Week 16 gave us a glimpse into the near future as playoff spots have been clinched. This week was also super unfortunate with many injuries including the league’s best in Patrick Mahomes who tore both his ACL and LCL this past Sunday. There were other injuries like the Green Bay Packers continuing to not catch a break with breakout star Micah Parsons also tearing his acl, Rams receiver Devante Adams injuring his hamstring, and we potentially have seen the end of the Chiefs dynasty for years to come. I can’t believe that it is already week 16 of the 2025 NFL season but playoffs are coming fast! Be on the lookout for my quarterback power rankings come playoff time!

The best part of this list still is that it will be refreshed so if you do not like where your team is placed they will probably end up higher on this list at some point during the season. I tried my best to not put teams that had a bye that high on the list versus teams that won, I wish everyone a continued great 2025-2026 NFL season. Happy Football once again!

1. Rams: This was the Matthew Stafford game this year as the quarterback nearly threw for an outstanding 400 yards going against his former team against the Detroit Lions. Tonight as I am writing this article, the Rams travel to Seattle to take on their divisional rival for not only first place in the division but first place in the NFC conference. To me this game comes down to both defenses, as the offenses stack up a little more even now with the injury of veteran receiver Devante Adams for the Rams. Sam Darnold on the opposing side is also looking for a bounce back game and in my opinion this game will be down to the wire. I am leaning towards Seattle but don’t be shocked if this offense still puts up many points with Puka Nacua leading the way on offense.

2. Seahawks: The reason why I lean Seattle despite them barely beating the Colts last week on a last second field goal, is because of that defense. Sure the Rams have a very elite defense and they are up at number one for a reason but we cannot forget that the Lions hung around in that game still last week. Seattle receiver Jaxson Smith Njigba is the best receiver in football right now and he aims to keep his streak during a huge primetime game. Like I said last week it stays the same with the run game (I would like to see more from it) with running backs Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III. Give me Seattle at home with the 12th man (the fans) being the difference maker! It would be Stafford’s first loss ever to the Hawks.

3. Broncos: The Denver Broncos had nothing short of an impressive victory last week against the Green Bay Packers. Denver’s defense lowkey got exposed and especially in parts of the game where opposing running back Josh Jacobs from the Packers went ballistic. He had a nice day running the rock but Denver’s offense led by quarterback Bo Nix had an answer every time. Sean Payton has been a huge part of this 11 game win streak now and it becomes the longest active streak in the NFL with the New England Patriots falling to the Bills. With the Jaguars traveling a mile high this week to face the Broncos, I like the Broncos to extend their win streak to 12 because of the weather and just how hot this team is. Patrick Curtain II being healthy or unhealthy however, could change a lot of things for this defense and this offense might have to play catch up again. We shall see.

4. Patriots: The New England Patriots fell to the Buffalo Bills as I had just said and this was just a shocker to me after the Patriots had been up 21-0! This Patriots defense ultimately became the main reason they dropped this game and it was the first time all season Patriots quarterback Drake Maye threw for under 200 yards! Maybe the Patriots got too comfortable but that does not seem likely because of how Vrabel prepares this team week in and week out. I still have them over the Bills due to them controlling the division still but do we see a late emergence from Buffalo? The Patriots do travel to Baltimore this week to face Lamar Jackson who is feasting for a Ravens win.

5. Bills: Josh Allen and the Bills manage to split against the Patriots this year. This was a correct prediction I had but I don’t think anyone would have guessed that they would come at each other’s opposite home stadium. Anyways, the Bills offense was led by running back James Cook and he had an awesome day of running the rock. Cook ran for over 100 yards and two touchdowns! This comeback also led by Josh Allen was truly impressive to watch and the Bills defense just kept getting stops. The Bills do still have a huge test with the Browns this week traveling there, and of course the NFL’s sack leader by a mile will be looking to break the NFL sack record as he is just one sack away. Still give me the Bills unless the Browns defense absolutely locks up.

6. Bears: The Chicago Bears last week defeated the Cleveland Browns at home in what was pretty much its own ice bowl. Temperatures were in the single digits and this was football weather baby! D.J Moore for the Bears offense caught a pair of scores and it was another huge day passing for quarterback Caleb Williams as he aims to become the Bears first 3,000 yard passer. I think Caleb can do it and I think the Bears do beat the Packers this week at home and split with them. Jordan Love could spoil the show and go absolutely off but I like Chicago’s chances since they lost the first matchup in Green Bay. I still think the Packers will end up going farther in the long run due to this being Ben Johnson’s first year. The Bears still have much to be proud about and their playoff hopes stay very much alive. Beat the Packers this week and they’re in.

7. Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence arguably had the best game in week 15 last week as he had 6 total touchdowns and threw for 300 yards against one of the worst defenses, if not the worst defense, the New York Jets defense. It was the best looking weather game all week as well as the Jacksonville Jaguars played at home against the Jets in their sunny home stadium. Trevor had a plethora of weapons to choose from as he usually does and his old college Clemson running back Travis Etienne looked back to form as he has all season, in this contest he had a hat trick of scores himself. I do think the Broncos take care of business at home against the Jaguars but if the Jaguars defense does lock up I could see the Jaguars offense being too much for miles high.

8. Chargers: The Chargers seemed at the beginning of the season as the AFC West favorites but as of now that has to go to the Broncos still. Though the Chargers upset the Chiefs at home and spoiled their playoff contention (for the first time in over a decade!) I still have the Broncos most likely running with this division. We have seen Justin Herbert however still play with that hand that’s injured on his non throwing hand, and at this point he has taken games into his own hands. This Chargers defense has been elite as well at this part of the season and I see them continuing to rally behind Herbert. This Chargers team is still for real, it is just hard seeing their offensive line recover after losing both Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt for the whole season. It is still affecting their offense this much still!

9. Packers: Green Bay barely fell short as I mentioned before and while people might say that quarterback Jordan Love has been off this year, I disagree. This offense and team in general has been battling injuries non stop. They cannot catch a break and it seemed the same for last Sunday as the star edge rusher they just had a blockbuster trade with from the cowboys in Micah parson went down with an ACL tear. This is obviously a huge deal for this Packers defense, but in my opinion they will be okay. Edge rusher Rashan Gary is still a pro bowl talent in the NFL and in my eyes can still lead this defense without Micah. Bringing Micah in from the Cowboys made the whole defense better and this Packers defense was already good. I still got the Bears winning like I said but Superbowl is still on for the Pack.

10. Texans: Houston absolutely dismantled the Cardinals last week on both sides of the ball and it was a great win for Houston. Houston is another team on a streak and it is well deserved. People counted them out at the beginning of the season but after starting 0-3 they have turned it around thanks to the more consistent play from quarterback C.J Stroud and this elite defense that has emerged. This past Sunday wide receiver Nico Collins caught a pair of touchdowns, Nick Chubb is still leading the way also in the run game. This defense is arguably top 3 and this team would be SCARY to face in the playoffs away. The Texans Bills rematch in the playoffs would be so cool.

11. Eagles: I don’t think anyone was surprised that Philly came away with the win against the Las Vegas Raiders at home. Especially after what was potentially Jalen Hurt’s worst performance of his career vs the Chargers on primetime last week. This was a much needed game for Jalen Hurts with A.J Brown also stealing the show. This was yet another game with A.J Brown receiving for over 100 yards and he keeps that streak alive as well. The path to the Eagles winning the NFC East is pretty simple now, with the Cowboys losing to Minnesota last week, and they travel to Washington for a divisional matchup this week. The Eagles will still be a team to reckon with in the playoffs however, if they have home field advantage and if this defense gets back to form.

12. Lions: The Detroit Lions after losing last week, make their path to the playoffs that much harder. Many of us had the Rams winning still but the Lions put up a good fight and started to come back even! The fact that the Bears will most likely take their spot in the playoffs this year stinks but after the Lions reached far into the playoffs last year and how they lost to the Commanders, maybe its time for Chicago’s & Green bay’s shot this time

13. Steelers: It was pretty much a walk into the park for Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers on Monday night football in week 15 as they dismantled the Dolphins. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith gave every tight end in the game on their offense an important role in this game and it paid off. Tight ends ran and caught for touchdowns and it was a good night overall for both sides of the football. The defense created turnovers and now considering Pittsburgh’s next few games and also Baltimore’s next few games, in my opinion it might come down to that last game where the Ravens and Steelers play each other in Week 18. If an older Rodgers leads this Steelers team to a division victory, he would prove many, including myself, wrong.

14. 49ers: San Francisco had a pretty simple task with beating the Titans last week. You may be asking why this team is so low and to answer that, it is not necessarily that their team is bad or anything, they have a great coach that’s been to the Superbowl in Kyle Shanahan but in my opinion the rest of the division is just too good. The Rams and Seahawks are in the clear driver seats and in my opinion, the 49ers are nowhere close to where those two teams stand. It is interesting to see also Christian McCaffrey still healthy and it is great to see that. This week San Fran. travels to Indy to face off against Phillip Rivers and the Colts. I have the Colts upsetting this week as they were this close to last week versus the Seahawks.

15. Bucs: The Bucs shocked everyone when they dropped their game against the Atlanta Falcons. It was a penalty driven contest and I’m sure it drove both head coaches absolutely insane. Head Coach Todd Bowles simply did not execute and neither did the players towards the end of the game. One of the most important things in the NFL is a team’s ability to finish games. Despite the Falcons having over 100 yards given up due to penalties, the Bucs defense let them hang around and got absolutely torched by opposing tight end Kyle Pitts. I also thought it was frustrating to see Mike Evans frustrated as he has worked so hard to get back into health and shape, as they lost to Atlanta by one point. This week I expect Baker to be out for cold blood and another Divisional matchup for him this Sunday could be just what the doctor ordered.

16. Ravens: Lamar Jackson is on his mission to get the Ravens to the playoffs and it will be no easy feat. While they did win every game in his absence remarkably, the path since has still not been the greatest. Sometimes this offense gets rolling with star running back Derrick Henry but in my opinion he has not been the main focus of this offense as much as he should. The Ravens are home this week against the New England Patriots who are also hungry for a win and for Lamar it will not come easy to keep the Ravens playoff hopes alive as the Patriots are looking to bounce back.

17. Vikings: JJ MCCarthy honestly proceeded to prove many and myself included wrong this past week during Sunday Night football when beating the Dallas Cowboys. He started the very first play of the game with an interception and it seemed like it was all downhill from there. Despite starting the game off with an interception, JJ kept on thriving and led this offense forward. The Vikings defense also came up big in this game despite playing away and this week they travel to the Meadowlands to face rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and the New York Giants.

18. Panthers: The Panthers still being above the Saints even could be debated at this moment in time. The Panthers were absolutely shocked by the New Orleans Saints in what was a huge divisional matchup with huge playoff indications. Bryce Young and the Panthers traveled to Nola but their defense was too much for them. Due to the Panthers defense not being able to stop opposing Quarterback Tyler Shough, it ultimately cost them the game. This week for Carolina there are still things to put their heads up high for. This is the first time in a long time where meaningful football has been played for the Panthers. Bryce Young has taken a huge leap forward and I expect the Panthers to give the Bucs a real run for their money for the division next season. Crazy that it was already almost this season!

19. Cowboys: As I mentioned shortly ago the Cowboys gave up the game they needed versus the Vikings. It is week after week with this defense and it is honestly hard to watch. Dak and the offense of course are an elite unit especially with two of the League’s arguable top 5 receivers in George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb. This defense just does not let the offense chew some clock and take control but instead the offense has to play catchup everytime. That is not how you win football games and it has cost them multiple times this year. If I were Jerry Jones I would draft as many secondary players as I am allowed to this year. They are going to need it.

20. Colts: “Grandpa” Phillip Rivers this past Sunday all gave us a great show and they even took a top 3 team in the NFL to the last minute! You could tell this past Sunday that this Colts defense had Phillip River’s back the whole time as they fought hard and were making plays left and right, slowing down the Seahawks offense. As expected, it was not the most perfect or outstanding game in his first time back in over 4 years, but he still threw for about 120 yards and a touchdown. The game missed you Phillip and potentially he has his chance to get his first win back this week against the 49ers at home. Give me Rivers and the Colts!

21. Falcons: This was the Kyle Pitts game as I had mentioned earlier and the tight end received for over 166 yards and three scores. This was also a great game for veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as he has found his rhythm at this part into the season despite Rookie Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. being on the injured reserve. Bijan Robinson the running back also had a huge day rushing the ball and you can just tell he will be a generational player for years to come and that this offense potentially could get even scarier. Remember folks Drake London is still in this offense as well he is just hurt also! Anyways, not to sugar coat things this Atlanta team is still super poorly coached. I was astounded that they won the game because of the amount of penalties. I guess Raeem Morris and his Falcons crew get to celebrate finally. Huge win!

22. Saints: Nola is finding some new swagger in their Rookie Quarterback Tyler Shough. This may be late in the season for them but this was a rebuilding year for the New Orleans Saints regardless. The way quarterback Tyler Shough conducted this offense was impressive and his connection continues to grow with wide receiver Chris Olave. This week for the Saints they do not have to travel once again as they host the New York Jets at home and I expect the Saints to extend their win streak! Kellen Moore is starting to build a positive culture here already and I am here for it.

23. Bengals: The Cincinnati Bengals season is pretty much obviously over and potentially they will have a lot of questions to go over during the offseason. Does Joe Burrow want to stay in Cinci? No doubt in my mind he wants to stay a Bengal but in my eyes this defense needs to get better and they need to get better quickly. Despite the defense being on the unhealthier side with edge rusher Trey Hendrickson missing some time, I see the Bengals looking at this offseason and adding talent on both sides of the ball but with a HUGE emphasis on the defense and with the secondary. Last year they took Shemar Stewart for the edge and this year I expect them to go on the same side of the ball just maybe a corner or Safety.

24. Chiefs: The Chiefs ladies and gentlemen are eliminated from the playoffs for the first time in just about a decade. NFL fans have been used to the Chiefs absolutely dominating the AFC West whether it be star of the NFL Patrick Mahomes or even the quarterback before him Alex Smith. The Chiefs are now in a weird spot as Patrick’s injury was so bad tearing his ACL and LCL, he may not be ready to go by the start of next season. This is unfamiliar territory for Head Coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs as this week they are without their guy. Gardner Minshew takes the helm for the Chiefs this week as they travel to Tennessee. I think we may see the Titans upset but at the end of the day this is still one of the best coaching staffs in the NFL and that will certainly be put up to the test again this Sunday.

25. Giants: After losing a pretty close matchup with the Commanders the Giants this week look to keep their momentum of the offense moving. I like what I saw from quarterback Jaxson Dart last week despite him throwing a pick. Those come in every rookie quarterback’s season and as long as he fixes those up and continues to get Wandale Robinson and Tyroe Tracy Jr. involved in this offense, next year with Cam Skateboom and wide receiver Malik Nabers both returning from injury, I like this team’s odds to improve drastically. They have huge pieces on the defense as well. We just need to find this team the right coach!

26. Cardinals: Arizona got dismantled earlier as I said by the Houston Texans and it was not close for any of the game. I keep mentioning quarterback Jacoby Brissett because he has had anything but a bad season and I love the consistency of his game, for the rest of the Cardinals team they have bored me. It is unfortunate the injuries this team has had again this season, but for me I think it’s time for them to finally move on from quarterback Kyler Murray. Draft season is approaching Cardinals fans!

27. Dolphins: Another team that might be looking for another quarterback this offseason is the Miami Dolphins. Tua has been benched and it is bittersweet to see that happen because we know the amount of injuries this man has gone through and it may have potentially caught up to him or he cannot do the job anymore. Rookie Quinn Ewers gets his first start this week against a very poor Bengals defense but we shall see how he performs in his first nod. How good can this guy be if he could not beat out a freshman Archie Manning in college? Hmmmmm.

28. Commanders: Clearly another team for me that needs to focus on the defensive side of the ball also. The Commanders have still not really found their true number one running back and it’s a shame since coming into the season we all had Jacory Croskey merit as an early season bloomer. Though many are not to blame for this team’s non success, as quarterback Jayden Daniels continues to rest on the injured reserve looking to run it back with Deebo Samuel and Terry Mclaurin.

29. Titans: Cam Ward is still one of the most if not the most sacked quarterback in the league. The Titans need to get their rookie quarterback an offense before it’s too late. Hopefully we will see the Titans either trade or draft a number one target for their new franchise quarterback to throw to. Can they upset the Chiefs without Mahomes this week at home? I think so.

30. Browns: This was not a good game for Shedeur Sanders and to put it shortly the Browns defense was on the field nearly all day. I do expect Sanders to have a positive bounce back game against the Bills this week but we also have to look at the coaching staff. In my opinion, Kevin Stefanski needs to consider doing a better job or the Cleveland Browns might be in search of another head coach again soon. Despite Cleveland having a high draft pick this year. I would stick with Shedeur Sanders and build around him. He is apparently “comfortable being in uncomfortable situations” You need your quarterback to have those traits of being fearless and not easily discouraged.

31. Raiders: Another week, another Raiders loss. There is actually nothing new to say about this team this week after Kenny PIckett could not throw a touchdown against his former team with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Raiders put up absolutely zero points. Ouch.

32. Jets: The New York Jets allowed Trevor Lawrence to have a field day with their defense as I mentioned before and it ultimately led to head coach Aaron Glenn parting ways with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. Wilks was a former defensive coordinator that had been to the Superbowl with the 49ers but it seemed like his playcalling was just not working at all this season. I liked what I saw during practice in terms of the way he motivated and got the defense amped up, but on the football field it did not translate. In my eyes the Jets have a top 3 draft pick almost guaranteed and moving forward this is easily one of the most important Jets drafts in New York Jets history again when Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey are on the Clock.