NFL power rankings, Week 14: 49ers settle the score at the top
We saw some movement at the top of this week’s NFL power rankings with the San Francisco 49ers getting some payback against the Philadelphia Eagles after last season’s playoffs loss. But that wasn’t the only game being played. Here’s how we stack up all 32 teams going into Week 14:
Carolina Panthers (1-11)
The Panthers fought hard to keep it close with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the solutions to their problems are not in the building just yet.
New England Patriots (2-10)
Bill Belichick was left without any answers in his postgame press conference. It’s taken a while, but Patriots fans are finally learning how the other half has lived all these years.
Washington Commanders (4-9)
The Commanders are riding a long losing streak after throwing in the towel at the trade deadline. Sam Howell is getting some valuable experience before moving to an experienced backup role in the spring.
New York Jets (4-8)
Aaron Rodgers isn’t saving this team. The Jets’ failure to find an adequate backup quarterback doomed any chances they had of keeping the seat warm for him.
Tennessee Titans (4-8)
Tyjae Spears is as entertaining as everyone thought he’d be, but Will Levis is a bit of a mess. What’s the long-term vision for Tennessee?
Chicago Bears (4-8)
The Bears were on bye this week.
New York Giants (4-8)
The Giants have been a fun story, but they’re also gunning for a great draft pick, which means they’re really getting the best of both worlds when you’re a bad team.
Arizona Cardinals (3-10)
The Cardinals somehow knocked out the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. It’s a gratifying win for a fanbase that’s seen a lot of losses as of late.
Las Vegas Raiders (5-7)
The Raiders were on bye this week.
New Orleans Saints (5-7)
The Saints showed a lot of fight but they weren’t able to overcome a 21-0 deficit against the Detroit Lions. Dennis Allen has built a deeply flawed football team that can’t stop the run, rush the passer, or keep pace with truly explosive offenses.
Cincinnati Bengals (5-6)
The Bengals play on Monday night.
Los Angeles Chargers (5-7)
The Chargers hurt themselves too often to be taken seriously as a playoff contender, but a better coaching staff might get more out of this roster.
Green Bay Packers (6-6)
The Packers are rallying around Jordan Love, though they needed some help from the referees to put the Kansas City Chiefs away on Sunday night.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7)
Mike Evans got to pad his stats against the bad Panthers team. Tampa Bay might make a run at the NFC South title if they can put the Saints away in a few weeks.
Minnesota Vikings (6-6)
The Vikings were on bye this week.
Los Angeles Rams (6-6)
The Rams are well-coached and have more playmakers than you’d expect of a team relying on so many rookies and young players. They’re going to be a tough out when they host the Saints later in December.
Denver Broncos (6-6)
Denver’s win streak came to an end against the Houston Texans. Sean Payton and Russell Wilson had few answers for a stout Houston defense.
Atlanta Falcons (6-6)
The Falcons survived a Trevor Siemian-led Jets comeback attempt to stay on top of the NFC South. The Saints’ runway to catching them is getting shorter by the week.
Indianapolis Colts (7-5)
The Colts are surging with four wins in a row. They might make the cut for a spot in the crowded AFC playoff picture.
Seattle Seahawks (6-6)
The Seahawks have too much talent and continuity to be this bad defensively. Is Pete Carroll’s time finally running out in the NFL?
Buffalo Bills (6-6)
The Bills were on bye this week.
Cleveland Browns (7-5)
Not even a Joe Flacco cameo could save this lost Browns season.
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5)
The Steelers were upset by the Cardinals and lost quarterback Kenny Pickett to an injury, but it remains to be seen how drastic his absence may be for a struggling offense.
Houston Texans (7-5)
This Texans team is the real deal. They have a feisty defense and a young pro-ready quarterback who’s making impressive throws each week.
Kansas City Chiefs (8-4)
Some officiating miscues tripped them up, but the Chiefs didn’t play well enough to beat the Packers on Sunday night. They aren’t getting the most out of their personnel which is unusual for an Andy Reid-coached team.
Jacksonville Jaguars (8-3)
The Jaguars play on Monday night.
Detroit Lions (9-3)
The Lions showed resiliency to resist a Saints comeback effort. This is a dangerous team that’s going to be a problem in the NFC for a long time.
Dallas Cowboys (9-3)
The Cowboys have one of the league’s best offenses and most effective defenses, but they haven’t shown they can hang with good teams. Yet.
Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)
The Eagles got a taste of their own medicine from the 49ers. Will we get a third chapter in this fast-developing rivalry in January’s playoffs?
Baltimore Ravens (9-3)
The Ravens were on bye this week.
Miami Dolphins (9-3)
The Dolphins have yet to beat a good team, but every win they do have has been bombastic.
San Francisco 49ers (9-3)
There isn’t a team in the NFL that wants to see the 49ers right now. That battle station is fully armed and operational.
