NFL Analysis
11/26/24
14 min read
2024 NFL Week 13 Power Rankings: Lions Keep Top Spot, Broncos Enter Top 10
We say this every week, but the NFL never disappoints. Week 12 was arguably the wildest of the season, with multiple games being decided on the final drive.
One of the things that is clear coming out of Week 12 is that there are fewer good teams than usual in the NFL. There are only 10 or so good teams, with only eight of which could actually win the Super Bowl. So, which teams moved up the most in our rankings? And who fell out of the top 10? Here are our updated power rankings going into Week 13 of the 2024 season:
NFL Week 13 Power Rankings
1. Detroit Lions (10-1) 
Previous Ranking: 1 
What more can we say about the Detroit Lions?
The offense is unbelievable, but it’s their defense that has been so surprising. They completely shut down the Colts in Week 12 and have one of the league’s top-ranked units. With a 10-1 record, the Lions are well on their way to winning the NFC North and the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Next Game: Thursday, Nov. 28 vs. Bears
2. Kansas City Chiefs (10-1)
Previous Ranking: 2
It seems like every Kansas City Chiefs game is the same this season. They play poorly for three quarters, but they find a way to make enough plays to win late in the fourth quarter.
But can they put together a full game when it matters? We probably won’t see it until the playoffs, but we know that they are capable of it. With just one loss, we are leaving the Chiefs at No. 2 until further notice.
Next Game: Friday, Nov. 29 vs. Raiders
3. Buffalo Bills (9-2)
Previous Ranking: 3
The Buffalo Bills were off in Week 12, so they didn’t move in our rankings. They are still the clear No. 2 team in the AFC, and you can make an argument that they are No. 1 after beating the Chiefs in Week 11.
Dalton Kincaid and Keon Coleman are expected to return to the field soon, which should make the offense even more dangerous as we inch toward the playoffs.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. 49ers
4. Minnesota Vikings (9-2)
Previous Ranking: 4
The Minnesota Vikings did a poor job of letting the Bears back into a game that they had no business being in. Minnesota dominated that contest, and it still went to overtime.
However, winning divisional games on the road is never easy, and the Vikings emerged victorious. Minnesota is now 9-2, and it still has a decent chance of earning the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Cardinals
5. Philadelphia Eagles (9-2)
Previous Ranking: 5
Saquon Barkley was unreal on Sunday Night Football, totaling more than 300 yards from scrimmage. But the real story is that the Philadelphia Eagles have the look of a real Super Bowl contender.
Their schedule is about to get a lot harder with the Ravens and Steelers upcoming, but this is one of the league’s most balanced teams.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Ravens
6. Green Bay Packers (8-3)
Previous Ranking: 8 
The Green Bay Packers are probably the third-best team in the NFC North, but they would easily be the best squad in at least three other divisions. That shows you the kind of depth that the NFC North has this year.
Green Bay has really leaned on Josh Jacobs to power its offense in the past few weeks, and that has worked out well. The Packers are a lock to be in the playoffs and will be one of the toughest wild-card teams we’ve seen in recent years.
Next Game: Thursday, Nov. 28 vs. Dolphins
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)
Previous Ranking: 6 
Divisional games are hard, especially on short weeks when playing on the road. Pittsburgh lost a tough game despite holding a lead late in the fourth quarter.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are still a good team, but with a bunch of divisional games still on tap, we will soon learn just how good they are in the upcoming weeks.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Bengals
8. Baltimore Ravens (8-4)
Previous Ranking: 7
The Baltimore Ravens bounced back after a rough loss to the Steelers by going on the road and beating the Chargers in a hard-fought game. Lamar Jackson was fantastic, and the run game took over in the second half.
There are still some concerns about their defense, but Jackson can be the difference-maker in any single game and gives Baltimore a legitimate shot of winning the AFC this year.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Eagles
9. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)
Previous Ranking: 9
Justin Herbert was incredible on Monday Night Football, but the Los Angeles Chargers' defense couldn't step up. They allowed the Ravens to move the ball up and down the field all night despite having the NFL's top-ranked defense going into the night.
The Chargers are still a contender in the AFC and should have no problem being the No. 5 or No. 6 seed in the conference.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Falcons
10. Denver Broncos (7-5)
Previous Ranking: 13
It sure felt like Sunday could have been a trap game for the Denver Broncos as they took on the Raiders in Las Vegas.
The game was competitive for a while, but the Broncos pulled away late due to their defense. Denver’s defense has been incredible this season, and it is well on its way to earning a Wild Card spot in the AFC.
Next Game: Monday, Dec. 2 vs. Browns
11. Washington Commanders (7-5)
Previous Ranking: 10
After a hot start, the Washington Commanders have now lost three straight games, and they are one Hail Mary away from being a .500 team.
The offense did next to nothing in the first three quarters against Dallas, and their special teams cost them yet another win. Washington has some major issues in all three phases and look nothing like the team we saw in the first two months of the year.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Titans
12. Houston Texans (7-5)
Previous Ranking: 11
The Houston Texans pressured Will Levis all game long and recorded seven first-half sacks. And yet, it still wasn’t enough to win, as C.J. Stroud and the rest of the offense struggled.
They can’t block up front, and the offense is too inconsistent week-to-week. Houston will win the AFC South, but this team is not a Super Bowl contender. Not even close.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Jaguars
13. Seattle Seahawks (6-5)
Previous Ranking: 16
It’s been a wild season for the Seattle Seahawks, but they are right back on top in the NFC West after beating the Cardinals in Week 12. The offense struggled as Geno Smith displayed poor decision-making in the red zone, but the defense stepped up in a big way.
And with back-to-back divisional wins, they’ve set themselves up well to win the NFC West and host a home playoff game.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Jets
14. Arizona Cardinals (6-5)
Previous Ranking: 12
The Arizona Cardinals had a golden opportunity to extend their lead in the NFC West since the 49ers and Rams both fell in Week 12.
However, the offense couldn’t generate anything, and it was arguably Kyler Murray’s worst game since returning from his torn ACL last year. Arizona still has a good chance to win the division, but this was certainly a setback.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Vikings
15. Atlanta Falcons (6-5)
Previous Ranking: 14
The Atlanta Falcons were on a bye in Week 12, but they lost ground in the division when the Buccaneers beat the Giants. Atlanta owns the tiebreaker over Tampa Bay after sweeping the season series, but the Buccaneers have a soft schedule the rest of the way.
Atlanta will need to get to 10+ wins this season to ensure it wins the NFC South.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Chargers
16. Miami Dolphins (5-6)
Previous Ranking: 19
If there is any team that will challenge the Broncos for the No. 7 seed in the AFC, it’s the Miami Dolphins.
They’ve been fantastic since Tua Tagovailoa returned to the lineup, and the offense is firing on all cylinders. The Dolphins will be tested in the upcoming weeks, but this is a good team that continues to inch closer and closer to .500.
Next Game: Thursday, Nov. 28 vs. Packers
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6)
Previous Ranking: 21
Mike Evans returned to the lineup for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the offense was instantly more explosive. While he didn’t have a big game individually, his presence allowed the rest of the pieces to excel.
The Buccaneers still have an outside shot of winning the division and aren’t totally out of the NFC wild-card race, either. With a favorable schedule coming up, Tampa Bay could easily get to nine or more wins this season.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Panthers
18. Los Angeles Rams (5-6)
Previous Ranking: 15
The Los Angeles Rams are fortunate that they play in the NFC West, as they still have a chance to win the division despite six losses.
They weren’t competitive at all against the Eagles, as they don’t have the front seven to stop good rushing attacks. But as long as Matthew Stafford and his receivers are healthy, they’ll have a chance in any game they play in.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Saints
19. San Francisco 49ers (5-6)
Previous Ranking: 17
It’s hard to put too much stock into the loss against the Packers, considering Brock Purdy, Trent Williams, and Nick Bosa were all out of the lineup.
Still, this isn't a very good team, even when all three of those players were on the field. Luckily, the NFC West is still bunched together, but the San Francisco 49ers sit at the bottom of the conference. You shouldn’t expect them to climb out of the basement either, considering they will play the Bills and Lions in the near future.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Bills
20. Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)
Previous Ranking: 18
It was not a great bye week for the Cincinnati Bengals, as the Broncos continue to extend their lead for the No. 7 seed in the AFC. The Dolphins also won, putting another team ahead of the Bengals going into Week 13.
The Bengals will likely need to win out in order to earn a wild-card spot, but they do still have a matchup looming against the Broncos that could decide their fate. But any loss from this point on will likely end their playoff chances.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Steelers
21. Indianapolis Colts (5-6)
Previous Ranking: 20
The Indianapolis Colts have been competitive in most games this year, but Sunday wasn’t one of them. Detroit ran all over them, and the offense just couldn’t sustain drives.
Anthony Richardson’s final stat line was poor, but his receivers did not help him out at all. Sitting at 5-7, the Colts aren’t quite out of the playoff race yet. But their odds of making the tournament are awfully low.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Patriots
22. Chicago Bears (4-7)
Previous Ranking: 22
The Chicago Bears have now lost five straight games, but the good news is that Caleb Williams is progressing at a rapid rate.
He made nearly every big play that Chicago needed to take Minnesota to overtime. This team isn’t ready for the playoffs quite yet, but it has an emerging star at quarterback who will eventually get them there.
Next Game: Thursday, Nov. 28 vs. Lions
23. New Orleans Saints (4-7)
Previous Ranking: 23
The New Orleans Saints were one of six teams on bye in Week 12, but it’s hard to rank them coming out of their off week. They look like a different team since firing Dennis Allen, but they still aren’t a playoff team in the NFC.
Can the Saints build some positive momentum to finish out the year? That’s about all we are watching right now when it comes to New Orleans.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Rams
24. Dallas Cowboys (4-8)
Previous Ranking: 25
After a five-game losing streak, the Dallas Cowboys finally got a win, and it came in a wild way. They returned two kicks for a touchdown to beat the Commanders in Washington in Week 12.
The defense was fantastic in the first three quarters, allowing just nine points and forcing three turnovers. Dallas is out of the playoff picture in the NFC, but it was nice to see Mike McCarthy’s team fight and battle in a big rivalry game.
Next Game: Thursday, Nov. 28 vs. Giants
25. New York Jets (3-8)
Previous Ranking: 26
The New York Jets were on bye in Week 12, but that doesn’t mean they were without drama. Joe Douglas was fired, and there were several reports about Aaron Rodgers’ future in the NFL.
But at 3-8, this is one of the worst teams in the NFL. The only question is if they can string together a few wins at the end of the year to make their final record more respectable.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Seahawks
26. New England Patriots (3-9)
Previous Ranking: 24
It’s hard to figure out the New England Patriots. They looked highly competitive against the Rams in Week 11 and then like the worst team in the league in Week 12.
Drake Maye has shown flashes each week, but this roster is still a long way away from being a contender in the AFC.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Colts
27. Carolina Panthers (3-8)
Previous Ranking: 27
The Carolina Panthers didn’t end up beating the Chiefs, but they made them fight for a win. Bryce Young led the Panthers to a game-tying touchdown drive with nearly no time left on the clock.
Patrick Mahomes made enough plays to beat them, but Carolina played very well against the back-to-back Super Bowl champions. The record might not show it, but the Panthers appear to be headed in the right direction under Dave Canales.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Buccaneers
28. Cleveland Browns (3-8)
Previous Ranking: 30
How about Jameis Winston and the Cleveland Browns? Against the 8-2 Steelers, they won at home on Thursday Night Football in a snowstorm.
The offense has been much better with Winston under center, as they have now upset the Ravens and the Steelers. Still, the big story here is Myles Garrett, who recorded three sacks in the first half. He’s the best defensive player in the NFL and showed it again on Thursday.
Next Game: Monday, Dec. 2 vs. Broncos
29. Tennessee Titans (3-8)
Previous Ranking: 31
Will Levis has played much better during the last three games and got his first AFC South win of his career in Week 12.
He still makes careless decisions each week that cost his team, but Levis has settled down, and the Tennessee Titans are playing better now that he is under center.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Commanders
30. Las Vegas Raiders (2-9)
Previous Ranking: 29
The Las Vegas Raiders had a good chance to upset the Broncos on Sunday, but there were too many times that they were forced to settle for short field goals. That’s been the story for the Raiders all season, and it will be even harder for the offense now that Gardner Minshew (broken collarbone) is out for the season.
At this point, the Raiders need to land a top-three pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to find their next franchise quarterback.
Next Game: Friday, Nov. 29 vs. Chiefs
31. New York Giants (2-9)
Previous Ranking: 28
The decision to waive Daniel Jones was a smart one financially for the New York Giants. However, it might have cost Brian Daboll the locker room.
The Giants weren’t competitive at all against the Buccaneers, and it appears that the vibes in the locker room have turned. They are at the bottom of the NFC East once again, and it certainly feels like they will have a new head coach in 2025.
Next Game: Thursday, Nov. 28 vs. Cowboys
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)
Previous Ranking: 32
The Jacksonville Jaguars were off in Week 12 and gained some space on their quest to have the No. 1 pick. The Titans winning in Houston has given them some space at the bottom of the AFC South, too.
And if Trevor Lawrence doesn’t return soon from his shoulder injury, it’s hard to imagine this team winning another game this year.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Texans
