NFL Week 13 Power Rankings: Cowboys, Packers and Chiefs Rise after Week 12 Statement Games

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NFL Week 13 Power Rankings: Cowboys, Packers and Chiefs Rise after Week 12 Statement Games

NFL Week 13 Power Rankings: Cowboys, Packers and Chiefs Rise after Week 12 Statement Games — Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Matt Johnson · Sportsnaut

Tue, Nov 25, 2025 ·

16 min read

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NFL Week 3 kicked off with the Houston Texans sending a message to the rest of the AFC by taking down the Buffalo Bills . That set the tone for an entertaining slate that included the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions rallying for OT wins and the Green Bay Packers making their own statement at home.

Let's dive into the NFL Week 13 power rankings, providing analysis on all 32 teams following Sunday's game. We'll provide updates after Monday Night Football.

1. Los Angeles Rams (1)

Even without Tyler Higbee , Quentin Lake , Rob Havenstein and Ahkello Witherspoon , Sunday Night Football demonstrated why the Los Angeles Rams are the best NFL team right now. They an offense led by NFL MVP front-runner Matthew Stafford that's capable of winning in a shootout against anyone. Of course, high-scoring games are a rarity when you have one of the league's top defenses. Now at 9-2, Los Angeles can expand its lead in the NFC in these enxt two weeks with wins over the Panthers and Cardinals.

2. New England Patriots (2)

The 26-20 victory over the Bengals on Sundaycame at a painful cost for the New England Patriots. Standout rookie left tackle Will Campbellwas carted off the field with an injury, and left guard Jared Wilson also was ruled out with an injury. New England still came out of this with a victory, and its defense should be good enough to beat the Giants on Monday Night Football. If those are long-term absences on the left side, however, the losses are coming in December.

3. Seattle Seahawks (7)

The Seattle Seahawks can come out of Sunday's win over the Titans seeing room for improvement (punt coverage) and be excited about what's to come. Kenneth Walker looked explosive in Week 12, with Seattle finding explosive plays and consistent gains for the first time in weeks. Now at 8-3, the Seahawks get to throw this defense at J.J. McCarthy next week**,** plus a little revenge for Sam Darnold against his former team.

4. Denver Broncos (7)

Bo Nix ultimately determines if the Denver Broncos are a Super Bowl contender. Losing J.K. Dobbins is a huge blow for an offense that was already averaging just 78.8 rushing yards per game and a 3.4 yards-per-carry average in its last eight contests. With Pat Surtain returning, Denver absolutely boasts a championship-caliber defense. It's just a question of consistency with Nix.

5. Green Bay Packers (10)

Winning that one without Josh Jacobs , Quay Walker , Jayden Reed , and Matthew Golden is pretty big for the Green Bay Packers. It had been weeks since the Packers looked like a dominant team, and Jordan Love wasn't necessarily great on Sunday, but that was a dominant second-half by that defense at Lambeau Field. Jacobs, Walker and Golden could all be back for a critical Thanksgiving matchup versus Detroit.

6. Detroit Lions (8)

So it's not just the Packers who got a tough fight from the Giants. If not for a phenomenal performance from Jahmyr Gibbs (264 scrimmage yards and 3 total touchdowns), the Detroit Lions might be looking at a 6-5 record. Then again, this is exactly why Brad Holmes drafted Gibbs, and he was rewarded with a game-winning performance from arguably the best running back in the NFL. Now, Detroit gets its shot at revenge against the Packers on Thanksgiving.

7. Philadelphia Eagles (3)

Leading 21-zip early at AT&T Stadium, it looked like the Philadelphia Eagles offense finally figured things out through the air, and would roll to a dominant victory over Dallas . Instead, just as they did against the Broncos, the Eagles imploded. The absence of Lane Johnson is still looming large, but it would also be fair to highlight that Howie Roseman missed out on finding an Adoree Jackson replacement at the NFL trade deadline. Philadelphia is still 8-3, but that collapse is fuel to the fire for the drama already surrounding this team.

8. Indianapolis Colts (4)

The Indianapolis Colts held a 20-9 lead at Arrowhead and possession of the football. That's exactly the kind of position this team seemed tailor-made to thrive in. Instead, the vaunted defense gave up 223 total yards to Kansas City's offense on its final four drives in the fourth quarter and overtime. The Colts are still 8-3, but it feels like that late-game collapse could deliver a mental blow that carries over into a Week 13 matchup against an outstanding Houston defense.

9. Chicago Bears (9)

NFLWeek 13 Predictions — David Banks-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears just keep finding ways to win. Avoiding the matchup against Aaron Rodgers on Sunday, Chicago's defense found it much easier to stop Mason Rudolph ( 1-1 TD-INT, 2 sacks taken, and 5.5 ypa ), and that proved key on a day where the team turned it over twice, including a fumble recovered in the end zone for a touchdown. Very few people likely believe this is the best team in the NFC North, but it can't be denied who is atop the division right now. In the next two weeks, against the Eagles and Packers, we're about to find out just how good of a team Chicago has.

10. Kansas City Chiefs (14)

It's difficult to determine where to put the Kansas City Chiefs in NFL power rankigns after Week 12. The fourth-quarter rally at home versus Indianapolis looked reminiscent of the team that thoroughly wholloped the Lions, Raiders and Commanders in October. However, the first half also felt reminiscent of the losses to Buffalo and Denver. What we know is that the Chiefs recognize their back is on the wall and they are great in that situation. If Kansas City can dominate Dallas on Thanksgiving, maybe this needs to be viewed as a top-five team again.

11. Houston Texans (15)

DeMeco Ryans has turned the Houston Texans around again. Houston had multiple problems following an 0-3 start, and a rough end to October still put them in a 3-5 hole. Thanks to the Texans' defense and improvements in the run game, Houston has won three straight—and that's without C.J. Stroud . With their franchise quarterback returning in Week 13, this Texans defense will have a chance to beat Daniel Jones and the Colts.

12. Buffalo Bills (5)

It's possible the Buffalo Bills just have a Texans problem. However, there seem to be much bigger issues beyond that. Josh Allen has now been sacked 20 times in the last six games, with Buffalo posting a 6-6 record during that span. In that same span, opponents have averaged 151.7 rushing yards and 1.7 rushing touchdowns per game against Buffalo. When looking ahead to potential playoff matchups, the Bills' weaknesses and their reliance on Allen don't bode well for success.

13. San Francisco 49ers (16)

The San Francisco 49ers almost seemingly tried to give away a win on Monday Night Football, but the Panthers wouldn't take it. Nothing from Monday's performance instilled new confidence in the defense, but we do expect quarterback Brock Purdy will rebound with better performances. Now at 8-4 on the season, San Francisco has two very winnable games (at Browns and vs Titans) sandwiched around a bye. Kyle Shanahan and Christian McCaffrey carried this team to a 10-win season.

14. Baltimore Ravens (11)

Our level of concern with this Baltimore Ravens offense is starting to tick up a bit. In the Week 12 victory against the Jets , Baltimore went just 2-fir-11 on third down, with one of its two touchdown drives coming on a short field. Lamar Jackson is playing through multiple injuries, but the greater concern is the Ravens' offensive line. Fortunately, the defense has turned things around, and we think the offense will get back on track on Thanksgiving night against the Bengals.

15. Dallas Cowboys (21)

What an incredible rally. That's both in regards to overcoming a 21-0 hole midway through the second quarter and this Dallas Cowboys team turning a 2-3-1 record into a 5-5-1 mark. George Pickens is everything Jerry Jones hoped for and more. Just as imperative to Sunday's win, this Cowboys defense is playing much better football since the bye. Maybe, just maybe, there's a path to a Wild Card spot. Even if not, this second-half turnaround will provide momentum to carry over into 2026.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars (20)

Brenton Strange returns, and the Jacksonville Jaguars offense overcomes 4 turnovers to still put up 371 total yards in a 27-24 OT road win. Yes, the young tight end is integral to this team's success both as a receiving threat and with what he brings as a run blocker. From 4-1 to 5-4 and now 7-4, the Jaguars dug themselves out of the hole they created and can move to four games over .500 with a win over Tennessee next week.

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12)

Chris Godwin returns and Bucky Irving will be back in Week 13, but now the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be without Baker Mayfield for the foreseeable future. It's been that kind of month for this franchise. On Oct. 13, the Buccaneers sat atop the NFC with a 5-1 record and seemed to be overcoming a lot of injuries. It's spiraled out of control since then into a 6-5 mark. Given Mayfield's likely absence in Week 13, there's a chance we could be looking at a .500 Buccaneers team entering December.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers (13)

It feels safe to say that the Pittsburgh Steelers can kiss the AFC North crown goodbye. Everything looked fairly promising heading into the middle of October, with the Steelers holding a $4-1$ record and the Ravens sitting in the cellar of the division. Fast forward to Week 13, Baltimore now sits atop the division, and the Steelers still have to face the Bills, Ravens (twice), and Lions.

19. Los Angeles Chargers (17)

As the Los Angeles Chargers return from the Week 12 bye, it's worth noting this team has a 2-4 record in games without Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater . The offensive line is abysmal, and after facing the Raiders in Week 13, the rest of the Chargers' schedule features the Eagles, Chiefs, Cowboys, Texans and Broncos. Barring MVP-caliber play from Justin Herbert , Los Angeles could go from 7-3 to 8-9.

20. Carolina Panthers (17)

Bryce Young had one good game and then reminded everyone on Monday Night Football of why he probably shouldn't be the Carolina Panthers starting quarterback in 2026. The physical limitations he has just puts far too many constraints on this Panthers offense, all the more reason why it's odd Dave Canales abandoned the run game so early on Monday. Carolina had a window to win the NFC South with the Buccaneers imploding, but it appears they don't have the quarterback to take advantage of it.

21. Miami Dolphins (20)

Will the Miami Dolphins do enough to make the playoffs? No. However, this team is now 3-1 in its last four games and heading into a two-game stretch against the Saints and Jets. By the second week of December, Miami could be just a game below the .500 line and that momentum could carry over into matchups against the Steelers and Bengals. At the very least, this team hasn't quit on Mike McDaniel and that should matter for the offseason evaluation.

22. Atlanta Falcons (24)

Hats off to Kirk Cousins for making just enough throws, including a deep shot we didn't know he still had the arm strength for, to deliver the Atlanta Falcons a road win in New Orleans . This doesn't change the fact that the franchise's future is bleak without a first-round pick next year and seemingly without a quarterback, but all that matters (rightfully) for the fan base in the days to comeis beating the Saints in New Orleans.

23. Cincinnati Bengals (25)

The Cincinnati Bengals are 3-8 with slim-to-none chances of making the playoffs. Yet, Joe Burrow will almost certainly be out there on Thanksgiving Day against the Ravens. Is it the right decision for the franchise's long-term outlook and Burrow's health? No. However, he's the face of the franchise and his desire to keep competing with this team will make the decision. We just hope he stays healthy.

24. New York Giants (26)

The New York Giants broke out all the tricks on Sunday to try and beat the Lions, and it was nearly enough. In some ways, the last two weeks have almost felt like the best result as New York took top teams to the wire and still improved their positioning in the 2026 NFL Draft. Best of all, we'll see Jaxson Dart back on the field in Week 13 on Monday Night Football.

25. Arizona Cardinals (23)

The absences of Trey Benson and Marvin Harrison Jr. loomed large on Sunday. It also didn't help the Arizona Cardinals that Chad Ryland missed another field goal and this offense went 1-for-3 in the red zone. Most will focus on Arizona's 3-8 record entering Week 13, but it's worth highlighting that the Cardinals have six losses this season by a combined 16 points

26. Minnesota Vikings (22)

Following Sunday's brutal loss at Lambeau Field, quarterback J.J. McCarthy now has a 6.3 percent interception rate entering Week 13. He's the only quarterback with an interception rate of 5 percent or higher. To make matters worse for Minnesota, left tackle Christian Darrisaw left the game with an injury. The Vikings built a strong roster around McCarthy and he's already looking like a colossal draft bust.

27. Cleveland Browns (29)

The Cleveland Browns pulled Shedeur Sanders to a victory in his first NFL start. He made a nice 52-yard strike to Isaiah Bond , but rookie Dylan Sampson did all the work on that 66-yard touchdown. Of course, the driving force behind this two-touchdown victory was a defense led by Myles Garrett that recorded 10 sacks for 77 yards lost. This was a matchup that was ripe for a Browns' victory. Set to face the49ers next Sunday, Cleveland will likely return to its typical feeling in experiencing defeat.

28. New Orleans Saints (26)

On paper, with the Falcons missing Michael Penix Jr. and Drake London , this seemed like a game the New Orleans Saints should've won. Instead, rookie quarterback Tyler Shough looked like someone who can't be the long-term answer, and Alvin Kamara demonstrated why he probably needs to retire. On the bright side, Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson remain bright spots for New Orleans.

29. Las Vegas Raiders (28)

This is rock-bottom for the Las Vegas Raiders. In the offseason, bringing in Geno Smith and Pete Carroll with a top pick spent on Ashton Jeanty was all to make this a competitive football team. As the loss at home to the Browns showed, this organization is the same disaster it always has been. Carroll needs to be fired before the season ends, and Las Vegas will probably have to reach for a quarterback in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft and throw him into a situation with an awful offensive line. Raider Nation deserves better, but the on-field product reflects on how the organization has been for years now.

30. Washington Commanders (30)

This is rock-bottom for the Washington Commanders. This six-game losing streak has made it evident just how much of a fluke last season's success was. It should also be clear to the front office that Jayden Daniels has no business returning to the field this season, even if it means changes need to be made to the coaching staff. Returning from the bye, there's probably only one possible win on the Commanders' schedule.

31. New York Jets (31)

We're still not totally convinced the best strategy for the New York Jets this offseason is to use their top pick on a quarterback. This isn't a particularly strong class, especially if Oregon Ducks signal-caller Dante Moore returns for another year. Instead, the Jets front office can use all that draft capital to keep filling out this defense and build a better supporting cast for the quarterback of the future. We're focused on the future because there's nothing really to take away from Sunday's loss in Baltimore.

32. Tennessee Titans (32)

Well, at least Cam Ward came out of the game healthy, and he had a Cam Newton moment. That's about all there is to say with Tennessee Titans games at this point. Although it would be fair to highlight rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike as he's now returned a punt for a touchdown in two of the last three games. You're one week closer to the No. 1 pick, Tennessee fans.

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