1. 
New England Patriots (11–2)
The Patriots head into their extremely late bye week as the current team to beat in the NFL. After the bye, they host a massive matchup against the Bills.
2. 
Denver Broncos (10–2)
The Broncos continue to step up week after week, finding ways to win largely because of their defense. Denver is a legitimate Super Bowl contender..
3. 
Los Angeles Rams (9–3)
A brutal loss for the Rams on Sunday against the Panthers. Everything went wrong, from Matthew Stafford’s interceptions to the defense giving up big plays on fourth down that resulted in two major Carolina touchdowns.
4. 
Seattle Seahawks (9–3)
The Seahawks’ defense this season is performing at a level the franchise has not seen since — and may even surpass — the 2013 Legion of Boom.
5. 
Green Bay Packers (8-3–1) Last Week 9
Every time it feels like the Packers are finished, they rise to the occasion. A massive NFC North showdown looms against their archrivals, the Chicago Bears.
6. 
Chicago Bears (9–3)
Chicago remains in first place after punching the Eagles straight in the mouth on Black Friday.
7. 
San Francisco 49ers (9–4)
San Francisco picked up an easy win on Sunday against the Browns in a bad-weather game in Cleveland.
8. 
Buffalo Bills (8–4)
As long as Josh Allen is healthy, this team has the capability to reach the Super Bowl.
9. 
Detroit Lions (7–5)
It is not panic time in Detroit, but with so many strong NFC contenders, the Lions cannot afford many more losses.
10. 
Philadelphia Eagles (8–4)
Philadelphia’s offense has been a major disappointment most of the season, and now the defense has been exposed in consecutive weeks.
11. 
Houston Texans (7–5)
The hottest team on the rise. Houston looks like a legitimate dark horse capable of making a run down the stretch.
12. 
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7–5)
Baker Mayfield is healthy, and all seems steady in Tampa.
13. 
Dallas Cowboys (6–5–1)
Back-to-back massive wins for Dallas, beating both teams that appeared in last year’s Super Bowl.
14. 
Jacksonville Jaguars (8–4)
An easy win for the Jaguars on Sunday against one of the worst teams in the league.
15. 
Kansas City Chiefs (6–6)
It is panic time in Kansas City, as the playoffs now feel like a reach for last season’s AFC runners-up.
16. 
Carolina Panthers (7–6)
The Panthers are only one game out of first place — something no one expected entering Week 14.
17. 
Indianapolis Colts (8–4)
The cracks are starting to show for Indianapolis.
18. 
Los Angeles Chargers (8–4)
A much-needed bye week for the Chargers, who were exposed by the Jaguars. It is unclear whether they will fully recover from that loss.
19. 
Baltimore Ravens (6–6)
The AFC North is weak, and Baltimore is currently the best team in the division.
20. 
Pittsburgh Steelers (6–6)
When fans are calling for the firing of one of the greatest coaches in NFL history — Mike Tomlin, who has never had a losing season in 18 years — despite being tied for first place, it feels like the writing is on the wall for this team.
21. 
Cincinnati Bengals (4–8)
Joe Burrow returns, and suddenly the Bengals’ defense — which Burrow does not even play on — looks elite, completely shutting down Lamar Jackson, who had been on a roll since coming back from injury.
22. 
Miami Dolphins (5–7)
The Dolphins keep winning after a rough start that looked disastrous for the organization. Miami has turned a corner, but it may be too late.
23. 
Atlanta Falcons (4–8)
The Falcons blew a lead and lost to the Jets. It has been a disastrous season in Atlanta.
24. 
Washington Commanders (3–9)
Washington gave everything they had on Sunday Night Football, ultimately losing to the Broncos on a two-point conversion in overtime..
25. 
New York Jets (3–9)
We need Aaron Glenn to deliver another sideline dance, and have someone cue up Earth, Wind & Fire September in the background.
26. 
Arizona Cardinals (3–9)
The Cardinals have been competitive but have had countless close games slip away this season.
27. 
Cleveland Browns (3–9)
The offense struggled mightily against the 49ers. On the bright side, Myles Garrett continues to wreak havoc and has a legitimate chance to break the single-season sack record.
28. 
New York Giants (2–11)
The Giants played better than expected on Monday night, but no one realistically expected them to beat New England..
29. 
Minnesota Vikings (4–8)
Max Brosmer’s NFL career effectively started and ended on Sunday against the Seahawks, with J.J. McCarthy returning from concussion protocol and expected to reclaim the job. Brosmer’s performance suggests he may not see another NFL snap.n.
30. 
New Orleans Saints (2–10)
The Saints recovered an onside kick, but Kellen Moore’s play-calling afterward gave them no chance.
31. 
Tennessee Titans (1–11)
There is always next year.
32. 
Las Vegas Raiders (2–10)
The worst team in football by a wide margin got a break with a bye week, but with the Broncos coming to town, the losing is likely to continue.