POWER RANKINGS: WEEK 14 

Let's be clear: The Lions didn't almost lose. Was it a close score? Yes, but I never lost faith that the Lions were going to win that game. Even if the Bears kick that field goal, they would have to pray for a Lions turnover in OT. Also remember, Thanksgiving games are also short week games, and it was against a divison rival. I am not reading into this game too much from the Lions perspective.

I mean, wow. The Bills who are depleted at WR right now, just beat the breaks off the Niners. You can make all the excuses for the Niners you want, but the Bills played a near perfect game of football in the snow. This team is built to play in January, and in my eyes are the scariest team in the AFC. Josh Allen is my MVP so far through the season.

This team is officially scary. Like, the Lions don't have the NFC on lock anymore scary. They can run the ball, and are efficient in the passing game, not to mention a defense that just held Lamar and Henry to essentially 12 points. 

Do you know when the last time the Steelers had an offensive explosion like this? 6 years ago, when they were the killer B's, and when they could win playoff games. I'm not saying there aren't still some concerns for this team, but they are playing very, very good football, and look like they are built for the playoffs. They can win in a lot of different ways.

This is classic Packers. They are getting stronger as the season goes on, and when it gets cold, they also get stronger. They jump the Ravens and the Chiefs because they are consistently playing solid football, on both sides of the ball. They aren't perfect, but they certainly are capable of beating just about any team in the league.

I hate to be that guy, but Lamar hasn't really won any big games this year. All of their toughest opponents, they have simply lost or were outplayed to a degree. It's not a good look, and it in some ways makes Lamar's MVP case worse. There are genuine concerns about this team's chances in the playoffs, and I think they hold merit.

Embarrassing. The Chiefs were outplayed on both sides of the ball all game, and certainly did not play like an 11-1 team. Had the Raiders not missed some kicks, nor fumble the snap, the Raiders, who I mind you have 2 wins and are planning on drafting a QB in April, would have beaten the defending champs. I don't care what their record is, they are barely skating by, and it feels like they are just barely holding onto a ledge. How much longer until they let go? Could it be next week, or after a potential 3-peat?

It wasn't very pretty, but they got the job done in a close game, which is what they've done well all year. When this team wins the turnover battle, and are playing excellent defense, you do not want to be in a close game with them. I don't know how confident I am in them winning a playoff game yet, but they are playing really well.

It's hard not to recognize that the offense has slowed down the past few weeks. They got blown out by the Ravens, and barely beat the Falcons who gave them 4 interceptions, one returned for a TD. They need to run the ball better, and they need more big plays. I don't know if this team can win a playoff game this year, but I am personally dreaming of how good this offense could be if they draft a running back from Boise State.

And that's how you take care of business. Much needed victory for the Commanders, and they can get back on track. However, I'll need to see it again next week, against a team that isn't the Titans. Regardless, they had this game put away in the first quarter.

This team is not playing like they are 6-6. They are going to win the South, baring some unforeseen circumstance. They can win in many different ways, running the football, or Baker airing it out 50 times a game. The defense is solid as well. I'm not looking into the opponent side of this, as the Panthers are playing very well right now, and they are a divisional opponent.

The Texans are giving some first round exit vibes right now. Stroud is not playing good whatsoever, and even the defense that has been carrying them all year, is finally starting to crack a little bit. They just barely beat a struggling Jags team that had their QB go down mid-game. This is a game a contender runs away with and never lets it be close, however, not the 2024 Texans.

A solid win, but thanks in large part in 14 points handed to them from Winston. The defense was getting carved for a good chunk of the game, and that's not a great sign.

I really don't know what to think about this team. I don't have a whole lot of faith in them, as they were abysmal in the redzone against the Jets. This team feels like a slightly upgraded version of the Falcons, situation-wise and team-wise.

The issue with this team is experience. It is a relatively young squad, and when they need to play big games, it is hard for them to point to a guy and have them lead them to victory. I like Kyler, but he probably needs to fill that void in big games, rather than throw 2 picks.

Why are they moving up? Because the Niners are falling. the Niners season is over, and while it feels like it is for the Bengals, they still have the offense to go toe-to-toe with just about any team in the league.

And with that loss, and the report of CMC's injury, the season is over for the Niners. It was indeed a super bowl hangover, as this season has just about been a wash the entire season. I think many people will point to injuries as the cause for this collapse this season, but I think there are other reasons as well. The coaching isn't what it should be, nor were any of their key players earning their money.

A very impressive display from the Bears, who now are going to be without Eberflus. The Bears are playing better and better, but are losing games in the most wacky ways possible. In my opinion, they went toe-to-toe with the best team in the league, short week or not. Caleb looked great in the second half, and the defense did their part as well. Now, it may be too late for this team to have a chance at the playoffs, but at least now we can see flashes of what this team could have been.

I wonder if the Rams will look into a surrogate for Stafford this offseason. I feel it's missing some dynamic playmaking from the QB spot.

They really needed that one. It is a hard game to win, going to the Packers on Thanksgiving, but they really needed a win there. It is going to be hard for this team to claw back into a playoff spot, because it would require a collapse of the Chargers or the Broncos, while the Dolphins have to play perfect. However, if this is how they will play against a playoff team, should they even really try?

This year really was a fluke year for the Cowboys. I think if they can land some offensive talent, and a little better run defense in the offseason, they can be right back in the playoff mix.

There is a good team in here somewhere. Not this season, but Anthony Richardson brings something incredibly unique to an offense that could with the right supporting cast, be incredibly dangerous.

This has been the most disappointing team to me this year. They were projected to run away with the division, yet here they are talking about moving on from Cousins in the offseason, and getting beat badly. 4 interceptions is bad. Somehow this team is still in possession of a playoff spot, although I doubt for much longer.

Bryce Young looks like a first overall pick, and I think I can speak for all NFL fans when I say, that makes me very happy to see.

This felt like a very winnable game for the Saints, and they kind of sunk it. Much like the Rams, I think the Saints may look to move on from Carr in some form or fashion this offseason.

Weird team right now. On one hand, I'm impressed with Winston and the defense. On the other hand, Winston gave them the ball 3 times, 2 of which turned into pick-sixes. Curious to see how this team plays the rest of the year out.

Well, I will admit I was wrong about this team before the season. I had some faith that they would at least be a middle of the road team, yet, they have been a bottom of the league team. I thought the roster would perform better all around, especially the defense. While the defense has certainly been solid, I don't know about the coaching, nor the offensive weapons. It's fixable, just not this year.

It is a bit sad to think that these could be the final games of Rodgers career. A bit of a stain at the end of his hall of fame career.

This team is incredibly thankful for them getting the 2 point. Better draft pick, they are already eliminated from the playoffs, nothing really left to try and win.

Honestly, have to feel for the Raiders. They don't mind losing that one, because they get a better draft pick potentially, but you know they wanted to stick it to the Chiefs.

Hard to blame the Jags here, as Lawrence went down mid-game. This team is looking towards a new head coach and potentially Travis Hunter in the off-season.

Welp. Not much left to say that hasn't been said.