10. Los Angeles Rams (7-6)

The Rams have quietly snuck themselves back into the playoff discussion. After starting the season with a 1-4 record and subsequently being written off, L.A. has gone 6-2 since their Week 6 bye. They have also recorded wins against some pretty good teams including Minnesota, Seattle, and Buffalo. The remainder of their schedule is quite favorable with 3 of their last 4 games coming against teams that are under .500.
9. Seattle Seahawks (8-5)

Like the Rams, Seattle has been accumulating wins while mostly flying under the radar. The Seahawks have won four consecutive games, three of which came against NFC West opponents. Seattle is in pole position to win the division even as the Rams lurk behind them.
8. Baltimore Ravens (8-5)

Baltimore’s pass defense remains a major issue which prevents them from joining the likes of the league’s elite teams. It remains ranked dead last in total yards against, even after the team was on a bye week.
7. Green Bay Packers (9-4)

The Packers are 7-2 since the start of October with both losses coming against the Lions. In fact, all of Green Bay’s losses have been against teams that currently have 11 or more wins, and they managed to hang around in each of those games. They should prove to be a dangerous Wild Card team in the NFC.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3)

By mid-afternoon on Christmas Day, we’ll know just how much of a contender the Steelers actually are. Pittsburgh will play Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Kansas City in three straight weeks between now and then. They should still win the AFC North as long as they don’t go 0-3 in those games.
5. Minnesota Vikings (11-2)

Minnesota continues to rack in the dubs, extending their streak now to 6 in a row. Sam Darnold had a career-best day against Atlanta, finishing the game with 347 passing yards and 5 passing touchdowns—all of which either went to Justin Jefferson or Jordan Addison. The Vikings’ defense also leads the league in interceptions with 20.
4. Buffalo Bills (10-3)

Despite the loss, Josh Allen delivered arguably the best-ever performance by a quarterback in an NFL game, throwing 3 touchdowns and running for 3 more. He did everything he could to lift the team to victory but they still fell short (a narrative that has been more applicable to Joe Burrow and the Bengals this season). The Bills will be tested once again this upcoming week with a trip to Detroit.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-2)

Their 22-16 win over Carolina wasn’t that impressive but they still won so who really cares? Philly continues to be the most run-first team in the league, so much so that they lead the NFL in rushing yards per game (190.5) and rushing touchdowns (25). Coincidentally, the Eagles have the 2nd-worst passing offense in the league, averaging just 180.6 yards per game through the air.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (12-1)

To win as many close games as Kansas City has this season is not a matter of luck—it’s how this team was designed. The Chiefs should actually be praised even more for continually outplaying their competition in the crunch time of games. They have not been as flashy as Buffalo or Baltimore, but recent history will tells us that flashiness seldom matters when the postseason rolls around.
1. Detroit Lions (12-1)

Detroit stays at first for another week; although, their upcoming game against the Bills will prove to be their toughest test of the season thus far. Outside of Dan Campbell’s continuous reckless decision-making, there is not much that the Lions could be criticized for. They still lead the league in points per game (32.1), while rankings 2nd in points per game allowed (18.0).
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