"The playoff race is heating up after Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season, which started on Thanksgiving and concluded with a Patriots win on " Monday Night Football." After victories by the Bills, Chargers, Jaguars and Packers, there are still 12 teams at least four games over .500. According to Elias Sports Bureau, that's tied with 2000 for the most teams at that mark through Week 13 since the 1970 merger."
"How do these teams fit in our updated Power Rankings? We restacked the NFL heading into Week 14, which includes byes for the Giants, Panthers, Patriots and 49ers. In addition to the 1-32 rankings, we asked our NFL Nation reporters to pick an X factor for the final stretch of the season. Who could be crucial to their team in a postseason push? Who needs big performances to get a new contract for 2026?"
"With starting DT Milton Williams on injured reserve because of a high ankle sprain for at least the next two games and No. 3 DT Khyiris Tonga slowed by a chest injury from Week 12, more of the burden falls on Barmore. Through the first nine weeks, the Patriots hadn't allowed an opposing running back to gain 50 rushing yards in a game. But in Weeks 10-12, Patriots opponents averaged more than 5.0 yards a carry. -- Mike Reiss"
After Week 13, which began on Thanksgiving and ended with a Patriots win on Monday Night Football, victories by the Bills, Chargers, Jaguars and Packers left 12 teams at least four games over .500, tying 2000 for the most such teams through Week 13 since the 1970 merger, per Elias Sports Bureau. Power rankings were updated heading into Week 14, with byes for the Giants, Panthers, Patriots and 49ers. Teams were evaluated from 1 to 32 and X factors were identified for the season’s final stretch; notable X factors include Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore and Rams linebacker Byron Young, with injuries affecting roles and pass-rush impact.
Read at ESPN.com
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