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11/14/23
17 min read
NFL Week 11 Power Rankings: Texans Rise Into Top 10, Bengals Fall
Every Tuesday, we’ll provide updated power rankings. The rankings will be driven by who the teams are at the moment. Those stances will be centered on every team’s talent, reliability and current level of success.
Betting markets will also influence our stances, as will each team’s path to contention within its conference. We’ll also be aware of each team’s looming schedule difficulty.
NFL Week 11 Power Rankings
1. Philadelphia Eagles (8-1) 
Previous Rank: No. 1
Last Game: Idle
The Philadelphia Eagles continue to have one of the league’s best rosters. Their secondary is their only real vulnerability. Philadelphia has an extremely difficult four-game stretch coming up. Revenge is on the Eagles' menu this week as they head to Kansas City to avenge February’s Super Bowl loss.
Next: at KC (MNF), vs. BUF, vs. SF, at DAL (SNF)
2. Kansas City Chiefs (7-2) 
Previous Rank: No. 3
Last Game: Idle
The story remains the same for the 2023 Kansas City Chiefs — their defense continues to outperform their offense. Despite scoring fewer points per game than teams like the Browns and Colts, QB Patrick Mahomes is front and center in the MVP race. Ultimately, the Chiefs allow the second-fewest points per game in the league, and Mahomes is the best quarterback on the planet.
Next: vs. PHI (MNF), at LV, at GB (SNF), vs. BUF
3. Baltimore Ravens (7-3) 
Previous Rank: No. 2
Last Game: Browns 33, Ravens 31
The Baltimore Ravens allow the fewest points per game in the league, and QB Lamar Jackson is an MVP contender. Last week’s loss to the Browns didn’t change either of those realities. Baltimore can be the best team in the league, but its second-half schedule is littered with dangerous opponents.
Next: vs. CIN (TNF), at LAC (SNF), BYE, vs. LAR
4. San Francisco 49ers (6-3) 
Previous Rank: No. 8
Last Game: 49ers 34, Jaguars 3
The San Francisco 49ers came off their bye and decisively ended their three-game losing streak. QB Brock Purdy was efficient and productive in Jacksonville while RB Christian McCaffrey continued to be a problem in both phases.
The 49ers’ defense has been one of the league’s best for the past half-decade. The addition of Edge Chase Young already paid dividends. As long as its core stays healthy, San Francisco is arguably the toughest out in the league.
Next: vs. TB, at SEA (TNF), at PHI, vs. SEA
5. Miami Dolphins (6-3) 
Previous Rank: No. 6
Last Game: Idle
The story of the Miami Dolphins' season is they have shredded below-average teams and lost to contenders. In the next four weeks, the Dolphins face a string of teams with .500 records or worse.
Before its bye, Miami’s defense was improving. If that continues, the Dolphins could end up beating contending teams when it matters the most.
Next: vs. LV, at NYJ (Black Friday), at WASH, vs. TEN (MNF)
6. Detroit Lions (7-2) 
Previous Rank: No. 7
Last Game: Lions 41, Chargers 38
The Detroit Lions' offensive ceiling was on full display in Los Angeles last week. The Lions threw for more than 300 yards and ran for 200. Detroit is a well-coached, versatile offense that can beat teams on the ground or through the air.
Its defense, on the other hand, has faced four average or better offenses this season. The Lions gave up at least 37 points in three of those four matchups. Detroit’s second-half schedule is manageable, but its defense will need to step up come playoff time.
Next: vs. CHI, vs. GB (Thanksgiving), at NO, at CHI
7. Dallas Cowboys (6-3) 
Previous Rank: No. 9
Last Game: Cowboys 49, Giants 17
The Dallas Cowboys are one of the league’s most talented teams, winning five games by at least three scores. They’ve also lost to the two premier teams in the NFC, San Francisco and Philadelphia. They took the Eagles to the brink but were blown out by the 49ers.
Since that Week 5 matchup with San Francisco, QB Dak Prescott has played his best football in two years. In his past three games, Prescott has thrown for 1,082 yards with 11 passing touchdowns and just two interceptions.
The only real weakness for Dallas is its running game has disappointed. It wouldn’t be difficult to argue the six teams ahead of Dallas on this list have a better coach than Mike McCarthy.
Next: at CAR, vs. WASH (Thanksgiving), vs. SEA (TNF), vs. PHI (SNF)
>>READ: CeeDee Lamb Leaps Into Elite Territory
8. Cleveland Browns (6-3) 
Previous Rank: No. 11
Last Game: Browns 33, Ravens 31
The Cleveland Browns beat the Ravens in bizarre fashion last week, so we don’t want to overreact to that outcome. That said, we can’t ignore that Cleveland has won four of its past five games. The one loss was a narrow one in Seattle with P.J. Walker at quarterback. Cleveland has beaten Baltimore, Cincinnati and San Francisco.
The Browns’ elite defense drives their success, but their offense has made some noise in the last few weeks. The next three games are winnable, too. Ultimately, QB Deshaun Watson’s play will determine how far this team goes.
Next: vs. PIT, at DEN, at LAR, vs. JAX
9. Houston Texans (5-4) 
Previous Rank: No. 16
Last Game: Texans 30, Bengals 27
C.J. Stroud has been efficient all season, but he’s played like an MVP-caliber veteran during the past two weeks. The Houston Texans have quality wins against the Steelers, Bengals and the rival Jaguars.
Not only have the Texans beaten Jacksonville, but Stroud is outplaying Trevor Lawrence. That’s why Houston is ranked ahead of the Jaguars two weeks from their second matchup this season.
Next: vs. ARZ, vs. JAX, vs. DEN, at NYJ
10. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-3) 
Previous Rank: No. 5
Last Game: 49ers 34, Jaguars 3
The Jacksonville Jaguars ran into a buzzsaw against the 49ers last week. There’s no reason to overreact to that loss. There are, however, two concerns with the Jaguars.
The first is that QB Trevor Lawrence is capable of producing at an MVP-caliber level, but he hasn’t with any consistency this season. The second is Jacksonville is 2-3 against teams with winning records. Their win against the Bills came in an unprecedented fashion because Jacksonville essentially hosted Buffalo in London.
In Week 12, Jacksonville heads to Houston for a game with massive AFC South ramifications. Until that matchup, the Jaguars have to jump the Texans, not the other way around.
Next: vs. TEN, at HOU, vs. CIN (MNF), at CLE
>>READ: Week 10's Biggest Winners, Losers
11. Cincinnati Bengals (5-4) 
Previous Rank: No. 4
Last Game: Texans 30, Bengals 27
QB Joe Burrow has been exceptional since Week 5, which coincided with a 4-1 run for Cincinnati. Three of the Cincinnati Bengals' five wins have come against teams with winning records.
Cincinnati has played in the past two AFC Championships, and it has looked like that team for more than a month. That said, Cincinnati’s 1-3 start made last week’s loss to the Texans a potential killer for the Bengals' playoff prospects. That makes this week’s Thursday night tilt in Baltimore close to a must-win game.
Next: at BAL (TNF), vs. PITT, at JAX (MNF), vs. IND
12. Seattle Seahawks (6-3) 
Previous Rank: No. 12
Last Game: Seahawks 29, Commanders 26
After a 3-1 start, the Seattle Seahawks are 3-2 since their Week 5 bye. They were a couple of bounces away from being 1-4 during that span. QB Geno Smith had a nice box score against the Commanders’ fourth-worst passing defense last week, but he’s been inconsistent.
After this week’s matchup with the Rams, who blew out Seattle on opening day, the Seahawks have an absolutely brutal four-game stretch. Smith needs to be better for Seattle to keep up in the NFC West.
Next: at LAR, vs. SF (TNF), at DAL (TNF), at SF
13. Minnesota Vikings (6-4) 
Previous Rank: No. 17
Last Game: Vikings 27, Saints 19
Coach Kevin O’Connell and QB Joshua Dobbs deserve a ton of praise for what they’ve done during the past two weeks. However, Brian Flores' transformation of Minnesota’s defense might be the most impressive coaching job of the season. Dobbs can keep the Vikings’ season alive as long as Minnesota’s defense continues to play at its current level.
The return of WR Justin Jefferson will help in a big way, especially down the stretch when Minnesota’s schedule gets tougher.
Next: at DEN (SNF), vs. CHI (MNF), BYE, at LV
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) 
Previous Rank: No. 14
Last Game: Steelers 23, Packers 19
The Pittsburgh Steelers are the least reliable six-win team in the league because QB Kenny Pickett’s offense continues to underachieve. Pickett is in his second season, and the core of the offense is young, so there’s time for this group to improve.
However, we should not expect Pittsburgh’s offense to turn into much more than what it is right now. The Steelers’ defense continues to drive the team’s success.
Next: at CLE, at CIN, vs. ARZ, at IND
15. Buffalo Bills (5-5) 
Previous Rank: No. 10
Last Game: Broncos 24, Bills 22
The Buffalo Bills did everything they could to lose to the Broncos on Monday night. Ultimately, it took a 12-men-on-the-field penalty to undo Denver’s missed field goal attempt to get the job done. To call that a disheartening loss for the Bills is an understatement.
QB Josh Allen hasn’t looked quite like himself since Week 5’s trip to London. Buffalo’s chances of making the playoffs are suddenly extremely narrow.
Next: vs. NYJ, at PHI, BYE, at KC
16. Los Angeles Chargers (4-5) 
Previous Rank: No. 15
Last Game: Lions 41, Chargers 38
Justin Herbert is one of the league’s best quarterbacks, but he needs more help for the Los Angeles Chargers to turn some of these narrow losses into wins. The Chargers have lost three shootouts to the Lions, Titans and Dolphins by three points or less.
Los Angeles is a couple of bounces away from being 6-3 and within striking distance of the Chiefs in the AFC West. Instead, it continues to be an underachieving team with great potential.
Next: at GB, vs. BAL (SNF), at NE, vs. DEN
17. Denver Broncos (4-5) 
Previous Rank: 20
Last Game: Broncos 24, Bills 22
It certainly wasn’t pretty in Buffalo, but the Denver Broncos' defense has spearheaded a three-game winning streak. It doesn’t get much better for a team trying to find an identity than back-to-back wins against the Chiefs and Bills.
While the defense has been very good for Denver, Russell Wilson has fewer than 200 passing yards in five consecutive games. If the Broncos are going to take a step further, they need more from their offense.
Next: vs. MIN (SNF), vs. CLE, at HOU, at LAC
18. Indianapolis Colts (5-5) 
Previous Rank: No. 19
Last Game: Colts 10, Patriots 6
The Indianapolis Colts just will not go away as they enter their bye with a kind of remarkable 5-5 record. Two quarterbacks have started multiple games for the Colts, yet they are ninth in the league in points per game.
Few coaches are doing a better job than Sean Steichen. Coming off their bye, the Colts have winnable games against the Buccaneers and Titans.
Next: BYE, vs. TB, at TEN, at CIN
19. New Orleans Saints (5-5) 
Previous Rank: No. 13
Last Game: Vikings 27, Saints 19
The NFC South is there for the taking for the New Orleans Saints, but they continue to underachieve heading into their bye.
QB Derek Carr has another shoulder issue, which could negatively impact the Saints’ stability and ceiling on offense. If Carr plays through the limitation like he did earlier this season, we’ve already seen that negative result. If Jameis Winston has to take over, turnovers will skyrocket in New Orleans.
Next: BYE, at ATL, vs. DET, vs. CAR
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5) 
Previous Rank: No. 25
Last Game: Buccaneers 20, Titans 6
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense has been the undisputed strength of this team. C.J. Stroud torched Tampa Bay for 39 points two weeks ago, yet the Buccaneers have allowed the eighth-fewest points per game.
QB Baker Mayfield is having his best season in years, but he’s not capable of consistently carrying an NFL offense. If the Buccaneers win the NFC South, which they can, their defense will take them there.
Next: at SF, at IND, vs. CAR, at ATL
21. Washington Commanders (4-6) 
Previous Rank: No. 21
Last Game: Seahawks 29, Commanders 26
The Washington Commanders’ defense has been one of the league’s most disappointing groups this season. QB Sam Howell, on the other hand, is leading the league in passing yards and attempts. Howell has kept the Commanders in a lot of games, including two against the Eagles.
Still, Washington is a volatile team with a brutal second-half schedule. It needs to beat the Giants this week to have any shot at making the playoffs.
Next: vs. NYG, at DAL (Thanksgiving), vs. MIA, BYE
22. Las Vegas Raiders (5-5) 
Previous Rank: No. 26
Last Game: Raiders 16, Jets 12
The Las Vegas Raiders are 2-0 since Antonio Pierce took over as coach. They also faced two of the league’s three worst offenses during that span. Las Vegas will need much more from QB Aidan O’Connell’s offense against the Dolphins and Chiefs in the next two weeks.
Next: at MIA, vs. KC, BYE, vs. MIN
23. New York Jets (4-5) 
Previous Rank: No. 18
Last Game: Raiders 16, Jets 12
The New York Jets have a high-performing defense, but QB Zach Wilson’s offense is scoring the third-fewest points per game. Despite that, New York continues to be a pass-centric offense that’s scored 31 points combined in its past three games.
The Jets' chances of making the playoffs are beginning to slip away due to their ineffective offense.
Next: at BUF, vs. MIA (Black Friday), vs. ATL, vs. HOU
>>READ: Jets Need More Than Aaron Rodgers
24. Los Angeles Rams (3-6) 
Previous Rank: No. 24
Last Game: Idle
Early this week it looks like QB Matthew Stafford is trending toward playing after missing Week 9. With Stafford, the Los Angeles Rams have a dangerous passing attack that can keep them in games against most teams.
Without Stafford, the Rams’ roster has several vulnerabilities contenders have exploited.
Next: vs. SEA, at ARZ, vs. CLE, at BAL
25. Arizona Cardinals (2-8) 
Previous Rank: No. 31
Last Game: Cardinals 25, Falcons 23
QB Kyler Murray did not look even mildly limited in his return to action last week. Murray was fast, evasive and was the primary reason the Arizona Cardinals beat the Falcons. Arizona still has a below-average roster, but Murray makes it a far more dangerous team.
Next: at HOU, vs. LAR, at PIT, BYE
26. Atlanta Falcons (4-6) 
Previous Rank: No. 22
Last Game: Cardinals 25, Falcons 23
The Atlanta Falcons continue to underachieve despite having a talented, well-rounded roster. The primary reason for that is Atlanta has one of the league’s worst quarterback situations.
You also could argue Arthur Smith’s offense has been all over the road all season. Atlanta’s season will continue to slip away unless it becomes more consistent.
Next: BYE, vs. NO, at NYJ, vs. TB
27. Tennessee Titans (3-6) 
Previous Rank: No. 23
Last Game: Buccaneers 20, Titans 6
After an impressive debut, QB Will Levis struggled against the Steelers and Buccaneers in the past two weeks. Those are two above-average defenses that most young quarterbacks wouldn’t succeed against.
In the next four games, Levis faces average or worse defenses. We’ll get a better idea of what this Tennessee Titans offense is capable of in the next month.
Next: at JAX, vs. CAR, vs. IND, at MIA (MNF)
28. Green Bay Packers (3-6) 
Previous Rank: No. 27
Last Game: Steelers 23, Packers 19
The Green Bay Packers’ defense has kept them in most games, primarily against middling offenses.
QB Jordan Love’s offense has scored 20 or more points in just two of their past seven games. The Packers are going to need more than that if they are going to compete with their next three opponents.
Next: vs. LAC, at DET (Thanksgiving), vs. KC (SNF), at NYG (MNF)
29. Chicago Bears (3-7) 
Previous Rank: No. 29
Last Game: Bears 16, Panthers 13
The Chicago Bears are 2-2 with Tyson Bagent at quarterback, though Chicago’s defense has driven most of the Bears' recent success. Justin Fields could return this week against Detroit, giving the Bears a higher ceiling on offense.
With two games against the Lions and another in Minnesota on deck, Chicago will need more from its offense.
Next: at DET, at MIN (MNF), BYE, vs. DET
30. New England Patriots (2-8) 
Previous Rank: No. 28
Last Game: Colts 10, Patriots 6
The New England Patriots have scored the second-fewest points per game in the league, and it's obvious neither Mac Jones nor Bailey Zappe are the answers at quarterback.
Things have gotten so bad that it’s become popular to call for Bill Belichick’s firing. The Patriots are 2-5 in one-score games with a win over Buffalo, but it’s hard to win NFL games with a non-functioning offense.
Next: BYE, at NYG, vs. LAC, at PIT (TNF)
31. Carolina Panthers (1-8) 
Previous Rank: No. 31
Last Game: Bears 16, Panthers 13
The Carolina Panthers are scoring the fourth-fewest points per game, and there are no signs of that changing.
After hosting Dallas this week the Panthers only face one more team with a winning record the rest of the season. Carolina’s manageable schedule could result in it finishing the year with a few more wins.
Next: vs. DAL, at TEN, at TB, at NO
32. New York Giants (2-8) 
Previous Rank: No. 32
Last Game: Cowboys 49, Giants 17
The New York Giants have the worst quarterback situation in the league, and they’ve given up 79 points in their past two games. It’s hard to envision this team beating anyone unless Tyrod Taylor returns.
Next: at WASH, vs. NE, BYE, vs. GB (MNF)
Ryan is the associate director of fantasy and betting at The 33rd Team. Ryan has been covering NFL betting markets for five years. Follow Ryan @RyanReynoldsNFL on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
