Are we witnessing a potential third Super Bowl match-up between the Rams and the Patriots?
The only repeat Super Bowl in history involved the Steelers and Cowboys, who faced off three times.
The Rams first squared off against the Patriots in 2002, during the early days of the Tom Brady era, and again in 2019, marking the tail end of it.
Now, both teams are being projected as the top seeds in their conferences, with a few others struggling, including preseason favorites like the Chiefs, Lions, and Bills.
Given these developments, it’s fitting to kick off The Post’s Week 13 NFL Power Rankings with these two dominant teams.
1. Rams 9-2 (3)
Matthew Stafford threw for three touchdowns, helping the Rams build a significant halftime lead in their 34-7 win against the Buccaneers, who played without Baker Mayfield in the second half. Davante Adams caught two touchdown passes, strengthening ties within their NFC rivalry. Coby Durant also made a mark, returning an interception for a touchdown.
2. Patriots 10-2 (4)
In a game without star quarterback Joe Burrow, Drake Maye stepped up, passing for 294 yards with a touchdown to Hunter Henry, who had a personal best with 115 receiving yards in a narrow 26-20 win. The Patriots rallied from a 10-point deficit in the first half, aided by Marcus Jones’ first pick-six and a critical defensive stand in the final moments.
3. Colts 8-3 (1)
A fourth-quarter collapse saw the Colts squander an 11-point lead, ultimately losing in overtime to the Chiefs 23-20. Jonathan Taylor’s runs gave way to Daniel Jones, but the offense faltered, failing to gain a first down on their last four drives. After two early touchdown passes, Jones struggled significantly in the second half.
4. Broncos 9-2 (5)
For the first time in nine weeks, the Broncos didn’t come away with a victory, although this past weekend served as a bye week for them. Will Lutz, who has produced three game-winning field goals this season, secured a three-year contract extension, even as the team suffered a setback with the injury of leading rusher JK Dobbins.
5. Eagles 8-3 (2)
Things took a sharp turn for the Eagles after scoring first. They lost to the Cowboys 24-21, thanks to Brandon Aubrey’s clutch 42-yard field goal. Key fumbles by Saquon Barkley and Xavier Gipson in the fourth quarter went uncapitalized upon. Jalen Hurts did rush for two touchdowns, but AJ Brown’s frustration boiled over, racking up 110 yards and a touchdown.
6. Seahawks 8-3 (6)
The Seahawks nearly let go of a 20-point lead before ultimately defeating the Titans 30-24 in a nail-biter. Sam Darnold rebounded from a disastrous game, throwing for 244 yards and two scores, both connecting with NFL receiving yards leader Jackson Smith-Njigba. Jason Myers also kicked three field goals, while the defense contributed four sacks.
7. Lions 7-4 (8)
In a thrilling comeback over the Giants, Jahmil Gibbs showcased a career-best with 264 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. His 69-yard touchdown on the first play of overtime flipped the game script. Aidan Hutchinson capped off the night with a decisive sack, while Jake Bates hit a dramatic 59-yard field goal to seal the win.
8. Packers 7-3-1 (10)
Emmanuel Wilson flourished in a starting role, rushing for 107 yards and two touchdowns in a 23-6 triumph over the Vikings. It marked Wilson’s first multiple-touchdown game. The Packers also ended a home losing streak against Minnesota, with their special teams making the difference.
9. Bears 8-3 (11)
Without Aaron Rodgers, sidelined due to injury, the Bears took full advantage. Caleb Williams showcased his skills, tossing three touchdowns in a close 31-28 victory—their eighth win in nine games.
10. Bills 7-4 (7)
Josh Allen faced a rough day, getting sacked eight times, contributing to a 23-19 defeat against the Texans. This marked a troubling trend for the Bills, who hadn’t allowed three runs in consecutive games since 2006. James Cook managed to run for 116 yards and score a touchdown.
11. 49ers 8-4 (12)
12. Jaguars 7-4 (13)
13. Chargers 7-4 (14)
14. Buccaneers 6-5 (9)
15. Chiefs 6-5 (15)
16. Ravens 6-5 (16)
17. Texans 6-5 (18)
18. Cowboys 5-5-1 (20)
19. Panthers 6-6 (19)
20. Steelers 6-5 (17)
21. Dolphins 4-7 (21)
22. Falcons 4-7 (23)
23. Vikings 4-7 (22)
24. Cardinals 3-8 (24)
25. Bengals 3-8 (25)
26. Commanders 3-8 (26)
27. Browns 3-8 (31)
28. Giants 2-10 (28)
The Giants suffered another frustrating defeat, this time despite racking up 517 offensive yards against the Lions. Jameis Winston, throwing for 336 yards and a touchdown, had a standout day. Unfortunately for the Giants, who have a shocking record of 2-5 in games where they lead by 10 points, the loss stung again.
29. Jets 2-9 (27)
The Jets fell 23-10 to the Ravens, marking their tenth straight loss after scoring first—one of the longest streaks in NFL history. Tyrod Taylor replaced a benched Justin Fields but couldn’t change the outcome. A late fumble by Breece Hall at a critical moment didn’t help their cause.
