Some teams are flying high — while others are free-falling fast. Welcome to Pro Football Talk’s Week 6 2025 NFL Power Rankings, where momentum shifts, narratives evolve, and surprises become the norm.
Let’s dive into how each team stacks up right now — and why some rankings might raise eyebrows.
1. Detroit Lions (Previously #3 | Record: 4-1)
The Lions aren’t just roaring again — they’re dominating the field with authority. After years of heartbreak and underachievement, Detroit looks like a legitimate Super Bowl threat. Their defense is stingy, their offense explosive, and their confidence sky-high. This isn’t luck; it’s execution.
But here's where it gets controversial: Are they peaking too early? Or do they have even more room to grow?
2. Philadelphia Eagles (Previously #1 | Record: 4-1)
Despite slipping from the top spot, Philly remains one of the strongest teams in the league. That narrow win against Tampa Bay was enough to keep them near the summit — but barely. The margin for error is shrinking quickly.
If injuries mount or key players regress, we could see a dramatic drop soon.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Previously #5 | Record: 4-1)
What a turnaround for Baker Mayfield and company. Once considered a backup plan at best, Mayfield has shown flashes of his former self — and then some. His leadership and poise have sparked new life into the Bucs' offense.
So what does this mean for the future? Is this sustainable, or is he simply playing above his head?
4. Buffalo Bills (Previously #2 | Record: 4-1)
Buffalo still owns one of the most potent offenses in football, but cracks are starting to show. Inconsistent pass protection, questionable red zone efficiency, and a suspect secondary suggest deeper issues lurking beneath the surface.
January will tell whether these flaws are manageable… or fatal.
5. Indianapolis Colts (Previously #7 | Record: 4-1)
Winning games matters — but how you win them can reveal everything. While Indy boasts an impressive record, their tendency to squeak by weaker opponents rather than dominate them raises concerns.
Super Bowl contenders don’t just survive close games — they crush inferior competition to send a message.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars (Previously #12 | Record: 4-1)
Liam Coen deserves serious consideration for Coach of the Year honors — if only he didn’t prefer staying out of the spotlight. Under his guidance, the Jaguars have transformed into a disciplined, balanced squad capable of competing with anyone.
But can they maintain this level through December?
7. San Francisco 49ers (Previously #13 | Record: 4-1)
There may not be a full-blown QB controversy yet, but there should be. Brock Purdy continues to perform admirably, but questions linger about long-term potential and ceiling.
Is Purdy elite material, or just good enough to coast until something breaks?
8. Los Angeles Rams (Previously #4 | Record: 3-2)
Kickers make or break seasons sometimes — and Matthew Gay hasn't exactly inspired confidence lately. Missed field goals and poor timing have cost LA dearly in tight contests.
Fix the special teams, and the Rams climb fast. Ignore it, and those slim margins continue to haunt them.
9. Green Bay Packers (Previously #9 | Record: 2-1-1)
With a bye week behind them and Cincinnati coming to Lambeau Field next, Green Bay essentially gets two weeks off before facing real adversity. That extra rest could prove invaluable — especially given the injury concerns cropping up across the roster.
Will the break recharge the team, or expose weaknesses?
10. Denver Broncos (Previously #14 | Record: 3-2)
This team has shown glimpses of brilliance, particularly on defense. But inconsistency has plagued the offense, leading many to wonder how much further they can go without major upgrades.
By the time Kansas City visits Mile High Stadium in Week 11, Denver had better look like a different team.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers (Previously #11 | Record: 3-1)
In the last two weeks, Pittsburgh has gone 1-0 — while the rest of the AFC North combined for a dismal 0-6. That tells you all you need to know about who’s rising and who’s fading within the division.
Can Pittsburgh capitalize on this momentum?
12. Washington Commanders (Previously #17 | Record: 3-2)
Washington’s biggest strength so far? They’ve avoided total collapse. But being merely average won’t cut it in a competitive NFC East.
Consistency will determine whether they're playoff-bound or destined for mediocrity.
13. Seattle Seahawks (Previously #10 | Record: 3-2)
Imagine a scenario where Seattle faces Tampa Bay in the postseason — and both teams dust off those classic throwback uniforms. Wouldn’t that bring back memories?
Still, nostalgia alone won’t carry them forward. They’ll need substance behind the style.
14. New England Patriots (Previously #23 | Record: 3-2)
It wasn’t pretty, but it was progress. Paired with UNC’s latest embarrassment, this past weekend marked New England’s best showing since their championship run in Super Bowl LIII.
Are we witnessing a rebuild gaining traction, or just another false dawn?
15. Los Angeles Chargers (Previously #6 | Record: 3-2)
Fifteen teams currently sit ahead of the Chargers based on performance — which says less about their talent and more about their misfortune. From bad luck to untimely mistakes, LA has suffered from circumstances beyond their control.
When will things finally click?
16. Atlanta Falcons (Previously #16 | Record: 2-2)
Atlanta has hovered around .500, neither inspiring nor disappointing. But mediocrity breeds complacency, and that’s dangerous in a league defined by extremes.
Can they push beyond the middle of the pack?
17. Kansas City Chiefs (Previously #8 | Record: 2-3)
One week they’re dead in the water. Then they bounce back with a statement win. Now they’re struggling again. It’s chaos.
“Their season is over!” “Nope, they’re back.” Repeat cycle. How long can this rollercoaster ride last?
18. Minnesota Vikings (Previously #18 | Record: 3-2)
Injuries have battered Minnesota’s lineup, yet they remain competitive. If they can hold steady and get healthier after Thanksgiving, they might find themselves in prime position for a late-season surge.
Is resilience their secret weapon?
19. Chicago Bears (Previously #19 | Record: 2-2)
Chicago returns to Washington, D.C., site of last year’s heartbreaking playoff elimination. Will history repeat itself, or can the Bears rewrite the script?
That trip could define their season.
20. Dallas Cowboys (Previously #20 | Record: 2-2-1)
Dallas showed signs of life with a strong road performance — and that’s encouraging. If they can replicate that energy consistently away from home, they stand a real chance at contending for a playoff berth.
Road warriors often make deep runs. Can Dallas join that club?
21. Houston Texans (Previously #21 | Record: 2-3)
Houston’s bye week gives them space to regroup — but also sets up a brutal post-bye matchup in Seattle. A defining moment awaits.
Will they rise to the occasion or fall apart under pressure?
22. Baltimore Ravens (Previously #15 | Record: 1-4)
Once a model of consistency, Baltimore now finds itself adrift. Multiple losses, key injuries, and a lackluster offensive line paint a grim picture.
Has the ship truly sunk?
23. Arizona Cardinals (Previously #22 | Record: 2-3)
Time is running out for Arizona to turn things around. Another slow start and a looming coaching search in January seems almost inevitable.
Do they have what it takes to avoid that fate?
24. Carolina Panthers (Previously #29 | Record: 2-3)
A win over Dallas would instantly elevate the Panthers’ credibility and silence critics. Until then, they remain underestimated.
When will people take them seriously?
25. Cleveland Browns (Previously #26 | Record: 1-4)
Dillon Gabriel delivered adequately in relief duty — but adequacy rarely wins games in the NFL. For now, he keeps the job — but likely not for long unless performances improve dramatically.
Is stability or upheaval next for Cleveland?
26. Cincinnati Bengals (Previously #25 | Record: 2-3)
Joe Burrow’s absence leaves a massive void — and the Bengals seem stuck waiting instead of acting decisively. Acquiring a proven veteran QB via trade might be their last hope.
Why wait when action speaks louder than patience?
27. New Orleans Saints (Previously #30 | Record: 1-4)
Was that recent victory a sign of improvement or just a lucky break? Only time will tell if this marks the beginning of a turnaround or just another short-lived blip.
Which version of the Saints shows up moving forward?
28. New York Giants (Previously #24 | Record: 1-4)
Jaxson Dart’s rookie magic wore off quickly during Thursday Night Football. Expectations are high — but results haven’t matched the hype.
Has the honeymoon ended prematurely?
29. Tennessee Titans (Previously #32 | Record: 1-4)
Even the football gods appear to have pitied Tennessee. One of the league’s most disappointing teams, the Titans struggle on nearly every front — offense, defense, and leadership alike.
Is there any way back from this abyss?
30. Las Vegas Raiders (Previously #27 | Record: 1-4)
The Raiders continue to flounder, prompting fans to wonder if Tom Brady ever really wanted Sam Darnold as his successor. Either way, the situation feels increasingly dire.
At what point does rebuilding become surrendering?
31. Miami Dolphins (Previously #28 | Record: 1-4)
Change is coming — and fast. Whether through personnel moves, scheme adjustments, or sheer desperation, Miami’s direction is shifting rapidly.
Like a Category 5 hurricane, transformation is approaching with unstoppable force.
32. New York Jets (Previously #31 | Record: 0-5)
Five straight losses and zero wins raise a tough question: Is head coach Aaron Glenn fighting for his job?
Could this be his first and final season?
Now it’s your turn: Which team surprised you most in these rankings? Should the Chiefs really be ranked this low? And do the Lions deserve the top spot — or is someone else closer to being number one? Let us know in the comments below.
