NFL Power Rankings Week 13
The NFL regular season is starting to heat up and the playoff picture is beginning to form. Let’s recap what we saw across the league during Thanksgiving weekend before rating each team, 1-32, along with fantasy football analysis tailored toward one player from each franchise.
Week 12 gave us a full 16-game slate to enjoy during the extended Holiday weekend, with the biggest game occurring between MVP candidates Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen. The Eagles won 37-34 in overtime at home with a Hurts walk-off touchdown run, his second of the game, in a thrilling matchup that went deep into overtime.
Miami’s 34-13 win against the uninspiring New York Jets was the result of multiple pick-sixes by a talented Dolphins defense, while the New York Giants won an ugly 10-7 outing for Tommy Devito’s second consecutive win, coming against the struggling New England Patriots. Carolina failed to compete against Tennessee late, leading to head coach Frank Reich getting fired, with the Panthers sitting at a league-worst 1-10 record entering Week 13.
The AFC North looks like it may belong to the 7-4 Pittsburgh Steelers, who produced over 400 yards of offense in the first game without former OC Matt Canada, moving the ball behind Kenny Pickett, who finished with a season-best 278 passing yards in a 16-10 win over Cincinnati. The Falcons rode the coattails of rookie running back Bijan Robinson, scoring two touchdowns in a 24-15 win over the Saints to regain the NFC South divisional lead. The Rams went ballistic against the Cardinals, as second-year running back Kyren Williams logged over 200 scrimmage yards and two receiving touchdowns to improve to 5-6.
Denver extended their win streak to five games with a decisive 29-12 win against a stout Cleveland defense, while Patrick Mahomes erased a 14-0 deficit with 298 yards and a pair of touchdowns thrown against the Raiders. C.J. Stroud and Trevor Lawrence played for the AFC South divisional lead, both performing well, but a doinked field goal attempt from Houston to attempt forcing overtime gave the Jaguars a big road win over the Texans. The Colts managed to win their third consecutive game against the Buccaneers late, making first-year head coach Shane Steichen an intriguing Coach Of The Year candidate.
The final two prime-time games were not fun to watch, but Baltimore won a 20-10 road contest against the Chargers behind rookie wideout Zay Flowers’ two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Minnesota saw Josh Dobbs throw four interceptions and lose 12-10 against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, as a late touchdown to T.J. Hockenson couldn’t hold off the Bears from driving down the field to score the go-ahead field goal late.
NFL fantasy analyst Matt MacKay is back with his latest NFL power rankings ahead of Week 13, which sends six teams on Bye, including Baltimore, Buffalo, and Minnesota. This is huge in fantasy football leagues, forcing fantasy managers to pivot and stream players in lineups with the fantasy football playoffs starting soon in Week 15. We’re here to help with a strong analysis of the state of each team, along with a relevant fantasy football player, good or bad, who fantasy managers should target or fade entering pivotal Week 13 matchups.
1. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles possess the best record in the league at 10-1, two games better than any other team through 12 weeks. Jalen Hurts is now the outright MVP betting favorite following back-to-back wins over the Chiefs and Bills, but another marquee matchup awaits against San Francisco in Week 13.
QB Jalen Hurts – Hurts has been a fantasy goldmine in 2023, averaging 23.5 fantasy points per game leading all quarterbacks with 11 rushing touchdowns. Expect more passing production from Hurts against a leaky San Francisco pass defense, keeping him locked into fantasy lineups as a top-three option in Week 13.
2. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys tore apart Washington behind Dak Prescott’s four passing touchdowns, going over 300 yards for the third time in his past four games. Dallas’ latest losses came against the 49ers and Eagles, otherwise, they are the next strongest contender in the NFC.
QB Dak Prescott – Prescott’s latest tear through the air has elevated him into overall QB3 for fantasy points per game this season (20.6). He’s a must-start in every matchup, including in Week 13 against a Seattle defense ranked as the 17th-best matchup for fantasy quarterbacks.
3. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have returned to form after their three-game losing skid prior to their Bye, ripping off three straight wins in dominating fashion. Their biggest test awaits on the road in an NFC Championship game rematch against the red-hot Eagles, so expect a healthier 49ers offense to produce, especially as outright betting favorites in this matchup against Philadelphia.
TE George Kittle – George Kittle cooled off in Week 12, but he’s a focal point of the 49ers’ offense that will have blow-up games. Kittle is TE4 on the season, averaging 10.9 points per game, and the Eagles present a top-eight fantasy tight end matchup for him to exploit in Week 13. Kittle is a must-start on the road against Philadelphia.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City is 12th in total points scored (256) this season, but the defense has stepped up for the Chiefs in 2023. Patrick Mahomes remains a strong MVP candidate, erasing a 14-0 lead in Week 12 against the Raiders, finishing with a 79 percent completion rate, 298 yards, and two touchdowns.
WR Rashee Rice – Rookie wideout Rashee Rice finally had a 20-point outing in fantasy football in Week 12, hauling in eight receptions on ten targets for 107 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown reception. Rice is trending into an every-week WR2. He’ll face the Packers in Week 13, a bottom-ten matchup, but remains a low-end WR2.
5. Detroit Lions
Detroit has looked vulnerable two weeks in a row, and it finally blew up in their face against the Packers in Week 12. The Lions attempted a late comeback but a strip-sack returned for a touchdown by Green Bay in the first quarter gave the Packers a 20-6 lead with permanent momentum. The Lions hit the road for a contest against the Saints, who have dropped two straight games, providing a chance for Detroit to bounce back.
RB David Montgomery – The Lions’ running back room is filled with talent, which includes veteran David Montgomery. He handled four more carries (15) than Jahmyr Gibbs, scoring a touchdown to boost his output to 15.1 points. Montgomery will enter a bottom-ten matchup against the Saints in Week 13, but Detroit’s offense goes through the run game, so he remains an RB2.
6. Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore has been a bit underwhelming despite winning four of its past five games. Lamar Jackson hasn’t been asked to do as much as he did earlier in the year, as the Ravens’ run game is more balanced. Still, going 6-1 entering their Week 13 Bye provides plenty of momentum to prepare for a rest of season schedule that includes the Jaguars, 49ers, and Dolphins.
WR Zay Flowers – Rookie wideout Zay Flowers scored two touchdowns against the Chargers, recording 20 fantasy points for the first time this season. Flowers accomplished this with only six touches, so this hyper-efficiency in a run-centric offense will lead to more modest production against the Rams during his next game in Week 14, keeping Flowers as a low-end WR2.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville has scored at least 24 points in back-to-back games after stalling out against the Steelers and 49ers. Trevor Lawrence and Calvin Ridley have been cooking lately, drawing a plus-matchup against the short-handed Bengals in Week 13.
WR Calvin Ridley – Ridley’s been a dud in lineups more often than not this year, but he’s gone off for 27.6 and 19.4 fantasy points during the last two weeks. As long as Ridley’s drawing red zone targets and averaging over 11 yards per target, which we’ve seen during the Jaguars’ two-game win streak, he’s a fringe WR1 with top-five upside. A top-16 matchup against the Bengals puts Ridley firmly into WR2 territory.
8. Miami Dolphins
Miami is another good team beating bad opponents in forgettable fashion. The Dolphins’ defense is the unsung hero while the team still searches for its first big statement win of the season. Upcoming games against the Commanders and Titans should keep Miami comfortably atop the AFC East.
RB Raheem Mostert – Mostert is RB4 in fantasy points per game this season (17.5), scoring 13 rushing touchdowns and averaging 5.2 YPC. As long as De’Von Achane is sidelined, Mostert is an RB1. He’ll remain a low-end RB2 with RB1 upside if Achane returns against Washington in Week 13.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers
The first game without OC Matt Canada resulted in over 400 yards of offense and 278 passing yards from Kenny Pickett, both season-high marks. The Steelers are 7-4 and get a favorable home game matchup against the Cardinals in Week 13, entering the game 3-1 in their past four games played, relying on a stout defense, led by T.J. Watt, and an effective run game.
RB Najee Harris – It was Najee Harris’ turn to go off in Week 12, churning out 99 rushing yards on 15 carries, while scoring the team’s only touchdown. The only downside is Harris’ lack of targets, logging one reception for one yard across the last two games. Harris is a mid-range RB2 with low-end RB1 upside in a top-two matchup against the Cardinals’ run defense in Week 13.
10. Denver Broncos
Denver has won five straight games, reviving their playoff hopes after an abysmal start. Head coach Sean Payton has Russell Wilson cooking, although it’s a much more conservative, run-centric offense compared to others. The Broncos’ defense flipped a switch and is now a tough out for every opponent.
WR Courtland Sutton – Cortland Sutton has been a touchdown machine, but he’s seeing fewer and fewer targets. Sutton has seven receptions across his last two games. The good news is that he’s earning an average depth of target at least 10 yards downfield or more. The low-volume passing attack, paired with reliance on touchdowns, keeps Sutton in fringe WR2 territory.
11. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland’s three-game win streak was snapped in Denver, as Dorian Thompson-Robinson couldn’t muster much against the Broncos’ defense. Myles Garret’s injury is also concerning, as the Browns prepare for another tough road game against a healthier Rams offense.
RB Jerome Ford – The Browns’ second-year running back maintained a marginal lead over Kareem Hunt in the backfield against Denver, finishing with 9.9 fantasy points. Ford didn’t score a touchdown, but averaging 7.2 YPC, including seven targets in the passing attack, keeps Ford at RB2 value against a porous Rams run defense in Week 13.
12. Buffalo Bills
It feels like Buffalo gave it all they had against the Eagles in Week 12, failing to capitalize in plus-territory in overtime and falling 37-34 in heartbreaking fashion. Josh Allen’s played much better lately, but now, the Bills are .500 with upcoming games against the Chiefs and Cowboys.
QB Josh Allen – Allen is the overall QB1 in fantasy football this season, averaging 23.9 points per game, slightly more than Jalen Hurts. Allen recorded 339 passing yards and four total touchdowns against Philadelphia, scoring at least one rushing touchdown in nine games this season. He’ll be on Bye in Week 13 before drawing a tough matchup against the Chiefs pass defense in Week 14.
13. Atlanta Falcons
After enduring a three-game losing skid, Atlanta fed Bijan Robinson over 18 touches, leading to two touchdowns and a nine-point win over the Saints in Week 12. The Falcons are atop the NFC South division and will travel to face the stout New York Jets defense in Week 13.
RB Bijan Robinson – Fantasy managers are rejoicing at Bijan Robinson’s usage out of the Bye, as he’s earned 16-plus carries, going for over 90 yards in matchups against Arizona and New Orleans. Robinson also caught three passes for 32 yards and a touchdown in Week 12, which gives him a floor high enough to be a fringe RB1. Next up, a top-five matchup against the Jets run defense, making Robinson an RB1 locked into all lineups.
14. Los Angeles Rams
One of the more unique teams still in the NFC playoff hunt is the Los Angeles Rams, who have won back-to-back divisional games and remain 4-1 in the NFC West. Head coach Sean McVay is utilizing his backfield more each week while relying on a tough pass defense to hold opponents under 21 points in three straight games.
RB Kyren Williams – The second-year running back came off of I.R. and destroyed Arizona’s run defense, churning out 16 carries for 143 yards and catching all six of his targets for 61 yards and two touchdowns. Williams is RB2 in fantasy points per game this season (20) and remains an RB1 against a Browns defense that has been more generous to opposing backfields lately, allowing over 100 total rushing yards in three straight games.
15. Seattle Seahawks
There were a lot of high hopes for Seattle’s season following 2022 but it simply hasn’t looked great thus far. Geno Smith has regressed, while the Seahawks’ offense has only scored over 16 points in one of their last four games played. A short week with a road trip against Dallas is about as bad as it gets in Week 13, with more games against San Francisco and Philadelphia waiting afterward.
WR D.K. Metcalf – D.K. Metcalf’s target share has been elite, drawing 28 percent of targets in 2023. However, a lot of these have been contested or overthrown, resulting in modest production. Metcalf is WR29 in points per game (10.7) and has only scored three touchdowns this season. He’s a WR3 with WR2 upside in a bottom-three matchup against Dallas in Week 13.
16. Indianapolis Colts
It hasn’t been the toughest stretch of games, but Indianapolis is 3-0 in its last three contests, sitting at 6-5 and very much alive in the AFC South. The Colts have tailored their game plan with Gardner Minshew under center versus Anthony Richardson, but a thumb injury to star running back Jonathan Taylor could halt momentum in a Week 13 road trip to Tenneseee.
WR Michael Pittman Jr. – The Colts’ WR1 is WR17 in fantasy points per game (12.4) this season, recording six straight games with double-digit production in fantasy lineups. Pittman hasn’t delivered a 20-point outing yet, but he carries a high floor as a WR2 heading into a favorable matchup against the Titans pass defense, which could lead to a WR1 finish in Week 13.
17. Green Bay Packers
The Packers are 3-1 in their last four games and have turned to their passing attack behind Jordan Love, who is shaping up to finish hot down the stretch. Love has recorded seven passing touchdowns across his last three games, heading into a Week 13 matchup against the Chiefs with three games recording three passing touchdowns.
WR Jayden Reed – Rookie wideout Jayden Reed has been benefiting greatly from Love’s improved passing downfield, as he’s now leading the Packers wideouts in fantasy points per game (10.3) this season. Reed has caught at least four receptions in three consecutive games and has scored touchdowns in two of the past three, while also earning carries. He’s a fringe WR2 with a WR3 floor despite a tough matchup against the Chiefs in Week 13.
18. Houston Texans
A disappointing finish against Jacksonville doesn’t stop Houston’s momentum heading into Week 13. Sure, their three-game win streak was snapped and they are further from the AFC South division crown, but Stroud’s resiliency and poise in the pocket should keep them competitive against Denver at home in Week 13.
WR Tank Dell – Rookie wideout Tank Dell has been a beast with Stroud in Houston, logging 5-50-1 on eight targets. Dell’s day could’ve been even bigger if not for a penalty nullifying a 60-yard reception. Dell has recorded four consecutive games between 14.7 and 26.6 fantasy points, blossoming into a fringe WR1. He’s a must-start WR2 against Denver in Week 13.
19. Minnesota Vikings
One of the ugliest games of the year saw Minnesota lose 12-10 to Chicago at home on Monday Night Football, with Josh Dobbs committing four interceptions and losing to a Bears team unable to score a touchdown. The Vikings may have to re-assess their signal-caller during the Week 13 Bye, with star wideout Justin Jefferson expected to return against Las Vegas in Week 14.
TE T.J. Hockenson – The one constant in Minnesota’s offense has been T.J. Hockenson. The Vikings paid Hockenson historic money on his contract extension and it’s paying off. He’s TE2 in fantasy points per game (12.2) this season and has double-digit production in five of his past six games. Huge return on investment for fantasy managers who drafted Hockenson.
20. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders looked like they were going to pull off the upset early against Kansas City before allowing Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to score 31 points in the final three quarters. Las Vegas goes into its Week 13 Bye at 5-7 without much expectation for a playoff push during the rest of the season.
RB Josh Jacobs – The Raiders’ identity under interim head coach Antonio Pierce was to feed Josh Jacobs until he hit 100 rushing yards, which he accomplished once again in Week 12 against Kansas City. Jacobs scored a 63-yard rushing touchdown while also catching four passes on six targets for an additional 15 yards. Jacobs is an RB2 with RB1 upside if he scores against a stout Minnesota defense once he returns in Week 14.
21. Chicago Bears
It’s hard to be hopeful at 4-8 but Chicago managed to win a divisional game on the road without scoring a touchdown in Week 12, so there’s reason for some optimism. The Bears compete in the weaker NFC, which keeps their slim playoff hopes alive, as they’ve won two of their past three games while blowing a late lead against Detroit in Week 11.
WR D.J. Moore – Moore has been Justin Fields’ preferred target when the two are on the field this season, as the Bears’ WR1 finished with 11-114 on 13 targets against Minnesota. Moore has logged back-to-back games with at least 16 fantasy points during the two games Fields has been back, so he’s a high-end WR2 with WR1 upside against Detroit once he’s back in Week 14.
22. Cincinnati Bengals
It’s looking like a lost season for Cincinnati, especially with how the offense looked against Pittsburgh with Jake Browning under center. The Bengals have lost three straight games and are 0-4 in the AFC North, while the defense has surrendered over 150 rushing yards in three straight games.
RB Joe Mixon – Mixon struggled against the Steelers’ run defense in Week 12 in his first game without Joe Burrow. The Bengals’ RB1 finished with eight carries for 16 yards and caught two targets for 44 receiving yards, finishing with seven fantasy points. Mixon remains in a tough spot against the Jaguars’ run defense in Week 13, ranked 15th against fantasy running backs.
23. New Orleans Saints
The Saints’ contract with Derek Carr is looking worse each passing week. New Orleans is 5-6 and has lost four of its last six games, dropping two in a row to Minnesota and Atlanta. Now, the Saints prepare to host the Detroit Lions while still remaining in the mix for the NFC South divisional crown.
RB Alvin Kamara – The Saints’ offense fed Alvin Kamara 20 touches in Week 12, leading to over 100 scrimmage yards and 13.9 fantasy points. Kamara’s role in the passing attack keeps him in RB2 territory but without touchdowns, it’s hard for Kamara to log an RB1 finish most weeks. The Lions are a bottom-three fantasy running back matchup, so Kamara is a mid-range RB2 in Week 13.
24. New York Giants
The Giants have won back-to-back games with Tommy Devito under center, doing just enough to win despite playing behind a porous offensive line. The production isn’t prolific but the Giants’ defense is stepping up, forcing nine turnovers in its past two games, winning the turnover margin by eight. A Week 13 Bye gives them time to rest up before hosting Green Bay in Week 14.
WR Jalin Hyatt – Rookie wideout Jaylin Hyatt is finally earning reps and making the most of them. Hyatt logged five receptions for 109 yards, averaging 18.2 yards per target. His speed is dynamic and without much competition in the Giants’ wide receiving corps, Hyatt is an intriguing stash with favorable matchups in the fantasy playoffs against the Eagles and Chargers pass defenses.
25. Los Angeles Chargers
It’s been another season of disappointment for the Chargers, who have lost three games in a row, with the latest loss producing only 279 total yards of offense. Yes, it was against Baltimore, but the Chargers’ defense is also performing poorly, allowing 100-plus rushing yards in each game during their losing skid. A loss against New England in Week 13 could wind up getting head coach Brandon Staley fired.
TE Gerald Everett – Returning from injury in Week 12, Gerald Everett scored the Chargers’ only touchdown, while catching all four targets for 43 yards. He has a volatile role in the offense despite an injured wide receiving corps, making Everett a boom-or-bust low-end TE1 against the Patriots in Week 13.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay is 1-6 in its last seven games but the Buccaneers have lost by one score in four of these matchups. Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans continue to produce through the air, while second-year running back Rachaad White is playing at a high-level in the backfield.
RB Rachaad White – White has almost no competition for touches in the Tampa Bay backfield, turning 17 touches into 110 scrimmage yards to finish with 12 points against the Colts in Week 12. White’s logged 12 or more fantasy points in five straight games, so he’s an RB1 in a top-three matchup against Carolina in Week 13.
27. Washington Commanders
Washington looked competitive early against Dallas before getting buried in the second half. Sam Howell has shown promising upside playing behind a horrible offensive line, while the defense continues to get burnt against opposing passing attacks. Miami’s offense is another difficult test for the Commanders in Week 13.
WR Curtis Samuel – It hasn’t been a career season, but Curtis Samuel has carved out a role in Washington’s pass-heavy offense. Samuel logged 14.5 fantasy points against Dallas in Week 12, catching nine of 12 targets for 100 receiving yards. His floor puts Samuel in WR5 territory, virtually unstartable, but Miami’s a top-13 fantasy wide receiver matchup, giving desperate fantasy managers the choice to stream Samuel as a boom-or-bust WR3.
28. Tennessee Titans
The Titans pounded the rock with Derrick Henry in Week 12, leading to a 17-10 win over Carolina that created some momentum after enduring a three-game losing skid. Will Levis hasn’t dazzled like he did in his debut, but he didn’t turn the ball over, which is a good start. The Titans host the Colts in an AFC South showdown in Week 13.
RB Derrick Henry – The Titans’ franchise RB1 converted 18 carries into 76 yards and two touchdowns in Week 12, reminding fantasy managers he’s still an asset. Henry logged 20.1 fantasy points, his first time since Week 4, and now, he gets a top-seven matchup against the Colts in Week 13. Henry is a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside against the Colts’ porous run defense.
29. New York Jets
It was rock bottom for the Jets in Week 12, as Tim Boyle managed to throw a Hail Mary that was returned for a pick-six by Miami. New York’s season has been marred by injuries. They host Atlanta in Week 13, which could give them a much-needed win against turnover-prone Desmond Ridder.
WR Garrett Wilson – The Jets’ star wideout has managed to average 10.6 fantasy points per game this season, good enough for WR30, despite playing without Aaron Rodgers. His quarterbacks have been awful, but Wilson’s still talented enough to be a WR3 in lineups in a bottom-ten matchup against Atlanta’s secondary in Week 13.
30. New England Patriots
New England is in full tank mode after its latest 10-7 loss to the Giants in Week 12. Mac Jones’ continuous benching, plus a lackluster personnel group on offense, makes the Patriots one of the worst offensive units in the entire league. They host the Chargers in Week 13, who also find themselves on a multi-game losing skid.
RB Rhamondre Stevenson – The lone bright spot for New England’s offense is third-year running back Rhamondre Stevenson. Stevenson is RB26 in points per game this season (11.3), but he’s earned 20 touches in back-to-back games for the Patriots. He’s also earning four to six targets in the passing game, making him a firm RB2 with RB1 upside moving into a top-eight matchup against the Chargers run defense.
31. Arizona Cardinals
For a moment, it looked like Arizona may make a run at an NFC playoff berth during Kyler Murray’s first game back which resulted in a win against Atlanta. However, back-to-back losses to the Texans and Rams have the Cardinals at 2-10 with an upcoming road trip against a stout Pittsburgh defense in Week 13.
QB Kyler Murray – The Cardinals haven’t been afraid to unleash Kyler Murray as a ball carrier, as he’s scored a rushing touchdown in three straight games. Murray has also recorded between 214 and 256 passing yards in all three outings, giving fantasy managers 17-21 points during these contests. He’s a fringe QB1 in a bottom-five fantasy quarterback matchup against the Steelers.
32. Carolina Panthers
Carolina firing head coach Frank Reich after 11 games was fairly predictable, as the Panthers’ current ownership has been running through coaching changes with frequency. Bryce Young did beat C.J. Stroud in a head-to-head matchup for the Panthers’ lone win of the season, but he’s been a disappointment in comparison to Stroud, who is in the MVP odds race. Carolina’s pass defense is the main strength of this team.
RB Chuba Hubbard – Hubbard splits touches with Miles Sanders, who earned a huge contract from Carolina this offseason, but Hubbard’s been more effective with his workload. Hubbard is averaging eight fantasy points per game, 2.5 more than Sanders while scoring his second rushing touchdown of the season against Tennessee in Week 12. His passing usage keeps Hubbard in RB3 territory, as he’s drawn five to six targets in two of his past four games, but a tough Week 13 matchup against Tampa Bay’s run defense makes Hubbard a desperation stash for the fantasy playoffs.
