Editor’s note: Every week, Josh Kendall and Chad Graff rank and analyze all 32 teams from first to worst.
The NFL has reached peak NFL as we hit the Week 12 Power Rankings. Five teams — the Dolphins, Panthers, Bears, Texans and Broncos — won on the final play Sunday, which tied the league’s single-day record. Three more teams — the Bills, Packers and Ravens — erased fourth-quarter deficits on the way to victory.
For everyone who wants the NFL to be The Parity Product, it was a great day. But, we’ve got to tell you, it doesn’t make the power rankings any easier. Here’s our list, along with a thoughtful suggestion for each of the 32 teams.
1. Philadelphia Eagles (8-2)
Last week: 1
Sunday: Beat Lions 16-9
A suggestion: Be more interesting
Thank goodness for A.J. Brown. The wide receiver’s weekly passive-aggressive complaints about his role in the offense are the only things making this team worth watching anymore. Jalen Hurts completed 14 passes for 135 yards Sunday night. The sublime Saquon Barkley averaged 3.2 yards per carry and is 14th in the league in rushing (662 yards). Yet the Eagles and their smothering defense are marching joylessly back toward the Super Bowl.
Up next: at Cowboys, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
2. Los Angeles Rams (8-2)
Last week: 2
Sunday: Beat Seahawks 21-19
A suggestion: Start scouting defensive coaches
The two greatest loves of NFL teams — coaches with famous names and coaches from the Rams system — are all wrapped up in L.A. defensive coordinator Chris Shula (grandson of Don), and the Rams defense is on the kind of run that gets assistant coaches head coaching jobs. Los Angeles intercepted Sam Darnold four times and is allowing 13 points per game during its five-game winning streak.
Up next: vs. Buccaneers, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
“Unbelievable job by our defense tonight.” @RamsNFL QB Matthew Stafford joined Pam Oliver after his team won their 5th straight game! pic.twitter.com/Fuc0XStS2z
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 17, 2025
3. Indianapolis Colts (8-2)
Last week: 4
Sunday: Bye
A suggestion: Give Tyler Warren the ball more
The rookie is tied for fourth among tight ends with 50 catches, but he only has 54 touches (which ranks 74th in the league), and he looks like he could handle more, which would take some weight off Jonathan Taylor. The Colts running back is second in the league with 219 touches, which puts him on pace for 372 this season. That’s a worrisome workload.
Up next: at Chiefs, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
4. Denver Broncos (9-2)
Last week: 7
Sunday: Beat Chiefs 22-19
A suggestion: Give Vance Joseph a raise
Denver’s defensive coordinator is not a hot name in the head coaching candidate conversations, but he should be. His first stint as a head coach didn’t go well (11-21 with the Broncos), but in a league of second chances, he ought to get one. The Broncos held a surging Chiefs team to 19 points Sunday and are fourth in the league in defensive EPA (9.8 per 100 snaps), according to TruMedia.
Up next: Bye
5. New England Patriots (9-2)
Last week: 6
Thursday: Beat Jets 27-14
A suggestion: Buy a lottery ticket
There’s not a fan base in the country luckier than New Englanders in the last 25 years. The Red Sox have four titles. The Celtics have two. The Bruins have one. The Patriots had Tom Brady, and now they have Drake Maye, who is firmly in the MVP conversation after 281 yards and a touchdown last Thursday night.
Up next: at Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Most of Drake Maye’s production through the air against the Jets came on dropbacks over 2.5 seconds, including a career-high 237 of his 281 passing yards.
Maye was also at his best targeting receivers running in-breaking routes (12/16, 158 yards).
Powered by @awscloud pic.twitter.com/NjX4UVI9TL
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 14, 2025
6. Seattle Seahawks (7-3)
Last week: 3
Sunday: Lost to Rams 21-19
A suggestion: Just run the ball next time
Sam Darnold wilted in the face of the Rams defense again, throwing four interceptions. For the day, Seattle lost the turnover battle four to one and scored just one touchdown on four red zone trips and still lost by only two points. This is still one of the best teams in the NFL. It just needs to keep the ball on the ground against Los Angeles the next time.
Up next: at Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
7. Buffalo Bills (7-3)
Last week: 11
Sunday: Beat Buccaneers 44-32
A suggestion: Let Josh cook
Who needs James Cook? Sure, a running game is nice, but watching Josh Allen go full Josh Allen — 317 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, two interceptions, 40 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns — is one of the best ways to spend a Sunday. He became the first player in NFL history to have three passing touchdowns of 25 yards or more and three rushing touchdowns in the same game.
Up next: at Texans, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET
8. Detroit Lions (6-4)
Last week: 5
Sunday: Lost to Eagles 16-9
A suggestion: Deep breaths
It turns out that Dan Campbell with a play-call sheet in his hands is even more aggressive than regular Dan Campbell. In his second game calling plays for the Lions, the head coach went for it five times on fourth down. Detroit converted none. NFL teams have attempted at least five fourth downs in 145 games this century. Only one other time has the team failed to convert any of those attempts: the Lions against the Patriots in 2022 (0-for-6). Their head coach? Yep, Dan Campbell.
Up next: vs. Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
The early-season MVP talk has died down, but Baker Mayfield has a chance to impress for the NFC South-leading Buccaneers over their final six games. (Timothy T Ludwig / Getty Images)
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4)
Last week: 8
Sunday: Lost to Bills 44-32
A suggestion: Don’t panic
The Buccaneers lost for the third time in four games Sunday, and they have the Rams coming up next. But they still lead the NFC South, and their last six games are against the Cardinals, Saints, Falcons, Dolphins and Panthers twice. Baker Mayfield may need to tighten things up, though. Since Week 6, he is 30th in off-target percentage (14.9 percent), according to Pro Football Focus.
Up next: at Rams, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
10. Green Bay Packers (6-3-1)
Last week: 10
Sunday: Beat Giants 27-20
A suggestion: Pray for Josh Jacobs
The Packers wide receivers proved once again Sunday that they can’t really be trusted, dropping three passes (if you’re judging generously). Meanwhile, Jacobs left with a knee injury after seven carries and 40 yards. If this is a serious injury, it’s a huge blow for Green Bay, which relies on the run game to power everything.
Up next: vs. Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
11. San Francisco 49ers (7-4)
Last week: 13
Sunday: Beat Cardinals 41-22
A suggestion: Please be nicer to Christian McCaffrey
The 49ers running back leads the league with 267 touches, just one season removed from playing only four games due to Achilles tendinitis and a knee injury. This is the third-highest usage rate of his career, and he’s had a high-usage career. He had another 81 rushing yards, 40 receiving yards and three touchdowns Sunday.
Up next: vs. Panthers, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
Brock Purdy [welcome back] & Christian McCaffrey
Game Balls 🏈🏈 pic.twitter.com/eVy5R9qabM
— NFL GameDay (@NFLGameDay) November 17, 2025
12. Chicago Bears (7-3)
Last week: 15
Sunday: Beat Vikings 19-17
A suggestion: Go to Mass
It’s not our intention to convert anyone to anything, but the Bears are 7-3 since Chicago native Robert Prevost (now known as Leo XIV) was elected Pope. They have come from behind in the final two minutes of five games this season and won seven of their last eight overall. The schedule down the stretch is brutal and includes the Eagles, 49ers, Lions and Packers (twice), so playing it safe on Sunday mornings seems like a good plan.
Up next: vs. Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
13. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4)
Last week: 14
Sunday: Beat Bengals 34-12
A suggestion: Give Darnell Washington the ball more
A lot more. This is not meant to improve the Steelers offense. It’s meant simply to increase everyone’s enjoyment of Sundays. The 6-7, 264-pound “tight end” caught four passes for 67 yards Sunday and had the season’s most dominating touch, throwing aside three Bengals following a short reception. Washington chiefly serves as a blocker in Pittsburgh’s offense, and he has only 18 catches for 209 yards on the season. This is a travesty.
Up next: at Bears, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
GET OUTTA HIS WAY‼️ @_Dwfootball11
📺 #CINvsPIT on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/Egz2vCb7BE
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 16, 2025
14. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4)
Last week: 19
Sunday: Beat Chargers 35-6
A suggestion: Feed Bhayshul Tuten
The rookie had a career-high 15 carries Sunday and turned them into a career-best 74 yards. He suffered an ankle injury that’s worth monitoring because he gave the Jaguars run game some pop, powering what turned into a season-high 35 points for Jacksonville.
Up next: at Cardinals, 4:05 p.m. ET
15. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)
Last week: 9
Sunday: Lost to Jaguars 35-6
A suggestion: Look at the calendar more closely
The Chargers clearly thought next week’s bye came this weekend. It’s the only real explanation for being outgained by 210 yards by the Jaguars. Los Angeles averaged 3 yards per play, and Justin Herbert was 10-of-18 for 81 yards and an interception as the Chargers saw their three-game winning streak snapped. “We were out-physicaled,” said Jim Harbaugh, who must have hated to say it.
Up next: Bye
16. Kansas City Chiefs (5-5)
Last week: 12
Sunday: Lost to Broncos 22-19
A suggestion: Start sweating
The three teams currently in the AFC wild-card positions — the Chargers, Bills and Jaguars — have a win over Kansas City this year, and Sunday’s loss dropped the Chiefs four games behind the Broncos in the AFC West. Plus, the 8-2 Colts — coming off a bye, no less — are up next. The streak of 10 straight trips to the postseason is in jeopardy.
Up next: vs. Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Quarterback Lamar Jackson was just 14-for-25 passing for 193 yards and two interceptions on Sunday, but the Ravens have won all three games since he returned to the lineup in Week 9. (Nick Cammett / Getty Images)
17. Baltimore Ravens (5-5)
Last week: 16
Sunday: Beat Browns 23-16
A suggestion: Make playoff reservations
In the middle of October, Baltimore stood 1-5. On Sunday, the Ravens won their fourth straight, and they play the Jets once and the Bengals twice in the next month. They also still have two games against the Steelers, so they have plenty of time to erase a one-game deficit in the division. Derrick Henry had 103 yards on 18 carries Sunday.
Up next: vs. Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
18. Carolina Panthers (6-5)
Last week: 17
Sunday: Beat Falcons 30-27 (OT)
A suggestion: Don’t forget the run game
Bryce Young had a franchise record 448 passing yards on Sunday. It was the kind of game that could convince the Panthers they are a passing team now. That would be a mistake. Carolina rushed for only 67 yards, but if it’s going to catch Tampa Bay in the NFC South, it’s going to be on the strength of the running game, not Young’s arm.
Up next: at 49ers, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
Bryce Young completed 15 of 20 in-rhythm pass attempts (2.5 to 4 seconds) against the Falcons for 302 yards and a TD, the 2nd-most such yards by a QB this season.
Young also recorded a career-high 212 yards on passes of 10+ air yards, including 2 TDs.#CARvsATL | #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/QL7FY1C0Mr
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 16, 2025
19. Houston Texans (5-5)
Last week: 18
Sunday: Beat Titans 16-13
A suggestion: Call Davis Mills’ agent
The Texans’ backup quarterback is on a one-year deal right now, and he’s proven his worth by winning the last two weeks while C.J. Stroud is out due to a concussion. Nico Collins has 16 catches for 228 yards in those games, so he’d be all for more Mills in his life, and Houston has won three of its last four to get back to .500 after starting 0-3.
Up next: vs. Bills, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET
20. Dallas Cowboys (4-5-1)
Last week: 21
Monday: Beat Raiders 33-16
A suggestion: Bench CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens more often
The Cowboys’ top two receivers did not play on the first series because of a coach’s decision. Dak Prescott then went out and threw for 268 yards and four touchdowns. Pickens had nine catches for 144 yards, and Lamb added five catches for 66 yards. Four different Dallas players caught touchdown passes.
Up next: vs. Eagles, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
21. Minnesota Vikings (4-6)
Last week: 20
Sunday: Lost to Bears 19-17
A suggestion: Tell J.J. McCarthy it’s always the fourth quarter
In the first three quarters of games, the Vikings quarterback is 37th in the league in EPA per dropback (minus-0.43). In the fourth quarter, he’s a more respectable 27th (0.05). Fourteen of the Vikings’ 17 points Sunday came in the fourth quarter, but that still wasn’t enough to beat the Bears.
Up next: at Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
The sample size is now five games of J.J. McCarthy mostly struggling to play the quarterback position effectively.
It’s still far too early to write him off, but it’s enough data to say that he’ll need to show strides down the stretch to even hold onto the job in 2026. pic.twitter.com/HJDkfEsP02
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) November 16, 2025
22. Arizona Cardinals (3-7)
Last week: 22
Sunday: Lost to 49ers 41-22
A suggestion: Ice Jacoby Brissett’s arm
The 10-year veteran probably thought he’d be riding out this season on the bench. Instead, he started his fifth straight game Sunday and set the NFL record for completions in a game. Brissett finished 47-of-57 for 452 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Cardinals outgained San Francisco by 207 yards and still managed to lose by 19 points.
Up next: vs. Jaguars, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
Jacoby finds his way into the record book ✍️ pic.twitter.com/ABOj8b6iDK
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 17, 2025
23. Cincinnati Bengals (3-7)
Last week: 24
Sunday: Lost to Steelers 34-12
A suggestion: Tell Joe Burrow to slow down
The Bengals’ star quarterback is talking like he wants to return to play on Thanksgiving, but the Bengals lost for the seventh time in eight games Sunday and are all but out of the playoff picture. The offense hasn’t been the problem, anyway. The Bengals are giving up 33.4 points per game, which is the league’s worst mark since at least 1999, according to TruMedia.
Up next: vs. Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
24. Miami Dolphins (4-7)
Last week: 26
Sunday: Beat Commanders 16-13 (OT)
A suggestion: Kick the field goal
The Dolphins were lucky to get out of Spain with a win after head coach Mike McDaniel’s head-scratching call in the fourth quarter. Facing fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line with 1:44 left in a tie game, McDaniel chose to go for it. “I thought the play was going to work, and it didn’t,” he said. The Dolphins were stuffed and had to count on a missed Commanders field goal to eventually win in overtime. Maybe the “always be aggressive” thing has reached its outer limits.
Up next: Bye
Receiver Drake London had seven receptions for 119 yards on Sunday before suffering a knee injury on the Falcons’ final offensive play of regulation. (Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images)
25. Atlanta Falcons (3-7)
Last week: 23
Sunday: Lost to Panthers 30-27 (OT)
A suggestion: Keep throwing the ball to Drake London
That could be difficult if the fourth-year wide receiver misses time due to the knee injury that knocked him out late in Sunday’s game, but if London is on the field, Atlanta should be feeding him the ball. Since Week 6, he is second in the league with 108.2 receiving yards per game. He had his fifth 100-yard receiving effort in his last six games against the Panthers, which was all the more impressive considering so little else was working.
Up next: at Saints, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
26. Washington Commanders (3-8)
Last week: 25
Sunday: Lost to Dolphins 16-13 (OT)
A suggestion: Patience
It’s probably too late for this one. After Jayden Daniels’ fantastic rookie season, Washington decided it could be competitive this season and spent like it in the offseason. It turns out the Commanders were wrong. They’ve now lost six straight and are 26th in the league in scoring margin (minus-60).
Up next: Bye
27. New Orleans Saints (2-8)
Last week: 27
Sunday: Bye
A suggestion: Take a quarterback if he’s there
Tyler Shough led New Orleans to a 17-7 win over Carolina in his debut. He plays the Dolphins, Jets, Titans and Falcons (twice) down the stretch. It’s the kind of slate that could lead to some undeserved optimism about last year’s second-round pick, but it shouldn’t keep New Orleans from taking a quarterback in 2025 if the right one is there.
Up next: vs. Falcons, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
28. New York Giants (2-9)
Last week: 30
Sunday: Lost to Packers 27-20
A suggestion: “Accidentally” bump into Kelvin Sheppard
Green Bay hosts Detroit this week, and who’s to say ownership or management couldn’t say a friendly hello to Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard? New York is looking for a head coach, and while snagging Detroit’s defensive coordinator hasn’t worked out for the Jets so far, Sheppard will get some interviews this offseason. The Lions are 10th in scoring defense this year (21.6 ppg allowed), and the defense kept them in the game for a while Sunday night.
Up next: at Lions, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
29. New York Jets (2-8)
Last week: 29
Thursday: Lost to Patriots 27-14
A suggestion: Keep on tanking
This is no time to get feisty. The season is over. The Jets have two first-round picks in the 2026 draft. They might as well make the first one as good as possible. Even better, New York has three first-rounders in the 2027 draft. GM Darren Mougey will sink or swim based on what he does in those two drafts.
Up next: at Ravens, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
30. Las Vegas Raiders (2-8)
Last week: 28
Sunday: Lost to Cowboys 33-16
A suggestion: Run the ball, just a little
Ashton Jeanty carried the ball twice in the first half and six times for the game — for 7 yards. The Raiders averaged 2.3 yards per carry as a group. For the season, Jeanty, the No. 6 pick in the draft, is 19th in the league in rushing (554 yards) and averaging 3.7 yards per carry.
Up next: vs. Browns, Sunday 4:05 p.m. ET
31. Cleveland Browns (2-8)
Last week: 31
Sunday: Lost to Ravens 23-16
A suggestion: Give Kirk Cousins a go
Drafting two quarterbacks this year didn’t work. Dillon Gabriel left Sunday’s game to be evaluated for a concussion and was replaced by Shedeur Sanders. Neither was any good. They combined for 81 net passing yards. Cleveland is heading toward the type of draft pick that could bring another young quarterback into the building, but Atlanta almost certainly will release Cousins in the offseason, so why not give that path a chance?
Up next: at Raiders, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
32. Tennessee Titans (1-9)
Last week: 32
Sunday: Lost to Texans 16-13
A suggestion: Go back in time
Why did this team fire Mike Vrabel again? It is 4-22 since it did.
Up next: vs. Seahawks, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
