Colin Cowherd's latest "Herd Hierarchy" reshuffles the NFL landscape heading into Week 14, with the New England Patriots claiming the top spot and defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles tumbling to ninth place.

The rankings move beyond win-loss records, instead assessing each team's holistic standing by weighing quality of opponents defeated, health, and ceiling potential for the remainder of the season.

10. Houston Texans

"I don't like their red zone offense, but Houston Texans, 4-game winning streak, best defense, excellent head coach. They shut people down. Opposing quarterbacks, this year, have a passer rating of 74. What does that mean? They're in every game. They play at a different speed defensively. Nine times this year, teams have scored fewer than 20 points in an offensive league that's never had better offensive coaching."

The Texans' dominant defense has held opponents to fewer than 20 points nine times this season—a remarkable feat in today's high-powered offensive environment.

9. Philadelphia Eagles

Cowherd pulled no punches on the defending champs: They lead the NFL in three-and-outs and rank near the top in punts. Despite roster talent including Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and a solid offensive line, the Eagles rank just 22nd in rushing offense.

"I'm tired of saying I love their general manager. They lead the NFL in three-and-outs, they're near the top in punts… I don't think this coaching staff can fix it in-season. I don't even know where to put 'em. Maybe I'm being complimentary putting Philadelphia at 9."

8. Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys have made tangible improvements in both pass rush and pass protection. With two elite receiving weapons in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, plus a functional running game, Dallas has solidified its standing.

"Just trust your eyes. They are getting to the quarterback, they're doing a better job of protecting theirs. And CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, they're both number ones, and now they run the ball. Say what you want, right now, the Dallas Cowboys are a top-10 team in the NFL."

7. Chicago Bears

Under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's Shanahan-inspired system, the Bears have developed a clear identity. They're built for December and January football—physical, turnover-conscious, with Caleb Williams effective on third downs.

"Ben Johnson's got a Shanahan feel to him. He's gonna run the ball 47 times, he doesn't care. They have an identity, they take the ball away, Caleb Williams is good on third down … I like any team that is a physical team in December and January, and the Bears are."

6. Buffalo Bills

Despite increased turnovers and run defense vulnerabilities, Josh Allen is carrying the load. Cowherd rates him the league's best quarterback right now.

"The turnovers have increased, multiple giveaways in four-straight games is a problem. And they can't defend the run … but Josh Allen, right now, is the best quarterback in the league despite not having a dominant receiving core, they're number two in big plays and they're running the football. Their ability to run the football tells me they'll win a playoff game, and maybe two."

5. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks look fundamentally different from their peers. They've out-gained every opponent in 11 games and rank among just five teams without back-to-back losses.

"Turn the sound down, they just look different. They've out-gained every opponent in 11 games. They are fast, they are physical, one of five teams without back-to-back losses. They have got a lot of talent, defense back-to-back games with four sacks, young defensive coach who is current, who has pivoted multiple times. I like Seattle."

4. Denver Broncos

Cowherd moved Denver down despite a nine-game winning streak, citing a troubling pattern: they've trailed in all 12 games this season. Most wins have come in one-score games, raising playoff sustainability questions.

"I moved them down. Nine-game winning streak, but it's a lot of one-score games … They've trailed in all 12 games this season. I mean, if you told me, a high seed lost in the first round of the playoffs, I think we'd all go: Denver? I just don't think their offense is even enough."

3. Green Bay Packers

Cowherd issued a definitive statement: Jordan Love is elite, period. Young, smart offensive coaches like Matt LaFleur can fix in-season problems.

"I may have Green Bay low … Folks, we got to stop wondering if Jordan Love's good. The answer is yes … Green Bay is a Super Bowl team, and they were broken offensively three weeks ago, but these young, smart offensive coaches like Matt LaFleur can fix problems in-season."

2. Los Angeles Rams

Despite a poor Week 13 performance, the Rams' foundational strength remains intact. They're the least-penalized team in the NFL and hold the highest overall grades on both offense and defense.

"Rams had a bad [Week 13]. Points allowed, giveaways, they were a mess. But they are the least-penalized team in the NFL, highest-graded overall team, offense and defense. You can throw the ball on them if your offensive line can hold up."

1. New England Patriots

The Patriots top the hierarchy after decisively winning on the road at Buffalo and Tampa Bay. They've scored 30-plus points five times in Week 13—demonstrating consistent explosive capability.

"Listen, I watched them go to Buffalo and win, watched them go to Tampa and win. Fifth time they've scored 30-plus points [in Week 13]. They're incredibly sound, great on special teams, it's very reminiscent of the Belichick-Brady stuff with a more mobile quarterback and a player-friendly coach. What don't they do really well? They don't run the football particularly well, the Chiefs have won Super Bowls in years that they don't run it well. They lead the NFL in big plays, you don't get any cheap touchdowns, they tackle well."