"NFL Power Rankings: Week Sixteen & Everything In Between"

We're almost near the end of your 2025 NFL season; as teams are in   
postseason mode for prime positioning. Nobody is safe and everyone   
knows what's at stake. Each game matters with divisional showdowns  
on deck. Week fifteen was very unfortunate with season ending injuries   
and teams eliminated from postseason contention. Let's break it down  
shall we!

1. Los Angeles Rams: 11-3
A comeback win over Detroit in SoFi Stadium; as the Rams needed 
every bit of it to remind the Lions there's levels to being a juggernaut. A  
slow start, but potent finish for LA. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is an 
ageless wonder who's been around long enough and seen everything 
thrown at him. Wide receiver Devante Adams' hamstring injury is cause 
for concern with their NFC West showdown Thursday night in Seattle. 
Overall, this team has championship pedigree from top to bottom. With 
the NFC West up for grabs, LA needs to secure it and finish strong in 
their final stretch.

2. Denver Broncos: 12-2
A gutsy win over Green Bay Sunday evening at home, Denver is
showing signs of lackluster offense. Second year quarterback Bo Nix is
hot and cold; depending on how the game flow starts. With a strong
defense, is this sustainable for postseason success? The biggest issue
is not having a receiving core who can strike fear into opposing
defenses. It's serviceable at best but not elite to really worry about in
game planning. For Denver, it's simple: beat Jacksonville next week and
defeat what's left of Kansas City on Christmas night. Secure the number
one seed and get home field advantage come January.

3. Seattle Seahawks: 11-3
A near upset to the return of "Grandpa Phillip Rivers," and Indianapolis
on Sunday. Seattle escaped very slim and nothing to really brag about.
As I've stated multiple weeks, the Seahawks aren't a very good home
team and it could benefit them being a wild card. Quarterback Sam
Darnold is decent at home, but better away from home cooking. This
defense can hold up and sustain extended drives. There's some cause
for concerns as their big showdown in what can basically decide the
NFC West and securing top seed in the conference. Whoever wins this
highly anticipated game versus Los Angeles, the loser is likely going to
be traveling to face the NFC South division winner come wild card
weekend.

4. San Francisco 49ers: 10-4
Injuries across the roster, scratching and clawing while having a winning
record defines this team. Playing in the toughest division, turmoil from
unhappy players, head coach Kyle Shanahan is keeping this team
focused. Running back Christian McCaffery is their best player and
maintaining a great bill of health has paid off. A defense with no Nick
Bosa, Fred Warner, the list goes on and still in running for the NFC
West. A big game next Monday night, flying to the Midwest and keeping
pace versus Indianapolis. Chicago Bears could be their toughest game
and possibly a wild card playoff preview.

5. Buffalo Bills: 10-4
Reigning MVP Josh Allen... What more needs to be said as the Bills
roamed back and defeated New England Sunday afternoon in Foxboro.
Trailing 24-7, the Bills outscored New England 28-7 in the second half.
Running back James Cook was turning up the heat on New England's
defense without leaving crumbs to sweep up. I still have my doubts
about this defense. Can they have a serviceable pass rush and help the
offense? With the reigning AFC villain out of the way in Kansas City,

Buffalo's best path to beat any team is wide open. A must win game
versus Cleveland before hosting Super Bowl champion Philadelphia,
Buffalo must take cake of business and have a legit chance to avoid any
potential tiebreakers.

6. New England Patriots: 11-3
A first half domination versus Buffalo sunk rather quickly on Sunday
afternoon. The Patriots were all but shook with a lackluster second half
performance; getting outscored 28-7 and having more questions than
answers. Quarterback Drake Maye was solid, but this hard-nosed
defense got too complacent and let Buffalo roam all over Gillette
Stadium without attempting to stop. I still like this team, but this loss was
needed to regroup and focus on bigger tasks ahead. With a Sunday
night showdown in Baltimore, it's the perfect opportunity for New
England to sink Baltimore's playoff hopes. A big road win and two cherry
pick games to end the season, we're going to see how New England
responds.

7. Green Bay Packers: 9-4-1
Superstar defensive end Micah Parsons suffered a season ending ACL
injury on Sunday at Denver; as Green Bay stalled in the Mile High City.
A huge loss and presence in Parsons may have derailed the Packers
title hopes in 2025. Quarterback Jordan Love will have to play beyond
great to keep Green Bay in the playoff race. Wide receiver Christian
Watson went down again with injury and that's been the story of his
season. Running back Josh Jacobs ran very well against Denver's front
but the receiving core is the biggest concern. Defensively, it's going to
be a collective effort in making up for Parsons' absence. No time to
dwell as they will look to regroup Saturday evening in Chicago.

8. Chicago Bears: 10-4

Playoff aspirations and big dreams are back in the "Windy City," as
Chicago leads the NFC North division. Second year quarterback Caleb
Williams has shown signs of improvement; as this team continues to
score thirty-three points a game. With a strong run game, solid
receivers, and the signature: "Monsters of The Midway" defense who
can wreck havoc and force turnovers. My biggest concern: can
Chicago's defense go toe to toe with potent offenses? A big division
game Saturday night and get revenge on Green Bay. The biggest test:
at San Francisco on another short week. Win both of those games, they
can easily host a home playoff game since 2018.

9. Houston Texans: 9-5
Don't look now but Houston has took flight and not looking back.
Winners of six straight, the Texans are the most dangerous team in
football. Quarterback CJ Stroud is back like he never left and this
defense... If you're an offensive coordinator, there's sleepless nights.
The number one scoring defense in points allowed and bringing Texas
humidity on each play. Offensively, it's been a turnaround and scoring
points at will. I really like this Texans defense led by Will Anderson Jr,
he's among the best young defensive players in football. With Las
Vegas coming to town, it's the *beware game* before flying out west to
play the Los Angeles Chargers.

10. Los Angeles Chargers: 10-4
Banged and battered up, still playing in arguably the toughest division in
football. The Los Angeles Chargers are steady and looking for more as
playoff seeding is shaping up. With a season series sweep over Kansas
City, the Chargers still have more work to do. With the division still
within reach, three big games will decide their potential seeding.
Quarterback Justin Herbert has done all of this minus his two tackles
out for the season. A very good and serviceable run game; solid
receivers who can surprise anyone. My biggest admiration: defense.

This Chargers defense is very exotic and can send lighting bolts into
players without question. Flying around and being aggressive no matter
the scheme. A *beware game* in Dallas Sunday afternoon; the big
game which can flip their seeding hosting Houston the following week.
It'll be a battle of elite defenses in deciding who'll be the last man
standing.