Week 14 NFL Power Rankings: New Worst Team! Colts Fly, Bills Tumble

  Another great week of NFL games is in the books and the rankings move around accordingly. The top tier teams are sort of cementing themselves right now but we know so much can and will change over the final month and change of the season and we are here for it! Let's hop into the rankings.

1. Arizona Cardinals (10-2)
Previously #1 

Finally a little bit of consistency at the top. The Cardinals hold the top spot for the third straight week! Quite the accomplishment given what has been going on in the NFL this year. Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins made their long-awaited returns to the lineup on Sunday and were outstanding, especially Murray. The Cards become the first team to double digit wins and are still in play for a 15 win season. They are the best and most consistent team in the league right now!

2. Green Bay Packers (9-3)
Previously #2

The Packers were off on bye this week as they try to get back to full strength. The scariest part about this team that has been on fire lately is that they have been doing it without some of their best, All-Pro caliber, players in the lineup. Jaire Alexander's return is very close along with two of their other stars. It feels like Green Bay will only fall short of the Super Bowl if they continue to shoot themselves in the foot during the playoffs like we've seen a lot over the past few years.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-3)
Previously #3

After a thriller against Indy last week, the Bucs had a much less dramatic/close win against the Falcons on Sunday. Tom Brady continues to just play amazing football. At the end of Q1 in the game, Brady already had almost 200 yards passing and multiple TD passes. The Bucs D is finally heating up. Peaking at the right time again it would appear. A massive game looms this Sunday vs the Bills.

4. New England Patriots (9-4)
Previously #4

In one of the most bizarre, yet entertaining wins of the season, the Patriots took their 7th straight game and also took over sole possession of the #1 seed in the AFC while doing so. It's crazy that this team was 2-4 at one point. Mac Jones threw just 3 passes and completed 2 of them for 19 yards in the win. I know the weather was terrible, but that is just insane for a winning team. Bill Belichick has his team playing elite defense and running the ball like no other, just like he wants. This team feels a lot like the AFC Super Bowl favorite right now. 

5. Kansas City Chiefs (8-4)
Previously #5

For the first time all season, the top 5 stays the same in consecutive weeks. Maybe the contenders really are sorting themselves out? The Chiefs have been weird all season, but the win on SNF proved that even further. Their offense was clearly the strongpoint at the start of the year with their defense awful, but now it's looking a little bit like the opposite. This reminds me a lot of the 12-4 Seahawks from last season that could never truly find that balance. It will likely come back to haunt them in the playoffs if they can't figure that part out soon. I think they will be able to, the offense is too good to keep struggling.

6. Indianapolis Colts (7-6)
Previously #10 +

This might seem high for the Colts, who have a few more losses than many other teams in this area, but the way they are playing right now gives me all the confidence in the world to put them this high. As of now, based on true talent and how they are playing, I'd say they are the 2nd best team in the AFC right now. They seem to be one of the few teams that would be able to combat the Patriots brutal style of play. They can run the ball like no one else but also Carson Wentz has been playing well enough to prove that they can throw it if necessary. And this defense, man has it been amazing. They force more fumbles than anyone else. In a cold weather, grind it out playoff game, that could be the difference. Colts are looking great.

7. Dallas Cowboys (8-4)
Previously #9 +

It wasn't pretty, but Dallas finally found their way back into the win column on Thursday Night against a banged up Saints offense. Both offenses struggled in the game, but the Cowboys D proved to be the difference. They picked off Taysom Hill a whopping 4 times and were lockdown all night long. Dallas needs to get their swagger back to make a real playoff run, but I think as the team becomes fully healthy down the stretch, they will find it again.

8. Los Angeles Rams (8-4)
Previously #11 +

The Rams got exactly the win they were looking for. After a 3 game losing streak, they got the Jaguars, otherwise known as a very nice way to get back on track. Matthew Stafford regained some confidence as he was slinging the ball, OBJ and Cooper Kupp benefited. We know it was the Jags, but winning like that does wonders. The Rams may find their way back to the top again soon with the playoffs fast approaching.

9. Baltimore Ravens (8-4)
Previously #7 -

Quite the disappointing L for the Ravens who were the #1 team in the AFC going into the week. They made a gutsy call to go for 2 and the win late in the game and just barely missed the checkdown. While they haven't look as dominant as earlier in the year, the Ravens are a great, deep team. This loss will be humbling, but hopefully it gets them motivated to fight back and try and win the AFC North and take the 1 seed down the stretch.

10. Los Angeles Chargers (7-5)
Previously #14 +

Now that's what I'm talking about. The way the Chargers played in a small upset over the Bengals is what could have them in Super Bowl contention THIS season. Dominating offense, stifling defense. They put it all together on Sunday and it was amazing to see. They are one of the most inconsistent, hard to predict teams, but if they can hold this together and get into the playoffs, they will be a team no one wants to face on a path the to the Super Bowl. 

11. Buffalo Bills (7-5)
Previously #8 -

When everyone is playing well at the same time, this very well might be the best team in the league, but it's been a long while since we've seen that version of this team. I don't think we are going to see that again. Despite the close score, the 14-10 loss to the Patriots the other night should be embarrassing. They lost to a team who threw the ball 3 times. JUST THREE. I don't know what to make of the Bills who need to start winning or they are in genuine danger of falling out of the playoff picture. They have some tough games still remaining including at Tampa and at New England. Crazy to be saying that about this team. 

12. Cincinnati Bengals (7-5)
Previously #6 -

After a huge win vs the Steelers and flying all the way up to #6 in the rankings, the Bengals got beat pretty badly at home vs the Chargers. The first quarter was rough as the Chargers raced out to a 3 score lead but the Bengals scored back to within a score only to then be blown out the rest of the way. Joe Burrow hurt his finger during the game and was a bit off the mark ever since. We know how good this team can be with an improving defense led by sackmaster Trey Hendrickson and an elite offense when healthy with Burrow, Chase, Mixon, and Higgins, but they struggle to consistently play at their best on a weekly basis. I hope this team makes the post-season because they could be a dark-horse AFC champion, but they have to start winning more big games.

13. Tennessee Titans (8-4)
Previously #12 -

Once looking like by far the best team in the league, the Titans have fallen off hard, and now are relying on star players to return from injury soon or their season could be a wash. Currently Ryan Tannehill has Nick Westbrook-Ikhine as his no. 1 wideout. That is less than ideal and we saw the result of that when they were thrashed by New England before the bye. Julio Jones appears to be close to a return while AJ Brown is a few weeks out. Getting those guys back soon can get this team back on the right track. If they can get into the playoffs, most, if not all, of their star players will likely be able to come back. Yup, Derrick Henry too (potentially).

14. Washington Football Team (6-6)
Previously #17 +

The turnaround for the Football Team has been remarkable. 2-6 entering a seemingly impossible game against Tampa Bay and they shocked the world. Then they've beaten 3 quality opponents since and now find themselves back at .500 with an NFC wildcard berth in their grasp. Taylor Heinicke and Antonio Gibson have really turned it on as of late and are making their cases to be franchise players. The defense which was elite last year but one of the worst in the league til 2-6 is now looking near elite again. This team is one of the hottest in the league and should be taken very seriously. Ron Rivera has his team back in contention again.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5-1)
Previously #22 +

Just when you think they're dead...
What a win for the Steelers beating the Ravens in a must win. They played tenaciously all game long, TJ Watt was a one-man wrecking crew for the defense while Diontae Johnson had one of his best career games leading the way on O. They got a bit lucky with a bad throw from Lamar on a potential game-winning 2-pt conversion, but they won the game. Props to them as they continue to fight for an AFC playoff spot.

16. San Fransisco 49ers (6-6)
Previously #13 -

Just when this team was getting hot, they lose to the Seahawks. The Hawks' have simply owned them since Russell Wilson came to town, and it was no different in the crusher on Sunday. Even though they were severely undermanned (Deebo, Fred Warner, and Dre Greenlaw all out) they still stuck with Seattle the whole way and almost tied it in the end. A win there would have pushed the Niners into the top 10, now we don't know what to think of them. What we do think is that George Kittle is a MONSTER. 175+ yards and 2 TDs receiving.

17. Miami Dolphins (6-7)
Previously #20 +

Five straight for the Dolphins who now suddenly find themselves in the AFC wildcard hunt after starting 1-7. Major props to HC Brian Flores who never gave up with his team and has them in the race again. He's such an underrated coach and anyone calling for him to be fired after the bad start is mental. Tua continues to prove he will be the franchise QB in South Beach. The Fins' are in this, and with that defense, could win a game or two in the post-season if they got lucky.

18. Cleveland Browns (6-6)
Previously #16 -

T'was a good time for a bye week in Cleveland. So banged up, everyone needed the extra rest on this team. Especially Baker Mayfield who is ailing so greatly and has to continue to play through it. This is one of the most talented teams in the sport, but the playoffs are starting to look like a longshot for them in the wildly competitive AFC. They might just have to call it a season soon and look to 2022 where they will be healthy and back to being one of the Super Bowl favorites.

19. Philadelphia Eagles (6-7)
Previously #21 +

With Jalen Hurts a last-minute inactive on Sunday, the fabled Gardner Minshew stepped in, and delivered. In a big win over the Jets, the Eagles' backup QB was magnificent. He had few incompletions, multiple TD passes, and no turnovers. His connection with Dallas Goedert was very evident and very impressive on the field Sunday. Now the Eagles hit their bye just one game under .500 and with very realistic wildcard aspirations. Jalen Hurts should be healthy coming out of the bye, but on a much shorter leash now with the team knowing they have an elite backup.

20. Denver Broncos (6-6)
Previously #18 -

The Broncos are the definition of .500. They win almost every other week. They beat good teams, they lose to good teams. They beat bad teams, they lose to bad teams. It depends completely on the week what look you will get from them. What we do know is that Teddy Bridgewater is not the future. He just can't consistently play well. What we also know is that the Broncos have a future superstar in rookie RB Javonte Williams. He drew his first career start with Melvin Gordon out and BALLED out. 160+ scrimmage yards and a TD. He is a tackle-breaking machine and should start from here on out. They have Detroit on Sunday so we could see them follow their win then loss then win then loss pattern and maybe another huge game from Williams.

21. Las Vegas Raiders (6-6)
Previously #15 -

Similar to Denver, this team is the definition of .500. Can't string together wins and is just kind of an odd all around team. Derek Carr and Hunter Renfrow are having good seasons but aside from that, everything else has been spotty and injuries have been nagging for Vegas.

22. Seattle Seahawks (4-8)
Previously #27 +

"We ain't dead yet," coach Pete Carroll said after the game. Whether that's really true or not, the win on Sunday for Seattle was super encouraging and good to see. Seattle has been down this year but they've continued their reign on the Niners. The Hawks scored 30 in this and sort of broke that offensive slump. The D allowed 0 second half points. While they have a pretty easy schedule the rest of the way with matches against Detroit, Chicago, and Houston looming, they would probably need to also beat the Rams and Cardinals and have many other things break their way to make the post-season. Good to see either way for this team. 

23. Minnesota Vikings (5-7)
Previously #19 -

Must have been tough to go home after losing to the only winless team in the league. The result of that game sums up their season so far. Close games, heartbreakers, and a lot of disappointment. The Vikings still are in the NFC wildcard race, but this loss gives the feel that they won't get there in the end. 

24. New Orleans Saints (5-7)
Previously #23 -

Saints are just reeling right now. Taysom Hill did not show the promise the team was hoping for in his first start at QB of the season. While he was nice and efficient on the ground, his throwing was pretty bad as he tossed 4 picks. Record-wise, the Saints are alive, but they just haven't looked the same ever since Jameis went down. 

25. Carolina Panthers (5-7)
Previously #24 -

After the disappointing loss in week 12, a bye this week was nice for the Panthers to regroup and refocus for a wildcard push down the stretch. The firing of up and coming young OC Joe Brady was a bit of a head-scratcher but maybe things will get better with a new mind in there. If Cam Newton can play mostly turnover-free football, the Panthers have a decent shot of getting into the post-season. How he plays along with the rest of the team against fellow 5-7 club Atlanta this coming week will tell us everything we need to know.

26. Atlanta Falcons (5-7)
Previously #25 -

While it could have been much worse, the Falcons didn't beat the Bucs on Sunday. Not much of a shocker. Marlon Davidson had a crazy DT pick-6 to make it a 3-pt game around half-time but that was as close as they would get. Despite an ok record, this team is awful. However, a win against Carolina this weekend would somehow keep them alive in the playoff race.

27. Chicago Bears (4-8)
Previously #28 +

With Andy Dalton starting at QB for an injured Justin Fields, the result was not pretty on Sunday for Chicago facing the top dog Arizona Cardinals. While the game was somewhat close for most of the way, the Bears just did not look good. They will hope Fields will return this weekend to give them a slight chance to beat the Packers but also, and more importantly, continue his development. 

28. New York Giants (4-8)
Previously #26 -

The potential for major change in New York this off-season seems to get more and more realistic by the week. With backup QB Mike Glennon in for an injured Daniel Jones in Miami this past weekend, the Giants offense was anemic. The game was close for most of the way, but everyone and their mother knew they wouldn't end up winning. Now new free agent signee Jake Fromm looks likely to make his first career start this coming Sunday for the Giants...

29. New York Jets (3-9)
Previously #29

While the Jets continue to be bad, Zach Wilson hasn't been as awful as he was pre the injury. While the Eagles ended up winning comfortably, the Jets were not out of this game for much of it. Rookie WR Elijah Moore continues to prove his worth and show that he is potentially the team's WR1 of the future. They aren't good this year, but are looking like they have some of the right guys to build around for the future.

30. Detroit Lions (1-10-1)
Previously #32 +

THEY DID IT! THE LIONS WON A GAME! Finally after all of these weeks of close games, heartbreaking losses, even a tie, they did it. The Lions led most of the game, but Minnesota stormed back for a late lead only for Jared Goff to lead the offense on a long, beautifully 2 minute drill drive which resulted in the game-winning 10 yard TD pass to rookie A'Mon-Ra St. Brown as time expired! They deserved it and it feels good to see them win. A great day for Dan Campbell's guys. He deserved the win the most. 

31. Houston Texans (2-10)
Previously #30 -

Oof. The Texans lost again, and badly. They were shutout and allowed the Colts to drop 30+ on them. To make matters worse, Tyrod Taylor who was doing an okay job at QB, got hurt again. It will likely be sporadic rookie Davis Mills vs the visiting Seahawks at QB this Sunday. Buckle up...

32. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10)
Previously #31 -

With the Lions FINALLY moving out of the basement, the Jaguars replace them there. What an awful season it's been. Urban Meyer should be fired. He does not know how to run a modern day pro football team. His coaching choices are consistently questionable and it may be hurting the development of potential superstar rookie QB Trevor Lawrence. For example, benching star RB James Robinson for the entire game because Aaron Donald (the best defensive player in football) forced a fumble on him in the first quarter? What are you doing Urban? Jags hit rock bottom...again.