The Los Angeles Rams sit at No. 1 in multiple NFL power rankings heading into Week 14, but the playoff picture is more chaotic than ever. With just five weeks left in the 2025 season, nine teams are within one game of each other in the NFC and AFC wild-card races, and the Matthew Stafford-led Rams are doing something unexpected: playing like legends in real time. Their 9-2 record isn’t just about wins—it’s about how they’re winning. Stafford, already a first-ballot Hall of Famer, is now being whispered about as an all-time top-five quarterback, throwing with surgical precision and leading fourth-quarter comebacks that feel like vintage Tom Brady moments. The ProFootballTalk rankings, published November 28, 2025, put the Rams on top, but the real story isn’t who’s No. 1—it’s how many teams could realistically end up there.
A Wild-Card Free-for-All
The NFL’s playoff race has become a mess of momentum, injuries, and miracle finishes. The New England Patriots (10-2) sit at No. 2 in Sharp Football Analysis’s rankings, but they’re playing without three key offensive starters. The Denver Broncos (9-2) jumped from No. 3 to No. 2 in ProFootballTalk’s list after a gritty win over Kansas City, yet their final four games include trips to Baltimore and Buffalo. And then there’s the Indianapolis Colts (8-3) and Seattle Seahawks (8-3), both ranked in the top five across multiple outlets, both with quarterback questions, both still in the hunt. This isn’t a top-four race—it’s a top-10 scramble.The Comeback That Changed Everything
No game better captured the unpredictability of this season than the Dallas Cowboys’ 24-21 overtime win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12. Down 21-0 at halftime, Dallas clawed back with a mix of Dak Prescott’s clutch throws and a defense that forced three turnovers. It wasn’t just a win—it was a franchise record for the biggest comeback in team history. The Bleacher Report analysts called it “a turning point,” and suddenly, the Cowboys—once written off at 4-5-1—are now No. 17 in ProFootballTalk’s rankings with a do-or-die vibe. Their next game? A home matchup against the Houston Texans, who’ve quietly become the league’s most dangerous underdog team.Underdogs Rising, Favorites Fading
The Houston Texans (6-5) aren’t supposed to be here. But after sacking Josh Allen eight times in a Week 12 upset of the Buffalo Bills, they’ve climbed to No. 15 in ProFootballTalk’s rankings. Their defense, once a liability, now leads the league in sacks since Week 9. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills (7-4), who’ve won five straight division titles, are slipping. Their offense is stagnant, and Florio notes their “sixth consecutive division championship is slipping from their grasp.” The same goes for the Baltimore Ravens (6-5), who’ve won five straight since their bye, but Lamar Jackson’s lingering ankle injury keeps him at 80% speed. They’re winning, but not dominating. And that’s dangerous.The Rankings That Don’t Add Up
Here’s where it gets weird. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ official site, in a ranking published the same day as everyone else, put the Denver Broncos at No. 1 and the Los Angeles Rams at No. 2. That’s not a typo—it’s a statement. The Jaguars, who themselves are 7-4 and ranked No. 11 by ProFootballTalk, clearly see something the rest of the media doesn’t. Their quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, still throws too many picks, yet they keep winning. “He’s making errors,” Florio admits, “but the Jaguars keep achieving victories.” That’s the story of 2025: flawed teams finding ways. The San Francisco 49ers (8-4) are injury-proof. The Kansas City Chiefs (6-5) are in “playoff mode,” as ProFootballTalk puts it, despite their record. The Detroit Lions (7-4) were pushed to overtime by the two-win New York Giants. And they’re still in the mix.What’s Next? Five Weeks of Chaos
The next five weeks will decide everything. The Rams face the 49ers in Week 14—a potential NFC title game preview. The Patriots have a brutal stretch: Baltimore, Buffalo, Miami, and the Jets. The Cowboys need to beat Houston and then win their final three to stay alive. And don’t sleep on the Seahawks, who have the easiest schedule down the stretch. The league’s most consistent team this season? The one that doesn’t look like a contender. The Rams are playing like they’ve already won it all. But in 2025, that’s the most dangerous thing of all.Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the Rams ranked No. 1 despite not having the best record?
The Los Angeles Rams lead power rankings because of dominance in close games, elite quarterback play from Matthew Stafford, and a defense that shuts down opponents in critical moments. Their 9-2 record isn’t the best—New England is 10-2—but their strength of schedule and clutch performance metrics outweigh raw win totals in advanced analytics used by ProFootballTalk and Sharp Football Analysis.
Who has the easiest path to the playoffs?
The Seattle Seahawks have the easiest remaining schedule among playoff contenders, with four of their final five games against teams with losing records. The Indianapolis Colts also benefit from a favorable stretch, including matchups against the Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans. Both teams are 8-3 and could clinch a wild-card spot by Week 17.
Can the Dallas Cowboys still make the playoffs?
Yes—but they need to win at least four of their final five games, including matchups against the Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints. Their 5-5-1 record puts them one game behind the Washington Commanders in the NFC East, and tiebreakers favor the division winner. A win over Houston would give them momentum, but they’ll need help from other games to secure a wild-card spot.
Why is Matthew Stafford being called an all-time top-five QB?
Stafford’s 2025 season includes 3,800+ yards, 32 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions in 11 games, with a 112.4 passer rating. He’s led six fourth-quarter comebacks this year—tied for the most in NFL history through Week 13. His poise under pressure, especially after returning from a shoulder injury in Week 4, has drawn comparisons to Joe Montana and Peyton Manning. Analysts like Mike Florio say he’s not just playing well—he’s playing like a legend in real time.
Which team is the biggest surprise this season?
The Houston Texans are the biggest surprise. After going 3-13 last year, they’re 6-5 and lead the league in sacks since Week 9. Their defense, led by rookie linebacker Jalen Carter, has transformed from one of the worst to one of the most feared. Even more surprising? They’ve beaten the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, and New England Patriots this season—all teams expected to be playoff locks.
Is the Buffalo Bills’ division title streak in danger?
Absolutely. The Buffalo Bills (7-4) are tied for the AFC East lead but have lost two of their last three. Their offense has stalled without Stefon Diggs, and Josh Allen’s 2025 interception rate has doubled from last year. With the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins both surging, the Bills’ six-year division title streak—the longest in NFL history—is now the most fragile it’s been since 2019.