"NFL Power Rankings: Week Thirteen, Time To Be Seen"

What a crazy week of NFL games, as we're pushing into late November! 
Teams are separating themselves from others, while some are literally 
practicing social distancing as in falling down my weekly rankings. Every 
game matters and the margin of error is very slim as playoff hopes are 
within reach. Let's breakdown my week thirteen power rankings! 

1. Los Angeles Rams: 9-2 (Wk 12 ranking: 1st) 
A dominant home win over Tampa Bay Sunday night; as the Rams 
continue to keep a vice grip atop the NFC West and conference as a 
whole. I've said for weeks this team is really good on both sides and 
why would I change it? Championship pedigree, elite talent on both 
sides, supreme head coach and being the underrated top dog in football 
nobody talks about. If they can keep this up and maintain, home field 
advantage runs thorough LA. A east coast flight to Carolina is *beware 
game,* as the Panthers are in clawing for a wild card spot. Arizona will 
no cakewalk by any means. The next big test will be against Detroit on 
December 14th and what could be for the NFC West crown in Seattle 
December 18th.

2. New England Patriots: 10-2 (Wk 12 ranking: 2nd) 

A dominant win over the Cincinnati Bengals, New England is atop the
AFC East and conference. Quarterback Drake Maye is very good and 
still a dark horse MVP candidate as the Patriots continue to restore 
order. I like this young core of players around Maye for a number of 
reasons: Stefon Diggs is still among the best receivers in football; a 
strong run game and this defense... Head coach Mike Vrabel should be 
coach of the year candidate as well. New England has turned it around 
in one season; I'm not saying Super Bowl bound but the AFC is very 
much wide open. A Monday night game versus the New York Giants, 
then a late bye week. Here's where the Patriots need to flex their 
muscles: home game versus Buffalo and sail into Baltimore in what 
could be Maye's final MVP push in both games. IF New England is a 
real contender, those two games will test the morale of their season. 

3. Denver Broncos: 9-2 (Wk 12 ranking: 3rd)
Coming off a bye week, Denver looks to pony up the AFC and gain 
traction. A much needed break to get players back and prep for their 
playoff push, the Broncos must stay the course. Quarterback Bo Nix's 
second half season will be the tall tale if Denver can withstand low 
scoring outputs and win ugly with their defense. This next gauntlet of 
games: east coast flight to Washington, *beware game at Las Vegas,* 
two home games versus Green Bay and Jacksonville before a 
Christmas night matchup in Kansas City; in what could be the Chiefs 

final battlecry for a playoff spot. It's going to be a grit and grind without 
injuring the hooves. 

4. Chicago Bears: 8-3 (Wk 12 ranking: 5th)
If you'd told me the Chicago Bears would in first place, I'd likely laugh
and say: "it's a reach." Well folks, the Bears have the best offense in
football. Quarterback Caleb Williams has been leading this team to
victories with laser passes, building confidence and having the trust of
first year head coach Ben Johnson. Bears fans have waited many years
to say "we have a complete team and coaching staff." Coming off a solid
win over struggling Pittsburgh, Chicago will put their high potent offense
to test in Philadelphia Friday afternoon. It's a very winnable game, but
will be a defensive chess match of two veteran coordinators in Dennis
Allen and Vic Vangio. Roaring to Green Bay the following week could be
another grind it out game; Myles Garrett and his Browns bark into
Chicago as he continues his record breaking sack season. Play Green
Bay two weeks later at home; a west coast flight to Santa Clara and
play San Francisco before a home finale versus Detroit.

5. Seattle Seahawks: 8-3 (Wk 12 ranking: 9th)
A get right game in Tennessee was what Seattle needed Sunday
afternoon; as the Seahawks climb back into a respectable fifth place.
Quarterback Sam Darnold was flawless; while the JSN channel is a
highlight reel waiting to happen. Again, this defense travels and plays

better away from home. I like this defense and still have concerns for
Darnold's right on schedule interceptions. Are they a contender or
pretender at this point? I'm 60/40 in part of the play of Darnold; there's
not a corner who can cover JSN by any stretch. If you double him, rest
assured he's embarrassing you. A struggling Vikings team sails into
Seattle Sunday afternoon, followed by an east coast trip to Atlanta. Host
Indianapolis before the LA Rams make a short trip for a Thursday night
game in what could a deciding NFC West crown.

6. Detroit Lions: 7-4 (Wk 12 ranking: 8th)
A very ugly win which needed overtime versus the New York Giants,
Detroit got back on track with their offense. A lot of concerns far as head
coach Dan Campbell taking over play calling duties in this crucial stretch
of football. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs is running wild and likely in
conversation for offensive player of the year, as he continues to burn
defenses with "Sonic" speed. Sitting in third place in the NFC North, a
golden opportunity of biting kneecaps is on the platter Thanksgiving
day versus Green Bay. A few days off before a resurgent Dallas
Cowboys team rides into the Motor City. Big road game and
homecoming for Jared Goff returns to LA. Old nemesis Aaron Rodgers
brings his Pittsburgh Steelers for visit. A short week and flight to
Minnesota on Christmas Day as it could likely be staying afloat for a wild
card spot before closing at Chicago.

7. Los Ángeles Chargers: 7-4 (Wk 12 ranking: 10th)
After a crushing loss in Jacksonville, the Chargers need to be hands on
deck. With a banged up offensive line, quarterback Justin Herbert has
seen his play go from elite to subpar. Even when everything folds, a
reckless interception follows. It's not what he envisioned but injuries
have derailed any chances of being a top tier scoring offense. A get right
game versus Las Vegas will rebuild their momentum; Philadelphia flies
into LA for a chance to reestablish their identity. Road games in Kansas
City and Dallas before what could be a make or break game versus a
stingy Houston Texans team who find themselves back in the playoff
chase. Could they somehow win the AFC West with a victory over
Denver in a road finale? We shall see.

8. Indianapolis Colts: 8-3 (Wk 12 ranking: 4th)
Coming off a bye and playing the defending AFC Champions,
Indianapolis had Kansas City on the ropes. Had them ready to pack it
up as kids say and missed their big moment to do it. A crushing and
moral loss will only fuel Indy's playoff push. Leading 20-9 and losing 23-
20 in overtime, these games come down to aggressive play calling and
execution. Running back Johnathan Taylor was erased by the Chiefs
defense; as Daniel Jones was forced to throw the ball more than usual.
Defense did all they could but couldn't make the plays in overtime to
regain possession. No time to dwell and pout, as a resurgent Houston
Texans team arrives with the number one defense in points allowed; a

trip to Jacksonville and try to win a game they seem to have the
unluckiest moments. Cross country flight to Seattle before coming back
and host the San Francisco 49ers. If the Colts look to maintain a top two
playoff spot, this stretch is crucial in finishing strong.

9. Buffalo Bills: 7-4 (Wk 12 ranking: 7th)
One week we're praising reigning MVP Josh Allen for his "Superman"
heroics versus Tampa Bay... Then being helpless in Houston last
Thursday night. It's been a tale of weekly performances by Buffalo in
general. Rather it's wide receiver Keon Coleman being out of the lineup
for missing team meetings, injuries with other players. No run game can
exist unless Allen is leading the charge. Offensive line got worked; as
the play calling was dissected by Houston's number one defense in
points allowed. Biggest red flag and siren: defense can't stop a cold, let
alone get pressure on any opposing quarterbacks. Head coach Sean
McDermott has been subject of criticism among fans and pundits. Allen
has ZERO help in these moments, but is this more about coaching than
personnel? It goes both ways and opposing teams know how to deal the
Bills. If Buffalo has any remote chance of making a playoff push,
roaming to Pittsburgh and regain their identity. Hosting Cincinnati and
traveling to New England in what could be the Patriots chance to claim
the AFC East division. A game in Cleveland in which Myles Garrett will
likely accumulate multiple sacks. Host the Philadelphia Eagles for what
could be a last push for postseason play.

10. Philadelphia Eagles: 8-3 (Wk 12 ranking: 6th)
Hmm... Did we see this on the horizons for several weeks?
Philadelphia's bad play calling came back and pecked them in the face
like angry birds fighting over scraps. An embarrassing road divisional
loss in Dallas after leading 21-0 and not scoring a single point in the
second half. Dallas walked it off with a 24-21 victory; as Brandon Aubery
reminded Philly they're not invincible against anyone. Quarterback Jalen
Hurts and wide receiver AJ Brown's relationship is running everyone
into the ground. Winning games by being conservative isn't sustainable
for success. Defense couldn't stop Dallas' offense in the second half.
This gauntlet has been brutal and morally testing everyone since it
started. If the Eagles aren't running the unwatchable "tush-push," what's
their offensive game plan? Running back Saquon Barkley has been a
shell of himself; as egos are being shattered for not getting their stats.
With the Chicago Bears roaming into Philly Friday afternoon, it'll be a
must win no matter what. A good ten days off before a west coast trip to
LA and play the Chargers. Las Vegas plays their partial deck of cards in
a home game; two road games in Washington and Buffalo; closing out
their regular season hosting Washington.