Entering Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season, a number of teams are fighting for playoff seeding, division titles, and just to stay alive for the playoffs.
It's going to be a fun weekend of action.
The final three weeks of the NFL season are like a larger version of "The Witching Hour" that happens every week on NFL Red Zone. This is where wins become losses, losses become wins, and the unexpected becomes the norm. Our latest NFL Power Rankings will take a look at all of the current division leaders around the NFL and how they stack up against each other entering this home stretch of the season.
NFL Power Rankings, Week 16: Broncos top division leaders, Buccaneers free-falling into last spot
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It's really a shame to see how the Bucs have fallen lately, but luckily for them, their current horrendous streak hasn't resulted in falling behind in the NFC South by three or four games. In fact, because that division is the worst in football, they haven't fallen behind at all.
The Bucs need to get back on track immediately, and their matchup this week against the Panthers will determine which team is on this list next week. How bad do they want to not only go to the playoffs, but host a playoff game?
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
I've got to eat some crow on the Steelers, because I predicted the Dolphins to win this past week. The Steelers have now won a couple of games in a row with their backs against the wall, and you've got to respect it. Especially with TJ Watt out, the job they did on Monday night was impressive.
I am still not fully buying the Steelers as a true threat in the AFC playoffs, but if they can fend off the Ravens with three weeks to play, I'll be impressed.
6. Philadelphia Eagles
Sometimes the best thing you can get is a get-right game against the Raiders, right? The Philadelphia Eagles took care of business, got the fans back on their good side, and got everyone involved offensively.
They not only beat the Raiders, they shut out the Raiders. Tanner McKee played for 13 minutes of this game. The Eagles have plenty of issues this season, but they needed something to at least just get the vibes back on track. And that Raiders game accomplished exactly that.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
It was another impressive week for the Jacksonville Jaguars' offense in Week 15 as they completely embarrassed the New York Jets. Nobody's putting those game balls on the mantle or anything, but the Jaguars have continued to prove they are a dangerous group heading into this postseason run.
They have a top 10 offense, a top 10 defense, and they're firing on all cylinders even without Travis Hunter. They're going to get a major test this week against the Denver Broncos, especially playing in the Mile High City.
4. Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams pointed it out at his media availability, but the Bears are resilient in a lot of different ways. They can win shootouts, they can win by running the ball, they can take the ball away, they can play low-scoring games, they can make big plays on special teams, and everything in between. The Bears are not exactly playing the best complementary footbal every single week, but they can be chameleons and win any type of game.
They are hosting the Packers on Saturday with a real shot at taking a commanding lead in the NFC North.
3. Los Angeles Rams
For most of the season, I would say the Rams have been the most "impressive" team in the NFL. When you think about what they have going for them right now, they have a Super Bowl-winning coach and quarterback combo. They have a great defense. They can run the ball. They have top-tier playmakers in the passing game.
The issue with the Rams has been their secondary (at times) as well as now injuries becoming a concern. And we've seen this team falter a number of times. They are not immune from the occasional "stinker" of a game.
2. New England Patriots
After blowing a 21-point lead against the Buffalo Bills, coming off of their bye week, playing at home, the Patriots need to take a long look in the mirror. A team like this is not exempt from a game like that, but we've seen the Pats flirting with disaster a number of times this season. This was an opportunity for Drake Maye to prove himself in the clutch, and he couldn't do it.
That still doesn't take away from what we've seen this Patriots team do in 2025. They've been great for almost the entire year. We'll see how they respond in Baltimore.
1. Denver Broncos
It's time the NFL world recognizes that the Denver Broncos are the best team in the league. They aren't just out there every single week blowing teams out, but the Broncos have been elite in the categories that matter, especially against Green Bay.
Red zone offense, red zone defense, third down defense...The Broncos have outstanding coaching, Bo Nix is playing great football, and they have been unstoppable at home. They've been far from 'perfect' this season, but at 12-2, they have earned the respect of the league.