NFL Analysis
11/21/23
15 min read
NFL Week 12 Power Rankings: Eagles Cement No. 1 Status
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 12 Power Rankings
1. Philadelphia Eagles (9-1) 
Previous Rank: No. 1
Last Game: Eagles 21, Chiefs 17
The Philadelphia Eagles not only exacted a measure of revenge against Kansas City, but they remained on top of the NFC. Philadelphia has one of the best rosters in the league with few vulnerabilities.
The Eagles next face desperate Buffalo with games against the 49ers and Cowboys on the horizon. If anyone is going to catch Philadelphia in the NFC, it will happen over the next few weeks.
Next: vs. BUF, vs. SF, at DAL (SNF), at SEA
2. San Francisco 49ers (7-3) 
Previous Rank: No. 4
Last Game: 49ers 27, Buccaneers 14
After a three-game skid, the San Francisco 49ers have decisively won their past two games. Offensively, QB Brock Purdy has reinserted himself into the MVP conversation after two stellar weeks.
Defensively, the addition of DE Chase Young has improved San Francisco’s already dangerous pass rush. When they are firing on all cylinders, the 49ers are the league’s most complete team.
Next: at SEA (TNF), at PHI, vs. SEA, at ARZ
>>READ: 49ers Prove They're Among NFL's Elite
3. Baltimore Ravens (8-3) 
Previous Rank: No. 3
Last Game: Ravens 34, Bengals 20
The Baltimore Ravens are always good, which makes their current level of success a near expectation. Their defense is among the league’s best, and QB Lamar Jackson is an MVP contender.
Unfortunately, the loss of TE Mark Andrews will reduce the reliability and ceiling of Jackson’s passing attack. That’s why they’ve fallen below the 49ers in our rankings. Baltimore begins its toughest schedule stretch in Week 15 in Jacksonville.
Next: at LAC (SNF), BYE, vs. LAR, at JAX (SNF)
4. Kansas City Chiefs (7-3) 
Previous Rank: No. 2
Last Game: Eagles 21, Chiefs 17
Similar to their loss to the Lions on opening night, poorly timed drops cost the Kansas City Chiefs a win over the Eagles. Kansas City’s defense continues to perform at an elite level. Patrick Mahomes is still the best that there is.
However, his supporting cast of pass catchers continues to cost Kansas City against premium opponents. That’s why the Chiefs have fallen behind the 49ers and Ravens in our rankings. Kansas City faces two beatable opponents before it hosts Buffalo in Week 14.
Next: at LV, at GB (SNF), vs. BUF, at NE (MNF)
5. Dallas Cowboys (7-3) 
Previous Rank: No. 7
Last Game: Cowboys 33, Panthers 10
The Dallas Cowboys have won four of their last five games while Dak Prescott has inserted himself into the MVP conversation. Prescott’s passing attack and the Cowboys’ premium pass rush are the team's two biggest strengths. Those are the primary reasons why Dallas has won six games by at least three scores.
Prescott gets a showcase game against Washington’s secondary before Dallas' schedule stiffens up.
Next: vs. WASH (Thanksgiving), vs. SEA (TNF), vs. PHI (SNF), at BUF
6. Detroit Lions (8-2) 
Previous Rank: No. 6
Last Game: Lions 31, Bears 26
The Detroit Lions escaped with a win after being borderline dominated by Chicago for 57 minutes. To his credit, Jared Goff’s passing attack stormed back late in an otherwise subpar showing. On the positive side, the Lions are top-five in passing yards and rushing yards per game, making their offense one of the league’s most balanced.
On the negative side, Detroit’s defense has given up 64 points in its past two games. What’s more concerning is the Lions’ defense hasn’t played well against an average or better opponent since Week 1. Similarly, the Lions haven’t beaten a .500 or better team since their one-point win in Kansas City on opening night. Detroit is a good football team, but its record is inflated by a soft schedule.
Next: vs. GB (Thanksgiving), at NO, at CHI, vs. DEN
7. Miami Dolphins (7-3) 
Previous Rank: No. 5
Last Game: Dolphins 20, Raiders 13
The Miami Dolphins’ defense is better today than it was on opening day. That group, led by Jalen Ramsey, spearheaded their win against the Raiders.
However, the Dolphins’ high-powered offense has back-to-back mediocre showings. If Miami is going to make any noise this season, its offense will drive that outcome. The offense's mediocre play in the past two weeks is why the Dolphins have slid in our rankings.
Next: at NYJ (Black Friday), at WASH, vs. TEN (MNF), vs. NYJ
8. Houston Texans (6-4) 
Previous Rank: No. 9
Last Game: Texans 21, Cardinals 16
QB C.J. Stroud’s offense was productive in the air and on the ground last week against the Cardinals. Turnovers kept Arizona within striking distance, but they also forced the Houston Texans’ defense to win a game.
The Texans are young, but they have become a more well-rounded team as the season has progressed. Houston will host the Jaguars this week in a matchup with massive AFC South ramifications.
Next: vs. JAX, vs. DEN, at NYJ, at TEN
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3) 
Previous Rank: No. 10
Last Game: Jaguars 34, Titans 14
We expected a spike week out of QB Trevor Lawrence last week, and that’s what we got against the Titans. Overall, the Jacksonville Jaguars have won six of their past seven games, but Houston blew them out 37-17 in Week 3.
Whoever wins this upcoming game will be in the driver’s seat for the AFC South crown. After a tough four-game stretch, the Jaguars finish the year against three sub-.500 teams.
Next: at HOU, vs. CIN (MNF), at CLE, vs. BAL (SNF)
10. Cleveland Browns (7-3) 
Previous Rank: No. 8
Last Game: Browns 13, Steelers 10
The Cleveland Browns are a solid quarterback away from being a contender. That’s been their reality all season. Unfortunately, Deshaun Watson is out for the rest of the season, leaving them with options like rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson and 38-year-old Joe Flacco.
Cleveland’s defense is good enough to get it into the playoffs, but the quarterback situation caps its upside.
Next: at DEN, at LAR, vs. JAX, vs. CHI
11. Buffalo Bills (6-5) 
Previous Rank: No. 15
Last Game: Bills 32, Jets 6
The Buffalo Bills have a narrow path to making the playoffs, given their upcoming schedule. That said, the Bills have won four games by at least three scores this season.
They also have Josh Allen, who is one of the few quarterbacks capable of carrying a team. Buffalo may miss the postseason, but it will be a tough out for anyone as long as Allen is active.
Next: at PHI, BYE, at KC, vs. DAL
12. Minnesota Vikings (6-5) 
Previous Rank: No. 13
Last Game: Broncos 21, Vikings 20
The Minnesota Vikings’ five-game winning streak ended with a narrow loss in Denver on Sunday night. No one could have asked more from QB Josh Dobbs given the situation in Minnesota. Coach Kevin O’Connell is a strategic asset on offense who deserves some credit for Dobbs’ success.
DC Brian Flores has completely transformed Minnesota’s defense. Suddenly, the Vikings have one of the league's best coaching staffs. The Vikings have several winnable games on the horizon, to the point they should make the playoffs. If they get WR Justin Jefferson back, that will raise their offense's ceiling.
Next: vs. CHI (MNF), BYE, at LV, at CIN
>> READ: The Story Behind Dobbs' Magical Run
13. Seattle Seahawks (6-4) 
Previous Rank: No. 12
Last Game: Rams 17, Seahawks 16
The Seattle Seahawks have struggled for more than a month, going 3-3 in their past six games. The Seahawks’ defense has been the strength of the team. QB Geno Smith’s offense has been the problem.
If Smith misses time and Drew Lock is forced into action, Seattle’s offense will be even more volatile. The Seahawks are in real danger of losing their next four games.
Next: vs. SF (TNF), at DAL (TNF), at SF, vs. PHI
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) 
Previous Rank: No. 14
Last Game: Browns 13, Steelers 10
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense is always good, and RB Jaylen Warren has more than 100 yards rushing in back-to-back games. The only thing that’s missing in Pittsburgh is a viable passing attack.
Kenny Pickett and offensive coordinator Matt Canada are holding the Steelers back.
Next: at CIN, vs. ARZ, vs. NE (TNF), at IND
15. Denver Broncos (5-5) 
Previous Rank: No. 17
Last Game: Broncos 21, Vikings 20
The Denver Broncos have won four straight behind high-quality defense and clean games from QB Russell Wilson. However, three of those four wins have come by two points or fewer.
If the Broncos are going to continue winning games, Wilson’s offense will need to show more ceiling against tougher opponents. The combination of Sean Payton, Wilson and Denver’s defense makes this a much different team than last season.
Next: vs. CLE, at HOU, at LAC, at DET
>>READ: Broncos Are NFL's Surprise Playoff Hopeful
16. Indianapolis Colts (5-5) 
Previous Rank: No. 18
Last Game: Idle
Shane Steichen’s Indianapolis Colts are a remarkable 5-5 considering their roster's limitations. They’ve even been competitive in most of their losses. The Colts’ manageable schedule could keep them alive in the AFC playoff race, especially if their offense continues to overachieve.
Next: vs. TB, at TEN, at CIN, vs. PIT
17. New Orleans Saints (5-5) 
Previous Rank: No. 19
Last Game: Idle
The New Orleans Saints have an above-average roster where their offensive line is the only questionable position group. Between that and the league’s easiest schedule, New Orleans was positioned to run away with the NFC South.
The Saints have failed to capitalize on those two massive advantages. Whether Derek Carr or Jameis Winston plays quarterback this week, the Saints have the raw materials to Atlanta and leave with a win. The question is, can they be consistent enough to avoid another letdown?
Next: at ATL, vs. DET, vs. CAR, vs. NYG
18. Atlanta Falcons (4-6) 
Previous Rank: No. 26
Last Game: Idle
The inconsistent Saints have left the door open for the Atlanta Falcons to make up ground in the NFC South race this week. Arthur Smith’s musical chairs continue at quarterback as the Falcons will move from Taylor Heinicke back to Desmond Ridder. Atlanta has a talented enough roster to make the playoffs, but it has been even less consistent than the Saints.
Next: vs. NO, at NYJ, vs. TB, at CAR
19. Los Angeles Chargers (4-6) 
Previous Rank: No. 16
Last Game: Packers 23, Chargers 20
No team has done less with more than the Los Angeles Chargers this season. From dropped passes in big spots to one of the league’s most underachieving defenses, 2023 has been a disaster for Los Angeles.
Still, Justin Herbert is a premium quarterback who has played quite well in the past two weeks. Los Angeles has lost five games by three points or less. The talent is there, but another loss could end any chance the Chargers have at making the playoffs. That’s not good news with Baltimore on deck.
Next: vs. BAL (SNF), at NE, vs. DEN, at LV (TNF)
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5) 
Previous Rank: No. 20
Last Game: 49ers 27, Buccaneers 14
Little has changed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since the start of the season. They have a good, but not quite great defense that can be shredded through the air. They have the league’s least effective running game, and QB Baker Mayfield isn’t capable of carrying the team every week.
That said, the Buccaneers are alive in the NFC South race with a manageable schedule the rest of the way.
Next: at IND, vs. CAR, at ATL, at GB
21. Los Angeles Rams (4-6) 
Previous Rank: No. 24
Last Game: Rams 17, Seahawks 16
The Los Angeles Rams slipped past Seattle in a battle of two ineffective offenses. Matthew Stafford is playing through an injury that clearly impacted his play against the Seahawks.
WR Cooper Kupp is also banged up again with an ankle injury. The Rams simply face a talent disadvantage against most competitive teams. If Stafford can’t carry them, they have a narrow path to victory.
Next: at ARZ, vs. CLE, at BAL, vs. WASH
22. Las Vegas Raiders (5-6) 
Previous Rank: No. 22
Last Game: Dolphins 20, Raiders 13
The Las Vegas Raiders’ defense kept them in the game against Miami, but their ineffective offense gave them no real chance of walking away with a win.
If QB Jimmy Garoppolo played last week, Las Vegas could have stolen a win in Miami. With Aidan O’Connell, the Raiders need a lot to go right to win games against competitive teams.
Next: vs. KC, BYE, vs. MIN, vs. LAC (TNF)
23. Green Bay Packers (4-6) 
Previous Rank: No. 28
Last Game: Packers 23, Chargers 20
The win over Los Angeles was more about the Chargers failing to execute than it was about anything the Green Bay Packers did. Jordan Love’s offense continues to be limited even against below-average defenses like the Chargers'.
However, seven wins could be enough to compete for the seventh seed in the NFC Wild Card race. Green Bay has two tough games against contenders on deck, but then the schedule softens. In a best-case scenario, the Packers are still alive heading into the regular-season finale.
Next: at DET (Thanksgiving), vs. KC (SNF), at NYG (MNF), vs. TB
24. Chicago Bears (3-8) 
Previous Rank: No. 29
Last Game: Lions 31, Bears 26
The Chicago Bears have been a competitive football team in the past two months. The addition of DE Montez Sweat has noticeably improved Chicago’s four-man pass rush. The Bears’ defense has kept them in a lot of games in recent weeks.
The return of Justin Fields raises the ceiling of Chicago’s offense. We just saw the Bears outplay the Lions for 57 minutes. If Chicago can be more consistent, it can be a dangerous underdog down the stretch.
Next: at MIN (MNF), BYE, vs. DET, at CLE
>>READ: Bears Have Two Top-Five Picks in Latest Mock Draft
25. Arizona Cardinals (2-9) 
Previous Rank: No. 24
Last Game: Texans 21, Cardinals 16
The Arizona Cardinals are 1-1 since QB Kyler Murray’s return while playing in two one-score games. Arizona has been scrappy all year, but Murray clearly makes them more dangerous.
Next: vs. LAR, at PITT, Bye, vs. SF
26. Cincinnati Bengals (5-5) 
Previous Rank: No. 11
Last Game: Ravens 34, Bengals 20
The loss of QB Joe Burrow derails the Cincinnati Bengals’ season. It’s hard to envision Cincinnati's average-at-best defense being enough to keep the Bengals in the hunt with Jake Browning at quarterback.
Next: vs. PIT, at JAX (MNF), vs. IND, vs. MIN
27. New York Jets (4-6) 
Previous Rank: No. 23
Last Game: Bills 32, Jets 6
The New York Jets have a championship-caliber defense and a non-functioning offense. New York will turn to QB Tim Boyle to try and fix the latter. It would be a genuine surprise if Boyle was a significant upgrade over Zach Wilson.
Next: vs. MIA (Black Friday), vs. ATL, vs. HOU, at MIA
28. Washington Commanders (4-7) 
Previous Rank: 21
Last Game: Giants 31, Commanders 19
The Washington Commanders’ loss to the Giants and third-string QB Tommy DeVito is among the worst that any NFL team has suffered this season. Sam Howell’s three interceptions are forgivable, considering how well the former fifth-round pick has played.
But the Commanders’ secondary could give up 800 yards passing in Washington’s next two games, against Dallas and Miami.
Next: at DAL (Thanksgiving), vs. MIA, Bye, at LAR
29. Tennessee Titans (3-7) 
Previous Rank: No. 27
Last Game: Jaguars 34, Titans 14
Rookie QB Will Levis had a promising debut, but the Tennessee Titans’ offense has struggled mightily in its past three games. Tennessee’s defense isn’t trending in the right direction, either. If the Titans lose to the Panthers this week, Tennessee is in danger of not winning another game this year.
Next: vs. CAR, vs. IND, at MIA (MNF), vs. HOU
30. New England Patriots (2-8) 
Previous Rank: No. 30
Last Game: Idle
This has been a nightmare season for the New England Patriots, from injuries on defense to their non-functioning offense. Things have gotten so bad in New England, this could be Bill Belichick’s last season with the team.
In the short term, Belichick is coming off a bye to face a volatile rookie quarterback in Tommy DeVito. In the past, scenarios like this have been an absolute smash spot for New England. The problem is the Patriots' offense has been so bad in recent weeks this matchup isn’t a layup.
Next: at NYG, vs. LAC, at PIT (TNF), vs. KC
31. New York Giants (3-8) 
Previous Rank: No. 32
Last Game: Giants 31, Commanders 19
The New York Giants have three wins, and two of them came against Washington. Tommy DeVito had some good-looking throws against the Commanders’ horrendous secondary. DeVito also took nine sacks. Going forward, if New York wins any more games its defense will be the driving force behind those outcomes.
Next: vs. NE, BYE, vs. GB (MNF), at NO
32. Carolina Panthers (1-9) 
Previous Rank: No. 31
Last Game: Cowboys 33, Panthers 10
The Carolina Panthers are scoring the fourth-fewest points per game in the league. Things have gotten so bad that Frank Reich, a veteran coach in his first year with the team, might be on the hot seat.
Carolina only has one game left against a team with a winning record, but no one is an easy matchup for the Panthers.
Next: at TEN, at TB, at NO, vs. ATL
