NFL Power Rankings Week 13 (Pre-Monday Night Edition)
(Elsa/Getty Images)
Odell Beckham Jr may have pulled off the sickest catch of the 2014 season, but it was the Dallas Cowboys who came up big on Sunday night against the New York Giants to stay on top of the NFC East with the Philadelphia Eagles at 8-3.
Without wasting any more time, here's a look at the 2014 NFL Power Rankings Week 13 (Pre-Monday Night Edition).
32. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-10 (31)
(Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
32. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-10 (31)
(Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The defense caused two early turnovers on Andrew Luck, but in the end--the Indianapolis Colts were just too much for the Jacksonville Jaguars. This was one of the ugliest games of the 2014 season for Blake Bortles and company.
31. Tennessee Titans 2-9 (30)
(Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
31. Tennessee Titans 2-9 (30)
(Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Don't let Zach Mettenberger's numbers (345 passing yards with two touchdowns and one interception) fool you as most of his stats came during garbage time. The Tennessee Titans trailed this game from the kickoff and just couldn't figure out a way to overcome Chip Kelly's offense.
30. Oakland Raiders 1-10 (32)
(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
30. Oakland Raiders 1-10 (32)
(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
It finally happened as the Oakland Raiders picked up their first win of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs--even though they almost blew it near the end.
29. Washington Redskins 3-8 (29)
(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
29. Washington Redskins 3-8 (29)
(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The criticism surrounding Robert Griffin III (11 of 19 for 106 yards) continues as the Washington Redskins suffered yet another loss on Sunday to the San Francisco 49ers. At least Alfred Morris (125 rushing yards with one touchdown) is showing some signs of life on offense.
28. New York Jets 2-8 (28) (Monday Night)
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28. New York Jets 2-8 (28) (Monday Night)
(Elsa/Getty Images)
Will the New York Jets be able to play at the high level they played at when they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers? They have a favorable matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, but it won't be easy for Michael Vick and company.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2-9 (27)
(Brian Kersey/Getty Images)
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2-9 (27)
(Brian Kersey/Getty Images)
Josh McCown looked like he was on his way to winning against his former team before the defense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers failed to show up in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears. Mike Evans now has six touchdowns over the last four weeks--which is beyond impressive for any rookie.
26. New York Giants 3-8 (26)
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26. New York Giants 3-8 (26)
(Al Bello/Getty Images)
The New York Giants have something special in Odell Beckham Jr. (10 catches for 146 yards with two touchdowns) as the rookie was unstoppable in the first half against the Dallas Cowboys. Unfortunately, that miraculous touchdown catch would have been even more sweet if the Giants had gone on to win the game.
25. Minnesota Vikings 4-7 (25)
(Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
25. Minnesota Vikings 4-7 (25)
(Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Despite the loss, the Minnesota Vikings have to be pleased with how well Teddy Bridgewater (210 passing yards with two touchdowns and one interception) played against the Green Bay Packers.
24. Carolina Panthers 3-7-1 (23)
(Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
24. Carolina Panthers 3-7-1 (23)
(Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
After last year's surprise playoff run, 2014 has been a long year for Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers. This defense is clearly not the same from one year ago, but the crazy thing is the Panthers are still in the hunt for the NFC South title--which is just sad.
23. Buffalo Bills 5-5 (22) (Monday Night)
(Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
23. Buffalo Bills 5-5 (22) (Monday Night)
(Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
After their frustrating loss to the Miami Dolphins, the Buffalo Bills have the perfect chance to bounce back against the Jets--who have won just two games all season. Let's hope Sammy Watkins finds a way to stay consistent in the passing game for the Bills.
22. Chicago Bears 5-6 (24)
(David Banks/Getty Images)
22. Chicago Bears 5-6 (24)
(David Banks/Getty Images)
For the second-straight week, the Chicago Bears pulled off a win against a below-average team--even though it looked like they were going to lose to the Buccaneers. Once again, Matt Forte (89 rushing yards with two touchdowns) carried the way for the offense in this one.
21. New Orleans Saints 4-6 (21) (Monday Night)
(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
21. New Orleans Saints 4-6 (21) (Monday Night)
(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Thanks to the Atlanta Falcons suffering a last-second loss to the Cleveland Browns, the New Orleans Saints have the perfect opportunity to be all alone in first place if they can win against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night--even though their record will still be below .500.
20. Atlanta Falcons 4-7 (20)
(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
20. Atlanta Falcons 4-7 (20)
(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
While it was good to see Julio Jones find the end zone for the first time since Week 3, this is a game the Atlanta Falcons will look back on and kick themselves for losing. The fact that Atlanta couldn't capitalize on three interceptions by Brian Hoyer shows just how bad this season has been.
19. Houston Texans 5-6 (19)
(Bob Levey/Getty Images)
19. Houston Texans 5-6 (19)
(Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Maybe we jumped the gun last week on Ryan Mallett as the quarterback struggled for the Houston Texans against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday as the team failed to score a single offensive touchdown. This was a win this team desperately needed as they now trail the Indianapolis Colts by two games in the AFC South.
18. St Louis Rams 4-7 (15)
(Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
18. St Louis Rams 4-7 (15)
(Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
The St. Louis Rams appeared to be on their way to another big win before a costly interception by Shaun Hill at the end of the game. Still, you have to give Jeff Fisher credit for how well the defense looked again.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers 7-4 (17)
(Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
17. Pittsburgh Steelers 7-4 (17)
(Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The Pittsburgh Steelers will have one tough matchup when they return from their bye in Week 13 against the Saints and with the way the AFC North is shaping up--every win moving forward will be important.
16. Miami Dolphins 6-5 (16)
(Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
16. Miami Dolphins 6-5 (16)
(Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
It's never easy to beat Peyton Manning on his own turf, but Ryan Tannehill (four total touchdowns) and the Miami Dolphins nearly pulled off the big road win in Week 12. From a playoff perspective, this would have been a huge win for the Dolphins considering they held on to a 21-10 lead at one point.
15. Baltimore Ravens 6-4 (14) (Monday Night)
(Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
15. Baltimore Ravens 6-4 (14) (Monday Night)
(Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
It's safe to say the Baltimore Ravens are facing a must-win on Monday night against the Saints as they currently sit at the bottom of the AFC North--despite a 6-4 record. Luckily, the Saints' defense has struggled throughout the 2014 season, but Torrey Smith will need to step up his game if the Ravens have any shot at pulling off the road win in this one.
14. San Francisco 49ers 7-4 (13)
(Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
14. San Francisco 49ers 7-4 (13)
(Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
It was closer than they would have liked it to be, but the San Francisco 49ers came through when it mattered the most against the Redskins. If it wasn't for Anquan Boldin (nine catches for 137 yards with one touchdown), the 49ers would have found themselves in a much deeper hole heading into their big Thanksgiving matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.
13. Cleveland Browns 7-4 (18)
(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
13. Cleveland Browns 7-4 (18)
(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
There's going to be plenty of talk surrounding Brian Hoyer and whether or not he should start for the Cleveland Browns at quarterback, but the most important factor is the team is 7-4 after another big win against the Falcons. It was good to see Josh Gordon (eight catches for 120 yards) back in the lineup after his suspension, but the wideout still has plenty of work to do before he gets back to his real playing level.
12. Detroit Lions 7-4 (11)
(Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
12. Detroit Lions 7-4 (11)
(Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Are the Detroit Lions heading for another second-half collapse? This offense has looked horrendous over the last two weeks and they now find themselves trailing the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North standings.
11. San Diego Chargers 7-4 (12)
(Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
11. San Diego Chargers 7-4 (12)
(Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
The San Diego Chargers managed to come through with another big win, but this was a game they could have easily lost at the end. Luckily, the defense came up big and took advantage of Shaun Hill's costly mistake to remain one game back of the Denver Broncos.
10. Kansas City Chiefs 7-4 (4)
(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
10. Kansas City Chiefs 7-4 (4)
(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Kansas City Chiefs were one of the hottest teams in football since their 0-2 start--so we can only imagine how much it hurt to lose to the Raiders. Now, Sunday's matchup against Peyton Manning becomes even more important for the Chiefs.
9. Cincinnati Bengals 7-3-1 (10)
(Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
9. Cincinnati Bengals 7-3-1 (10)
(Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
It's amazing how much the Cincinnati Bengals have turned things around the last two weeks with back-to-back impressive road wins--with their latest coming on Sunday against the Texans. Of course, the true test for Andy Dalton and company will be in the playoffs--assuming they continue to play well and clinch a spot.
8. Indianapolis Colts 7-4 (9)
(Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
8. Indianapolis Colts 7-4 (9)
(Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Give Andrew Luck credit for his ability to overcome two early turnovers as the Indianapolis Colts crushed the Jaguars. Of course, if this team is going to have any chance of going deep in the postseason, Trent Richardson (42 rushing yards with one touchdown) is going to need to figure out a way to overcome his rushing struggles.
7. Philadelphia Eagles 8-3 (8)
(Evan Habeeb/Getty Images)
7. Philadelphia Eagles 8-3 (8)
(Evan Habeeb/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Eagles scored on the opening kickoff against the Titans and never looked back as this team bounced back strong following last week's embarrassing loss to the Green Bay Packers. Special teams continues to play a big part in this team's success, but the defense will need to be on top of their game when they square off against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving.
6. Dallas Cowboys 8-3 (7)
(Elsa/Getty Images)
6. Dallas Cowboys 8-3 (7)
(Elsa/Getty Images)
Tony Romo is no longer the quarterback who can't help his team overcome a second-half deficit as the Dallas Cowboys came through with a big win on the road against the Giants thanks to two touchdowns by Dez Bryant. However, the main reason why this team managed to come back and win was thanks to a strong play by the offensive line as they gave Romo all of the time in the world during the second half.
5. Denver Broncos 8-3 (6)
(Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
5. Denver Broncos 8-3 (6)
(Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos looked like they were on their way to another shocking loss before Peyton Manning and Demaryius Thomas connected for three touchdowns. Manning takes most of the credit for the success of the offense, but the argument can be made this team wouldn't be the same without C.J. Anderson (167 rushing yards with one touchdown) at running back.
4. Arizona Cardinals 9-2 (1)
(Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
4. Arizona Cardinals 9-2 (1)
(Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
Is it time for the Arizona Cardinals to finally hit the panic button? It was only one game, but the Cardinals' offense looked horrendous against Seattle on Sunday.
3. Seattle Seahawks 7-4 (5)
(Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
3. Seattle Seahawks 7-4 (5)
(Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
Are the Seattle Seahawks the team to beat in the NFC West now? Sunday's win against the Cardinals was big, but this team still has a lot to prove if they're going to hold on to one of the playoff spots in the NFC.
2. Green Bay Packers 8-3 (3)
(Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
2. Green Bay Packers 8-3 (3)
(Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
We'll blame Sunday's close game against the Vikings on the fact that Aaron Rodgers and company were playing on the road. And thanks to the Lions, the Green Bay Packers control their fate when it comes to winning the NFC North.
1. New England Patriots 9-2 (2)
(Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
1. New England Patriots 9-2 (2)
(Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
The New England Patriots continue to be one of the hottest teams in football with their seventh-straight win over the Lions on Sunday as Tom Brady continues to play at a high level. The fact that New England scored 34 points without Julian Edelman or Rob Gronkowski finding the end zone shows just how dangerous this team really is.
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