1.
10. San Francisco 49ers
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Kyle Shanahan deserves Coach of the Year consideration for keeping a banged-up roster at 9–4.
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Brock Purdy looks like he’s getting back into form.
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Even as the 7-seed, they’re only a half-game out of the 1-seed and could climb fast.
9. Indianapolis Colts
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Their hot start is cooling off, and slowing down Jonathan Taylor has proven to be the key to beating them.
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When the run game stalls, Daniel Jones struggles and reverts to old habits.
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Even if they sneak into the playoffs, they likely won’t make a deep run.
8. Buffalo Bills
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Buffalo is streaky but currently hot after dominating the Steelers.
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James Cook carried the offense, and the defense finally played well.
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In an inexperienced AFC, the Bills could get hot and make a Super Bowl push.
7. Philadelphia Eagles
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One of the most inconsistent teams, especially on offense.
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Their last six quarters have been terrible, including being shut out in a half and getting dominated by the Bears.
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Still, they’ve had stretches where they look elite and hold a cushion in the NFC East.
6. Chicago Bears
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After doubting them all year, Chicago has won 9 of 10 and holds the NFC’s 1-seed.
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Ben Johnson has transformed the team and developed Caleb Williams well.
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Despite their record, they have the highest odds to miss the playoffs due to a brutal remaining schedule.
5. Green Bay Packers
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After two bad losses, they’ve won three straight and looked strong on Thanksgiving in Detroit.
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Their defense with Micah Parsons is settling in, and Jordan Love looks like a Pro Bowl quarterback.
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If they stay healthy and handle the division, they’ll be in a great playoff position.
4. New England Patriots
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They’re 11–2 but have played one of the easiest schedules in the league.
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Only a couple of their wins are against quality teams.
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They’re likely overachieving this year, but their young core gives them a bright future.
3. Denver Broncos
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Great record but almost every game feels like a grind, no matter the opponent.
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Their defense plays with toughness and keeps them competitive.
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In a weak AFC, their physical style could make them dangerous in cold playoff games.
2. Seattle Seahawks
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The Seahawks have been blowing teams out recently.
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Their defense embarrassed Vikings rookie QB Max Brosmer and dominated completely.
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Winning 26–0 despite poor offensive production shows how scary they can be.
1. Los Angeles Rams
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Even after a tough loss to Carolina, they remain the top team.
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Only Seattle challenges them for #1, but L.A. owns the head-to-head win.
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With an elite defense and huge seasons from Adams, Nacua, and Stafford, they’ll be tough to stop with home-field advantage.
