As always, it was a glorious week of football—at least in the bigger picture. In all of its glory, we saw the Titans make a huge comeback at the end of the game over the Dolphins, the Cowboys pummel the Eagles, and the Bills hold off the Chiefs. The NFL's playoff picture is ever-forming and evolving.
Today, we take a look at all 32 NFL teams. Who's up? Who's down? Who is hitting the panic button? Who's already looking forward to the offseason? We discuss these questions and much more in this week's edition of the power rankings.
1. San Francisco 49ers (10-3)
Last week: 1 (-)
The 49ers remain atop the NFL. This week, they came away with a win over the Seahawks, who were led by Missouri legend Drew Lock. While Seattle held the 49ers to under 30 points, which seems like a challenge, they were not able to put up the necessary points to stay in the competition. DK Metcalf lost his head and the 49ers almost certainly ended their season.
2. Dallas Cowboys (10-3)
Last Week: 4 (+2)
It's officially time to believe. As upsetting as it is to see Skip Bayless have joy, the Cowboys are playing elite-level football. After this week's victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, there are really no more excuses as to why the Cowboys should not be considered one of the NFL's top two teams.
3. Baltimore Ravens (10-3)
Last Week: 2 (-1)
Baltimore almost found a way to lose to the Rams but won in a tough overtime game. John Harbaugh has the team ready for the playoffs. I certainly can't imagine the Ravens are the AFC's most talented team. They are, however, the AFC's and perhaps the NFL's most consistent team.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (10-3)
Last Week: 3 (-1)
The Eagles look very mortal. All of a sudden, there is a real conversation about the one seed in the NFC and that is great for NFL football. The Cowboys and 49ers are ascending and looking more and more like the NFC Championship game. The Eagles are looking more and more like they could be headed for a disappointing season by their standards. If this is going to get fixed, it must be done quickly.
5. Buffalo Bills (7-6)
Last Week: 10 (+5)
The Bills are playing very good football. Sure, they almost fell victim to the Chiefs at the end of the game once again, if not for an offensive offsides call, but they did everything right and played a great game. Buffalo should not be excluded from the playoff conversation. Every game from here out is a game that they have to win, but if they can play as well as they did on Sunday for each of those games, I like their chances.
6. Miami Dolphins (9-4)
Last Week: 6 (-)
The Dolphins looked like they were headed for the top of the AFC and then they fell to the Titans, of all teams. The Dolphins are just not able to play tougher teams. They are a very finesse group that can put up points fast, but if they get hit hard from the start, they can't hang. Think Mike Tyson. Heavy swing that can win quickly, but a glass jaw.
7. Kansas City Chiefs (8-5)
Last Week: 5 (-2)
To hit the panic button, or not to hit the panic button? While the Bills did beat the Chiefs in Kansas City this week, anyone knows that the team looked better than it had in quite some time. The problem is, it still was not good enough. The Chiefs have a world-class head coach and quarterback combination which almost always means a run to the playoffs. With that in mind, it's beginning to seem like the Chiefs are going to struggle to get out of the first round.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5)
Last Week: 8 (-)
Jacksonville could not keep up with the Browns this week. Trevor Lawrence is not even close to 100% which is an obvious reason for concern. The biggest reason for concern right now, however, is that the Jaguars' defense has looked worse than at any point in the year. To the Bengals a week ago, they surrendered 34 points. This week to the Joe Flacco-led Browns, they allowed 31. Things are going to need to turn around quickly.