B/R Experts Week 17 NFL Power Rankings

The 2025 NFL season has been wild. And Week 16 was that season in a nutshell.

The No. 1 seed in the AFC a year ago has already been eliminated for postseason consideration and lost convincingly to a two-win team Sunday. The NFC's No. 1 seed is teetering on the brink after an ending to a game that was unbelievable and yet only the second-most unbelievable ending of the week.

The current NFC No. 1 seed missed the playoffs in 2024. The No. 2 seed in the AFC won four games last season. The Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars are barreling toward division titles. The Baltimore Ravens aren't.

It hasn't been an easy year to wrap one's head around, making it one of the most enjoyable NFL campaigns in years. Whether it's a changing of the guard or a one-off, different can be good. And this season has certainly been different.

In this wildest of seasons, one thing remains constant: Bleacher Report NFL analysts Gary Davenport, Kris Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski have gathered to sift through the mayhem of Week 16 and slot the NFL's teams from worst to first.

And there's a new No. 1.

32. Las Vegas Raiders (2-13)

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty

Last week: 32

Week 16 Result: Lost 23-21 vs. Houston

The Las Vegas Raiders had their best showing in months, thanks to Ashton Jeanty's breakout game, racking up 188 scrimmage yards and scoring two touchdowns against the Houston Texans' No. 1 defense in points and total yards.

Behind arguably the league's worst offensive line, which includes a few backups, Jeanty flashed his star potential in a matchup with the league's best defensive unit. Coming off a career day, the rookie first-rounder proved he can make the best of a bad situation with a subpar supporting cast. 

Still, the Raiders remain at the bottom of the power rankings, in need of a lot of help across their roster. - Moton

31. New York Giants (2-13)

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Giants QB Jaxson Dart

Last Week: 31

Week 16 Result: Lost vs. Minnesota 16-13

The Mike Kafka tryout as interim head coach hasn't provided positive returns. With Sunday's loss to the Vikings, the Giants are 0-5 since Brian Daboll's dismissal. 

Kafka had previously been considered one of the NFL's bright young offensive minds and a potential hot candidate during hiring cycles. Granted, he didn't take over the best situation, but his performance has been disheartening with the Giants not significantly better on offense based on preparation and play design. 

New York will almost certainly be looking for a new head coach once the regular season ends. – Sobleski

30. Cleveland Browns (3-12)

AP Photo/David Richard

Browns EDGE Myles Garrett

Last Week: 29

Week 16 Result: Lost vs. Buffalo 23-20

The Cleveland Browns managed to keep it close with the Buffalo Bills in a game that was both encouraging and devastating.

On the positive side, Cleveland saw more encouraging flashes from rookie quarterback Sheduer Sanders, who is auditioning for 2026. He was credited with two more interceptions—both off of tipped/dropped passes—but he made some impressive plays with his arm and his legs.

He hasn't played consistently well enough to think the Browns' QB quandary is solved, but he's giving them plenty to think about.

Unfortunately, rookie running back Quinshon Judkins suffered the sort of leg injury during the loss that could impact his offseason, if not his 2026 availability. - Knox

29. New York Jets (3-12)

AP Photo/Ella Hall

Jets RB Breece Hall

Last Week: 28

Week 16 Results: Lost vs. New Orleans 29-6

Aaron Glenn's days as head coach of the New York Jets may be numbered.

That isn't to say he isn't an excellent defensive coach. Or that he wasn't put in what was essentially an untenable position—the Jets have an undrafted rookie starting at quarterback, the team's best wide receiver is hurt, and New York traded arguably its two best defenders away.

But getting waxed by an average (at best) Saints team is indicative of a team that just hasn't made any progress in Glenn's brief tenure. The Jets need a complete reset: a new quarterback, a remade roster and a new head coach.

That's not what they hoped to be getting when they hired Glenn earlier this year. Unfortunately for the Jets, this is a familiar story. - Davenport

28. Arizona Cardinals (3-12)

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Cardinals TE Trey McBride

Last Week: 27

Week 16 Result: Lost vs. Atlanta 26-19

The Arizona Cardinals are just playing out a lost season, and it shows.

They did manage to make the final score respectable against the Atlanta Falcons, which is progress after back-to-back blowout losses. However, keeping it close against a team that was eliminated in Week 14 is no moral victory.

Aside, perhaps, from putting Trey McBride on a receptions-record pace, Arizona doesn't seem to do any one thing well. The offense is inconsistent, the defense is bad, and head coach Jonathan Gannon is likely to pay the price shortly after the season ends. - Knox

27. Tennessee Titans (3-12)

AP Photo/John Amis

Titans QB Cam Ward

Last Week: 30

Week 16 Result: Won vs. Kansas City 26-9

Cam Ward is legit. This year's No. 1 overall pick may not be putting up huge numbers and the Titans have won only three games, but two of those victories occurred during the last three weeks.

Despite the issues found on Tennessee's roster and the midseason firing of the team's head coach, Ward has displayed tangible growth. 

The rookie signal-caller thrived Sunday when facing Steve Spagnuolo's pressure packages. Ward got the ball out quickly and accurately. He's seeing the field well and getting more comfortable with each passing week.

It's the best possible outcome for Tennessee even though the entire team hasn't experienced significant improvement. - Sobleski

26. Washington Commanders (4-11)

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Commanders WR Terry McLaurin

Last Week: 26

Week 16 Result: Lost vs. Philadelphia 29-18

Dreams of Jayden Daniels being back in the lineup and healthy should have started already, even though the Commanders still have two weeks of play before the 2025 regular season is complete. What else does the team and its fans have to look forward to? 

Washington isn't even positioned to play spoiler during either of its final two games, because the Eagles have already clinched the NFC East title and the Dallas Cowboys have been eliminated from postseason contention.

The Commanders have the bare minimum to play for during those contests—which is their jobs and to impress decision-makers, either in Washington or from other front offices around the league. - Sobleski

25. Miami Dolphins (6-9)

Dave Shopland/AP Content Services for the NFL

Dolphins RB De'Von Achane

Last Week: 22

Week 16 Results: Lost vs. Cincinnati 45-21

Getting waxed at home was a fitting end to what was an eventful week for the Miami Dolphins.

With Mike McDaniel making the decision to bench Tua Tagovailoa, his tenure as the team's starting quarterback appears over less than a year and a half after signing a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension. The head coach's tenure may soon be ending as well.

The question then becomes what's next. Releasing Tagovailoa (or trading him before June 1) would mean a potential-record dead cap hit. Top wideout Tyreek Hill is an aging wideout who will be coming off a serious injury.

The Dolphins are a lot closer to square one than they are to contending for a playoff spot. And Miami needs to be real about that when it enters the offseason. – Davenport

24. New Orleans Saints (5-10)

AP Photo/Ella Hall

Saints QB Tyler Shough

Last Week: 24

Week 16 Result: Won 29-6 vs. New York Jets

The New Orleans Saints are riding a three-game winning streak into Week 17. As their victories pile up, they move further away from drafting a top quarterback prospect, which is a positive sign for rookie signal-caller Tyler Shough.

This past Sunday, he threw for a career-high 308 yards and a touchdown against the New York Jets. He's completed at least 65 percent of his passes in six consecutive contests.

Despite its solid play over the past month, New Orleans isn't surging in our power rankings over these final weeks of the season, but this could be a team to watch in the NFC South next year. - Moton

23. Cincinnati Bengals (5-10)

AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

Bengals QB Joe Burrow

Last Week: 25

Week 16 Result: Won vs. Miami 45-21

A week after the Cincinnati Bengals appeared uninterested in playing December football, they produced arguably their most convincing win of the 2025 season.

Playing in sunny Miami probably helped the Bengals find a little motivation. Playing against a bad Dolphins team and a seventh-round rookie making his first start at quarterback definitely didn't hurt, either.

Cincinnati's defense snagged three takeaways, Joe Burrow threw four touchdown passes, and Cincinnati heads into the final two weeks with some much-needed positivity. - Knox

22. Kansas City Chiefs (6-9)

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce

Last Week: 19

Week 16 Result: Lost 26-9 vs. Tennessee

The Kansas City Chiefs are borderline unwatchable with third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun under center.

Sunday, he took over for Gardner Minshew II, who suffered a knee injury, and according to ESPN's Nate Taylor, the team fears it's a torn ACL

Patrick Mahomes is out for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL, but Kansas City was on the brink of playoff elimination before he went down. The Chiefs' Super Bowl hangover will lead to several roster changes in the offseason. – Moton

21. Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1)

AP Photo/Matt Patterson

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott

Last Week: 21

Week 16 Result: Lost vs. Los Angeles Chargers 34-17

Jerry Jones' comments about being "all in" prior to the 2024 season look increasingly hollow in retrospect.

The Cowboys didn't do enough to improve their roster a year ago, missed the postseason and made a coaching change. A year later, Jones decided to trade Micah Parsons and, unsurprisingly, the Cowboys again missed the playoffs thanks to being officially eliminated during Sunday's action. 

Dallas is a mediocre team that doesn't warrant the attention it garners nationally. Jones better build a defense this offseason, or the Cowboys will be positioned to not make the playoffs for three straight years. - Sobleski

20. Atlanta Falcons (6-9)

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Falcons QB Kirk Cousins

Last Week: 23

Week 16 Result: Won 26-19 vs. Arizona

The Atlanta Falcons have won back-to-back games with Kirk Cousins under center. He may be playing his way into a starting role with the Falcons or another team in 2026. 

Falcons' starting signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. has a long recovery from a torn ACL. Given his history of knee injuries, the team may be cautious in his rehab.

Quarterback-needy clubs will likely inquire about Cousins because of an underwhelming free-agent class at that position. Atlanta gets a slight bump in the power rankings with Captain Kirk leading its offense. - Moton

19. Minnesota Vikings (7-8)

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy

Last Week: 20

Week 16 Results: Won vs. New York Giants 16-13

The Minnesota Vikings are heading into an offseason even more critical than the one they mishandled in 2025. Letting Sam Darnold leave already looks like a significant mistake.

The Vikings have a decision to make. Is J.J. McCarthy, who flashed at times but was largely inconsistent and occasionally awful, the team's starting quarterback in 2026? Or do they believe enough in their ability to win now to kick the tires on a Kyler Murray or Tua Tagovailoa?

It's a conversation that is already being had in the Twin Cities, but it's a tomorrow problem. Now, it's about playing out the string and shutting down McCarthy. After the second-year pro hurt his hand in Sunday's win over the Giants, there's no point in him playing again in 2025. - Davenport

18. Indianapolis Colts (8-7)

AP Photo/Stephen Brashear

Colts QB Philip Rivers

Last Week: 18

Week 16 Result: Loss vs. San Francisco 48-27

With their season on the line, the Indianapolis Colts laid an egg against the San Francisco 49ers. 

To be more specific, the Colts defense played as poorly as it possibly could. Lou Anarumo's unit didn't have any answers to slow the Niners offense. Indianapolis produced no pass rush. The linebackers were exposed in coverage. The Colts' backup cornerbacks didn't hold up against San Francisco's talented targets. Oh, Indianapolis' previously stingy run defense allowed well over 100 rushing yards. Cam Bynum's fourth-quarter interception came too late. 

Indianapolis started the season 8-2. Somehow, the Colts were officially eliminated from the postseason with two weeks left to play. Obviously, injuries at quarterback played a huge role, but the issues ran far deeper than needing to calling upon Philip Rivers to start. -- Sobleski

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans

Last Week: 17

Week 16 Result: Lost 23-20 vs. Carolina

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have lost six of their last seven games, which means they're falling behind in the power rankings, standings and in the NFC South title race.

Tampa Bay can still win its division if it wins out, but this club looks to be in quicksand right now, going nowhere and sinking every week.

In Week 17, the Buccaneers can get right against the Miami Dolphins, who are starting rookie seventh-round quarterback Quinn Ewers. They must snap out of a funk before another NFC South showdown with the Panthers in Week 18. - Moton

16. Baltimore Ravens (7-8)

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Ravens RB Derrick Henry

Last Week: 15

Week 16 Result: Lost vs. New England 28-24

A forgettable Baltimore Ravens season may have essentially ended on Sunday night.

Lamar Jackson exited with a back injury, and his team failed to hold off a late rally from the New England Patriots. While the Ravens weren't eliminated with the loss, they're now one loss or one Pittsburgh Steelers win away from missing the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

The reality is that Baltimore hasn't looked like a contender often in 2025, with or without Jackson in the lineup. - Knox

15. Detroit Lions (8-7)

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs

Last Week: 12

Week 16 Results: Lost vs. Pittsburgh 29-24

The Detroit Lions are in serious trouble.

After winning 15 games a year ago and starting the season 6-3, they have dropped four of six after falling at home to the Steelers.

A team many considered the favorite to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LX is now on the outside of the playoffs looking in.

The Packers have a tough matchup in Week 17 with a Baltimore Ravens team fighting for its own postseason spot, but a Week 18 tilt with a mediocre Minnesota Vikings team will likely be Detroit's undoing.

Or it may have been defensive deficiencies and injuries, or inconsistent play on offense at times, or dogmatic coaching that straddles the line between brave and reckless far too often. - Davenport

14. Carolina Panthers (8-7)

AP Photo/Rusty Jones

Panthers QB Bryce Young

Last Week: 16

Week 16 Result: Won 23-20 vs. Tampa Bay

After knocking off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Carolina Panthers are in sole possession of first place in the NFC South. Since Week 7, they've alternated wins and losses.

Carolina will look to sustain momentum when it hosts the Seattle Seahawks for its home regular-season finale, a tough task against the NFC's No. 1 seed.

Nonetheless, Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has shown significant growth over the past year. He's propelled Carolina to division title hopes with five game-winning drives and turned in another efficient passing performance this past Sunday, throwing for 191 yards and two touchdowns. 

Atop the NFC South, the Panthers have earned more respect in our power rankings, if only slightly. - Moton

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6)

AP Photo/Rey Del Rio

Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers

Last Week: 14

Week 16 Result: Won vs. Detroit 29-24

Sunday's win over the Detroit Lions was anything but pretty, but the Pittsburgh Steelers still managed to win their third straight over a team scrapping to stay in playoff contention.

Pittsburgh's defense still seems suspect, but it managed to fend off Detroit's pass-heavy approach. Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers' offense, meanwhile, appear to be finding a groove just in time for the postseason.

While the Steelers haven't clinched the AFC North just yet, they've locked up another winning season and, unlike last year, appear to be building momentum over the final stretch. - Knox

12. Green Bay Packers (9-5-1)

AP Photo/Erin Hooley

Packers QB Jordan Love

Last Week: 8

Week 16 Results: Lost vs. Chicago 22-16 (OT)

Things are going sideways in Titletown.

Not that long ago, the Packers were in first place and vying for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Now, after back-to-back losses to Denver and Chicago, their chances at the conference's top seed are done. Their chances of winning the North aren't far behind.

Packers quarterback Jordan Love also exited Saturday's loss with a concussion. Running back Josh Jacobs was clearly limited by an injured knee. The loss of edge-rusher Micah Parsons to a torn ACL against the Broncos has clearly affected a Green Bay pass rush that didn't log a single sack.

The Packers need just one win over the last two weeks of the season to clinch a postseason spot. But this team doesn't look like a real threat in the NFC any more. – Davenport

11. Los Angeles Chargers (11-4)

AP Photo/Julio Cortez

Chargers QB Justin Herbert

Last Week: 13

Week 16 Result: Won 34-17 vs. Dallas

The Los Angeles Chargers are chasing the Denver Broncos for the AFC West title, and the two teams will meet in the final week of the season. First, the Chargers host the Houston Texans in their home season finale. 

Despite an injury-riddled offensive line, quarterback Justin Herbert is doing enough with his arm and legs to keep the offense steady and productive. This past Sunday, Los Angeles lost fill-in left tackle Jamaree Salyer to a hamstring injury, which could be troublesome in a matchup against the Texans' top-ranked defense. 

Still, the Chargers, banged-up and bruised, are one of the AFC's best with a shot at a division title. – Moton

10. Philadelphia Eagles (10-5)

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

Eagles WR A.J. Brown

Last Week: 10

Week 16 Result: Won vs. Washington 29-18

This week, the Eagles offense is...*checks notes*...good again. 

All joking aside, the up-and-down nature of Philadelphia's offensive performance has been rather curious. Multiple members of the unit have said they needed to figure things out during the last few weeks. Everything finally came together Saturday against the rival Commanders. 

The conversation has always been misplaced, because the issues never centered on one person, whether that week's topic revolved around quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receiver A.J. Brown, running back Saquon Barkley or injuries along the offensive line.

The issues stemmed from not playing complementary football with all of the talent Philadelphia featured. The Commanders came along at the right time to start rebuilding Philadelphia's confidence. - Sobleski

9. San Francisco 49ers (11-4)

AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

49ers LB Dee Winters

Last Week: 11

Week 16 Result: Won vs. Indianapolis 48-27

It feels like the 49ers aren't being taken seriously enough. That probably has something to do with the fact that they reside in the same division as the Rams and Seahawks.

San Francisco's defense experienced plenty of turnover in the offseason and has suffered some key injuries since. However, Robert Saleh has done an excellent job of coaching up a young but functional bend-but-down-break unit.

The 49ers' offense, meanwhile, is efficient and explosive when it's clicking. The fact that San Francisco can claim the NFC's top seed by winning out speaks volumes about how dangerous this team really is. -- Knox

8. Houston Texans (10-5)

AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

Texans WR Nico Collins

Last Week: 6

Week 16 Result: Won vs. Las Vegas 23-21

Surprisingly, the Texans struggled against the Raiders, and the effort almost made it feel like a trap game. In some ways, it was. 

Houston had everything to lose, with postseason hopes on the line. Conversely, the Raiders lost eight straight entering the contest. Las Vegas played loose and gave its best effort in over a month of play.

Surprisingly, the NFL's No. 1-ranked defense allowed the Raiders to generate over 300 yards of offense, which outgained the Texans. Running back Ashton Jeanty had himself a game, with 188 yards from scrimmage and two scores. 

The Texans still found a way to escape with a victory, which is what good teams do. The effort should also serve as a wake-up call for Demeco Ryans' squad. - Sobleski

7. Chicago Bears (11-4)

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Bears WR D.J. Moore

Last Week: 7

Week 16 Results: Won vs. Green Bay 22-16 (OT)

If the Chicago Bears make a deep postseason run this season, Saturday's win over the rival Packers will be looked at as one of the pivotal moments that keyed that run.

It's not just that the win gives the Bears a chokehold on the NFC North, or that it leaves Chicago just a game back of Seattle for the NFC's No. 1 seed. The Packers have dominated this rivalry, and Chicago's Week 16 win was just their third against the Pack in over a decade.

With splits each of the past two seasons, the Bears have made this a rivalry again.

Yes, Green Bay was short-handed. But most teams are this time of year. Ben Johnson has to be in the conversation for Coach of the Year honors after turning a five-win Chicago team a year ago into a Super Bowl contender. – Davenport

6. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4)

AP Photo/Jack Dempsey

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence

Last Week: 9

Week 16 Result: Won vs. Denver 34-20

The Jaguars deserve far more respect after taking control of Sunday's contest by scoring 17 consecutive second-half points against Denver's vaunted defense. 

More importantly, Trevor Lawrence is playing the best ball of his career. His confidence is sky high, and head coach Liam Coen has his quarterback playing fast and loose.

Mistakes don't lead to more mistakes as they have in the past. Instead, certain throws often serve as heat checks, with Lawrence completing more difficult passes than throwing them to the other team. 

Jacksonville has now won six games in a row. With its latest outcome, no one can still argue the level of competition hasn't been up to par. - Sobleski

5. Buffalo Bills (11-4)

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Bills RB James Cook

Last Week: 4

Week 16 Result: Won vs. Cleveland 23-20

Good teams find a way to win when they don't play their best—and that's what the Bills did in Cleveland Sunday.

In a game where Josh Allen completed just 12 passes and threw for just 130 yards, the Bills rode big games from running back James Cook and edge-rusher Gregory Rousseau to a three-point win that keeps them hot on the heels of the New England Patriots in the AFC East.

The AFC is both a gauntlet and wide open—there's no clear team to beat in the conference, and the No. 1 seed is very much in play—especially after Denver fell at home to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

That top seed would likely mean more to the Bills than any other AFC team, given what January weather in Buffalo is usually like. – Davenport

4. Denver Broncos (12-3)

AP Photo/Jack Dempsey

Broncos QB Bo Nix

Last Week: 1

Week 16 Result: Lost 34-20 vs. Jacksonville

The Denver Broncos' loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars knocks them out of the top spot and tightens their race with the Los Angeles Chargers for the AFC West title. 

Expect the Broncos to get back on the winning track in a Thursday night battle with the Kansas City Chiefs, who are on their third-string quarterback, but Denver's offense will need to regroup after scoring just 20 points in a crucial home game.

If you had doubts about the Broncos because of late comebacks during their 11-game winning streak, this lopsided loss against a top-10 scoring team wouldn't a surprise. - Moton

3. Los Angeles Rams (11-4)

AP Photo/Nell Redmond

Rams edge Byron Young

Last Week: 2

Week 16 Result: Lost vs. Seattle 38-37 (OT)

The Los Angeles Rams should be kicking themselves for failing to put away the rival Seahawks on Thursday night. They dominated that game for much of the night before blowing a 16-point fourth-quarter lead.

The Rams were ultimately done in by poor punt coverage and an inability to stop Seattle on two-point attempts, including one of the wackiest two-point outcomes we've ever seen.

While Thursday's miscues may end up costing L.A. the NFC's No. 1 seed, there are mistakes from which it can learn. This is still a Super Bowl-caliber team, and if Thursday's loss snapped the Rams into playoff mode, the rest of the conference could be in trouble. - Knox

2. New England Patriots (12-3)

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Patriots QB Drake Maye

Last Week: 3

Week 16 Results: Won vs. Baltimore 28-24

There have been grumblings much of the season that the Patriots were paper tigers, a product of the easiest schedule an NFL team has had in years.

Those rumblings grew louder after New England blew a 21-0 lead against the Bills last week, and louder still after the team fell behind by double digits on the road in Baltimore Sunday night.

But despite being down both starting tackles and a litany of other players (including explosive rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson), the Patriots stormed back to win and claim a playoff spot. One more win (or Buffalo loss) and one year after winning four games, they will be AFC East champions.

After a wild weekend of football, the truth is we don't know who the AFC's best team is. There's no clear-cut front-runner, but the Patriots deserve to be on the shortlist. - Davenport

1. Seattle Seahawks (12-3)

AP Photo/John Froschauer

Seahawks QB Sam Darnold

Last Week: 5

Week 16 Result: Won vs. Los Angeles Rams 38-37 (OT)

When the Seahawks can get their running game going, as they did against the Rams on Thursday night, they're capable of beating anyone.

Of course, there are reasons why many will refuse to buy Seattle as a Super Bowl favorite even though it owns the No. 1 seed.

The biggest reason is the fact that Sam Darnold hasn't regularly proved himself in big games. While he threw another two interceptions against L.A. on Thursday, though, he also played big late in regulation and in overtime to help deliver the win. That could end up being the breakthrough that pushes the Seahawks deep into the playoffs.

Pairing a composed and confident Darnold with a capable ground game and an elite defense might just be a Super Bowl recipe for Seattle. - Knox