The NFL Week 16 power rankings show major shifts in the league as injuries and key matchups shake up the top teams. After the Patriots’ loss and several standout performances, the rankings reveal which squads are now primed for playoff contention.
The Los Angeles Rams maintain the top spot after a dominant offensive run, scoring at least 34 points in six of their past eight games. Their high-powered attack will face a tough test Thursday night in Seattle.
The Seattle Seahawks rise to No. 2, boasting a defense that allowed only one touchdown over the past 12 quarters. Fans will soon see if the Seahawks’ defense can match the Rams’ offensive firepower.
The Denver Broncos move up to No. 3, with quarterback Bo Nix delivering a breakout performance against Green Bay. If Nix continues this form, the Broncos could become serious Super Bowl contenders.
The Houston Texans enter the top five after C.J. Stroud’s standout showing against Arizona. Their offense has shown enough potential to challenge some of the league’s best defenses.
The Buffalo Bills sit at No. 5, benefiting from a win over the Patriots and a Kansas City loss, which clears a potential playoff obstacle. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots fall to No. 6 after losing a key AFC East matchup. Their inexperience continues to show, with the Bills remaining the only winning team they have defeated this season.
The Green Bay Packers drop to No. 7 as they face the loss of DE Micah Parsons to an ACL tear. The team now faces questions about both defensive performance and morale. The Jacksonville Jaguars climb to No. 8 following Trevor Lawrence’s standout performance, reminding fans why he is considered a generational talent.
The San Francisco 49ers remain at No. 9, quietly in contention for the NFC’s top playoff seed despite the spotlight on other NFC teams. The Chicago Bears round out the top 10, with offensive lineman Joe Thuney proving crucial in protecting quarterback Caleb Williams over nearly 900 snaps this season.
Other notable movements include the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 11, Philadelphia Eagles at No. 12, and the Detroit Lions falling to No. 13 despite being competitive and entertaining. The Pittsburgh Steelers rise to No. 14 after a strong performance in the AFC North.
The Baltimore Ravens sit at No. 15 following a shutout win where they controlled the game despite limited possession. Tampa Bay Buccaneers climb to No. 16 with key players returning, aiming for a fifth consecutive NFC South title.
Teams like the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, and Dallas Cowboys show mixed results, with individual standout performances not always translating to wins.
Further down, the Kansas City Chiefs struggle in the Gardner Minshew era, while the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and Arizona Cardinals continue to face challenges despite strong individual statistics.
The lower end of the rankings sees teams like the Washington Commanders, Cincinnati Bengals, and New York Giants trying to overcome inconsistencies, while the New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and Las Vegas Raiders remain in rebuilding mode or facing tough late-season stretches.
NFL Week 16 power rankings highlight how quickly fortunes can change in the league due to injuries, unexpected performances, and playoff positioning. Fans can expect further shake-ups as teams battle for seeding in the final weeks of the 2025 season.
