NFL power rankings, Week 12: Commanders rise, Giants fall

In our Week 12 NFL power rankings, the Washington Commanders continue to ascend while the New York Giants take an ugly step backwards.

It’s possible, if not probable, the Texans don’t win another game this season.

If there has ever been a true season from hell, this is it.

Justin Fields has been fun to watch, but the defense can’t get a stop.

The Panthers played the Ravens much closer than most expected, but couldn’t generate enough offense.

The Raiders finally, mercifully, won a one-score game this season.

Pittsburgh isn’t going to win games when the Steelers are giving up more than 30 points.

This is the worst Super Bowl defense in NFL history. Literally.

Coming off the bye week, Jacksonville needs to see Trevor Lawrence continue to improve. That’s the main thing at this juncture.

Cleveland could have beaten Buffalo on Sunday, but did everything imaginable to beat itself.

The Saints were able to handle the Rams at home, but it feels too late to make a real playoff push.

Indianapolis has been much better with Jeff Saturday, but the Colts couldn’t hold the late lead against Philadelphia.

And with that disaster, good night.

It’s over for the Packers. Time to start thinking about what the future looks like.

The Lions had never won a road game under Dan Campbell before this month. Now, they’ve won two straight.

Atlanta is keeping itself in the NFC playoff picture. The Falcons aren’t impressive, but they are well-coached and can pound the rock.

Zach Wilson needs a hug. Actually, he needs a scolding. The defense needs a hug.

The Patriots aren’t moving up in the power rankings for that tire fire of an offensive showing.

Once again, the Chargers put the Chiefs on the ropes … and got knocked out.

Coming out of the bye, this feels like an inflection point. Either the Bucs get rolling, or they’re a bad division winner who exits the postseason quickly.

Washington is playing really well with Taylor Heinicke at the helm. The Commanders have a real shot at getting into the dance.

Seattle needs to keep the momentum it had before losing in Germany. The Seahawks have been one of the feel-good stories of the year.

Tennessee has been much-maligned for its offensive limitations, but no team knows who it is more than the Titans.

The Bengals have an absurd upcoming schedule, so beating the Steelers was a must.

Brutal loss. Yes, the Giants have maybe earned the right to have a clunker, but getting blown out by the Lions is rough.

Burn the tape. Immediately.

The 49ers are starting to put things together as the group has gotten healthier. Tied for first place in the NFC West.

Phenomenal effort after losing to the Packers. Complete dominance from start to finish over the Vikings.

Nothing pretty about beating the Panthers, but a win is all that matters.

Buffalo still has issues to clean up, but the Bills snapped their two-game losing skid.

Coming out of the bye, Miami gets another with a game against the Texans at home.

Ugly, ugly offensive performance most of the afternoon, but the Eagles found a way to sneak past the Colts.

Right now, the Chiefs have the best team in football. Patrick Mahomes is the MVP by a wide margin, Chris Jones is in the running for Defensive Player of the Year, and Travis Kelce is having an all-time season. Again.