NFL Week 18 Power Rankings 2025 – The Last Power Rankings Of The Regular Season
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
And then there was one. Seventeen pulse-pounding weeks of NFL action are in the books, plus power rankings, too. We’ve got one more week before the playoffs. Two divisions are still up for grabs. So are both No. 1 seeds and first-round byes. The proud owners of the No. 1 pick are still to be determined as well.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the regular season finale of the 2025 NFL power rankings.
Who are the top teams in the NFL power rankings week 18 edition?
32. Las Vegas Raiders (32)
The Raiders cemented themselves as the worst team in the NFL by a country mile with a humiliating 34-10 blowout loss to the New York Giants in a game we liked to call “The Toilet Bowl.”
Geno Smith is gonna take all the blame, but the guy had no time to throw all game long, just as Ashton Jeanty had no room to run. But hey! Who cares? The Raiders need just one more loss to clinch the No. 1 pick, baby! Honestly, is there one Vegas fan out there upset about this loss?
31. New York Jets (27)
The Justin Fields-less and Tyrod Taylor-less Jets never stood a chance against Drake Maye and the Patriots. Not with a helpless Brady Cook behind center.
Jets fans never appreciate losses to the archrival Pats – especially in blowout fashion. But this 42-10 loss certainly helps their draft position. And they need it in a class loaded with quality QB prospects.
30. Tennessee Titans (29)
Somehow, a Week 17 clash between the Saints and Titans turned out to be a thrilling back-and-forth shootout. But it was the visitors who took this one on Sunday, as the Titans wasted another stellar effort from Cam Ward.
The rookie threw for 251 yards and two touchdowns, but the Titans’ defense was too busy making Tyler Shough look like prime Aaron Rodgers. Tennessee falls to 3-13, but they could end the season on a high note, especially in the NFL power rankings, if they do what they did to Jacksonville two years ago: Spoil their AFC South hopes with a shocking Week 18 victory.
29. New York Giants (31)
The Giants finally ended a nine-game losing skid. All it took was a game against the NFL’s worst team, the Raiders, to snap the losing streak. Hey, take ‘em how you can get ‘em.
We know many Giants fans are pissed since the win likely cost them the No. 1 pick. But does it matter that much? Jaxson Dart is rolling. You don’t need the top selection as bad as, ahem, the Raiders. Or the Jets…
28. Arizona Cardinals (28)
The Cardinals’ 37-14 blowout loss to the Bengals is just another reminder that this team could certainly use a new coach, GM, quarterback, and defense. And, ideally, a version of Marvin Harrison Jr. that actually shows up?
Other than that, the 3-13 Cardinals haven’t been so bad as this mess of a season comes to an end. Hey, they’re already in a good spot to secure a top QB in the draft?
27. Cleveland Browns (30)
Little has gone right for the Browns this year. But Shedeur Sanders beating Aaron Rodgers in a December game with playoff implications? That oughta feel good.
Sanders and the Browns’ D did just enough to shock the Steelers and spoil their hopes of clinching the AFC North. Sanders gets one more chance to strengthen his case as a QB worthy of an extended look when the Browns visit the Bengals on Sunday. Plus, they could improve their standings in the weekly NFL power rankings to end the year.
26. Washington Commanders (26)
The Commanders put up a better fight than expected against the Cowboys with third-string QB Josh Johnson. But Dak Prescott was that much better for the visitors, who held on for a 30-23 victory to hand Washington its 12th loss.
Not much to analyze or read into when you’re down to your third QB. Nothing has gone right for Washington. Their season mercilessly ends with a meaningless road game in Philadelphia on Sunday.
25. Kansas City Chiefs (22)
In what may have been Travis Kelce’s final home game, Kansas City fell 20-13 to the Broncos on Christmas Day. Honestly, it’s impressive they kept it that close with third-stringer Chris Oladokun behind center.
This brutal and forgettable season finally concludes against the Raiders. You’re almost there, Chiefs fans!
24. New Orleans Saints (25)
Break up the Saints! Winners of four straight, thank you very much!!!
Tyler Shough is now 5-3 as the Saints’ starting QB. In other words, they might have won the punchless NFC South if he started over Spencer Rattler from the get-go.
We know the 3-win Titans aren’t world-beaters. But the Saints are showing fight and resilience under Kellen Moore that we never saw under Dennis Allen. This pesky group is playing hard for its coach in a rebuilding year, having already exceeded last year’s win total.
Beating Atlanta on Sunday would clinch a 7-10 finish. That’d be pretty darn good, considering that most people picked the Saints to finish dead last at the start of the year.
23. Cincinnati Bengals (24)
Oh look. The Bengals can win games when their defense isn’t giving up 30-plus points a game.
Joe Burrow had a masterful performance in the Bengals’ shellacking of the lowly Cardinals. Too little too late, but hopefully Burrow’s latest impressive outing reminds owner Mike Brown to actually spend the necessary resources to build a winner here.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (18)
Count your blessings, Bucs fans.
Your team just lost its fourth in a row — and for the seventh time in eight games. And yet, you just need to beat Carolina at home to win the NFC South….with an 8-and-9 record.
We can freak out about Baker Mayfield’s latest implosions and mind-numbing mistakes. But none of that matters if the Bucs finish off the Panthers on Sunday. Then again, how much confidence do you have in Tampa with the way they’ve been playing?
21. Dallas Cowboys (21)
We’re sure enough Cowboys fans can get behind a road win over a longtime rival on Christmas Day. Take every little victory when you can get it, folks. Improve their standing in the NFL power rankings before 2026 hits.
Dallas is 7-8-1 now and can finish at .500 with a win over the Giants on Sunday. A good opportunity for Dak Prescott and company to drop all their season-long frustration on a heated rival to close out the year.
20. Atlanta Falcons (23)
In one of the biggest upsets of the season, Beastmode Bijan Robinson led the Falcons to a 27-24 win over the Rams on Monday night. 229 yards and two touchdowns for Bijan, so congrats to his fantasy owners on winning the fantasy championship.
It’s too bad Atlanta left it too little, too late. With the Falcons and Panthers wins this weekend, Atlanta would only lose out on the division via tiebreaker. Why didn’t they play like this earlier?!
19. Miami Dolphins (20)
The Dolphins embraced the “spoiler” role this week and gutted out a 20-17 upset win over the unraveling Buccaneers. Quinn Ewers had a rock-solid day with two passing touchdowns, and De’Von Achane racked up 112 yards of offense against Tampa’s leaky D.
Mike McDaniel has his critics, but the Dolphins have won five of their last seven despite a string of injuries to key players. If they upset the Patriots on the road in Week 18, that will significantly bolster his chances of retaining the head coaching gig for another year.
18. Indianapolis Colts (19)
The Colts were eliminated from playoff contention after Houston’s win over the Chargers on Saturday. Daniel Jones going down a few weeks ago truly was devastating for them. But it didn’t stop Philip Rivers and company from putting up a fight against the AFC’s hottest team.
The Colts gave Trevor Lawrence and company a scare, but Rivers’ late fourth-quarter interception was the dagger in a 23-17 loss. Now at 8-8, the Colts have nothing but pride to play for when they wrap up the season against the Texans.
17. Detroit Lions (15)
So maybe Dan Campbell was right when he told the Lions that their loss in the 2023 NFC title game to San Francisco may have been their only shot?
In a big-time, classic Lions embarrassment, Detroit was eliminated from playoff contention with a pathetic 23-10 loss to the Vikings on Christmas Day. That was despite only 51 passing yards from Max Brosmer. Hey, six turnovers will do that to you.
There isn’t much more to say. The 2025 Lions shall go down as one of the most disappointing teams of the 21st century. Their position in the weekly NFL power rankings speaks for itself.
16. Minnesota Vikings (17)
In a year where almost nothing has gone right for the Vikings, eliminating the division rival Lions from playoff contention sure has to feel good. And they did it with a third-string QB! A Christmas Day win moved Minny to 8-and-8, no small feat with JJ McCarthy sidelined.
It would be quite the statement ahead of 2026 if they finished the season on a five-game winning streak to close at 9-8.
15. Carolina Panthers (14)
The Bucs’ unexpected defeat in Miami gave Carolina a chance to secure the NFC South. They no-showed against the NFC-leading Seahawks instead, falling 27-10.
Being 8-8 is no small feat for Dave Canales’ squad. But it all comes down to a win-or-go-home game against Tampa. It would be a tough pill to swallow if the Panthers lost and squandered away their first playoff berth in 10 years.
This is what they paid Bryce Young for. Let’s see what he can do in the biggest game of his pro career.
14. Baltimore Ravens (16)
Who needs Lamar Jackson when Derrick Henry can rush for 216 yards and four touchdowns to save your season? See what happens, John Harbaugh, when you feed your best weapon the ball?
The Ravens’ 41-24 shellacking of the Packers saved their season. Then the Steelers were stunned by the Browns, opening up a win-or-go-home game between Baltimore and Pittsburgh for the AFC North.
Amid a miserable and mostly disappointing season, the Ravens are suddenly one game away from returning to the playoffs. Gotta love football.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers (13)
An absolutely inexcusable performance by the Steelers’ offense. All they needed was one win against the Browns to lock up the AFC North. But because it’s 2025, Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin, the Steelers lost. Because of course.
Sunday’s sloppy loss in Cleveland was so on brand for the 2025 Steelers. Instead of taking a one-week vacation for Week 18, the Steelers now return home for a must-win against Baltimore. Win or lose, we’re sure a five-year extension for Mike Tomlin awaits. No pressure, Aaron. It might only be the last game of your career….
12. Green Bay Packers (12)
Maybe the Packers beat Baltimore if Jordan Love is healthy. But have you seen their defense without Micah Parsons? We’ve hit panic mode in Titletown, folks.
With Chicago clinching the AFC North, the Packers will be the No. 7 seed for the third straight year. And you better believe they’ll be a considerable underdog in the wild card round. Matt LaFleur’s group just looks too banged up and defeated to go on a deep playoff run. Yet again!
11. Los Angeles Chargers (9)
The Chargers’ sloppy 20-16 home loss to the Houston Texans ended their hopes of winning the AFC West. But honestly, we’re more worried about that banged-up o-line that allowed Justin Herbert to take five sacks.
The Bolts were exposed big-time in that loss against the league’s No. 1 defense. And if they don’t clean it up quickly, this will be another one-and-done for Herbert in the postseason.
10. Los Angeles Rams (4)
Well, it’s freakout time for the Rams.
Matthew Stafford has become a turnover machine. The defense has turned into Swiss cheese. I mean, getting diced up by Sam Darnold and Kirk Cousins in consecutive prime-time games? Don’t the Rams know how bad those two guys are in such contests?
So the Rams will have to start the playoffs on the road. And with the way their D is playing, we’re sure every division winner is begging to play them. How quickly things change, especially with their recent drop in the NFL power rankings. Weren’t these guys the Super Bowl favorites 2 weeks ago?!
9. Buffalo Bills (6)
We don’t like to freak out over one loss, especially when it’s against a team as dangerous as the defending Super Bowl champions.
But boy, did Josh Allen look vulnerable. And keeping the game out of James Cook’s hands? Is Joe Brady trying to get fired? And what on earth was that two-point conversion call all about? Does Sean McDermott know you can play for OT with all the momentum on your side?
The Bills’ reckless football not only culminated in a frustrating loss to the Eagles. But also, it handed the Pats the AFC East and ensured Buffalo will need at least two road wins to reach the Super Bowl now. Good luck with that!
8. Philadelphia Eagles (11)
Reminding everyone they’re still a threat, the Eagles took down the Bills 13-12 in a rain-filled game thanks to Vic Fangio’s suffocating defense and a victory in the special teams’ battle.
It’s not pretty with the 2025 Eagles. Their up-and-down standings in the NFL power rankings throughout the season are a testament to that. But they have the championship pedigree. And how many defenses are you taking over this group in a playoff game, with everything on the line? Count out Nick Sirianni’s guys at your own risk. How many others can limit an Allen-led offense to 12 points again?
7. Houston Texans (10)
The Texans’ defense pummeled Justin Herbert with no mercy in a 20-16 statement win over the Bolts. And, oh yeah, DeMeco Ryans’ squad just clinched a third straight playoff appearance. Not bad considering they started 0-and-3.
And even if CJ Stroud is maddeningly inconsistent, nobody wants to face these guys in the postseason. Not with that defense taking over games with relative ease.
6. Chicago Bears (8)
The Bears’ weekend started nicely with the Packers’ loss to Baltimore that clinched the NFC North. But it ended on a sour note with a heartbreaking 42-38 loss to the 49ers on Sunday night that spoiled Chicago’s chances of securing the No. 1 seed.
It’s imperative for the Bears to beat the Lions in Week 18, though. That would secure the No. 2 seed and a playoff game against the banged-up Packers. Much more favorable than having to face the 49ers or Rams on Wild Card weekend.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (7)
The Jaguars held off a pesky Philip Rivers and his Colts to clinch the franchise’s first 12-win season since 2005. Take a bow, Liam Coen.
The Jags just keep finding new ways to win. On Sunday, it was the 163 rushing yards from the ground game and a defense that allowed just 204 yards of offense. All the Jags need now is a win over the 3-13 Titans to clinch the AFC South. There’s a case to be made that they’re the team to beat in the AFC, by the way.
4. San Francisco 49ers (5)
Another masterful performance by Brock Purdy and the offense propelled the 49ers to a nail-biting 42-38 victory over the Bears. Just like that, San Fran is just a single win away from securing the NFC’s top seed for the second time in three years.
And, well, we know what happened last time the NFC ran through the West Coast. And who’s to question Kyle Shanahan’s group after all the injuries they’ve fought through?
3. Denver Broncos (3)
The Broncos barely escaped an upset at the hands of the Chiefs on Christmas Day. Two days later, they locked up the AFC West with the Chargers losing to the Texans.
That was the good news. The bad? The Jaguars and Patriots also won in Week 17. So, the Broncos don’t clinch the AFC’s top seed. They’ll have to take care of business against the Chargers to clinch the first-round bye.
Cross your fingers, Bronco fans…
2. New England Patriots (2)
As expected, the Patriots dismantled the archrival Jets. A five-TD performance from Drake Maye only strengthened his MVP performance. Oh, and the Bills’ loss to the Eagles clinched the Pats’ first AFC East division crown since 2019. Did we miss anything?
They need some help to win the AFC’s top seed. But for now, Pats fans can celebrate like it’s the 2010s all over again. A division crown was secured ahead of the regular-season finale thanks to an MVP-caliber quarterback.
1. Seattle Seahawks (1)
The Seahawks pushed themselves one step closer to securing the NFC’s top seed with a dominant 27-10 road win over the red-hot Panthers as if Mike Macdonald’s squad needed to remind the rest of the league that they’re for real.
Seattle has held opponents to 16 points or less in four of its last five games. They’re peaking at the right time. But can they finish the job and beat the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium to clinch the No. 1 seed? Good time for Sam Darnold to show he can win “big games.”
