Week 12 of the NFL season has passed and we are officially right on the cusp of Thanksgiving football. The playoff teams are beginning to cement themselves, while others have some serious work to do if they want to make the big dance come January. Here is how the NFL is shaping up before Thanksgiving dinner.
32. Tennessee Titans (1-10)
Weekly Change: Neutral
The Titans lost again, unsurprisingly, but at least Cam Ward looked adequate against a tough Seattle defense.
31. New York Jets (2-9)
Weekly Change: Neutral
The Jets stayed competitive for much of their game against New England, but eventually ran out of steam and earned their ninth loss.
30. Las Vegas Raiders (2-9)
Weekly Change: Neutral
Las Vegas was thrashed by the Browns 24-10. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was fired after the game, which could spark something… or not.
29. Washington Commanders (3-8)
Weekly Change: Neutral
Washington was on a much-needed bye. A difficult matchup with Denver is up next.
28. New Orleans Saints (2-9)
Weekly Change: Down 2
New Orleans looked putrid against an Atlanta team that has struggled all season. Tyler Shough struggled and the rest of the offense wasn’t much better.
27. New York Giants (2-10)
Weekly Change: Neutral
The Jameis Winston-led Giants have nearly stolen two wins in a row against the Lions and Packers. Staying competitive but losing might actually be the best outcome for their long-term outlook. At least they’re watchable.
26. Cleveland Browns (3-8)
Weekly Change: Up 2
Shedeur Sanders looked decent but not great in his NFL debut. Still, he looked better than Dillon Gabriel has all year and should remain the starter. And Myles Garrett continues to look like the best defensive player in the NFL.
25. Minnesota Vikings (4-7)
Weekly Change: Down 6
J.J. McCarthy has arguably been the worst quarterback in the NFL this season. You cannot win consistently when your passing game struggles to reach 100 yards. A lost season largely because of horrendous QB play.
24. Arizona Cardinals (3-8)
Weekly Change: Down 1
Arizona is treading water to the finish line. They keep games close, but there is not much real hope here. Onward to next season.
23. Atlanta Falcons (4-7)
Weekly Change: Up 2
Kirk Cousins helped pick up a win against the lowly Saints. They could still make a run at the NFC South, but it remains extremely unlikely.
22. Miami Dolphins (4-7)
Weekly Change: Neutral
Miami was on bye. With the Saints and Jets up next, they could easily be 6–7 soon.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (3-8)
Weekly Change: Up 3
Even after another loss, the Bengals rise because Joe Burrow returns on Thanksgiving Day. Cincinnati instantly becomes much tougher with him back.
20. Carolina Panthers (6-6)
Weekly Change: Up 1
Carolina looked helpless against the 49ers. Bryce Young’s inconsistency continues to hold this team back.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5)
Weekly Change: Down 4
Pittsburgh kept things close against Chicago but fell short. They desperately need Aaron Rodgers back to regain early-season rhythm.
18. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)
Weekly Change: Down 1
The Chargers were on bye. A soft matchup against the Raiders is next.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-4)
Weekly Change: Down 1
Jacksonville escaped Arizona with a tight win and now sits firmly in the AFC South race. Only one game behind the Colts with a real shot at the division.
16. Dallas Cowboys (5-5-1)
Weekly Change: Up 4
Dallas pulled off an incredible comeback against Philly after trailing 21–0. The defense has rebounded nicely and the offense continues to hum. Playoff hopes are alive.
15. Chicago Bears (8-3)
Weekly Change: Up 3
Chicago’s remarkable season continues. If they beat Philadelphia on Black Friday, expect another big jump in these rankings.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5)
Weekly Change: Down 2
Tampa Bay was hammered 34-7 by the Rams. After a hot start, they look lost. Fortunately, the upcoming schedule softens.
13. San Francisco 49ers (8-4)
Weekly Change: Up 1
Despite Brock Purdy’s horrific outing, the defense carried them past Carolina. This is still a playoff-caliber squad.
12. Houston Texans (6-5)
Weekly Change: Neutral
Houston’s defense might be the best in the NFL. They had Josh Allen confused all afternoon. If the offense figures it out, they can beat anyone.
11. Baltimore Ravens (6-5)
Weekly Change: Neutral
Baltimore is somehow back atop the AFC North after starting 1-5. One of the most impressive turnarounds of the year.
10. Indianapolis Colts (8-4)
Weekly Change: Down 4
The Colts started well against Kansas City but fell apart late. They remain dangerous, but consistency remains a question.
9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-5)
Weekly Change: Down 1
Kansas City survived a game they absolutely needed. The schedule softens, but a big Thanksgiving test vs Dallas looms.
8. New England Patriots (10-2)
Weekly Change: Up 1
New England keeps beating inferior teams, which is better than losing to them. That said, I would love to see them face real competition, but that won’t happen next week against the Giants either.
7. Denver Broncos (9-2)
Weekly Change: Neutral
Denver was on bye. A very favorable matchup with Washington is next.
6. Green Bay Packers (7-3-1)
Weekly Change: Up 2
Green Bay looked sharp against Minnesota. A huge Thanksgiving matchup with Detroit awaits.
5. Detroit Lions (7-4)
Weekly Change: Neutral
Detroit escaped with a win over the Giants. Had they lost, their NFC North hopes could have vanished. Their Thanksgiving game against the Packers is must-watch.
4. Buffalo Bills (7-4)
Weekly Change: Down 1
Buffalo laid an egg against Houston. I still believe this team can make a splash long-term, but their offense needs to hum much more consistently.
3. Seattle Seahawks (8-3)
Weekly Change: Up 1
Seattle took care of business against the league’s worst team. They remain one of the most complete squads in football.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (8-3)
Weekly Change: Neutral
Yes, they blew a 21-point lead against Dallas, but they stay at number two. This team will be fine.
1. Los Angeles Rams (9-2)
Weekly Change: Neutral
The Rams continue to look like the league’s best team. At this point, Matthew Stafford is the MVP frontrunner and Los Angeles should be the NFC’s top seed.
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