NFL Power Rankings: Bengals and Vikings fall, who feels the pressure?

The NFL’s 2025 season Week 11 has officially concluded, with the Cowboys defeating the Raiders on “Monday Night Football.” The weekend was marked by several close encounters, including overtime victories for the Dolphins and Panthers. The Bears and Broncos also clinched victories thanks to field goals in the last second.

How do these teams fit into our updated rankings? We’ve restructured the NFL heading into Week 12, which includes bye weeks for the Broncos, Chargers, Commanders, and Dolphins. In addition to the rankings from 1 to 32, our NFL Nation reporters have selected the player, coach, or executive facing the most pressure on each team. Which players and coaches have a lot at stake in the final seven weeks of the regular season? Which general managers could be leaving their positions in the next offseason? How many selections match those we made in our preseason rankings?

Let’s start with team number 1, whose position might surprise you if you base it on last week’s rankings. Our panel of experts, made up of more than 80 writers, editors, and television personalities, evaluated the performance of NFL teams, ranking them from 1 to 32.

NFL Power Rankings Week 12

1. Los Angeles Rams (8-2)Result of Week 11: Victory against the Seahawks 21-19

Week 11 Ranking: 2

Who faces the most pressure: Chase Blackburn, special teams coordinator. After initial problems in field goal protection and missed kicks, which led to changes in the kicker and long snapper before Week 10, it became clear that special teams were a weak point for the Rams. Since the change from Alex Ward to Jake McQuaide as long snapper and from Joshua Karty to Harrison Mevis as kicker, the Rams have not attempted a field goal. Mevis has converted the nine extra points he has attempted in two games. If kicking problems persist or cost the team more games, coach Sean McVay could be looking for a new special teams coordinator after the season. – Sarah Barshop2. Philadelphia Eagles (8-2)Result of Week 11: Victory against the Lions 16-9

Week 11 Ranking: 1

Who faces the most pressure: Kevin Patullo, offensive coordinator. The offense has been a disappointment. The Eagles rank 25th in total yards (300.1 per game), 28th in passing (184.9), and 29th in third-down conversion percentage (33.87%). They average 115 rushing yards per game (17th in the NFL), compared to 179 in 2024 (second). However, they are the best offense in the red zone (75% conversion rate) and have the fewest turnovers in the league (four). That, along with a defense that has played exceptionally lately, has been enough to keep Philadelphia at the top of the NFC. But the offense still hasn’t reached its potential, and it falls on the first-year play caller to help remedy that. – Tim McManus3. New England Patriots (9-2)Result of Week 11: Victory against the Jets 27-14

Week 11 Ranking: 4

Who faces the most pressure: Christian Barmore, defensive tackle. The Patriots have just placed starting defensive tackle Milton Williams on injured reserve due to a high ankle sprain, and arguably he’s been their best defensive player. Barmore, a five-year veteran coming off a game in which he tied his career high with five pressures, will be crucial in filling the void. After being limited to four games in 2024 due to blood clots, Barmore has played 63.6% of the defensive snaps this season. – Mike Reiss

4. Indianapolis Colts (8-2)

Result of Week 11: Rest

Week 11 Ranking: 3

Who faces the most pressure: Sauce Gardner, cornerback. The Colts emphasize to Gardner that he doesn’t need to do anything extraordinary after his surprising trade from the Jets two weeks ago. But the huge haul the Colts gave up, two first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, naturally puts him in the spotlight and raises expectations for his performance. Gardner was solid against the Falcons in Berlin, but he will take center stage in Kansas City after his first full week of game preparation with Indy. – Stephen Holder

5. Denver Broncos (9-2)

Result of Week 11: Victory against the Chiefs 22-19

Week 11 Ranking: 9

Who faces the most pressure: Sean Payton, coach. It was Payton before the season, and it’s Payton now. Unapologetically, he promoted his team’s worthiness for the Super Bowl at training camp and, lo and behold, the Broncos are tied for the best record in the NFL amid the team’s longest winning streak since 2012 (eight games). But among the narratives that continue to swirl, narratives that Payton joked about after Sunday that make him want to “cry,” are the team’s clumsy offense and its handling of quarterback Bo Nix. The Broncos have a title-worthy defense that keeps them in position for Nix’s clutch performances in the final quarter. So, if the offense can’t pick up the pace, many eyes will be on Payton, his play calling, and Nix’s performance. – Jeff Legwold

Rex Ryan praises the Broncos’ defense in the victory against the Chiefs. Rex Ryan joins “Get Up” and evaluates the Broncos’ defense after their victory against the Chiefs.6. Buffalo Bills (7-3)Result of Week 11: Victory against the Buccaneers 44-32

Week 11 Ranking: 7

Who faces the most pressure: Keon Coleman, wide receiver. Coleman, the No. 33 pick in the 2024 draft, was a healthy scratch for Week 11 after being late to a meeting. The benching marked the third instance of 22-year-old Coleman missing playing time for disciplinary reasons. On the field, he hasn’t stood out outside of Week 1, with 24 receptions, 27.3 receiving yards per game, and two receiving touchdowns from Weeks 2 to 10. The wide receiver is already a major need for the Bills, and the rest of the season will be crucial in determining the team’s plan for Coleman in 2026. – Alaina Getzenberg

7. Seattle Seahawks (7-3)

Result of Week 11: Loss against the Rams 21-19

Week 11 Ranking: 5

Who faces the most pressure: Anthony Bradford, right guard. The pressure on Bradford isn’t about his next contract. It’s about the here and now, and how much the Seahawks need him to balance their inconsistent play. Nobody on Seattle’s offense has been more criticized than Bradford, a powerful blocker who delivers dominant wins at times, but has too many bad losses. The Seahawks don’t have any obvious alternatives, especially with center Jalen Sundell, who might have moved to right guard, now on injured reserve. Left guard Grey Zabel also suffered a knee injury on Sunday. If the rookie star’s first-round pick has to miss time, then Seattle will need Bradford to step up even more. – Brady Henderson8. Detroit Lions (6-4)Result of Week 11: Loss against the Eagles 16-9

Week 11 Ranking: 6

Who faces the most pressure: John Morton, offensive coordinator. Morton was stripped of his play-calling duties after a Week 9 loss against the Vikings, and he may have to fight to secure a long-term role with the Lions. In 2024, Detroit led the NFL with 33.2 points per game under former OC Ben Johnson, and Morton was tasked with the difficult job of following the current Bears coach. Morton has said he “fully supports” Campbell’s decision and would be ready if he is needed to call plays again. But things not working out initially in that area could be costly for his future. – Eric Woodyard

Stephen A.: The Eagles’ defense defeated the Lions. Stephen A. Smith details why he was impressed with the Eagles’ defense after a dominant performance against the Lions.9. San Francisco 49ers (7-4)Result of Week 11: Victory against the Cardinals 41-22

Week 11 Ranking: 13

Who faces the most pressure: Jauan Jennings, wide receiver. Jennings’ season got off to a slow start after dealing with a preseason contract dispute and several injuries. He didn’t get the lucrative long-term deal he was seeking and ultimately settled for incentives being added to his current contract, which expires after the season. Jennings has recently shown signs of life but hasn’t produced (32 receptions for 378 yards and three touchdowns) nearly at the level he did in 2024. He could use a final flourish to get the kind of deal he wants, and the 49ers need his strong play to make a postseason push. – Nick Wagoner10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4)Result of Week 11: Loss against the Bills 44-32

Week 11 Ranking: 8

Who faces the most pressure: Haason Reddick, linebacker. The Bucs gave Reddick $14 million in free agency to help with the pass rush, and so far that investment has resulted in 1.5 sacks and three missed games, the last two of which saw Tampa Bay record a total team sack. Reddick was once a top-tier pass rusher and Pro Bowler. The Bucs need to see him show that ability in the worst way upon his return. – Jeremy Fowler

11. Green Bay Packers (6-3-1)

Result of Week 11: Victory against the Giants 27-20

Week 11 Ranking: 10

Who faces the most pressure: Matt LaFleur, coach. A LaFleur has one year left on his contract, as does general manager Brian Gutekunst, whose position doesn’t seem as hot, and he has a new boss, first-year team president Ed Policy. Over the summer, Policy said he doesn’t believe in coaches or general managers in the final year of their contract. LaFleur has a stellar overall record of 73-36-1, but more than half of those wins came in his first three seasons when he was 39-11. After twice reaching the NFC Championship Game with Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have won only one playoff game in the last two seasons with Jordan Love as quarterback. – Rob Demovsky12. Chicago Bears (7-3)Result of Week 11: Victory against the Vikings 19-17

Week 11 Ranking: 14

Who faces the most pressure: Caleb Williams, quarterback. This is the same answer as during the preseason for a couple of reasons. Williams has been fantastic in moments of challenge with five winning series this season. He has made significant progress in mastering coach Ben Johnson’s offense, but until the Bears can close out teams much earlier than the final minutes of the games, the pressure remains on Williams. He is nowhere near the 70% completion percentage target the Bears set for him this season (59.7%); he ranks 26th in success rate (45%) and 28th in efficiency (.048). There are times when Williams performs like a top-12 quarterback and others when he seems like a young quarterback trying to figure it out. Leveling those peaks will be critical for him to finish the season strong. – Courtney Cronin

13. Kansas City Chiefs (5-5)

Result of Week 11: Loss against the Broncos 22-19

Week 11 Ranking: 12

Who faces the most pressure: Andy Reid, coach. The Chiefs have a lot of talent on their roster, and this season was supposed to be about the offense returning to a dominant unit. But Reid’s game plans in the last two games, losses to the Bills and Broncos after a bye week, have been baffling. Reid needs quarterback Patrick Mahomes to get into rhythm faster, and his play calling needs to be more balanced and diverse to outsmart opposing defenses in the second half. – Nate Taylor

Stephen A. finds it difficult to believe that the Chiefs’ reign is over. Stephen A. Smith is not willing to declare that the Chiefs’ reign is over after their defeat to the Broncos.

14. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)

Result of Week 11: Loss against the Jaguars 35-6

Week 11 Ranking: 11

Who faces the most pressure: Greg Roman, offensive coordinator. Analysts have placed Herbert in the top echelon of quarterbacks since he entered the league in 2020, but he hasn’t elevated the Chargers to postseason success. Instead, his two playoff appearances have been some of the most embarrassing defeats in team history. The Chargers signed Herbert to a five-year, $262.5 million contract in July 2023, and the organization believes he will lead the team to a title. So, if the Chargers go another year without winning a playoff game, Los Angeles will likely blame and consider moving on from Roman, who has drawn ire for his uncreative play-calling. – Kris Rhim

15. Baltimore Ravens (5-5)

Result of Week 11: Victory against the Browns 23-16

Week 11 Ranking: 15

Who faces the most pressure: Andrew Vorhees, left guard. Vorhees and right guard Daniel Faalele have faced strong criticism for their issues on the interior offensive line, and there will be increased pressure to improve both positions this offseason if they fail to turn their seasons around. Replacing free agent Patrick Mekari at left guard, Vorhees has the lowest pass-blocking rate (91.8%) among the Ravens’ starting offensive linemen and has allowed five sacks. The constant pressure up the middle has been an issue for quarterback Lamar Jackson. – Jamison Hensley

16. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4)

Result of Week 11: Victory against the Bengals 34-12

Week 11 Ranking: 16

Who faces the most pressure: Mike Tomlin, coach.

While Tomlin’s contract extends to 2027 and there’s no reason to believe the Steelers will get rid of him before then, external pressure has never been greater for the coach to break a decade of postseason futility. At times this season, Tomlin has led the Steelers to convincing and improbable victories, such as against the Colts in Week 9. But those victories have been interspersed with defeats in which the Steelers’ schemes seemed outdated and the players looked older. Although Tomlin promised “historic things” in the preseason for the league’s highest-paid defense, the Steelers are far from being Super Bowl favorites. Tomlin could calm some of the fans’ anguish by winning a playoff game. – Brooke Pryor

17. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4)

Result of Week 11: Victory against the Chargers 35-6

Week 11 Ranking: 17

Who faces the most pressure: Brian Thomas Jr., wide receiver. His early-season struggles (five drops, multiple instances of avoiding contact) caused him to lose the WR1 spot to Travis Hunter. Now that Hunter is out for the season after right knee surgery, the Jaguars need Thomas to be the playmaker he was as a rookie, when he finished third in the NFL with 1,282 receiving yards. Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington can work the middle of the field and intermediate routes, but Thomas has to be a deep threat again. – Mike DiRocco