NFL Week 17 Power Rankings 2025 – A New #1 After A Crazy Week Across The League
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
We suddenly have a wide-open race for the top seeds in the AFC and NFC with two weeks to go — all thanks to one big, fat, chaotic Week 16 slate of games.
Before we begin, we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season. Now, let’s dive into our Week 17 edition of the 2025 NFL power rankings.
Who are the top teams in the NFL power rankings week 17 edition?
32. Las Vegas Raiders (32)
The Raiders actually put up a fight for once and gave the red-hot Texans a run for their money. But it wasn’t to be, as the Silver and Black dropped a heartbreaker 23-21 that extends their losing streak to nine.
But don’t mope yet, Raiders fans. Your team hosts the Giants on Sunday. And that game could decide who gets the first overall pick. Just keep losing, baby, and stay at this spot in the weekly NFL power rankings!
31. New York Giants (30)
Remember when the Giants’ pathetic on-field product was Brian Daboll’s fault? That was funny.
The Giants dropped their ninth straight game, this time a 16-13 decision at the hands of the Vikings. And that was despite JJ McCarthy leaving with an injury.
There are two silver linings to the Giants’ losing on Sunday. 1) A higher draft pick, and 2) their miserable 2025 season is a week closer to ending. Yippee?
30. Cleveland Browns (29)
The Browns’ D and ground game kept it surprisingly close against the Bills. But Shedeur Sanders had two costly interceptions and missed some big throws in a 23-20 loss.
Browns fans probably want their 3-12 team to lose so they can secure a high draft selection. But we’re sure they’d also enjoy an upset win over Pittsburgh that would spoil their archrivals’ postseason hopes.
29. Tennessee Titans (31)
When Gardner Minshew left the game with a torn ACL, the Titans had no excuses to lose to the Chiefs. Sure enough, they humiliated the Patrick Mahomes-less squad with a clean and crisp 26-9 victory.
We know this year’s Chiefs are nothing special, but it was nice to see Cam Ward roll with 228 passing yards and two touchdowns. The Titans haven’t had much to celebrate this year, so take a win however you can get ‘em. For their efforts, this is a well-deserved spot in the weekly NFL power rankings.
28. Arizona Cardinals (27)
In a game between two NFC bottom-feeders, it was the Cardinals who came up short against the banged-up Falcons. This lousy and unexciting Cardinals team mustered just 19 points in a seven-point loss to Atlanta, extending its losing streak to seven.
With road games against the Bengals and Rams next on the schedule, Arizona will likely finish 3-14. That would tie their fewest wins in a season since the 2018 squad that finished last in the standings before using the No. 1 pick on Kyler Murray.
27. New York Jets (27)
The Jets had a good opportunity to get back in the win column against a 4-win New Orleans Saints team. Instead, the Jets made the Saints look like bona fide Super Bowl contenders in a humiliating 29-6 blowout loss.
Brady Cook stood no chance against the Saints’ pass rush, taking eight sacks and managing just 188 passing yards on 35 attempts. Yeah, it was ugly.
Then again, are Jets fans that upset? The Titans’ loss gives them a little more hope at getting the No. 1 pick, after all
26. Washington Commanders (26)
The Commanders were always gonna be big-time underdogs against the Eagles. When Marcus Mariota left the game with an injury that forced Josh Johnson into the mix, the game was over.
A 29-18 loss has dropped Washington to 4-11 on the season. But they really gave up on the year when Jayden Daniels was shut down for the season. At this rate, they may as well just keep losing and secure the highest possible draft pick.
25. New Orleans Saints (25)
Break up the Saints!!
After Sunday’s dismantling of the Jets, New Orleans extended its winning streak to three. The Jets aren’t world-beaters, but every win has to feel good in a rebuilding year. The guys are clearly buying into Kellen Moore’s culture, and the Saints are showing a lot of fight in pride after the first four mostly lousy years in the post-Drew Brees era.
24. Cincinnati Bengals (24)
The Bengals finally got back in the win column with an absolute shellacking of the Dolphins on Sunday. It’s as if Joe Burrow and the offense built up three months’ worth of frustration and finally let it out in Miami.
It’s too little, too late for Zac Taylor’s group. But perhaps more MVP-like performances from Burrow will remind Cincy that they need to actually spend money and properly rebuild the roster around him.
23. Atlanta Falcons (23)
In a year where almost nothing has gone right, the Falcons can take place in back-to-back road wins with second-string QB Kirk Cousins. That counts for something.
Another monster day from Bijan Robinson — 168 yards and a touchdown — propelled Atlanta to a 26-19 road win over the Cardinals. Seeing how much the Buccaneers have unraveled, it leaves you wondering how different this season could have been for Atlanta if Michael Penix and Drake London had stayed healthy.
But at least the Falcons are showing some fight down the stretch this NFL season, which is good for their position in the power rankings. It only helps Raheem Morris’ chances of keeping his job in 2026.
22. Kansas City Chiefs (21)
To sum up how bad the Chiefs’ season has gone? QB1 and QB2 each suffered season-ending ACL tears in a span of seven days. What can you do? It’s just not Kansas City’s year.
Kansas City was overmatched with third-stringer Chris Oladokun behind center in a 26-9 loss. The defeat clinched their first losing season since 2012. But hey, the idea of a Patrick Mahomes-led team getting a top-10 pick should still scare the rest of the NFL.
21. Dallas Cowboys (20)
The Cowboys went from saving their season with three straight wins to flushing their season down the toilet with three straight losses. The latest? An embarrassing 34-17 home loss to the Chargers at Jerry World.
The Eagles locked up the division with a win over Washington. So for the first time since 2019-2020. Dallas will miss the playoffs in consecutive years. Fear not, Cowboys fans. Jerry Jones won’t change a darn thing after this miserable season.
20. Miami Dolphins (19)
Switching Tua Tagovailoa for Quinn Ewers did nothing to reverse the fortunes. The Dolphins are just a below-average team, as evidenced by a 45-21 blowout loss at home against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The humiliating loss clinches a second straight losing season in South Beach. Tua clearly isn’t the only issue. The Dolphins just don’t have much talent. Another wasted season in Miami cannot end soon enough.
19. Indianapolis Colts (18)
Philip Rivers’ return has been a fun story and all, but the Colts are done. A humiliating 48-27 blowout loss to the 49ers on prime time is practically the dagger.
We all know things would have been different if Daniel Jones hadn’t suffered a season-ending injury. But realistically, a 44-year-old who hadn’t played in five years was never gonna save this franchise. Enjoy the last two games of Rivers’ career. There’s nothing else to follow in Indy as the season winds down.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (16)
The Bucs are in trouble, folks.
They lost another coulda-shoulda-woulda game to the Panthers with first place on the line. Baker Mayfield’s costly interception extended the Bucs’ losing streak to three. Now losers in six of their last seven, it’s sure becoming hard to think they’ll win a fifth straight division crown.
And if they don’t manage to win the division? Hard to think Todd Bowles will retain his job. An absolutely inexcusable collapse in football’s worst division.
17. Minnesota Vikings (22)
Despite losing JJ McCarthy with a hand injury in the second quarter, the Vikings did just enough to hold on for a 16-13 win over the Giants in a defensive slugfest. Three straight wins for Kevin O’Connell’s Vikings, who can still salvage a winning season if they close out with home victories over Detroit and Green Bay.
And that would be no small accomplishment, considering they lost eight of their first 12 games.
16. Baltimore Ravens (15)
Sums up the 2025 Ravens well. Lamar Jackson leaves the game with an injury. The defense coughs up a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter. Zay Flowers fumbles with the game on the line. The more that stays the same for this year’s squad.
The Ravens are now on life support with two weeks to go. Our advice to Baltimore fans: Just accept the season is over. Even if your team miraculously won the division over Pittsburgh, they’d just get crushed in the wild-card round.
15. Detroit Lions (14)
Aaron Rodgers still owns the Lions. Some things never change.
The Lions left it too little too late in a heartbreaking 29-24 loss to the Steelers. Losers in three of their last four, the Lions now have to win out and hope the Packers lose their final two games to make the playoffs. That’s asking for a lot, though.
It feels like the end of the line for a Lions team that hasn’t displayed a championship pedigree all year. Their weekly standing in the NFL power rankings tells a lot. You gotta feel for Lions fans. They can’t have nice things.
14. Carolina Panthers (17)
Carolina gutted out a nail-biting 23-20 win over Tampa to put itself in the driver’s seat for the NFC South. It hasn’t always been pretty for Dave Canales’ squad, but they’ve turned it on in the second half while the Buccaneers have inexplicably collapsed.
There’s still work to do with games against Seattle and Tampa to close out the season. But it’s sure hard to bet against these guys. You’re seeing a spirited team playing with a lot of belief.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers (13)
The Steelers did all they could to blow that game against the Lions. But they were saved by an Amon-Ra St. Brown offensive PI call to nullify a miracle game-winning touchdown. And exhale.
Pittsburgh’s heart-pounding win over Detroit clinched a 22nd straight non-losing season. And it put them a step closer to winning the AFC North. Credit where it’s due. The Steelers have woken up with three straight wins since that humiliating home loss to Buffalo. And they’re averaging 28 points per game during the win streak.
12. Green Bay Packers (10)
Well, we’ve officially hit panic time in Green Bay.
In a collapse reminiscent of their 2014 NFC Championship Game loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the Pack blew a double-digit point lead because they botched a routine onside kick recovery. They then walked off in overtime on Caleb Williams’ TD strike to DJ Moore.
Yeah, they probably won that game with Jordan Love. But you gotta close out games when you have a 99 percent chance of winning. With Micah Parsons done for the year, this defense already looks miles worse. At 9-5-1, the Packers look like they’ll have to settle for a wild-card spot. And already, it feels like they could be one-and-done.
11. Philadelphia Eagles (12)
The Eagles had little issue taking care of the banged-up Commanders to clinch a second straight NFC East division crown. Incredibly, they’re the first team to win the division in consecutive years since 2004.
We know the Raiders and Commanders are awful teams. However, scoring 60 points over two games has to be a boost for the offense, which did little right for the first three months. Philly fans can breathe with the division and a home playoff game locked up.
10. Houston Texans (11)
It shouldn’t have been this close. But the Texans did just enough to finish off the lowly Raiders at home for a seventh straight win. At this point in the season, you take every win however you can get it.
The Texans have clinched a third straight season of double-digit wins. They still have an outside shot at the AFC South, but there’s still an incentive to get the top wild-card spot. That would mean a much more favorable first-round matchup with the Steelers.
9. Los Angeles Chargers (9)
The destruction of the Cowboys and a Broncos loss to the Jaguars has suddenly given LA hope for the AFC West division crown. They just need to win their last two games, which is easier said than done with Houston and Denver on the schedule to close out the regular season.
But 11-4 is no small feat, given their onslaught of injuries. The AFC is wide-open, and these Chargers can absolutely make a run as long as Jim Harbaugh is calling the shots for Justin Herbert.
8. Chicago Bears (8)
Confirmed: These aren’t your same old Bears.
The old Bears would have found a way to lose at home to the Packers as usual…even without Jordan Love and Micah Parsons. A tremendous comeback and statement win. Caleb Williams’ game-winning dart to DJ Moore was his official “I’m him” moment.
The Bears have the NFC North right in their grasp. And to think the season was supposedly over when they dropped their first two games! Merry Christmas, Bears fans.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars (7)
A big-time statement was made by the Jaguars on Sunday. All they did was come into Denver and crush the AFC’s top dogs 34-20. Without any real issue.
Chalk this one up as one of the biggest regular-season wins in franchise history. Winners of six straight, the Jags have clinched their first 11-win campaign since 2007. Did we mention they have a shot at the AFC’s top seed? And a path to a top five in the weekly NFL power rankings? Liam Coen for Coach of the Year, anyone?
6. Buffalo Bills (6)
It wasn’t at all pretty, but the Bills barely gutted out a tight 23-20 road win in Cleveland. They didn’t get the help they needed from Baltimore against New England, but the AFC East is still a mathematical possibility.
For now, the focus is on the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles. Winning here on Sunday would be a nice pre-playoff boost of confidence for Sean McDermott’s squad.
5. San Francisco 49ers (5)
The 49ers spoiled Philip Rivers’ first home game in five years with a 48-27 blowout victory under the Monday night lights. How about five touchdown passes from Brock Purdy, leading the 49ers to a fifth straight win?
The 49ers close out against the Bears and Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium. So the formula is simple: Win out, and the top seed is theirs.
4. Los Angeles Rams (2)
Life comes at you quickly in the NFL. Just when you think the Rams are about to escape Seattle with a victory and cement themselves as the team to beat…they inexplicably unravel in a shocking 38-37 overtime loss.
You can say it’s just one loss and not worth freaking out over. But the Rams have endured horrific fourth-quarter meltdowns in each of their four losses this season. And now they likely have to start on the road in the playoffs, when a win on Thursday would have put them in the driver’s seat for the first-round bye.
3. Denver Broncos (1)
You can argue that the Broncos were due for a loss. But that was one awfully uninspiring effort in a loss to Jacksonville that has you wondering if they’re really the AFC’s scariest team.
They were picked apart on both sides of the ball in a 34-20 loss. They’ve now given up 26-plus points in three of their last four games. And now, they’ve given the Chargers, Bills, Jags, and Patriots a shot at the AFC’s top seed.
Better turn the page quickly. They have a get-right game against the hapless Chiefs with a third-string QB on Sunday.
2. New England Patriots (3)
Christmas came early for Patriots fans, alright. How about a Broncos loss and a big-time comeback win over the Ravens on prime-time to clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2021?
One step closer to the AFC East division crown. And the conference’s top seed is still in play!
1. Seattle Seahawks (4)
See? Sam Darnold CAN win the big game. Once in a while, at least.
In what might go down as the game of the season, Seattle pulled off a stunning overtime comeback against the Rams on Thursday night to claim the top spot in the NFC. What a statement by Mike Macdonald’s group, ladies and gentlemen.
The defense has been Seattle’s biggest strength. And yet, it was the offense that won this game after the D was picked apart by Matthew Stafford. Two more wins, and the NFC runs through Emerald City. Just as we all predicted.
