Have you ever watched the Big Bang Theory show and felt like the episode when Leonard wants to look cool attending a watch party in Penny's flat was relatable ? Well, this is exactly what this Tier List is about !
A digestible, bite sized power rankings of all NFL teams after Week 7, which we'll consider is sort of the mid-season point. I know it isn't, but we have seen enough to know about each team chances to reach the playoffs this season.
If you are afraid to be completely lost on Sunday, and forced to eat all the chips so you have an excuse when someone tries to talk to you, these are the rankings you need ! Plus, I have added a sentence you could say about each team to look cool if you play your card right.
Let's dive in !
Table of Contents
Mid Season Power Rankings
S Tier - Superbowl Caliber Team
1. Indianapolis Colts (6-1)
Daniel Jones’ resurgence and Jonathan Taylor’s MVP push headline the most complete roster in football. Plus, Their defense's ability to adjust mid-game is better than anyone.
Except for the Jaguars going on a huge winning steak, the Colts have almost clinched their division already.
What to say : If they keep winning and secure home playoff games, they have a shot at being the AFC favorites to reach the Super Bowl.
2. Los Angeles Rams (5-2)
Stafford is back in surgeon mode and the McVay offense looks reborn, especially in the red zone. Defense is young and has a bit of clean up to do in order to become dominant. However, they are opportunistic enough to create turnovers.
What to say : If stars stay healthy, the Ramps will compete for the #1 seed in the NFC.
3. Detroit Lions (6-2)
Deep, physical, and fearless when it comes to offensive schemes, the Lions might be the best team to watch for anyone without a preferred team. Goff delivers under pressure, while Jahmyr Gibbs is becoming a star.
What to say : There are some concerns about defensive health issues. If the best players stay on the field, the Lions could push for the NFC’s #1 seed.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)
When Hurts is aggressive vertically and willing to take a deep shot, this offense becomes unstoppable. Defense is bending more this year compared to 2024, but still elite talent and keeping the team in games during offensive struggles.
What to say : The Eagles are built for the playoffs, so expect them to be even better during that time of the season.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)
Mahomes looks unlocked again with Rashee Rice back in the mix. Explosive plays and short passes turning into big gains have finally returned. The defense is inconsistent but has that clutch factor late in a game.
What to say : They started slow, but a second-half surge feels inevitable if they stay healthy. Hard to bet against them once again being a team to beat to reach the Super Bowl in the AFC.
A Tier - Playoff Bound
6. Green Bay Packers (4-1-1)
Jordan Love is exceeding expectations at quarterback, while the defense is doing great at creating turnovers. Their recent win over the Cardinals showed the Packers can come back late in a match too.
What to say : Once the Packers earn a signature win against a top opponent, they will truly be contender status.
7. Buffalo Bills (4-2)
Bye week gave them an opportunity to reset after uneven play. The defense remains elite, but Allen's play is a mix of chaotic and dangerous.
What to say : The offense will decide whether the Bills can be Superbowl contenders, or lose in the playoffs like they did over the past years.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2)
Mike Evans’ injury hurts on top of the Lions looking superior overall in their Week 7 bout. At least, the defense remains ferocious, and Mayfield is bold enough to take risks when it matters.
What to say : Offense must evolve to become a real threat, or they risk becoming a one-and-done playoff team.
9. Denver Broncos (5-2)
The culture shift is real in Denver. Indeed, Bo Nix keeps growing, and the defense makes timely game-changing plays.
What to say : Schedule stiffens in the second half of the season. It is time for the Broncos to show if they’re real contenders.
10. Seattle Seahawks (5-2)
Efficient, balanced, and well-coached, the Seahawks have the quality to rarely beat themselves. Now, they need to show they can beat the Superbowl caliber teams to represent a threat once in the playoffs.
What to say : If Sam Darnold avoids the big mistakes leading to turnovers, this is a playoff lock.
B Tier - Competing for a Playoff Spot
11. New England Patriots (5-2)
Vrabel managed to restore identity to a Patriots team struggling over the past few seasons. Now, New England shows physicality and ball control, lead by a poised and fearless Drake Maye.
What to say : They positioned themselves to sneak into the playoffs, especially as they sport the easiest strength of schedule heading into the second part of the regular season.
12. San Francisco 49ers (5-2)
Winning despite missing key defenders shows grit and a well-rounded roster on that side of the ball. Mac Jones plays safe but steady while McCaffrey has to ability to take over a game at times.
What to say : The 49ers are with the Rams and Seahawks in a competitive division. Yet, If defense gets healthy, they’ll jump to a playoff bound team soon.
13. Chicago Bears (4-2)
Caleb Williams is maturing fast and helped by an opportunistic defense. 4 wins is more than most expected the Bears to earn over the first seven weeks.
What to say : The Bears have to prove they didn't get hot early and keep winning. A playoff push is on the table if they stay above 50% win percentage in the coming weeks.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
Defense shockingly leaky this season when it was typically a surefire unit. Offense still figuring things out with Aaron Rogers at the helm.
Would have been a tier higher if that loss to the Bengals didn't raise a lot of questions.
What to say : If the defense doesn't bounce back and regain that trust quickly, there is danger of more losses coming in the near future.
15. Los Angeles Chargers (4-3)
Herbert is forced to be perfect due to injuries and inconsistency around him. So far, the quarterback managed to keep the Chargers competitive, but there is still a lot of football to play.
What to say : Playoff will depend on their ability to get some OL pieces back, and keep them healthy.
16. Dallas Cowboys (3-3-1)
Offense elite again with CeeDee Lamb, but defense is very inconsistent. The cowboys likely won't get in the playoffs through winning the division, so they need to win to get in based on win-loss record.
What to say : The Cowboys will either go on a winning run, or implode in the second half of the season.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3)
Two brutal losses exposed deep flaws in execution and discipline, turning the Jacksonville Jaguars from a threat to a shaky playoff contender.
What to say : The Colts will take the division, but the Texans and Titans aren't threats. Then, the Jaguars have a shot, but the coming stretch will be key.
C Tier - Winning Streak or Bust
18. Minnesota Vikings (3-3)
Wentz keeps them afloat, but they lack high-end upside without McCarthy. The defense needs to carry them to compete for a playoff spot.
What to say : The division is likely too competitive for the Vikings to win enough games and make the playoffs.
19. Atlanta Falcons (3-3)
So much talent, but so little consistency and wins to go with it. Bijan Robinson's hype quiet down a bit when MCaffrey was the better running back in the Falcons loss to the 49ers. Still, if the Falcons offense can find some rhythm, they will put the team in a position to win games.
What to say : It is all about performing up to the expectations for the Atlanta Falcons. Wild card or collapse will be decided in the next few games.
20. Carolina Panthers (4-3)
Ahead of most team in the rankings due to being 4-3, that record feels inflated. Indeed, most of it were one-score wins against weak teams.
What to say : Regression is likely in the second half of the season, especially if Young misses more time.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)
Flacco steadied the ship and the win against the Steelers was a good show of the Bengals' potential. However, the defense is not playoff caliber and will likely lose them more games in the future.
What to say : Burrow’s late return is probably the only hope for a miracle run and stealing a playoff spot.
22. New York Giants (2-5)
Jaxson Dart flashes upside but closing games remains an issue. The New York Giants could be 4-3 if they had that clutch factor. Unfortunately, with the Eagles on their way to winning the division and the Cowboy getting a key piece back in Lamb, it doesn't get any easier for the Giants in the second half of the season.
What to say : Their young core is developing nicely, but a jump is needed for a playoff push.
23. Arizona Cardinals (2-5)
Another team unable to win those contested battles in the fourth quarter. The Cardinals are capable with Brissett and volatile with Murray. No matter their quarterback, the defense needs to solve those late collapses.
What to say : Their division is likely too competitive for the Cardinals to make the playoffs, but Arizona should remain a though team to beat overall.
24. Baltimore Ravens (1-5)
Some have given up on this season, while others believe the Baltimore Ravens can go on a big winning streak. All agree the bye week was badly needed.
Henry and Lamar can still bully teams but the defense needs to step up. Every loss could end the Ravens' playoffs hope from now on.
What to say : A few wins in a row puts the Ravens back into everyone's playoff bingo. However, one loss in the near future and the miracle run talk will be over.
25. Washington Commanders (3-4)
Daniels’ injury probably tanked their season considering the offense relies heavily on his mobility.
What to say : Future remains bright, but 2025 playoff hopes are fading
D Tier - There's always next season
26. Cleveland Browns (2-5)
Judkins is emerging as a workhorse the team can rely on, but the offense is still limited overall.
What to say : The AFC north is quite a weak division this year, so the Browns could steal it if they go on a winning streak while the Ravens don't pull a comeback run.
27. Houston Texans (2-4)
Offensive line is decimated and Stroud’s frustration is both growing and showing on the field. There is no hope of winning the division with the Colts already at 6-1, so the Texans probably can't make it this season.
What to say : Talent is there long-term but this year looks lost
28. Las Vegas Raiders (2-5)
Geno Smith looks to be regressing, while the offense really fails to have any sort of identity. It is hard to both understand or believe in the Raiders.
What to say : The Raiders might be in for a major reset at the end of the season, potentially including both their Quarterback and Head Coach.
29. New Orleans Saints (1-6)
Spencer Benson Rattler shows promise but turnovers and lack of structure are holding him back so far. The Saints are in rebuild mode, so don't expect them to be an exciting team for the rest of the season.
What to say : The goal is to build the young guys for next season, and jump back into playoff contention as soon as possible.
30. Miami Dolphins (1-6)
The 8-9 team from last year looks to be even worse, and on its way to a disastrous season overall. There is more turmoil in the locker room than on the field at the moment.
What to say : This season could be enough to break it all down and go into rebuild mode for the Dolphins. Will it be the roster or the coaching staff is still to be determined.
31. Tennessee Titans (1-6)
Cam Ward looks overwhelmed so far while injuries are piling up and the defense plays like it is exhausted.
What to say : The Titans will likely hold a great draft pick in April. Will they go with a quarterback again is the big question.
32. New York Jets (0-7)
The worse record for the overall worse team. The Jets have no offensive idendity nor any type of momentum at the moment. Each win is a risk at losing the #1 pick at this point.
What to say : Hopefully, the incoming #1 overall pick will translate into more star power for the future.
Easiest and toughest remaining schedules
For the bold ones looking to push it one step further, and engage into some Football talks. Here is additional information about the remaining schedule strength :
Teams with the easiest remaining road:
The New England Patriots currently enjoy perhaps the smoothest path forward, according to schedule-analysis sources citing a remaining opponent win-percentage as low as .308. This favorable slate gives them a real opportunity to convert their strong 5-2 start into a division crown most expect to go to the Bills.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals, with the third-easiest remaining schedule, have a shot at staying competitive until Joe Burrow comes back. It could salvage their season despite early setbacks if they capitalize on weaker upcoming matchups, especially as the AFC North is wide open.
Teams facing the toughest remaining gauntlet:
On the flip side, the New York Giants are navigating the harshest road in the league with their opponents’ combined win-percentage at .574. This brutal slate places enormous pressure on their young team, and makes a playoff push even more unlikely after a 2-5 start.
The Detroit Lions also sit near the top of the “hard schedule” list (≈.571) and while their 6-2 record is impressive, the back half of their season will put their contender status to a test. If they manage to go 6-2 again, they will be a fearsome opponent in the playoffs.
