Teams are jockeying for draft positions and playoff spots with all 32 teams having just three games left to play. With most of the season already decided, it’s time to evaluate each team’s performance. Some teams have earned an A+, while others are flunking their way to an F. How does your team’s NFL report card look before Week 17?
Arizona Cardinals: F
You’re not going to get anything better than an F after losing seven games in a row. Jacoby Brissett had flashed some moments where it appeared that he could compete for a starting role next season. Yet, the high-volume passing attack hasn’t been any more effective for a Cardinals offense that hasn’t topped 20 points in the past four games.
Atlanta Falcons: D+
It’s too little, too late, but the Raheem Morris/Kirk Cousins-led Falcons are showing some life late in the season. Considering they don’t have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Falcons should be doing everything they can to up their win total and instill some confidence in a group that must compete for a playoff spot next season, unless they want to blow up the roster/team makeup again.
Related: NFL Power Rankings 2025: Week-by-Week NFL Evaluations of All 32 Teams
Baltimore Ravens: C+
The Ravens can’t afford to keep losing close games. This one featured another Lamar Jackson injury, but it’s time to admit this just isn’t Baltimore’s season. Too many inconsistencies on offense and defense have led to a long season. They’ve beaten just one team on track to make the playoffs, and chances are the Ravens will be watching the postseason from the couch too.
Buffalo Bills: A-
Beating the Browns by only three points shouldn’t be celebrated, but a win is a win, and other teams like the Broncos have survived all season long on winning ugly. What matters is that the Bills’ running game is humming, and we can count on Josh Allen to come through in the postseason. The Bills don’t have a dominant pass-catcher, but this offense is still downright dangerous.
Carolina Panthers: A
They may not have as many wins as other division leaders, but how many had the Panthers as playoff contenders this season? Bryce Young has taken another leap under Dave Canales. The ground game is both unpredictable and effective, and the defense is vastly improved. It’s been an exciting year in Carolina.
Chicago Bears: A
It took some gutsy calls, but the Bears have established a commanding lead for first place in the NFC North. Caleb Williams still has some inconsistencies to work through, but Ben Johnson has quickly and drastically turned around the outlook of Da Bears, and that’s a reason to celebrate.
Cincinnati Bengals: F
The Bengals failed this season. Sure, their year was undoubtedly impacted by not having their best player, Joe Burrow, for nine starts. But he’s not the reason Cincinnati’s defense ranks dead-last in scoring. Plus, even after Burrow’s return, we saw some rust he had to knock off, but he and the Bengals will bounce back next year, though we can’t guarantee the roster will be better with questions about Trey Hendrickson’s future in Cincinnati in great doubt.
Cleveland Browns: F
Cleveland’s Myles Garrett-led defense has given most teams fits of frustration. Their offense can’t say the same. But there are some serious building blocks emerging, such as the now-injured Quinshon Judkins, Harold Fannin, and Carson Schwesinger. Plus, we’re eager to see how much more polished this roster can be next season with several more high draft picks. If nothing else, Shedeur Sanders looks like a capable backup, but can he be more?
Dallas Cowboys: C-
To no surprise, the Cowboys’ defense let them down this season. That was expected after trading Micah Parsons a week before the season opener. A full offseason and a few extra draft selections give the Cowboys a chance to build this thing back. With Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and likely George Pickens returning, this offense is nearly set, but it’s time to find more solutions on defense. Like, maybe an elite pass-rusher.
Denver Broncos: A+
The Broncos finally lost a game, but perhaps Denver needed to be humbled ahead of their playoff run. Either way, this is a dangerous group that plays football the right way, avoiding turnovers and being extremely tough to beat on defense. The question is, can they make enough big plays on offense to outscore the best of them?
Detroit Lions: C+
Not even having the NFL’s second-best scoring offense can salvage the Lions’ season. They’re now facing the very real possibility of missing the playoffs, which was not expected, even after losing both coordinators. Sure, the Lions had a tougher schedule, but this looked like a roster that could compete with the NFL’s best for many years to come. Yet, the NFC North got a lot tougher, too.
Green Bay Packers: B
The Packers’ season has suddenly taken a turn for the worse after losing their past two games. Season-ending injuries to Tucker Kraft and Micah Parsons have had a huge impact on Green Bay’s success. Now it looks like the Packers could be forced to watch the playoffs from home, but they still control their own destiny.
Houston Texans: A-
Of all the teams that started out extremely slow, the Texans have arguably bounced back in the best way. Their 0-3 start has now turned into a 10-5 record, which includes the NFL’s best defense. With Houston’s offense coming around too, they enter the playoffs as one of the scariest teams to play.
Indianapolis Colts: C
The Colts seemed like surefire playoff contenders, if not candidates to reach the Super Bowl. Then, the Daniel Jones injury happened, and it took the wind right out of their sails. Philip Rivers has given them some life, but it may be too little too late to make a difference.
Related: 7 Indianapolis Colts QB Solutions for 2026
Jacksonville Jaguars: A+
The Liam Coen-Trevor Lawrence pairing has been dynamite thus far. When the season started, there were questions about whether the No. 1 overall pick was Jacksonville’s true franchise QB. Those thoughts have been erased now. The question is, can Lawrence win a playoff game, or even more? Plus, imagine how much better this team can be when they get Travis Hunter to realize his full potential?
Kansas City Chiefs: F
Going from a Super Bowl participant to missing the playoffs in the next season is a drastic fall from grace. Of course, the Chiefs should have all the confidence in the world that they can quickly turn this thing around, but they’ll have some tough roster decisions to make this offseason. Plus, will Travis Kelce be back?
Related: 11 Kansas City Chiefs QB Solutions in 2026 After Patrick Mahomes ACL Injury
Las Vegas Raiders: F
The Raiders were more competitive this week, only losing by two after getting shut out the week before. Geno Smith even looked a bit better after catching fire with Ashton Jeanty. The Raiders’ rookie RB’s success sets the tone for next season, but now this team needs to find the right coach/QB combination to become relevant.
Los Angeles Chargers: A
Not even losing their starting offensive tackles can ruin the Chargers’ season. Justin Herbert has often played the elevator role, putting the offense on his back. Meanwhile, Jesse Minter’s defense has been a top-ten unit. There isn’t a dominant weapon on offense, and that may be their biggest weakness, but with Herbert, it hasn’t really mattered. Yet.
Los Angeles Rams: A+
The Rams may have lost in OT, but they were so so close to the win. With the way Sean McVay’s offense is playing, it’s hard to pick any other team to be the Super Bowl favorite out of the NFC. Plus, McVay and Stafford have already won one, so who’s to say they can’t win another?
Miami Dolphins: C-
Give credit to Mike McDaniel and company for not completely folding when the chips were down. Yes, the Dolphins were expected to compete for a playoff spot, but so were the Chiefs and Commanders. Plus, after a 1-6 start, it’s quite impressive that they have been able to get to 6-9. Yet, with Tua Tagovailoa now being benched and likely on his way out the door, it could be a few years before Miami becomes relevant again.
Minnesota Vikings: C
Three wins in a row isn’t easy, especially for a 22-year-old quarterback who’s practically a rookie. Minnesota’s defense is still confusing offenses, helping keep them in the game. Meanwhile, we’re seeing real signs of growth from McCarthy, which has finally included getting Justin Jefferson involved too. That’s a recipe for success, but can they do it on a consistent basis?
New England Patriots: A+
The Patriots look like the best Super Bowl contenders out of the AFC. Drake Maye is a weapon himself, but having players like Stefon Diggs and TreVeyon Henderson helps make him even more potent. Defensively, Mike Vrabel has led a sharp turnaround that gives the Patriots a ceiling as high as anyone’s. Remember when Jerod Mayo won just four games a season ago? New England is now up to 12 victories and they’re not done yet.
New Orleans Saints: C+
The Saints have a higher grade than other teams with better records. But we have to keep their expectations in mind. No one thought this roster construction would do anything this season. Yet, Tyler Shough has suddenly rattled off three wins in a row, setting a bright foundation for Kellen Moore’s second season as head coach.
New York Giants: F
The Giants get an F for once again being clueless. Signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston shows that general manager Joe Schoen thought the Giants were playoff contenders. That’s laughable, because they’re now headed for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Injuries have taken a toll, but it’s time for a new roster-builder in addition to a new head coach in New York.
New York Jets: F
The Jets didn’t strike gold by signing Justin Fields. Aaron Glenn couldn’t lead a quick turnaround with what looked like a roster built with star power. Now the Jets get a chance to truly reset the roster, but the current makeup of this group isn’t close to contending.
Philadelphia Eagles: B
The Eagles are rounding into form just ahead of a potential playoff run. But they still don’t have nearly the same amount of rushing success that became their bread and butter during last year’s Super Bowl campaign. The Eagles have the potential to be dangerous, but we just haven’t seen it this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers: B+
It looks like the Steelers are getting hot at the right time. Three consecutive wins have them sitting pretty atop the AFC North, but there are tough matchups ahead. Though, we’d be lying if we said we weren’t curious to see what an Aaron Rodgers/Mike Tomlin combo is capable of in the playoffs.
San Francisco 49ers: A-
The 49ers have clinched the playoffs after an incredible five-touchdown game from Brock Purdy. It’s fitting that it comes in their fifth win in a row. Kyle Shanahan and Robert Saleh have their team in playoff form, and their next two matchups come against teams they could match up with in the postseason too. Those will be great tests.
Seattle Seahawks: A+
Seattle has a top-three offense and defense, and they look like one of the NFC’s best Super Bowl contenders. Who saw that coming in Mike Macdonald’s second season as head coach? Trading for Sam Darnold has proven to be a move that has helped put them over the top. Can they maintain this success in the playoffs?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C-
Three consecutive losses have the Buccaneers on the outside of the playoff race, looking in. They’ll need a lot of help to get there, and their late-season collapse could put Todd Bowles’ job in danger. Though, we imagine they’ll just chalk this one up to injuries and bad luck and mostly run it back next year.
Tennessee Titans: F
Cam Ward is making progress, showing true signs of growth. It should be enough to help the Titans interview better head coaching candidates this offseason. But without bringing in more talent on both sides of the ball, it won’t matter. This team needs a lot of help.
Washington Commanders: F
How far the mighty have fallen. Jayden Daniels’ injury seriously hurt Washington’s season. Yet, he’s not the reason Dan Quinn’s defense now ranks 27th in points allowed. Something is off in Washington, and it’s time they seriously invested in this defense.
Related: NFL Power Rankings 2025: Week-by-Week NFL Evaluations of All 32 Teams
