NFL power rankings, Week 14: Ravens return facing a daunting schedule down the stretch

Each week of the NFL season, The Baltimore Sun will rank all 32 NFL teams. The rankings will take into account not just weekly performance, injuries and roster depth, but how well each team measures up as Super Bowl contenders.

Here are the rankings heading into Week 14:

1. San Francisco 49ers (9-3, No. 4 last week)
Last week: Win vs. Eagles, 42-19
Up next: vs. Seahawks

It’s getting harder and harder to poke holes in Brock Purdy. After throwing for 314 yards and four touchdowns against the Eagles, the second-year quarterback is now 7-0 against winning teams, the best mark in NFL history to begin a career. You can point to weapons like Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle and coach Kyle Shanahan’s brilliant play-calling as the reasons why Purdy is so successful, but he’s delivered a large enough sample size of impressive performances to earn respect. Against the Cowboys and Eagles, their top threats in the NFC, the 49ers have won by a combined score of 84-29. This team looks Super Bowl-bound.

2. Ravens (9-3, No. 2)
Last week: Bye
Up next: vs. Rams

The Ravens’ schedule looks pretty daunting now, doesn’t it? Each of the five teams they have left to play are .500 or better, including perhaps the top seed in both the NFC (49ers) and AFC (Dolphins). While the Ravens have faltered down the stretch in recent seasons because of injuries to quarterback Lamar Jackson, the door is open to not only secure the top seed in the conference and a first-round bye but make a deep postseason run. The Chiefs, Bills and Bengals are not as threatening as they have been in recent years, though Miami has emerged as a strong contender. The Ravens host the Dolphins on Dec. 31 in a game that could decide the No. 1 seed.

3. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2, No. 1)
Last week: Loss vs. 49ers, 42-19
Up next: at Cowboys

The Eagles had been far from dominant during their 10-1 start, but nobody saw that kind of beatdown coming. It raises plenty of red flags about the defense, which was soft in the middle without starting linebackers Nakobe Dean and Zach Cunningham and failed to put much pressure on Purdy. Philadelphia allowed a stunning 8.0 yards per play, registered just three quarterback hits and let San Francisco convert 8 of 11 third downs and score a touchdown on all four of its trips inside the red zone. As good as Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown and the offense can be, it’s going to take a much better defensive performance to win in the playoffs.

4. Dallas Cowboys (9-3, No. 5)
Last week: Win vs. Seahawks, 41-35
Up next: vs. Eagles

Dak Prescott delivered another stellar performance, going 29-for-41 for 299 yards and three touchdowns to continue a remarkable season that should put him at the top of the NFL Most Valuable Player rankings. The combination of CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson and Brandin Cooks offers plenty of complementary skills in the passing game that has allowed Prescott to thrive attacking all areas of the field. There’s still much to prove, starting Sunday night against the Eagles, but this version of the Cowboys might be a Super Bowl contender.

5. Kansas City Chiefs (8-4, No. 3)
Last week: Loss vs. Packers, 27-19
Up next: vs. Bills

The road to the Super Bowl might not go through Kansas City. While they were a missed pass interference call away from potentially escaping with a win Sunday night, the Chiefs were ultimately outplayed on both sides of the ball. Even Patrick Mahomes made mistakes, throwing an interception with 5:19 to go on an overthrown pass. Mahomes is more than capable of carrying an offense that lacks playmakers and the defense should be better when it gets linebacker Nick Bolton back, but the margin for error for this team is much smaller than what we’re used to seeing.

6. Miami Dolphins (9-3, No. 6)
Last week: Win vs. Commanders, 45-15
Up next: vs. Titans

The Dolphins did what they were supposed to do against an overmatched opponent, taking a 17-0 lead in the first quarter and never looking back. With Tua Tagovailoa under center, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane and coach Mike McDaniel calling the shots, Miami has perhaps the scariest offense in the league outside of San Francisco. Don’t overlook a defense that has been much better since the return of cornerback Jalen Ramsey and is getting Pro Bowl-level play from outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who effectively ended the game Sunday with a 33-yard pick-six at the end of the first quarter.

7. Detroit Lions (9-3, No. 7)
Last week: Win vs. Saints, 33-28
Up next: at Bears

The Lions have to love their draft class. Sam LaPorta has been one of the league’s best tight ends, running back Jahmyr Gibbs continues to provide a spark whenever he touches the ball and Brian Branch looks like a special playmaker in the secondary. But there’s still plenty of room for improvement, especially on defense. Detroit has allowed 30.3 points per game over the past four weeks and needed to sweat out a win over a short-handed Saints team.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4, No. 8)
Last week: Loss vs. Bengals, 34-31 (OT)
Up next: at Browns

The Jaguars could have ended Monday night on top of the AFC standings. Instead, they lost their star quarterback and the game on Even McPherson’s 48-yard walk-off field goal. Trevor Lawrence exited in the fourth quarter with an apparent ankle injury and could barely put any weight on his left leg as he was helped off the field. Backup C.J. Beathard completed 9 of 10 passes for 63 yards and helped set up the game-tying field at the end of regulation, but the offense stalled in overtime. If the Jaguars need to rely on Beathard for an extended period of time, they won’t be a significant playoff threat.

9. Houston Texans (7-5, No. 11)
Last week: Win vs. Broncos, 22-17
Up next: at Jets

C.J. Stroud and the Texans delivered a gutsy win Sunday that might prove pivotal in the playoff race. The rookie quarterback battled through injuries to throw for 274 yards and a 3-yard score to Nico Collins, who delivered his best game as a pro with nine catches for 191 yards. The loss to rookie receiver Tank Dell to a fractured fibula looms large, putting more pressure on Collins, John Metchie III and Noah Brown to step up. Thankfully the defense looks capable of picking up the slack, coming up with several clutch stops Sunday. Look out for cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who had two interceptions to give him four over his past three games.

10. Green Bay Packers (6-6, No. 16)
Last week: Win vs. Packers, 27-19
Up next: at Giants

There’s nothing more exciting than seeing the youngest team in the league beat the defending champs. Jordan Love outplayed Mahomes in the national spotlight, finishing 25-for-36 for 267 yards and three touchdowns while spreading the ball around to blossoming receivers Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks. Green Bay also ran the ball effectively, averaging 5.2 yards per carry behind AJ Dillon. Three straight wins have the Packers back in the mix for a playoff spot, and they could be a tough out if Love continues to play well.

11. Buffalo Bills (6-6, No. 13)
Last week: Bye
Up next: at Chiefs

12. Los Angeles Rams (6-6, No. 19)
Last week: Win vs. Browns, 36-19
Up next: at Ravens

So much for a rebuilding season. For the first time since winning the Super Bowl in the 2021 season, the Rams have won three straight and are one of five teams at 6-6 in the NFC. Kept clean against one of the league’s best defenses, Matthew Stafford threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns, helping turn a close game for three quarters into a blowout. He’s been vintage Stafford since returning from a thumb injury, throwing eight touchdown passes to just two interceptions over the past three games. While Cooper Kupp is no longer the dynamic receiver he once was, rookie Puka Nacua has blossomed into a star, shaking off a rib injury to catch four passes for 105 yards Sunday, including a 70-yard touchdown. This team is dangerous.

13. Cincinnati Bengals (6-6, No. 21)
Last week: Win vs. Jaguars, 34-31 (OT)
Up next: vs. Colts

Backup Jake Browning did an impressive Joe Burrow impression in his second career start Monday night, completing 32 of 37 passes for 354 yards, including a 76-yard touchdown to Ja’Marr Chase that gave the Bengals the lead early in the third quarter. So long as Cincinnati has Chase — who finished with 11 catches for 149 yards — and Tee Higgins, they have to be taken seriously, no matter who’s throwing the ball. Rookie Chase Brown also provided a much-needed spark in the runnning game, while the defense stood tall in crucial moments down the stretch. This team is talented enough to not only sneak into the playoffs but perhaps pull off an upset.

14. Cleveland Browns (7-5, No. 10)
Last week: Loss vs. Rams, 36-19
Up next: vs. Jaguars

Joe Flacco was not to blame for Sunday’s loss. In his first game in nearly a year, the 38-year-old former Ravens quarterback threw for 254 yards and two touchdowns, though his ill-advised interception in the fourth quarter led to a Rams touchdown. While Flacco doesn’t offer the high-end potential of rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, he could be the steady hand the offense needs to stay in the playoff hunt down the stretch. The defense, meanwhile, needs cornerback Denzel Ward to return from a shoulder injury soon to get back on track.

15. Indianapolis Colts (7-5, No. 14)
Last week: Win vs. Titans, 31-28 (OT)
Up next: at Bengals

Shane Steichen for Coach of the Year? With a walk-off victory in Tennessee, the Colts have won four straight and are in the hunt for a postseason berth a year after finishing 4-12-1. Steichen’s play-calling has elevated an offense that has been without rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor for most of the season. Backup Gardner Minshew has been far from good, but thanks to big contributions from receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and running back Zack Moss, the Colts have somehow been able to score enough points to win most games.

16. Denver Broncos (6-6, No. 9)
Last week: Loss vs. Texans, 22-17
Up next: at Chargers

Russell Wilson provided a steady hand during the Broncos’ five-game winning streak, but he fell apart Sunday as he threw three interceptions, including the game-sealing pick in the end zone with 16 seconds left. It was an ugly day on offense for Denver, which went 0-for-11 on third down and could not do much of anything outside of a 45-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Courtland Sutton near the end of the third quarter. Upcoming road games against the Chargers and Lions will be pivotal for this team’s playoff hopes.

17. Seattle Seahawks (6-6, No. 15)
Last week: Loss vs. Cowboys, 41-35
Up next: at 49ers

As good as Seattle’s offense was Thursday night, averaging 6.3 yards per play against one of the league’s best defenses, those three straight turnovers on downs to end the game sting. Geno Smith delivered a stellar performance, but in the end he couldn’t overcome the pressure from pass rusher Micah Parsons and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Seattle is still one of the most talented teams in the NFC, and the recent emergence of rookie receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is encouraging for an offense that could be tough to handle once running back Kenneth Walker III returns from injury.

18. Atlanta Falcons (6-6, No. 18)
Last week: Win vs. Jets, 13-8
Up next: vs. Buccaneers

It wasn’t pretty, but the Falcons took over sole possession of first place in the NFC South with a win over the hapless Jets. Atlanta averaged just 3 yards per play, went 4-for-14 on third down and committed six penalties, but it scored the game’s only touchdown on a 20-yard pass from Desmond Ridder to MyCole Pruitt in the second quarter. Even in the league’s worst division, it’s clear the Falcons will need to play better to hold on to the top spot.

19. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5, No. 12)
Last week: Loss vs. Cardinals, 24-10
Up next: vs. Patriots

From a pair of weather delays to key injuries to a dreadful performance against one of the league’s worst teams, it was an ugly Sunday in Pittsburgh. The Steelers lost quarterback Kenny Pickett early in the game to an ankle injury and later saw leading tackler and defensive signal-caller Elandon Roberts exit with a groin injury. Left guard Isaac Seumalo also left in the second quarter with a shoulder injury. Backup Mitch Trubisky and the offense could do little against a porous Cardinals defense before a late touchdown drive in garbage time. With Pickett out for several weeks after having ankle surgery, it feels like the season is starting to slip away.

20. Minnesota Vikings (6-6, No. 17)
Last week: Bye
Up next: at Raiders

21. Los Angeles Chargers (5-7, No. 24)
Last week: Win vs. Patriots, 6-0
Up next: vs. Broncos

There’s perhaps no better place to win with special teams than Gillette Stadium. Cameron Dicker made a pair of 38-yard field goals and punter JK Scott pinned the Patriots inside their 20-yard line seven times as the Chargers ground out a win without scoring a touchdown. A team with a three-game losing skid won’t care how it looks, only that it emerged with a win. Still, it’s hard to get excited about this team given how uninspiring the offense looks whenever Justin Herbert isn’t throwing the ball to Keenan Allen.

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7, No. 23)
Last week: Win vs. Panthers, 21-18
Up next: at Falcons

For teams in need of wide receiver help this offseason, look no further than Mike Evans. The 30-year-old four-time Pro Bowl selection had seven catches for 162 yards and a touchdown Sunday and has already eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for a remarkable 10th straight season. There seems to be plenty of tread left on those tires as he enters free agency this offseason.

23. Las Vegas Raiders (5-7, No. 22)
Last week: Bye
Up next: vs. Vikings

24. New Orleans Saints (5-7, No. 20)
Last week: Loss vs. Lions, 33-28
Up next: vs. Panthers

It’s been a sad and disappointing season for Derek Carr, who has now left three games because of injuries this season. He’s suffered two concussions in three weeks, putting his availability in doubt as the Saints’ season continues to spiral following a third straight loss. Alvin Kamara, Taysom Hill and Chris Olave delivered a spirited performance to help keep the team close in Sunday’s loss to Detroit, but it’s hard to feel encouraged about a team that could be forced to rely on Jameis Winston down the stretch.

25. Chicago Bears (4-8, No. 26)
Last week: Bye
Up next: vs. Lions

26. New York Jets (4-8, No. 25)
Last week: Loss vs. Falcons, 13-8
Up next: vs. Texans

The quarterback carousel continues for the Jets, with veteran journeyman Tim Boyle giving way to Trevor Siemian after throwing an ugly interception late in the third quarter of Sunday’s loss. Now they could be turning back to Zach Wilson, though not without controversy after a report that Wilson didn’t want to play because of the injury risk. The Jets are fortunate Aaron Rodgers is planning to return in 2024, otherwise this might be one of the most hopeless situations in the league.

27. Arizona Cardinals (3-10, No. 30)
Last week: Win vs. Steelers, 24-10
Up next: Bye

The Cardinals should be in no rush to part ways with quarterback Kyler Murray, regardless of where they finish in the draft order. While he hasn’t been outstanding since returning from a torn ACL suffered last December, he’s still just 26 years old and has already proved he can play at a high level. A win like Sunday’s in Pittsburgh should give this team plenty of confidence to finish strong heading into a pivotal offseason.

28. Tennessee Titans (4-8, No. 27)
Last week: Loss vs. Colts, 31-28
Up next: at Dolphins

The Titans fired special teams coach Craig Aukerman on Monday after the Colts returned a blocked punt for a touchdown and punter Ryan Stonehouse fumbled on a second punt attempt and suffered a season-ending knee injury. Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and running back Derrick Henry also got hurt, though coach Mike Vrabel said Monday that Henry is not in concussion protocol. Little has gone right for Tennessee, which blew a 17-7 lead and missed the extra point attempt that could have given it the lead with 5:26 left in regulation. Evaluating rookie quarterback Will Levis is the only thing that matters now.

29. New York Giants (4-8, No. 28)
Last week: Bye
Up next: vs. Packers

30. Washington Commanders (4-9, No. 29)
Last week: Loss vs. Dolphins, 45-15
Up next: Bye

As promising as quarterback Sam Howell has looked at times this season, it’s not a given he’ll be the starter next year under what’s likely a new coaching staff. A third straight game with a pick-six certainly doesn’t help his cause.

31. New England Patriots (2-10, No. 31)
Last week: Loss vs. Chargers, 6-0
Up next: at Steelers

Hey, you can’t blame the Patriots defense for how this season has gone. Sunday was the third time in a row that New England gave up 10 or fewer points and lost, the first time that’s happened since the 1938 Chicago Cardinals. It can’t hurt the Patriots to give rookie Malik Cunningham a shot at quarterback, since at least he provides a rushing threat Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe don’t.

32. Carolina Panthers (1-11, No. 32)
Last week: Loss vs. Buccaneers, 21-18
Up next: at Saints

Is it too soon to give up on Bryce Young? The No. 1 overall pick might simply be too small for the NFL, and that’s not something he can fix in the offseason. It doesn’t help that Carolina is on pace to give up 66 sacks, which is close to a team record (69). Perhaps a new coach and improved offensive infrastructure — starting with a better offensive line — will lead to better results.