💪NFL Power Rankings - Week 12: Eagles soaring, Chiefs playing with fire🏈
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Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images
Previous rank: 1
The Rams are the best team in football. The offense can score with anyone, and Sunday's four-interception effort against Sam Darnold and the Seahawks proved that Chris Shula's defense is every bit as good.
I still have major questions about the Eagles' offense as the playoffs approach. However, the recent trajectory of the defense, boosted by the deadline deal for Jaelan Phillips, gives them a real chance to defend their Super Bowl title.
The Seahawks aren't about to tumble down this list after a one-point loss to the Rams. Sam Darnold likely isn't going to make a habit out of serving up four interceptions, and Seattle still having a chance at the end tells you everything you need to know about Mike Macdonald's defense.
Sunday night's loss to the Eagles was Jared Goff's worst game since 2022. Although I won't overreact to one frustrating result, the Lions will have to find a way to sustain their typically great offensive output against top opponents in cold weather.
ODD ANDERSEN / Getty Images
Previous rank: 5
The Colts will be tough to beat so long as they can keep their offense on schedule. Doing it this week against a desperate Chiefs team would be the ultimate statement with an eye on the playoffs.
Have the Patriots benefited from a soft schedule? Probably. But they also have quality wins over the Bills and Buccaneers. Checking in as a top-seven team in both offensive and defensive EPA/play, per TruMedia, New England is very much for real.
Sunday's win over the Chiefs marked a significant step in the right direction for the struggling Broncos offense. If it can build on that effort in the weeks to come, a still-elite defense might have all the support it needs.
Josh Allen put the Bills on his back to get a much-needed win over the Bucs on Sunday. It was an important reminder of how a unicorn quarterback can tip the scales, but not nearly enough for me to have Buffalo flying back up the board. Relying on such heroics to overcome the roster's broader issues is unsustainable.
The Chiefs will probably turn it on and head into the postseason on a high note, but they're playing with fire now. This is the latest they've been sitting at .500 or worse since 2017, the year before Patrick Mahomes took over as the starter.
Timothy T Ludwig / Getty Images
Previous rank: 9
The Bucs desperately need to get some of their playmakers back on the field. Baker Mayfield was tied for third in EPA/dropback after six games, but that early magic appears to have run out. He's 32nd out of 33 qualified passers since Week 7.
Is Jordan Love actually a Toyatathon merchant? The Packers better hope so. This offense needs to find its footing immediately if Green Bay is going to be a real player in an ultra-competitive NFC playoff picture.
A midseason role change for All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton, who's now seeing snaps all over the field, is once again sparking a monumental turnaround for the Ravens' defense. The offensive line gives me some pause, but I have to believe a scoring unit led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry is on the cusp, too.
Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall returned to action in a 41-point effort against the Cardinals, demonstrating what this offense can be when it's anything near full strength. The 49ers need to capitalize on that scoring potential, as injuries have decimated the defense.
The Bears have won seven of their last eight games. While a far more daunting collection of opponents awaits in the coming weeks, their progress is inspiring nonetheless. Can Chicago's defense sustain its league-best turnover rate to provide a suitable complement for an ascending Ben Johnson offense?
Rich Storry / Getty Images
Previous rank: 18
The Jaguars' defense taking it to Justin Herbert and the Chargers was a really nice way to bounce back from a tough midseason slump. The offense clearly has potential with Liam Coen running the show, but Trevor Lawrence sitting tied for second with 17 turnover-worthy plays, per PFF, is a big reason it's been a mixed bag.
A blowout loss to the Jaguars can probably be considered an aberration for the Chargers' defense. However, it could be a sign of things to come on the other side of the ball. Justin Herbert has faced pressure on 41.4% of dropbacks this season, and the offensive line isn't magically going to turn things around with its star tackles both out for the year.
The Steelers' defense has finally found some sense of stability with Jalen Ramsey and Kyle Dugger at safety. It's fair to wonder whether the offense has enough juice, though. Aaron Rodgers breaking a bone in his wrist could force him to miss time, adding to the uncertainty.
The Texans have managed to keep their season alive over the last two weeks, running off back-to-back wins despite the absence of C.J. Stroud. There's still a path to chase down a playoff spot if he can return soon.
Carolina looks like a different team every week. Sunday's win over the Falcons was a particularly promising result in the big picture, as Bryce Young's 448-yard, three-touchdown day represents his best career performance.
Ian Maule / Getty Images
Previous rank: 21
Quinnen Williams made an immediate impact in his Cowboys debut, recording 1.5 sacks in a Monday night win over the Raiders. This defense is probably beyond saving this season, but the former All-Pro will be a foundational piece for years to come.
The Vikings seemed to have created a dream scenario for a first-year starter at quarterback. Perhaps the supporting cast was overrated to some extent, but this is likely a playoff team if J.J. McCarthy provides anything close to league-average quarterback play. The former first-rounder taking a step in that direction down the stretch would at least provide hope for such a result next season.
The Falcons didn't envision the campaign going this way when they sent a 2026 first-round pick to the Rams as part of a risky trade to move up in April's draft. And now, with Michael Penix potentially out for the rest of the season, there's a chance that ends up being a top-five pick. Yikes.
Each promising performance we've seen from Jacoby Brissett - the latest being a record-setting 47 completions against the 49ers - makes it clear that the Kyler Murray era has run its course. The Cardinals could make a big change at quarterback next offseason.
The Dolphins have quietly won three of their last four games. And with a soft schedule ahead, there's an outside chance that they at least find themselves playing meaningful football at the end of the regular season. Could that save Mike McDaniel's job?
Dylan Buell / Getty Images
Previous rank: 24
Joe Burrow seems to be trending toward an early return at some point in the next few weeks. It's always nice to see the best players on the field, but the Bengals have nothing left to play for this season. They should really be taking their time with their superstar quarterback.
Tyler Shough seems poised to get an extended look over the second half of the campaign. After an impressive outing against the Panthers in Week 10, can he make a case for himself as the potential quarterback of the future in New Orleans?
The rest of the Giants' season is about getting Jaxson Dart the reps he needs while also keeping him healthy. Dialling back on the designed runs should be the first step on that front for interim head coach Mike Kafka, as Dart shouldn't be trailing only Justin Fields and Jalen Hurts in that category after just seven starts.
Jayden Daniels being in and out of the lineup, and now potentially done for the year, was obviously a crushing blow here. In hindsight, though, the Commanders were never really in a great position to compete. Entering the season with the NFL's oldest roster and then failing to sell off any of those assets at the deadline is inexcusable work from the front office.
Shedeur Sanders got his first taste of NFL action in relief of an injured Dillon Gabriel on Sunday, and it didn't go well. But it's not like Gabriel has been a smashing success, either. The Browns might as well get Sanders a few starts before the end of the season to have a complete picture of their quarterback room ahead of next year's draft.
Boston Globe / Getty Images
Previous rank: 29
Trading away Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams gives the Jets all the draft capital they could need to find their quarterback of the future. The question is whether this staff, unlike its predecessors, can finally make the right decision when that time comes.
The opportunity to play a hapless Cowboys defense has made multiple offenses look better than they actually are. Not the Raiders. The Chip Kelly-Geno Smith pairing has been an absolute disaster, setting the stage for yet another offseason with sweeping changes.
The 1999 Browns and 2021 Jaguars are the only teams in NFL history to earn a second straight No. 1 overall pick after taking a quarterback in the top spot the year prior. The Titans are on track to join them in that exclusive club, which illustrates the bleak status of this rebuild.
Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.
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1. Los Angeles Rams (8-2)
Previous rank: 1
The Rams are the best team in football. The offense can score with anyone, and Sunday's four-interception effort against Sam Darnold and the Seahawks proved that Chris Shula's defense is every bit as good.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (8-2)
Previous rank: 6I still have major questions about the Eagles' offense as the playoffs approach. However, the recent trajectory of the defense, boosted by the deadline deal for Jaelan Phillips, gives them a real chance to defend their Super Bowl title.
3. Seattle Seahawks (7-3)
Previous rank: 2The Seahawks aren't about to tumble down this list after a one-point loss to the Rams. Sam Darnold likely isn't going to make a habit out of serving up four interceptions, and Seattle still having a chance at the end tells you everything you need to know about Mike Macdonald's defense.
4. Detroit Lions (6-4)
Previous rank: 4Sunday night's loss to the Eagles was Jared Goff's worst game since 2022. Although I won't overreact to one frustrating result, the Lions will have to find a way to sustain their typically great offensive output against top opponents in cold weather.
5. Indianapolis Colts (8-2)
Previous rank: 5
The Colts will be tough to beat so long as they can keep their offense on schedule. Doing it this week against a desperate Chiefs team would be the ultimate statement with an eye on the playoffs.
6. New England Patriots (9-2)
Previous rank: 7Have the Patriots benefited from a soft schedule? Probably. But they also have quality wins over the Bills and Buccaneers. Checking in as a top-seven team in both offensive and defensive EPA/play, per TruMedia, New England is very much for real.
7. Denver Broncos (9-2)
Previous rank: 10Sunday's win over the Chiefs marked a significant step in the right direction for the struggling Broncos offense. If it can build on that effort in the weeks to come, a still-elite defense might have all the support it needs.
8. Buffalo Bills (7-3)
Previous rank: 8Josh Allen put the Bills on his back to get a much-needed win over the Bucs on Sunday. It was an important reminder of how a unicorn quarterback can tip the scales, but not nearly enough for me to have Buffalo flying back up the board. Relying on such heroics to overcome the roster's broader issues is unsustainable.
9. Kansas City Chiefs (5-5)
Previous rank: 3The Chiefs will probably turn it on and head into the postseason on a high note, but they're playing with fire now. This is the latest they've been sitting at .500 or worse since 2017, the year before Patrick Mahomes took over as the starter.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4)
Previous rank: 9
The Bucs desperately need to get some of their playmakers back on the field. Baker Mayfield was tied for third in EPA/dropback after six games, but that early magic appears to have run out. He's 32nd out of 33 qualified passers since Week 7.
11. Green Bay Packers (6-3-1)
Previous rank: 11Is Jordan Love actually a Toyatathon merchant? The Packers better hope so. This offense needs to find its footing immediately if Green Bay is going to be a real player in an ultra-competitive NFC playoff picture.
12. Baltimore Ravens (5-5)
Previous rank: 12A midseason role change for All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton, who's now seeing snaps all over the field, is once again sparking a monumental turnaround for the Ravens' defense. The offensive line gives me some pause, but I have to believe a scoring unit led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry is on the cusp, too.
13. San Francisco 49ers (7-4)
Previous rank: 14Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall returned to action in a 41-point effort against the Cardinals, demonstrating what this offense can be when it's anything near full strength. The 49ers need to capitalize on that scoring potential, as injuries have decimated the defense.
14. Chicago Bears (7-3)
Previous rank: 15The Bears have won seven of their last eight games. While a far more daunting collection of opponents awaits in the coming weeks, their progress is inspiring nonetheless. Can Chicago's defense sustain its league-best turnover rate to provide a suitable complement for an ascending Ben Johnson offense?
15. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4)
Previous rank: 18
The Jaguars' defense taking it to Justin Herbert and the Chargers was a really nice way to bounce back from a tough midseason slump. The offense clearly has potential with Liam Coen running the show, but Trevor Lawrence sitting tied for second with 17 turnover-worthy plays, per PFF, is a big reason it's been a mixed bag.
16. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)
Previous rank: 13A blowout loss to the Jaguars can probably be considered an aberration for the Chargers' defense. However, it could be a sign of things to come on the other side of the ball. Justin Herbert has faced pressure on 41.4% of dropbacks this season, and the offensive line isn't magically going to turn things around with its star tackles both out for the year.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4)
Previous rank: 16The Steelers' defense has finally found some sense of stability with Jalen Ramsey and Kyle Dugger at safety. It's fair to wonder whether the offense has enough juice, though. Aaron Rodgers breaking a bone in his wrist could force him to miss time, adding to the uncertainty.
18. Houston Texans (5-5)
Previous rank: 17The Texans have managed to keep their season alive over the last two weeks, running off back-to-back wins despite the absence of C.J. Stroud. There's still a path to chase down a playoff spot if he can return soon.
19. Carolina Panthers (6-5)
Previous rank: 20Carolina looks like a different team every week. Sunday's win over the Falcons was a particularly promising result in the big picture, as Bryce Young's 448-yard, three-touchdown day represents his best career performance.
20. Dallas Cowboys (4-5-1)
Previous rank: 21
Quinnen Williams made an immediate impact in his Cowboys debut, recording 1.5 sacks in a Monday night win over the Raiders. This defense is probably beyond saving this season, but the former All-Pro will be a foundational piece for years to come.
21. Minnesota Vikings (4-6)
Previous rank: 19The Vikings seemed to have created a dream scenario for a first-year starter at quarterback. Perhaps the supporting cast was overrated to some extent, but this is likely a playoff team if J.J. McCarthy provides anything close to league-average quarterback play. The former first-rounder taking a step in that direction down the stretch would at least provide hope for such a result next season.
22. Atlanta Falcons (3-7)
Previous rank: 22The Falcons didn't envision the campaign going this way when they sent a 2026 first-round pick to the Rams as part of a risky trade to move up in April's draft. And now, with Michael Penix potentially out for the rest of the season, there's a chance that ends up being a top-five pick. Yikes.
23. Arizona Cardinals (3-7)
Previous rank: 23Each promising performance we've seen from Jacoby Brissett - the latest being a record-setting 47 completions against the 49ers - makes it clear that the Kyler Murray era has run its course. The Cardinals could make a big change at quarterback next offseason.
24. Miami Dolphins (4-7)
Previous rank: 25The Dolphins have quietly won three of their last four games. And with a soft schedule ahead, there's an outside chance that they at least find themselves playing meaningful football at the end of the regular season. Could that save Mike McDaniel's job?
25. Cincinnati Bengals (3-7)
Previous rank: 24
Joe Burrow seems to be trending toward an early return at some point in the next few weeks. It's always nice to see the best players on the field, but the Bengals have nothing left to play for this season. They should really be taking their time with their superstar quarterback.
26. New Orleans Saints (2-8)
Previous rank: 26Tyler Shough seems poised to get an extended look over the second half of the campaign. After an impressive outing against the Panthers in Week 10, can he make a case for himself as the potential quarterback of the future in New Orleans?
27. New York Giants (2-9)
Previous rank: 27The rest of the Giants' season is about getting Jaxson Dart the reps he needs while also keeping him healthy. Dialling back on the designed runs should be the first step on that front for interim head coach Mike Kafka, as Dart shouldn't be trailing only Justin Fields and Jalen Hurts in that category after just seven starts.
28. Washington Commanders (3-8)
Previous rank: 28Jayden Daniels being in and out of the lineup, and now potentially done for the year, was obviously a crushing blow here. In hindsight, though, the Commanders were never really in a great position to compete. Entering the season with the NFL's oldest roster and then failing to sell off any of those assets at the deadline is inexcusable work from the front office.
29. Cleveland Browns (2-8)
Previous rank: 31Shedeur Sanders got his first taste of NFL action in relief of an injured Dillon Gabriel on Sunday, and it didn't go well. But it's not like Gabriel has been a smashing success, either. The Browns might as well get Sanders a few starts before the end of the season to have a complete picture of their quarterback room ahead of next year's draft.
30. New York Jets (2-8)
Previous rank: 29
Trading away Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams gives the Jets all the draft capital they could need to find their quarterback of the future. The question is whether this staff, unlike its predecessors, can finally make the right decision when that time comes.
31. Las Vegas Raiders (2-8)
Previous rank: 30The opportunity to play a hapless Cowboys defense has made multiple offenses look better than they actually are. Not the Raiders. The Chip Kelly-Geno Smith pairing has been an absolute disaster, setting the stage for yet another offseason with sweeping changes.
32. Tennessee Titans (1-9)
Previous rank: 32The 1999 Browns and 2021 Jaguars are the only teams in NFL history to earn a second straight No. 1 overall pick after taking a quarterback in the top spot the year prior. The Titans are on track to join them in that exclusive club, which illustrates the bleak status of this rebuild.
Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.
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