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Nov 27, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) holds the John Madden award while speaking to media after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

NFL Week 13 Three Huge Takeaways

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Terrence Edwards | Last updated Dec 3, 2025 11:17 AM ET

After thirteen weeks of NFL action, there are probably still more questions than answers. Teams that were once presumed juggernauts have crashed back down to earth, while the slow starters have caught fire. It has definitely been a week-to-week league this season, and parity has prevailed thus far. Here are three key takeaways after a crazy week of NFL action.

1) No Team Is Fully Trustworthy Currently

Seemingly every week, a different team has been deemed the top team, particularly in the NFC. At the beginning of the year, the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles were favored to emerge from the conference yet again. With all of the concerns offensively, however, the narrative has shifted drastically.

The Green Bay Packers could be that team, but they do not play their best football consistently enough (unless it’s against the Detroit Lions, apparently). This squad has looked unstoppable in certain games, but has played down to the competition in others.

The Los Angeles Rams had started looking like the team to beat, but fell to the Carolina Panthers after being a double-digit favorite. The Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers all have nine wins, but can any of their quarterbacks truly be trusted?

As for the AFC, and perhaps the NFL overall, the New England Patriots look like the best team currently, and their record says as much. Seven of the ten victories on this current winning streak, however, are against teams with losing records. The Denver Broncos, at 10-2, have a case, but they barely squeaked by the Las Vegas Raiders and the Washington Commanders, who were without Jayden Daniels.

The only thing that is certain right now is uncertainty.

2) The Detroit Lions Will Likely Miss The Playoffs

At 7-5, the Detroit Lions are still in NFL playoff contention, but it really does not feel like it. Losing to Green Bay on Thanksgiving for the second time this season was bad enough, but the news that followed was probably worse.

Lions All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown suffered an ankle injury during that Thanksgiving game and is questionable for this Thursday’s contest against a scorching-hot Dallas Cowboys team. Starting cornerback Terrion Arnold was also injured in that contest and is now expected to have season-ending shoulder surgery. Detroit was a squad that could ill afford any more injuries to the secondary, given that standout safety Kerby Joseph has been absent since Week Six.

Lastly, all but one offensive lineman, rookie guard Tate Ratledge, is dealing with an injury. Veteran center Frank Ragnow returned from retirement to provide much-needed help in the trenches, but unfortunately, he failed his physical after tests revealed a grade-three hamstring strain. With all the injuries and misfortunes, this season is likely a wash for the Lions.

3) With Joe Burrow’s Return, The Bengals Actually Have A Chance

Gifts are usually for Christmas, but the Who Dey Nation received an early present with the return of QB Joe Burrow. The former first-overall pick from the 2020 NFL draft suffered a grade-three turf toe injury in mid-September and should have missed three months at a minimum. Burrow returned after just over two months, however, and looked close to his usual self in the Thanksgiving night blowout victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

There were many questions about Burrow’s decision to return, as the Cincinnati Bengals’ season looked all but over after dropping eight of nine games. With both the Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers failing to separate themselves, however, the door is still very much open for Cincy.

Getting past the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park will be highly challenging, but if the Bengals prevail, they will suddenly have a much favorable path. Three of the last four games will be at home, and it would not be surprising if Cincinnati were now the favorite in each matchup. Running the table may not be likely, but it is not out of the realm of possibility.

End Of My NFL Week 13 Rant

The already wild NFL season will probably continue as such down the home stretch. Many division title races are heating up, and with the level of parity that exists this year, gauging how the season will finish is next to impossible.

For the NFL fans who get tired of seeing the same handful of teams have a legit chance each year, this season is probably for you! The Kansas City Chiefs have regressed to the middle of the pack, and the Eagles are a volatile 8-4 team. The Bears and Panthers, meanwhile, have gone from doormats to squads that could be division winners after just a few seasons. Buckle up for an insane ride as the NFL regular season winds down.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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