Breaking down the NFL’s Week 12 power rankings heading into Week 12! Some risers and fallers, notably the Arizona Cardinals, who are surging up the board.
No. 10: Arizona Cardinals (6-4)
The Arizona Cardinals are one of the hottest teams in the NFL with a four-game winning streak powering them to the top of the NFC West. Kyler Murray is playing some of the best football of his career and the Cardinals are looking like a dangerous opponent at the top of the NFC. They were on a bye in Week 11 but have a favorable schedule coming out of the break to close out a strong season.
No. 9: Houston Texans (7-4)
The Houston Texans have some flaws but they are still a dangerous team with C.J. Stroud under center. They beat up on the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night behind a spectacular performance from RB Joe Mixon. The Texans’ defense needs to be more consistent but the team has enough high end talent to compete in January.
No. 8: Los Angeles Chargers (7-3)
The Los Angeles Chargers won a thriller under the primetime lights in Week 11 with J.K. Dobbins coming up heroic in the fourth quarter with a game-winning touchdown run. QB Justin Herbert was spectacular as well and is looking like an MVP candidate. Meanwhile, despite letting the Cincinnati Bengals’ explosive offense put up some points, the Chargers still have an elite defense to slow down most opponents throughout the year. Jim Harbaugh has rebuilt the Bolts into contenders overnight.
No. 7: Minnesota Vikings (8-2)
The Minnesota Vikings might not be winning in as convincing of fashion as they had been at the beginning of the season, however, their elite defense is still suffocating opponents. Sam Darnold has cooled off a bit but is still playing solid football with his exciting group of playmakers around him. The Vikings are a formidable opponent in the NFC.
No. 6: Baltimore Ravens (7-4)
Lamar Jackson is still the league MVP favorite, despite the Baltimore Ravens’ loss in Week 11. The Ravens have some flaws on their roster, causing some ultimate shortcomings that could limit their postseason success. However, Jackson and RB Derrick Henry are a scary duo to game plan against, making the Ravens a force.
No. 5: Philadelphia Eagles (8-2)
The Philadelphia Eagles secured a huge primetime win over the Washington Commanders in Week 11 to move into first place in the NFC East. Saquon Barkley could be the Offensive Player of the Year this season. Their defense has come alive, too, as the Eagles catch fire in the NFC.
No. 4: Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2)
Mike Tomlin is a future Hall of Fame head coach and his talent was on full display in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11. The Ravens were red hot going into this one, leading the NFC North. The Steelers secured the upset win, taking the top spot in the division, and putting the rest of the AFC on notice.
No. 3: Kansas City Chiefs (9-1)
The Kansas City Chiefs suffered their first defeat of the season in Week 11 at the hands of the Buffalo Bills. They went toe-to-toe with Buffalo in a potential preview of what’s to come in the postseason. The Chiefs’ defense is still elite but some chinks in the armor may have been exposed during their loss to the Bills. However, come postseason time, it’s hard to imagine Patrick Mahomes won’t hit another level.
No. 2: Buffalo Bills (9-2)
The Buffalo Bills picked up a massive win in Week 11, beating the previously unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs to improve their record to 9-2. The Bills are on a six-game winning streak, establishing themselves as arguably the best team in the AFC. Josh Allen is playing at an MVP level and could take the Bills on another deep postseason run.
No. 1: Detroit Lions (9-1)
When the Detroit Lions win big, they win big. They have arguably the most explosive offense in the NFL with an ability to blow any opponent out at any moment. Plus, the Lions’ defense is legitimate. Detroit is the scariest team in the NFC. Their Super Bowl hopes are very much alive.