NFL Power Rankings: Week Fourteen, Time To Get Clean"

Welcome to the last quarter of our 2025 NFL season; as we've 
witnessed surprise teams, superior rebuilds in horrendous 
organizations, a lot of gut wrenching plays which made us say: "Are you 
kidding me!" It's time to clean up and add rocket fuel for playoff pushes. 
Who made the cut in my power rankings for week fourteen? Buckle up, 
here we go...

1. New England Patriots: 11-2 (Week 13 ranking: 2nd) 
Winning is contagious in New England, as the Patriots claim top spot in 
this week's rankings. A ten game winning streak after starting 1-2, it's 

been a fun ride. Heading into the bye week, New England's a well- 
rounded team. Quarterback Drake Maye is among MVP conversations 

as he's guided a franchise back to relevance. Head coach Mike Vrabel 
should be in Coach of The Year talks as this team very well prepared 
each week. A team whose true Super Bowl contention will come after 
their bye week: home to Buffalo, at Baltimore; which both games can 
either cement New England as superior threat in the AFC. Split those 
two games and secure the number one seed over AFC West leader 
Denver Broncos. My only concerns: this streak will end before the 
postseason. It could help reset their morale and take a couple bumps. 

2. Chicago Bears: 9-3 (Week 13 ranking: 4th)
Who had the Chicago Bears atop of the NFC North and number one 
seed in the NFC as a whole? Well folks, you're not dreaming and it's a 
reality. Chicago has flipped the script and been functioning since first 
year head coach Ben Johnson's arrival. Everyone was skeptical, 
including myself in part of how second year quarterback Caleb Williams 
would mesh with a true play caller. So far, it's worked for both parties. 
As a top three scoring offense built around running the ball, Bears fans 

have been screaming for years! A very good offensive line, solid skilled 
position players. The biggest concern should be their defense; an 
identity which can be swing and miss. Bottom four in rankings and 
decent enough to get by. Feasting and mauling off turnovers makes for
highlights. To stay atop of the NFC, the gauntlet is very difficult. Three of
their next five games are home to Cleveland, Green Bay and Detroit. A
crucial divisional road game in Green Bay; with a west coast flight to
San Francisco with everything to play for.

3. Denver Broncos: 10-2 (Week 13 ranking: 3rd)
A down to the wire overtime win Sunday night in Washington, as the
Broncos survive 27-26. A defense which has been really good gave up
419 yards to back-up quarterback Marcus Mariota is concerning. As I
went back and checked the stats, their ranking is where it should be.
Regardless of their record, the sirens are wailing louder each week.
This offense can come and go; as second year quarterback Bo Nix will
need to lead touchdown drives versus field goals. I don't think their
offense is elite; Nix can be erratic at times and play reckless football.
Receiving corp is middle of the road at best compared to other rooms.
Adding Elijah Moore may add a little wrinkle, but not much. This defense
has kept Denver in games; but is it sustainable for postseason success?
Head coach Sean Payton is still among the best play callers in football,
but what will happen if they fall behind early against a very good team?
As they look to keep pace with New England, a *beware game* in Las
Vegas, home to Green Bay, Jacksonville before their Christmas night
game in Kansas City.

4. Los Angeles Rams: 9-3 (Week 13 ranking: 1st)
A bad road loss in Carolina Sunday afternoon, as the Rams fall down to
fourth in my power rankings. Quarterback Matthew Stafford played the
worst game possible in rainy weather. Credit, scoring twenty-eight
points would've won the game, but Carolina had other plans. In a very

tight NFC West and now chasing the Chicago Bears for top spot, it
doesn't get easier. A *beware game* in Arizona before two crucial
matchups hosting Detroit and flying to Seattle in what could be who
wins the division. It's time to flex and prove you're still the complete
team to beat in the NFC.

5. Seattle Seahawks: 9-3 (Week 13 ranking: 5th)
A close race between Seattle and LA Rams is going to decide who wins
the NFC West. After a blowout win over Minnesota, the Seahawks are
steady in my top five. Feels like they've been here all season but hey,
how you play matters. Quarterback Sam Darnold is big game player;
which sometimes it becomes complicated to figure out. Solid offensive
line, running game, JSN or bust in the passing game. I like this defense
and it'll do enough to keep games in control. It all comes down to
Darnold's postseason experience. Four of their next five games are
against teams who too are in playoff pushes as well. A road game in
Atlanta this coning Sunday should be a win, but nothing is promised
from week to week.

6. San Francisco 49ers: 9-4 (Week 13 ranking: N/A)
Injuries across the roster, San Francisco dig their way back to my power
rankings. In a very competitive NFC West, the Niners keep fighting back
from down under. Quarterback room of Brock Purdy and Mac Jones,
somehow have nine wins. Running back CMC is the only offensive
player managing to stay healthy. Head coach Kyle Shanahan and
defensive coordinator Robert Saleh should be given flowers by fans for
keeping hope alive. It's going to boil down to their last three games
against playoff teams: road trip to Indianapolis, who'll be playing to stay
afloat in the AFC. Back to back home games versus Chicago and likely
a fifth or sixth seed against Seattle to close the season. Either way,
three teams in the NFC West are playing postseason football.

7. Buffalo Bills: 8-4 (Week 13 ranking: 9th)
A bad loss in Houston two weeks ago and bounce back win Sunday in
Pittsburgh. Buffalo has been really good and very bad; as they climb a
couple spots. Reigning MVP Josh Allen led the way as a potent run
game with James Cook took the highest paid defense in football to the
kitchen with over two hundred yards rushing. A defense who managed
to batter and beat Aaron Rodgers up. My biggest concern: can the Bills
maintain consistency on both sides? I don't trust this defense
whatsoever as it's shown lackluster performances. Allen is Superman
and Clark Kent trying to balance both personas. With a revived Joe
Burrow leading the Cincinnati Bengals into Buffalo, it's must see tv.
Playoff dreams linger on a crucial AFC East divisional matchup in
Buffalo the following week. Road game in Cleveland to stay in the wild
card chase; which the Browns can play spoiler. What was supposed to
be a highly anticipated game versus Philadelphia could go either way.

8. Green Bay Packers: 8-3-1 (Week 13 ranking: N/A)
Thanksgiving in Detroit was felt, as Green Bay shredded the Lions in a
31-24 victory. In what's been a solid season, the Packers have all to
play for in the coming weeks. Quarterback Jordan Love has been good,
offensive line solid, run game has to be their bread and cheese.
Defensively, it's ranked sixth in the league led by Micah Parsons. My
biggest concern: four of their next five games are very difficult. Starting
with hosting Chicago this coming Sunday. It'll be a chess match with two
great play callers. Road games in Denver and Chicago on short weeks.
This gauntlet will test their true title contentions over the next three
weeks.

9. Houston Texans: 7-5 (Week 13 ranking: N/A)
Making their 2025 season debut, the Houston Texans trample in at
ninth. A horrible start to the season, getting some quality wins and
quarterback CJ Stroud back under center, Houston now finds

themselves back in postseason contention. With a statement win over
their divisional opponent Indianapolis, Houston will look to take this
momentum into Kansas City Sunday night. In what could be another grit
and grind of defenses, the Texans must make it difficult for Patrick
Mahomes. It's the one game in which can likely decide their playoff fate
come January 4th 2026. With winnable but *beware games* versus
Arizona and Las Vegas, Houston needs to take of business Sunday
night. With the LA Chargers surging, nobody is safe and tiebreakers
matter. A home finale versus Indianapolis could make or break what's
been an up and down season.

10. Los Ángeles Chargers: 8-4 (Week 13 ranking: 7th)
A bounce back win over Las Vegas Sunday afternoon, the biggest
headline was quarterback Justin Herbert suffering a left hand injury.
With it being December and still plenty to play for, the Chargers needs
everyone to bolt up. Their gauntlet of games is going to test their morale
and coaching staff. An offensive line that's shambled with injuries, wide
receivers come and go, defensively its their biggest strength. With a big
game Monday night versus Philadelphia, it'll be playoffs or bust. Each of
their remaining games are against teams who are chasing playoff spots
and gaining traction. A loss could hurt any chances and need help to flip
the switch.