NFL Power Rankings – Week 18

1. New England Patriots (13–3)

While on paper the Patriots look like the best team in the NFL, that stinging Week 1 loss to the Raiders may ultimately cost them the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

2. Seattle Seahawks (13–3)

It all comes down to Saturday night for Seattle. This isn’t the Legion of Boom with household-name superstars, but a collective unit playing at an elite level. This year’s Seahawks defense has been on par with the 2013 group led by Richard Sherman.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (12–4)

Jacksonville is living out the Dumb and Dumber moment: “So you’re telling me there’s a chance.” It’s small, but it exists. If the Patriots lose at home to Miami, the Broncos lose at home to the Chargers’ backups, and the Jaguars beat the Titans at home, Jacksonville would earn the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

4. Denver Broncos (13–3)

The Broncos simply need to win Sunday to secure home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. Traveling to Denver in mid-January is never a pleasant experience for visiting teams.

5. San Francisco 49ers (12–4)

Despite a season filled with injuries, San Francisco has a chance Saturday night to claim the No. 1 seed in the NFC if they can knock off the Seahawks.

6. Philadelphia Eagles (11–5)

Philly has finished the regular season strong and is heating up at the right time. The defending champs are firmly in the Lombardi Trophy conversation once again.

7. Los Angeles Rams (11–5)

Not only did the Rams lose on Monday night, but Matt Stafford likely lost his MVP case to Drake Maye in the process.

8. Houston Texans (11–5)

The NFL’s dark horse. Houston is on an absolute tear, and if things break their way, they could realistically be the last team standing in the AFC.

9. Buffalo Bills (11–5)

Going for two late against the Eagles backfired and cost Buffalo the game, but the Bills remain one of the top Super Bowl contenders entering the postseason.

10. Chicago Bears (11–4)

Chicago pushed San Francisco to the limit on Sunday night but came up just short. The Bears have already wrapped up the NFC North and still have a shot at the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoffs.

11. Los Angeles Chargers (11–5)

Jim Harbaugh is satisfied with the regular season and will rest his starters Sunday against Denver, fully shifting focus to the postseason.

12. Green Bay Packers (9-6–1)

Green Bay is playoff-bound, but the season has shifted from sunny to cloudy with injuries piling up at the worst possible time.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (9–6)

The Steelers and Ravens meet Sunday night to close the regular season. As long as Pittsburgh doesn’t lose, they’ll claim the AFC North and punch the final ticket to the 2025 playoff bracket.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7–9)

A tough fall from grace. Tampa no longer controls its destiny and must win Saturday while hoping Atlanta loses to New Orleans to steal the NFC South.

15. Carolina Panthers (8–8)

Carolina is in a strong position. Win and they’re NFC South champions. Even with a loss, a Falcons win over the Saints would still crown the Panthers division champs.

16. Minnesota Vikings (8–8)

One of the hottest teams in the league, but unfortunately it’s come too late. Expect big things from Minnesota next season.

17. Baltimore Ravens (8-8)

Earlier this season, Ravens fans were calling for Jim Harbaugh’s job. Now Baltimore is right on the doorstep of yet another postseason run.

18. Atlanta Falcons (7–9)

The biggest question heading into the offseason: who is Atlanta’s starting quarterback next season?

19. Detroit Lions (8–8)

Things simply didn’t get better for Detroit this season, and unanswered questions loom heading into 2026.

20. New Orleans Saints (6–10)

The Saints are finishing strong and appear to have a promising young quarterback to build around next season.

21. Dallas Cowboys (7–8–1)

Beating your archrival to end the season is always nice, but it won’t be enough to get Dallas into the playoffs.

22. Miami Dolphins (7–9)

As the curtain is closing on Mike McDaniel’s time in Miami — at least most believe — he’s going out in a blaze of glory.

23. Indianapolis Colts (8–7)

Thank you, Philip Rivers. That was a fun three-week stretch and a memorable late-season run for Colts fans.

24. Cincinnati Bengals (6–10)

The Bengals look ready to turn the page to 2026. The big question: will Zac Taylor still be the head coach?

25. Kansas City Chiefs (6–10)

Hard times in Kansas City, as the late Dusty Rhodes once said.

26. Cleveland Browns (4–12)

A gritty win over archrival Pittsburgh to close the season. The offense struggled, but Cleveland’s defense has been dominant all year. Myles Garrett gets one more shot at the single-season sack record in Cincinnati.

27. Washington Commanders (4–12)