NFL Week 13 Power Rankings, and every team’s path to the postseason

Cooper Neill/Getty Images; Steve Luciano/AP; Rachel Mendelson/Insider We’re on to Week 14 of the NFL season, with the Eagles holding on to the top spot in our Power Rankings. Below, we rank every team as things stand at this point in the season. We also examine each team’s path to the playoffs, from the already eliminated to the nearly locked up.

32. Houston TexansRecord: 1-10-1Week 13 result: Lost to the Browns, 27-14Week 14 opponent: at Dallas CowboysPath to the playoffs: The Texans have, mercifully, been mathematically eliminated from the 2022 postseason. Based on their current outlook as a roster, it may be quite a few years until they’re back in the playoffs.

Their one saving grace is their division — the AFC South is something of a crapshoot from year to year. Maybe they will roll a seven. 31.

Chicago BearsJustin Fields runs for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers. AP Photo/Kamil KrzaczynskiRecord: 3-10Week 13 result: Lost to the Packers, 28-19Week 14 opponent: ByePath to the playoffs: The Chicago Bears are the only other team aside from the Houston Texans that have been eliminated from postseason contention, but with quarterback Justin Fields emerging as one of the most dynamic offensive threats in the league, next year could be a coming out party for the Bears. 30.

Los Angeles RamsRecord: 3-9Week 13 result: Lost to the Seahawks, 27-23Week 14 opponent: vs. Las Vegas RaidersPath to the playoffs: The Rams have lost six straight games after a 3-3 start to the season, and are having one of the most painful post-championship seasons in the history of American sports. They’d need to run the table and get a lot of help from others if they were going to make it back to the playoffs this year — a task they will not achieve.

But it was all worth it to raise a championship banner at the start of the year. 29. Indianapolis ColtsRecord: 4-8-1Week 13 result: Lost to the Cowboys, 54-19Week 14 opponent: ByePath to the playoffs: Despite their paltry record, the Colts still sit in second place in the AFC South.

They’d need a collapse from the Titans in order to have an outside shot of reaching the playoffs, but now that Tennessee has lost two straight and fired their general manager, it’s not impossible. 28. Denver BroncosRussell Wilson jogs on the field during a game against the Baltimore Ravens.

AP Photo/Terrance WilliamsRecord: 3-9Week 13 result: Lost to the Ravens, 10-9Week 14 opponent: vs. Kansas City ChiefsPath to the playoffs: Four of the Broncos’ nine losses on the season have come by a field goal or less. Denver only has three wins on the year, but their offense has cleared 20 points just twice this season.

If the Broncos are going to salvage the Russell Wilson experience next year, he’s going to have to start putting up some points.  27. New Orleans SaintsRecord: 4-9Week 13 result: Lost to the Buccaneers, 17-16Week 14 opponent: ByePath to the playoffs: The Saints have lost four of their past five games, failing to score more than 16 points in any of those four losses.

Had they been able to hold on to a 13-point lead with three minutes left against the Buccaneers on Monday night, they’d be right in the hunt to win the NFC South. Instead, they’re going to need some help from elsewhere in the division. 26.

Arizona CardinalsRecord: 4-8Week 13 result: ByeWeek 14 opponent: vs. New England PatriotsPath to the playoffs: Arizona’s playoff hopes are pretty dim as things stand, even compared to other 4-8 teams around the league. While the Panthers are only two games back in their division, the Cardinals are four games out of the NFC West, likely in need of running the table to secure a wild card spot if they’re going to play on into the postseason.

25. Carolina PanthersSam Darnold looks up before a snap against the Denver Broncos. AP Photo/Rusty JonesRecord: 4-8Week 13 result: ByeWeek 14 opponent: at Seattle SeahawksPath to the playoffs: The Panthers’ path to the playoffs is brighter than their record indicates.

They sit just two games back in the dismal NFC South, and with a 3-1 record within the division, Carolina could win most internal tiebreakers should it get hot to close the year. 24. Jacksonville JaguarsRecord: 4-8Week 13 result: Lost to the Lions, 40-14Week 14 opponent: at Tennessee TitansPath to the playoffs: The Jaguars have a lot of work to do to reach the playoffs, and getting dismantled by the Lions last week certainly didn’t help.

That said, two of their last five games are against the division-leading Titans. Start with a win over Tennessee next week, and Jacksonville could make a run so that their season finale against the Titans decides the winner of the AFC South. 23.

Atlanta FalconsRecord: 5-8Week 13 result: Lost to the Steelers, 19-16Week 14 opponent: ByePath to the playoffs: The Falcons are currently just one win behind the Buccaneers and will get to finish their season at home against Tampa Bay. If Atlanta can find some form during its bye week this week, it’s not impossible to imagine the Falcons having a shot to play past Week 18. 22.

Cleveland BrownsRecord: 5-7Week 13 result: Beat the Texans, 27-14Week 14 opponent: at Cincinnati BengalsPath to the playoffs: The Browns face an uphill battle in winning the AFC North, looking up at both the Bengals and the Ravens in the standings right now. That said, they have an outside shot at a wild card spot in the AFC. While FiveThirtyEight currently gives Cleveland just a 9% chance to reach the postseason, a win at Cincinnati this week will shoot that up to 23%.

21. Pittsburgh SteelersMike Tomlin looks on during a game against the Atlanta Falcons. AP Photo/John BazemoreRecord: 5-7Week 13 result: Beat the Falcons, 19-16Week 14 opponent: vs.

Baltimore RavensPath to the playoffs: The Steelers certainly are a long shot to make the playoffs, but as winners of two straight, they might be getting hot at the right time. Head coach Mike Tomlin has famously never had a losing season in two decades as a head coach. Pittsburgh can afford to drop just one more game the rest of the way if they’re to keep that streak alive.

If they do, it might be enough to sneak them into the postseason. 20. Detroit LionsRecord: 5-7Week 13 result: Beat the Jaguars, 40-14Week 14 opponent: vs.

Minnesota VikingsPath to the playoffs: The Detroit Lions are quietly one of the hottest teams in football, winners of four of their past five games. While their record still leaves them with a lot of work to do to reach the postseason, they are playing quality football — many teams sitting at a similar record are hoping for a spark that Detroit has already found. Upcoming matchups against the Vikings and Jets give the Lions the chance to prove their worth against two teams that currently look playoff-bound.

19. Green Bay PackersRecord: 5-8Week 13 result: Beat the Bears, 28-19Week 14 opponent: ByePath to the playoffs: It’s tough to ever count Aaron Rodgers out of the playoff hunt, and coming off yet another dominant performance against the Chicago Bears, maybe the twice-reigning MVP has finally found his stride in the 2022 season. The Packers would need to win out in order to make the playoffs, but it’s not like Rodgers and company haven’t pulled that off before.

18. Las Vegas RaidersRecord: 5-7Week 13 result: Beat the Chargers, 27-20Week 14 opponent: at Los Angeles RamsPath to the playoffs: After a comically bad start to the year, the Raiders have now won three straight games and are back in the hunt for the playoffs. While FiveThirtyEight currently gives them just a 16% chance to make the postseason, none of Las Vegas’ next three opponents currently have a winning record.

If they can sweep those games to get to 8-7, their postseason chances jump all the way up to 53%. 17. Washington CommandersTaylor Heinicke signals before a play against the Green Bay Packers.

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr. Record: 7-5-1Week 13 result: Tied with the Giants, 20-20Week 14 opponent: ByePath to the playoffs: The NFC East is hilarious this year. Washington is currently two games above .

500, and somehow dead last in their division. The good news for the Commanders is that there’s three wild card teams per conference this year, so they can still make the playoffs even if they finish fourth in the division. That said, the downside to playing in such a good division is that you have a lot of games against good teams, and two of Washington’s final four games will come against NFC East competition.

16. New England PatriotsRecord: 6-6Week 13 result: Lost to the Bills, 24-10Week 14 opponent: at Arizona CardinalsPath to the playoffs: After two decades of torturing their AFC East competition, the Patriots’ playoff hopes will likely come down to beating their division rivals in the final two weeks of the season. New England ends the 2022 season at home against the Dolphins and then on the road in Buffalo, with the Patriots having dropped both games against them so far this season.

15. Tampa Bay BuccaneersRecord: 6-6Week 13 result: Beat the Saints, 17-16Week 14 opponent: at San Francisco 49ersPath to the playoffs: Tom Brady and Buccaneers are having quite an awful season, but at 6-6, they still lead a pathetic NFC South. Should things continue down this trajectory, Tampa Bay could wind up hosting a playoff game despite finishing the year with a losing record.

14. Seattle SeahawksRecord: 7-5Week 13 result: Beat the Rams, 27-23Week 14 opponent: vs. Carolina PanthersPath to the playoffs: Heading into the year, many (myself extremely included) picked the Seahawks to finish last in the NFC West.

Instead, with five games to play, they are very much in control of their own destiny. Seattle’s path to the postseason and chance to host a playoff game will depend on the continued elite play of Geno Smith, who is currently completing passes at a level only Drew Brees has touched in NFL history. 13.

Tennessee TitansDerrick Henry scores a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts. AP Foto/AJ MastRecord: 7-5Week 13 result: Lost to the Eagles, 35-10Week 14 opponent: vs. Jacksonville JaguarsPath to the playoffs: The Titans playoff outlook should look a lot worse than it is, but playing in the AFC South, Tennessee is backing into hosting a postseason game despite an unimpressive 7-5 record.

That said, after disappointingly early exits the past two years, the Titans are looking to do more than just make the playoffs this time around. 12. Los Angeles ChargersRecord: 6-6Week 13 result: Lost to the Raiders, 27-20Week 14 opponent: vs.

Miami DolphinsPath to the playoffs: The Chargers roster is loaded with talent, but at 6-6 and with plenty of tough games left on the schedule, Los Angeles is going to have to find a new gear if they’re to play into January. Games against the Dolphins and Titans the next two weeks will have major implications on whether or not they reach the playoffs. 11.

New York GiantsRecord: 7-4-1Week 13 result: Tied with the Commanders, 20-20Week 14 opponent: vs. Philadelphia EaglesPath to the playoffs: The good news is that with seven wins to the season already, the Giants are very much in control of their own destiny. The bad news is that four of their final five games come against opponents with winning records, including two games against the 11-1 Eagles and a trip to Minnesota to play the 10-2 Vikings.

If New York is going to reach the playoffs, they’re going to have to do it by proving themselves against some playoff teams. 10. New York JetsRecord: 7-5Week 13 result: Lost to the Vikings, 27-22Week 14 opponent: at Buffalo BillsPath to the playoffs: The Jets have a lot riding on this week’s matchup against the Bills.

Win, and their chances of reaching the postseason jump all the way up to 77%, according to FiveThirtyEight. Lose, and they drop to 42%. Best of luck to Mike White and company.

9. San Francisco 49ersBrock Purdy makes a throw against the Miami Dolphins. AP Photo/Lachlan CunninghamRecord: 8-4Week 13 result: Beat the Dolphins, 33-17Week 14 opponent: vs.

Tampa Bay BuccaneersPath to the playoffs: The 49ers are near-locks to reach the playoffs between their solid record and stout defense. But with the recent season-ending injury to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, just how far San Francisco is able to make their playoff run will depend on the play of backup Brock Purdy, or whoever else winds up taking the reins under center. 8.

Baltimore RavensRecord: 8-4Week 13 result: Beat the Broncos, 10-9Week 14 opponent: at Pittsburgh SteelersPath to the playoffs: The Baltimore Ravens can seal the AFC North division with wins over the Steelers and Browns the next two weeks. But what’s currently more concerning is the health of superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is considered to be “week-to-week” as he deals with a knee injury.  7.

Miami DolphinsRecord: 8-4Week 13 result: Lost to the 49ers, 33-17Week 14 opponent: at Los Angeles ChargersPath to the playoffs: The Dolphins are a near-lock to make the playoffs this year. If they do, it will be their first postseason appearance since 2016. If they can beat the Bills when they meet in Buffalo in two weeks, Miami will very likely be AFC East division champs for the first time since 2008.

6. Kansas City ChiefsPatrick Mahomes celebrates a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars. AP Photo/Perry KnottsRecord: 9-3Week 13 result: Lost to the Bengals, 27-24Week 14 opponent: at Denver BroncosPath to the playoffs: The Chiefs are going to make the playoffs, and they’re the favorite to take the first-round bye out of the AFC.

Still, Kansas City isn’t without worry heading into the postseason, as the Cincinnati Bengals have now beaten them three times in the past two years, and a fourth matchup is likely to manifest en route to the Super Bowl. 5. Cincinnati BengalsRecord: 8-4Week 13 result: Beat the Chiefs, 27-24Week 14 opponent: vs.

Cleveland BrownsPath to the playoffs: The Bengals made an unlikely run to the Super Bowl last year, and as winners of six of their past seven games, are positioning themselves to do it again. There’s few players opposing defenses want to face less than Joe Burrow in January. 4.

Minnesota VikingsRecord: 10-2Week 13 result: Beat the Jets, 27-22Week 14 opponent: at Detroit LionsPath to the playoffs: The Minnesota Vikings are going to make the playoffs, and if the Eagles stumble in the homestretch of the season, could even steal a first-round bye. But despite their great record, there’s not many people currently respecting the Vikings as a Super Bowl threat. Case in point, Minnesota (10-2) is an underdog against the Lions (5-7) this weekend in Detroit.

3. Dallas CowboysDak Prescott celebrates after a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts. AP Photo/Tony GutierrezRecord: 9-3Week 13 result: Beat the Colts, 54-19Week 14 opponent: vs.

Houston TexansPath to the playoffs: The Cowboys are going to make the playoffs and will be a problem when they get there, having just put up a whopping 33 points in a quarter against the Colts on Monday night. Still, with the Eagles leading the NFC East, Dallas could improve their standing in the final weeks of the season if they make a run and Philadelphia should falter. 2.

Buffalo BillsRecord: 9-3Week 13 result: Beat the Patriots, 24-10Week 14 opponent: vs. New York JetsPath to the playoffs: Buffalo’s three losses on the season have come by a combined eight points. They are in the driver’s seat to the top spot in the AFC and should force the road to the Super Bowl to ride through Buffalo.

1. Philadelphia EaglesJalen Hurts looks to throw against the Tennessee Titans. AP Photo/Rich SchultzRecord: 11-1Week 13 result: Beat the Titans, 35-10Week 14 opponent: at New York GiantsPath to the playoffs: At 11-1, the Eagles are in total control.

They face a three-game road trip in the coming weeks, but if they can get through that relatively unscathed, they won’t have to leave Philadelphia again until they get on a plane to Glendale, Arizona for the Super Bowl. Read the original article on Insider.