There is a new team at the top of the Power Rankings this week after the Los Angeles Rams won the battle of NFC heavyweights last Sunday. But I'm not hitting the Seattle Seahawks too hard because I don't expect them to turn the ball over four times when these teams meet again in Week 16.
But there is a fall for the defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs, while two new contenders in that conference – the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos – continue their rise. On to the rankings.
- LOS ANGELES RAMS +1
On a day when Matthew Stafford had to fight really hard against a tough Seattle team, the Rams flexed their defensive muscle; reminding us all that they are a complete squad.
- SEATTLE SEAHAWKS -1
The Seahawks gave up four Sam Darnold interceptions and still had a Jason Myers field goal attempt at the end to win the game in Los Angeles. They remain a serious NFC contender.
- INDIANAPOLIS COLTS --
The Colts come out of their bye week with a tricky visit to the Chiefs. It is one of several tough tests between now and the season's end (Jacksonville twice, Seattle and San Francisco).
- NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS +1
The schedule has been kind to the Patriots, for sure, but they also deserve great credit for winning the sort of games they were losing in 2024. Drake Maye remains on an MVP pace.
- PHILADELPHIA EAGLES +1
The Eagles have given up just one offensive touchdown in each of their last two games – wins over Green Bay and Detroit. That distracts from genuine concerns about the offense.
- DENVER BRONCOS +2
The Broncos continue to climb and while an elite defense has powered their eight-game win streak, they also got some big-time throws from Bo Nix to defeat the Chiefs in Week 11.
- BUFFALO BILLS +2
If the Bills are to go all the way it seems that now, more than ever, Josh Allen is going to need to don his Superman cape and lead from the front; as he did with six touchdowns on Sunday.
- DETROIT LIONS -4
They have some occasional highs, but it feels like the magic has slipped away for Detroit. When they fail as often as they did on fourth down (a strength in the past) in Philly, that hurts.
- GREEN BAY PACKERS +4
The Packers have an encouraging 6-3-1 record, but I just don't have them in the same class as the Rams, Seahawks or Eagles in the NFC. The defense is the current driving force in GB.
- TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS --
It's been a tough gauntlet for the Bucs, who have lost three of four. It's not getting easier on Sunday with a visit to the Rams. Then comes respite (Arizona, New Orleans, Atlanta).
- BALTIMORE RAVENS +1
The Ravens have now won four in a row to even up their record at 5-5, just one game back from a Pittsburgh team they still have to play twice. But Lamar Jackson needs to play better.
- PITTSBURGH STEELERS +3
The Steelers stayed ahead of the Ravens with a 34-12 win over Cincinnati. But the computer says no when it comes to Mike Tomlin's men – Next Gen Stats gives them a 39 percent chance of making the playoffs – lowest among any team currently occupying a postseason berth.
- SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS +1
Given their injuries, it is impressive that the 49ers are 7-4. But one of the softest schedules in years has definitely helped. Their next three? Carolina, Cleveland and Tennessee.
- CHICAGO BEARS +2
The Bears continue to win close games that could easily be going against them. They have won five contests in which they have trailed in the final two minutes. That's historic!
- KANSAS CITY CHIEFS -8
The historic close wins from 2024 have turned into close losses in 2025. An evening out of good fortune, perhaps? I always expect Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes to figure it out. And they haven't.
- JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS +1
A quick reminder that the Jags won just four games in 2024. They are already 6-4 and face Arizona, Tennessee and the Jets in three of their next four. They have to take care of business.
- LOS ANGELES CHARGERS -6
That was a humbling loss to Jacksonville last week and one that will make Jim Harbaugh wonder about the physicality and toughness of his team that normally displays both.
- CAROLINA PANTHERS +1
The Panthers continue to be one of the feel-good stories of this 2025 season, even if they are a bumpy ride at times. Bryce Young throwing for 448 yards last week has got my attention.
- HOUSTON TEXANS -1
CJ Stroud will miss a third straight game with a concussion when the Texans host the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night. Now more than ever, Houston have to lean on a stifling defense.
- DALLAS COWBOYS +3
Dak Prescott was razor sharp in throwing four TD passes on Monday. But tough tests have to be passed if Dallas are to get back in the race. Next they face Philadelphia, Kansas City then Detroit.
- MIAMI DOLPHINS +3
The Dolphins have won three of their last four and they could be saving the job of head coach Mike McDaniel. They have New Orleans and the Jets next and a shot at climbing to 6-7.
- MINNESOTA VIKINGS -2
It's now or never for the inconsistent Vikings, who are 4-6 and face four of their next five games on the road. They simply must find out what they have in JJ McCarthy at quarterback.
- ARIZONA CARDINALS -1
Jacoby Brissett holds the NFL record for the most completions in a game with 47. I'll let that settle for just a minute. It's a bright spot in a frustrating 3-7 season that promised more after a 2-0 start.
- ATLANTA FALCONS -3
The Falcons have lost five in a row since a Week 6 win over Buffalo and have become one of this season's biggest disappointments. And now Michael Penix Jr is gone for the year (knee).
- CINCINNATI BENGALS --
The Bengals are 3-7 and their frustrations are showing with incidents like Ja'Marr Chase spitting at Jalen Ramsey. I don't see the point in rushing Joe Burrow back into this mess.
- WASHINGTON COMMANDERS --
Washington fell to a sixth straight loss on Sunday. They had chances in Madrid and blew them with a muffed punt, a missed game-winning field goal and an overtime interception.
- NEW YORK GIANTS --
Sunday's loss to Green Bay offered the full Jameis Winston experience. He gave the Giants life and the Packers were on the ropes. And then a late interception consigned NY to defeat.
- NEW YORK JETS --
The Jets are tinkering again as Justin Fields is benched at QB in favour of veteran Tyrod Taylor. It won't make much difference, especially as star receiver Garrett Wilson remains on IR.
- NEW ORLEANS SAINTS +1
The Saints will continue to ride with Tyler Shough at quarterback coming out of their bye week and they have the chance to pick up where they left off as they face the struggling Falcons.
- CLEVELAND BROWNS +1
The Browns played really well on defense for much of Sunday's game against Baltimore. Myles Garrett and Co deserve better from a rudderless and quarterback-less offense.
- LAS VEGAS RAIDERS -2
The worst thing about the Raiders 33-16 loss to Dallas on Monday was how easy it was for the Cowboys. I sometimes wonder why Tom Brady wants to be involved with this franchise.
- TENNESSEE TITANS --
The positives for the Titans is that Cam Ward appears to be growing, although he still has fumbling issues behind a paper-thin offensive line. Just get the kid to the finish line and build for 2026.
