Another dramatic week has concluded in the NFL. There were many upset losses this week. Both the Vikings and Ravens suffered upsets.
There were also quite a few blowouts this week. The Colts, Rams, Buccaneers, and Chargers all had blowout wins over weak opponents.
Another week of action has wrapped up in the NFL. Let’s take a look at where each team stands heading into week 14.
1. New England Patriots
The Patriots’ identity has been run centered all season. On Monday against the Bills, that proved to be a good thing. The weather controlled the passing game and Mac Jones finished with only 3 passing attempts. Damien Harris scored early in the first quarter, gaining most of his yards on that play. He finished with 111 yards. Considering the weather, this wasn’t the game most fans were wanting. Still, a win is a win and the Patriots continue their dominance with a 7 game winning streak.
Previous Rank: 1
2. Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray is back. Murray accounted for 4 total touchdowns against the Bears and the Cardinals continued to surge in the NFC. Murray did look shaky throwing the ball, only finishing with 123 yards. DeAndre Hopkins also had a quiet return with 32 yards, but did record a touchdown in the game. The defense was the true star of the game for Arizona. Chandler Jones recorded a sack. Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, and Byron Murphy Jr all recorded an interception against Andy Dalton. At this point in the season, the Cardinals look like the most complete team in the NFL.
Previous Rank: 2
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers continued to roll with a win over the Falcons. Tom Brady continued to defy time, as he threw for 368 yards and 4 touchdowns. Leonard Fournette however had an unusually quiet game with only 44 yards. Brady loved spreading the ball around in this win. Chris Godwin finished with 143 yards. Mike Evans had 99 yards. Rob Gronkowski had 58 yards and 2 touchdowns. Over the past 2 games, Tampa Bay has shown toughness after slow starts to their game. Few teams are tougher than the Bucaneers.
Previous Rank: 3
4. Green Bay Packers
The Packers had their bye week in week 13. Going into the bye, the Packers are 9-3. With a slate of winnable games after their bye week, the Packers look likely to finish with only 3 losses for the third season in a row.
Previous Rank: 4
5. Buffalo Bills
Not a lot can be taken out of the Bills’ defeat to the Patriots. If the weather had been better, the game would have been better. Josh Allen had decent numbers for the weather, with 145 yards and a touchdown. One takeaway from the game is that Buffalo’s run game is still struggling. Devin Singletary and Zack Moss struggled to gain yards. Not having a run game finally caught up with Buffalo.
Previous Rank: 5
6. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams needed a get right game and that’s what they got against the Jaguars. Matthew Stafford rebounded in a big way, throwing for 295 yards and 3 touchdowns. Sony Michel stepped in for Darrell Henderson, finishing with 121 yards and 1 touchdown. Cooper Kupp once again showed he’s an elite wide receiver, finishing with 129 yards and 1 touchdown. The Rams have shown that when things go right, they can be dominant. The problems come when this team faces adversary. With a tough schedule moving forward, the Rams have a lot to prove before the playoffs.
Previous Rank: 8
7. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts continued to pick up steam while blowing out the Texans, 31-0. Leading the way once again was Jonathan Taylor, who finished with 143 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Carson Wentz only finished with 158 yards and a touchdown, as the Colts’ offense relied on Taylor. The Colts’ defense also stepped up to ensure that a hapless Texans’ offense couldn’t score. Indianapolis is finding their identity and dominating opponents. With the Titans struggling, the Colts have a chance to win the AFC South.
Previous Rank: 10
8. Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert was dominant in Cincinnati. Herbert finished with 317 yards and 3 touchdowns, as he led the Chargers to a 41-22 victory over the Bengals. Mike Williams was Herbert’s favorite target, finishing with 110 yards. Keenan Allen also hauled in 2 touchdowns for Los Angeles. The Chargers showed that when they can give Herbert targets to throw to down the field, they can win. The struggle is doing that every week. The Chargers have been inconsistent this season, but they have a series of overall easy games upcoming. The Chargers have a chance to pick up momentum going into the playoffs to be a real threat.
Previous Rank: 12
9. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ defense won the game on Thursday. Trevon Diggs recorded another interception against Taysom Hill and the Saints. Micah Parsons also continued to prove why he’s the defensive player of the year, with 4 pressures and a sack. As for the offense, they proved efficient moving the ball but not stellar. Dak Prescott finished with 238 yards and 1 touchdown. There’s no doubt the defense is good, but if the Cowboys want to make a real playoff run the offense needs to heat up.
Previous Rank: 9
10. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens’ offense stalled out on Sunday against the Steelers. Lamar Jackson was under pressure constantly. He finished with 253 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Devonta Freeman was the offensive player with the most impact, finishing with 97 total yards and a touchdown. The defense had some struggles, but ultimately kept the Steelers to only 20 points. The difference maker was the decision to go for 2 points at the end of the game. It was a perfectly Baltimore choice, but it didn’t work out in the end. Sometimes being to aggressive doesn’t work.
Previous Rank: 6
11. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals suffered an ugly loss against the Chargers. Joe Burrow was under pressure for most of the game. Despite that, Burrow threw for 300 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions. Tee Higgins was a reliable target, hauling in 138 yards and 1 touchdown. Ultimately, the Bengals’ defense is to blame for the loss. The Secondary couldn’t cover and Mike Hilton alone allowed 86 yards. The two biggest liabilities for the Bengals are their offensive line and their defense. If improvements aren’t made, it could get them in trouble if they make it to the post-season.
Previous Rank: 9
12. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ continued to reform their identity on Sunday. The defense got the job done and carried a struggling Chiefs’ offense to maintain the top spot in the AFC West. Chris Jones recorded 5 pressures in the game and continued to help the defense surge. Daniel Sorenson also finished with a pick-6. As for the offense, they’ve had better games. Patrick Mahomes continued an ugly season with only 184 yards and 1 interception. Relying on a defense to win can only take a team so far in today’s league. Eventually, someone will figure out how to score on the Chiefs.
Previous Rank: 15
13. Tennessee Titans
The Titans had their bye week in week 13, but they’ve given us a lot to ponder this season. Without Derrick Henry, the offense struggles. With the Colts surging, the Titans could lose the 1st spot in the AFC South. Can Henry return in time for the Titans to maintain their division lead?
Previous Rank: 13
14. Philadelphia Eagles
Gardner Minshew stepped up big for the Eagles and led them to a victory over the Jets. Minshew finished with 242 yards and 2 touchdowns. Miles Sanders was also back in a big way, recording 120 rushing yards. Dallas Goedert also had his best game of the year with 105 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Eagles’ were rolling on Sunday. If Jalen Hurts misses more time, Minshew is more than capable of leading this team.
Previous Rank: 16
15. Miami Dolphins
One thing is clear from the second half of the Dolphins’ season; Tua Tagovailoa deserves to be the starting quarterback in 2022. He led the Dolphins to another win over the Giants. Tua’s stats aren’t stellar, but they are efficient. He threw for 244 yards and 2 touchdowns. Jaylen Waddle also had a big game, finishing with 90 yards. There’s lots of reasons to be optimistic about Miami’s future. With lots of young offensive players who are improving with every game, the Dolphins could be a real threat down the road.
Previous Rank: 20
16. Cleveland Browns
The Browns had their bye week in week 13, leaving Browns fans to digest a roller coaster of a season. Baker Mayfield’s erratic play is the key to the Browns’ struggles this year. With a good head coach in Kevin Stefanski, there are many questions about the future of the quarterback position in Clevland.
Previous Rank: 19
17. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders’ struggles continued against Washington. Derek Carr finished with 249 yards and no touchdowns. He wasn’t the only problem on offense, as the run game failed to make an impact and every receiver outside of Hunter Renfrow had an ugly game. The Raiders are a team with no identity. It’s time for Las Vegas to blow the whole thing up and start over.
Previous Rank: 11
18. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have a lot to fix before they can be considered a serious threat. That was in full display on Sunday against the Seahawks. Jimmy Garoppolo struggled once again, throwing multiple interceptions. The bright spot was George Kittle, who had a jaw dropping 181 yards and 2 touchdowns. The 49ers have all the pieces to be a great team, outside of a great quarterback. The hope now is that Trey Lance will take a step forward in his second year.
Previous Rank: 18
19. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings only played half a game in Detroit. For the first half, the offense only scored 6 points and the defense allowed 20 points. The Vikings rebounded in the second half. Kirk Cousins finished with flashy numbers and Justin Jefferson showed again he’s the best wide receiver in the league. However, the Vikings biggest weakness reared it’s ugly head in the second half as well. When it mattered the most, the Vikings defense couldn’t make a stop and the Lions scored a touchdown to win the game. Serious questions need to be asked about the future of the coaching staff in Minnesota.
Previous Rank: 15
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ defense deserves all credit for the win over the Ravens. TJ Watt made life miserable for Lamar Jackson, with 11 pressures and 4 sacks. The secondary only gave up 126 yards. As for the offense, they did their job. Ben Roethlisberger was efficient, throwing for 236 yards and 2 touchdowns. Najee Harris had 71 yards. Diontae Johnson was the standout player with 105 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Steelers defense recovered, but their offense has shown they can’t win shootouts. Don’t expect this team’s struggles to be over.
Previous Rank: 23
21. Denver Broncos
The Broncos were ugly on Sunday. Teddy Bridgewater couldn’t move the ball down the field. No receiver made an impact. The only bright spot was Javonte Williams, who finished with 102 yards. The Broncos have no identity and little hope of making the playoffs. This will likely be Vic Fangio’s last year with the organization.
Previous Rank: 17
22. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks got the win on Sunday, but they didn’t make it look easy. Russell Wilson was better but not great. He finished with 231 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception. Outside of Wilson, the only other thing worth mentioning on offense is Gerald Everett’s horrid performance. His dropped pass and fumble could have costed the Seahawks the game. This game was an improvement, but Seattle has a long way to go before they prove their struggles are over.
Previous Rank: 22
23. Washington Football Team
The Washington Football Team is a team on the raise. They beat the Raiders to get to 6-6. Antonio Gibson is the identity of the offense. He finished with 88 yards. Taylor Heinicke had his typical yup and down performance, finishing with 196 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. The defense also stepped up big to make Derek Carr as inefficient as possible. Washington’s identity is typical of any Ron Rivera team. Where this team might run into trouble is when they need to rely on their quarterback to win games.
Previous Rank: 24
24. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers had their bye week in week 13, but have struggled for most of this year. Cam Newton is failing to bring life to a struggling offense and Christian McCaffrey can’t win every single game. If the Panthers do find a way to sneak into the playoffs, they’ll likely be eliminated in the wild card round.
Previous Rank: 25
25. New Orleans Saints
The Saints are a team in free fall. With no clear future at quarterback, Taysom Hill made his first start as the Saints’ quarterback against the Cowboys. Hill’s passing performance was horrid, with 4 interceptions. The best running back for the Saints was also Hill, who recorded 101 yards on the ground. The Saints are a team with no future. Considering their murky quarterback situation and their salary cap hit for 2022, the future is not bright for New Orleans.
Previous Rank: 21
26. New York Giants
The Giants showed on Sunday why they’re at the bottom of this list. Mike Glennon struggled stepping in for Daniel Jones and Saqoun Barkley continued to not be a factor. The Giants’ woes will seemingly continue for a long time.
Previous Rank: 26
27. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons started hot against the Buccaneers but failed to finish the game. Matt Ryan finished with 297 yards. The run game was ineffective. The loan bright spot was Russell Gage, who finished with 130 yards. At this point in the season and considering their record, the Falcons should be preparing for 2022.
Previous Rank: 27
28. New York Jets
Zach Wilson was elite for the first half against the Eagles. However, it looked like the entire Jets’ team checked out after half time. At this point, the Jets should focus on coaching Wilson up and improving for the 2022 season.
Previous Rank: 28
29. Chicago Bears
The Bears were dominated by the Cardinals on Sunday. Andy Dalton threw 4 interceptions. The Bears’ wide receivers didn’t make an impact until the game was out of hand. Also, somehow Matt Nagy still has a job. It never changes with the Bears.
Previous Rank: 30
30. Detroit Lions
The Lions got their first win on Sunday against a struggling Vikings team. Jared Goff had one of his best games of the year, with 296 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Lions only get 1 win every season, so don’t expect the Lions to get any more this year.
Previous Rank: 32
31. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have looked the same all year. This is the most poorly coached team in the NFL.
Previous Rank: 31
32. Houston Texans
There’s not a whole lot to dissect about the Texans loss to the Colts. The Texans failed to score any points for the second time this season. This team is bad.
Previous Rank: 29
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