2023 NFL Week 13 Power Rankings

As we close out November in the NFL, we’re coming up on peak organizational madness.

Plenty of firings to go as teams go from almost mathematically eliminated to fully mathematically eliminated. As much as I joke about midseason firings, there’s a difference between firing someone still failing several years in, and firing someone several months into working in a rookie franchise QB.

So here’s my advice to owners who won’t listen: Having a lot of money doesn’t make you an NFL talent evaluator.

I know, crazy, right? Because you were always so good at being born on 3rd base everywhere else in your life.

As always, may all your teams win or your team’s owner back tf off. Don’t worry chaps, your money will still be right where you left it.

Tier I: November Super Bowl

1. Philadelphia Eagles (10-1)

I’ve never felt more confident a team would pull off an exciting comeback win. Philly is approaching that territory, where it reaches a certain point in the game and you hear yourself mutter “welp, here we go.”

Also heard this interesting tidbit from an old Jalen Hurts interview on the New Heights podcast.

I’m not saying this is the reason for the success rate of the Brotherly Shove, especially cause they’re talking about shotgun snaps in the clip. But the sentiment is similar and I think it carries over. Jason Kelce wants his hand back, and even on any regular under-center play, Hurts takes the snap from a really low, athletic position.

In other words, they already had little pieces of what they needed before they mastered the play. Then they put in the time and nailed the timing, and here we are.

2. Baltimore Ravens (9-3)

As we get deeper into the season, the Ravens 2023 defense further establishes itself as one to be remembered. Roquan Smith is the best off-ball linebacker in the league, and Patrick Queen is a starter on every other team in the league. I don’t know what’ll happen to Queen after this season, so just enjoy watching this pair in the present.

There’s definitely a “something’s missing” feeling on offense with Mark Andrews out, but this is a great time for Isaiah Likely to establish himself. And don’t sleep on Charlie Kolar, who was a sneaky good day 2 pick last year and now gets the game reps he’s been missing.

Of all the teams with a bye this week, Baltimore somehow needs it the least. Can’t wait to see how they come out of it.

Tier II: The 8-3 Club

How are there 6 teams with an 8-3 record? And none of these teams play each other, so there’s a possibility of going into next week with 7 teams at 9-3.

3. San Francisco 49ers (8-3)

Remember when the Niners were finished and Brock Purdy was a fraud? Sure ya do, cause I remind you every week after they dismantle another team.

I’d like to thank the Niners for allowing me an early Thanksgiving bedtime as they beat down a decent Seahawks team with ease.

4. Kansas City Chiefs (8-3)

Chiefs WRs are really good at recovering from a bad game by catching everything a week later. The problem is, there’s no recovery option at playoff time. There’s no next week. And that’s a major concern for me when trying to decide where to rank them.

Their defense has come through when they need it, which convinces me more how critical it was to get Chris Jones on the field at the beginning of the year. Without him, they could be 6-5 or worse right now.

5. Miami Dolphins (8-3)

Despite a convincing win, there are concerns about just about everything but the running game. And when I say concerns, I’m not talking about deep issues. I’m talking about the things that could stand between Miami and a Super Bowl. At this level, nitpicking is necessary.

The biggest is losing Jaelan Phillips for the year thanks to a torn Achilles. If Achilles was really concerned about people forgetting his name, this NFL season should greatly ease his concerns. It’s wild how often we’ve seen that specific injury this year.

6. Dallas Cowboys (8-3)

Cowboys get the Seahawks at home on Thursday night, right after the Niners beat Seattle down last week. Common opponents are important, even if it’s in your mind. Dallas needs a convincing win over Seattle to keep their heads convinced they can play with San Francisco and the 42-10 thrashing earlier this season was an outlier.

Dak Prescott has been on fire, and no QB in the league is playing at the same level right now. But that can change quickly, and it’s not easy to maintain through the playoffs. If he can maintain something close, Dallas is a real Super Bowl contender.

Micah Parsons Sack Watch: 11.5

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-3)

Josh Allen Defense Version may be having a more impactful season than the offense version. Yeah, the Jags offense can be exciting, but the real revelation has been the defense, and Allen is a big time playmaker.

Josh Allen Sack Watch: 12

8. Detroit Lions (8-3)

This is a first real falloff, where the 8-3s end and we start losing the components of contention. Not only did Detroit lose to the Packers on Thanksgiving, but the Packers were missing several of their best players.

I was happy to hear Dan Campbell admit he made a mistake with the fake punt call. I know it seems like a hindsight, but even if they got it, the risk wasn’t worth the reward.

Tier III: Top 10 Turn

These 3 teams are at a crossroads. Playoffs are possible, deep playoffs could happen, but it all has to start now.

9. Denver Broncos (6-5)

I don’t like having to admit things seem to be going well for Russell Wilson and Sean Payton. They both have such punchable personalities, but I can admit when I’m wrong.

The biggest change has obviously been on defense. It’s so hard to believe this Broncos team gave up 70 points in a game this year.

10. Cleveland Browns (7-4)

It’s hard to know if the Broncos got that much better or if Cleveland’s QB carousel is catching up to them. With Dorian Thompson-Robinson in concussion protocol, we may see Joe Flacco this week.

Myles Garrett Sack Watch: 13

11. Buffalo Bills (6-6)

I put up a Facebook poll during the Bills and Eagles game asking which Josh Allen would have more of a playoff impact for his team. Last I checked, Defense Version was winning 21-12, and some people rightly pointed out that Offense Version may not be in the playoffs.

I don’t know what the fix is here, and I’m sure some of Bills Mafia is looking at the head coach. And who could blame them? At best, Sean McDermott has a message consistency problem.

Tier IV: Laying Groundwork

These 4 young teams are talented, well coached, and well positioned for the future. Playoffs could still happen this year, but it’s not required for future optimism.

12. Houston Texans (6-5)

If I were to create an offense from scratch, I’d want a mobile QB with great vision and pocket awareness, 2 RBs with different skillsets, a big, tall WR who can turn 50/50 balls into 80/20, and quick, shifty WR who runs immaculate slot routes while also having the ability to stretch the field outside, and a sure-handed, veteran TE. That’s the 2023 Houston Texans.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4)

7 wins while averaging 16.5 points per game. And a week after firing Matt Canada, they won a game while scoring… 16 points.

I’m not saying they didn’t look better. I’m just saying let’s not pretend all is fixed on offense. It took this long to shift the backfield focus to Jaylen Warren, and NaJee Harris actually looks to be in a role where he belongs. I see a lot of reason for optimism. Next year.

T.J. Watt Sack Watch: 13.5

14. Indianapolis Colts (6-5)

I love this team. They’re the perfect future opportunity for a 2-QB system, and if they make the playoffs, I don’t know how you just throw Gardner Minshew II out next year.

I’m a big fan of Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr, and he recently pushed for the consideration of Shane Steichen for Coach of the Year, adding more validity to my midseason prediction for the award. Just a reminder, he was +6000 when I wrote that… since Mr. Orr’s article, he’s jumped as high as +800. You want hot takes, come back often.

15. Green Bay Packers (5-6)

No Aaron Jones, no Jaire Alexander, no De’Vondre Campbell, no problem. A lot of young players are stepping up and despite understandable inconsistency, the Packers find themselves on the playoff bubble. Playoffs or not, there’s a lot to look forward to, like if Jordan Love gets a new contract this offseason.

Tier V: Tear Up the Groundwork

Not very young, and the young elements are held back by old guard thinking. There’s some to build on, but a lot to rebuild.

16. Minnesota Vikings (6-6)

I don’t know what Joshua Dobbs could do with a full offseason in the Vikings offense, but I think it’s worth it to draft a QB on day 1 or 2 and keep Dobbs around instead of Kirk Cousins.

I know Dobbs play was ugly on Monday night, but you know the only difference is that Cousins would’ve thrown for 400 yards and still somehow only scored 10 points.

Danielle Hunter Sack Watch: 13.5

17. Seattle Seahawks (6-5)

Geno Smith is around for a few years and he’s pretty good. Now it’s time to draft and develop an heir, and go get a TE who can keep defenses honest.

Tier Vi: El-Lay

18. Los Angeles Rams (5-6)

If the Rams make the playoffs, everyone should be on notice. There are still a lot of guys of the team who remember the entire path through. Matthew Stafford’s health is critical.

19. Los Angeles Chargers (4-7)

There should never have been a time this year when the Rams are ahead of the Chargers. This is embarrassing. The Bolts current playoff odds are 8.7%, and the only reason I can think of that Brandon Staley is still the head coach Bach is that number isn’t yet zero.

Khalil Mack Sack Watch: 13

Tier VII: One of These Teams is a Division Champion

We can ignore the Panthers. But one of these losing record teams will win the NFC South.

20. New Orleans Saints (5-6)

The Derek Carr contract always struck me as one of those things where no one wanted him, but the Saints were certain there was some backroom bidding going on so they were like HERE TAKE ALL OUR MONEY and Carr was like SOLD!

21. Atlanta Falcons (5-6)

Can everyone just let me take my lumps for my offseason Falcons prediction in peace? Stop giving me hope.

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7)

I love that Baker Mayfield is on a team full of veterans and he goes out to an interview and is like “these guys aren’t mad enough about losing.”

Gutsy call, my dude. Now deliver. And scratch your dog’s belly.

Tier VIII: Backup QB Collection

Technically the Commanders and Bears still have their starters but they’re more like high-end backups.

23. Vegas Raiders (5-7)

Raiders actually started the year with an overpaid backup, so it’s not like Aiden O’Connell was some big dropoff. He might be a step up. He looked great last week, completing almost 70% of his passes against the Chiefs. I’m doubting Davante Adams is bought in yet, but a few more weeks like that could help.

24. Cincinnati Bengals (5-6)

Another backup who didn’t play poorly is Jake Browning. He’s had the benefit of being around the league for a few years, but he’s still very raw. If anything, it seems like the team around him just gave up when Joe Burrow went down for the year.

25. New York Jets (4-7)

I keep hearing “why is Rodgers bothering with trying to come back?”

As a veteran Aaron Rodgers fan, let me explain something. There is no one in this league more arrogant and with a bigger chip on his shoulder than Aaron Rodgers. He’s coming back so he can win a few games at the end of the year and have everyone saying he single-handedly made a losing team into a winner.

26. Washington Commanders (4-8)

Tankathon currently has the Football Team at pick 5. Tell me they don’t grab one of those top QBs and Sam Howell becomes a journeyman backup.

27. Tennessee Titans (4-7)

There are short-term concerns about the Titans, but we’ve seen enough front office dysfunction this year and it’s hard to not include Tennessee in that category. Owner to GM to head coach should be seamless, and if it isn’t, someone should go.

And I say that because if Mike Vrabel feels strongly about something, the front office should do it. But it doesn’t seem like he’s on the same page, and that’s a long-term problem.

28. Chicago Bears (4-8)

Bears are currently at picks 1 and 4, and there are very good QBs available. But there are also potentially generational talents at other positions.

So let’s say the Bears move on from Justin Fields. That doesn’t require them to draft Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. What if they get Marvin Harrison, Jr and Brock Bowers, then go sign Kirk Cousins? Or even Sam Howell? or Jacoby Brissett?

29. New York Giants (4-8)

Tommy DeVito is the 2nd best rookie QB this year. Prove me wrong.

Importantly, he’s the first QB they’ve used this year who took advantage of Jalin Hyatt’s immense talent.

Tier IX: Not Tanking Hard Enough

You want the top pick? Lose harder.

30. Arizona Cardinals (2-10)

There’s no doubt that Kyler Murray is in an audition right now. The question is, who is he auditioning for, the Cardinals or a trade partner? If the Bears stand behind Fields, Arizona could have their pick of QBs. Which is why the Bears won’t publicly stand behind Fields.

What if the Bears keep Fields, swap top picks and get Kyler, then team up Kyler and Fields? God I love this league.

Tier X: Organizational Chaos

The healing can’t start til you stop the bleeding.

31. Carolina Panthers (1-10)

…

Do you think Frank Reich actually did want C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young found out about it? That’s all I got. This entire franchise is a mess, and I hope Bryce doesn’t have his career derailed because of it.

32. New England Patriots (2-9)

I believe less than nothing that comes out of Boston area about Belichick. All I’ll say is this… please trade Mac Jones this offseason. Give the kid a chance before he’s completely ruined, if he isn’t already.