NFL Power Rankings: 49ers reclaim their throne, Chiefs drop
NFL Power Rankings: 49ers reclaim their throne, Chiefs drop
San Francisco convincingly defeated Philadelphia on the road Sunday to assert its status as the league's premier team—and seize the top position in our rankings.
Greetings for Week 14 of the 2023 NFL season. If the resounding win against Philly on Sunday night didn't sway your opinion on San Francisco's resurgence, then nothing else will.
The San Francisco 49ers emerged victorious in a head-to-head battle against the Philadelphia Eagles, establishing themselves as the undisputed number-one team this week. The Kansas City Chiefs faced adversity against the Green Bay Packers, whereas the Cleveland Browns succumbed to the dominance of the Los Angeles Rams.
Denver was kept at bay in the latter stages by the burgeoning Texans, who could be assuming the title of America's Team in plain sight. This team is absolutely electrifying! Is it within their grasp to steal the AFC South now? The Jaguars' unexpected loss on Monday night, coupled with Trevor Lawrence and Christian Kirk's injuries, has swung the momentum back in the Texans' favor, despite Houston's loss against Jacksonville in Week 12.
It's time to discuss the power rankings!
1. San Francisco 49ers (9-3)
Sunday: Beat Philadelphia Eagles 42-19
A healthy 49ers team is a frightening sight. Their intention was to provide evidence supporting the claim that Brock Purdy's injury during the NFC Championship Game was the singular cause for their failure to triumph over the Eagles and secure a spot in the Super Bowl last season. The objective has been achieved. Deebo Samuel, the player who engaged in the most pre-game banter, scored three touchdowns. San Francisco has consistently reached a minimum of 27 points this season when all three individuals, including him, Purdy, and left tackle Trent Williams, are in a state of good health.
Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday
2. Baltimore Ravens (9-3)
Sunday: Bye
Baltimore's sole remaining game against a non-playoff projected team is this Sunday's game against the Rams, who hold the eighth position in the NFC overall standings. Baltimore holds the top spot in the NFL for the fewest yards per play allowed. Roquan Smith plays a significant role in that. While Lamar Jackson is undoubtedly pivotal to the Ravens' success, it is important to acknowledge Smith's significant contribution.
Up next: vs. Los Angeles Rams, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
3. Dallas Cowboys (9-3)
Thursday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 41-35
The Cowboys possess the capacity to overcome any adversary when Dak Prescott exhibits the same prowess he displayed on Thursday night against the Seahawks. Prescott completed 29 out of 41 passes for 299 yards and three touchdowns, and Dallas managed to score on eight out of its nine possessions. That being said, Dak has those exceptional performances from time to time. Defeat the Eagles on Sunday, and that’s a remarkable streak of 15 consecutive victories at AT&T Stadium—not to mention securing the top spot in the NFC East.
Up next: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday
4. Miami Dolphins (9-3)
Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 45-15
Tyreek Hill continues to be on track to become the first player in NFL history to achieve over 2,000 receiving yards in a single season, following his impressive performance of five receptions for 157 yards on Sunday. He caught touchdown passes of 78 and 60 yards and is currently the NFL's leader in total scrimmage yards with 1,496. More than half of his touches go for a first down or touchdown, but he’s such a finely tuned speed machine that you steadily fret that even the slimmest imbalance might throw the whole situation out of whack.
Up next: vs. Tennessee Titans, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday
5. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)
Sunday: Lost to San Francisco 49ers 42-19
In their two losses, the Eagles' rushing game has been limited to just 126 yards in total. The results were a loss to the Jets and Sunday’s trouncing by the 49ers. So they head to Dallas, where they’ve lost five in a row, to face scalding QB Dak Prescott while hindered by the league’s fourth-worst pass defense, fourth-worst pass defense. It sounds like a dramatic equation, going from the NFC's top seed to fifth in just a week... unless Philly's newly signed linebacker, Shaq Leonard, can make an immediate impact.
Up next: at Dallas Cowboys, 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday
6. Detroit Lions (9-3)
Sunday: Beat New Orleans Saints 33-28
Despite their loss to Green Bay on Thanksgiving, Detroit managed to cling to a victory against a struggling New Orleans on Sunday. It's safe to say that the Lions are fine. They continue to be ranked fourth in the league for touchdowns per drive (29.3 percent). Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta had a standout performance on Sunday, with nine catches for 140 yards. If the team doesn't finish strong, it would be painful to their fan base.
Up next: at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
7. Kansas City Chiefs (8-4)
Sunday: Lost to Green Bay Packers 27-19
On Sunday, the Chiefs dropped to 11th place in the league in scoring (22.9 points per game). In six games this season, the Chiefs have scored less than 20 points. Mahomes' first five seasons as the starter saw only six instances of that happening. The primary culprit is the lack of consistency at the receiver. Justin Watson, a player drafted by Tampa Bay in the fifth round of 2018 and acquired in the offseason as a cost-effective free agent, has emerged as the team's second-highest-performing wide receiver with 332 yards on 20 receptions. For the Chiefs to make a deep postseason run, Rashee Rice must assume leadership of the wide receiver corps.
Up next: vs. Buffalo Bills, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday
8. Buffalo Bills (6-6)
Sunday: Bye
Last season, this team achieved a remarkable 13-3 record and started this season with similar aspirations. Nevertheless, Josh Allen has faced difficulties while the defense has been without pillars Tre’Davious White and Matt Milano because of injury. The Bills still secure a playoff spot, however, they have challenging matchups against the Chiefs, Cowboys, and Dolphins ahead.
Up next: at Kansas City Chiefs, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday
9. Houston Texans (7-5)
Sunday: Beat Denver Broncos 22-17
It's easy to overlook Stroud's rookie status. On Sunday, he overtook Sam Howell to claim the league's passing lead, achieving a total of 3,570 yards for the season after throwing for 274 yards. We're venturing into unfamiliar terrain for Stroud, though. He never exceeded 13 games in a season at Ohio State. His upcoming Houston event will be his thirteenth.
Up next: at New York Jets, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
10. Los Angeles Rams (6-6)
Sunday: Beat Cleveland Browns 36-19
It's likely that the Rams will have to beat the 49ers in Week 18 for a playoff spot. If San Francisco secures a playoff spot early, they may consider resting their stars unless they need to secure a first-round bye. The Niners beating the Eagles on Sunday brought us closer to reality. What makes this news so terrible? The Rams' record against the 49ers is 1-9 in their last 10 meetings. The crystal ball isn't looking optimistic.
Up next: at Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
11. Indianapolis Colts (7-5)
Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 31-28
This season might see the Colts making it to the playoffs. If the season ended today, they would be the sixth seed, and they have five winnable games left (Houston, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Cincinnati). The primary goal for this year was to help Anthony Richardson progress. Instead, Richardson got injured, and Minshew came in and has won four straight. In the event that Gardner Minshew guides the Colts to the playoffs this year, the pressure on Richardson in the ensuing season will be truly intense.
Up next: at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
12. Green Bay Packers (6-6)
Sunday: Beat Kansas City Chiefs 27-19
The Packers have reversed their season's trajectory with three consecutive victories, the most recent two of which were against teams vying for the Super Bowl. It might show promising things ahead. Alternatively, it could simply be turnovers. In the last three weeks, the Packers have secured the second-best turnover margin in the league, standing at plus-five. The Packers have a favorable remaining schedule, with only 6-6 Minnesota being the sole team without a losing record. The grass has the potential to be greener throughout the remainder of the season.
Up next: at New York Giants, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday
13. Seattle Seahawks (6-6)
Thursday: Lost to Dallas Cowboys 41-35
Seattle had the task of stealing at least one game in this ongoing four-game stretch that involves playing against the 49ers twice, the Cowboys, and the Eagles. It failed to capitalize on the opportunity against Dallas, squandering a 406-yard offensive performance and a three-touchdown effort from DK Metcalf, who had six catches for 134 yards. Seattle has a challenging schedule ahead, with back-to-back games against the 49ers and Eagles while they cling to hopes of a playoff spot. There's no opportune moment like the present to initiate a sequence of victories.
Up next: at San Francisco 49ers, 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday
14. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4)
Monday: Lost to Cincinnati Bengals 34-31 (OT)
Trevor Lawrence, the first overall pick in the 2021 draft and among a group of only ten quarterbacks to achieve over 3,000 passing yards this season, sustained what looked like a notable injury when his offensive lineman inadvertently stepped on his right ankle. Lawrence forcefully slammed his helmet onto the ground before embarking on a laborious and agonizing journey to the locker room, receiving ample assistance along the way. If Lawrence's season is over, the Jaguars' season is as well.
Up next: at Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
15. Denver Broncos (6-6)
Sunday: Lost to Houston Texans 22-17
Thanks to a five-game winning streak, the Broncos made a miraculous comeback, but that exerted a considerable amount of energy and eventually drained the tank on Sunday. They had a turnover margin of plus-13 in favor during their winning streak. The Broncos were unable to secure any turnovers against the Texans, resulting in a 3-0 shortfall in the turnover battle. Their remaining schedule includes only one team with a winning record (Detroit), so their chances are still alive, but they will need to recoup their momentum.
Up next: at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday
17. Atlanta Falcons (6-6)
Sunday: Beat New York Jets 13-8
The trio of tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London, and running back Bijan Robinson — all chosen within the top 10 in the previous three seasons — was expected to create a three-pronged powerhouse. Although each has had their moments of being electric, they have never coincided, and Atlanta's offense is not exactly intimidating. On Sunday, Robinson achieved an impressive milestone by surpassing 1,000 yards from scrimmage (1,022), which ranks him 13th in the league and second among rookies.
Up next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
18. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5)
Sunday: Lost to Arizona Cardinals 24-10
Pittsburgh witnessed an initial improvement in performance after terminating its besieged offensive coordinator, but it quickly reverted to its typical state on Sunday. The Steelers were able to secure a mere 10 points against an Arizona defense that is currently ranked 30th in terms of points allowed, with an average of 25.5 points per game. Additionally, quarterback Kenny Pickett sustained an ankle injury that is assumed to sideline him for several weeks. The lead in the AFC North appears quite distant.
Up next: vs. New England Patriots, 8:15 p.m. ET Thursday
19. Cincinnati Bengals (6-6)
Monday: Beat Jacksonville Jaguars 34-31 (OT)
Jake Browning showcased brilliance on Monday night against a respectable Jacksonville defense, a scenario I did not foresee. Browning completed 32 out of 37 passes for 354 yards and a touchdown in his second game after taking over for Joe Burrow. Should he maintain this level of play, the Bengals could rejoin the playoff race and potentially generate trade interest once Burrow returns to full health. Cincinnati accumulated an impressive 491 yards, the most in the season, thanks to Browning.
Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
20. Minnesota Vikings (6-6)
Sunday: Bye
Among quarterbacks with over 1,000 attempts, Kirk Cousins has held the sixth rank in the NFL for passer rating (99.9) since 2015. Following victories against two NFC South teams in the opening weeks without Cousins, the Vikings have suffered defeats in their most recent two games, highlighting the extent to which they are missing Cousins. There is compelling evidence to suggest Cousins will make a complete recovery from his torn Achilles, however, his free agency is set for 2024. Minnesota is going to need to address this.
Up next: at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7)
Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 21-18
Despite the Buccaneers' efforts, they could not reach a contract extension agreement with Evans this offseason, and he currently stands as the team's most significant contributor. On Sunday, he stretched his own NFL record of the most consecutive seasons starting a career with 1,000 yards receiving to 10. Sunday saw Evans amass seven catches amounting to 162 yards, making up 80.2 percent of Tampa Bay's passing attack. Since being drafted by the Bucs in 2014, he should remain with the team, but he may desire an opportunity to win another championship.
Up next: at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
22. Los Angeles Chargers (5-7)
Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 6-0
There are many individuals who don't have faith in Herbert because of his career win-loss record of .500, going 31-31 after Sunday. Is it fair to solely blame Herbert for that? His physical abilities rival those of any other quarterback in the league, and his career boasts an impressive record of 11 fourth-quarter comebacks, a number that exceeds Lamar Jackson, Geno Smith, Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, and many others. Yet, in 2025, he will begin to demand a hefty price, making it even more arduous for the team to achieve success.
Up next: vs. Minnesota Vikings, 4:05 p.m. Sunday
23. Las Vegas Raiders (5-7)
Sunday: Bye
In his inaugural season, Aidan O'Connell boasts a 2-3 record as a starting quarterback, placing him 26th in the league in yards per attempt (6.7), and has tallied six interceptions in contrast to four touchdowns. If Las Vegas emerges victorious in a few additional games, it will find itself positioned unfavorably to select a highly promising quarterback prospect during the upcoming offseason. The Raiders find themselves in a captivating quandary.
Up next: vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
24. New Orleans Saints (5-7)
Sunday: Lost to Detroit Lions 33-28
The Saints continue to postpone addressing the salary-cap issue. It has been unable to secure double-digit wins since 2020, and that trend will persist this season. Currently, New Orleans exceeds the 2024 salary cap by $71 million and appears poised to rely on Jameis Winston as the starting quarterback in the absence of the injured Derek Carr. That might not be the worst thing, 'cause Saints fans totally booed when Carr came in for Taysom Hill during the game.
Up next: vs. Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
25. New York Giants (4-8)
Sunday: Bye
Philly and Dallas have already beaten New York twice this season. They've got franchise quarterbacks locked down for the long haul with Jalen Hurts and soon-to-be Dak Prescott. The Commanders have new owners and some players to keep an eye on. What do the Giants possess? We've got a big question on our hands about what to do with Daniel Jones when he's all better and a hometown, feel-good QB replacement in Tommy DeVito who might turn into a pumpkin soon.
Up next: vs. Green Bay Packers, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday
26. Arizona Cardinals (3-10)
Sunday: Beat Pittsburgh Steelers 24-10
The Cardinals are third in the draft after winning on Sunday for the second time in four games. That could be dangling on the edge of acquiring a top-tier player in this draft, and Arizona desperately needs top-tier players, regardless of position. Following his comeback in Week 10, Kyler Murray finds himself in the 10th position among the league's top passers with 864 passing yards and the seventh position among quarterbacks in rushing yards with 106, unfortunately for Arizona, that has been enough to secure a couple of wins.
Up next: Bye
27. Chicago Bears (4-8)
Sunday: Bye
It’s looking like Chicago will have its choice of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or staying the course with Justin Fields. The current player has passed for a total of 386 yards and also gained 163 yards rushing in two games following their return from a thumb injury. He's unequivocally dynamic and will be challenging to let go of.
Up next: vs. Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
28. Tennessee Titans (4-8)
Sunday: Lost to Indianapolis Colts 31-28
There was a fleeting moment of optimism when Levis assumed control in Week 8 and won over the Falcons. He scored four touchdowns on that day. He has accumulated three since then and currently ranks 32nd in the league for completion percentage (56.4 percent) and 29th for passer rating (77.6). On Sunday, he successfully completed 16 passes while engaging in a heated argument with DeAndre Hopkins on the sideline. The lone additional quarterbacks listed on the roster consist of Ryan Tannehill (who might have intentions to depart) and Malik Willis (who is not the suitable option).
Up next: at Miami Dolphins, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday
29. Washington Commanders (4-9)
Sunday: Lost to Miami Dolphins 45-15
Josh Harris, who bought the team this offseason, has a lot on his plate. There is a possibility that he will alter the team name once more, and he will need to construct a new stadium in the foreseeable future. It’s possible all this would hinder his ability to move on from Ron Rivera. Possible, albeit improbable. After a surprising 2-0 start, they have experienced a downturn, going 2-9 in the subsequent eleven games, and losing their last four in a row.
Up next: Bye
30. New York Jets (4-8)
Sunday: Lost to Atlanta Falcons 13-8
The Jets fielded Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian against the Falcons on Sunday, and their performance was abysmal, prompting a possible return to Zach Wilson this week. New York ranks 30th in the league in scoring (14.25) and has not exceeded 13 points in a game since Oct. 15.
Up next: vs. Houston Texans, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
31. New England Patriots (2-10)
Sunday: Lost to Los Angeles Chargers 6-0
Bill Belichick has rightfully earned substantial influence over his departure from New England following his six Super Bowl victories. He has the option to make things challenging for owner Robert Kraft, although that would be unfortunate. The Patriots, and most likely Belichick, are in need of a transformation. It has deteriorated to the point where considering drafting Caleb Williams or Drake Maye is a possibility, although the Patriots do not seem to foster a conducive environment for young quarterbacks.
Up next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 p.m. ET Thursday
32. Carolina Panthers (1-11)
Sunday: Lost to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21-18
The first overall selection in the 2023 draft has been underwhelming, but the blame doesn't solely lie with him. Carolina's offensive line has allowed 47 sacks this season. Only three teams have surrendered more. Adam Thielen, who is thirty-three years old, stands as the sole wide receiver on the team with over 34 receptions. The coach for next year will have the responsibility of nurturing Young's development, but it will be challenging if he's demoralized before this season concludes.
Up next: at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
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