Did a new team enter the top ten? Is the Lions season over? Are the Patriots on fraud watch?

F Tier: Is The Season Over Yet?

32. Las Vegas Raiders (2-13)

31. New York Giants (2-13) -3

30. New York Jets (3-12) -1

29. Cleveland Browns (3-12) +1

28. Tennessee Titans (3-12) +3

27. Washington Commanders (4-11)

26. Arizona Cardinals (3-12)

25. Cincinnati Bengals (5-10) -3

D Tier: Next Year’s Our Year

24. New Orleans Saints (5-10) -1

23. Kansas City Chiefs (6-9) -4

22. Miami Dolphins (6-9) +1

21. Atlanta Falcons (6-9) +3

20. Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1) +1

C Tier: Wild Card Watch

19. Minnesota Vikings (7-8) +1

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8) -3

17. Baltimore Ravens (7-8) +1

16. Indianapolis Colts (8-7)+2

B Tier: Dark Horse Contenders

15. Carolina Panthers (8-7) +3

14. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6) +2

13. Detroit Lions (8-7) -5

12. Los Angeles Chargers (11-4) +1

11. Houston Texans (10-5)

A Tier: The Real Deal 

10. Denver Broncos (12-3) -3

Well it finally happened, after an 11 game winning streak the Broncos have come back down to earth. Although I am not going to say I told you so, this game is why I have been unwilling to put them much higher on the list. 

Let’s start with the biggest issue for the Broncos all season: Bo Nix consistency issues. After coming off Nix’s huge game last week, he struggled more than you would like to see in a big game like this one. Nix went 28 for 47 while throwing for 352 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Although the stat line isn’t horrible, on field Nix struggled against Jacksonville’s defense with multiple miscues and connection issues in the pass game. With Nix’s struggles came struggles with the pass game as a whole. Despite a touchdown to Courtland Sutton and a couple big throws to running back RJ Harvey and wide receiver Troy Franklin, no receiver was able to break 100 yards and only totaled for one touchdown despite Nix throwing 47 times for 352 yards. The run game was solid despite its limited use, even on seven carries Harvey rushed for 50 yards and still managed to get in the endzone, although you’d like to see such a big playmaker used more in a game where you truly need it. 

In unusual fashion the Broncos defense struggled this past Sunday against the Jaguars, and it started with allowing four touchdowns on the day. Denver’s defensive unit has maintained top five status throughout this season with stars like pass rusher Nik Bonitto and former DPOY corner Patrick Suratin, yet they struggled big time to contain Jacksonville. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence had a near flawless day with three passing touchdowns and 279 passing yards as he walked down this Denver defense. Although the run game was less functional against Denver’s unit, they still put up a touchdown. Even with the Jaguars’ December hot streak allowing 34 points after being praised as one of the best defenses in the league and a force to be reckoned with all season, it’s hard to justify allowing any team to put up more than 30 points. 

Overall it was a rough game for the Broncos against a truly tough opponent. Although this doesn’t count out the Mile High team at all, it’s definitely not a pretty sight to see as the Broncos hope to make a big playoff push come January.

9. San Francisco 49ers (11-4) +1

San Francisco put on an offensive classic in maybe their best performance this season with a six touchdown night. Although this was a fantastic performance from the whole team, I still struggle to place them any higher than No. 9 at the moment. 

One thing is clear, Brock Purdy is back and better than ever after an early season injury. Purdy put on one of his best performances this season and maybe in his career. Purdy went 25 for 34 while throwing for 295 yards, five touchdowns and an interception. With that the passing game was on fire and the entire receiver room got their fair share of action. Star tight end George Kittle was a big factor in the win, catching seven passes for 115 yards and a touchdown. Jauan Jennings and Demarcus Robinson were also factors, as they both caught touchdown passes. The star of the show for the 49ers’ running back Christian McCaffrey showed out, putting up a normal statline for his standards. McCaffrey was a factor on the ground and in the air, catching six passes for 29 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 117 yards and 21 carries. 

The defense is where this team has struggled. Although they have only lost four games, this defense has struggled as of late. The defense has allowed 51 points over the last two games, against some of the worst opponents in the league being the Titans and the Phillip Rivers led Colts. The defense also let Rivers have a legacy game racking up 277 yards and two touchdowns to one interception at the ripe age of 44. Overall the defense has struggled most when it matters and if the offense is figured out by any defense in coming weeks, I’m worried that the unit won’t be able to hold their weight. 

Although yes this team has holes that may be exposed in the post season, this is truly one of the best coached teams and has one of the most talented rosters in the league, and for that reason, they remain in the top ten this week. 

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) +4

Jacksonville has been on an absolute bender this December on every level of play. Although I was hesitant to highlight the Jags after a few good wins, their dominant win over the Broncos was enough for me to accept that if the Jaguars keep this play up, anything is possible for this team.

One thing is certain, Lawrence has arrived. After beginning his career as a solid starter that clearly hasn’t unlocked his true potential, the Trevor we know and love from his Clemson days, has finally made it to the big leagues. In December alone Lawrence has a 10:0 touchdown to interception ratio. Lawrence has also not had a QBR under 80 since the start of the month and is doing all of this with his most consistent target being PJ Washington, who came in as the wide receiver three to start the season. Over the past three games Washington has combined for 224 receiving yards and a touchdown on only ten receptions, while trade deadline acquisition Jakobie Meyers has also contributed to the December insanity run in Duval county. Meyers has combined for 155 yards and a touchdown on 13 receptions in December, also proving to be a trustworthy target for the star quarterback. 

This offense is also not one dimensional. The run game has been on fire as of late as running back Travis Etienne Jr. and Lawrence have dominated the ground game. The rushing duo has combined for four touchdowns over three games in the month of December. The offense has been the focal point of the Jaguars 2025 season as head coach Liam Choen has turned the offense around, but the defense has shown out, especially in the month of December. In December alone the Jaguars defense has held all their opponents to 20 points or less, and has forced eight total turnovers in three games. Although they have struggled to hold teams when they don’t get a turnover, the turnover battle is a key part of the game and the Jags are proving that winning that battle is key to winning week in and week out. 

The Jags are finally fleshing out what they have had the potential to be for so long, and I’m here for it. Although we have seen flashes come and go, such as their 4-1 start to the season, this team is clicking at the right time. With Choen unlocking Lawrence and the rest of the team supporting the star QB, this team truly has the talent to beat anyone, and I won’t be shocked if they prove that come playoff time. 

7. Chicago Bears (11-4) +2

After a slow three quarter performance, the Bears pulled off the soldier field miracle and beat the Packers 22-16 in overtime, effectively falling to 11-4 and maintaining control of the vision. Although there were some sloppy moments, the Bears showed they thrive in the brightest of lights.  

Say what you want to say, but the Bears definitely earned this win. Caleb Williams was automatic on Saturday Night and played a huge role in Chicago’s victory, going 19 for 34 while throwing for 250 yards and two touchdowns, with both touchdowns coming in the fourth quarter and overtime of the game. Despite injuries to Williams’ favorite receivers this season in Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, receivers DJ Moore and Jahdae Walker came up big for the pass game. Jahdae Walker kept the Bears in the game with a touchdown to send the game into overtime at a 16-16 tie. Then late into overtime Moore came up with a big time 50 plus yard touchdown catch to end the game and give the Bears control of the division, showing how lethal the Bears are even with big time injuries. Despite a strong season, running back duo D’Andre Swift and Kyle Manongai were no match for the Packers defense, only rushing for 108 yards and no scores on 22 carries for the pair. 

Say what you want to say about Jordan Love going out early, this defense was still in for a tough matchup and proved worthy. Going up against a Green Bay rushing attack that has been extremely solid all season the Bears locked them down, not allowing a touchdown between star running back Josh Jacobs and his back up Emmanuel Wilson, who combined for 26 carries. The Bears rush defense was also able to force a fumble on Jacobs, a rare sighting for the star running back. Despite Love’s injury the pass games still stayed a major threat with Malik Willis coming in, yet the Bears defensive unit stayed strong, only allowing one touchdown pass to Romeo Doubs. Even without the stat sheet, the Bears defense on field play and big stops all throughout the game and especially in overtime gave the Bears offense to work their magic and win this game. Without the Bears defensive unit they would have stood no chance against the Packers with or without Love, proving that Chicago is a true contender on both sides of the ball. 

The Bears shushed the doubters and beat a good team and more impressively a division rival. Although I struggled to put them above Green Bay due to experience issues, roster and coaching… Chicago is legit. For that reason they land a seven on this week’s rankings. 

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

The Packers were finally bested by the Bears in a game that felt destined to happen for Chicago. Although the 22-16 loss didn’t go Green Bay’s way, this game was far from a bad performance for the Cheese heads.

With disaster striking early in the game as Love went down with injury after a hard hit, backup Malik Willis came in and boy did he outperform his backup title. Willis was nearly perfect on the day, going 9 for 11 while throwing for 121 pass yards and a touchdown, ending with a 81.5 QBR. Willis was one of the only players to show up in the pass game for Green Bay, as receiver Romeo Doubs was the leading receiver with only five receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. What failed this offense was the run game. Despite racking up 192 rush yards between the offense, running backs Jacobs and Emannuel Wilson both failed to get into the endzone on a combined 26 carries. 

The defense also had a solid game, through the first three quarters. Green Bay was doing a great job throughout most of the game, holding Chicago to only six points which were both field goals, and not giving the Bears much hope on the offensive side of the ball. Yet the Packers couldn’t do the most important thing in sports, and that’s finishing strong. The Packers let up 10 points in the final few minutes of the fourth quarter, letting up another field goal and a legacy drive from Williams to tie up the game. Then in overtime the defense was burnt toast for a second straight drive, allowing another touchdown pass as corner Keashean Nixon was bested by Williams and Moore. Although it wasn’t a horrible performance for Green Bay’s defensive unit, a few plays can be the difference between a win and loss in sports, and that happened to be the Packers’ downfall on Saturday night. 

Ultimately due to coaching and experience, I do still think the Packers are a legit contender. Yet to win big games you have to dominate big moments and they failed to do so. I am not giving up on the Packers yet, but they have some things to clean up if they want to thrive come January.

S Tier: Super Bowl Contenders

5. Philadelphia Eagles (10-5) +1

The Eagles did what we expected of them: they beat up on the old and injured Washington Commanders. Although the 29-18 win doesn’t say much about where they lie among playoff teams, it proves that even with the sluggish moments they’ve had as a team this season, they are still one of the most talented rosters in the league. 

Jalen Hurts took advantage of the Commanders’ helpless defense and put on a show, going 22 for 30 while throwing for 185 yards and two touchdowns. The receiving room also popped off, with both DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert catching a touchdown pass while A.J. Brown caught nine passes for 95 yards. Saquon Barkely and Philly’s run game also looked like a reflection of their former self, as Barkley rushed for 132 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Running back two Tank Bisgby also got in on the action, with four rushes for 37 yards and a touchdown. 

Philly’s defense also had a day against a bruised and battered Commanders offense. Washington’s offense was essentially rendered defenseless against the Eagles’ defensive unit, especially when Marcus Mariota went down with a knee injury. With Mariota exiting the game, career backup Josh Johnson entered the game. Johnson was no match for the Eagles, only throwing for 43 and an interception. The Birds also stuffed the run game as despite allowing two touchdowns, the Commanders run game was held to less than 100 rush yards. 

Although this was far from an even matchup, the Eagles dominated the Commanders and showed that they are still the same talent stacked roster they were in 2024. Although they may not play on the same level consistently, they are still a good team capable of beating any team in this league when they click on all levels. 

4. New England Patriots (12-3) -1

The Patriots took down the Ravens in Baltimore in a 28-24 thriller. New England did come out with the win, but it wasn’t in the dominant fashion you would like to see 12 win teams take down seven win teams. 

Even with a close win, Drake Maye had a huge game. Maye went 31 for 44 with a 2:1 touchdown to interception ratio and threw for his first 300 passing yard game in his career, with 380 pass yards. Even with this big game from Maye he did have two turnovers, a big hit to his MVP odds. The pass game was on fire with Maye’s huge pass yard game. Steffon Diggs was the leading receiver with nine receptions and 138 yards, receiver Kyle Williams also had a huge touchdown pass to keep the Patriots in the game. Tight end Hunter Henry was also a solid target for Maye, catching six passes for 35 yards and a touchdown. With Treyveon Henderson going down with injury, it was looking grim for the Patriots, but the vet came up big as Rhamondre Steveonson racked up 51 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. 

As the offense put up a strong performance to win this game, the score was so close for one big reason: the run defense. The Patriots run defense has been solid all year, being top ten in almost every run defense stat, yet they were no match for Derrick Henry and Baltimore’s run game. Henry ran all over the Patriots with 128 rush yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. Zay Flowers also managed to get in on the run game action, with a 18 yard rushing touchdown. Although they redeemed themselves late in the game, with a game sealing fumble recovery to win the game. The pass defense was able to keep the defense afloat however, not allowing any passing touchdowns against Lamar and the Baltimore pass game. 

 The Patriots did come back in the fourth quarter and squeak out the win against the Ravens, but barely beating the seven win Ravens and allowing your run defense to be embarrassed by Henry who is a shell of his former self is not something to be proud of. As the Patriots look to finish out their season strong and make a strong impression in the playoffs, they have a few things they need to clean up. 

3. Buffalo Bills (11-4) +1

The Bills managed a win in a 23-20 win against the Browns on the road. Even with the Browns’ record their defense is a force to be reckoned with, yet Buffalo found a way to win. 

Josh Allen had a far from impressive game for his standard, only going 12 for 19 for 130 yards. The receivers were also a non factor, with Kalil Shakir being the lead receiver at only four receptions for 34 yards. With the pass game being effectively eliminated it gave the chance for the run game to shine. Running back James Cook III had another elite game to continue his top five season. Cook rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. Cleveland’s rush defense has been solid all season, yet Cook got the best of the defense and proved just how elite the run game is. Shoutout to Buffalo’s offensive line as well, who held their own against the Browns’ elite front seven, allowing only two sacks. 

The defense also put up a rather unimpressive performance. Outside of picking Shedeur  Sanders off twice, they allowed a banged up Browns offense multiple chances to stay in this game. Shedeur and tight end Harold Fannin maintained the connection with a touchdown pass. Buffalo did manage to keep the Browns run game in control. Although with Quinson Judkins leaving the game early with injury, you think the game could have gone differently with Judkins in the game the whole 60 minutes. Buffalo did manage the win, but if they want to beat better teams the defense simply has to be better. 

Buffalo managed to squeak out a win but one thing is for sure, when one part of this team struggles, another one comes up big. The Bills are elite on multiple levels, between Josh Allen, Cook III and multiple other playmakers on this team, they will never be out of the game, which is why they reach the top three on this week’s rankings. 

2. Los Angeles Rams (11-4) -1

The Rams fell to 11-4 after a game of the year candidate thriller on TNF, falling to the Seattle Seahawks 38-37. This game had big implications regarding the winner of the NFC West, as well as the NFC one seed, although it didn’t necessarily expose which team was worse. 

Even with the loss, Matthew Stafford put on a show that may have put the MVP odds in his favor. Stafford went 29 for 49 while throwing for 457 yards and three touchdowns to zero interceptions. Puka Nacua effectively ended the best wide receiver in the league conversation,  catching 12 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns against one of the best secondaries in the league. The Rams’ run game also had a solid night considering their matchup. Kyren Williams and Blake Corum combined for 118 yards and a touchdown on 37 carries. 

The defense also played extremely well, not considering the comeback allowed late in the fourth. The Rams managed to force three turnovers, with two being interceptions from corner Josh Wallace and defensive tackle Kobie Turner. The Rams also managed a forced fumble on Cooper Kupp, which was recovered by Cobie Turner. Although even with a dominant performance in the third quarter, the Rams gave the Hawks too much breathing room as they allowed 171 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. The pass defense also didn’t come up big, allowing Jaxon Smith-Njigba to catch eight passes for 96 yards and the clutch touchdown to  win the game, which all came in the second half. The one weakness truly exposed for the Rams, was special teams. The Rams special teams came up short multiple times, with a missed field goal and a Rashid Shaheed return touchdown allowed, which sparked the Seahawks comeback and led to the Rams demise. 

The Rams are still easily a top two team and have a solid chance to beat the Seahawks the next time they meet. Although I am going to respect the head on result, which shows which team is truly more fleshed out heading into the post season. 

1. Seattle Seahawks (12-3) +1

The Seahawks pulled off the comeback of the year in an overtime thriller 38-37. This game was truly that close, although the Seahawks had a hard fight to pull off the win. 

Darnold did struggle early in the game yet came back to help this team take home the win with some clutch play late in the game. Darnold did throw two interceptions, yet still went 22 for 34 while throwing for 270 yards and two touchdowns. JSN also had a slow first half, with zero catches, yet came back and helped the Hawks to a win. Smith-Njigba caught eight passes for 96 yards and the game-ending touchdown all in the second half, playing a key role in the Hawks comeback win. Tight end AJ Barner also managed to catch a touchdown pass, yet Seattle couldn’t have come back without star returner Shaheed. Shaheed kicked off the comeback down 30-14 in the fourth quarter with a huge punt return touchdown.

The run game had maybe their strongest performance of the year against the Rams defense as Kenneth Walker III was the Seahawks’ whole offense in the first half. Walker dominated the ground with 100 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Zach Charbonnet also had a solid night with 32 yards and a touchdown on nine carries. The defense, on the other hand, struggled. Although the Rams are truly one of the best offenses in the league, Seattle had multiple miscues on TNF. The biggest one is pressuring the quarterback. The Hawks failed to sack Stafford once, giving the elite quarterback plenty of time and room to throw in the pocket, a big mistake for any defense when facing the Rams. The Hawks were also bested in the turnover battle, failing to make the Rams offense turn the ball over once. 

Yes Seattle struggled on both sides of the ball, but in big games you have to win in big moments, and that’s what the Hawks did. Although they do have some things to clean up if they want to make a super bowl run, for now they pulled off the win and proved themselves as the true number one team in the league.