With Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season approaching, the playoff race is intensifying. While division leaders have emerged, much remains unsettled. In the AFC West, the Denver Broncos lead the division, with the Kansas City Chiefs close behind and fighting for a wild-card spot. In the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles are tied for the best record, keeping the race for the top seed tight. The New England Patriots sit atop the AFC East, but the Buffalo Bills are just one game back and poised to pounce on any stumble. The NFC North stands out as the most competitive division: the Bears, Lions, and Packers share first place, while the Vikings trail slightly and still have an outside shot at the playoffs. As Week 12 unfolds, playoff scenarios will become clearer, setting the stage for our Power Rankings based on each team’s performances so far.
#32 Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are definitely going to need at least one more season in full rebuilding mode. Similar to last season, the Titans are the worst team in the NFL and need upgrades at many key positions. Last spring, the Titans used their 1st overall pick in the NFL draft to select quarterback Cam Ward, and while Ward has played as well as can be expected, he is in desperate need of more weapons. This week, the Titans face the Seattle Seahawks, and it is likely they will lose, but it is important to remember that, despite their current 5-game losing streak, they nearly knocked off the Houston Texans last week. So, Tennessee will force the Seahawks to play a solid game if they intend to win against the Titans.
#31 New Orleans Saints
The 2025 season has been rough for the Saints, but they are improving as the second half approaches. Two weeks ago, they surprised the Panthers with a 17-7 road win and carried that momentum into their bye. To win more games, the Saints must start winning the turnover battle. This week is a good opportunity: they face an Atlanta team that has struggled recently.
#30 Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are another team that has been on a downward spiral after seeing a light at the end of the tunnel to start the season. So far, the Raiders’ additions of Geno Smith, wide receiver Tyler Lockett, and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty have not paid dividends. While the Raiders have shown some bright spots and tight end Brock Bowers is a legitimate offensive weapon, the Raiders’ habit of turning the ball over has been too much to overcome. This week, the Raiders have a chance to pick up another win at home against the Cleveland Browns, but they will have to find a way to put up points against a strong Cleveland Browns defense.
#29 Cleveland Browns
Week 12 looks like the first week of the Cleveland Browns’ season, where controversial fifth-round draft pick Shedeur Sanders will get a chance to be a starter for the Browns. Last week, Sanders made his regular-season debut, but struggled to find any flow with the offense, which reignited the argument that Sanders does not have what it takes to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Although this week the Browns are giving Sanders another opportunity, he is also getting several more reps in practice. So Sanders will either have a breakthrough performance against the Las Vegas Raiders or provide more evidence that he is not the future of the Cleveland Browns organization.
#28 New York Giants
Earlier this season, it looked like the New York Giants had what they needed to start turning around their recent string of poor performances. But over the last several weeks those hopes have been dashed as running back Cam Skattebo spends a large chunk of time on the injured reserve list, and rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart remains in the concussion protocol. Despite those issues, the Giants came close to getting a big upset victory over the Green Bay Packers due to an emotional boost from Jameis Winston getting his first start as a Giants quarterback. Unfortunately, the Giants’ last drive ended in a traditional Jameis Winston form with an interception in the end zone. This week, the Giants go on the road, still reeling from their five-game losing streak, to face a Lions team desperate to reassert its dominance.
#27 New York Jets
It can be difficult to tell whether the New York Jets are getting better this season or just shuffling the deck and appearing different. Last week, the Jets gave themselves a chance to compete on the road against the New England Patriots with a strong running attack featuring Breece Hall and quarterback Justin Fields. After the game, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said he would rather see the Jets quarterback develop further as a passer and bring balance to their one-dimensional offense. Glenn’s solution for this week is to start Tyrod Taylor over Fields and try to spark their passing game. However, this week the Jets face a big challenge as they travel to Baltimore to take on a Ravens team working its way back into the playoff picture.
#26 Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have had a tough time this season with several of their top playmakers on the offensive side of the ball dealing with a multitude of injuries. Even with those injuries, the Commanders had a great opportunity to pick up a big win against the Miami Dolphins in Spain, but they just keep finding ways to give it away. This week, the Commanders have a chance to reevaluate their roster and game plan during their bye week. Washington is not officially out of playoff contention, but it would take several unexpected improvements for the Commanders to get back into the playoffs this season.
#25 Cincinnati Bengals
Up until the Bengals’ Week 11 meltdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in which they allowed two defensive touchdowns, the Bengals remained in playoff contention. Despite losing Joe Burrow for most of the season in Week 2, a win in Pittsburgh would have put them just one game out of first place in the AFC North, within striking distance of a playoff berth. The Steelers’ potential absence of quarterback Aaron Rodgers further increased the Bengals’ chances of overtaking the division lead and securing a playoff spot. Instead, their playoff hopes now appear slim, and the team faces tough decisions about its future, especially as it prepares to face the New England Patriots this week.
#24 Atlanta Falcons
When the Atlanta Falcons shocked the Buffalo Bills with an outstanding performance on offense and defense on Monday Night Football, it looked like the Falcons were ready to be legitimate contenders. However, since that victorious night, the Falcons have lost five games in a row, and look like a team that has forgotten that they have a strong running game and pass defense. Last week, the Falcons’ defense broke down early and often against Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, allowing 448 passing yards. This week, the Falcons have a chance to get back on track against a struggling New Orleans Saints team, but if the Falcons fail to play up to their potential, it could start to become the last run for Falcons head coach Raheem Morris.
#23 Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have been a difficult team to classify this season. Some weeks, it looks like the Cardinals are finding their groove and are preparing to put together a string of wins. Other weeks, it looks like they need a complete rebuild. Injuries have played a big role in how well the Cardinals have played this season, but Arizona continues to find more players who give the team hope of turning things around each week. Last week was a microcosm of this effect when backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed 47 of 57 passes but also threw two interceptions, derailing any chance the Cardinals had to defeat the 49ers. This week, the Cardinals host the Jacksonville Jaguars, and this is a week when they could pull off a big win or get blown out by an equally inconsistent Jaguars team.
#22 Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are emerging as a potential playoff team after a poor start to the 2025 season. Last week’s win over the Washington Commanders was unimpressive but enough for a victory. This week, the Dolphins have a bye to rest before pursuing a playoff spot in the second half of the season. During the break, they should evaluate their performance and build on their strengths.
#21 Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings squandered a prime opportunity last week against the NFC North-leading Chicago Bears. Had the Vikings executed a few additional key plays, they likely would have defeated the Bears and thrust themselves into one of the NFL’s most chaotic division races. Instead, with last week’s defeat, the Vikings now cling to dwindling playoff hopes. This week, the Vikings must deliver a strong offensive performance to have any chance of winning in Green Bay and securing a crucial victory in an unpredictable division.
#20 Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys’ struggling defense showed some signs of life last week against an anemic Las Vegas Raiders offense. If the Cowboys can continue to make improvements on the defensive side of the ball, they will have a chance to keep themselves in the race for a trip to the playoffs. Offensively, the Cowboys have consistently been one of the best units in the NFL, with quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens exploding against NFL defenses each week. This week, the Cowboys have a chance to turn their season around when they face their biggest division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles.
#19 Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have become the top contender in the NFC South, challenging the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They have closed the gap with a strong running game led by Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard. Last week, quarterback Bryce Young showed elite potential, but now he must display that level consistently. This week, the Panthers face a major test against the 49ers on Monday Night Football in San Francisco.
#18 Baltimore Ravens
When the Baltimore Ravens kicked off the 2025 season 1-5, it seemed like a disastrous start. Yet the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals have stumbled too, propelling the Ravens close to the top of the division. The Pittsburgh Steelers missed their chance to pull ahead and have wavered in recent weeks. And now, with Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers possibly sidelined, the Ravens have a thrilling opportunity: beat a floundering Jets team at home this week, and they could vault into a tie for the division lead.
#17 Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs’ run of nine straight AFC West division championships appears to be nearing its end as the Chiefs find themselves fighting for a wild-card spot for the playoffs. Last week’s loss to the Denver Broncos was a difficult one for the Chiefs to accept because they felt they played well enough to win but could not make the plays down the stretch to secure a victory. So far this season, the Chiefs’ offense and quarterback Patrick Mahomes have struggled to meet expectations. Defensively, the Chiefs are still playing very good football, which gives Kansas City hope of making the playoffs. This week is essentially a must-win game for Kansas City as they host the upstart Indianapolis Colts.
#16 Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are another team that has had a difficult start to their 2025 season due to numerous injuries to their top offensive playmakers. On the other hand, the Texans’ defense has consistently been one of the best in the NFL, and their success, along with solid play by backup quarterback Davis Mills, has kept them in the race for a playoff berth. This week, there is a chance that starting quarterback C.J. Stroud could make his comeback just in time to face the Buffalo Bills on a Thursday Night Game. If Mills gets the start, the Texans will need their defense to step up to contain Bills quarterback Josh Allen, but if C.J. Stroud clears the concussion protocol in time for the game, this could be a game with a playoff-like atmosphere.
#15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hit a rough spot during the last two games of the 2025 season. In the Buccaneers’ last two losses, quarterback Baker Mayfield has continued to inspire the offense to play at a championship level. However, the Buccaneers have had to manage injuries to their running backs and wide receivers, yet they keep scoring thanks to Mayfield’s exceptional play. While Tampa Bay has struggled the last few weeks, the Carolina Panthers have closed the gap with the Buccaneers. This week, the Buccaneers find themselves in a fight to hold onto their spot at the top of the division while preparing to face a surging Los Angeles Rams team on the road.
#14 Jacksonville Jaguars
Last week was mixed week of highs and lows for the Jacksonville Jaguars. On one hand, the Jaguars lost their first-round draft pick Travis Hunter for the season due to Hunter getting knee surgery. However, the Jaguars responded to that setback the best way they could by dominating the Los Angeles Chargers at home with a dominant run game. This week, the Jaguars have a chance to stack wins when they face the Arizona Cardinals. Although similar to last week, the Jaguars will have to play their best football if they intend on earning a big win in the desert.
#13 Pittsburgh Steelers
The biggest decision for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12 will be whether or not Aaron Rodgers will be able to start despite suffering an injury to his non-throwing hand last week, or whether Mason Rudolph will take the lead for the Steelers’ offense. To start the week, head coach Mike Tomlin announced that Rodgers’ wrist injury would not require surgery. On the other hand, it is unclear who will start at quarterback for the Steelers as they prepare to face the NFC North-leading Chicago Bears. If the Steelers can grind out a road win against the Bears, they will maintain control of the AFC North, but if they fall short, then they could find themselves tied with the Baltimore Ravens at the top of the division standings.
#12 Detroit Lions
Every time it feels like the Detroit Lions are ready to step up and take control of the NFC North, they get humbled against another top team in the NFC. Last week, the Lions came up short against the Philadelphia Eagles, and a big part of that was their inability to win on 4th and short while their head coach Dan Campbell kept going for it. By the end of the game, the Lions had missed five 4th down attempts, while the Eagles kept building a lead with their consistent offense. That loss allowed the Chicago Bears to pass the Lions in the division standings. This week, the Lions will have a chance to regain their confidence against the New York Giants at Ford Field.
#11 Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers had a chance to head into their bye week on a high note after struggling through several weeks with injuries along their offensive line and running back positions. Unfortunately, the Chargers were unable to find any significant flow on offense against a motivated Jacksonville Jaguars team. The most shocking stat from last week was Justin Herbert’s 81 passing yards. With their playoff hopes hinging on the remaining games, the Chargers will need to make adjustments during the bye week and reignite their offense to secure a postseason spot.
#10 San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have set an example in resilience through the first half of the 2025 season. Despite injuries to key players such as quarterback Brock Purdy, running backs, receivers, tight end George Kittle, and top defenders, San Francisco has consistently remained competitive by relying on depth and adaptability. Their ability to overcome setbacks keeps them in the playoff hunt and, potentially, in the NFC West race. Facing the injury-plagued Carolina Panthers this Monday night, the 49ers must maintain solid fundamentals to continue their momentum.
#9 Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are another team in the NFC North that has struggled with consistency. At times, the Packers have looked like one of the best teams in the NFL, but other weeks, they get defeated by some of the worst teams, like when they lost to the Cleveland Browns. Last week, the Packers avoided another embarrassing loss to a New York Giants team that had faced more than its share of challenges this season. This week, the Packers need to play much more consistently as they face a Minnesota Vikings team desperate to win a division game.
#8 Chicago Bears
After a topsy-turvy ride with first-year head coach Ben Johnson, the Chicago Bears find themselves at the top of the NFC North for at least a week. The Bears have found a way to win many weeks despite inconsistent play from second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. Many of the investments the Bears made to upgrade their offensive and defensive lines have paid off so far this season. For the Bears to win the division, they will need to be more consistent on offense. This week will be a big test for the Bears as they face a Steelers team also fighting for the top spot in their division.
#7 Buffalo Bills
Every time the critics around the NFL find reasons to count out the Buffalo Bills, quarterback Josh Allen keeps dragging the Bills back into contender status. Last week, that meant going into “Superman” mode and scoring six total touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unfortunately, the Bills’ defense did little to help the situation, as they were scalded by Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker and quarterback Baker Mayfield. This week, the Buffalo Bills will need a more balanced effort as they face one of the top defenses in the NFL on Thursday Night Football on the road against the Houston Texans.
#6 Seattle Seahawks
Heading into Week 11, the Seattle Seahawks were feeling great about their 2025 performance. That confidence included their trust in quarterback Sam Darnold’s ability to lead their offense. But then everyone was reminded of Darnold’s dark past of struggling in big moments. In a matchup that would allow the Seahawks to move to the top spot in the NFC West against the Los Angeles Rams, Darold responded by throwing four interceptions. Darnold’s meltdown was reminiscent of his last games with the Minnesota Vikings last season. This week is a great opportunity for the Seahawks and Darnold to get back on track on the road against the Tennessee Titans.
#5 Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos ride into their bye week with the momentum of a big win against the Kansas City Chiefs from last week. That win allowed the Broncos to extend their win streak to eight games and take full control over the top spot in the AFC West. This season, the Broncos have been powered by outstanding play on defense and special teams. Several times this season, the Broncos have failed to be impressive on offense, but Bo Nix and his weapons have done a good job of managing games while avoiding big mistakes.
#4 Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams picked up an impressive victory last week against the Seattle Seahawks. That win elevated the Rams to the top spot in the NFC West. The question that remains to be answered is, are the Rams the best team in the NFC? While many will argue that they are the top NFC team, there is a missing piece of the Rams’ puzzle. One thing the Rams have not accomplished is proving they can defeat the Philadelphia Eagles on the field. Despite that, there is no doubt that Matthew Stafford’s efficiency has been amazing the last four weeks, and the Rams can make another statement about where they rank in the NFC when they face the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
#3 New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, after years of mediocrity, have surged to the top of the AFC. What’s changed in 2025? Head coach Mike Vrabel’s confidence, quarterback Drake Maye’s leadership, and running back TreVeyon Henderson’s stellar play. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs also remains a potent vertical weapon. New England looks to extend its eight-game winning streak on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals.
#2 Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles continue to overcome new challenges in pursuit of a second consecutive Super Bowl title. By relying on a powerful ground attack, dynamic passing, and aggressive takeaway defense, the Eagles remain formidable opponents. This week, they confront the high-octane Dallas Cowboys offense. Beyond Dallas’s firepower, the Cowboys-Eagles rivalry brings intense emotions. Philadelphia must stay disciplined and trust in its proven formula to withstand Dallas’s efforts and adversity.
#1 Indianapolis Colts
The biggest question in the NFL this season is whether the Indianapolis Colts are truly one of the best teams in the league, or are they simply a product of getting hot against a weak schedule? Looking ahead to the Colts’ schedule in the second half of the season, Indianapolis will face some stiff challenges. This week, the Colts travel to the Kansas City Chiefs, and they will need to play their best football to win. Indianapolis is coming off a bye week, but in the two games before their bye week, the Colts showed some chinks with seven turnovers. If the Colts are going to continue winning big this season, they will need to play much more efficient football on offense and protect the ball.
