Week 11 in the NFL created some more separation between the rising new contenders and the fading teams from the 2025 regular season. The new blood continues to roll through the AFC, while the old guard keeps protecting their positions in the NFC.
Putting both conferences together and considering all 32 teams in the league, here’s Sporting News’ updated best-to-worst breakdown ahead of Week 12:
MORE: Updated NFL playoff picture after Week 11
The Eagles deserve to stay in the top spot after flexing their Super Bowl-winning defense again vs. the Lions and backing that up with more pop in their running game. Getting those two elements going is key to their repeat chances down the stretch.
The Rams used defense and red zone scoring prowess to play better situational football than the Seahawks and take control of the NFC West. The Rams might be too loaded and too complete of a supporting team to say Matthew Stafford is the MVP.
MORE: How Rams win over Seahawks, 49ers dominance changes NFC West race
The Broncos got their biggest win since 2015, when they were the last AFC West team to win the division that wasn’t the Chiefs, who they just beat. That year also was marked by dominant defense and an offense grinding to victory when needed like this team. That team also won Super Bowl 50.
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The Patriots didn’t need to do a lot to beat a shell of a Jets team on Thursday might. Drake Maye kept up his MVP momentum even on an average night.
The Colts enjoyed their bye week to get rested for the stretch run and finish off their AFC South title, but they couldn’t enjoy it as much with the Patriots and Broncos winning. They would enjoy Week 12 plenty more if they beat the Chiefs.
The Bills were able to get their defense going at the right time against the Buccaneers despite being gashed by a running game again. Josh Allen had one of his classic dominant reckless abandon days to save the winning result.
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The Packers needed a great performance from Jordan Love when the team was down Josh Jacobs and battling through injuries at receiver against the Giants. He needs to stay hot for them to guarantee at least a wild-card spot.
The Seahawks got clipped with Sam Darnold struggling in Los Angeles but they still had a chance to beat the Rams with field goals. Their defense continues to travel well to keep them in games every week.
The Bears ground out a late victory with Caleb Williams leading the way in a tough division test at Minnesota. It was a good turning point for their push for a playoff spot, and maybe a NFC North title too.
MORE: How Bears, Packers wins impact NFC North race
The Lions’ offense got cooled down in a tough road environment again by the wind and Eagles’ pass rush getting to Jared Goff. Their defense, however, was an encouraging development in defeat.
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The Buccaneers hung tough with their running game and Baker Mayfield trying to keep with the scoring in Buffalo, but their personnel limitations caught up to them. They suddenly need to sweat out the NFC South for the first time in five seasons.
MORE: How Buccaneers’ loss impacts NFC South standings
The Steelers lost Aaron Rodgers vs. the Bengals but saw Mason Rudolph operate the offense better with their defense also making the needed big plays to keep their lead in the division and also split the series vs. Cincinnati.
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The 49ers got Brock Purdy back and their offense showed a lot more juice and upside overall in Arizona. The question is can they do enough the rest of the way to at least displace the Seahawks to earn a wild card behind the heavy division favorite Rams?
The Jaguars found their defensive flexing again and matched that with a needed physical run-heavy problem to blast the Chargers. They needed that big rebound to restore their confidence in the wild-card race under Liam Coen.
The Chargers are getting to be a wild ride under Jim Harbaugh, with the offense either going hot or cold (thanks to dangerously inconsistent Justin Herbert) and the defense somehow wilting against the run in Jacksonville. It’s difficult to know whether L.A. will surge or fade down the stretch.
MORE: What Chargers loss’ means for AFC West race
The Chiefs don’t need to be in full panic mode yet, but they can probably say good bye to their shot at 10 consecutive division titles and may need to run the table, starting with the mighty Colts in Week 12, just to ensure a wild card.
MORE: Kansas City faces tough path to playoffs after fading in AFC West
The Ravens have clawed back to .500 after a 1-5 start with better health and defense during a four-game winning streak. Baltimore proved in Cleveland that it can win even if Lamar Jackson has a rough day.
The Panthers are seeing Bryce Young and Tetairoa McMillan rev up like expected later in the season. That offensive production might be huge down the stretch to complement the defense giving them a chance.
The Texans can count on their defense every week even with their offensive limitations in the passing game, regardless of who is at QB. That keeps the team breathing for a desperate wild-card run.
The Cowboys had a difficult bye week emotionally but also acquired Quinnen Williams to help boost their front ahead of an inspired winning effort in Las Vegas.
The Vikings had a bad performance from J.J. McCarthy for three quarters for a second time against the Bears. However, the lack of polish is concerning. McCarthy likely has one more season to prove whether he is the answer at QB in Minnesota.
The Dolphins didn’t have the same kind of situational scoring offense in Madrid, but Tua Tagovailoa and De’Von Achane came through to keep the heat off Mike McDaniel.
The Falcons missed a chance to claw right back into the NFC South race because of their inconsistency on both offense and defense. Raheem Morris is probably safe, but the results have remained frustrating.
The Cardinals went wild passing with Jacoby Brissett but it was all to little avail against the 49ers. Arizona is stuck chucking with no real healthy answers on offense or defense.
The Bengals are doing their best with Joe Flacco, but when the offense breaks down and Ja’Marr Chase gets contained, they are in trouble with no room for mistakes.
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The Commanders are doing their best to stay competitive with Marcus Mariota and their defense did show more fight in critical situations against the Dolphins. But no Jayden Daniels and other key injuries have turned this year into a lost season.
The Saints stopped marching after scoring a win over the Panthers with Tyler Shough in Week 10. However, they do have a shot at more wins coming off of a Week 11 bye with matchups against the Falcons and Dolphins next.
The Raiders failed to salvage some of the first season for Pete Carroll with little efficient, run-effective offense against the Cowboys on Monday night.
The Giants got a little bit of a spark from Jameis Winston and Devin Singletary for the offense, but then the defense had its typical breakdowns vs. power run and downfield pass to turn a win into a loss vs. the Packers.
The Jets look like they want to give Justin Fields an uninterrupted full-season audition. The problem now lies with the defense minus Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner.
The Browns keep playing dominant defense at home with Myles Garrett ripping through opponents, but in means very little with bad QB situation.
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The Titans showed a little more defensive fight against the shorthanded Texans and Cam Ward also dug deep late after the bye. But the result was familiar. A second win will come as a spoiler soon.
Vinnie Iyer has been with The Sporting News since 1999, not long after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He has produced NFL content for more than 20 years, turning his attention to full-time writing in 2007. Vinnie covers every aspect of the NFL for TSN including draft prospects analysis, gambling and fantasy football. He also represents TSN as host of the “Locked On Fantasy Football” podcast on the Locked On network.