Hello, and welcome back to the NFL Power Rankings. This is our 15th installment. I hope you’ve enjoyed the ride to this point so far.
I think it’s important for us to appreciate what we have atop the standings right now. While the 49ers were always going to be the best team in football this year, the fact that they are joined by the Ravens, Lions, Dolphins, Browns and Rams, among other teams, shows the kind of tide-turning that is taking place in the NFL right now. In four years, we will almost certainly not be talking about many of the stalwart teams of the 2020-2024 era. It’s almost impossible to keep good teams together for so long.
We exited an era of the Patriots and walked right into an era of the Chiefs. But this postseason could be defined by new blood, by wildcards, by backup quarterbacks going on long runs, because that is what is populating the field at the moment. That uncertainty may ultimately, inevitably, hand the Lombardi to San Francisco, but it also gives us a glimpse of the league beneath the weight of its little (or big) dynasties. And that is fun. Drew Lock going off is fun. Joe Flacco going off is fun. Isaiah Likely going off is fun. It doesn’t have to be beautiful if its at least unfamiliar.
Let’s go with that. Let’s enjoy it while it lasts.
1. San Francisco 49ers (11–3)
Last week: win at Arizona, 45–29
Next week: vs. Baltimore
One aspect of the 49ers’ operation that impresses me is the team’s ability to kind of function on its own. I’m not removing any credit from Kyle Shanahan here, but Christian McCaffrey can, before the snap, identify that he’s in man coverage, he can see who is playing man coverage on him, and he can then proceed to, with knowledge of the supporting routes, design his own route that will nestle into open space and give him an opening to catch a ball. But … imagine that level of intuitiveness with four different elite weapons all at once.
2. Baltimore Ravens (11–3)
Last week: win at Jacksonville, 23–7
Next week: at San Francisco
This week on the podcast, guest co-host Rohan Nadkarni brought up a great point: how do we quantify the lack of negative yardage saved by Lamar Jackson? He’s so maddening to bring down and gets you positive yardage when other quarterbacks would lose perhaps five or 10 yards in a sack situation. This changes the dynamics of everything, from more obvious scoring opportunities to a shift in field position advantages.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (9–5)
Last week: win at New England, 27–17
Next week: vs. Las Vegas
At the very least, it was nice to see Andy Reid and Matt Nagy in their bags again, running some cool screen passes to Clyde Edwards-Helaire and whatever the heck you want to call Jerick McKinnon’s toss sweep touchdown. It’s going to be absolutely necessary for Kansas City to negate its receiver problems, which reared heads again with another awful Kadarius Toney drop. Toney, and the rest of this receiving corps, need some time to repair some clearly bruised headspace. The question is: will they get it?
4. Detroit Lions (10–4)
Last week: win vs. Denver, 42–17
Next week: at Minnesota
Third-and-6, with about 13:50 left in the second quarter of a 0–0 game. Sam LaPorta comes off the line and absolute buries Baron Browning, then recovers his footing, looks up and catches a football being thrown at his chest. If Dan Campbell didn’t find his spitting image in the draft, I don’t know what else to make of LaPorta, who has been so phenomenal this year. A mold-breaking tight end who is only getting better.
5. Dallas Cowboys (10–4)
Last week: loss at Buffalo, 31–10
Next week: at Miami
This game was disconcerting in that Buffalo did little else than throw its weight into Dallas, and the Cowboys backed down. This is going to be a preview of many of Dallas’s winter games at this point. Be it San Francisco, Philadelphia or Detroit, Dallas’s road to a potential Super Bowl berth is going to go through a team that prefers a pugilistic style of football. The Cowboys are tough, but only if they can play a very specific brand of football.
Joe Nicholson/USA TODAY Sports
6. Philadelphia Eagles (10–4)
Last week: loss at Seattle, 20–17
Next week: vs. New York Giants
I feel for Jalen Hurts, who was clearly not healthy in this game. He played like someone might with the flu. He wasn’t sliding on certain runs. His agility was lacking. And he tried so many times to heave these game-altering passes that were either underthrown or completely ill conceived. Save me the team-in-crisis nonsense, but there is no doubt this losing streak is taking a toll.
7. Miami Dolphins (10–4)
Last week: win vs. New York Jets, 30–0
Next week: vs. Dallas
Tua Tagovailoa said that his post-touchdown Jaylen Waddle celebration was an inside joke with teammates, but my thought is that it was also a message for us: I’m doing this without Tyreek Hill, too. The Dolphins had their offensive line anchor back as well. I wrote before the game that Hill should sit, because I thought it was a great opportunity for Tagovailoa to flex his muscle. Tattooing one of the better defenses in the league checks the box.
8. Cleveland Browns (9–5)
Last week: win vs. Chicago, 20–17
Next week: at Houston
Remember back in in 2021 when David Njoku was no commenting whether or not he wanted to remain with the Browns, Cleveland was stockpiling tight ends, there was a trade request that was rescinded and the decision on Njoku’s fifth-year option came down to the wire? Wild times. Now, Njoku is an absolute force, and the Browns would not be here without his ability to body folks in the end zone.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (8–6)
Last week: loss vs. Baltimore, 23–7
Next week: at Tampa Bay
A disappointing loss for the Jaguars against Baltimore, specifically with how rattled the Jaguars looked in critical moments. To not come away with points before halftime was an unforgivable sin against one of the best teams in the NFL. I always appreciate the gumption it takes to eschew the easy spike, but to then throw the ball in bounds and not toward the end zone is an error of epic proportions. The Jaguars are a nice team and fit comfortably into the AFC’s second tier. Barring an incredibly hot postseason, that’s where they will begin 2024.
10. Buffalo Bills (8–6)
Last week: win vs. Dallas, 31–10
Next week: at Los Angeles Chargers
All along we were waiting to see the Bills develop that intermediate weapon that would prevent Josh Allen from having to scramble so much. I had personally thought Nyheim Hines would have been the guy last year, but James Cook is a more than able candidate. He’s the guy we wish would have taken the role in the first place. Against Dallas, Cook can change the parameters of how a defense plays the Bills. Add in Buffalo having some success with a four-man rush, and you have the story of the red-hot Bills.
11. Cincinnati Bengals (8–6)
Last week: win vs. Minnesota, 27–24
Next week: at Pittsburgh
Still amazed that the Bengals converted a third-and-21 against the Vikings defense whilst down seven in the fourth quarter. Still amazed that Ja’Marr Chase ran that route full speed with two defenders closing in on him. Still amazed that the Bengals were about a half an inch from a backbreaking pick-six that would have made overtime not necessary. This team just plays hard no matter what, and they’re going to ruin a higher-seeded team’s playoff run. Mark my words.
12. Los Angeles Rams (7–7)
Last week: win vs. Washington, 28–20
Next week: vs. New Orleans
Sometimes it's fun to still live in a world where Cooper Kupp can be wide open. It seems like only the greatest offensive minds, like Mike McDaniel and Sean McVay, can consistently create game-breaking plays for elite players. It’s nice to have McVay back in the week-in, week-out playoff conversation.
13. Indianapolis Colts (8–6)
Last week: win vs. Pittsburgh, 30–13
Next week: at Atlanta
The Colts’ continued juggling act has been phenomenal. This week, Michael Pittman Jr. and Zack Moss both went down, and Trey Sermon, now on his third NFL team since being drafted in 2021, led the team in rushing. Four sacks, nine QB hits, and four different defenders sharing in a piece of the backfield terror showcase just how tireless this team is and how heavily they are punching above weight class.
14. Seattle Seahawks (7–7)
Last week: win vs. Philadelphia, 20–17
Next week: at Tennessee
A thrilling victory for Seattle on Monday Night Football. This was billed as the Drew Lock comeback story, but how about those catches from DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba at the end of that game. Smith-Njigba, in the pouring rain, grabs the game-winner by a fingertip. That is the distance between a season saved and a season more or less over.
Andrew Nelles/USA TODAY Network
15. Houston Texans (8–6)
Last week: win at Tennessee, 19–16
Next week: vs. Cleveland
To beat a Titans team that knocked off the Dolphins the week prior with Case Keenum at quarterback is no small feat, but it shows the strength in this Texans build. While some teams are scanning the Indian Premier League for elite bowlers capable of throwing touchdown passes, the Texans had Keenum as the second/third string quarterback, just hanging tight. They expected to be in big moments this year and weren’t just content with Davis Mills.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7–7)
Last week: win at Green Bay, 34–20
Next week: vs. Jacksonville
When working on a robust list of prospective future head coaches, there is the inevitable frustration of when someone makes you look completely foolish for failing to include them. Dave Canales is that person for me. What a job he’s done in Tampa Bay. The Packers had all the juice early in that game, and Baker Mayfield took the life out of Lambeau Field early in the second quarter with a piercing touchdown drive.
17. Denver Broncos (7–7)
Last week: loss at Detroit, 42–17
Next week: vs. New England
I do enjoy Sean Payton’s take, that what was said between Russell Wilson and the coach during a tense sideline interaction was none of our business. It’s very much our business! But saying you were really upset with the penalty and not the player is a bit of an insulting follow-up and was clearly not the case. I’m ok with rescinding my take that Payton was out of his depth in taking this Broncos job, but I don’t think we should willingly pretend all is cool at the QB spot either.
18. Minnesota Vikings (7–7)
Last week: loss at Cincinnati, 27–24
Next week: vs. Detroit
Nick Mullens channeled fellow Southern Miss alum Brett Favre on a go-ahead touchdown to Jordan Addison that was completely wild on Saturday. I don’t know if he should be the team’s permanent (for this season) starting quarterback, but I do know that his fun-to-results ratio is slightly higher than that of anyone else on Minnesota’s roster. Keep on slinging it.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers (7–7)
Last week: loss at Indianapolis, 30–13
Next week: vs. Cincinnati
I would say this about Mike Tomlin: please, Steelers fans. Get your wish. Get a new head coach and see how miserable life can truly be. Of course, Pittsburgh is not a team that is one to make rash decisions with the coaching staff, or to make bad decisions with the coaching staff, but I would covet Tomlin despite this recent cold streak. When you are shuffling to Mason Rudolph, you are truly out of options from a personnel standpoint.
20. Green Bay Packers (6–8)
Last week: loss vs. Tampa Bay, 34–20
Next week: at Carolina
This was a bummer. To see the Packers beat the Lions and Chiefs in back-to-back weeks, only to fall to the Giants and Buccaneers shows just how much stress and magnification is going to be put on the shoulders of embattled defensive coordinator Joe Barry. Matt LaFleur’s Achilles heel has seemed to be an inability to nab an elite defensive coordinator. That could change.
21. New Orleans Saints (7–7)
Last week: win vs. New York Giants, 24–6
Next week: at Los Angeles Rams
The Saints have their get-right game against the Giants. The embattled Derek Carr tossed three touchdowns, and DeMario Davis and Tanoh Kpassagnon shut down a Giants run game cold. While no team from the NFC South should make the playoffs, a massive divisional matchup against the Buccaneers looms after a Rams game this coming week.
22. Chicago Bears (5–9)
Last week: loss at Cleveland, 20–17
Next week: vs. Arizona
Let’s not forget that Justin Fields had that game won with a dropped Hail Mary, but also had another critical drop as he was setting the Bears up for a game-tying field goal. Fields looks like a different quarterback right now, and someone I could easily convince my team (cough—Falcons—cough) to give up a middle-to-late first round pick for.
Rusty Jones/AP
23. Atlanta Falcons (6–8)
Last week: loss at Carolina, 9–7
Next week: vs. Indianapolis
This was an absolute season-killer of a loss to by far the worst team in the league. The only thing one could say in Arthur Smith’s defense was playing Ejiro Evero in the rain is always going to level the playing field a bit. Still … I thought this game was over after the nice Desmond Ridder bootleg, cross-field throw to Jonnu Smith and Cordarrelle Patterson reverse touchdown. Instead, a slog ensued. An absolute dagger of a red zone pick could have sealed Ridder’s fate as a Falcon starter.
24. Las Vegas Raiders (6–8)
Last week: win vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 63–21
Next week: at Kansas City
Antonio Pierce is trying to hold on to the full-time gig by playing BCS math right now. And why not? I like Pierce’s demeanor, and the job certainly hasn’t seemed too big for him. It helps when you have a solid coaching staff behind you, like defensive coordinator Pat Graham. If I were Mark Davis, I would at least entertain it. This offseason, the Raiders may not be one of the most attractive openings. So, without the ability to get The Guy, keep the vibes good.
25. New York Giants (5–9)
Last week: loss at New Orleans, 24–6
Next week: at Philadelphia
This was the only way for the Tommy DeVito saga to reach its conclusion: with a pizza-related feud and potential backroom price gouging, all covered by the local New Jersey papers.
26. New York Jets (5–9)
Last week: loss at Miami, 30–0
Next week: vs. Washington
We are getting to a difficult point in this Jets tenure; a sort of bitter end. Without a doubt, Zach Wilson cannot be in the building next year and the Jets will have to brace themselves for the possibility of him succeeding elsewhere. The most difficult thing for me to stomach is how much work went into eradicating the miserable taste of the recent Jets’ past, only to confront a kind of new issue brought on by outlandish expectations, and the tethering of oneself to a singular player. Stay tuned in Florham Park, as always.
27. Tennessee Titans (5–9)
Last week: loss vs. Houston, 19–16
Next week: vs. Seattle
I don’t care that the Titans lost. Will Levis’ free-play long-toss to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, followed by him pulling a handoff out of the belly of Derrick Henry to plow it in himself was complete baller status material. I know Titans fans won’t agree, but I would tune in every week just to watch this dude ramble on, even if it meant the Titans finishing with six or seven wins a year.
28. Los Angeles Chargers (5–9)
Last week: loss at Las Vegas, 63–21
Next week: vs. Buffalo
I feel for Brandon Staley because, ultimately, his tenure could have gone a different way. These are bounce-of-the-ball type scenarios; so many one-score games. In a different world, he’s 2022 Kevin O’Connell. But, a team cannot get flat out embarrassed like it did against the Raiders and not endure some type of consequence. While the contest got out of hand, what was most telling was how many people were chasing Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins as he rumbled down the field for a touchdown. Hint: not nearly enough to lead us to believe that anyone cared.
29. Washington Commanders (4–10)
Last week: loss at Los Angeles Rams, 28–20
Next week: at New York Jets
I suppose we learned that Jacoby Brissett can still play, and it’s days like this that we wonder how the hell this happens, where a good starting-caliber QB sits behind Sam Howell all season, and there are other teams completely willing to throw their seasons away by not going after him. If Jacoby Brissett was on the Jets, Vikings or Browns we’d be talking about a deep playoff contender.
30. Arizona Cardinals (3–11)
Last week: loss vs. San Francisco, 45–29
Next week: at Chicago
The Cardinals heaved the best of themselves against the 49ers in this one and came up short. They are now selecting third in the NFL draft, behind the Patriots and Bears. I am leaning toward keeping Murray and giving him the best receiver prospect we’ve seen in a long time. Under slightly better circumstances this is a fringe playoff team.
31. New England Patriots (3–11)
Last week: loss vs. Kansas City, 27–17Next week: at Denver
I think the end of the Bill Belichick era is going to be more complicated than we’re making it out to be. Just a hunch. As clear as I thought his ouster was a few weeks ago, I am constantly countered by a kind of sinking feeling that life is so much more complicated than anyone can comprehend through various sources.
32. Carolina Panthers (2–12)
Last week: win vs. Atlanta, 9–7
Next week: vs. Green Bay
So it wasn’t exactly a hero moment, and I’d argue that the rainstorm robbed Bryce Young of the chance to throw a game-winning touchdown, but he did dig the Panthers out of their own end zone to lead a game-winning scoring drive. While aided by a beautiful D.J. Chark sideline grab, Young was throwing tough under awful conditions.
