Five of the six clubs that were off in Week 13 are not above the .500 mark. There’s still hope for a few of them to reach the playoffs, but time is running out quickly. What’s also interesting is that four of these clubs were playoff teams a year ago, including two division winners.
It hasn’t been a great year to date for all but one of these teams, but a lot can happen with five games remaining.
NFL 2023: Grades for teams coming off Week 13 Bye
Baltimore Ravens (9-3)
It’s been pretty smooth sailing so far for the AFC North leaders, who are tied for the best record in the AFC. Quarterback Lamar Jackson has fewer enjoyed a big year under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. The passing game has improved and rookie wideout Zay Flowers has played a big part in that.
Baltimore’s defense has given up the second-most total yards and passing yards per game. No team has allowed fewer points. John Harbaugh’s club leads the NFL with 47 sacks. Is this the best team in the AFC?
Grade: A-
Buffalo Bills (6-6)
Sean McDermott’s club has reached the playoffs each of the past four seasons and has won the last three AFC East titles. A year ago, this was a 13-3 team that was a Top 10 team both offensively and defensively. Buffalo’s run defense has been a bigger liability this year, and the turnover issues continue for Josh Allen.
This was a 3-1 team after four games, but the Bills have dropped five of their last eight contests. The club is three games behind the Dolphins in the AFC East, and three of its final five outings are away from home.
Grade: C+
Chicago Bears (4-8)
A year ago, they finished with the worst-win loss record in the league (3-14) and closed out 2022 with 10 consecutive losses. Matt Eberflus’ team opened this season 0-4, but the improving Bears have now split their last eight contests. The team remains in the NFC North basement, but is in position to play spoiler.
Quarterback Justin Fields remains a work in progress, but the acquisition of wide receiver D.J. Moore in the trade with Carolina has worked out in a big way. Chicago is currently playing its best football of 2023.
Grade: C
Las Vegas Raiders (5-7)
Head coach Josh McDaniels didn’t last through his second season with the franchise. After a 3-5 start, he was dismissed and linebackers coach Antonio Pierce was promoted to takeover. After wins over the Giants and Jets, the Raiders lost a tough game at Miami and then squandered a 14-0 lead vs. the Chiefs.
The team has gone through three starting quarterbacks and injury-prone Jimmy Garoppolo disappointed with his newest team. End Maxx Crosby (11.5 sacks) and linebacker Robert Spillane have been standouts.
Grade: C-
Minnesota Vikings (6-6)
Kevin O’Connell’s defending NFC North champions dropped their first three games and has come up short in their last two outings. In between there was a 6-1 stretch via three different starting quarterbacks and an improved defensive unit led by new coordinator Brian Flores. A return to the playoffs is still a possibility.
While the team has regrouped after a slow start, those three losses to start 2023, while the Vikings still had a healthy Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson, may indeed wind up costing the club a postseason berth.
Grade: C+
New York Giants (4-8)
Where to begin. Despite the fact that team has prevailed in its last two games, it’s hard to give Brian Daboll’s club a higher mark. Only the New England Patriots are averaging fewer points per game after 13 weeks. The Giants’ offense, led by three different starting quarterbacks this season, has totaled 15 TDs.
Big Blue should be renamed Big Black and Blue. The team has surrendered an astounding 69 sacks. New York’s point differential is minus-133. Second-year pro Kayvon Thibodeaux has 11 of the team’s 21 sacks.