NFL Power Rankings Week 14
Last week in the NFL gave us plenty to analyze in the fantasy football community, especially with the final week of the 2023 regular fantasy season arriving in Week 14. Let’s recap how the slate played out before diving into our full team-by-team power rankings.
The game of the week between San Francisco and Philadelphia wound up being a lopsided affair, as the 49ers routed the Eagles on the road 42-19 behind four passing touchdowns from MVP candidate Brock Purdy, with wide receiver Deebo Samuel scoring three touchdowns to lead San Francisco’s offense into a dominant win during a 2022 NFC Championship game rematch.
Dallas and Seattle gave us a high-scoring prime-time shootout to kick the slate off on Thursday Night Football, with Dak Prescott making enough plays and recording his fourth three-touchdown outing across the last five games he’s played. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs lost on the road against Jordan Love, as the Packers’ young quarterback outplayed the 2022 MVP, logging three touchdown passes for the fourth time this season.
Six teams were on Bye in Week 13, including Minnesota, Buffalo, and Baltimore, so there weren’t as many top-tier matchups as we’ve grown accustomed to watching this season. However, there were still some quality games, as Detroit nearly blew a 21-0 lead on the road to New Orleans, with touchdowns scored all over the field. Gardner Minshew and the Indianapolis Colts survived overtime to extend their win streak to three games in overtime on the road against Tennessee 31-28, while C.J. Stroud and Houston ended Denver’s five-game win streak by building an early 13-0 first-half lead.
Tons of ugly games played out as well, including the Los Angeles Chargers going on the road and beating New England 6-0 to win despite failing to score a touchdown. Atlanta won its second straight game in ugly fashion, 13-8 on the road in wet conditions against the Jets, while the Los Angeles Rams won their third straight contest against a quality Browns defense.
Miami’s dynamic wideout Tyreek Hill continues inching closer to the top of the NFL MVP odds race, scorching Washington for over 150 receiving yards and two touchdowns in Week 13. Pittsburgh regressed at home with a bad 24-10 loss to Arizona, while Mike Evans went for over 160 receiving yards to end the Buccaneers’ losing skid in a favorable matchup against Carolina.
Even Monday Night Football gave us a high-scoring, overtime game between Jake Browning and Trevor Lawrence, with Jacksonville losing outright at home as 10-point favorites against the short-handed Bengals on a walk-off field goal attempt in overtime.
NFL fantasy analyst Matt MacKay is here to share his latest NFL power rankings ahead of Week 14. Only two teams, Arizona and Washington, will be on Bye, giving us more options and accessibility to our fantasy rosters in the final week of the 2023 regular fantasy football season. Below, we’ll analyze each team, ranking them 1-32, while focusing on one fantasy-relevant prospect per team, good or bad, to provide helpful context for fantasy managers struggling with start/sit decisions ahead of Week 14 matchups.
1. San Francisco 49ers 📈
After losing three games in a row entering their Week 9 Bye, San Francisco has rattled off four consecutive wins, including its latest lopsided road win over Philadelphia. The 49ers have a favorable rest of season schedule and could wind up clinching the top seed in the NFC if Philadelphia loses to Dallas in Week 14.
WR Deebo Samuel – A massive lull in production between Weeks 4-6, paired with injury, kept Deebo Samuel out of most fantasy football lineups. Since the Week 9 Bye, Samuel has become healthier and returned to a focal point of the 49ers’ offense, logging 13.9 points, 18.9 points, and 33.8 in three of his previous four games played. A top-ten fantasy matchup against the Seahawks in Week 14 keeps the versatile Samuel locked into fantasy lineups as a fringe WR1, as he just recorded 18.9 points against the Seahawks during Thanksgiving.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles lost to the best team in the league right now after beating a gauntlet of opponents that included Dallas, Kansas City, and Buffalo. Jalen Hurts remains in MVP contention, and Philadelphia has minimal time to prepare for a huge Week 14 divisional road game against Dallas.
RB D’Andre Swift – Swift’s usage has remained solid, even in down weeks, as he earned six targets but only caught two passes for seven receiving yards. Swift averaged 2.2 YPC against the 49ers, one of his worst outputs of the season, and Dallas is a bottom-four matchup in Week 14. He logged 8.4 fantasy points on 20 touches in Week 9 against the Cowboys, which makes Swift a low-end RB2 with mid-range RB2 upside in Week 14.
3. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas has responded accordingly after their one-sided loss to San Francisco, going 6-1 since that game, led by MVP favorite Dak Prescott. The Cowboys’ passing attack has been potent, leading to at least 41 points in three of Dallas’ past four games.
RB Tony Pollard – Dallas is finally unlocking Tony Pollard as a red zone threat, as the Cowboys’ RB1 has scored a rushing touchdown in three straight games. Pollard also earns four to six targets per game, raising his floor into fringe RB2 range against the Eagles, despite facing a difficult run defense in Week 14.
4. Miami Dolphins
Miami keeps beating lesser opponents but is still searching for a signature win over a top-tier team. The Dolphins are 0-3 against the Bills, Eagles, and Chiefs but get another favorable contest against the porous Titans secondary in Week 14. Miami sits in the driver’s seat in the AFC East heading into the final five games of the regular season.
RB De’Von Achane – Rookie De’Von Achane is averaging a ridiculous 20.3 fantasy points per game when healthy this season. Barring injuries, Achane has scored 21 – 49.3 fantasy points in all four games he’s handled at least eight carries. His hyper-efficiency should remain intact despite a bottom-three fantasy running back matchup against the Titans in Week 14.
5. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens’ run-centric identity didn’t depart despite losing former OC Greg Roman, as Baltimore’s rotating backfield and mobility from quarterback Lamar Jackson gives them a unique scheme to operate. Roquan Smith and Baltimore’s defense are ranked first in points allowed per game (15.6) and the offense has been efficient despite only a handful of explosive outings.
QB Lamar Jackson – Lamar Jackson had a three-week stretch earlier in the season where he logged 22.8 to 28.1 fantasy points, scoring four total rushing touchdowns and completing over 70 percent of his pass attempts in all three outings. He’s only completed 62 percent of his attempts once in the last four games while riding a five-game rushing touchdown slump. Jackson is QB8 in points per game (18.5) and draws a top-12 fantasy quarterback matchup against the Rams in Week 14.
6. Detroit Lions
The Lions are 9-3 atop the NFC North, but their defense has regressed since earlier in the season. Detroit’s offense averages 27.3 points per game, sixth most in the league, but the defense will need to tighten up as the playoffs approach.
WR David Montgomery – David Montgomery is RB6 in fantasy points per game (16) excelling in the goal-line role for the Lions, while also performing well in-between the 20s. Although his ceiling is capped with Jahmyr Gibbs and a lack of targets in the passing attack, Montgomery has returned immense value for fantasy managers in 2023. A top-12 matchup awaits Montgomery in Week 14 against his former team, Chicago. Montgomery previously logged 16.8 fantasy points against the Bears in Week 11, including a go-ahead touchdown to complete Detroit’s comeback.
7. Kansas City Chiefs 📉
The Chiefs haven’t looked nearly as dominant on offense in 2023 but the defense has been stellar. Patrick Mahomes doesn’t have a strong supporting cast outside of an aging Travis Kelce, but his offensive line remains a top-five unit. A home game against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills is next up in Week 14.
RB Isiah Pacheco – Kansas City’s best weapon on offense this season has undoubtedly been Isiah Pacheco. The second-year running back is a physical, bruising runner who has performed well enough to be RB14 in fantasy points per game, scoring twice against the Packers in Week 13. A top-13 matchup against the Bills’ run defense makes Pacheco a fringe RB1 in Week 14.
8. Buffalo Bills
The Bills played arguably their best game of the season against the Eagles in Week 12 but it still resulted in an overtime loss. The Week 13 Bye should have Buffalo well-rested for its upcoming road trip to Kansas City in a late push to secure an AFC playoff berth.
TE Dalton Kincaid – An injury to Dawson Knox opened up an opportunity for rookie tight end Dawson Knox to showcase his talent and return value as a first-round draft pick. It’s worked out well thus far, as Kincaid is TE11 in fantasy points per game (7.8), scoring 11.5 – 15 fantasy points from Weeks 7-10. Kincaid has cooled a bit but should have a solid fringe TE1 outing against the Chiefs, even in a bottom-ten matchup.
9. Houston Texans 🚀
The Texans altered the trajectory of their franchise during the 2023 offseason, drafting C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. while hiring head coach DeMeco Ryans. Now, Houston is 7-5, winning big games at home and on the road, with Stroud airing it out with accuracy and poise.
RB Dameon Pierce – Tank Dell’s injury will force Houston to re-establish its offensive identity, which could lead to more runs behind a healthier offensive line. Dameon Pierce has been largely ineffective on the field this season, but he earned double the number of carries that Devin Singletary received in Week 13, scoring a touchdown at the goal line. Pierce’s volume could be enough to sustain low-end RB2 production against the Jets’ run defense, which is a top-seven fantasy running back matchup that Pierce receives in Week 14.
10. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have returned to .500 after beating the Saints and Jets during their last two games. Bijan Robinson has returned to a focal point within the offense, which plays complementary football with a Falcons’ defense that has forced five turnovers during their mini-win streak.
RB Bijan Robinson Jr. – Week 13 looked like a plus matchup against the Jets but rookie running back Bijan Robinson only managed 9.4 fantasy points on 21 touches, finishing with 81 scrimmage yards. Robinson should get back on track in better conditions against Tampa Bay at home in Week 14 but he did sit out most of the Falcons’ previous game against the Buccaneers, so his upside is unknown. Robinson is definitely a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside after the Buccaneers allowed Chuba Hubbard to score twice in Week 13.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars 📉
Jacksonville cannot seem to win its home games, as evidenced by their latest loss to Cincinnati on Monday Night Football in Week 13. Yes, Trevor Lawrence exited the game with a high ankle sprain, but he’s week-to-week, preserving the Jaguars’ deep playoff aspiration ahead of a road trip against a stout Cleveland defense.
WR Calvin Ridley – Drafted as one of the most hyped wide receivers in fantasy football, Calvin Ridley’s return to the football field in Jacksonville has provided a lot of boom-or-bust results. Ridley busted in Week 13, scoring 5.3 fantasy points against the Bengals, but he previously logged 27.6 points and 19.4 points against the Titans and Texans. Cleveland’s pass defense is the second-toughest matchup for Ridley to face in Week 14, so temper expectations for Ridley as a low-end WR2, who could get more targets now that wideout Christian Kirk is ruled out with a core muscle injury.
12. Green Bay Packers 🚀
Green Bay flipped its season around in the span of five games, going 4-1 since the start of November. Jordan Love is slinging the football with confidence, and the Packers’ defense has held four consecutive opponents to 23 or fewer points.
QB Jordan Love – Love has recorded two or three passing touchdowns in four consecutive starts entering Week 14 against the Giants. New York is surprisingly the 13th toughest fantasy quarterback matchup this year, but Love remains a viable streaming option with QB1 upside on the road versus the Giants.
13. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have managed to win four consecutive games with Gardner Minshew during head coach Shane Steichen’s first season as Indianapolis’ head coach. It hasn’t been pretty or flashy but wins are wins in the NFL. Indianapolis is now 7-5 and in contention for the AFC South with a favorable matchup against a leaky Bengals defense in Week 14.
WR Michael Pittman Jr. – Three games under 10 fantasy points during Michael Pittman’s first five games of the season feels like last year based on his current form. Pittman has recorded double-digit fantasy production in seven straight games, including 22 points against the Titans in Week 13, logging 11-105-1 on 16 targets. A top-14 fantasy wideout matchup awaits Pittman in Cincinnati, making him a strong WR2 with WR1 upside.
14. Denver Broncos
Denver’s five-game win streak finally ended in Houston. The Broncos’ offense has recorded under 200 passing yards in seven of its last eight games, making Russell Wilson a glorified game manager who still relies on his mobility to execute Sean Payton’s game plan. Denver will remain on the road in Week 14 against the Chargers in a high-stakes AFC West divisional showdown.
RB Javonte Williams – Despite coming off of a bad ACL injury, second-year running back Javonte Williams has handled 15-30 touches in most games since Week 6. Williams hasn’t scored a rushing touchdown yet this season, though, so he’s due for positive regression in a plus-matchup against Los Angeles in Week 14, which is a top-12 fantasy running back matchup.
15. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams looked dead to rights after their uninspiring 20-3 loss to Green Bay in Week 9. Then, Matthew Stafford returned to revive Los Angeles’ playoff aspirations. The Rams have won three consecutive games, including Seattle and Cleveland, so they have more confidence heading into a difficult road matchup against Baltimore’s defense in Week 14.
WR Puka Nacua – Puka Nacua overcame a bad matchup on paper against Cleveland in Week 13, recording four receptions on seven targets for 105 yards and a touchdown. Nacua’s fighting through injuries each week, but he is cleared for now ahead of the Week 14 matchup against Baltimore, which looks like another tough opponent for Nacua to succeed against. However, Nacua has proven us wrong many times this season, so he’s worth plugging into lineups as a mid-range WR2, earning seven to eight targets.
16. Seattle Seahawks
There are no moral victories in the NFL, but Seattle’s 41-35 loss against Dallas showed us an explosive offense we haven’t seen for the majority of 2023. Geno Smith and D.K. Metcalf linked up for three touchdowns against the Cowboys, while the defense couldn’t contain Dallas’ dynamic offense, sliding into a three-game losing skid. At 6-6, with upcoming games against the 49ers and Eagles, the Seahawks will have to make a large turnaround to compete for an NFC playoff berth.
WR D.K. Metcalf – After weeks of mediocrity, D.K. Metcalf finally took advantage of his targetshare, hauling in six receptions on eight targets for 134 yards and three touchdowns, including an early 73-yard touchdown reception on the opening drive. Metcalf returns as a WR3 with WR2 upside against San Francisco, who just held him to 4.7 points in Week 12 during Thanksgiving.
17. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota’s Bye week came after second-string quarterback Josh Dobbs threw four interceptions in an ugly 12-10 home loss to Chicago. The Vikings’ defense is rounding into form, but the offense may need to shift to rookie Jarren Hall or Nick Mullens as an alternative to stay in the NFC playoff hunt, starting with a Week 14 road trip to Las Vegas.
WR Justin Jefferson – We haven’t seen Justin Jefferson on the field since injuring his hamstring in Week 5. Prior to that injury, Jefferson had recorded 19 – 24.4 fantasy points per game when healthy. It’ll be different without Kirk Cousins under center, but Jefferson needs to be locked into lineups as a high-end WR2 with WR1 upside due to his talent.
18. Cincinnati Bengals 📉
Cincinnati’s season appeared over after Joe Burrow’s wrist injury against Baltimore in Week 11 sidelined him for the remainder of the year. Then, the Bengals went down into Jacksonville and won 34-31 in overtime with backup quarterback Jake Browning throwing for over 300 yards in a back-and-forth shootout. Don’t write off the Bengals just yet, especially with games against Indianapolis and Minnesota in the next two weeks.
RB Joe Mixon – Joe Mixon went from seven fantasy points in Week 12 against Pittsburgh to 26.7 points against a tough Jacksonville defense, scoring two rushing touchdowns and coming within inches of logging a third touchdown. He’s earning numerous targets, seven against Jacksonville, which raises his floor into RB2 territory. A top-four matchup against the Colts’ run defense in Week 14 makes Mixon a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside.
19. Cleveland Browns
Joe Flacco made minimal mistakes in his debut with Cleveland against the Rams, but one untimely throw in a late comeback effort extended the Browns’ two-game losing skid. Now, Cleveland hosts the Jaguars, hoping to get back in the win column to remain competitive for an AFC playoff berth.
RB Jerome Ford – Injuries have propelled second-year running back Jerome Ford into a starting role, where he’s logged roughly 10-12 fantasy points in five consecutive games. Ford has relied on touchdowns to stay valued as an RB2, but he’s capable of producing fringe RB2 or high-end RB3 numbers when he’s held out of the end zone.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers 📉
Pittsburgh has stumbled backward into a 7-5 record but will now be playing without quarterback Kenny Pickett due to an ankle injury sustained during the Week 13 loss to Arizona. The Steelers’ defense is good, allowing fewer than 200 passing yards in two straight games, but its offense needs to start scoring more points, starting with new quarterback, Mitchell Trubisky.
WR Diontae Johnson – Trubisky found Diontae Johnson in garbage time during Week 13, saving his production with 11.3 fantasy points. Johnson’s role in Pittsburgh’s offense keeps him as a solid WR3 with WR2 upside. A short week against the Patriots’ pass defense, which held the Chargers to zero touchdowns in Week 13 is less than ideal, making Johnson a potential bench candidate.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay was 1-6 in its last seven games before beating Carolina in a narrow divisional win at home in Week 13. Baker Mayfield has led wide receiver Mike Evans into another 1,000-yard season, while Rachaad White has been a strong playmaker in the Buccaneers’ backfield.
WR Mike Evans – Evans has been on a tear lately, scoring at least 22 fantasy points in three of his past four games. He’s an every week starter in fantasy lineups until further notice, regardless of the matchup, so don’t bench him despite playing in a bottom-five matchup against the Falcons’ pass defense in Week 14.
22. Las Vegas Raiders
The firing of former head coach Josh McDaniels was the turning point in Las Vegas’ season. The Raiders are now a smash-mouth offense running through Josh Jacobs, led by interim head coach Antonio Pierce, who has the Raiders playing competitively against Miami and Kansas City during the last two weeks.
RB Josh Jacobs – Jacobs has been volatile in fantasy lineups this season but he’s coming off of a 20.5 fantasy point game against the Chiefs in Week 12. The Week 13 Bye should give Jacobs enough time to rest to be effective against a stout Minnesota run defense in Week 14. Regardless, Jacobs is an RB2 with RB1 upside that should be started in most lineups this week.
23. Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers ground out an ugly 6-0 road win over New England in Week 13. This game didn’t tell us much about the Chargers’ offense or defense, as the Patriots are easily the worst offense in the NFL. A home divisional game against Denver awaits in Week 14, which remains a must-win for the 5-7 Chargers in a crowded AFC playoff picture.
RB Austin Ekeler – Austin Ekeler has been amongst the biggest fantasy busts in 2023. Injuries kept him out in a couple of earlier contests but since returning from injury, Ekeler has been extremely ineffective, despite handling double-digit carries in each game played. His targets have dwindled downward, which is what’s kept Ekeler atop fantasy leagues for so many years, so his upside is in severe doubt, even in a plus-matchup against Denver’s run defense in Week 14. Ekeler is an RB3 with RB1 upside, although failing to surpass six fantasy points in three straight games is less than encouraging.
24. New Orleans Saints
The Derek Carr experience has been dreadful for the Saints. New Orleans’ offense is ranked 19th in the league for points per game (21.4), and its defense is surrendering 21.3 points per game, forcing them into early deficits and playing catch up unsuccessfully. The Saints are 2-5 in their last seven games played and will host Carolina in Week 14.
RB Alvin Kamara – If there’s one bright spot with Derek Carr’s arrival, it’s been Kamara’s usage as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Kamara receives five to eight targets per game lately, while also earning 14-15 carries in each of the Saints’ previous two games. When he scores touchdowns, which only happens once every three or four contests, Kamara is a top-five fantasy running back. He’s a locked and loaded RB1 against the Panthers in Week 14.
25. New York Giants
The Giants are coming out of a Week 13 Bye with Tommy DeVito as their QB1. Injuries have derailed New York’s season but their willingness to keep fighting is a good sign for the future of the franchise under head coach Brian Daboll.
WR Jaylin Hyatt – Coming on late in his rookie campaign, wide receiver Jaylin Hyatt has an intriguing rest-of-season upside. Hyatt logged over 100 receiving yards on six targets in Week 12 against New England. Now, he’ll get another tough matchup against the Packers’ secondary, which is a bottom-ten fantasy matchup, but he’s a fun stash to deploy against weaker secondaries like the Saints, Eagles, and Chargers during the fantasy football playoffs.
26. Chicago Bears
Chicago has fought in all of its games this season, but now that Justin Fields is back to full health, the Bears could be a tough out in the final few games of the season. D.J. Moore and Fields have a strong rapport, while the defense has improved tremendously from earlier in the year.
TE Cole Kmet – Cole Kmet has been a volatile option at tight end, like most other prospects, but he’s capable of turning in TE1 performances more than other streaming options. Kmet popped with Tyson Bagent under center but he’s still earned 11 targets from Fields during his two games back from injury. Kmet is a startable option in a top-12 fantasy matchup against the Lions in Week 14.
27. Washington Commanders
Washington has been stacking losses in a variety of ways this season, but Sam Howell at least shows athleticism and a gunslinger mentality. The Commanders have lost six of their last seven games played and the defense is a turnstyle, allowing 280 or more passing yards in three of its past four contests.
QB Sam Howell – Howell’s mobility has resulted in him scoring four rushing touchdowns in the past three games for Washington, increasing his production in fantasy lineups. The Commanders are on Bye in Week 14, with Howell facing a horrific stretch of tough secondaries including the Rams, Jets, and 49ers out of the Bye. He’s a desperation start in one quarterback leagues due to the upcoming schedule.
28. New York Jets
The New York Jets season has been filled with a ton of drama and not many wins. Aaron Rodgers’ injury during the season opener thrust Zach Wilson back into the QB1 role, where he had mild success in spots, shadowed by huge miscues and bad play the majority of the time.
WR Garrett Wilson – Somehow, Garrett Wilson has managed to score touchdowns and turn in double-digit production in fantasy lineups with Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle, and Trevor Semien throwing passes to him. Wilson is a WR3 with WR2 upside in a bottom-12 matchup against the Texans in Week 14.
29. Tennessee Titans
Tennessee hasn’t had much to hang their hats on in 2023 but Derrick Henry has shown signs of life late in the season. Rookie quarterback Will Levis has yet to recapture that four touchdown outing against the Falcons in Week 8, while the Titans’ pass defense remains among the worst units in the NFL.
RB Derrick Henry – Henry has ripped off back-to-back 20-point fantasy outings, scoring four touchdowns in this two-week span against Carolina and Indianapolis. Miami is a much better run defense though, and now, Henry is in the concussion protocol and tagged as questionable. If he is cleared to play, Henry’s outlook should be tempered to mid-range RB2 production against the Dolphins.
30. Arizona Cardinals
Arizona has shown grit all season despite being 3-10 and missing Kyler Murray until Week 10. The Cardinals’ decision to hire former Eagles DC Jonathan Gannon appears to be paying off. For now, the Cardinals will rest on their Week 14 Bye before hosting the red-hot 49ers in Week 15.
RB James Conner – James Conner went off against his former team in Week 13, scoring two rushing touchdonwns and logging over 105 rushing yards on 25 carries on the road against the Steelers. It was a season-high in fantasy points (22.5) for Conner, who will look to build off of this outing in a much tougher matchup against the 49ers in Week 15.
31. Carolina Panthers
Carolina nearly won its second game of the season on the road against Tampa Bay in Week 13, falling short late in the contest. Bryce Young will want to memory-hole his rookie campaign, but he did beat C.J. Stroud head-to-head, which counts for something amidst the chaos from ownership and a lack of elite personnel surrounding him on offense.
RB Chuba Hubbard – Chuba Hubbard has been the RB1 for Carolina, not Miles Sanders, whom the Panthers opted to pay heavily in the offseason. Hubbard scored two rushing touchdowns and logged over 100 rushing yards against Tampa Bay in Week 14, building off of 92 scrimmage yards and a touchdown against Tennessee the week before. Hubbard is a mid-range RB2 against the Saints’ run defense in Week 14.
32. New England Patriots
Yes, New England is the worst team in the league, despite winning more games than Carolina. The Patriots have an anemic offense and couldn’t muster a point against the lackluster Chargers defense in Week 13. The defense has shown up and held opponents under 70 total rushing yards and 215 passing yards in three straight outings, but it’s not enough when the offense fails to achieve 300 yards in a game.
RB Ezekiel Elliot – Rhamondre Stevenson’s ankle injury opens up more volume for RB2 Ezekiel Elliot, who has already been earning double-digit touches per game. Elliot gets a favorable rest-of-season schedule against the Steelers, Chiefs, Broncos, and Bills’ run defenses, making him an RB2 who is likely still available on most league waiver wires.
