NFL Power Rankings, Week 14: Ravens strengthen hold on No. 1 while rest of teams shift
Each week during the season, Post NFL writer Mark Maske ranks the 32 teams. This week, the Ravens strengthen their grip on the top spot with their down-to-the-wire victory over the 49ers. After that, everything changed.
32. New York Giants (2-10) | Last Week's Rank: 31
32. New York Giants (2-10) | Last Week's Rank: 31
The trials of this season have been cruel for what traditionally has been one of the league's most stable and best-run franchises. It will be interesting to see how the blame is divided among GM Dave Gettleman and coach Pat Shurmur and what ownership decides to do.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) walks off the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
31. Cincinnati Bengals (1-11) | Last Week's Rank: 32
31. Cincinnati Bengals (1-11) | Last Week's Rank: 32
OK, the Bengals got a victory and avoided the ignominy of a winless season. So is that enough to sit down Andy Dalton again and get back to the business at hand of finding out if Ryan Finley can get any better?
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
30. Detroit Lions (3-8-1) | Last Week's Rank: 30
30. Detroit Lions (3-8-1) | Last Week's Rank: 30
David Blough gave a respectable performance during the Thanksgiving defeat to the Bears. The Lions should stick with him at QB for the rest of the season and keep Matthew Stafford safely off the field.
Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough (10) talks with wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) after connecting with Golladay on a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
29. Arizona Cardinals (3-8-1) | Last Week's Rank: 28
29. Arizona Cardinals (3-8-1) | Last Week's Rank: 28
Things have gone OK for coach Kliff Kingsbury and QB Kyler Murray in Year 1. Not great, but OK. But the Cardinals simply have to get better on defense.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray sits on the turf after a sack during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
28. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8) | Last Week's Rank: 26
28. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8) | Last Week's Rank: 26
The switch back to rookie Gardner Minshew II at QB is the proper move under the circumstances. There are big decisions to be made by this organization moving forward. Doug Marrone probably will be out as the coach. Will Tom Coughlin leave the front office? The new decision-making regime will have to pick between Minshew and Nick Foles.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Nick Foles (7) scrambles out of the pocket during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
27. Atlanta Falcons (3-9) | Last Week's Rank: 24
27. Atlanta Falcons (3-9) | Last Week's Rank: 24
That two-win resurgence after the 1-7 start? That has quickly given way to losses to the Buccaneers and Saints, and there's simply nothing positive about this season.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) runs out of the pocket against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
26. Carolina Panthers (5-7) | Last Week's Rank: 22
26. Carolina Panthers (5-7) | Last Week's Rank: 22
The loss to the Redskins may have sealed the coaching fate of Ron Rivera. But if Rivera indeed is fired by new Panthers owner David Tepper, expect him to land another NFL head coaching job very quickly.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen watches from the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
25. Washington Redskins (3-9) | Last Week's Rank: 29
25. Washington Redskins (3-9) | Last Week's Rank: 29
The Redskins are, in terms of current level of play, the best team in all of the NFC East. Such as it is.
Washington Redskins running back Derrius Guice (29) reacts with center Tony Bergstrom (66) following a long gain by Guice during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
24. New York Jets (4-8) | Last Week's Rank: 19
24. New York Jets (4-8) | Last Week's Rank: 19
Losing Sunday to the previously winless Bengals after losing last month to the then-winless Dolphins is such a Jets thing to do.
New York Jets wide receiver Robby Anderson sits on the field after a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
23. Los Angeles Chargers (4-8) | Last Week's Rank: 23
23. Los Angeles Chargers (4-8) | Last Week's Rank: 23
The late defensive pass interference call against the Chargers, which produced yet another excruciating defeat, was a little picky but probably correct. The real question is: What in the world were the Chargers doing on that play? It's no wonder that they lose so many games in such agonizing fashion.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers plays against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
22. Philadelphia Eagles (5-7) | Last Week's Rank: 21
22. Philadelphia Eagles (5-7) | Last Week's Rank: 21
The loss to the Dolphins simply was inexcusable for a team in position to tie for the division lead. It underscores that the Eagles simply are not a very good team. They still could end up winning the dreadful NFC East. They'll be at home for the Dec. 22 meeting with the Cowboys that could be for the division crown. But winning this division looks like less of an accomplishment all the time.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) talks to Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) on the sidelines, during the second half at an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
21. Miami Dolphins (3-9) | Last Week's Rank: 27
21. Miami Dolphins (3-9) | Last Week's Rank: 27
The punter-to-kicker touchdown off the fake field goal during the victory over the Eagles was ingenious. Unless it hadn't worked, of course. Then it would have been foolishly ill-conceived.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Albert Wilson (15) congratulates tight end Mike Gesicki (88) after Gesicki scored a touchdown, during the second half at an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Fla. To the left is Miami Dolphins center Daniel Kilgore (67). (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
20. Indianapolis Colts (6-6) | Last Week's Rank: 18
20. Indianapolis Colts (6-6) | Last Week's Rank: 18
The Colts, with four losses in five games, have reverted to being the team they probably should have been all season. The kicking miseries continued Sunday for Adam Vinatieri. He's an all-time great but if this season is it for him, his career is coming to an unceremonious close.
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Justin Houston (99) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
19. Denver Broncos (4-8) | Last Week's Rank: 25
19. Denver Broncos (4-8) | Last Week's Rank: 25
It wasn't exactly a great performance by rookie QB Drew Lock in his first NFL start Sunday against the Chargers. But the Broncos managed to win in dramatic fashion, so that's at least something on which to build.
Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock plays against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7) | Last Week's Rank: 20
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7) | Last Week's Rank: 20
A 3-1 finish would get the Buccaneers to .500. If that happens, a case could be made that it's reasonable to stay the course with Jameis Winston at QB, even with all the turnovers. He is second in the NFL in passing yards, behind only Dak Prescott.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston celebrates a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
17. Oakland Raiders (6-6) | Last Week's Rank: 16
17. Oakland Raiders (6-6) | Last Week's Rank: 16
Remember all those apologies that were issued a few weeks ago to Jon Gruden when the Raiders appeared to be playoff contenders? Did they come with an expiration date? Now the Raiders are back to faltering.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, second left, calls a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
16. Cleveland Browns (5-7) | Last Week's Rank: 13
16. Cleveland Browns (5-7) | Last Week's Rank: 13
Freddie Kitchens needs to show he understands that being an NFL head coach means being the adult in the room and acting in a professional manner. Having his picture taken while wearing a "Pittsburgh started it" shirt in public amounted to childish blame avoidance. It doesn't matter who started the Browns-Steelers melee. Myles Garrett was suspended for escalating the fracas to unacceptable levels, something that Kitchens' apparel of choice fails to acknowledge.
Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens, center, greets players during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
15. Dallas Cowboys (6-6) | Last Week's Rank: 11
15. Dallas Cowboys (6-6) | Last Week's Rank: 11
Jerry Jones tried putting coach Jason Garrett on notice following the loss at New England. That didn't work, as the Cowboys' performance was feeble in the Thanksgiving defeat to the Bills. So now Jones is giving a try to doing nothing and hoping for the best. Good luck with that.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett stands on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
14. Los Angeles Rams (7-5) | Last Week's Rank: 17
14. Los Angeles Rams (7-5) | Last Week's Rank: 17
The Rams aren't done quite yet. They rebounded from the lopsided loss to the Ravens to outclass the Cardinals on Sunday. The Rams don't match up with the NFC's leading contenders. But they still have an outside chance to avoid the embarrassment of missing the playoffs the season after their Super Bowl appearance.
Los Angeles Rams safety Taylor Rapp, right, celebrates his interception against the Arizona Cardinals in for a touchdown with free safety Eric Weddle and defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, left, during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
13. Chicago Bears (6-6) | Last Week's Rank: 15
13. Chicago Bears (6-6) | Last Week's Rank: 15
This is dangerous territory for the Bears. They cannot get fooled into believing that things will be fine if they stay the course with Mitchell Trubisky at QB.
Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson, left, and teammates offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas (73) and wide receiver Javon Wims (83) celebrate Robinson's 10-yard reception for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
12. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) | Last Week's Rank: 14
12. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) | Last Week's Rank: 14
The Steelers got the final word in their tussle with the Browns in the proper manner: by winning a football game.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) plays air-guitar as he celebrates against the Cleveland Browns during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
11. Tennessee Titans (7-5) | Last Week's Rank: 12
11. Tennessee Titans (7-5) | Last Week's Rank: 12
It's tempting to concede the AFC South to the Texans, but the Titans remain a factor. They're playing well with Ryan Tannehill at QB and still face the Texans twice.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
10. Minnesota Vikings (8-4) | Last Week's Rank: 5
10. Minnesota Vikings (8-4) | Last Week's Rank: 5
Kirk Cousins' career record in Monday night games fell to 0-8 with the defeat in Seattle. But this loss had a different feel to it. Cousins played relatively well and led a late comeback. The Vikings need to get healthy and be able to put RB Dalvin Cook and WRs Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs on the field at the same time.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins runs on to the field to warm-up before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Monday, Dec. 2, 2019, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
9. Green Bay Packers (9-3) | Last Week's Rank: 8
9. Green Bay Packers (9-3) | Last Week's Rank: 8
The Packers probably aren't on quite the same level as the Saints, Seahawks and 49ers. But they can beat anyone in the NFC if Aaron Rodgers gets a hot hand during the playoffs and the defense plays at an acceptable level.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, right, celebrates after throwing a touchdown to Davante Adams during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
8. Houston Texans (8-4) | Last Week's Rank: 10
8. Houston Texans (8-4) | Last Week's Rank: 10
It was a nice accomplishment for the Texans to beat the Patriots and for coach Bill O'Brien to finally get a win over his former boss, Bill Belichick. But the Texans might have caught the Patriots at a low point and with a lengthy list of sick players. There are no excuses in the NFL, not for the Patriots or anyone else. But it might be wise not to read too much into this one result.
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates after he scored a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
7. Buffalo Bills (9-3) | Last Week's Rank: 9
7. Buffalo Bills (9-3) | Last Week's Rank: 9
The Thanksgiving victory at Dallas reinforced that the Bills are a legitimate team. They probably won't overtake the Patriots in the AFC East. But they're not only headed to the playoffs; they're a threat to win a game in the postseason.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) celebrates after a quarterback sneak to convert on fourth down during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
6. Kansas City Chiefs (8-4) | Last Week's Rank: 7
6. Kansas City Chiefs (8-4) | Last Week's Rank: 7
Few people are talking these days about Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. But Mahomes has 20 touchdown passes and only two interceptions for the season, and the Chiefs are playing well entering Sunday's game at New England.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during player introductions before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
5. New England Patriots (10-2) | Last Week's Rank: 2
5. New England Patriots (10-2) | Last Week's Rank: 2
Yes, the Patriots' reign will end at some point. That point could be now. The offense is in disarray. Reinforcements are not on the way, and Tom Brady's frustration was on vivid display during Sunday night's loss in Houston. But, as always, count out Brady and Bill Belichick at your own peril.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) stands with teammates as a play is reviewed during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
4. San Francisco 49ers (10-2) | Last Week's Rank: 4
4. San Francisco 49ers (10-2) | Last Week's Rank: 4
The San Francisco defense matched up well with the Ravens' revved-up offense and the 49ers took the game in Baltimore down to the final play, even while playing at 10 a.m. West Coast time. The Niners' only losses of the season, to the Seahawks and Ravens, have come on last-play field goals. This is an excellent team with staying power. The 49ers will be a major factor in the NFC playoffs, whether they're the No. 1 or the No. 5 seed.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) pitches the ball to wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Baltimore, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
3. New Orleans Saints (10-2) | Last Week's Rank: 6
3. New Orleans Saints (10-2) | Last Week's Rank: 6
The Thanksgiving night win over the Falcons was uninspiring. But it nevertheless was a win over a team to which the Saints inexplicably lost earlier in the season. And now comes a major test Sunday with the 49ers coming to the Superdome.
New Orleans Saints strong safety Vonn Bell (24) celebrates with teammates after his interception against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
2. Seattle Seahawks (10-2) | Last Week's Rank: 3
2. Seattle Seahawks (10-2) | Last Week's Rank: 3
The Seahawks took over first place in the NFC West with the win Monday night at home over the Vikings. They're the NFC's No. 2 seed, behind the Saints. Russell Wilson has been great but he also has plenty of help, with a solid running game and a defensive front seven capable of doing its part.
Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner, right, reacts with cornerback Akeem King (36) after the Minnesota Vikings failed to convert on a fourth-down play during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 2, 2019, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 37-30. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
1. Baltimore Ravens (10-2) | Last Week's Rank: 1
1. Baltimore Ravens (10-2) | Last Week's Rank: 1
After convincing victories over the Seahawks, Patriots and Texans, the Ravens found value in being challenged and finding a way to edge the 49ers in the rain and slop Sunday in Baltimore on Justin Tucker's field goal as time expired. The No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs is theirs to close out, and they certainly look the part of a Super Bowl team.
Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) is carried off field by his teammates after making a game winning field goal against the San Francisco 49ers in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Baltimore, Md. Ravens won 20-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
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