The 49ers have been dominating opponents lately and continue to climb up the power rankings. Photo courtesy of Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group.
1. Buffalo Bills (12-3) (↑1)
Slow start in the 1st half but got the run game going and dominated the 2nd half.
2. San Francisco 49ers (11-4) (↑2)
They have been the most dominant team in football ever since losing to the Chiefs. Their defense is the best in the league and their offense is clicking right now. The question with them is if/when will Brock Purdy hurt the team?
3. Cincinnati Bengals (11-4) –
Dominated early, but almost blew a lead, although they were able to hold on in the end. Have a huge Monday night matchup against the Bills that could have a big effect on deciding the #1 seed in the AFC.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (13-2) (↓2)
Have not been playing clean football lately and the injuries are finally catching up to them.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (12-3) –
The defense played well against the Seahawks but I thought the offense could have been more dominant.
6. Dallas Cowboys (11-4) –
The offense carved up the Eagles defense and the defense was not great, but they got pressure when necessary and were able to win an exciting rivalry game. Hopefully we get to see Eagles vs. Cowboys again in the playoffs with both starting quarterbacks available.
7. Minnesota Vikings (12-3) –
Won yet another close football game over the Giants, but this team is very Justin Jefferson dependent. If he is taken away, they struggle.
8. Baltimore Ravens (10-5) (↑1)
The defense has stepped up big time and the run game has been getting better.
9. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) (↑1)
Solid win over the Colts with not much difficulty involved.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-8) (↑6)
The Jaguars have got it going lately on both sides of the football and are getting hot at the right time.
11. Miami Dolphins (8-7) (↓3)
Tua had a nice day playing catch with the Packers defense and gave the game away with his terrible interceptions.
12. New England Patriots (7-8) (↑1)
Did not play well early but the defense improved over the course of the game and they fought back to make it close, but could not finish. The offense needs a new coordinator in the offseason, Bill O’Brien being a good option.
13. Detroit Lions (7-8) (↓1)
The run defense was playing well but got absolutely abused against the Panthers.
14. Green Bay Packers (7-8) (↑3)
Have won 3 in a row and are back in the playoff race and have a huge game this week against the Vikings.
15. New York Giants (8-6-1) (↑3)
Moved the ball well on the Vikings (Who doesn’t?) and lost a close one, but it was a good effort.
16. New York Jets (7-8) (↓5)
The defense has not been playing as well lately, giving up yards and long drives, and the offense is just a mess.
17. Washington Commanders (7-7-1) (↓3)
Dominated by the 49ers but still in the playoff race and seem to be turning back to Carson Wentz, as they should.
18. Seattle Seahawks (7-8) (↓3)
The passing attack was bad against the chiefs but should get Tyler Lockett back this week vs the Jets, which should be a close game.
19. Tennessee Titans (7-8) –
Malik Willis is struggling mightily and the team as a whole has fallen off.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8) –
Their offense cannot go downfield and struggles to run the ball for big gains. Their game against the Panthers this week should be a tough one.
21. Carolina Panthers (6-9) (↑3)
Ran all over the Lions and the defense also played well. This team improved more than I believed it was capable of.
22. Cleveland Browns (6-9) (↓1)
Tough day against the Saints but it was not all bad.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8) –
Big win against the Raiders in honor of Franco Harris.
24. Los Angeles Rams (5-10) (↑3)
Put up 51 points on the Broncos in an unexpected Christmas Day performance.
25. New Orleans Saints (6-9) –
Utilized their run game to earn a hard fought victory in freezing cold conditions.
26. Las Vegas Raiders (6-9) (↓4)
They just cannot seem to finish games.
27. Atlanta Falcons (5-10) (↓1)
Not much to take away from their loss to the Ravens.
28. Chicago Bears (3-12) (↑1)
Not much to take away from their loss to the Bills.
29. Arizona Cardinals (4-11) (↑1)
Kept it close with the Bucs, which does not seem very difficult nowadays.
30. Houston Texans (2-12-1) (↑2)
They have been playing much better the past three weeks and it paid off with a victory over the Titans.
31. Indianapolis Colts (4-10-1) –
Why is Nick Foles starting NFL games in 2022?
32. Denver Broncos (4-11) (↓4)
Sheesh.