Key Highlights
- With such a top-heavy league, the hierarchy can see a big change based on a few particular results. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat has often caused teams to jump high or fade fast in relation to the others near the top.
- Even the back end has seen some significant reshuffling of late. Here's Sporting News' latest breakdown from the tippy top to rock bottom coming out of Week 16:MORE: Updated AFC, NFC playoff picture after Week 16 resultsNFL Power RankingsSam Darnold1.
- Seattle Seahawks 12-3 (previous ranking: 5)The Seahawks won that thriller over the Rams with the offense rebounding after a slow passing start.
- They need Sam Darnold to cut down on the mistakes and keep raising the big plays to live up to their lofty playoff position. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement2.
- New England Patriots 11-4 (3)The Patriots went into more of an offensive slump in Baltimore with Drake Maye cooling and being contained again, putting their chances of stealing the AFC East in serious jeopardy. MORE: Patriots clinch playoff spot for first time since 20213.