Breaking down the NFL Week 13 power rankings! The Broncos are surging, and teams are climbing. Make sure to drop your thoughts and feedback in the comment section!
No. 10: Denver Broncos (7-5)
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has now seemingly taken the lead as the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Oregon product has been on a tear recently, taking massive strides in his game and leading the Broncos to a two-game winning streak. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Denver, but Nix has now established them as playoff contenders.
No. 9: Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)
The Los Angeles Chargers came back down to earth a bit in Week 12, ending their four-game losing streak with a home loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Despite their best fourth-quarter comeback attempts, the Chargers came up short. Justin Herbert did all he could in this one, but the Chargers’ lack of playmaking ability led to their demise against a solid Ravens defense. They still possess an MVP-level quarterback and an elite defense, however, which bodes well for their prospects for the rest of the season.
No. 8: Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)
The Pittsburgh Steelers lost a tough one in Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns — a team they should have had no problem beating. Weather conditions certainly played a factor, however, as the Steelers never seemed to settle into the game as snow piled on the field. Mike Tomlin will be certain to adjust and get his team back on track, however.
No. 7: Baltimore Ravens (8-4)
The Baltimore Ravens have had some ups and downs this season, but their win in Week 12 felt like a statement. They traveled on the road to Los Angeles and beat up on a surging Chargers team under the primetime lights. Lamar Jackson is gunning for his second consecutive MVP trophy. The Ravens have the deadliest rushing attack in the league and a stifling defense. They are an AFC powerhouse.
No. 6: Minnesota Vikings (9-2)
The Minnesota Vikings were one of the hottest teams out of the gate this season and, despite cooling off a bit, are still one of the strongest rosters. Their win against the Chicago Bears in Week 12 wasn’t exactly convincing, however, they found a way to win a close one on the road with Sam Darnold continuing to be the league’s biggest surprise. The Vikings keep finding ways to win.
No. 5: Green Bay Packers (8-3)
The Green Bay Packers got a little bit of revenge on the San Fransisco 49ers in Week 12, responding to their postseason loss from last season. But that was a different 49ers team, and this is a much different Packers team with a far more built-out roster featuring the potential Defensive Player of the Year in safety Xavier McKinney. The Packers can embarrass teams on both sides of the ball which will make them one of the league’s most dangerous teams come playoff time.
No. 4: Kansas City Chiefs (10-1)
The Kansas City Chiefs got back to their winning ways in Week 12, however, they probably didn’t win in the commanding fashion that they had hoped for against the lowly Carolina Panthers. The Chiefs walked away with a win but the Panthers gave them a run for their money. The Chiefs are an elite football team but their inability to put games away and take commanding leads is a cause for concern.
No. 3: Buffalo Bills (9-2)
The Buffalo Bills were on a bye this week after handing the Kansas City Chiefs their first loss of the season in Week 11. Josh Allen is playing like an MVP, and the Bills’ defense has given opponents fits. They might be the team to beat in the AFC this season.
No. 2: Philadelphia Eagles (9-2)
The Philadelphia Eagles might have entered a new name into the MVP race this weekend. RB Saquon Barkley had a historic performance on Sunday Night Football, totaling 255 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles are on fire with a seven-game win streak led by Barkley, QB Jalen Hurts, and the team’s strong defense, which features a young and exciting secondary.
No. 1: Detroit Lions (10-1)
The Detroit Lions have the most explosive and dangerous offense in the NFL. They can win through the air and on the ground with a quartet of receiving options and a duo of strong running backs. Meanwhile, they might have the most disruptive defense in the NFL. The Lions are the hottest team in the NFL right now.