NFL Power Rankings - Final 2013

1. Denver Broncos 403

Notes: As with last year, Denver heads into the postseason ranked #1 in the Power Rankings (and tied with the best record in the NFL). Anything but a Super Bowl win would be a disappointment for this team.

2. Seattle Seahawks: 394
Notes: The Seahawks secured the #1 seed and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. While the Cardinals proved that the Seahawks can be beaten at home, most of the NFC will still have a VERY hard time playing the Seahawks on the road.

3.  San Francisco 49ers 308
Notes:  The 49ers end the season on a 6 game winning streak and secure the #5 seed. They end the season with the best active winning streak in the NFL.

4. Carolina Panthers: 306
Notes:  The Panthers get the #2 seed in the NFC and look like one of the most dangerous teams in the playoffs.

5. New England Patriots: 280
Notes: While this Pats team certainly has issues, you can't get much better than having Brady steering the ship.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: 265

Notes: The Bengals win over the Ravens puts them at #3 over the Colts. A game against the red hot Chargers will be difficult.

7. New Orleans Saints 263

Notes: The Saints went from looking like a lock for the #2 seed a couple of weeks ago to barely getting in as the #6 seed. While the Saints have issues on the road, the Eagles were only 4-4 at home. 
8. Kansas City Chiefs 251
Notes:  A meaningless game that the Chiefs' bench almost won. Andy Reid has to be amped up about being back in the playoffs after ending the season 4-12 with the Eagles the year prior.

9. Indianapolis Colts:192

Notes: The Colts can certainly "turn it on" when they'd like (as they've shown in games against the Seahawks and 49eres), but not overly confident that they'll go far in the playoffs.
 

10. Arizona Cardinals 177

Notes: The only top 10 team not in the playoffs. The Cardinals looked great this year and, despite going 10-6, didn't make the playoffs unfortunately. You have to be excited about this team next year though.

11. Philadelphia Eagles:  152

Notes: Chip and company lead the Eagles to the playoffs after going 4-12 the year prior. A game against the Saints should be a good one.

12. San Diego Chargers: 115

Notes: The Chargers did what they needed to do, including beating the Broncos a couple of weeks ago and the Chiefs the last game of the season to secure a spot in the playoffs.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers:42

Notes: They almost pulled off the improbable, but an overtime win by the Chiefs knocks the Steelers out of the playoffs.
  

14. Dallas Cowboys:  37

Notes: Another 8-8 season and another year (3rd year in a row) where they miss out on the playoffs due to the final game of the season. Changes needed to be made with this team or they'll continue with their average performance.

15.  Miami Dolphins:  31
Notes: Despite this team's mid-season turnaround, they lose 2 divisional games that they should have won to close out the season and miss out on the playoffs.

16. Green Bay Packers: 28

Notes: The weakest of the playoff teams (both in terms of record and overall depth). Packers fans have to feel good about Rodgers' return, but hard to imagine that this team will go far in the playoffs.

17. Detroit Lions: 3

Notes: After looking like the favorite int he North, the Lions collapse towards the end of the season and miss out on the playoffs. Schwartz getting fired is a step in the right direction for this team.
 

18. Baltimore Ravens: 1

Notes: From Super Bowl winners to mediocrity.

19. St. Louis Rams 0

Notes: The Rams are better than their record shows. They unfortunately playing the toughest division in football (1-5 against NFC West opponents). If they were in any other division in the NFC, I'd have this team at 9-7.
 
20. Chicago Bears: -6
Notes: Trestman did what Lovie Smith did a year prior, but with a worse record - miss out on the playoffs by one game.
 

21. Tennessee Titans: -24

Notes: If Jake Locker stays healthy next year (and continues to show improvement) this team can be competitive.

22. New York Jets: -56

Notes: The celebration was a little excessive, but 8-8 is a lot better than anyone expected from this team.

23. New York Giants: -74

Notes: After starting 0-6, the Giants go 7-3 and end the season at 7-9. That being said, offensive changes (especially their o-line) need to be made in the offseason.
 

24. Buffalo Bills -75

Notes: Is Manuel the answer (and future) of this Bills team?

25. Minnestota Vikings -136

Notes: Frazier is gone after going from a playoff birth to last place.

26.  Atlanta Falcons -174
Notes: What a terrible season for this Falcons team. After having the #1 seed last year, they go 4-12.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -177

Notes: Schiano is fired after a tremendously disappointing season.

28. Cleveland Browns: -192

Notes: This is the only firing I don't agree with this year. Firing a coach after 1 season (with the Browns lineup) is ridiculous even if you end the season on a 7 game losing streak.

29. Oakland Raiders -229

Notes: Lost of questions need to be addressed in the offseason about this team.

30. Jacksonville Jaguars: -262

Notes: Despite the 4-12 record, the Jags did show improvement this season.

31. Washington Redskins: -276

Notes:From first to worst, and Shanahan is gone.

32. Houston Texans  -302

Notes: Curious to see how the Texans will rebound next season. (if they do at all).

NFL Power Rakings - Week 16

1. Seattle Seahawks: 377

Last week: 2

Notes: The Seahawks reclaim the #1 spot after dominating the Giants and should remain there for the rest of the season.

2. Denver Broncos 340
Last week: 1

Notes: A loss that makes the AFC West battle a little more interesting. The Broncos are still the best in the AFC, but are certainly beatable.

3. Kansas City Chiefs 314
Last week: 3
Notes:  The Chiefs have always shown how good their defense, but their offense has been looking great as of late as well. This team could be dangerous come playoff time.

4. Carolina Panthers: 265

Last week: 5

Notes:  Crazy to think that by the end of the season the Panthers could either be a #2, #5, or #6 seed.

5.  San Francisco 49ers 264
Last week: 6
Notes:  Finally back to the top 5 spot and well deserved. The 49ers are on fire.

6. New Orleans Saints 237

Last week: 4

Notes: The Saints need to figure out how to play a lot better on the road or there is no way they're making it to the Super Bowl.
 

7. New England Patriots:192
 Last week: 7
Notes: That loss opens up the possibility of making the playoffs as wildcard instead of a division winner.

8. Cincinnati Bengals:182

Last week: 8

Notes: The Bengals keep things interesting in the AFC North with a loss to the Steelers. For the first time in a long time, the AFC North doesn't look to be a gimme for this team.

9. Arizona Cardinals 156

Last week: 9

Notes: The Cardinals keep pace with the 49ers and Panthers with a win over the Titans. This might end up being the best team who doesn't make the playoffs.

10. Indianapolis Colts:118

Last week: 11

Notes: Playing the Texans is always a confidence booster.

11.  Miami Dolphins: 87
Last week: 13
Notes: It's surprising how great this team has been playing with the whole Icognito / Martin mess that happened earlier in the year.
 

12. Philadelphia Eagles: 79

Last Week: 10

Notes: The Eagles looked up unstoppable and then get blown out by the..Vikings?

13. Baltimore Ravens: 77

Last week: 15

Notes: The Ravens not only can make it as a #6 seed, but end up taking the division.
 
14. Chicago Bears: 74
Last week: 16
Notes: The Bears are looking like the new favorite in the NFC North.

15. San Diego Chargers: 61

Last week: 17

Notes: The Chargers need for things to happen still in order to make the playoffs, but you have to be impressed with recent wins over both the Chiefs and Broncos.

16. Dallas Cowboys:  47

Last Week: 12

Notes: A running theme with the Cowboys, but they always seem to find surprising (and upsetting ways) to lose games.

17. Detroit Lions: 44

Last week: 14

Notes: It's tough to be a Lions fan. From first to third just like that.

18. Green Bay Packers:27
Last week: 18

Notes: If Rodgers comes back next week, this team will take the North.

19. St. Louis Rams -2

Last Week: 20

Notes: The Rams continue to show how they're the most inconsistent team in football.This team has the potential of being a playoff team if they can play like they did against the Saints every week.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: -17

Last week: 21

Notes: The Steelers upset the Bengals to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
 

21. Tennessee Titans: -57

Last week: 19

Notes: 3 weeks ago, I had the Titans taking the 6th seed. They've lost 3 in a row since then and look like a mess of a team.
 

22. Buffalo Bills -69

Last week: 25

Notes: Beating the Jaguars in the 2nd half is a lot more impressive than beating them the 1st half of the season. Manuel looked great this game.

23. Minnestota Vikings -114

Last week: 28

Notes:The Vikings had flashes of their good 2012 season against the Eagles.

24. New York Jets: -118

Last week: 24

Notes: They played better against the Panthers then I thought, but the loss officially ends the Jets season.

25. New York Giants: -121

Last week: 22

Notes: The defense doesn't look bad, but the offense is a disaster. They'll need to make some significant changes in the offseason and Eli needs to get it together in order for this team to be competitive next year.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -122

Last week: 23

Notes: They were just outmatched against a red hot 49ers team.

27. Cleveland Browns: -142

Last week: 26

Notes: They at least haven't officially given up. 3 of their last games were losses, but by 7 points or less.

28. Oakland Raiders -169

Last week: 27

Notes: They'll likely end the season 4-12 with games against the Chargers and Broncos coming up.

29.  Atlanta Falcons -140

Last week:29

Notes: Funny how last year the Falcons playing a Redskins would have been thought of as a game against two great teams. Completely the opposite this year.

30. Jacksonville Jaguars: -239

Last week: 30

Notes: They drop one against the Bills, but you have to be happy with their second half progress.

 

31. Washington Redskins: -240

Last week: 31

Notes: Cousins looked decent against the Falcons. We know he's not the starting QB for this team next year though. Maybe trade bait if he ends the season well?

32. Houston Texans  -253
Last week: 32

Notes: Another week, another loss.

NFL Power Rankings - Weeek 15

1. Denver Broncos 364
Last week: 2

Notes: The Broncos reclaim the #1 spot after a dominant performance over the Titans.

2. Seattle Seahawks: 331

Last week: 1

Notes: The Seahawks better lock up the #1 seed or they might find their playoff run falling short. Still the best in the NFC, but they have shown that they're beatable on the road.

3. Kansas City Chiefs 259
Last week: 4
Notes:  After a 3 game losing streak, the Chiefs snap it in a big way with a dominant performance over the Redskins.

4. New Orleans Saints 258

Last week: 5

Notes: For now, the Saints showed who the best in the NFC South is. The Panthers will be looking for revenge two weeks from now.
 

5. Carolina Panthers: 232

Last week: 3

Notes:  While the upcoming "rematch" game against the Saints is very important, the Panthers can't overlook the Jets.

6.  San Francisco 49ers 230
Last week: 6
Notes:  A great win against the Seahawks that keeps them the favorite for a wildcard.

7. New England Patriots: 214
 Last week: 7
Notes: Wow, what a game. Despite how close it was, good teams find ways to come back and that's what the Pats did. Unfortunately, the injury to Gronkowski could be huge for this team.

8. Cincinnati Bengals: 206

Last week: 8

Notes: The Bengals look to avoid a 4th seed and should be able to easily secure a 3rd seed (possibly even a 2nd seed).

9. Arizona Cardinals 133

Last week: 11

Notes: Don't count the Cards out yet. This team will likely be in it until the very end.

10. Philadelphia Eagles: 115

Last Week: 13

Notes: The Eagles have won 5 in a row now. With their remaining schedule, I wouldn't be surprised if they end up winning 8 in a row.

11. Indianapolis Colts: 90

Last week: 9

Notes: Like last year, the Colts look to be the weakest of the playoff teams. They will likely face the Chiefs and they will likely get destroyed.

12. Dallas Cowboys:  66

Last Week: 10

Notes: Tough loss that puts them from a 4th seed to out of the playoffs. The way the Eagles have been playing, it will be very difficult for the Cowboys to make it back into playoff contention.

13.  Miami Dolphins: 65
Last week: 15
Notes: The Dolphins keep pace with the Ravens with a win over the Steelers.

14. Detroit Lions: 64

Last week: 12

Notes: The loss makes things very interesting in the NFC North with the Bears and Packers still competing for 1st place.

15. Baltimore Ravens:  56

Last week: 14

Notes: In a crazy 4th quarter, the Ravens pull off the win and still hold on to the 6th seed.

16. Chicago Bears: 51
Last week: 16
Notes: Impressive performance by McCown that moves them into first in the NFC North alongside the Lions.

17. San Diego Chargers:37

Last week: 19

Notes: A dominant performance over the Giants keep their playoff hopes alive.

18. Green Bay Packers: 3
Last week: 20

Notes: The Packers win a close won against the Falcons and will need to find ways to win their last 3 in order to get into the playoffs.

19. Tennessee Titans: -36

Last week: 18

Notes: Although they win in many tiebreaker situations, the Titans look to be pretty much done at this point.
 

20. St. Louis Rams -38

Last Week: 17

Notes: Two losses in a row ends the Rams season.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: -47

Last week: 21

Notes: Crazy what difference one game can make. If they beat the Dolphins, they would have been well in the playoff hunt. The loss pretty much ends their season.

22. New York Giants: -90

Last week: 22

Notes: They looked like they have given up before the game even started. Terrible performance that mathematically eliminates the Giants from playoff contention.

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -91

Last week: 27

Notes: Even though they're not in the playoff hunt anymore, the Buccs are playing to keep their coach's job.

24. New York Jets: -95

Last week: 26

Notes: The Jets stay alive with a win over the Raiders. They'll likely be brought back to reality with a road game against the Panthers.

25. Buffalo Bills -106

Last week: 23

Notes: The Bills couldn't even keep it close against the Buccs.

26. Cleveland Browns: -118

Last week: 25

Notes: The Browns have now lost 4 in a row. They might not even beat their record from last season at this point.

27. Oakland Raiders -131

Last week: 24

Notes: The Raiders are won of 4 teams with a 4-9 record (the 2nd worst in the AFC).

28. Minnestota Vikings -152

Last week: 28

Notes: The Vikings lose a close one to the Ravens. Will Frazier keep his job?

29.  Atlanta Falcons -153

Last week:29

Notes: Just last year (and heading into this season), the Packers and Falcons would have been (and should have been) a great one to watch. Instead, it's the exact opposite.

30. Jacksonville Jaguars: -204

Last week: 32

Notes: The Jags are on fire? 3 wins a row and 4 wins out of their last 5 games. They very well can win out the season and end up 7-9. Home against the Bills and Titans (the Titans they already beat on the road) is winnable and facing the Colts the last week of the season is something I believe they can win as well especially if the Colts secure a 4th seed and rest their players.

 

31. Washington Redskins: -210

Last week: 30

Notes: Shanahan might not get a chance to coach next week. This team is the most disappointing one this year outside of the Texans.

32. Houston Texans  -213
Last week: 31

Notes:  11 losses in a row. What else is there to say about this team?

NFL Power Rankings - Week 14

1. Seattle Seahawks: 350

Last week: 1

Notes: The Seahawks showed why they are the team to beat in the NFC (and the NFL) with a dominant performance over the Saints. They pretty much locked up the #1 seed and home field advantage which is terrible news for everyone else in the NFC.

2. Denver Broncos 320
Last week: 2

Notes: The Broncos showed the Chiefs who the team to beat is in the AFC West (and probably the AFC in general).

3. Carolina Panthers: 260

Last week: 5

Notes:  The Panthers now have won 8 in a row. Remember when Ron Rivera was on the hot seat? He might be coach of the year now.

4. Kansas City Chiefs 221
Last week: 4
Notes:  The defense has not been playing well during the Chiefs 3 game losing streak and is starting to become concerning.

5. New Orleans Saints 219

Last week: 3

Notes: The Saints need to look past the brutal loss over the Seahawks as they face the Panthers. A loss would move them from the 2nd seed down to the 5th seed. 

6.  San Francisco 49ers 205
Last week: 7
Notes:  In a close race for the 6th seed, the 49ers look like a cut above the rest.

7. New England Patriots: 193
 Last week: 6
Notes: A surprisingly close game against the Texans, but the Patriots pull off the win.

8. Cincinnati Bengals:179

Last week: 8

Notes: An important win for the Bengals that keeps them 2 games ahead of the Ravens.

9. Indianapolis Colts: 116

Last week: 10

Notes: The Colts needed that win against the Titans to help get back on track. If they win one more game or the Titans lose one more game, they clinch the division.

10. Dallas Cowboys:  98

Last Week: 11

Notes: The Cowboys maintain the lead in the NFC East with a win over the Raiders..

11. Arizona Cardinals  95

Last week: 9

Notes: They lost a close won against the Eagles and face an important divisional game against the inconsistent Rams.

12. Detroit Lions: 94

Last week: 13

Notes:  The Lions had a successful week with a win over the Packers and a loss by the Bears.

13. Philadelphia Eagles:  83

Last Week: 12

Notes: Nick Foles looks unstoppable. The game against the Cowboys should decide the division.

14. Baltimore Ravens: 44

Last week: 16

Notes: That win over the Steelers could end up deciding the 6th seed. If the playoffs started today, the Ravens would be in.

15.  Miami Dolphins: 39

Last week: 20
Notes:  The Dolphins beat up a dying Jets team and get back to .500.

16. Chicago Bears: 17
Last week: 14
Notes: A game they should have won. Now the Bears find themselves a game out of 1st and 2 games out of the wildcard. 

17. St. Louis Rams -4

Last Week: 18

Notes: The inconsistent Rams were on the losing end this week against the 49ers. The loss pretty much ends their season.

18. Tennessee Titans: -5

Last week: 17

Notes: Next up on their brutal 3 game schedule is on the road against the Broncos. Ouch.

19. San Diego Chargers: -6

Last week: 19

Notes: The Chargers face a must win next week against the Giants to stay alive. The Giants will also face a must win. Should be a good game.

20. Green Bay Packers: -10
Last week: 15

Notes: The Packers need back Rodgers desperately. Even if he returns next week, it might be too little too late.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: -20

Last week: 21

Notes: The Steelers split the 2 game series against the Ravens. If they win their remaining 2 divisional games (against the Browns and Bengals) they still have a decent chance at the 6th seed.

22. New York Giants: -50

Last week: 23

Notes: The Giants keep their slim playoff hopes alive with a win over the Redskins. How do they get in? They have to win out and go 9-7 and have the Eagles and Cowboys look every other game with the exception of their head to head match up. 

23. Buffalo Bills -69

Last week: 22

Notes: And the Bills season is over. Another disappointing one.

24. Oakland Raiders -106

Last week: 24

Notes: Its funny how two weeks ago they were looking like playoff contenders and now their season is all but mathematically finished. 

25. Cleveland Browns: -109

Last week: 25

Notes: After looking like a much improved team, the Browns lose 3 in a row including one to the Jags.

26. New York Jets: -121

Last week: 27

Notes: This team looks like the worse in the NFL through their 3 game losing streak. Geno Smith is not the answer for the Jets, but do they really have anyone better right now?

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: -128

Last week: 26

Notes: Despite the loss, Tampa Bay is looking a lot better during their last 4 games.

28. Minnestota Vikings -129

Last week: 29

Notes: The Vikings almost had two ties in a row, but pulled off the OT win against the Bears.

29.  Atlanta Falcons -136

Last week: 30

Notes: The Falcons finally win one. I guess they're competing to not finish the season in last.
   

30. Washington Redskins: -166

Last week: 28

Notes: The Redskins drop down to the bottom 3 with a loss against the Giants.

31. Houston Texans  -192
Last week: 31

Notes: They played the Pats tough, but they now have lost 10 in a row.

32. Jacksonville Jaguars: -227

Last week: 32

Notes: I'll be the only one to still have this team here, but if you base the performance on the entire season (and not the last 4 games), the Jags are still the worst in the NFL in my opinion; even with the Texans losing 10 in a row including one to the Jags.