Welcome to Week 14 of the NFL regular season.
Our energy panel — a bunch of greater than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities — has evaluated how groups are stacking up by means of 13 weeks.
There have been very slight actions within the rankings this week. A brand new No. 1 choose has been named after the Kansas City Chiefs fell to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Plus, an unlikely Pittsburgh Steelers staff climbs within the ballot.
Along with our up to date rankings, we checked in with NFL Nation reporters throughout the league and requested them to call a stat by which every staff ranks No. 1. Some groups excel in rush protection and different shine in scoring, and a few are No. 1 in metrics they most likely do not wish to be the perfect in.
Now, let’s check out the up to date rankings.
Soar to a staff:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Week 13 rating: 2
We’re No. 1 in… turnover margin.
The Eagles are an NFL-best 13-plus in that division — a serious purpose why they’ve the league’s finest file. The protection is prime in takeaways with 23 whereas the offense has turned the ball over simply 9 instances, which ranks second. Quarterback Jalen Hurts deserves a lot of the credit score, having thrown three interceptions to twenty touchdowns on the 12 months. — Tim McManus
Week 13 rating: 1
We’re No. 1 in… scoring.
The Chiefs stay No. 1 offensively with a median of 29.2 factors per recreation. Their lead was constructed on the power of three 40-plus level video games of their first seven. Since then, the Chiefs have solely topped their common as soon as in 5 video games, that being a 30-point efficiency in a win over the Chargers in Week 11. The Chiefs scored 17, 20 and 24 of their three losses. — Adam Teicher
Week 13 rating: 3
We’re No. 1 in… the AFC.
After beating the Patriots on Thursday, the Payments sat on their couches Sunday and watched the Dolphins and Chiefs lose, shifting Buffalo to the highest spot within the AFC with 5 weeks to go. Wins over the Chiefs (with whom they share the identical file), Ravens and Titans may show to be key for the Payments because the three groups are behind them within the standings. Securing home-field benefit has been a precedence after consecutive journeys to Kansas Metropolis within the playoffs. With the Payments in control of their very own future, back-to-back residence video games in opposition to the Jets and Dolphins can be essential, together with “Monday Evening Soccer” at Cincinnati. — Alaina Getzenberg
Week 13 rating: 4
We’re No. 1 in… level differential.
Despite the fact that the Cowboys are 9-3 and do not lead their division, they’re 127-plus on the season with 333 factors for and 206 in opposition to. That is an indication of how dominant they are often. Within the final three video games they’re 80-plus, which might be tied for fifth finest within the NFL over the course of the season. Of their final 5 video games, they’ve scored 25 offensive touchdowns and two defensive touchdowns. — Todd Archer
2:07
Dan Orlovsky would not perceive how anybody may consider there may be even a contest between the Cowboys and Eagles for the perfect staff within the NFC.
Week 13 rating: 6
We’re No. 1 in… wins by one possession.
9 of the Vikings’ 10 victories this season have been determined by one possession (eight factors or much less). In truth, they’re the primary staff in NFL historical past to start out a season with a 9-0 file in such video games. (Their different victory, in Week 1 in opposition to the Packers, got here by a margin of 16 factors.) One interpretation right here is that the Vikings are fairly lucky to have received as many video games as they’ve. One other is that they are primed for the postseason, the place video games are sometimes competed into the ultimate minute. — Kevin Seifert
Week 13 rating: 5
We’re No. 1 in… the proportion of offensive performs going for 10-plus yards.
A ridiculous 25% of the Dolphins’ offensive performs this season have gained at the least 10 yards, which highlights the explosive nature of this offense. It is the explanation this staff is difficult to rely out, even once they’re down a number of scores — because the Baltimore Ravens discovered in dramatic style in Week 2. Miami just isn’t completely reliant on large performs, however there’s arguably no different offense that is extra able to offering them. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Week 13 rating: 7
We’re No. 1 in… scoring protection.
The 49ers’ protection leads the league in loads of classes however none matter greater than this one. San Francisco has yielded simply 15.8 factors per recreation. Having misplaced two beginning quarterbacks (Trey Lance, Jimmy Garoppolo) to season-ending accidents, much more onus will fall on the protection. If that unit can preserve enjoying at this degree, rookie Brock Purdy and Co. will not need to do a lot to maintain the Niners rolling towards the postseason. — Nick Wagoner
Week 13 rating: 8
We’re No. 1 in… defensive completion share.
Bengals coordinator Lou Anarumo has stymied opposing quarterbacks this season. Cincinnati leads the NFL in opposing completion share at 59%, in response to ESPN Stats & Data. It is a powerful feat given the Bengals are with out prime cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, who went down Week 8 with a torn ACL. The Bengals have held eight opponents beneath the 60% mark. That features Kansas Metropolis’s Patrick Mahomes, who accomplished 59.3% of his passes within the staff’s Week 13 loss in Cincinnati. — Ben Child
Week 13 rating: 10
We’re No. 1 in… run block win rate.
Despite the fact that Lamar Jackson grabs many of the consideration for his highlight-making runs, the success of the Ravens’ floor recreation begins up entrance. Baltimore’s run block win fee is 75.7%, which is the perfect within the league. The Ravens have 4 offensive linemen who rank sixth or increased in run blocking at their positions: offensive tackles Patrick Mekari (fourth) and Ronnie Stanley (sixth), guard Ben Powers (sixth) and middle Tyler Linderbaum (sixth). This is no surprise contemplating Baltimore ranked within the prime 5 in run block win fee the previous 4 years, together with No. 1 in 2018 and 2019. — Jamison Hensley
Week 13 rating: 14
We’re No. 1 in… completion share.
The Seahawks are tops by a large margin at 72.5%, greater than three share factors increased than the second-ranked staff. It is a reflection of how environment friendly their passing recreation has been as an entire, with an offensive line that is been good in cross safety, receivers who’re creating separation and — greater than something — probably the most correct quarterback within the NFL. And it isn’t as if Geno Smith has merely been feasting on quick, high-percentage throws. He leads the league completion share above anticipated (a Subsequent Gen Stat that components within the issue of every throw) and adjusted completion fee (the same stat that is weighted by air yards and excludes drops and throwaways). — Brady Henderson
Week 13 rating: 9
We’re No. 1 in… gross punt yards per recreation.
The Titans are No. 1 in gross punt yards per recreation at 294.4. Rookie punter Ryan Stonehouse has been a vibrant spot on particular groups for Tennessee. Stonehouse is averaging 53.5 gross yards per punt and has downed opponents contained in the 20 a complete of 24 instances. The rookie has surpassed 400 punting yards thrice this season. — Turron Davenport
Week 13 rating: 11
We’re No. 1 in… fourth quarter level differential.
The Jets have outscored opponents 94-40 — a powerful plus-54 level margin. This is among the key causes for the staff’s 7-5 file, as sturdy finishes have proved vital in 5 of their victories. Causes: Wonderful protection (40 factors is a league low), well timed offense, sound teaching changes and good roster depth. — Wealthy Cimini
0:53
Though he is disillusioned in regards to the Jets’ loss to the Vikings, Rex Ryan nonetheless sees encouraging indicators in New York.
Week 13 rating: 12
We’re No. 1 in… time of possession.
The Commanders lead the NFL by averaging 32:59 time of possession every week. They have been good on this space all season but it surely’s been pronounced within the final eight weeks once they’ve gone 6-1-1, partially by preserving the ball for a median of 33:48. Their renewed dedication to the run recreation has helped lots — they averaged 89 yards and three.87 yards per carry within the first 5 video games; it is 146.6 and 4.10 within the final eight. Lastly, the end result has been the protection enjoying 5 fewer performs per recreation since Week 5, preserving them contemporary. — John Keim
Week 13 rating: 13
We’re No. 1 in… fumble recoveries.
Okay, so the Giants are literally tied for first on this class with the Cowboys, every with 11 fumble recoveries. However, man, it was powerful to seek out one thing the Giants have been the perfect at. Not surprisingly, eight of the 11 fumble recoveries have come of their seven wins. A ninth got here of their tie to Washington. Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and security Dane Belton are tied for the staff lead with two fumble recoveries apiece. — Jordan Raanan
Week 13 rating: 15
We’re No. 1 in… opposition net-punt common.
Opponents have a 37-yard net-punting common in opposition to the Patriots, which ranks New England finest in that class. An enormous a part of that has been the emergence of rookie punt returner Marcus Jones (20 returns, 294 yards, 14.7 avg.), who has acquired some stable blocking in entrance of him, with longtime veteran Matthew Slater and up-and-coming rookie Brenden Schooler enjoying main roles. — Mike Reiss
Week 13 rating: 16
We’re No. 1 in… fewest interceptions.
Quarterback Tom Brady has solely thrown three interceptions this season — tied for the fewest within the NFL with Jalen Hurts, and the fewest in his profession in a season by means of 12 video games. That is not essentially an excellent factor, nevertheless, as he’s taking far fewer probabilities with the ball, and he has solely thrown 14 landing passes for the season. The Bucs are averaging simply 17.5 offensive factors per recreation, which ranks twenty sixth within the league. — Jenna Laine
Week 13 rating: 17
We’re No. 1 in… yards allowed per carry.
This is not precisely the class you wish to be ranked No. 1 in — permitting a league-worst 5.4 yards per carry. However after 13 weeks and regardless of a major overhaul to their defensive entrance, that is the place the Bolts stand. It hasn’t helped that a number of key defensive gamers have been sidelined this season, together with Joey Bosa, Austin Johnson, Christian Covington and Otito Ogbonnia. Head coach Brandon Staley has emphasised that it takes all 11 defensive gamers to cease the run. “Run protection is a staff operation,” he mentioned. — Lindsey Thiry
Week 13 rating: 20
We’re No. 1 in… the longest rush of the season.
Josh Jacobs‘ epic 86-yard walk-off run in Seattle on Nov. 27 did greater than give the Raiders an additional time win — it was the longest rush of the season. And it contributes to the Raiders additionally main the NFL in common yards after first contact (2.33). Jacobs, who had his fifth-year choice declined by the Raiders’ new management this offseason, is in line for an enormous payday as he leads the league with 1,303 speeding yards. Curiously sufficient, Las Vegas is simply thirteenth as a staff with 1,505 yards on the bottom. — Paul Gutierrez
Week 13 rating: 26
We’re No. 1 in… subject objectives.
It is a good/dangerous information type of stat. The Steelers lead the league in each subject aim makes an attempt (32) and subject objectives made (26). Their make share is within the backside half of the league, however with a groin damage touchdown longtime kicker Chris Boswell on IR, that is not completely shocking. The explanation the Steelers lead the league in subject aim makes an attempt, although, is as a result of their pink zone effectivity is among the many league’s worst, scoring touchdowns on lower than half of their journeys contained in the 20. — Brooke Pryor
Week 13 rating: 23
We’re No. 1 in… pink zone effectivity.
The Lions are just about cash on the aim line, because of the sturdy speeding assault spearheaded by the backfield of Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift. The Lions are scoring touchdowns within the pink zone 73.9% of the time. Williams additionally leads the league in whole speeding touchdowns with 14 on the season because the staff’s most well-liked aim line risk, which has turn out to be a well-oiled machine once they want factors. — Eric Woodyard
1:30
Subject Yates, Daniel Dopp and Liz Loza focus on why D’Andre Swift’s large Week 13 efficiency ought to make him a must-start in fantasy.
Week 13 rating: 19
We’re No. 1 in… all-time NFL wins.
This season in complete won’t be remembered for a lot when it comes to success, however they’re No. 1 — for now — in a single factor: All-time wins. Sunday’s win over the Bears was their 787th NFL victory, another than the Bears. It is the primary time since 1921 that anybody apart from the Bears didn’t personal at the least a share of the all-time wins lead. The final staff to take action earlier than the Packers was the Buffalo All-People, with 18 wins in 1921. — Rob Demovsky
Week 13 rating: 22
We’re No. 1 in… going for it on fourth down within the third quarter.
The Jaguars have gone for it on fourth down within the third quarter practically half the time: 43.8% (seven instances out of 16 fourth downs). That is practically twice the proportion of the subsequent closest groups (Kansas Metropolis and the New York Giants at 22.2%). That is partly as a result of head coach Doug Pederson believes in being aggressive on fourth down, but in addition as a result of the Jaguars have trailed on the half in six video games. — Michael DiRocco
Week 13 rating: 24
We’re No. 1 in… a participant’s speeding yards after contact.
Nick Chubb leads the NFL in yards after contact per rush (2.60), powering one of many prime speeding assaults within the NFL. With Kareem Hunt rating sixteenth in yards after contact per rush (2.03), Cleveland stays among the best tackle-breaking speeding offenses within the league. — Jake Trotter
Week 13 rating: 18
We’re No. 1 in… Avery Williams‘ 17.44 yards per punt return.
The second-year professional has bounced between protection and offense — beginning his profession as a nook earlier than shifting to working again this 12 months — however his largest contribution has been on particular groups. He has 16 returns this 12 months for 279 yards. Despite the fact that he is tied for seventeenth in return numbers, he is tied for third in yards and been a game-changer on the place for Atlanta, which additionally has the all-time NFL chief in kick return touchdowns, with Cordarrelle Patterson as their kick returner.– Michael Rothstein
Week 13 rating: 21
We’re No. 1 in… damaging turnover differential.
The Colts simply caught as much as them after Monday evening’s recreation, however the Saints have persistently led the league this season with a foul turnover ratio. The Saints are minus-12 in turnover margin, with their protection not often taking the ball away and their offense routinely giving it away — a problem that has precipitated them to lose a couple of recreation this season. — Katherine Terrell
Week 13 rating: 25
We’re No. 1 in… most offensive penalties.
The Cardinals lead the NFL in most offensive penalties and most accepted offensive penalties, with 53 and 44, respectively. Penalties, particularly premature flags, find yourself costing Arizona in conditions that are not excellent, and have been an issue for the Cardinals not simply this 12 months, however all through Kliff Kingsbury’s tenure. — Josh Weinfuss
Week 13 rating: 28
We’re No. 1 in… run block win fee for guards.
Brady Christensen and Austin Corbett have a mixed run block win fee of 75.3, which partially explains why the working recreation has gotten so wholesome the previous month. They’ve helped D’Onta Foreman rush for greater than 100 yards in 4 of his final six video games since star Christian McCaffrey was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. That is helped interim coach Steve Wilks go 3-0 at residence since taking up. — David Newton
Week 13 rating: 27
We’re No. 1 in… turnovers.
The Colts lead the NFL in turnovers, and this distinction is the only largest purpose Indianapolis has been in shambles on offense. The Colts dedicated 5 turnovers in Sunday evening’s epic loss at Dallas, with giveaways on 4 consecutive possessions within the Cowboys’ file 33-point fourth-quarter deluge. Between Matt Ryan‘s league-leading 13 interceptions and the Colts’ league-high 12 misplaced fumbles, turnovers have fully undermined the Colts. — Stephen Holder
Week 13 rating: 30
We’re No. 1 in… offensive line mixtures.
The story of the season for this Rams staff has been accidents, and that began up on the offensive line. On Sunday, the Rams began their twelfth totally different offensive line mixture of the season. In accordance with Elias Sports activities Bureau, the Rams are the one staff within the Tremendous Bowl period (since 1966) to make use of a unique beginning five-man offensive line mixture in every of their first 12 video games of a season. — Sarah Barshop
Week 13 rating: 29
We’re No. 1 in… speeding yards by a quarterback.
Justin Fields has 905 speeding yards in 12 video games thanks partially to an uptick of designed runs beginning in Week 7. He is gone six straight video games with a speeding landing, tied for the longest streak by a quarterback since 1950, and is on tempo to interrupt the Bears’ franchise quarterback speeding file at present held by Bobby Douglass (968) in 1972. His three speeding TDs of 50-plus yards are probably the most by any quarterback for his profession within the Tremendous Bowl period. With 4 video games remaining, Fields is on tempo to hurry for over 1,200 yards, which might be probably the most ever by a quarterback in a season. — Courtney Cronin
Week 13 rating: 31
We’re No. 1 in… pink zone protection.
Apart from main the league in soul-crushing, one-score losses — they’ve had seven of these this season — the Broncos’ protection continues to be one of many league’s finest on all fronts with top-three standing in scoring protection, whole protection, cross protection and on third down. However they prepared the ground in pink zone protection as opponents have scored touchdowns on simply 32% of the journeys contained in the Denver 20-yard line. That hasn’t been sufficient to counteract the Broncos’ lowest scoring offense, although, which is tied for final in pink zone effectivity. — Jeff Legwold
Week 13 rating: 32
We’re No. 1 in… opposing quarterbacks’ pink zone completion share.
The Texans’ protection is holding quarterbacks to a completion of 40.4% within the pink zone, the perfect within the NFL. It is a part of the explanation why the they solely permit touchdowns on 51.28% of opposing offenses journeys, seventh finest within the NFL. Additionally they have two interceptions within the pink zone, which is tied for third most. — DJ Bien-Aime