NFL power rankings entering Week 18 of the 2025 season (previous rank in parentheses):
1. Los Angeles Rams (1): Say what? They're still atop these rankings after successive losses that have relegated them to wild-card status? In a word: Yep. Matthew Stafford remains this season's best quarterback. Puka Nacua remains this season's best wideout. The defense is one of the NFC's best when fully stocked. LA will be getting WR Davante Adams, DB Quentin Lake and some starting offensive linemen back for the playoffs. The Rams' beleaguered special teams even made a big play in Monday night's loss at Atlanta − a game that suddenly didn't mean all that much after the weekend's developments. Yep, we'll continue riding with a talented team that can beat anybody and, more importantly, do it anywhere.
2. Seattle Seahawks (2): Why aren't they No. 1 … even though they might wind up there in the overall NFC standings? The defense is formidably elite, and the special teams aren't far behind. But QB Sam Darnold still doesn't have a playoff win on his résumé, and Seattle's run game can be feast or famine. This team could struggle to get out of a two-score hole against playoff competition.
3. New England Patriots (5): Why aren't they No. 1 … even though they might wind up there in the overall AFC standings? Drake Maye looks like a future MVP … and maybe even the next one if Stafford loses enough momentum. But this is an inexperienced squad that's benefited from a weak schedule − one of its 13 wins against opponents that currently have a winning record. Are the Next Gen Pats ready to win big now? TBD.
