Carolina Panthers

NFL power Rankings: patriots, Bears Surge as Playoff Picture ‌Takes Shape

Week 14 of the 2025 ‍NFL season delivered notable shifts in the league’s power⁣ structure, ‌with ‍the new England Patriots and Chicago Bears experiencing notable rises while established contenders​ like the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles rams,​ and Philadelphia eagles ⁤stumbled. These movements come as ⁣teams battle for playoff positioning with just ‌weeks remaining in the ‍regular season.

The Patriots’ recent ⁢success and the Bears’ surprising competitiveness highlight the volatility of the⁢ NFL, while ⁢the struggles of traditionally strong⁢ teams underscore the importance of consistent performance ​and injury management. Draft positioning is also becoming ⁣a critical focus for teams ‍already ⁣eliminated from playoff contention.

Power Rankings:

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30. New Orleans Saints (2-10)
Last ⁢week: 29
Sunday: Lost to⁢ Dolphins 21-17
Best-case scenario: A Week ‌17 loss

The Saints’ loss to the Dolphins further solidifies their position ​near the bottom⁢ of the league.​ A ⁤Week 17 matchup against the Titans presents an chance to improve their draft standing, with a loss giving‌ them a 28 percent​ chance ⁢of ⁣landing the No. 1 overall pick.
Up next: at Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 ⁤p.m. ET

31.Las Vegas raiders (2-10)
Last week: 31
Sunday: Lost to Chargers 31-14
Best-case scenario: Clarity with their decision-making

The Raiders’ offense continued⁢ to ⁣struggle in a loss to the‌ Chargers, managing only 156 yards. The firing of Chip Kelly ‍has raised⁤ questions about ⁢the organization’s structure.⁢ The Raiders‍ have been eliminated from playoff contention, extending their playoff-win drought since​ 2003.
Up next: vs. ‌Broncos, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

32. Tennessee Titans (1-11)
Last week: 32
Sunday: Lost ⁤to Jaguars 25-3
Best-case ‌scenario: ‌The No. 1 overall pick

The Titans’ ⁤defeat against the Jaguars ⁤reinforces their status as ⁤one of‍ the league’s worst teams. They currently have⁢ a ⁣52‌ percent chance of earning the⁣ No. 1 pick and a 95 percent chance of securing ⁣a top-five pick.
Up‍ next: at Browns,Sunday,1 p.m. ET

Notably, Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart was injured in a game against the Patriots, suffering a hit from ⁢Patriots linebacker Christian ⁣Elliss along the sideline. The incident highlighted the need for Dart to learn to slide and⁣ protect himself to prolong his career.

NFL Playoff Picture After Week 12: Patriots Seize control of AFC; Eagles Lose Grip on NFC

BOSTON – The New England Patriots have surged to the top of the AFC playoff picture following Week 12 victories, while the Philadelphia Eagles’ hold on the NFC’s top seed loosened with a surprising loss, creating renewed competition among several NFC contenders. The evolving landscape sets the stage for a dramatic final stretch of the NFL season.

The Patriots’ recent success, coupled with stumbles from other AFC teams, positions them favorably for a potential first-round bye. In the NFC, the Eagles’ defeat opens the door for teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions to challenge for the top spot and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Several other teams remain in contention, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the league this season.

NFC Playoff Picture

Leading the Pack:

Philadelphia Eagles – Despite a recent loss, the eagles remain in a strong position, but must regain momentum.
San Francisco 49ers – The 49ers have exceeded expectations despite battling injuries, holding a 6-0 record against teams with losing records and a 2-4 record against winning teams. Their schedule includes matchups against playoff contenders down the stretch.
Detroit Lions (7-4) – The Lions are firmly in the hunt and have a chance to solidify their position with key divisional games.
Green Bay Packers – The Packers have righted the ship with wins against the New York Giants and the Vikings, and are the only NFC North team without two division losses. Their upcoming schedule will test their progress.

In the Hunt:

Carolina Panthers (6-6)
Dallas Cowboys (5-5-1)
Atlanta Falcons (4-7)
minnesota Vikings (4-7)
Arizona Cardinals (3-8)
Washington Commanders (3-8)
New Orleans Saints (2-9)

AFC Playoff Picture

New England Patriots – The Bucs have lost four of five, including three straight, opening the door for the surging Carolina Panthers, who can jump into first place in the NFC South on Monday if they beat the San Francisco 49ers. The Bucs’ schedule levels out with three consecutive home games against teams with losing records, but their season might ultimately come down to their two tilts against the Panthers in the final three weeks.

Seattle Seahawks – Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the NFL with 1,313 receiving yards,and is on pace for 2,029 this season,which would make him the first 2,000-yard receiver in league history.

Looking Ahead – Next Three Weeks:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: vs. Cardinals, vs. Saints, vs. Falcons
Seattle Seahawks: vs. Vikings, at Falcons, vs. Colts
Green Bay Packers: at Lions, vs. Bears, at Broncos
San Francisco 49ers: at Browns, bye, vs. Titans

Eliminated:

(No AFC teams currently eliminated)