Bengals, Cowboys Surge Up Rankings with Last-Minute Playoff Drives

As the NFL season progresses toward Week 14, a notable shift in the rankings has surfaced following recent dramatic games. The Cincinnati Bengals and the Dallas Cowboys stood out this week with significant late-season playoff pushes, demonstrating the competitive nature of the league.

Bengals and Cowboys Surge with Late Playoff Drives

In an unexpected twist during Thanksgiving week, the Cincinnati Bengals achieved a remarkable victory over the Baltimore Ravens, winning 32-14. Joe Burrow starred in the game, throwing for 261 yards and two touchdowns. This victory marked a significant leap for the Bengals, propelling them from 31st to 20th in the power rankings, as their playoff odds improved to 1.00%.

Contrastingly, the Dallas Cowboys also made strides by claiming a hard-fought win against the Kansas City Chiefs, 24-21. This victory marked their third consecutive win and improved their record to 6-5-1. With the offensive unit, led by CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, finding rhythm, the Cowboys are positioned to challenge for a playoff berth.

Key Performances This Week

• Cincinnati Bengals: Victory over Baltimore Ravens with notable contributions from Joe Burrow.
• Dallas Cowboys: Hard-fought Win against Kansas City Chiefs; continued offensive momentum.
• Carolina Panthers: Upset victory against Los Angeles Rams further complicates playoff race.
• Chicago Bears: Secured fifth straight victory, emphasizing their place in NFC North.

Week 13 also witnessed the Chicago Bears overpowering the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday, affirming their status as a strong contender in the NFC with a 9-3 record. Meanwhile, the Dolphins secured a narrow win against the New Orleans Saints, demonstrating their potential for a Wild Card playoff spot as they improved to 5-7.

In contrast, teams like the Tennessee Titans and the Las Vegas Raiders continue to struggle, with both teams showing bleak playoff prospects at 0.00%. The Titans suffered a humiliating loss to the Jaguars, extending their losing streak to seven games.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 NFL season approaches its final stretch, teams will vie for playoff positions, with the Bengals and Cowboys emerging as formidable challengers. The next few weeks will be crucial as teams make desperate pushes for postseason play, proving that in the NFL, anything is possible until the final whistle.