The Big Jab

We’ve reached the end of November in the NFL, it’s winning time as the playoff field begins to take shape. Here’s my top 10 as we enter Week 13.

1. Philadelphia Eagles (10-1)
It’s hard to believe this Eagles squad is 10-1, but they just know how to win games when it comes down to it. They aren’t as dominant as last season, and they’ve certainly had some luck along the way (with some help from the officiating) but are now 4-0 in the “gauntlet” part of the schedule with another test at home against the 49ers coming up. Dallas Goedert could be back, which would be massive in the run and pass game, something the Eagles might need to improve to 5-0 in this part of the schedule.

2. San Francisco 49ers (8-3)
The 49ers looked as dominant as they have all season in a Thanksgiving Night victory over Seattle, all but clinching the division and keeping them within striking distance of the top seed in the NFC. Brock Purdy is playing great, Christian McCaffrey is making a true MVP case, and Deebo Samuel has returned to form. The trade deadline move of acquiring Chase Young is paying off too, as this 49ers defense remains one of the top units in the league. The biggest game of the year is up next when they travel to Philadelphia for a game with the potential to be the best game of the entire season.

3. Baltimore Ravens (9-3)
The fact that this Ravens team is 9-3 heading into the bye really tells the story of a lack of quality teams in the NFL this season. Not that this team is bad, but do they really feel like a 9-3 team? Nonetheless, they are, and the improvement of Zay Flowers along with the emergence of Odell Beckham Jr. becoming a factor bodes well for this team. Oh yeah, this defense is fantastic as well. Baltimore heads into the bye week with a real chance to hold home-field advantage through the AFC Playoffs.

4. Kansas City Chiefs (8-3)
For the first time in over a month, the Chiefs found a way to score in the second half in last Sunday’s win over Las Vegas. Kansas City outscored the Raiders by 14 in the second half to pull away and looked like their usual explosive selves. Rashee Rice broke out, is he the wide receiver Patrick Mahomes desperately needs? The defense remains great and will have to carry this team if they want to repeat in February. Kansas City plays Green Bay on Sunday night at Lambeau Field. 

5. Dallas Cowboys (8-3)
We’ve reached the annual point of the season where Dallas looks like a true contender, only for it to come crashing down around them. Dak Prescott is playing like an MVP, and DaRon Bland has a real case for DPOY with his insane numbers, not to mention Micah Parsons. Dallas has been playing some great football, but again, we know how this story ends. Mike McCarthy continues to coach for his job, but this team is playing like one of the best in the league. Dallas faces Seattle on Thursday night at home.

6. Detroit Lions (8-3)
The Lions are coming off arguably their most disappointing loss in the Dan Campbell era given the circumstances with the Thanksgiving Day loss to Green Bay. The top-seed hopes seemingly are out the door, and they’re fortunate Minnesota lost to Chicago or else the division would be in question. Jared Goff has to clean up the turnovers for this Lions team to get back to form, and the defense will need to play a bit better, although it’s tough when Goff is turning the ball over like he has. It doesn’t get any easier for Goff, as the Lions play in New Orleans this week in what’s turned into a must-win game. 

7. Miami Dolphins (8-3)
All is back to normal in Miami for now after a Black Friday victory over Tim Boyle and the Jets. The defense has turned into something great for this team, but the loss of Jaelan Phillips for the rest of the season hurts. The run game is great, but with that being said, Tua needs to clean up the turnovers if this team wants to return to September form. He’ll have a good chance to do that on Sunday when Miami faces the lowly Commanders on the road. 

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-3)
What a time for Trevor Lawrence to get hot. After losing by 20 points in Week 3 at home to Houston, the Jags bounced back in a huge way picking up a massive 24-21 victory over Houston on the road to all but seal the AFC South barring a catastrophic meltdown in the final six weeks. If Lawrence can continue this play, the sky’s the limit for this Jacksonville team that seemingly loves getting hot late in the season. They’ll look to continue their high-level play when they face an injured-riddled Bengals team at home on Monday night.

9. Houston Texans (6-5)
I honestly have no idea who to put in the final two spots, so I’ll play it safe with putting Houston at number nine. Houston is still a playoff contender, but those hopes took a hit in a brutal Week 12 loss to the Jags at home. C.J. Stroud played much better this week than last, and it won’t be the last big game we’ll see him in, but those playoff aspirations got much harder to achieve with the loss. Houston has a chance next week to bounce back against a Denver team that suddenly has the playoffs on their minds.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-6)
Despite the heartbreaking loss to the Eagles on Sunday, Buffalo rounds out the top ten for this week. Their revamped offense is working wonders, scoring 66 points over the course of their last two games. Sean McDermott’s seat is getting uncomfortably warm, and the playoff hopes are slipping, but it’s impossible to count out any team led by Josh Allen. Buffalo heads into the bye before playing five games that will make or break their season, and potentially McDermott’s tenure.