Who are the risers and fallers in this week’s rankings?
Written by: Greg Lehr | @greglehr3
Power Rankings by: The Blitz Team | @Blitzalytics
Despite the hype of several key matchups in Week 12 of NFL action, there are no changes near the top of the power rankings this week. The top five teams once again flexed their muscles against the second-tier competition. Baltimore dominated on the road against the LA Rams behind another MVP-level display by Lamar Jackson. Bill Belichick and the Patriots defense and special teams were key in an ugly win in the pouring rain against a painfully inconsistent Cowboys team. The 49ers’ defense continued their outstanding season, stifling Aaron Rodgers and the Packers while maintaining their spot at the top of the NFC. New Orleans survived a thriller at home against NFC South rival Carolina Panthers and Christian McCaffery thanks to the leg of Wil Lutz. Lastly, it was Russell Wilson and the Seahawks staying right on San Francisco’s tail in the NFC West with a hard-fought road win in Philly.
Each of these top five teams played respectable competition - other teams that were also in the playoff picture with just a quarter of the season left - and yet all five teams took care of business. They continue to separate themselves as the class of the league in the NFL’s commemorative 100th season. How does the rest of the league stack up with just five games to go? Check out who we view as the biggest risers and fallers heading into Week 13 as well as our full NFL Power Rankings.
Week 13 Risers:
Tennessee Titans (+5)
Current Ranking: 13
Last Week: 18
After an uninspiring 2-4 start to the season, Mike Vrabel made the season-altering switch from Marcus Mariota to Ryan Tannehill. Since the change, the Titans are 4-1 with Tannehill as the starter, including key wins over the Chargers, Chiefs, and Jaguars. This stretch has been a huge swing that has helped Tennessee keep pace in the unpredictable AFC Wild Card battle. This week’s game against the Colts holds huge implications as the two division rivals, each 6-5 and in the thick of the playoff hunt, meet up in Indianapolis.
Cleveland Browns (+2)
Current Ranking: 19
Last Week: 21
Don't look now, but Baker Mayfield has (quietly?) helped lead the Cleveland Browns back into playoff contention. The Browns' season almost assuredly looked to be over after losing to the struggling Broncos in Denver - a loss that dropped them to 2-6 on the season. Give credit where credit is due though. The Browns have rattled off three straight wins and enter this week's pivotal rematch with the Steelers entrenched in the middle of the AFC Wild Card race. Of course, the aftermath from the heated fight just two weeks ago between these two teams, most notably no Myles Garrett for the remainder of the season in Cleveland, certainly looms large down the home stretch.
Week 13 Fallers:
Oakland Raiders (-3)
Current Ranking: 15
Last Week: 12
This had to be the most disappointing game of the season for Jon Gruden's team in an otherwise exciting 2019 campaign. After winning three straight and having a prime opportunity to get even with the division-leading Chiefs before their showdown the following week, the Raiders completely forgot to show up in New York. Some may say it was the classic case of the west coast team struggling with the early east coast kickoff, losing 34-3 to Sam Darnold and the Jets. Or it could have simply been a true trap game for this young, overachieving Raiders squad that was looking past an underwhelming Jets team with Kansas City on the horizon. All is not lost in one week though, as the Raiders still boast a 6-5 record and remain in the hunt in the AFC.
Jacksonville Jaguars (-4)
Current Ranking: 23
Last Week: 19
What has happened to the Jacksonville Jaguars? Throughout the month of November, the Jaguars have played all three AFC South foes and have been outscored by a combined score of 101-36. They now find themselves in the basement of the division and likely a long shot for a playoff berth sitting at 4-7. Nick Foles has struggled to find a consistent rhythm since coming back from injury and replacing Gardner Minshew in the lineup. The defense, meanwhile, has fallen off significantly from what it has been the last couple of years, ranking below average in points allowed (22nd, 24 PPG), yards given up (18th, 365 YPG), and yards per play (27th, 6 YPP). Between now and the end of the season, Doug Marrone will need to find a way to get more out of his team and better results overall if he wants to stay in Jacksonville beyond this year.
Full NFL Power Rankings: Week 13
Rankings by: The Blitz Team
Baltimore Ravens
San Francisco 49ers
New England Patriots
Seattle Seahawks
New Orleans Saints
Minnesota Vikings
Green Bay Packers
Buffalo Bills
Kansas City Chiefs
Houston Texans
Dallas Cowboys
Indianapolis Colts
Tennessee Titans
Pittsburgh Steelers
Oakland Raiders
Los Angeles Rams
Carolina Panthers
Philadelphia Eagles
Cleveland Browns
Los Angeles Chargers
Chicago Bears
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jacksonville Jaguars
Arizona Cardinals
New York Jets
Denver Broncos
Atlanta Falcons
Detroit Lions
New York Giants
Miami Dolphins
Washington Redskins
Cincinnati Bengals