This week in the NFL saw several teams make significant moves in the power rankings, with notable upsets and strong performances shifting the landscape as the season progresses.
The Carolina Panthers delivered a surprise victory over the Los Angeles Rams, resulting in a new team claiming the top spot in the rankings. The Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers also posted important wins on Thanksgiving Day, impacting their positions among the league’s upper tier.
The New England Patriots have become the first team of 2025 to reach 11 wins, taking over as No. 1 in this week’s rankings. “A decisive win for the new No. 1, and the first team of 2025 to reach 11 wins on the year. Who would have thought going into 2025 that this team would be the Patriots?”
Other teams also made headlines for their recent play. The Denver Broncos secured a tough win against the Commanders. “Good teams win ugly games, and at times, that’s what this game against the Commanders was for the Broncos. But still, they prevailed. Which is exactly what a good team does, and it’s starting to look like the Broncos are good team indeed.”
A standout statistical note came from Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba: “Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba have connected 21 times for 523 yards and four touchdowns off play action this season (22.7 yards/attempt), making them the only quarterback-receiver duo to have combined for more than 400 such yards.” The pair has outperformed eight entire NFL offenses in play-action passing yards.
The Rams’ loss to Carolina brought them down from their previous high ranking: “The Rams had to come down from on high sooner or later. I just didn’t think it would be the Panthers who would knock them down a few pegs. Or intercept Matthew Stafford that many times, either.” With this result, the Chicago Bears now lead the NFC after losing only once since Week 2.
Micah Parsons led a dominant defensive effort for Green Bay: “Micah Parsons was terrifying, generating 10 pressures and 2.5 sacks on 26 pass rushes for a 38.5% pressure rate, his highest in a game since his rookie season.”
Elsewhere, teams like Houston are rebounding after slow starts; they now hold a 57% chance of reaching postseason play after beginning with three straight losses.
For some franchises, challenges continue to mount. The Atlanta Falcons’ playoff hopes are nearly gone: “Even if the Falcons were to win their final five games, they’d only get up to a 3% chance to make the postseason. They are playing for pride now. That’s it.” Tyrod Taylor achieved his first win as starter against Atlanta—his sixth different franchise with such an accomplishment.
As individual performances continue to stand out—such as Myles Garrett’s pursuit of sack records—the playoff picture remains dynamic heading into Week 14.