The playoff race is heating up after Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season, which began on Thanksgiving and concluded with a Patriots win on “Monday Night time Soccer.” After victories by the Payments, Chargers, Jaguars and Packers, there are nonetheless 12 groups at the very least 4 video games over .500. In accordance with Elias Sports activities Bureau, that is tied with 2000 for essentially the most groups at that mark by Week 13 because the 1970 merger.
How do these groups slot in our up to date Energy Rankings? We restacked the NFL heading into Week 14, which incorporates byes for the Giants, Panthers, Patriots and 49ers. Along with the 1-32 rankings, we requested our NFL Nation reporters to select an X issue for the ultimate stretch of the season. Who could possibly be essential to their workforce in a postseason push? Who wants massive performances to get a brand new contract for 2026?
Let’s get into it with the No. 1 workforce, which is totally different from final week’s rankings. Our energy panel of greater than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities evaluated how NFL groups stack up in opposition to each other, rating them from 1 to 32.
Bounce to a workforce:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Week 13 end result: Beat the Giants 33-15
Week 13 rating: 2
X issue for closing stretch: Defensive sort out Christian Barmore
With beginning DT Milton Williams on injured reserve due to a excessive ankle sprain for at the very least the following two video games and No. 3 DT Khyiris Tonga slowed by a chest damage from Week 12, extra of the burden falls on Barmore. By the primary 9 weeks, the Patriots hadn’t allowed an opposing working again to realize 50 dashing yards in a recreation. However in Weeks 10-12, Patriots opponents averaged greater than 5.0 yards a carry. — Mike Reiss
Week 13 end result: Misplaced to the Panthers 31-28
Week 13 rating: 1
X issue for closing stretch: Linebacker Byron Younger
This Sunday confirmed simply how necessary the Rams’ go rush has been to their success on protection. That group has been significantly useful to an injury-riddled secondary by pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Younger is the chief — at the very least in sacks — of their go rush with a career-high 10 this season. The 2023 third-round choose can be setting himself up for an enormous contract extension, which he is eligible for after the season. — Sarah Barshop
Week 13 end result: Beat the Commanders 27-26 (OT)
Week 13 rating: 3
X issue for closing stretch: Operating again RJ Harvey
With J.Okay. Dobbins on injured reserve (foot), Harvey is clearly the workforce’s RB1 and the one “massive” again on the roster at 205 kilos — no different participant on the place is over 200 kilos. He has proven enchancment in go safety, so that ought to give him some further third-down snaps within the weeks forward. However the Broncos want him at his decisive greatest as a runner if their run recreation goes to be greater than decorative. — Jeff Legwold
Week 13 end result: Beat the Vikings 26-0
Week 13 rating: 5
X issue for closing stretch: Large receiver/returner Rashid Shaheed
Not lengthy after buying Shaheed from the Saints final month, the Seahawks needed to put rookie receiver/punt returner Tory Horton on injured reserve. Whereas the commerce has proved to be well timed, it has but to be as impactful as Seattle envisioned. Shaheed has solely 73 scrimmage yards on 9 touches in 4 video games with the Seahawks. However among the many causes they gave up fourth- and fifth-round picks for one of many NFL’s premier deep threats was to provide opposing defenses another person to fret about aside from Jaxon Smith-Njigba. If groups observe Minnesota’s lead and bottle up the league’s main receiver, Seattle will want Shaheed to step up. — Brady Henderson
Week 13 end result: Beat the Lions 31-24
Week 13 rating: 7
X issue for closing stretch: Large receiver Jayden Reed
The Packers aren’t simply getting again one other receiver quickly. They’re getting again their main receiver in every of the previous two seasons. Reed hasn’t performed since he broke his collarbone in Week 2. He underwent surgical procedure to restore that, in addition to a fracture in his foot, and is anticipated to return both this week in opposition to the Bears or subsequent week in opposition to the Broncos. Reed is the Packers’ most versatile receiver and may make their passing recreation much more troublesome to defend down the stretch. — Rob Demovsky
Week 13 end result: Misplaced to the Bears 24-15
Week 13 rating: 4
X issue for closing stretch: Operating again Saquon Barkley
The reigning Offensive Participant of the Yr has had a troublesome time getting moving into 2025. He’s on tempo for 1,048 dashing yards, nearly half of his manufacturing from his record-breaking 2024 season (2,005). He has confronted extra stacked bins and is working behind an offensive line that hasn’t been as buttoned up as final season’s group. The bottom recreation is significant to Philadelphia’s operation. The Eagles want to determine the way to unlock Barkley if they’ve designs on making one other run. — Tim McManus
2:19
Stephen A.: Eagles are ‘coming aside on the seams’
Stephen A. Smith explains why he believes the Eagles’ Week 13 loss was worse than the Rams’ loss to the Panthers.
Week 13 end result: Beat the Browns 26-8
Week 13 rating: 9
X issue for closing stretch: Returner Skyy Moore
Moore’s emergence over the previous month has performed an important function in San Francisco’s particular groups turnaround. He ranks fifth within the NFL in yards per kick return (28.1) and eleventh in yards per punt return (12.1). He has almost scored on one in all every and has mentioned repeatedly it is only a matter of time till he takes one all the best way. The Niners want contributions from all around the roster in an effort to make up for what they’ve misplaced to damage, so Moore could possibly be significantly necessary down the stretch. — Nick Wagoner
Week 13 end result: Beat the Eagles 24-15
Week 13 rating: 11
X issue for closing stretch: Cornerback Nahshon Wright
Wright is an enormous motive the Bears lead the NFL in takeaways (26). The backup-turned-starter for 11 of 12 video games is second on the workforce in interceptions (5), together with the Bears’ solely pick-six. He additionally has three fumble recoveries and a pressured fumble. Contemplating the Bears’ lack of constant go rush, they’ll proceed to lean on Wright to earn additional possessions. These instinctive performs, reminiscent of a pressured fumble on the Eagles’ tush push Friday, are protecting Wright on the sphere at the same time as the remainder of the Chicago secondary will get wholesome at a vital time. — Courtney Cronin
Week 13 end result: Beat the Steelers 26-7
Week 13 rating: 10
X issue for closing stretch: Operating again James Cook dinner III
The Payments’ dashing assault — fueled by Cook dinner and his offensive line and coached by Aaron Kromer — has been a significant piece of the workforce’s success. To safe a spot within the postseason, the Payments want manufacturing on the bottom when their inconsistent passing recreation falls quick. All 4 of the Payments’ losses have come when Cook dinner rushes for fewer than 100 yards. — Alaina Getzenberg
Week 13 end result: Misplaced to the Texans 20-16
Week 13 rating: 6
X issue for closing stretch: Operating again Jonathan Taylor
The Colts are 5-0 when Taylor rushes for 100 yards or extra. That is a little bit of an oversimplification as a result of he tends to shut out wins by working the ball and chewing up clock. However there is a relationship between the Colts having an environment friendly offensive efficiency and Taylor being productive. In latest weeks, neither has been true, and Indy has misplaced three of 4, with Taylor averaging 62.7 yards in these losses. — Stephen Holder
1:20
Schefter: Colts’ early-season momentum appears to be gone
Adam Schefter joins “Get Up” and discusses the powerful street for the Colts to get into the playoffs after Sunday’s loss to the Texans.
Week 13 end result: Misplaced to the Packers 31-24
Week 13 rating: 8
X issue for closing stretch: Defensive finish Aidan Hutchinson
The Lions are nonetheless preventing for a playoff spot after coming into the season with excessive expectations as Tremendous Bowl contenders. Detroit’s go rush has struggled with simply 4 sacks over the previous 4 video games; Hutchinson had 1.5 sacks in a tough November. The Lions want Hutchinson, and the protection, to discover a groove. “Look, we have now 5 video games left of the common season. We’re at a degree the place there’s some adversity for certain,” he mentioned throughout Sunday’s observe. “We name ourselves a gritty workforce, it is throughout this constructing. It is what folks say about us, however I feel it is simple to be gritty if you’re successful video games and it is all sunshine and rainbows.” — Eric Woodyard
Week 13 end result: Beat the Colts 20-16
Week 13 rating: 16
X issue for closing stretch: Quarterback C.J. Stroud
The Texans have an elite protection that is the No. 1 scoring unit within the league (16.4 factors per recreation allowed). So all Houston wants is an efficient offense, led by Stroud, that may rating 24 factors per recreation. Often, that is all of the protection must seize the win — it has given up greater than 20 factors in solely two video games. Stroud admitted he was a “little rusty” in his return from a concussion Sunday, however the Texans want him to return to kind with a protection that might energy them to a different divisional title and probably a deep playoff run. — DJ Bien-Aime
Week 13 end result: Beat the Titans 25-3
Week 13 rating: 14
X issue for closing stretch: Defensive finish Josh Hines-Allen
It took Hines-Allen 11 weeks to get his third sack, which gave him a franchise-record 56 for his profession. Previously two weeks, nonetheless, he has had three sacks and a league-high 16 QB pressures — another than Cleveland’s Myles Garrett. The Jaguars want Hines-Allen to keep up that surge due to accidents to defensive finish Travon Walker (knee) and defensive sort out Arik Armstead (hand). Walker hasn’t practiced in two weeks, and Armstead could not play with a forged on his hand in opposition to the Titans. Hines-Allen should carry the go rush, particularly in Sunday’s vital recreation in opposition to Indianapolis with the AFC South lead on the road. — Mike DiRocco
Week 13 end result: Beat the Raiders 31-14
Week 13 rating: 13
X issue for closing stretch: Operating again Omarion Hampton
The 2025 first-round choose has been on injured reserve since Week 5 due to a left ankle fracture however might return to the sphere as early as Monday in opposition to the Eagles. Hampton had been a constant, bruising pressure on the bottom and a security valve within the passing recreation for Herbert. Hampton caught 17 passes from Weeks 3 to five, tied for second most on the workforce with large receiver Keenan Allen. Hampton was additionally third within the NFL in yards from scrimmage (364) over that span. His return ought to jump-start this offense at an important a part of the season. — Kris Rhim
Week 13 end result: Beat the Chiefs 31-28
Week 13 rating: 19
X issue for closing stretch: Cornerback Trevon Diggs
Diggs hasn’t performed since mid-October, however he was designated for return from injured reserve Sunday. He suffered a concussion in an at-home accident and was positioned on injured reserve to assist proper knee soreness that had developed. He was not taking part in at his Professional Bowl stage from 2022 earlier than occurring IR, however maybe he can discover that kind in a Cowboys protection that has improved with the additions of Quinnen Williams, DeMarvion Overshown, Shavon Revel Jr. and Logan Wilson. Diggs would supply one other playmaker because the Cowboys combat for a playoff spot. — Todd Archer
Week 13 end result: Misplaced to the Cowboys 31-28
Week 13 rating: 12
X issue for closing stretch: Large receiver Rashee Rice
After lacking the primary six video games whereas serving a suspension, Rice has been a difference-maker for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Alongside tight finish Travis Kelce, Rice might want to proceed to raise his play, particularly his skill to realize yards after the catch, to maintain the Chiefs’ playoff hopes alive. Mahomes will possible must rely much more on quick passes to Rice as a result of Kansas Metropolis is coping with quite a few accidents alongside its offensive line. — Nate Taylor
Week 13 end result: Beat the Cardinals 20-17
Week 13 rating: 15
X issue for closing stretch: Operating again Bucky Irving
Since coming into the league final season, Irving has a missed tackles pressured charge of 35.2%, in keeping with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. That is one of the best charge amongst gamers with 250 or extra carries over that span. With quarterback Baker Mayfield coping with a shoulder damage to his non-throwing arm and Chris Godwin Jr. simply now getting wholesome, the Bucs have wanted Irving to maneuver the chains. And as Mayfield put it, “[Irving] will get a whole lot of consideration whether or not he is getting the ball or not. The play’s by no means over — it does not need to be blocked up excellent.” — Jenna Laine
Week 13 end result: Beat the Rams 31-28
Week 13 rating: 20
X issue for closing stretch: Quarterback Bryce Younger
When Younger performs nicely and limits turnovers, the Panthers have an opportunity. The previous two weeks are prime examples. He had three landing passes and a season-high passer score of 147.1 in opposition to the Rams on Sunday. The week earlier than that, Younger had two picks and a passer score of 60.8 in a loss to San Francisco when the protection performed nicely sufficient to win. With groups stacking up in opposition to the run, Younger has to carry out nicely within the passing recreation. — David Newton
1:26
Eisen: NFC South is now a division that could possibly be gained by Panthers
Wealthy Eisen provides his ideas on the present state of the Panthers and previews their upcoming schedule.
Week 13 end result: Misplaced to the Bengals 32-14
Week 13 rating: 17
X issue for closing stretch: Quarterback Lamar Jackson
The Ravens want Jackson to return to kind if they’ve any hope of creating the postseason. Since 2018, he has one of the best regular-season report in December and January at 22-4, throwing 53 touchdowns and eight interceptions. To ensure that him to succeed in that stage once more, he has to interrupt out of a career-worst stoop. Over the previous three video games, he has accomplished lower than 60% of his passes and hasn’t produced a landing — his longest drought since turning into a starter. The Ravens do not essentially want MVP Lamar, however they cannot overcome one other meltdown like his Thanksgiving efficiency. — Jamison Hensley
Week 13 end result: Beat the Saints 21-17
Week 13 rating: 22
X issue for closing stretch: Operating again De’Von Achane
Should you’ve seen only one Dolphins recreation this season, you understand how necessary Achane is to the offense. He ranks third within the NFL with 1,034 dashing yards and sixth with 1,404 scrimmage yards. He’s the one Dolphins participant with greater than 60 touches, having caught or carried the ball 240 instances this season. As Miami has become a prime dashing offense over the previous month, its long-shot run to the playoffs will go so far as the third-year again can take them — particularly if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the passing recreation proceed to wrestle. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Week 13 end result: Misplaced to the Payments 26-7
Week 13 rating: 18
X issue for closing stretch: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers
With so many areas of concern, it is arduous to pin down one participant because the workforce’s X issue coming into this important stretch. Rodgers, although, is an efficient place to begin. The offense mustered a season low of factors in opposition to the Payments and possessed the ball for simply 18 minutes. The protection has obtrusive points, too. But when Rodgers and the offense can maintain drives, that might alleviate the load carried by the protection. — Brooke Pryor
Week 13 end result: Beat the Ravens 32-14
Week 13 rating: 25
X issue for closing stretch: Linebacker Barrett Carter
Only a few rookies are shouldering as a lot of their workforce’s hopes as Carter. The fourth-round pick of Clemson is the beginning center linebacker and relays the workforce’s defensive playcalls. Defensive coordinator Al Golden famous that Carter did a great job of working the run protection within the workforce’s Week 12 loss to the Patriots. Cincinnati constructed on that efficiency with a five-takeaway outing in opposition to Baltimore. If the Bengals’ protection can play nicely with Carter within the center, Cincinnati will hold across the playoff dialog. — Ben Child
Week 13 end result: Misplaced to the Broncos 27-26 (OT)
Week 13 rating: 24
X issue for closing stretch: Large receiver Deebo Samuel
Samuel is taking part in for a brand new contract, which could possibly be in Washington — relying on how he finishes. Age will likely be an element, as he turns 30 in January; it was a sticking level within the Terry McLaurin negotiations. Samuel leads the workforce with 58 catches for 534 yards and 5 touchdowns. He is on tempo to prime his profession excessive of 77 catches from 2021. Washington must improve its receivers with extra explosiveness, which Samuel has improved. However he could possibly be an attention-grabbing free agent goal for different groups. McLaurin will earn $18.35 million in 2026, leaving Washington with at the very least $90 million in cap house, so it might probably afford one other costly signing at receiver. However any deal for Samuel should make sense. — John Keim
Week 13 end result: Misplaced to the Seahawks 26-0
Week 13 rating: 21
X issue for closing stretch: Quarterback J.J. McCarthy
The Vikings are all however eradicated from the playoffs, so their most necessary organizational precedence is to resolve whether or not they want a brand new quarterback for 2026. The Vikings are unlikely to surrender on McCarthy, the No. 10 choose in 2024. However they are going to be pressured to face some troublesome selections if he does not reverse what has been the worst efficiency by any beginning quarterback this season. Ought to they pair him with a short-term veteran who might change him if 2026 begins poorly? Do they should purchase somebody to begin, pushing McCarthy’s timeline again to 2027? These are by far a very powerful questions for the franchise. — Kevin Seifert
0:52
Will the Vikings kind out their QB points in time for subsequent recreation?
Kevin Seifert particulars the continuing points at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings.
Week 13 end result: Misplaced to the Jets 27-24
Week 13 rating: 23
X issue for closing stretch: Large receiver Darnell Mooney
After Mooney garnered almost 1,000 receiving yards final season, this has been one thing of a misplaced yr. He broke his collarbone within the first observe of coaching camp and has but to seek out any consistency since returning in Week 2. Mooney appeared to show the nook in Week 12 with a 49-yard landing catch from quarterback Kirk Cousins however then had simply two catches for 25 yards in opposition to the Jets. He carries a cap hit of greater than $18 million subsequent season, so he might pressure the Falcons into a tricky determination if he does not present a return to kind. — Marc Raimondi
Week 13 end result: Misplaced to the Buccaneers 20-17
Week 13 rating: 26
X issue for closing stretch: Tight finish Trey McBride
McBride has established himself as Mr. Constant. Sunday was his 14th straight recreation with 5 or extra receptions, a brand new Cardinals report and the second most in NFL historical past behind Travis Kelce’s 15 straight video games in 2018. With McBride’s versatility, he generally is a playmaker off the road or cut up large, inflicting mismatches wherever he’s on the sphere. With receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.’s heel a priority and uncertainty round Kyler Murray’s return from IR, McBride is Arizona’s most steady playmaker. — Josh Weinfuss
Week 13 end result: Misplaced to the 49ers 26-8
Week 13 rating: 28
X issue for closing stretch: Quarterback Shedeur Sanders
Sanders, a fifth-round choose, will make his third straight begin in opposition to the Titans, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter beforehand reported that the Browns are open to giving Sanders an prolonged search for the remainder of the season. He has proven flashes in his two begins (60% completion charge, two landing passes) and may have a chance to go away an enduring impression on Cleveland’s decision-makers forward of the offseason. The workforce has two first-round picks within the 2026 draft. — Daniel Oyefusi
1:45
Stephen A.: Shedeur Sanders ought to begin the remainder of the season
Stephen A. Smith breaks down why the Browns ought to begin Shedeur Sanders at quarterback for the remainder of the season.
Week 13 end result: Beat the Falcons 27-24
Week 13 rating: 30
X issue for closing stretch: Defensive finish Will McDonald IV
McDonald, a 2023 first-round choose, is on tempo for his second double-digit sack season, however he has had stretches of inconsistency. 4 of his seven sacks got here in Week 10 in opposition to the Browns. His stress share of 11.7% is down from final season’s 16.3%, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. The Jets need to decide on McDonald’s fifth-year choice by Could. Proper now, it is projected at $14.9 million (totally assured) for 2027. — Wealthy Cimini
Week 13 end result: Misplaced to the Patriots 33-15
Week 13 rating: 27
X issue for closing stretch: Linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux
Thibodeaux missed his third straight recreation Monday evening due to a shoulder damage, and he has simply 2.5 sacks in 10 video games. The sting rusher began 2025 robust, however the damage has harm his worth shifting ahead. Thibodeaux has a fifth-year choice in 2026, however he might have been up for a brand new contract had this season gone nicely. Now, will probably be attention-grabbing to see how he finishes on the sphere. It might go a good distance in figuring out his future with the workforce. — Jordan Raanan
Week 13 end result: Misplaced to the Dolphins 21-17
Week 13 rating: 29
X issue for closing stretch: Large receiver Chris Olave
The Saints’ final win got here when Olave had his solely 100-yard recreation of the season in Week 10 in opposition to the Panthers. The Saints are down two receivers now that Brandin Cooks and Rashid Shaheed are gone and working again Alvin Kamara is harm. Which means there aren’t a whole lot of pass-catching choices for rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. Devaughn Vele had his greatest recreation as a Saint in opposition to the Dolphins, however the Saints want Olave to get their offense going. — Katherine Terrell
Week 13 end result: Misplaced to the Chargers 31-14
Week 13 rating: 31
X issue for closing stretch: Large receiver Jack Bech
Large receiver is among the many lengthy checklist of wants the Raiders will handle within the offseason. However with Las Vegas out of the postseason image, the ultimate 5 weeks of the season ought to open the door for its rookie second-round choose to show he generally is a significant contributor in 2026. Bech has solely 10 catches for 114 yards, although eight of these receptions resulted in first downs. The previous TCU standout has upside. It is a matter of the teaching workers permitting him to showcase his potential within the coming weeks. — Ryan McFadden
Week 13 end result: Misplaced to the Jaguars 25-3
Week 13 rating: 32
X issue for closing stretch: Defensive sort out Jeffery Simmons
Regardless of lacking two video games, Simmons has 6.5 sacks and is on tempo for his first double-digit-sack season. He leads the Titans with 29 quarterback pressures (second most amongst DTs within the NFL), 12 of which got here in opposition to double-teams. Merely put, as he goes, the Titans’ protection goes. Simmons’ skill to beat double-teams permits different defensive linemen to get one-on-one matchups. And his impression extends past the go rush. He is constantly making performs behind the road of scrimmage, as proven by his 10 tackles for loss. — Turron Davenport
