- The Rams go from strength to strength: The Rams took down another potential playoff foe in their quest for the top seed in the NFC.
- The Bears’ run continues: The Bears have won four straight games and are hot after beating the Steelers in Week 12.
- Get PFF+ for 40% off: Use promo code BLACKFRIDAY to unlock the PFF Player Prop Tool, Premium Stats, fantasy dashboards, the PFF Mock Draft Simulator, industry-leading fantasy rankings and much more — everything you need to win your season.
Estimated Reading Time: 23 minutes
The power rankings below provide clear tiers on each NFL team’s market assessment, offering a comprehensive view of team standings and future prospects. All of the information below and more can be found in PFF’s power rankings tool, which is available with a PFF+ subscription.
It’s important to note that these rankings consider more than just win-loss records and playoff seeding. Factors like player and team-level grades, offensive and defensive efficiency, prior performance from past seasons, and strength of schedule all play a role. This is why teams with worse records and slimmer playoff hopes may rank higher than those with better records who have managed wins against weaker opponents or delivered inconsistent performances from key players.
1. Los Angeles Rams (No change)
Chance of making playoffs: 99%
Chance of winning Super Bowl: 15%
In a season where teams are struggling to separate themselves from the pack, the Los Angeles Rams stand alone. The Rams squashed the Buccaneers 34-7 on Sunday Night Football in Week 12, looking every bit the part of potential Super Bowl champions.
The offense moved the ball effortlessly in the first half, leading 31-7 at halftime, and the defense proved its case as one of the best units in the NFL, forcing two turnovers — including a pick-six from Cobie Durant (71.9 grade; 20th) — while holding the Buccaneers to 2.9 yards per play. The Eagles’ loss means the Rams are now the sole top seed in the NFC.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (No change)
Chance of making playoffs: 64%
Chance of winning Super Bowl: 8%
The Chiefs entered the fourth quarter in Week 12 against the Colts down 20-9 with their season on the line. The Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs have never felt this sort of regular-season adversity, but they scored 11 unanswered points to tie the game before rallying to win 23-20 in overtime. Despite the struggles, the Chiefs’ offense has been operating like one of the best in the NFL, ranking second in EPA per play — even if, at times, it’s felt stagnant.
It’s not hard to conclude just how much that win will mean to the Chiefs come the end of the season — their playoff hopes remain firmly alive. They won a one-score matchup for the first time in 2025.
3. Green Bay Packers (Up 1)
Chance of making playoffs: 80%
Chance of winning Super Bowl: 8%
The Packers finally confidently handled their business against a lesser opponent in Week 12, defeating the Vikings 23-6. The defense stood tall — as it has for most of the season — holding the Vikings to just 3.3 yards per play, while the offense leaned on Emanuel Wilson (60.9 grade; 52nd) to control the clock. The third-year pro carried the ball 28 times for 107 yards and two touchdowns, compiling a 72.2 overall PFF grade. The Packers are 7-3-1 and remain in the thick of the race for the NFC North.
4. Baltimore Ravens (Down 1)
Chance of making playoffs: 77%
Chance of winning Super Bowl: 9%
Baltimore has won four straight games with Lamar Jackson (67.4 grade; 25th) back in the lineup, but has done so without the offense looking remotely close to its ideal self. Since Jackson’s return, the Ravens’ offense is 18th in success rate, and the group had a tough time moving the ball against the Jets in Week 12. It’ll likely come together at some point, but more importantly, the Ravens now lead the AFC North ahead of a huge Week 13 matchup against the Bengals.
5. Detroit Lions (Up 1)
Chance of making playoffs: 72%
Chance of winning Super Bowl: 6%
The Lions edged their way, rather nervously and unconvincingly, past the Giants in overtime in Week 12 to move to 7-4 on the season. In large part, that was thanks to a huge effort from Jahmyr Gibbs (90.7 grade; 1st). Gibbs exploded for 219 yards and two touchdowns on the ground while adding 11 catches for 45 yards and a receiving touchdown, good for a 91.4 overall PFF grade. If the postseason started today, the Lions would be on the outside looking in of the playoff picture — an uncommon sight in recent years.
6. Buffalo Bills (Down 1)
Chance of making playoffs: 81%
Chance of winning Super Bowl: 6%
The Bills ran into a buzzsaw in the mold of the Texans’ defense on Thursday night. Aside from a big James Cook (83.6 grade; 4th) touchdown run in the first quarter, the Bills’ offense struggled to get a real handle on the game and looked somewhat predictable, turning the ball over three times while Josh Allen (82.5 grade; 8th) was sacked eight times. The Bills aren’t going to run into defenses of that caliber every week, but there has to be something said for two poor offensive performances in the last three games.
7. Seattle Seahawks (Up 1)
Chance of making playoffs: 89%
Chance of winning Super Bowl: 5%
The Seahawks were given a scare against the Titans, allowing 21 points in the second half after seemingly being out of sight in the first half. The offense was convincingly explosive — exactly how it operates at its best — with Jaxon Smith-Njigba (94.0 grade; 1st) catching eight passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns while earning a 91.9 overall PFF grade. That proved his sixth game with a grade of 90.0 or better this season.
That lull in the second half was eye-opening, but probably nothing that should leave lasting concern. The Seahawks are now 8-3, moving one step closer to the postseason.
8. Houston Texans (Up 5)
Chance of making playoffs: 51%
Chance of winning Super Bowl: 5%
The Texans’ defense (80.3 grade; 3rd), arguably the best in the NFL, flexed its muscles against Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense on Thursday night. The unit forced three turnovers and sacked Allen eight times en route to a pivotal 23-19 win to lift the Texans to 6-5 on the season. The offense, with Davis Mills (62.1 grade; 32nd) still deputizing for C.J. Stroud (68.3 grade; 24th), has been doing just about enough to keep things ticking over.
The Texans have now won four of their last five games, setting themselves up for a late playoff push.
9. Denver Broncos (No change)
Chance of making playoffs: 96%
Chance of winning Super Bowl: 10%
The Broncos entered the Week 12 bye in the unlikely scenario of leading the AFC with a 9-2 record — if the playoffs started last week, the Broncos would have had home-field advantage through the entire postseason.
However, the Broncos’ hard work isn’t finished yet, even with a 74% chance of winning the AFC West. They’re going to need the defense, which ranks fourth in EPA per play, to remain elite, and hope that the offense can continue to just about hold up its end of the bargain.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (Down 3)
Chance of making playoffs: 98%
Chance of winning Super Bowl: 7%
The Eagles looked home and dry against the Cowboys in Week 12, leading 21-7 at halftime with a strong performance on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Jalen Hurts’ (83.2 grade; 7th) chemistry with receiver A.J. Brown (73.9 grade; 26th) looked as good as it has all season, but the Eagles’ offense flatlined in the second half, allowing the Cowboys a route back into the game before succumbing 24-21 in overtime.
As they’ve been at times, the Eagles were both dominant and inconsistent in the space of 60 minutes. They remain a shoo-in for the NFC East crown, but are 23rd in success rate on offense and 16th on defense. Philadelphia is far from a perfect team.
11. San Francisco 49ers (Down 1)
Chance of making playoffs: 89%
Chance of winning Super Bowl: 3%
The 49ers delivered a herky-jerk performance against the Panthers on Monday Night Football in Week 12, with Brock Purdy (65.2 grade; 28th) throwing three interceptions in the first half. Despite the bumps and warts, the defense hung tough, and Christian McCaffrey helped lift the team to a 20-9 win. The 49ers are now 8-4 with an 89% chance of making the playoffs.
Purdy is still easing his way back into the lineup, but San Francisco will need better games from him over the next few weeks if it wants to make some noise.
12. Los Angeles Chargers (No change)
Chance of making playoffs: 53%
Chance of winning Super Bowl: 3%
The Chargers’ 35-6 loss to the Jaguars in Week 11 complicated matters in their pursuit of the playoffs. They entered the week in a wild-card spot and with a win against the AFC West-leading Broncos in their back pocket. But, a beaten-up offensive line is making life difficult for Justin Herbert (85.7 grade; 4th), who has been pressured on 182 dropbacks — the most in the NFL — and sacked 35 times (third-most).
The Chargers’ success in 2025 hinges on whether or not the offensive line can improve. If it can, and the group gives Herbert a chance to breathe, Los Angeles could make some noise in the playoffs.
13. Indianapolis Colts (Down 2)
Chance of making playoffs: 72%
Chance of winning Super Bowl: 4%
Call it a tough loss for the Colts, who fell to 8-3 after the 23-20 overtime defeat to the Chiefs in Week 12. The Colts led 20-9 at the start of the fourth quarter, but struggled to close out the win as the Chiefs’ defense clamped down while holding Jonathan Taylor (84.3 grade; 3rd) to one of his worst performances of the season. The offense, which still ranks first in EPA per play, hasn’t been lights out in recent weeks. Overall, this is a game the Colts let get away from them.
14. New England Patriots (Up 1)
Chance of making playoffs: 99%
Chance of winning Super Bowl: 6%
The Patriots made it nine straight wins this season with the 26-20 victory on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals. It wasn’t perfect, and the Bengals’ defense did make life tough for Drake Maye (84.9 grade; 5th) and the offense, but the Patriots continue to prevail and extend their lead in the AFC East to two games. The Patriots have a 99% chance of making the playoffs, and with Denver on a bye week, they currently hold the top seed in the AFC. It’s like Tom Brady never left.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (Up 4)
Chance of making playoffs: 32%
Chance of winning Super Bowl: 1%
The Steelers, sans quarterback Aaron Rodgers (61.3 grade; 34th), hung around with the Bears until the bitter end in Week 12, falling 31-28 and to 6-5 on the season. The Steelers have now lost four of their last six games and have a 32% chance of making the playoffs.
Things won’t get easier for Pittsburgh, as the team plays the Bills and Ravens in their next two games. All of a sudden, their playoff hopes hang by a thread.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars (Up 1)
Chance of making playoffs: 74%
Chance of winning Super Bowl: 3%
Despite four turnovers from Trevor Lawrence (68.7 grade; 22nd), the Jaguars squeaked past the Cardinals 27-24 in overtime in Week 12 to move to 7-4 on the season, narrowing the gap between themselves and the Colts to just one game. It hasn’t been perfect, far from it, and turning the ball over eight times in four games will naturally make life tough. But somehow, some way, the Jaguars are winning games and have a 74% chance of making the postseason.
17. Chicago Bears (Down 1)
Chance of making playoffs: 59%
Chance of winning Super Bowl: 1%
The Chicago Bears are 8-3 for the first time since 2018 after a strong 31-28 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Quarterback Caleb Williams (73.1 grade, 15th) has been hot over the last few weeks: Despite a tough first half against the Steelers, he’s earned a 76.7 overall PFF grade throughout the Bears’ four-game win streak as he becomes more accustomed to Ben Johnson’s offense.
The play of the defense has been concerning, but the Chicago offense is ninth in EPA per play, and the Bears are five games over .500. They lead the NFC North ahead of a huge showdown against the Eagles in Week 13.
18. Dallas Cowboys (Up 2)
Chance of making playoffs: 11%
Chance of winning Super Bowl:
The Cowboys caused a shock in Week 12, rallying from 21 points down to defeat the Eagles 24-21 in overtime. The offense lacked punch in the first half, but kicked into gear after George Pickens‘ (90.0 grade; 4th) touchdown reception late in the first half. From then on, quarterback Dak Prescott (87.7 grade; 2nd) and the unit were a force. The Cowboys’ playoff odds remain slim at just 11%, but performances like this second-half one will certainly get them into the right spots.
19. Cincinnati Bengals (Up 7)
Chance of making playoffs: 1%
Chance of winning Super Bowl:
A depleted Bengals offense fought to make a stand against the Patriots in Week 12, desperate to keep their playoff hopes alive. However, Cincinnati lost 26-20, all but sealing its fate as a non-playoff team for the third consecutive season.
The defense, which has been one of the worst in the NFL all year, made its presence felt against the Patriots’ offense. Safety Geno Stone earned an 86.9 overall PFF grade, but too many poor performances from the unit — which ranks 32nd in EPA per play — have left the Bengals in limbo.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Down 6)
Chance of making playoffs: 77%
Chance of winning Super Bowl: 1%
The road has been tough for the Buccaneers since their Week 9 bye. Tampa Bay has lost four of its last five games after a dismantling by the Rams in Week 12, and has enabled the Panthers to creep back into the playoff picture. Since Week 7, the Buccaneers are 29th in success rate. With quarterback Baker Mayfield (73.6 grade; 14th) leaving the loss to the Rams due to a shoulder injury, the team’s offense could fall even further into the mud.
21. Minnesota Vikings (Down 3)
Chance of making playoffs: 1%
Chance of winning Super Bowl:
It would be easy to write off the Vikings’ struggles as growing pains, but there should be — and likely is — legitimate concern over the play of quarterback J.J. McCarthy (52.6 grade; 37th). McCarthy has thrown 10 interceptions in six games in 2025 and has the lowest accuracy rate (51.1%) in the NFL. The Vikings had success on the ground in the 23-6 Week 12 loss to the Packers, averaging 4.6 yards per carry, but McCarthy looked lost again, compiling a 47.3 overall PFF grade.
22. Miami Dolphins (Down 1)
Chance of making playoffs: 1%
Chance of winning Super Bowl:
The Dolphins have turned up the heat in the last few weeks and are winners of three of their last four games. However, even with a favorable remaining schedule — the second-easiest in the NFL — there’s an overwhelming sense of too little, too late. With less than 5% odds of making the playoffs, fate does not rest in the Dolphins’ hands. It rests with the Football Gods, who tend to be cruel overlords.
The Dolphins have shown the will in recent weeks that subsided them earlier in the season, but there’s still so much out of their control.
23. Atlanta Falcons (Up 1)
Chance of making playoffs: 2%
Chance of winning Super Bowl:
Without quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (59.3 grade; 35th) and receiver Drake London (90.5 grade; 3rd) in the lineup, and with backup Kirk Cousins under center, the Falcons swept aside the Saints 24-10 in Week 12. Cousins recorded an impressive 83.3 overall PFF grade in his second start of the season, completing 16-of-23 passes for 199 yards, two touchdowns and an interception while adding three big-time throws.
The Falcons are in a strange position now. We don’t know that much more about Penix than we did last season, and with his status for 2026 up in the air — and some potential coaching decisions on the horizon — his long-term status with the Falcons feels up in the air.
24. Arizona Cardinals (Down 2)
Chance of making playoffs:
Chance of winning Super Bowl:
The results haven’t necessarily reflected as such, but the Cardinals have turned a corner since installing Jacoby Brissett (71.0 grade; 19th) as the team’s starter. The passing offense is 14th in EPA per play with Brissett under center, even if Arizona is 1-5 in that stretch. The reality is Brissett is likely a stopgap, as the front office will explore all its options with quarterback Kyler Murray and in the 2026 NFL Draft. But, the Cardinals at least have some hunger about them right now.
25. Washington Commanders (No change)
Chance of making playoffs:
Chance of winning Super Bowl:
Big conversations will likely be happening in the Commanders’ facility in Week 12. After the 16-13 loss to the Dolphins in Madrid, the Commanders fell to 3-8 and have lost six straight games — the longest losing streak in the NFL. The Commanders have the oldest roster in the league, and looked to strike while the iron was hot during quarterback Jayden Daniels’ (76.7 grade; 11th) rookie deal.
We’re not eulogizing the Commanders, but their 2025 season is doomed. Aggression through team building is always welcome, and the Commanders do have a franchise quarterback in the building, but this season has gotten away from them for a multitude of reasons.
26. Carolina Panthers (Down 3)
Chance of making playoffs: 23%
Chance of winning Super Bowl:
The Panthers’ defense did enough over the course of the game to put the team in a position to come back against the 49ers in the 20-9 Week 12 loss, but the inconsistent nature of Bryce Young (62.0 grade; 33rd) and the offense stalled any hopes of a second-half turnaround. After the Buccaneers fell to the Rams, the Panthers had an excellent chance to move to 7-5 and take the lead in the NFC South. Instead, their playoff chances sit at 23%.
27. New York Giants (Up 1)
Chance of making playoffs: 0%
Chance of winning Super Bowl:
The Giants are a wild ride. Quarterback Jameis Winston earned an 86.3 overall PFF grade in the 34-27 overtime loss to the Lions in Week 12, compiling five big-time throws and two turnover-worthy plays in a performance that absolutely took the Lions to the brink. The Mike Kafka-led Giants have some grit and have done some nice things on offense in the two weeks he’s been in charge, but the defense has struggled, ranking 30th in EPA per play on the season. That stretch of bad play led to the Giants firing defensive coordinator Shane Bowen.
28. Las Vegas Raiders (Down 1)
Chance of making playoffs:
Chance of winning Super Bowl:
After the 24-10 loss to the Browns in Week 12, the Raiders had seen enough of this iteration of the offense, firing offensive coordinator Chip Kelly — whom they had just hired this offseason. Through the first 12 weeks of the season, the Raiders are 30th in EPA per play and in success rate — a distinct lack of explosiveness and consistency means the Raiders are as dysfunctional as they come on offense.
What comes next in Las Vegas? That’s a big picture question we seem to be asking constantly.
29. Cleveland Browns (No change)
Chance of making playoffs:
Chance of winning Super Bowl:
All of the talk this week will likely be surrounding Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who secured a 50.3 overall PFF grade as the Browns defeated the Raiders 24-10 in his first start of the season. But, this was a performance led by the unreal defense, especially from edge defender Myles Garrett (93.3 grade; 1st) — who tallied 11 pressures and three sacks in the win. Garrett has a case to be called the best football player on the planet right now: He leads the NFL with 18 sacks through 11 games, and is firmly on pace to smash the NFL’s single-season sack record.
30. New York Jets (No change)
Chance of making playoffs:
Chance of winning Super Bowl:
The Jets gave a good account of themselves in Week 12 despite losing 23-10 to the Baltimore Ravens. The defense has shown a tremendous amount of grit in recent weeks, despite trading away two stars, and is ninth in success rate since Week 10. The outcome is a 1-2 record in those games, but the fact that they ran the Ravens close in Week 12 is a positive sign.
31. Tennessee Titans (Up 1)
Chance of making playoffs:
Chance of winning Super Bowl:
Titans rookie Cam Ward (59.1 grade; 36th) is justifiably getting plaudits for his play in recent weeks. The 2025 No. 1 pick was electric against the Seahawks, completing 28-of-42 passes for 256 yards and a touchdown on a 78.7 overall PFF grade in the 30-24 loss. The Titans are still a rough proposition week to week, but don’t just look at the stats; Ward deserves your attention.
32. New Orleans Saints (Down 1)
Chance of making playoffs:
Chance of winning Super Bowl:
We’re a month into the Tyler Shough era for the Saints with mixed reviews. Shough (65.4 grade; 29th) has been passable for the most part, which is more than fine given the state of the Saints’ roster, but has there been enough for the Saints to move forward? That’s up for debate.
With the Saints now 2-9 and bearing down on a top-five pick, they’ll likely be assessing their options. There’s a lot to like about the Kellen Moore Saints, though.
