With just three games left in the NFL regular season, the playoff picture is still a jigsaw puzzle with a few key pieces missing. Division titles are still up for grabs, wild card spots are wide open, and the top seed in both conferences is anything but locked in. Week 16 looms large, and several matchups carry heavyweight playoff implications.
Let’s dive into the current state of the league through our updated power rankings, where the contenders are separating themselves, the hopefuls are hanging on, and the eliminated teams are turning their attention to April’s draft.
The Contenders
1. Los Angeles Rams (Last Week: 1)
The Rams continue to hold down the top spot, and they’ve earned it. This team has been the most consistent force all season, with a defense that sets the tone and an offense that capitalizes.
The NFC still runs through L.A. until someone proves otherwise.
2. Seattle Seahawks (Last Week: 2)
Seattle isn’t just knocking on the door - they’re trying to kick it down. They’ve matched the Rams stride for stride, and their Thursday night showdown could end up deciding the NFC West and the conference’s No. 1 seed.
Buckle up.
3. Denver Broncos (Last Week: 3)
Denver’s defense has been elite all season, and now the offense is starting to find its rhythm. If they keep trending upward, they’ll be a nightmare matchup come January.
4. Green Bay Packers (Last Week: 4)
The Packers are rolling, and their Week 16 clash with the Bears at Soldier Field is shaping up to be the biggest game of their season - maybe the biggest in years. The winner takes control of the NFC North and the No. 2 seed in the conference.
5. Chicago Bears (Last Week: 5)
Chicago has been one of the league’s best stories this season. They’ve built a tough, balanced team that’s peaking at the right time.
Sunday’s matchup with Green Bay has serious playoff implications, and the Bears know it.
6. Buffalo Bills (Last Week: 12)
Down 21-0? No problem.
Buffalo’s comeback win over New England was one of the most impressive performances of Week 15 and a statement that the Bills are heating up at just the right time. That kind of resilience is dangerous in December.
7. Philadelphia Eagles (Last Week: 10)
The defending champs finally looked like themselves again in a dominant bounce-back win. They haven’t had the same edge as last year, but if they’re rounding into form, nobody will want to face them in the playoffs.
8. New England Patriots (Last Week: 6)
After blowing a 21-point lead, the Patriots drop a few spots. The defense has been solid, but questions about their ability to close out games are starting to surface.
They’re still in the mix, but they’ve got to tighten things up fast.
9. San Francisco 49ers (Last Week: 7)
San Francisco is still very much in the hunt, but they’ve hit a bit of a plateau. The talent is there - especially on defense - but they need to find another gear down the stretch.
10. Los Angeles Chargers (Last Week: 9)
The Chargers are dangerous when they’re clicking, but consistency has been their Achilles’ heel. Still, they’re in the playoff picture and have the firepower to make a run.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars (Last Week: 11)
Jacksonville continues to quietly go about its business. They’re not flashy, but they’re effective - and that’s what counts in December.
They’ve got a firm grip on the AFC South for now.
12. Houston Texans (Last Week: 15)
Houston’s rise continues. They’ve jumped three spots this week and are making a late-season push that’s hard to ignore.
They’re young, hungry, and playing with house money.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers (Last Week: 14)
The Steelers are still clinging to the AFC North lead, but it’s tight. Their defense is doing the heavy lifting, but the offense needs to find its footing if they want to hold off the Ravens.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Last Week: 17)
Tampa Bay is trending in the right direction at the right time. Their matchup with Carolina this week is a must-win, and possibly a division decider.
Teams to Watch
15. Detroit Lions (Last Week: 8)
Detroit’s playoff hopes are dimming, but they’re not out of it. They’re likely out of the NFC North race, but a wild card berth is still in play if they can finish strong.
16. Baltimore Ravens (Last Week: 16)
The Ravens are in a tight spot. Their best shot is winning the division, because the wild card route is looking unlikely.
They’ll need to outlast Pittsburgh down the stretch - no small task.
17. Carolina Panthers (Last Week: 18)
Carolina’s resurgence has been one of the more surprising storylines of the season. They’re still alive in the NFC South and face a huge test against the Buccaneers this weekend.
A win there, and things get very interesting.
18. Indianapolis Colts (Last Week: 13)
Calling Philip Rivers out of retirement tells you everything you need to know about Indy’s quarterback situation. They’ve had a wild ride this season, but the wheels may finally be coming off.
The wild card is a long shot now.
19. Dallas Cowboys (Last Week: 19)
Dallas is hanging on by a thread. They’ll need help and a strong finish to sneak in, but stranger things have happened.
At the very least, they’re still in the conversation.
Eliminated from Playoff Contention
20. Kansas City Chiefs (Last Week: 20)
It’s officially over for the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes’ season-ending ACL injury was the final blow in what’s been a brutal year.
A team that’s been a perennial powerhouse is now staring at a long offseason.
21. Miami Dolphins (Last Week: 21)
Miami had higher hopes for this season, but inconsistency and a few key injuries derailed their campaign. They’ve got pieces, but the rebuild continues.
22. Atlanta Falcons (Last Week: 24)
Atlanta showed flashes, but ultimately couldn’t string together enough wins. They’ll need to make some serious decisions this offseason if they want to contend again soon.
23. Minnesota Vikings (Last Week: 23)
A disappointing year for a team that had playoff expectations. The Vikings are another club that will be evaluating everything this offseason - from quarterback play to coaching.
24. Cincinnati Bengals (Last Week: 22)
Cincinnati’s fall from grace has been steep. Injuries played a role, but the regression across the board is concerning.
They’ll be picking high in the draft, and they’ll need to make it count.
25. Washington Commanders (Last Week: 25)
Washington couldn’t find consistency on either side of the ball. There are young pieces to build around, but they’re still a few years away from seriously competing.
26. Arizona Cardinals (Last Week: 26)
Arizona’s season never really got off the ground. They’ll be in the top 10 of the draft and could use the pick to reset at a few key positions.
27. New Orleans Saints (Last Week: 27)
The Saints just didn’t have the firepower this year. Injuries and offensive struggles plagued them all season long.
28. New York Jets (Last Week: 28)
Same story, different year for the Jets. The defense has potential, but the offense continues to lag far behind.
They’ll be looking for answers - again.
29. New York Giants (Last Week: 29)
Injuries and offensive inefficiency doomed the Giants early, and they never recovered. There’s talent on the roster, but it hasn’t come together.
30. Las Vegas Raiders (Last Week: 30)
The Raiders are in full reset mode. They’ll be one of the most active teams this offseason - they have to be.
31. Tennessee Titans (Last Week: 31)
Tennessee’s physical identity couldn’t carry them this year. The offense sputtered, and the defense couldn’t hold up.
It’s back to the drawing board.
32. Cleveland Browns (Last Week: 32)
The Browns remain in the basement. It’s been a tough year all around, and they’ll be picking at or near the top of the 2026 draft.
They need a spark - and fast.
What to Watch in Week 16
The playoff race is officially in overdrive. Bears vs.
Packers at Soldier Field could decide the NFC North. Rams vs.
Seahawks on Thursday Night Football might settle the NFC West - and possibly the top seed. And don’t sleep on Panthers-Buccaneers, which could crown a surprise division champ in the South.
Every snap matters now. The postseason is within reach - for some.
For others, it’s already draft season. Welcome to the NFL in mid-December.