PFT’s Week 12 2025 NFL Power Rankings: Chiefs, Bills, and Bears Make Big Moves
As the NFL season hits its stride, the latest Week 12 power rankings from Pro Football Talk (PFT) on NBC Sports reveal a shifting landscape across the league. The Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Chicago Bears headline the most notable changes, with each team’s recent performances shaping their positions in the standings.
Chiefs Face Playoff Pressure
The Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, remain a top-tier team but are facing unexpected challenges in 2025. Despite their historic dominance, the Chiefs are now in a fight for a playoff spot in the AFC. Analysts Mike Florio and Chris Simms noted that Mahomes and his teammates have struggled with consistency, and their recent games have shown vulnerabilities that could impact their postseason hopes. The Chiefs’ ability to bounce back from adversity will be crucial as they prepare for a pivotal matchup against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12.
Bills’ Reliance on Josh Allen Raises Concerns
The Buffalo Bills, led by superstar quarterback Josh Allen, continue to be a force in the AFC. However, PFT’s analysis highlights growing concerns about the team’s reliance on Allen to carry the offense. Simms and Florio pointed out that the Bills’ structure asks too much of Allen, and the current approach may not be sustainable over the long term. While Allen’s individual brilliance has kept Buffalo competitive, the team’s supporting cast and overall execution will need to improve if they hope to make a deep playoff run.
Bears Soar After Win Over Vikings
The Chicago Bears made a significant leap in the Week 12 power rankings following their impressive victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The win earned the Bears more national respect and highlighted their potential as a rising team in the NFC. Analysts praised the Bears’ defense and the development of their young quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, despite ongoing questions about his partnership with head coach Kevin O’Connell. The Bears’ upward trajectory suggests they could be a dark horse contender as the season progresses.
Other Notable Rankings
Other teams making headlines in the Week 12 rankings include the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, and Baltimore Ravens. The Lions continue to impress with their balanced attack, while the 49ers remain a powerhouse in the NFC. The Ravens, meanwhile, earned a “good win” over the Cleveland Browns, moving back to .500 and solidifying their playoff hopes.
Key Takeaways
The Week 12 power rankings underscore the volatility of the 2025 NFL season. With playoff races heating up and several teams facing critical moments, every game could have major implications for postseason positioning. As the Chiefs, Bills, and Bears continue to make headlines, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these teams perform in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned to Pro Football Talk for more in-depth analysis and updates as the NFL season unfolds.