Week 14 NFL Power Rankings: Who’s Rising, Who’s Falling, and First-Time Pro Bowl Hopefuls
Welcome to Week 14 of the 2024 NFL season. The action is heating up, and last week delivered a feast of football drama. From Thanksgiving Day showdowns to a Black Friday thriller and a weekend packed with nail-biters, the NFL continues to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Let’s recap some of the highlights: The Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts pulled off two-minute drill victories, the Philadelphia Eagles flexed their muscles against the Baltimore Ravens, and the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs narrowly escaped with wins. Meanwhile, injuries to key players like Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers and Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars have left their teams with big question marks.
All this chaos has shaken up the Power Rankings. So, who’s climbing the ladder, and who’s sliding down? Let’s dive into the rankings and spotlight a first-time Pro Bowl nominee for each team. These players, from rookies to veterans, are making their mark this season.
1. Detroit Lions (11-1)
Week 13 result: Beat the Bears 23-20
Week 13 ranking: 1
First-time Pro Bowl nominee: Safety Kerby Joseph
Joseph has been a standout on a Lions defense that went 12 straight quarters without allowing a touchdown earlier this season. With 56 tackles, 10 passes defended, and a league-leading seven interceptions (including a pick-six in Week 9), Joseph is making a strong case for his first Pro Bowl nod.
2. Buffalo Bills (10-2)
Week 13 result: Beat the 49ers 35-10
Week 13 ranking: 4
First-time Pro Bowl nominee: Defensive end Greg Rousseau
Rousseau is having a breakout season, leading the Bills with 6.5 sacks and ranking among the league’s best in pressure percentage (13.8%) and tackles for loss (15). His consistent performance has been a key factor in Buffalo’s success.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (11-1)
Week 13 result: Beat the Raiders 19-17
Week 13 ranking: 2
First-time Pro Bowl nominee: Cornerback Trent McDuffie
McDuffie has stepped up as the Chiefs’ No. 1 cornerback after the trade of L’Jarius Sneed. Despite the Chiefs’ defensive struggles, McDuffie’s play has been stellar, and he’s overdue for Pro Bowl recognition.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)
Week 13 result: Beat the Ravens 24-19
Week 13 ranking: 3
First-time Pro Bowl nominee: Linebacker Zack Baun
Baun has been a revelation for the Eagles, transitioning from a rotational edge rusher to a starting inside linebacker. With 117 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles, he’s been a game-changer for Philadelphia’s defense.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)
Week 13 result: Beat the Bengals 44-38
Week 13 ranking: 7
First-time Pro Bowl nominee: Outside linebacker Nick Herbig
Herbig has been a force in the Steelers’ pass rush, forcing fumbles in three consecutive games since returning from injury. His knack for creating turnovers has been a huge boost for Pittsburgh.
6. Minnesota Vikings (10-2)
Week 13 result: Beat the Cardinals 23-22
Week 13 ranking: 5
First-time Pro Bowl nominee: Linebacker Jonathan Greenard
Greenard has been a standout pass rusher, ranking fourth in the league with 10 sacks. His ability to transition to an outside linebacker role while maintaining his pass-rushing prowess has been impressive.
7. Green Bay Packers (9-3)
Week 13 result: Beat the Dolphins 30-17
Week 13 ranking: 6
First-time Pro Bowl nominee: Safety Xavier McKinney
McKinney is tied for the league lead in interceptions with seven and has been a key player in the Packers’ secondary. His performance this season has put him in the Pro Bowl conversation.
With Week 14 on the horizon, the playoff picture is starting to take shape, and the race for Pro Bowl spots is heating up. Stay tuned for more drama as the season unfolds!
Originally Written by: Eric Woodyard
