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Vinnie Iyer
Week 11 caused a shift in power atop Sporting News’ weekly in-season rankings of all the NFL teams. There was quite a 1-2 punch delivered by the two new teams at the top, with one dominating in its latest blowout and the other taking down the last of the undefeated.
When it comes to playoff time, the reigning repeat Super Bowl champions will still be the team standing in every contender’s way, but for now, the battle for the top seeds got a lot more interesting. The champs have slid a couple of spots, but their situation could be worse — they could be unsure of a playoff berth like the Super Bowl runners-up.
To find out more, let’s dive into the latest league order, from best to worst.
MORE: NFL playoff picture | Week 12 NFL picks | Week 12 NFL picks against the spread
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
1. Detroit Lions 9-1 (previous ranking: 2)
The Lions got their offense back on track at home with Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and the running game fueling everything for Jared Goff again. They also have seen their defense improve and make more impact plays with each ensuing game, even without Aidan Hutchinson. The loss of LB Alex Anzalone (arm) for what’s likely to be the rest of the regular season will hurt, though.
MORE: Jameson Williams pays tribute to Marshawn Lynch with TD celebration
2. Buffalo Bills 9-2 (4)
The Bills made a fearless statement ahead of the playoffs by letting Josh Allen take over the Chiefs game late and not allowing Patrick Mahomes to break hearts in the fourth quarter again. Now they get a bye before trying to build on that momentum.
MORE: Is Josh Allen the MVP frontrunner? | Sean McDermott explains 4th-down decision
3. Kansas City Chiefs 9-1 (1)
The Chiefs came down to earth, losing a rare two-possession game at Buffalo. Mahomes played well, but the defense had a few more lapses than expected. They are still in control of the AFC’s top seed, and in the end, getting the loss out of the way might be a good thing for the playoffs.
MORE: Patrick Mahomes hints at playoff rematch with Josh Allen
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 8-2 (3)
The Steelers didn’t make it pretty, with their offense producing six field-goal drives while Russell Wilson struggled in a good matchup with the Ravens’ pass defense. However, their reliable defense came through and then some vs. Lamar Jackson.
MORE: How Steelers win vs. Ravens shakes up AFC North standings
5. Philadelphia Eagles 8-2 (5)
The Eagles had a slight offensive hitch early vs. the Commanders, but once again, Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley heated up in the second half while Vic Fangio’s defense took care of the early burden of winning. Philadelphia is inching toward being the NFC team to beat for the second time in three years.
MORE: How Eagles win vs. Commanders shakes up NFC East standings
6. Minnesota Vikings 8-2 (8)
The Vikings restored some steady play for Sam Darnold on the road, and their defense had no trouble with a very limited Titans offense. They can strengthen their wild-card position in the NFC North with the Bears and Cardinals up next.
WEEK 12 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS
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7. Green Bay Packers 7-3 (9)
The Packers returned from the bye to escape from Chicago with a win, but their offense still had some kinks with Jordan Love when not running the ball. They needed that late field-goal whiff to keep pace with the romping Lions and Vikings.
8. Baltimore Ravens 7-4 (6)
The Ravens got their defense to improve, but it became an old-school defensive grind vs. the Steelers, which they weren’t as equipped to win on the road. Now, it’s an uphill battle to get a home playoff game.
MORE: Why was Derrick Henry on bench for key 2-point conversion? | Did Travis Kelce curse Justin Tucker?
9. Washington Commanders 7-4 (7)
The Commanders are looking more like a shaky wild-card team, as the tougher teams on their schedule have given them difficulty. The first-place Eagles were the latest after falling to the Ravens and Steelers. Washington has a favorable slate ahead to rebound and finish strong.
MORE: Commanders 'superglue' Jayden Daniels' hand on sideline
10. Los Angeles Chargers 7-3 (11)
The Chargers have Justin Herbert cooking with the downfield passing game to complement their physical rushing attack. In turn, that’s putting the defense in more favorable situations. That’s Jim Harbaugh’s immediate major impact.
MORE: Justin Herbert outlasts Joe Burrow in epic 'SNF' duel
11. Arizona Cardinals 6-4 (12)
The Cardinals are feeling it offensively with the traditional rushing attack setting up Kyler Murray for strong play. Jonathan Gannon’s defense also is responding with better consistency, giving reason to believe Arizona will stay in the NFC playoff hunt after the bye.
12. Houston Texans 7-4 (13)
The Texans are not winning how everyone expected, with C.J. Stroud and the passing game failing to hit a higher gear amid injury issues. But the running-and-defense formula will rebound and take care of business in the extra-weak AFC South.
13. Denver Broncos 6-5 (15)
The Broncos got Bo Nix hot at home in a much better matchup vs. Atlanta compared to facing the Ravens or Chiefs on the road. Denver put together a strong rushing game with some defense to boot. Sean Payton’s team won’t give up the last AFC wild-card spot easily.
MORE: Does Bo Nix have a shot at Offensive Rookie of the Year?
14. San Francisco 49ers 5-5 (10)
The 49ers lost another key division home game with George Kittle (hamstring) not suiting up and their defense breaking down late big-time without Nick Bosa (oblique). San Francisco is desperately fighting a Super Bowl hangover in a tight division that won’t be decided until late in the second half.
MORE: Nick Bosa injury update
15. Los Angeles Rams 5-5 (18)
The Rams got back to .500 by handling their long road trip to New England with Matthew Stafford getting locked back in with his wide receivers. The defense also keeps playing well with its revamped pass rush.
16. Seattle Seahawks 5-5 (20)
The Seahawks are staying tough and gritty with Mike Macdonald, led by a determined defense and Geno Smith. The NFC West race got a whole lot more interesting with their shocker in San Francisco.
MORE: How San Francisco's loss to Seattle shakes up NFC West standings
17. Atlanta Falcons 6-5 (14)
The Falcons were not prepared to face the Broncos’ passing offense, and they also couldn’t do anything to help their own rushing attack. There’s a chance Atlanta is getting too complacent (a la Houston) while cruising in a weak division.
18. Indianapolis Colts 5-6 (21)
The Colts went back to Anthony Richardson, and it paid off with big pass plays and timely running from the second-year QB. The win over the Jets was huge to keep them in the AFC wild-card race.
19. Miami Dolphins 4-6 (23)
The Dolphins found their speedy offense again with Tyreek Hill and De’Von Achane at home against the Raiders, and they are suddenly back in the wild-card race. Tua Tagovailoa and the defense need to be more consistent to fuel a late surge vs. a tough slate.
20. Cincinnati Bengals 4-7 (16)
The Bengals dug themselves a big hole, and it keeps getting harder to dig out — mentally and physically — with tough competition on the schedule.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-6 (17)
The Buccaneers could use some healthier help for a relentless Baker Mayfield after the bye, but their biggest issue in getting back to playoff contention will be Todd Bowles’ leaky pass defense.
22. Chicago Bears 4-6 (19)
The Bears have faded out of the NFC wild-card race with their four-game losing streak and the meat of the tough division schedule left. Caleb Williams’ rookie season will end without a playoff game.
MORE: 3 reasons why Bears are fading fast from playoff contention
23. New Orleans Saints 4-7 (26)
The Saints have gotten a big spark from special teams coach Darren Rizzi, and it extended to the spectacular play from Taysom Hill for a second straight big home win. They can play wild-card spoiler after the bye with the Rams, Commanders, and Packers on the schedule.
MORE: Taysom Hill has one-of-a-kind big game vs. Browns
24. Dallas Cowboys 3-7 (22)
The Cowboys come out of Monday night dazed and confused with no Dak Prescott (hamstring) and a coaching staff going through the motions. They need to focus on showing some respectability for Jerry Jones in the games they have left with a lot of jobs on the line for next year.
25. Carolina Panthers 3-7 (25)
The Panthers will be looking for two things the rest of the way — more competent and confident play from Bryce Young with more experience in Dave Canales’ offense, and the limited defense continuing to play hard before the team can add more help in 2025.
26. New York Jets 3-8 (24)
The Jets’ defense has fallen apart with Jeff Ulbrich needing to be the head coach after Robert Saleh’s dismissal. It now matters little what Aaron Rodgers and Breece Hall can do.
27. New England Patriots 3-8 (27)
The Patriots are seeing inspired play from rookie QB Drake Maye despite some offensive skill limitations, but their defense needs a massive overhaul for Jerod Mayo in Year 2 to resemble anything Belichickian.
Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
28. New York Giants 2-8 (32)
The Giants need to finish with some respectability with their young offensive skill players rallying for Brian Daboll and Daniel Jones, should he remain the starting quarterback. Lost in that QB concern, however, are backbreaking defensive woes.
29. Tennessee Titans 2-8 (28)
The Titans have been overwhelmed in Will Levis’ second season, as their pass-reliant ways also put a decent defense in more harm’s way than expected. Brian Callahan is also learning how to coach from week to week.
30. Cleveland Browns 2-8 (29)
The Browns are doing their best to do enough offensively with Jameis Winston, but they should be shocked by how much their defense has fallen apart from one season to the next.
31. Las Vegas Raiders 2-8 (30)
The Raiders are trying their best to fight hard for Gardner Minshew and Antonio Pierce, but the talent limitations keep dragging them down, leaving Pierce’s future in doubt.
MORE: Raiders cut short Brock Bowers' postgame interview after question about 'Trump dance'
32. Jacksonville Jaguars 2-9 (31)
The Jaguars got dragged down and destroyed in Detroit as they looked like tame kitties vs. the Lions. The downright disaster deserves a coaching change.
Vinnie Iyer has been with The Sporting News since 1999, not long after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He has produced NFL content for more than 20 years, turning his attention to full-time writing in 2007. Vinnie covers every aspect of the NFL for TSN including draft prospects analysis, gambling and fantasy football. He also represents TSN as host of the “Locked On Fantasy Football” podcast on the Locked On network.
