FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The top tier of NFL teams continues to crystallize, as the Week 13 slate featured a victory from every single team with the better record in each matchup.
This is the time of year when the best teams know who they are and effectively impose their style of play on their opponent, something we saw from the Packers, Bills and Commanders. However, a postseason run also requires adaptability and resilience, which were featured in victories by the Eagles, Steelers and Vikings. With only five games remaining, it's time to pull out all of the stops for that final playoff push.
Here are my updated NFL power rankings after Week 13.
(11-1)
1
Detroit Lions
The Lions play at an elevated level more consistently than any other team. Mounting injuries are concerning, though.
(10-2)
2
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo's performance on Sunday night in the snow was everything that's great about football.
(10-2)
3
1
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have not lost a game since September, and they are built to win in a lot of different ways.
(11-1)
4
1
Kansas City Chiefs
At this point, the only question I don't have about Kansas City is their record.
(9-3)
5
3
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh is another team that has shown the capacity to win in different ways. They are a tough out for any team.
(10-2)
6
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings' blitz was key on Sunday, and they have forced 7 turnovers the last four games.
(9-3)
7
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay has scored the second-most points and has the second-best point margin the last three weeks.
(8-5)
8
3
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens' five losses are by a combined 22 points, but they are too talented to have these fits and starts.
(8-4)
9
Los Angeles Chargers
LA's defense stepped up on a day when the offense was held in check, earning a big win for the AFC playoff race.
(8-5)
10
Denver Broncos
Denver's offense is catching up to its defense. The Broncos could be a factor in the AFC playoffs.
(8-5)
11
Houston Texans
Houston was in control for over three quarters, but its inability to put teams away is a flaw to worry about.
(7-5)
12
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are among a handful of teams that just find ways to win, and they are now atop the NFC West.
(8-5)
13
1
Washington Commanders
Are the Commanders back?? That was a huge breakthrough for the offense before the bye.
(6-6)
14
2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After a four-game skid before the bye, the Bucs have rebounded to win two straight and challenge the Falcons.
(6-6)
15
2
Arizona Cardinals
That was a gut-punch loss for the Cardinals, but they still have a path to the playoffs with a good finish.
(6-6)
16
3
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams' offense woke up and got hot in the second half, and the defense allowed its fewest points of the season.
(6-6)
17
2
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta played well enough to beat a good chargers team and had 5 sacks, but the turnovers cost them.
(6-7)
18
3
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts plunge into the bye week with a last-second victory that should give everyone a confidence boost.
(5-7)
19
4
Dallas Cowboys
Micah Parson's return and Rico Dowdle's emergence have been huge for the Cowboys.
(5-7)
20
3
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins looked outmatched at Lambeau, but I think that says more about Green Bay than Miami.
(4-8)
21
3
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati's defense has allowed the second-most points, and it's spoiling a legendary Joe Burrow season.
(5-7)
22
2
San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey is done for the season, one that might be slipping away for the 49ers.
(4-8)
23
1
New Orleans Saints
The Saints are 2-1 under Darren Rizzi and have the sixth-best scoring defense since he took over.
(3-9)
24
2
Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young's turnaround may be one of the key takeaways from this season when the dust settles.
(4-8)
25
Chicago Bears
Welcome to the interim coach club, Thomas Brown!
(3-10)
26
3
New England Patriots
The Patriots were competitive in most of their November games, and now they get a bye to regroup.
(3-9)
27
Cleveland Browns
There's nothing quite like the Jameis Winston experience is there, Browns fans?
(3-9)
28
4
Tennessee Titans
Tennessee has allowed the most points in the league over the last four weeks.
(2-10)
29
1
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are on an eight-game slide with big questions on both sides of the ball.
(3-9)
30
2
New York Jets
New York is primed for another full reset after this nightmare season wraps up.
(2-10)
31
Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence's injury was awful, and it's very possible he doesn't play again this year.
(2-10)
32
New York Giants
The Giants have the league's worst scoring offense, and they are 34 points behind No. 31.
