"NFL Power Rankings: Week Seventeen & Time Is Ticking"

Time is ticking away, as the NFL season is near its highest peak for 
teams pursuing playoff hopes in 2025. With two games left to go, week 
sixteen gave us some highs and lows. Contenders were tested and 
bested all the way to a climatic finish. Week seventeen power rankings 
promises to enlighten your Christmas holiday spirits. 

1. Seattle Seahawks: 12-3
A crazy and exciting finish Thursday night as Seattle took control of first 
place in the NFC West and conference. A 38-37 overtime win over rival 
Los Angeles Rams; as the Seahawks withstood an MVP performance 
from Matthew Stafford. Quarterback Sam Darnold did enough to lead 
the way, but there's still some concerns as if he can raise the stakes in 
playoff football. Seattle will need to fly higher and avoid falling behind 
come playoff football. With a road trip to Carolina this coming Sunday, 
will the hangover from a big win ripple their strides? 

2. Los Angeles Rams: 11-4 
Quarterback Matthew Stafford's dominant game wasn't enough as the 
Rams fell to Seattle Thursday night. LA did everything right but add 
more cushion in a very tight NFC West. With all the drama surrounding 
star wide receiver Puka Nacua, he still had a monster game. What this 
game does is say LA's championship pedigree will be stepping stones. 
A east coast trip to Atlanta is a get right game and hope Seattle loses to 
Carolina.

3. San Francisco 49ers: 11-4
Don't look now but the Niners are in second place in a three team race 
out West. After a blowout win over Indianapolis Monday night, their 
destiny is simple: win out and go for the top seed. Quarterback Brock 

Purdy orchestrated a near perfect game; as this defense kept heat on 
Indy's offensive line all night. For what it's worth, who would've thought 
San Francisco would even be here with everything that's occurred? 
Injuries across the board, drama with players, and still have the top 
seed in sight along with possibly winning their division? With their 
toughest two games on dock, the Niners will have to slow down red hot 
Chicago before Seattle flies in week eighteen. 

4. New England Patriots: 12-3
A bounce back statement road win Sunday night in Baltimore, as New 
England redeems themselves after a meltdown last week. A loss helped 
them regroup; while testing their morale for a primetime game. 
Quarterback Drake Maye further stated his MVP status as the Patriots 
continue their quest to secure a home playoff game in January. Stefon 
Diggs has been lights out and proving he's still among the best 
receivers at this advanced stage. Running game is pretty good with a 
combination of speed and power. Defensively, hit you in the mouth and 
not leave any remorse. With the toughest two games out of their picture, 
two divisional games versus New York and Miami to end their season.

5. Chicago Bears: 11-4
A crazy finish Saturday night in Soldier Field, as the Bears took down
Green Bay in overtime. Quarterback Caleb Williams threw a dart to DJ
Moore for the game winning touchdown; which sent the fans into a
frenzy. For the first time since 2018, Chicago looks to win the NFC
North and host a playoff game. First year head coach Ben Johnson has
worked magic and given this fan base hopes in competing every week.
Years of frustration far as drafting a quarterback and head coach, it's
worked for all parties. An offense who can score thirty-two points and
win those grind it out games. Defensively, stout but have their moments
of what are we doing? For Chicago it's simple: get a big road win next

week in San Francisco with a Green Bay loss and capture the NFC
North.

6. Jacksonsville Jaguars: 11-4
A "small market" team left their comfort zone of Duvall County and 
made a statement in Denver Sunday afternoon. With a 34-20 win over 
the Broncos, Jacksonville has swept the best division in football. 
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has faced criticism for not living up to the 
first overall pick in 2021; while being paid like an elite player. First year 
head coach Liam Cohen has turned this team into a winning product. 
Offensively, it's kinda bland but works. Good run attack, passing game 
and can score with any teams. Defense can create turnovers and flip 
field positioning. My biggest concern: are they a legit Super Bowl 
contender? Lawrence is 1-1 in two playoff appearances. With cupcake 
games against Indianapolis and Tennessee, Jacksonville can secure the 
two or three seed depending on what Denver does in their final two 
games.

7. Buffalo Bills: 11-4
A solid win over Cleveland Sunday afternoon is what Buffalo needed to 
keep pace in the AFC playoff race. Reigning MVP Josh Allen is 
Superman by all means. Running back James Cook can turn on the 
burners and cook any defensive front. A team who can be really potent 
and then struggle to compete when it goes off rails. A receiving core 
that's middle of the pack outside of tight ends Dawson Knox and Dalton 
Kincaid. Defense can go stale and struggle to tackle; along with getting 
gashed up front. A showdown at home versus Philadelphia Sunday 
afternoon, it's going to be a test of morale and character against the 
defending champions.

8. Los Ángeles Chargers: 11-4

Injuries to both left tackles, quarterback playing with a broken wrist and 
somehow win gutsy games. This has been the LA Chargers season in a 
nutshell. A brutal division and head scratching losses, this team is still 
fighting for the division and top seed in the AFC. Quarterback Justin 
Herbert has looked far more better in spite of his two starting left tackles 
out for the season. Running game is the engine which drives the 
offense; meshed with a strong passing attack. This defense is one of 
the top units in football. With a tougher path to go, Houston tramples 
into SoFi Stadium Sunday afternoon with their number one defense. 

9. Houston Texans: 10-5
The hottest team in football nobody wants to see right now, Houston find 
themselves trampling teams left and right. Quarterback CJ Stroud has 
been really good in his return since middle of the season. Finding their 
stride and winning at the right time. One big reason: their number one 
ranked defense in points allowed and being ready to play each week. 
With a defense led by Will Anderson Jr, this front can wreck havoc. A 
tough road game to LA and play the Chargers, don't be surprised if this 
game comes down to which defense can make enough plays to seal the 
deal. 

10. Denver Broncos: 12-3
A humbling moment for Denver as their win streak ended Sunday
versus Jacksonville. What could go wrong did, as the Broncos had their
miscues. Quarterback Bo Nix had his moments, but wasn't able to
overcome a defense who couldn't stop Jacksonville. It was a much
needed loss to regroup and shift their focus. Denver's receiving core
isn't good enough to go up and down the field with opposing defenses.
When everything is going right, looks effortlessly. Broncos defense is
good enough to keep in games, but can be exposed with any given
matchups. With a Christmas Day showdown in Kansas City, Denver can

get back on track before hosting the LA Chargers in what could be for
the division and potential number one seed come January.