NFL Power Rankings Week 16: Injuries Shake the Landscape, Rams Rise to the Top
Week 15 brought a mix of dominance, drama, and devastating injuries. While some of the league’s elite flexed their muscles against overmatched opponents, a few heavyweight showdowns delivered the kind of late-season intensity you expect with playoff positioning on the line.
The Lions and Rams clashed in a game that started with Detroit throwing the first punch, only for Sean McVay’s crew to settle in and take control. Buffalo nearly pulled off a wild comeback after falling into a 21-point hole against New England, but Josh Allen’s late-game heroics weren’t enough to flip the script. Meanwhile, Green Bay dropped a critical interconference matchup to Denver - and lost far more than just a game.
The biggest gut-punches of the week came in the form of major injuries. Patrick Mahomes went down in the early slate with a knee injury that could threaten his 2026 season.
Later, Packers star Micah Parsons suffered a similar fate. Two of the league’s most dynamic players now face uncertain futures, and their teams will feel the ripple effects immediately.
And then there’s Dallas. The Cowboys, still technically in the playoff hunt, couldn’t stop yet another average quarterback from looking like a Pro Bowler. The defense that once carried hope into the season now looks like it’s running on fumes.
With all that chaos in the rearview, here’s where things stand heading into Week 16:
32. Las Vegas Raiders (2-12) | Last Week: 32
Still stuck at the bottom. The offense is lifeless, the defense can’t get stops, and the coaching situation remains a question mark.
The Raiders are playing out the string.
31. New York Giants (2-12) | Last Week: 31
Injuries and inconsistency have derailed any progress. There’s talent here, but not enough to overcome the weekly grind of the NFL.
30. Tennessee Titans (2-12) | Last Week: 29
The Titans have lost their identity. The physical run game that once defined them is a shell of its former self, and the defense can’t hold the line.
29. Cleveland Browns (3-11) | Last Week: 27
The quarterback carousel continues, and so does the losing. A disappointing season for a team with high expectations.
28. New York Jets (3-11) | Last Week: 26
The defense has moments, but the offense has been stuck in neutral all year. Another offseason of soul-searching looms.
27. Arizona Cardinals (3-11) | Last Week: 25
Kyler Murray’s return hasn’t been the spark many hoped for. The Cardinals are still figuring out who they want to be.
26. New Orleans Saints (4-10) | Last Week: 30
A small jump after showing some fight, but the Saints are still far from the team they thought they’d be when the season began.
25. Washington Commanders (4-10) | Last Week: 28
Flashes of promise, but not enough consistency. The defense has underperformed, and the offense remains a work in progress.
24. Cincinnati Bengals (4-10) | Last Week: 23
Injuries have gutted this team. Without their stars, the Bengals are just trying to stay competitive.
23. Atlanta Falcons (5-9) | Last Week: 24
The Falcons continue to be one of the NFL’s most unpredictable teams - capable of looking competent one week and lost the next.
22. Miami Dolphins (6-7) | Last Week: 21 (Pending MNF)
Still alive, but barely. Miami’s inconsistency has been maddening, and they’re running out of time to put it all together.
21. Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1) | Last Week: 15
A steep drop, and deservedly so. The defense is leaking oil, and the offense can’t find rhythm.
The Cowboys are fading fast.
20. Indianapolis Colts (8-6) | Last Week: 20
Still holding steady, but they haven’t shown the kind of spark that makes you believe they can make noise in January.
19. Minnesota Vikings (6-8) | Last Week: 22
They’ve been scrappy, and a late-season push isn’t out of the question. The defense has quietly improved.
18. Kansas City Chiefs (6-8) | Last Week: 18
No Mahomes, no magic. The Chiefs are in survival mode now, and it’s hard to see a playoff run without their star QB.
17. Carolina Panthers (7-7) | Last Week: 14
Still in the mix, but trending the wrong direction. The offense needs to find another gear.
16. Baltimore Ravens (7-7) | Last Week: 19
Climbing back into the picture with a gritty win. This team has flaws, but they’re tough and resilient.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7) | Last Week: 17
They’ve quietly strung together some solid performances. If they can stay hot, they could sneak into the playoffs.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) | Last Week: 16 (Pending MNF)
Hanging around thanks to a strong defense. The offense remains the big question mark.
13. Detroit Lions (8-6) | Last Week: 11
They started strong against the Rams but couldn’t finish. Still a dangerous team, but they’ve got to close better.
12. Houston Texans (9-5) | Last Week: 13
The Texans continue to be one of the league’s best stories. Young talent, smart coaching, and a belief they belong.
11. Los Angeles Chargers (10-4) | Last Week: 12
Quietly stacking wins. The defense is coming together, and the offense is finding its groove.
10. Green Bay Packers (9-4-1) | Last Week: 5
A brutal week. Not only did they lose to Denver, but they also lost Micah Parsons to a knee injury.
Their playoff hopes just got a lot more complicated.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) | Last Week: 10
Steady as they go. The Jags aren’t flashy, but they’re well-coached and fundamentally sound.
8. Philadelphia Eagles (9-5) | Last Week: 9
Still dangerous, but the offense has looked out of sync lately. They’ll need to clean things up before the playoffs.
7. San Francisco 49ers (10-4) | Last Week: 8
The Niners are banged up but still battling. Their physical style travels well in the postseason - if they can get healthy.
6. Chicago Bears (10-4) | Last Week: 7
The Bears keep proving they’re more than just a feel-good story. This team is built to win in December.
5. Buffalo Bills (10-4) | Last Week: 6
They nearly pulled off a wild comeback, but the early hole was too deep. Still, Josh Allen remains one of the most dangerous weapons in the league.
4. New England Patriots (11-3) | Last Week: 1
Letting a 21-point lead slip is a tough pill to swallow. The defense looked vulnerable late, and the offense went cold when it mattered most.
3. Seattle Seahawks (11-3) | Last Week: 3
Seattle just keeps humming along. Efficient, balanced, and well-coached - they’re built for the long haul.
2. Denver Broncos (12-2) | Last Week: 4
Statement win over Green Bay. The defense is nasty, and the offense is doing just enough.
This team is peaking at the right time.
1. Los Angeles Rams (11-3) | Last Week: 2
The Rams are back on top. After weathering an early storm in Detroit, they showed why they’re one of the most complete teams in the league.
Offense, defense, coaching - it’s all clicking in L.A.
Looking Ahead: With just a few weeks left in the regular season, the playoff picture is starting to take shape - but it’s far from settled.
Injuries are reshuffling the deck, and every game feels like it carries postseason weight. Buckle up.
Week 16 is coming in hot.