NFL Power Rankings: Week 14 Update
The NFL playoff race is heating up after Week 13, with several teams still in contention for a spot in the postseason. According to Elias Sports Bureau, there are 12 teams that are at least four games over.500, tied with 2000 for the most teams at that mark through Week 13 since the 1970 merger. In this week’s power rankings, we’ll take a closer look at the top teams and identify the X factor for each team’s final stretch.
The New England Patriots take the top spot in our rankings after their win over the Giants on Monday Night Football. The Patriots’ defensive tackle Christian Barmore is a key player to watch, as he’ll be taking on more responsibility with starting DT Milton Williams on injured reserve. As Mike Reiss notes, “With starting DT Milton Williams on injured reserve because of a high ankle sprain for at least the next two games and No. 3 DT Khyiris Tonga slowed by a chest injury from Week 12, more of the burden falls on Barmore.”
The Los Angeles Rams drop to second place after their loss to the Panthers. Linebacker Byron Young is a crucial player for the Rams, with a career-high 10 sacks this season. As Sarah Barshop notes, “This Sunday showed just how important the Rams’ pass rush has been to their success on defense. That group has been particularly helpful to an injury-riddled secondary by pressuring opposing quarterbacks.”
X Factors for the Final Stretch
Each team has a player who can make a significant impact on their final stretch. For the Denver Broncos, it’s running back RJ Harvey, who has shown improvement in pass protection and will be crucial in the team’s run game. As Jeff Legwold notes, “With J.K. Dobbins on injured reserve (foot), Harvey is clearly the team’s RB1 and the only ‘big” back on the roster at 205 pounds — no other player at the position is over 200 pounds.”
The Seattle Seahawks’ wide receiver/returner Rashid Shaheed is another key player to watch. As Brady Henderson notes, “Not long after acquiring Shaheed from the Saints last month, the Seahawks had to put rookie receiver/punt returner Tory Horton on injured reserve. While the trade has proved to be timely, it has yet to be as impactful as Seattle envisioned.”
Other Notable Teams
The Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers are all still in contention for a playoff spot. The Packers’ wide receiver Jayden Reed is expected to return from injury soon and will be a key player in their passing game. As Rob Demovsky notes, “Reed is the Packers’ most versatile receiver and should make their passing game even more difficult to defend down the stretch.”
The Eagles’ running back Saquon Barkley has had a difficult time getting going this season, but the team needs him to unlock their ground game if they want to make another run. As Tim McManus notes, “The reigning Offensive Player of the Year has had a difficult time getting going in 2025. He is on pace for 1,048 rushing yards, just about half of his production from his record-breaking 2024 season (2,005).”
For more information on the NFL power rankings and X factors for each team, visit ESPN.
