TL;DR
- Los Angeles Rams are the most well-rounded team in the NFC, hitting their stride.
- Denver Broncos boast an exceptional defense and clutch plays, but offense needs consistency.
- New England Patriots have the AFC's top record, a well-rounded team with MVP potential.
- Philadelphia Eagles must regroup due to run game issues and ball security problems.
Week 12 of the NFL season brought a bit more definition and distinction across the league. Certain strong teams continued their winning streaks. Others recovered from setbacks. A few are settling into their expected roles, albeit slightly diminished from their earlier performances.
Conversely, several teams positioned lower in the standings are discovering alternative strategies to compete and disrupt other teams' progress, regardless of their ultimate success. The concluding six weeks of the 2025 season promise an exciting conclusion.
AllSportsPeople presents its revised ranking of the league's teams, starting with the top-ranked club at No. 1 and concluding with the last-place team at No. 32.
NFL Power Rankings
1. Los Angeles Rams 9-2 ((previous ranking: 2)
The Rams dominated the Buccaneers with an explosive Matthew Stafford and their defense from the outset, a momentum Sean McVay maintained. They appear to be the most well-rounded team in the NFC, hitting their stride at the perfect moment to replicate their Super Bowl 56 performance.
MORE: How Matthew Stafford solidified his MVP case in blowout win over Bucs
2. Denver Broncos 9-2 (3)
The Broncos are dominating the league thanks to an exceptional defense that guarantees a strong performance weekly, and Bo Nix's knack for clutch fourth-quarter plays secures victories. To be genuine Super Bowl contenders, their offense needs to achieve greater consistency.
3. New England Patriots 10-2 (4)
Cincinnati saw some early carelessness from the Patriots, but their defense ignited a stronger offensive performance that led to a decisive victory. The focus on Drake Maye's MVP potential overshadows the fact that they're a well-rounded team, boasting the AFC's top record.
4. Philadelphia Eagles 8-3 (1)
While the Eagles managed to connect Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown effectively through the air against the Cowboys, their inability to establish a strong run game and their ball security issues mean their defense can't compensate. They must quickly regroup for a matchup against a confident Bears squad at home on Black Friday.
MORE: Why the Eagles keep running into the same problem
5. Green Bay Packers 7-3-1 (7)
The Packers aggressively pursued their pass defense, shutting down the Vikings, and benefited from a strong, efficient running game by Emanuel Wilson, who stepped in for Josh Jacobs. This victory should serve as a confidence booster before their important upcoming games against the Lions and Bears.
MORE: NFC North standings
6. Seattle Seahawks 8-3 (8)
Tennessee saw the Seahawks stick to a straightforward score/run to win strategy, featuring Jaxon Smith-Njigba heavily at the start and then relying on Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet for the remainder. JSN's pursuit of 2,000 yards certainly warrants MVP consideration.
MORE: Jaxon Smith-Njigba needed just 11 games to set franchise mark
7. Chicago Bears 8-3 (9)
The Bears could argue they possess a second-year QB MVP contender in Caleb Williams. He rescued them from early sluggishness against the Steelers, demonstrating significant confidence and execution for Ben Johnson. It's plausible that Chicago could win the NFC North.
8. Indianapolis Colts 8-3 (5)
The Colts's defense merits significant praise for their performance in Kansas City, but their offense faces considerable constraints if opponents can neutralize Jonathan Taylor's impact on the ground. Indianapolis must now concentrate on securing the division title against the Texans and Jaguars in upcoming matchups.
9. Buffalo Bills 7-4 (6)
The Bills's defense is increasingly problematic against the pass, having already demonstrated significant weakness against the run. Furthermore, their offensive shortcomings are proving costly, extending beyond James Cook's involvement in the ground game, as Josh Allen struggles to find dependable targets beyond Khalil Shakir.
10. Detroit Lions 7-4 (10)
The Lions's defensive performance faltered against Jameis Winston and the Giants. Fortunately for them, Jahmyr Gibbs proved to be an even greater challenge for The Giants' defense for nearly five quarters. They required that turnaround with The Packers coming to their home field next, on a short week.
11. San Francisco 49ers 7-4 (13)
The 49ers are improving offensively, which will aid their defense, burdened by injuries, at a crucial moment. This improvement will be more noticeable with Brock Purdy starting for the second time on Monday night against the Panthers.
12. Jacksonville Jaguars 7-4 (14)
The Jaguars operate in a less-than-ideal manner with Trevor Lawrence and their defense, yet this has resulted in a resilient team under Liam Coen, placing them squarely in wild-card playoff contention and with a real opportunity to overtake the Colts.
13. Los Angeles Chargers 7-4 (15)
The Chargers had a bye week to regroup in their pursuit of the Broncs and their efforts to fend off the Chiefs in the AFC West. Foremost, Justin Herbert must improve his consistency as the season winds down.
14. Kansas City Chiefs 6-5 (16)
The Chiefs secured a hard-fought, narrow victory against the Colts, with Patrick Mahomes receiving crucial assistance from Kareem Hunt and the ground game, alongside a strong defensive performance. This win could signal a turning point as they head into the playoffs.
MORE: Why Chiefs' comeback win over Colts is bad news for rest of AFC
15. Houston Texans 6-5 (19)
The Texans' defensive front pressured Allen and the Bills effectively on Thursday night, yet the significant development is backup QB Davis Mills' assured play, enabling the offense to improve its rhythm in C.t. Stroud's absence. Stroud's eventual return will be noteworthy.
16. Baltimore Ravens 6-5 (17)
The Ravens secured a significant victory against the Jets, with Derrick Henry and the defense alleviating pressure from Lamar Jackson. This triumph allowed them to rebound from a 1-5 record and reclaim the top spot in the AFC North.
MORE: How Ravens win, Steelers loss shake up AFC North race in Week 12
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6-5 (11)
The Buccaneers have experienced the cumulative effect of their offensive and defensive injuries, resulting in three straight defeats. Baker Mayfield's inconsistent performance has faltered recently, compounded by a lack of experienced support. The secondary's pass defense is no longer effective. Fortunately for them, they are once again competing in the less challenging NFC South.
MORE: Baker Mayfield injury update
18. Pittsburgh Steelers 6-5 (12)
The Steelers showed flashes with Mason Rudolph and a potent offense, though Aaron Rodgers was absent against the Bears. However, their defense faltered late after a strong start, potentially defining their season's narrative.
19. Dallas Cowboys 5-5-1 (20)
The Cowboys maintained high spirits for their significant home game, which fueled an epic comeback against the Eagles. On the field, this was largely achieved by Dak Prescott's new preferred deep-threat receiver, George Pickens, potentially the best acquisition made by any team this year.
MORE: What win over Eagles means for Dallas’ NFC Wild Card chances
20. Carolina Panthers 6-5 (18)
The Panthers aim to remain competitive in the NFC South and wild-card standings, fueled by their high-octane offense featuring Bryce Young and Tetairoa McMillan. Facing the 49ers and former teammate Christian McCaffrey on Monday night presents a significant challenge in terms of scoring.
21. Miami Dolphins 4-7 (22)
The Dolphins are attempting to secure Mike McDaniels' position through a late surge, fueled by their potent offense and an improved defense. For McDaniel to remain employed through 2026, Miami must achieve favorable results and secure additional victories.
22. Atlanta Falcons 4-7 (23)
While the Falcons offense under Kirk Cousins wasn't particularly impressive, they managed to discover playmakers despite Drake London's absence, with Darnell Mooney stepping up. It's crucial for Zac Robinson and Raheem Morris that they conclude the season on a high note.
23. Minnesota Vikings 4-7 (21)
The Vikings won't be making a playoff appearance due to their poor standing in the competitive NFC North. When comparing J.J. McCarthy to the other quarterbacks in the division, the significant difference becomes apparent.
24. Washington Commanders 3-8 (26)
The Commanders anticipate a strong finish to improve their standing in Jayden Daniels' sophomore year, expecting good health and performance from Daniels and his offensive playmakers. Conversely, the defense requires significant offseason improvements under Dan Quinn.
25. Arizona Cardinals 3-8 (24)
The Cardinals have shown a spirited performance, with Jacoby Brissett at the helm of the offense, creating the impression they aren't suffering from the absence of Kyler Murray or even Marvin Harrison Jr. He simply lacks sufficient impact, and the defense is depending on significant plays rather than consistent execution.
26. Cincinnati Bengals 3-8 (25)
The Bengals opted against rushing Joe Burrow back for The Patriots game. Considering Joe Flacco's struggles, including a pick-six, it proved wise to prioritize his health for a slim playoff chance. Cincinnati, with Burrow back, will pose a significant threat as a spoiler to end the season, beginning Thursday in Baltimore.
27. Cleveland Browns 3-8 (31)
Shedeur Sanders provided the spark the Browns needed in a highly winnable matchup against the Raiders, leveraging defensive dominance from Myles Garrett to ease the offensive burden for the rookie's standout performance.
MORE: Grading Shedeur Sanders' first NFL start
28. New York Giants 2-10 (29)
The Giants can be satisfied with Jameis Winston's and their offense's readiness to lead the team without Jaxson Dart, but they shouldn't be pleased with their defense's inability to prevent big runs and passes in Detroit, even with a skilled pass rush.
MORE: Jameis Winston scores on electric play vs. Lions
29. New Orleans Saints 2-9 (27)
The Saints are experiencing the usual fluctuations with Tyler Shough, and couldn't bounce back due to a nonexistent running game and a lack of Alvin Kamara checkdowns, as the Falcons neutralized his deep pass options.
30. Las Vegas Raiders 2-9 (28)
The Raiders should consider a different quarterback than Geno Smith as the season progresses. They're maximizing their efforts with him and a lack of offensive talent. The offensive line's performance hasn't been beneficial, and the defense frequently places him in unfavorable situations.
MORE: Why the Raiders fired OC Chip Kelly
31. New York Jets 2-9 (30)
The Jets are attempting to finish the season, but starting Tyrod Taylor was illogical without anything to assess. Aaron Glenn may require another decisive moment to secure his team's second season.
32. Tennessee Titans 1-10 (32)
The Titans demonstrated a bit more resilience facing the Seahawks, though the defense may require considerably more attention than the offense during the 2026 offseason.