NFL power rankings 2025: How do the Commanders fare entering Week 14?

The Washington Commanders may have lost to the Denver Broncos on Sunday, but it wasn't for a lack of effort. The injuries to this team have crippled them on both sides of the ball, and with no real postseason hopes left, they could easily throw in the towel on this season.

But that's not what is happening. The Commanders are continuing to fight, to make plays, to be relevant. Marcus Mariota has played well, despite a few interceptions. Terry McLaurin shone in his return from injury, and Treylon Burks has made an impact in a time of need.

This week, the Commanders will face a struggling Minnesota Vikings team on the road, and somehow are currently favorites to win.

As we enter Week 14, here's a look at where the Commanders stand in a multitude of power rankings.

Nate Davis, USA TODAY: 25 (+2)

Their valiant play in Sunday night's loss to Denver is a pretty good testament to coach Dan Quinn and a team that could easily have packed it in by now.

Frank Schwab, Yahoo! Sports: 24 (+1)

Give credit to the Commanders. Their playoff hopes were done, Jayden Daniels was out due to injury, and yet they were a 2-point conversion away from beating the Broncos in overtime. Marcus Mariota, who had a very good game against a tough defense, had running back Jeremy McNichols wide open for the win but Nik Bonitto batted his pass down. Unlike most of the teams ranked behind them, the Commanders at least have the ability to be a spoiler down the stretch.

Diante Lee, The Ringer: 24 (+3)

This has been a lost year for Washington. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury seems to be improving his stock as a future head coach because Washington's passing game remains one of the NFL's most efficient each wee - even without injured starting QB Jayden Daniels. If Kingsbury eventually leaves for a second shot at running a team, it's fair to wonder what the offense will look like and wheterh the Commanders could get back into the NFC mix without him. Doing so would mean adding a major influx of offensive talent in free agency, and that's a tall ask in an era where the types of star players Washington needs (on both sides of the ball) rarely become available.

Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: 25 (-1)

The Commanders are playing out the season tough with Marcus Mariota and making the right choice to delay the return of Jayden Daniels. Washington can consider this an injury washout with the pressure for healthy, rejuvenated rebound in 2026.

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 25 (NC)

They competed against the Broncos, but it doesn't matter. From NFC Championship Game to this? It's been a bad year.

Connor Orr, Sports Illustrated: 23 (NC)

A spirited performance by Dan Quinn and Co. last night with my only nitpick being that the Commanders should have taken the ball in overtime. Denver is solely powered by its defense and the Commanders had Denver’s unit on the field for 18 plays on the game-tying drive. Keep taking it to them and don’t give them a break!

Josh Kendall, The Athletic: 26 (NC)

The Commanders aren’t shutting down their second-year quarterback, even though he’s missed time this season due to injuries to his knee, hamstring and elbow. But he’s one of the biggest reasons for hope with this franchise. Now that Terry McLaurin is back and healthy, Washington needs Daniels to play well (and stay healthy) when he comes back.

Barry Werner, List Wire: 24 (NC)

The Commanders gave it their all against a tough Broncos team. Kudos to Dan Quinn for going for two in a season where kicking the PAT in OT would have been meaningless.

Walter Football: 28 (+1)

The Redskins outgained the Dolphins in total yards and yards per play, but lost because of multiple turnovers. They were the true winners in Spain, however, because they improved their draft positioning. They then gave their three serious fans an exciting game, but lost to the Broncos in the end to once again preserve their draft positioning.

NFL Nation, ESPN: 23 (+1)

X factor for final stretch: Wide receiver Deebo Samuel

Samuel is playing for a new contract, which could be in Washington -- depending on how he finishes. Age will be a factor, as he turns 30 in January; it was a sticking point in the Terry McLaurin negotiations. Samuel leads the team with 58 catches for 534 yards and five touchdowns. He's on pace to top his career high of 77 catches from 2021. Washington needs to upgrade its receivers with more explosiveness, which Samuel has improved. But he could be an interesting free agent target for other teams. McLaurin will earn $18.35 million in 2026, leaving Washington with at least $90 million in cap space, so it can afford another expensive signing at receiver. But any deal for Samuel must make sense.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Where they land in Week 14 NFL power rankings