What’s up everyone? I made it through Week 11 of the NFL. I was drained due to some great college football, including my Sooners taking down Alabama again, but my Niners bounce back win gave me enough energy to power through. However, it doesn’t help when some primetime games have stunk since Week 7. Anyway, we have a couple of months left before the postseason, so at least we’re within striking distance. I’m also happy the International Games and Monday Doubleheaders are done and over with.

It’s hard to tell who’s standing out in the NFL in 2025, but Philadelphia and Denver have one of the best defenses in the NFL for sure. They’re also hard to watch with their unpredictable offense. The Rams may have proven to be Super Bowl contenders again while the Colts are standouts prior to an upcoming tough schedule. Baltimore might be the surprise (no surprise) team to make a potential postseason run, but I don’t want to be a broken record with their recent postseason disappointments. Are the Bills going to make it to the Super Bowl, let alone beat the Re-New-ed England Patriots? And will the NFC North belong to Chicago or will their upcoming schedule stall that opportunity? Once we’re past Week 12, I’ll post my update for all 8 divisions and where we stand with them.

TEAMS CONSIDERED

15) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (7-4)

14) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (6-4)

13) BALTIMORE RAVENS (5-5)

12) PITTSBURGH STEELERS (6-4)

11) CHICAGO BEARS (7-3)

10) DENVER BRONCOS (9-2)

Sean Payton said this quote, “Recognize the Moment.” Recognized indeed. That was a thriller for this young offense and experienced defense, and they stayed in control against the Chiefs. After defeating Kansas City and witnessing the Chargers’ blowout loss, Denver controls the AFC West. Maybe they are for real and winning 4th quarter games shows, but can they now play in those moments without it being a drag??? God, I hope so!

9) GREEN BAY PACKERS (6-3-1)

Prior to the win against the Giants, Green Bay lost the last two meetings to them. Not only did Jameis Winston attack Green Bay’s defense for a bit, but Green Bay was also down Josh Jacobs due to his injury. Eventually, Green Bay’s defense got going, Jordan Love hit his targets, and a man named Christian Watson finally showed himself when the team really needed him. Offense is still meh, but it’s something.

8) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (6-4)

It looked like Tampa was in control against the Bills. Baker Mayfield was shaking and baking and running backs Rachaad White and Sean Tucker were punishing the defense inside and out. Eventually, it petered out when Tampa’s defense failed to stop Josh Allen’s historical performance. That side faces more complications moving forward.

7) BUFFALO BILLS (7-3)

I guess the Josh Allen carousel continues. He’s a “Feast-or-Famine” player for the team at this point. However, he had a historical day going 3-and-3 (3 pass TDs, 3 run TDs). The team got going in the second quarter and eventually outplayed Tampa in the second half to stay within striking distance of New England.

6) DETROIT LIONS (6-4)

Detroit’s defense played well, but not their offense. The offensive line got outplayed by the defensive line, front seven, and the pass rush. Jared Goff didn’t have a great game being under pressure too. And some of the play calls in the RedZone and on 4th down by Dan Campbell and company made me cringe so much. It caused me so much despair watching Sunday Night Football. I’ve waited all day for ANOTHER Sunday Night Disappointment.

5) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (7-3)

Sam Darnold threw an unfortunate 4 interceptions that may have hurt this offense overall. The entire offense underwhelmed until late in the game and nearly fought back to win. Defense did well to slow the Rams down, but the offensive mistakes hindered their overall success for a potential win and control of the NFC West. Now, they trail LA but have another opportunity in a few weeks to equalize them.

4) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (8-2)

Philly’s offensive performance wasn’t great in the past 2 games, but it’s fair to say they faced good defenses in those stretches. Detroit’s defense didn’t make it easy for them. However, Philly’s defense didn’t either and also stonewalled Detroit’s offense in the wind, the cold, and eventually a wintry mix. Offensive drama or not, the defense is playing in tune of each other.

3) INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (8-2)

BYE

2) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (9-2)

With all the talk about Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel, the focus wasn’t all about them on Thursday night. That belonged to rookie TreVeyon Henderson, who had a 3-touchdown night (2 rush, 1 reception). For the first time since 2021, New England has a winning season and have every right to rejoice.

1) LOS ANGELES RAMS (8-2)

The Rams had some control of this game. They pressured Sam Darnold as a reminder from when LA faced the Vikings in last season’s playoff matchup. Defense had a great job pressuring Darnold and forcing 4 interceptions. However, unusual that they didn’t get a sack but that’s beside the point. Matt Stafford didn’t have a great game, but he was smart when he needed to be while Kyren Williams took care of business. The Rams hold the NFC West as of right now.