The NFL season is officially entering its endgame after the conclusion of Week 15. With Christmas approaching, teams are now in true do-or-die mode as every remaining game carries massive playoff implications. That urgency has made for some entertaining football across the league. Here is how things stack up heading into Week 16.
32. Las Vegas Raiders (2-12)
Weekly Change: Down 1
The Raiders take over the bottom spot in this week’s rankings. Congratulations to Las Vegas, who earned this distinction after suffering a 31-0 beatdown at the hands of the Eagles. There is simply nothing working here, and the season cannot end soon enough.
31. New York Jets (3-11)
Weekly Change: Up 1
The Jets move up one spot, not because of anything they did, but because of how bad the Raiders have been. Like Las Vegas, New York was embarrassed again this week. Watching this team every Sunday has become painful, even for the most diehard Jets fans.
30. Tennessee Titans (2-12)
Weekly Change: Neutral
Tennessee lost again, but there was at least a small positive. Cam Ward showed some growth, throwing for 170 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions against the 49ers. It does not change much in the standings, but it is something to build on.
29. Arizona Cardinals (3-11)
Weekly Change: Neutral
Every week feels the same for Arizona. They come out flat, fall behind early, and spend the rest of the game chasing points. This team lacks any real competitive edge and has become a chore to watch.
28. New York Giants (2-12)
Weekly Change: Neutral
The best thing a bad team can be is competitive, and at least the Giants usually are. That may not mean much in the standings, but it does separate them slightly from the teams below.
27. Cleveland Browns (3-11)
Weekly Change: Down 1
Myles Garrett’s pursuit of the single-season sack record is the only real bright spot here. Outside of that, Cleveland is a mess. It would not be surprising if major changes are made once the season concludes.
26. Washington Commanders (4-10)
Weekly Change: Up 1
Washington picked up a win against the Giants, but it was largely meaningless in the bigger picture. They are more competitive than the teams below them, but this is still a very poor football team.
25. Atlanta Falcons (5-9)
Weekly Change: Neutral
Despite a win over Tampa Bay, the Falcons stay put. They are decent enough week to week, but there is little reason for optimism going forward.
24. New Orleans Saints (4-10)
Weekly Change: Neutral
The Saints grabbed a feel-good win against Carolina. Kellen Moore deserves credit for keeping this team competitive after many expected New Orleans to be among the league’s worst entering the season.
23. Kansas City Chiefs (6-8)
Weekly Change: Down 8
Week 15 was a nightmare for Kansas City. Not only did they lose to the Chargers, but Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and is done for the year. This franchise faces major questions moving forward if it wants to return to championship contention.
22. Cincinnati Bengals (4-10)
Weekly Change: Down 2
A 24-0 loss to Baltimore was shocking. This offense had been rolling, and getting shut out by a shaky Ravens defense was hard to believe. Like Kansas City, Cincinnati needs significant changes to properly support its star quarterback.
21. Miami Dolphins (6-8)
Weekly Change: Neutral
Miami looked exactly as expected in cold conditions against Pittsburgh. At this point, it has become clear that Tua Tagovailoa is not the long-term answer in Miami.
20. Indianapolis Colts (8-6)
Weekly Change: Up 2
The Philip Rivers experiment was not a disaster against Seattle, but it still ended in a loss. This team is extremely limited with Rivers at quarterback, and the margin for error is razor thin.
19. Minnesota Vikings (6-8)
Weekly Change: Up 4
Minnesota picked up a solid win, and J.J. McCarthy looked good again. If he continues stacking performances like this, Vikings fans can feel optimistic about him heading into next season.
18. Carolina Panthers (7-7)
Weekly Change: Up 1
Carolina had a real opportunity to grab control of the NFC South but faltered against New Orleans for the second time this year. The race between the Panthers and Buccaneers feels like a true coin flip.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
Weekly Change: Neutral
One spot ahead of Carolina sits Tampa Bay. It is hard to believe how quickly this season has unraveled for the Buccaneers. Even if they reach the playoffs, it is difficult to imagine them making any real noise.
16. Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1)
Weekly Change: Down 2
Dallas has been the same team all season. The offense can score, but the defense consistently lets them down. A 34-26 loss to Minnesota all but ended their playoff hopes.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6)
Weekly Change: Up 3
Pittsburgh handled Miami this week and continues to quietly move up the standings. A massive test against Detroit awaits next.
14. Baltimore Ravens (7-7)
Weekly Change: Up 2
Baltimore picked up a crucial win against Cincinnati to stay alive in the AFC North race. A pivotal matchup against New England looms.
13. Los Angeles Chargers (10-4)
Weekly Change: Neutral
The Chargers escaped Kansas City with a 16-13 win. This team continues to find ways to win and will be a tough out once the playoffs arrive.
12. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4)
Weekly Change: Neutral
Trevor Lawrence has been playing outstanding football. If this level continues, Jacksonville will be a matchup nobody wants in the postseason. A win over Denver next week could push them firmly into the top ten.
11. San Francisco 49ers (10-4)
Weekly Change: Neutral
San Francisco took care of business against Tennessee. A tougher test traveling to Indianapolis is next on the schedule.
10. Green Bay Packers (9-4-1)
Weekly Change: Down 8
The injury situation has dramatically changed Green Bay’s outlook. What once looked like a true Super Bowl contender now feels more like a solid but limited playoff team.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (9-5)
Weekly Change: Up 1
The Eagles demolished the Raiders 31-0 in what was clearly a get-right game. They get another favorable matchup next week against Washington.
8. Chicago Bears (10-4)
Weekly Change: Up 1
Chicago handled Cleveland with ease. A massive matchup against Green Bay awaits in a battle for control of the NFC North.
7. Houston Texans (9-5)
Weekly Change: Up 1
Houston made quick work of Arizona and should be able to do the same against Las Vegas next week.
6. Detroit Lions (8-6)
Weekly Change: Neutral
Despite their record, Detroit remains firmly in the playoff picture. The defense is becoming a concern, however, and will need to tighten up against the league’s elite.
5. New England Patriots (11-3)
Weekly Change: Up 2
New England jumped out to a big early lead against Buffalo before eventually falling short. Even in defeat, the Patriots were impressive, and a playoff rematch with the Bills would be must-watch television.
4. Denver Broncos (12-2)
Weekly Change: Up 1
Bo Nix and the Broncos looked sharp in their win over Green Bay. If Denver can secure the top seed in the AFC, they may very well be the favorite to come out of the conference.
3. Seattle Seahawks (11-3)
Weekly Change: Neutral
Seattle was pushed harder than expected by Indianapolis, but their elite defense ultimately carried them to another win. A massive showdown with the Rams awaits.
2. Buffalo Bills (10-4)
Weekly Change: Up 2
Buffalo moves up after a thrilling comeback win against New England. With Kansas City out of the picture, the window feels wide open for Josh Allen and the Bills.
1. Los Angeles Rams (11-3)
Weekly Change: Neutral
The Rams handled Detroit in a 41-34 shootout and remain my pick for the league’s best team.
If this was your kind of read, you’ll like what’s next. Get The Sandman Ticket, our free, weekly newsletter with picks, insights, and a little bit of everything we love about sports.