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).