NFL Power Rankings, Week 14: Patriots on Top, Dolphins Rising, and Panthers Shock the Rams
With Week 13 nearly in the books and just Monday Night Football left to play, the NFL landscape continues to shift in dramatic fashion. From upsets to surging teams, the playoff picture is starting to take shape-and so are the power rankings.
Let’s dive into the updated Top 32, where the Patriots are sitting pretty at No. 1, the Panthers just shook up the NFC with a stunning upset, and the Dolphins are quietly heating up at the right time.
1. New England Patriots (10-2)
Next: MNF vs. Giants
The Patriots remain the gold standard heading into Week 14. With a league-best 10-2 record and a Monday night matchup still to play, New England continues to win with a formula that’s as familiar as it is effective-dominant defense, smart quarterback play, and a coaching staff that always seems one step ahead.
2. Seattle Seahawks (9-3)
Last Week: Beat Vikings
Seattle keeps stacking wins, and their latest came against a Vikings team that, while struggling, still has talent.
The Seahawks are peaking at the right time, with their defense tightening up and the offense finding rhythm.
3. Denver Broncos (10-2)
Last Week: Beat Commanders
Denver handled business against Washington and stayed tied with New England atop the standings.
Their defense continues to be one of the league’s most reliable units, and the offense is doing just enough to keep them in the championship conversation.
4. Los Angeles Rams (9-3)
Last Week: Lost to Panthers
This one stings.
The Rams were heavy favorites, but Carolina came into their house and pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season. It’s a reminder that in the NFL, no win is guaranteed.
Still, at 9-3, the Rams are firmly in the playoff mix-but this loss might linger.
5. Green Bay Packers (8-3-1)
Last Week: Beat Lions
The Packers got back on track with a convincing win over Detroit.
Their offense looked sharp, and the defense made timely plays. Green Bay remains one of the NFC’s most balanced teams.
6. Buffalo Bills (8-4)
Last Week: Beat Steelers
Buffalo took care of business against Pittsburgh, and they did it with their defense leading the way.
The Bills are quietly building momentum, and with December football upon us, they’re a team no one wants to face.
7. Philadelphia Eagles (8-4)
Last Week: Lost to Bears
Tough loss for Philly.
The Bears came in and played spoiler, and now the Eagles find themselves in a tight NFC race. The offense sputtered at times, and they’ll need to clean things up heading into Week 14.
8. Indianapolis Colts (8-4)
Last Week: Lost to Texans
The Colts fell in a divisional battle that could have major playoff implications.
They’re still in the thick of the AFC race, but this one will sting-especially with the Texans gaining ground.
9. San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
Last Week: Beat Browns
San Francisco keeps rolling.
They handled Cleveland with ease, and their defense continues to be among the league’s best. With a 9-4 record, they’re firmly entrenched in the NFC playoff picture.
10. Chicago Bears (9-3)
Last Week: Beat Eagles
The Bears made a statement with a win over Philadelphia.
Their defense showed up in a big way, and the offense did enough to seal it. Don’t sleep on Chicago-they’re finding their groove.
11-20: Teams Fighting for Position
11. Detroit Lions (7-5) - Dropped a key divisional game to the Packers.
12. Houston Texans (7-5) - Big win over the Colts keeps them in the hunt.
13. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) - Took care of business against the Raiders.
14. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4) - Quietly putting together a strong season.
15. Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1) - Huge win over the Chiefs keeps their playoff hopes alive.
16. Kansas City Chiefs (6-6) - Inconsistency continues to plague them.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) - Solid win over Arizona.
18. Baltimore Ravens (6-6) - Couldn’t get it done against the Bengals.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6) - Tough loss to Buffalo drops them to .500.
20. Carolina Panthers (7-6) - Let’s talk about it.
Panthers Shock the Rams, Jump to No. 20
Carolina pulled off the kind of win that turns heads across the league. Beating a 9-2 Rams team wasn’t just unexpected-it was a reminder that this Panthers squad still has fight. At 7-6, they’re not out of the playoff mix, and if they can build on this momentum, things could get interesting down the stretch.
21. Miami Dolphins (5-7)
Last Week: Beat Saints
Don’t look now, but the Dolphins are heating up.
After a slow start, Miami has rattled off three straight wins, the latest coming against the Saints. The defense is flying around, the offense is finding a rhythm, and suddenly, a fourth straight win isn’t out of the question with a trip to the Jets on deck.
Playoffs? It’s not impossible-not with the way this team is trending.
22-32: Teams Looking Ahead to 2026
22. Minnesota Vikings (4-8) - Couldn’t hang with Seattle.
23. Atlanta Falcons (4-8) - Loss to the Jets adds to a frustrating season.
24. Cincinnati Bengals (4-8) - Upset win over Baltimore shows some fight.
25. Washington Commanders (3-9) - No match for the Broncos.
26. Arizona Cardinals (3-9) - Loss to Tampa continues their slide.
27. New York Jets (3-9) - Surprise win over Atlanta gives fans something to cheer about.
28. Cleveland Browns (3-9) - Another tough outing, this time against the 49ers.
29. New York Giants (2-10) - MNF matchup with the Patriots looming.
30. Las Vegas Raiders (2-10) - Loss to the Chargers keeps them at the bottom.
31. New Orleans Saints (2-10) - Couldn’t stop Miami’s momentum.
32. Tennessee Titans (1-11) - Loss to the Jaguars drops them to the league’s cellar.
Looking Ahead
Week 14 is shaping up to be a pivotal one, especially for teams like the Dolphins, Panthers, and Cowboys-all fighting to stay alive in the playoff race. Meanwhile, at the top, the Patriots, Broncos, and Seahawks continue to jockey for postseason positioning.
As we enter the final stretch of the regular season, one thing is clear: nothing is set in stone. And as the Panthers just reminded us-on any given Sunday, anything can happen.