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud on Sunday, and Stroud is 32nd in passer rating (70.3) and 30th in EPA per dropback (minus-.09) in the last month. For the season, Stroud has been sacked 39 times, more than any quarterback other than Caleb Williams. That’s not a recipe for playoff success even if they do make it.

Up next: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

14. Arizona Cardinals (6-5)

Last week: 13

Sunday: Lost to Seattle Seahawks 16-6

Best-case scenario: Winning NFC West

The Cardinals still own a piece of the NFC West lead even after losing to the Seahawks on Sunday, but with Minnesota and then Seattle again in the next two weeks, that position will be tested. Especially if Arizona doesn’t get its run game going. The Cardinals are 10th in the league in rushing EPA and sixth in rush yards (1,543), but they gained only 49 yards on 14 carries against the Seahawks.

Up next: at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

15. Atlanta Falcons (6-5)

Last week: 17

Sunday: Bye

Best-case scenario: Playoffs

Atlanta leads Tampa Bay by one game in the NFC South and owns the head-to-head tiebreaker against the Buccaneers. That means the Falcons are still in pretty good shape to make the playoffs despite losing two straight and three of their last five, but a defense that ranks 25th in points allowed (24.9) and last in sacks (10) means the ceiling for this team is low.

Up next: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6)

Last week: 18

Sunday: Beat New York Giants 30-7

Best-case scenario: Winning NFC South

Mike Evans returned Sunday, and Tampa Bay snapped a four-game losing streak. The Buccaneers play only one more team with a winning record (the Chargers) while the Falcons, who are one spot ahead of them in the division, play three. Tampa Bay gained 450 yards, including 156 on the ground, against the reeling Giants.

Up next: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

17. Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)

Last week: 20

Sunday: Bye

Best-case scenario: One playoff win

Yes, this would take quite a run, but the Bengals are capable of quite a run because they have Joe Burrow and one of the easiest remaining schedules in the league. Burrow is second in passing yards (3,028) and sixth in EPA per dropback (.16), and Cincinnati has the 25th-toughest remaining schedule. The Bengals are the favorites in each of their next five games, according to The Athletic’s projections. As for doing any damage in the postseason, this defense is not good enough to expect multiple playoff wins.

Up next: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

18. Miami Dolphins (5-6)

Last week: 21

Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 34-15

Best-case scenario: Playoffs

Miami is still alive despite starting the season 2-6, and Tua Tagovailoa gets the credit. The Dolphins quarterback missed Weeks 3-7 because of another concussion, but since Week 9, he has 10 touchdowns and one interception and leads the league in EPA per dropback (.36) and completion percentage (77.3). “The guy is Magic Johnson,” Jason Garrett said on “Sunday Night Football.” “When you take this guy out of the lineup, no one can replace him. He’s playing as well as anyone in the league right now.” Sunday was Miami’s third straight win.

Up next: at Green Bay Packers, Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET

19. Los Angeles Rams (5-6)

Last week: 15

Sunday: Lost to Philadelphia Eagles 37-20

Best-case scenario: Playoffs

The NFC West standings make it impossible to rule out anyone in the division, but Sunday proved this team doesn’t have a lot of potential against the NFC powers. Matthew Stafford was sacked four times and hit another 11 against the Eagles. Puka Nacua had nine catches for 117 yards, but Los Angeles lost for the second time in the last three games.

Up next: at New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

HAVE A NIGHT, MILTON WILLIAMS!@miltonw_12 | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/TEU0fhbTRw

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 25, 2024

20. San Francisco 49ers (5-6)

Last week: 16

Sunday: Lost to Green Bay Packers 38-10

Best-case scenario: Playoffs

The boost provided by Christian McCaffrey’s return didn’t last long. San Francisco won its first game with McCaffrey back in the lineup but has now lost two straight. McCaffrey has averaged only 3.5 yards per carry since his return, including 2.8 Sunday against the Packers. Brock Purdy missed the game with a shoulder injury. As long as he’s back soon, we can’t count out the 49ers yet because they’re only one game back in the division.

Up next: at Buffalo Bills, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

49ers fall apart in blowout loss to Packers: ‘The worst I’ve been a part of’

21. Indianapolis Colts (5-7)

Last week: 19

Sunday: Lost to Detroit Lions 24-6

Best-case scenario: Developing Anthony Richardson

The Colts aren’t out of the playoff picture, but this season won’t be remembered for making the postseason or not. It will be remembered as the year their second-year quarterback either worked or didn’t. Richardson was 11-of-28 passing for 172 yards and led Indianapolis with 61 rushing yards against the Lions. Indianapolis should think about protecting him better. He was 3 of 13 when pressured, according to TruMedia.

Up next: at New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

22. Chicago Bears (4-7)

Last week: 23

Sunday: Lost to Minnesota Vikings 30-27

Best-case scenario: Protecting Caleb Williams

The Bears lost their fifth straight game Sunday, but the rookie quarterback is showing development, which is all this season is about. Williams was 32 of 47 for 340 yards and two touchdowns against Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, which is a feather in any quarterback’s cap. Flores’ defense gave up an EPA per dropback of .04 in Weeks 1-11. Williams posted a .16.

Up next: at Detroit Lions, Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET

23. Dallas Cowboys (4-7)

Last week: 26

Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 34-26

Best-case scenario: Not getting fooled

The Cowboys have a less than one percent chance of making the playoffs, according to The Athletic’s model, and a wacky win over an old rival shouldn’t convince this team it’s in decent shape. Dallas is 29th in scoring margin (minus-98) and 31st in points allowed (29 ppg). The good news is KaVontae Turpin is fun to watch. He leads the league with 906 return yards, including an electric 99-yard kickoff return Sunday.

Up next: vs. New York Giants, Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET

99 YARDS TO THE 🏡@KaVontaeTurpin was gone!!

📺: #DALvsWAS on FOX
📲: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/LvklCbYJ1e pic.twitter.com/4ckMWDEDPL

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 24, 2024

24. New Orleans Saints (4-7)

Last week: 24

Sunday: Bye

Best-case scenario: A top-10 pick

The Saints are on a two-game winning streak under interim head coach Darren Rizzi, and he has a shot at getting the full-time job because of his popularity in the locker room. However, winning a lot more games may not be in New Orleans’ best interests. The Saints, who are a projected $62 million over the 2025 salary cap, need to be stocking up on young talent. They’re probably already out of the No. 1 pick conversation, but the higher this team picks in April the better.

Up next: vs. Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Are the Giants less ‘clown show’ than the Jets? It’s getting harder to tell: Sando’s Pick Six

25. Cleveland Browns (3-8)

Last week: 30

Thursday: Beat Pittsburgh Steelers 24-19

Best-case scenario: A time machine

This season is over, and the most likely outcome for 2025 is that Deshaun Watson (and his $72.9 million cap hit) will be starting at quarterback. The Browns could be stuck with Watson for a couple more years, so the best-case scenario (remember, we’re not doing most-realistic scenarios here) is for Watson to return somewhere near his Houston form.

Up next: at Denver Broncos, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

26. Tennessee Titans (3-8)

Last week: 31

Sunday: Beat Houston Texans 32-27

Best-case scenario: Building some confidence

There’s a lone Titans fan out there screaming that this team still has four games left against AFC South teams, including two against the Jaguars, and could still get into the division race, but let’s be serious here. Will Levis outplayed C.J. Stroud on Sunday (123.3 passer rating to 78.7), and that might be something first-year head coach Brian Callahan can build on down the stretch.

Up next: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

27. New England Patriots (3-9)

Last week: 22

Sunday: Lost to Miami Dolphins 34-15

Best-case scenario: Keeping Drake Maye healthy

New England’s rookie quarterback is the team’s only real bright spot this season, but he’s taking some punishment. Maye is fourth in the league in sacks taken (19) and hits taken (39) since taking over as the starter in Week 6, according to TruMedia. He leads the league in scrambles (28) and has 274 rushing yards, which is second among quarterbacks, in that same stretch.

Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

28. Carolina Panthers (3-8)

Last week: 27

Sunday: Lost to Kansas City Chiefs 30-27

Best-case scenario: That Bryce Young is the answer

Carolina had given up on its second-year quarterback six weeks ago, but since being thrust back into the starting role because of an injury to Andy Dalton, Young has been better. He passed for 263 yards and no interceptions against Steve Spagnuolo’s defense Sunday. Buffalo and Cincinnati are the only other teams to score more than 24 points this year against the Chiefs. The offseason decision about Young will be interesting.

Up next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

Bryce Young’s numbers today aren’t going to blow anyone away, but his performance against a very good Chiefs defense does speak to the argument for letting young players develop and grow before making an ultimate judgement on them.

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) November 24, 2024

Last week: 25

Sunday: Bye

Best-case scenario: A fresh start

Aaron Rodgers is 26th in EPA per dropback (minus-.02). His passer rating (88.9) and yards per attempt (6.4) are his lowest in any full season. And still there’s the thought he might come back in 2025. Nobody needs that, particularly the new head coach, whoever he may be. The 2025 quarterback draft class is a tricky one and the looming free-agent list at the position doesn’t provide any obvious answers, either, but anything is better than this Jets season.

Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

30. Las Vegas Raiders (2-9)

Last week: 29

Sunday: Lost to Denver Broncos 29-19

Best-case scenario: The No. 1 draft pick

If the season ended today, Las Vegas would pick No. 3, but the Raiders are closing in on the top spot fast. Las Vegas lost its seventh straight Sunday and lost starting quarterback Gardner Minshew for the season. This isn’t the draft to be in the quarterback market, according to most experts, but having the first shot to draft one still is the best option for the Raiders.

Up next: at Kansas City Chiefs, Friday, 3 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Raiders were a mess at QB before Gardner Minshew’s injury and need a fix this offseason

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)

Last week: 32

Sunday: Bye

Best-case scenario: Bill Belichick

Hiring the third-winningest coach in league history would immediately give Jacksonville relevance. Pairing Belichick with Colorado’s Travis Hunter, whom the Jaguars could select at No. 1 if they continue their current ways, would make for one of the most interesting player-coach dynamics in the league. Hunter might be as versatile in the league as was his current college head coach (Deion Sanders), and Belichick could figure out fascinating ways to deploy him.

Up next: vs. Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

32. New York Giants (2-9)

Last week: 28

Sunday: Lost to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-7

Best-case scenario: This season ending

Malik Nabers called out the play calling Sunday. Dexter Lawrence definitely called out his team’s toughness. And the Giants lost their sixth straight while former Giant Saquon Barkley continued his MVP-caliber season. The Giants, who were outgained by 205 yards Sunday, already have cut one-time franchise quarterback Daniel Jones. Coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen may be next.

Up next: at Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, 4:30 p.m.

(Top photo of Saquon Barkley, right, and Mekhi Becton: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)