As the NFL season enters its final stretch, the playoff picture is becoming increasingly clear. With only two weeks left to play, teams are either making their final push for a postseason spot or jockeying for position in the standings. In this week’s power rankings, we’ll examine the current state of the league and identify the teams that are trending upward, as well as those that are struggling to find consistency.
The top spot in our power rankings belongs to the Kansas City Chiefs, who continue to demonstrate their dominance with a strong 12-3 record. Led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have been nearly unbeatable, with their high-powered offense and stout defense making them a formidable opponent for any team. Their latest victory over the Los Angeles Chargers showcased their ability to overcome adversity, as they rallied from a 10-point deficit to secure a 31-27 win.
The Philadelphia Eagles come in at number two, boasting an impressive 11-4 record and a strong claim to the top spot in the NFC. With Jalen Hurts at the helm, the Eagles have been a force to be reckoned with, featuring a well-balanced offense and a suffocating defense that has allowed just 17.5 points per game. Their 24-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15 was a testament to their resilience, as they overcame a sluggish start to secure a crucial divisional victory.
The San Francisco 49ers occupy the third spot, with a 10-5 record and a strong grip on the NFC West. Led by quarterback Brock Purdy, the 49ers have been on a tear, winning six consecutive games and outscoring their opponents by an average margin of 14.5 points. Their 27-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15 was a prime example of their dominance, as they controlled the tempo of the game and limited the Cardinals to just 257 total yards.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Chicago Bears find themselves at the bottom of our power rankings, with a dismal 3-12 record and a long list of injuries that have decimated their roster. Despite the emergence of quarterback Justin Fields, the Bears have struggled to find consistency, losing eight consecutive games and averaging just 17.3 points per contest. Their 20-10 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 15 was a microcosm of their season, as they were unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities and were ultimately doomed by their own mistakes.
Here are the complete NFL power rankings for Week 16:
- Kansas City Chiefs (12-3)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-4)
- San Francisco 49ers (10-5)
- Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
- Buffalo Bills (9-6)
- Cincinnati Bengals (9-6)
- Los Angeles Chargers (8-7)
- Dallas Cowboys (8-7)
- Green Bay Packers (8-7)
- Miami Dolphins (8-7)
- Seattle Seahawks (7-8)
- New York Giants (7-8)
- Washington Commanders (7-8)
- Tennessee Titans (7-8)
- Atlanta Falcons (6-9)
- New Orleans Saints (6-9)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (6-9)
- Cleveland Browns (5-10)
- Indianapolis Colts (5-10)
- Denver Broncos (5-10)
- Las Vegas Raiders (5-10)
- New England Patriots (5-10)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (4-11)
- Houston Texans (4-11)
- Carolina Panthers (4-11)
- Arizona Cardinals (4-11)
- Detroit Lions (4-11)
- Minnesota Vikings (3-12)
- Chicago Bears (3-12)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-13)
- New York Jets (2-13)
- Los Angeles Rams (1-14)
As the season draws to a close, teams will be fighting for every last win to secure their spot in the playoffs. Will the Chiefs and Eagles continue to dominate, or will other teams rise to challenge them? The next two weeks will be crucial in determining the NFL’s postseason landscape.
Which teams are still in contention for a playoff spot?
+Despite the current standings, several teams remain in the hunt for a playoff spot, including the Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, and Miami Dolphins. These teams will need to win out and receive some help from other teams to secure a postseason berth.
What are the key matchups in Week 16?
+Several pivotal matchups are on tap for Week 16, including the Chiefs vs. the Ravens, the Eagles vs. the 49ers, and the Bills vs. the Bengals. These games will have significant implications for the playoff picture and could potentially decide the fate of several teams.
Can any teams still win their division?
+While some divisions have already been decided, others remain up for grabs. The AFC East, NFC East, and NFC North are all still contested, with multiple teams vying for the top spot. The next two weeks will be critical in determining the division winners and setting the stage for the playoffs.
