The Buffalo Bills jumped to No. 2 in Brad Biggs’ latest NFL power rankings after knocking off the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Chicago Bears, meanwhile, climbed eight spots to No. 18.
Last week’s ranking in parentheses.
Chiefs 12-1 (1)
The rough start the Chiefs had against the Dolphins might doom them against better opponents. But they rallied convincingly to win and capture the AFC West title for the fifth consecutive season.
Bills 10-3 (4)
The Bills defense returned to form Sunday night against the Steelers, and they’re positioned to win the AFC East for the first time since 1995.
Packers 10-3 (5)
The Packers won the NFC North for the second consecutive year. Aaron Rodgers is up to 39 touchdown passes with only four interceptions, but they have to answer questions about the defense.
Rams 9-4 (7)
Rookie running back Cam Akers carried 29 times for 171 yards as the Rams dominated up front, and coach Brandon Staley’s defense suffocated the Patriots.
Saints 10-3 (2)
The defense had been at its best while quarterback Drew Brees has been out with broken ribs, but it faltered in Philadelphia. Brees’ availability remains a question mark, and the offense with Taysom Hill at the controls won’t produce every week.
Steelers 11-2 (3)
The Steelers have lost two in a row, and now it seems unlikely they will earn a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.
Titans 9-4 (8)
Derrick Henry ran for 215 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-10 win over the Jaguars. It’s the fourth time in his career he has topped 200 yards and had two rushing touchdowns.
Colts 9-4 (10)
The Colts are finally chugging with rookie Jonathan Taylor running behind a powerful offensive line, and that could make them a tough out in the playoffs.
Seahawks 9-4 (9)
In the Jamal Adams revenge game, the former Jets safety had a sack to give him 81/2 for the season, an NFL record for a defensive back.
Ravens 8-5 (13)
Justin Tucker’s 55-yard field goal with two seconds remaining lifted the Ravens to a wild 47-42 victory Monday night in Cleveland, keeping them firmly in the wild-card hunt.
Browns 9-4 (6)
Baker Mayfield rallied the Browns from 14 points down to take a lead late in the fourth quarter Monday, but ultimately they didn’t have a solution for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who threw for 163 yards and a touchdown and ran for 124 yards and two more scores.
Buccaneers 8-5 (12)
The Bucs benefited from the rarest of calls — pass interference on a Hail Mary before halftime — and rebounded from a loss to the Chiefs with a key NFC win over the Vikings.
Dolphins 8-5 (11)
Tight end Mike Gesicki has been a primary target for Tua Tagovailoa, and losing Gesicki to a right shoulder injury takes away one of the few skill targets the Dolphins have.
Cardinals 7-6 (20)
Linebacker Hasson Reddick, a former first-round pick who had 71/2 sacks through his first three seasons, exploded for a franchise-record five in a road win over the Giants. He now has 10 sacks on the season.
Washington 6-7 (19)
Quarterback Alex Smith left the game with a hamstring strain and the offense failed to score an touchdown, but Washington still found a way to win again to move into first in the NFC East.
Raiders 7-6 (17)
Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther was fired shortly after the Raiders’ 44-27 loss to the Colts. It’s not his fault former first-round pick Clelin Ferrell has been a bust so far. Defensive line coach Rod Marinelli was promoted to the coordinator role on an interim basis.
Vikings 6-7 (16)
Dan Bailey missed three field goals and an extra point in a 26-14 loss at Tampa Bay, and nothing sets off coach Mike Zimmer quite like struggling kickers.
Bears 6-7 (26)
David Montgomery scored on an 80-yard run on the first offensive snap, Mitch Trubisky was sharp, the offense actually scored in the third quarter and the defense pinned its ears back and got after Deshaun Watson in a perfect storm for the Bears.
Patriots 6-7 (14)
The slim hope the Patriots had of making a late playoff push pretty much vanished when they were dominated Thursday night against the Rams.
49ers 5-8 (15)
A home loss to Washington — in Arizona, where the 49ers have been forced to move — was a crushing blow to their slim playoff hopes. Now it’s about who plays quarterback next season.
Broncos 5-8 (22)
Drew Lock has had a bumpy season, but the second-year quarterback passed for 280 yards and four touchdowns in a win at Carolina.
Giants 5-8 (18)
Even when the Giants haven’t won this season, they have managed to keep it close. That wasn’t the case Sunday against the Cardinals as Daniel Jones struggled after returning from a hamstring injury.
Eagles 4-8-1 (27)
Jalen Hurts threw for 167 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 106 yards as the Eagles kept their NFC East hopes alive by stunning the Saints. That will keep Carson Wentz on the bench for sure.
Lions 5-8 (24)
The defense fought hard for Darrell Bevell against the Packers, but the Lions are so undermanned, they couldn’t hold up.
Texans 4-9 (21)
Where do the Texans begin the offseason rebuilding? On defense? With linemen to help Laremy Tunsil protect Deshaun Watson? Or with some playmakers for Watson? Help is needed in all areas.
Cowboys 4-9 (28)
In the Andy Dalton revenge game, the former Bengals quarterback tossed two touchdown passes in a 30-7 blowout win in Cincinnati.
Panthers 4-9 (23)
The Panthers melted down in the fourth quarter against the Broncos to lose for the seventh time in eight games. A delay-of-game penalty in the red zone was a killer.
Chargers 4-9 (29)
For once, the Chargers weren’t the team bungling an opportunity in the game’s final moments as an interception, a clutch drive and a game-winning kick propelled them over the Falcons.
Falcons 4-9 (25)
Probably should tap the brakes on the idea of interim coach Raheem Morris getting the job on a full-time basis. The Falcons need a fresh direction.
Bengals 2-10-1 (30)
The Bengals have reached double-digit losses for the third consecutive season, and coach Zac Taylor is now 4-24-1. They have lost five straight after a signature victory over the Titans.
Jaguars 1-12 (31)
The quarterback merry-go-round is spinning again as Gardner Minshew came off the bench, decreasing the chances the Bears will see ex-teammate Mike Glennon in Week 16. Minshew will start this week against the Ravens.
Jets 0-13 (32)
In almost any other game, kicker Sergio Castillo missing three field goals would be a big deal. But it’s the Jets, it’s the most miserable season you can imagine and it was a 40-3 loss in Seattle.
