NFL Week 10 Energy Rankings 2025: How all 32 groups stack up

Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season featured loads of shut finishes, together with walk-off subject objectives by the Broncos and the Panthers in addition to an time beyond regulation win by the Jaguars. There have been 14 walk-off subject objectives this season, which is essentially the most by way of 9 weeks for the reason that 1970 AFL/NFL merger, per ESPN Analysis. In the meantime, after the Colts' loss to the Steelers, each the NFC and the AFC have a minimum of three groups tied for the convention's finest file in Week 9 or later for the primary time since 2002.

How do all of those groups slot in our up to date Energy Rankings? We restacked the NFL heading into Week 10, which incorporates byes for 4 groups (Bengals, Chiefs, Cowboys and Titans). Along with the 1-32 rankings, our NFL Nation reporters picked a very powerful recreation remaining for every staff. This may very well be a rivalry recreation, a matchup with playoff implications or one that may have an effect on the staff's draft standing.

Let's get into it with No. 1, which shifted once more from the previous week. Our energy panel of greater than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities evaluated how NFL groups stack up towards each other, rating them from 1 to 32.

Leap to a staff:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

Week 9 end result: Beat the Chiefs 28-21
Week 9 rating: 4

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 15 on the Patriots

The Payments are attempting to win a sixth straight AFC East title, however they've vital competitors to achieve that aim. After the Patriots took the primary assembly, this matchup might find yourself being large because the Payments look to safe a minimum of another postseason recreation of their final 12 months at Highmark Stadium. Successful the division is all the time emphasised by Buffalo coach Sean McDermott as step one to reaching the Tremendous Bowl, and this recreation might show pivotal. — Alaina Getzenberg

Week 9 end result: Bye
Week 9 rating: 3

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 10 on the Packers

There's an argument to be made for every of their upcoming three video games: on the Packers, residence towards the Lions then on the Cowboys, who symbolize the Eagles' greatest (and perhaps solely) menace within the NFC East. However the Eagles' plans go properly past a divisional crown. They're concerned in a good race for the NFC's No. 1 seed and may acquire the higher hand towards one among their high rivals at Lambeau Area. Philadelphia ought to get a lift from new defensive acquisitions Jaelan Phillips, Jaire Alexander and Michael Carter II in addition to the potential return of edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr. (triceps). A win over Inexperienced Bay might assist propel Philly by way of a difficult closing stretch, because the Eagles have the sixth-most tough remaining schedule, per ESPN's Soccer Energy Index (FPI). — Tim McManus

Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Steelers 27-20
Week 9 rating: 1

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 10 vs. the Falcons in Berlin

After the best way the Colts performed Sunday, with six turnovers and the offensive line getting uncharacteristically pushed round, the query round Indianapolis will probably be how they bounce again. This was simply their second loss this season, however it was the primary that raised questions on what sort of staff they're. Likewise, quarterback Daniel Jones can have loads to show. His three interceptions versus the Steelers are probably to offer gasoline to the narrative that he hasn't absolutely turned the web page on his Giants period. — Stephen Holder

Week 9 end result: Bye
Week 9 rating: 5

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 16 on the Panthers

We do not know the way the Buccaneers will reply to being with out extensive receiver Mike Evans (damaged collarbone) for an prolonged interval. We additionally do not know when Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin Jr., Luke Goedeke or Jalen McMillan will return. However we do know that 4 out of their closing 5 video games are towards divisional opponents, which do rely towards tiebreakers. The Bucs have made an enormous level of emphasis on avoiding the midseason slumps they've skilled the previous two seasons. However ought to they want a late-season surge, that street recreation towards Carolina is smack dab in the midst of it. — Jenna Laine

Week 9 end result: Beat the Saints 34-10
Week 9 rating: 8

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 10 on the 49ers

The Rams have six wins, however their Week 9 victory was surprisingly their first over an NFC opponent. Los Angeles has performed just one divisional recreation: a Week 5 loss at residence to San Francisco that ended with a turnover on downs in time beyond regulation. In what has been a good NFC West race thus far, not dropping the head-to-head tiebreaker to the 49ers may very well be vital for a Rams staff with aspirations for a deep playoff run. — Sarah Barshop

Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Vikings 27-24
Week 9 rating: 2

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 11 on the Eagles

The Lions will get examined by an elite squad in a showdown with the reigning Tremendous Bowl champions on “Sunday Night time Soccer.” They might want to convey their A-game to win in Philadelphia, and it will function barometer for the place the Lions stand among the many league's elite groups after already dropping to Inexperienced Bay and Kansas Metropolis on the street. Detroit is seeking to safe its third straight NFC North crown. — Eric Woodyard

Week 9 end result: Beat the Texans 18-15
Week 9 rating: 9

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 17 on the Chiefs

Sure, the Broncos have their first assembly towards the Chiefs in Week 11 in addition to a Week 15 matchup with the Packers and the regular-season finale versus the Chargers (after Los Angeles beat Denver in Week 3). However the Christmas evening tilt at Kansas Metropolis might have loads on the desk. Maybe most notably — past any playoff seeding implications — is {that a} victory at Arrowhead Stadium might imply the Broncos are really over their eight seasons of struggles following Peyton Manning's retirement. The Chiefs have gained each AFC West title for the reason that Broncos final claimed the divisional crown in 2015, and Denver hasn't triumphed at Arrowhead since Sept. 17, 2015. — Jeff Legwold

Week 9 end result: Beat the Falcons 24-23
Week 9 rating: 10

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 15 vs. the Payments

The Patriots already beat Buffalo in Week 5, and sweeping the season sequence would give them the sting in a possible tiebreaker within the AFC East standings. The Payments have gained the previous 5 division titles. On the day New England coach Mike Vrabel was employed in January, he mentioned the staff's objectives are to win the division, host residence playoff video games and compete for championships. — Mike Reiss

Week 9 end result: Beat the Commanders 38-14
Week 9 rating: 11

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 16 vs. the Rams

For the sake of selecting one recreation, we'll go along with the late-season, prime-time matchup towards the staff at present tied with Seattle atop the NFC West standings. However you would go along with both of the Seahawks' two video games towards Los Angeles (the primary assembly will probably be in Week 11) or their regular-season finale at San Francisco. In keeping with the FPI, the 49ers — regardless of all their accidents — have virtually the identical probability to win the division (36.2%) because the Rams (38.5%), so Seattle (25.3%) may very properly be in a three-team race the remainder of the best way. — Brady Henderson

Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Payments 28-21
Week 9 rating: 6

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 11 on the Broncos

Following their bye week, the Chiefs will face the present AFC West chief. The best method for the Chiefs to regain command within the division is to brush the Broncos. Kansas Metropolis coach Andy Reid, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the remainder of the staff ought to have loads of motivation too. Within the 2024 regular-season finale, the Broncos, needing a win to clinch the convention's closing playoff spot, beat Kansas Metropolis 38-0. One might argue the Chiefs, who already had clinched the highest seed and rested their starters, did not take pleasure in Broncos coach Sean Payton working up the rating. — Nate Taylor

Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Panthers 16-13
Week 9 rating: 7

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 12 vs. the Vikings

We might've picked any of the remaining NFC North video games as a result of the Packers nonetheless have 5 of them left in a hotly contested division. The Vikings recreation marks the start of three straight divisional video games, so let's go along with that one. The Packers have gained their solely NFC North matchup thus far, beating the Lions method again in Week 1. Final season, Inexperienced Bay went simply 1-5 within the division; proper now, the Pack are clinging to a half-game lead within the standings. — Rob Demovsky

Week 9 end result: Beat the Colts 27-20
Week 9 rating: 13

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 14 on the Ravens

Although the Steelers proceed to steer the division, each AFC North recreation is vital. On the high of that record is their first assembly with Baltimore. With quarterback Lamar Jackson again from a hamstring damage, the Ravens are poised to make a run within the division, and Pittsburgh must maintain them at bay. It misplaced each video games in Baltimore a season in the past, together with a 28-14 playoff defeat wherein working again Derrick Henry ran all around the Steelers' protection. — Brooke Pryor

Week 9 end result: Beat the Titans 27-20
Week 9 rating: 14

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 15 on the Chiefs

It has been 12 years for the reason that Chargers swept the Chiefs. In one of many league's best divisions, this recreation might imply the distinction in a playoff spot. However past that, sweeping the proverbial huge brother of the AFC West would give the Chargers extra confidence as they give the impression of being to contend for the franchise's first Tremendous Bowl title. Of their opening recreation of the season, the Bolts beat the Chiefs in Brazil, which Harbaugh known as “monumental.” — Kris Rhim

Week 9 end result: Beat the Giants 34-24
Week 9 rating: 12

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 10 vs. the Rams

The 49ers are 3-0 within the NFC West, and wins over the Rams and the Seahawks have given San Francisco a leg up in what figures to be a hotly contested divisional race. The Niners pulled off an upset over Los Angeles in Week 5, and if they will do it once more this week, it might put them in prime place to make one other run on the division crown and return to the postseason after a one-year hiatus. — Nick Wagoner

Week 9 end result: Beat the Raiders 30-29 (OT)
Week 9 rating: 15

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 10 on the Texans

The Jaguars might bury the Texans within the division with a victory in Houston. That may give Jacksonville a four-game lead — together with the tiebreaker — over the Texans and basically make the AFC South a two-team race with Indianapolis. The Jaguars nonetheless have two video games remaining towards the Colts (7-2) and the Titans (1-8). — Mike DiRocco

Week 9 end result: Beat the Packers 16-13
Week 9 rating: 19

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 16 vs. the Buccaneers

You additionally might argue for the Week 18 matchup with Tampa Bay, but when the Panthers lose to the identical opponent two weeks earlier, then the regular-season finale may very well be irrelevant. Why these video games matter is easy: It might come right down to successful one or each for the Panthers to assert the NFC South crown. There are different key contests in between — versus the 49ers, the Rams and the Seahawks — however successful towards the present division chief will probably be most vital. — David Newton

Week 9 end result: Beat the Bengals 47-42
Week 9 rating: 16

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 11 on the Vikings

The Bears' subsequent probability at a division win is in two weeks. Chicago began the season in an 0-2 gap within the NFC North with a three-point defeat to the visiting Vikings and a blowout loss in Detroit. Gaining floor within the division earlier than the Bears face Inexperienced Bay twice and Detroit to finish the season is essential in the event that they need to make the playoffs. Whereas they're tied for second place with Detroit and a half-game behind first-place Inexperienced Bay, a win at Minneapolis' U.S. Financial institution Stadium would go a great distance earlier than three extra NFC North video games. — Courtney Cronin

Week 9 end result: Beat the Lions 27-24
Week 9 rating: 21

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 10 vs. the Ravens

It'd sound cliché, however the Vikings' most vital recreation is their subsequent one, irrespective of the opponent. Sunday's upset did nothing however convey their file to .500. They continue to be on the backside of the NFC North, arguably the league's hardest division, and are two video games behind the Packers within the loss column. Assuming that the Packers, the Lions and the Bears proceed enjoying properly, the Vikings cannot afford to fall any additional behind in the event that they need to push towards a playoff berth. All three division foes are direct rivals for a playoff spot. — Kevin Seifert

Week 9 end result: Beat the Dolphins 28-6
Week 9 rating: 22

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 18 on the Steelers

It appears to be like like a two-team race within the AFC North. In keeping with ESPN Analytics, the Steelers have a 48.2% probability to win the division, whereas the Ravens have a 46.4% probability. If it finally ends up being determined within the regular-season finale, Baltimore should overcome its struggles in Pittsburgh to win its third straight division title. The Ravens have misplaced 4 of their previous 5 video games in Pittsburgh, averaging simply 15.0 factors per outing. — Jamison Hensley

Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Broncos 18-15
Week 9 rating: 17

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 10 vs. the Jaguars

If the Texans lose this subsequent recreation, they'd be observing a 3-6 file. It additionally would imply being swept by a divisional opponent, which might harm the Texans in potential tiebreaker situations and put them able to must run the desk for any probability on the playoffs. They presently have a 12.7% probability to make the postseason, per the FPI, whereas the Jaguars have a 52.5% probability. — DJ Bien-Aime

Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Cardinals 27-17
Week 9 rating: 18

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 12 on the Eagles

The Cowboys cannot start to consider the playoffs till they win consecutive video games. However one of the simplest ways to make the postseason would probably be successful the NFC East — and that might require assist. The Eagles play the Packers and Lions within the subsequent two weeks. For instance they lose each. At 3-5-1, the Cowboys are in must-win territory, beginning Nov. 17 on the Raiders, which might arrange the rematch of the season opener at AT&T Stadium with the Eagles. Even that may not be sufficient as a result of the Chiefs, Lions, Vikings and Chargers await the Cowboys, so there is no such thing as a simple path. — Todd Archer

Week 9 end result: Beat the Cowboys 27-17
Week 9 rating: 24

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 10 on the Seahawks

It is a very powerful one as a result of it is the following one — and no, that is not coachspeak. Whereas the Cardinals obtained a win Monday to interrupt a five-game dropping streak, they want extra — badly. Sunday's outing would be the Playing cards' subsequent alternative to get again within the race, however given how good Seattle checked out Washington, they may have their work reduce out for them. This Arizona staff, which was in first place within the NFC West final November and thought it might be even higher this season, continues to be in a tricky spot. — Josh Weinfuss

Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Bears 47-42
Week 9 rating: 23

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 11 vs. the Steelers

It all the time felt just like the Bengals' rematch towards the Steelers was going to be essential for Cincinnati's playoff hopes. However after back-to-back losses heading into the bye, the end result towards Pittsburgh additionally might decide if the Bengals ought to absolutely decide to reevaluating and rebuilding the roster. In keeping with the FPI, they've a 7.4% probability of constructing the playoffs after Sunday's video games. — Ben Child

Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Seahawks 38-14
Week 9 rating: 20

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 11 vs. the Dolphins in Madrid

The Commanders have misplaced 4 in a row, however three of these had been to groups over .500 and the previous two got here towards Kansas Metropolis and Seattle. They'll host Detroit on Sunday, and it might get ugly since they're simply not geared up to beat good groups proper now. But when the Commanders lose to 2-7 Miami — and look dangerous once more on protection — it can sign a large challenge. Washington coach Dan Quinn mentioned he is not making modifications on his defensive workers, however a tough recreation in Spain wouldn't bolster anybody's confidence on this group to enhance the state of affairs. — John Keim

Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Patriots 24-23
Week 9 rating: 26

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 15 vs. the Buccaneers

The Falcons have misplaced three straight and are third within the NFC South. So, any playoff dialogue needs to be placed on the backburner for the second. Atlanta does have the sunshine a part of its schedule — with video games towards the Panthers, the Saints and the Jets — coming over the following month. If the Falcons can deal with enterprise in these contests, then the “Thursday Night time Soccer” matchup with Tampa Bay can have critical divisional implications. Proper now, although, Atlanta badly must string some wins collectively earlier than a once-promising season goes down the drain. — Marc Raimondi

Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the 49ers 34-24
Week 9 rating: 28

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 17 vs. the Cowboys

Workforce co-owner John Mara recurrently says he needs to stroll off the sphere after the ultimate recreation feeling good concerning the course of the staff. Properly, a Week 17 win at residence over the rival Cowboys might go away a constructive style in his mouth, particularly if rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart finishes robust. Eli Manning and the Giants have lengthy talked about how the ultimate recreation of his rookie 12 months in 2004 (a come-from-behind win over Dallas) gave him and the staff confidence going into the next season. In 2005, they'd an 11-5 file and made the playoffs. — Jordan Raanan

Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Ravens 28-6
Week 9 rating: 25

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 10 vs. the Payments

The Dolphins' season is successfully over by way of playoff consideration, and there isn't any single contest that might change the course of their destiny — besides this Sunday's residence recreation towards Buffalo. Their earlier matchup with the Payments got here right down to the wire, and sneaking out with a win would have a constructive impact on a locker room that may look loads completely different after Tuesday's commerce deadline. Miami has a string of winnable video games coming after this week, with the Commanders, the Saints and the Jets subsequent up on the schedule. Beating the Payments could be one heck of a springboard. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Jaguars 30-29 (OT)
Week 9 rating: 29

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 11 on the Cowboys

The Raiders' schedule does not supply too many alternatives for them to go on a successful streak. That is why their matchup towards Dallas will probably be essential. Las Vegas' offense is trending in the precise course with the return of tight finish Brock Bowers from a knee damage. And for the reason that Cowboys have one among league's worst defenses (thirty first in yards allowed at 404.6 per recreation), the Raiders might pull off an upset. Las Vegas will play Dallas and Cleveland in back-to-back weeks, however the schedule will get more durable after that. The Raiders' closing six video games characteristic matchups towards the Broncos, the Chargers, the Chiefs and the Eagles. — Ryan McFadden

Week 9 end result: Bye
Week 9 rating: 27

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 10 on the Jets

The Browns have a number of video games remaining towards groups that will probably be vying for the No. 1 decide, and the one-win Jets look like amongst those that will probably be within the quarterback market this offseason. The FPI at present provides the Browns an 18.7% probability — the third-best odds within the NFL — of getting the highest decide within the 2026 draft, whereas the Jets sit at fourth with a 13.7% probability. A victory might come at the price of probably lacking out on an elite QB prospect months from now. — Daniel Oyefusi

Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Rams 34-10
Week 9 rating: 30

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 17 on the Titans

The Saints will play each the Jets and the Titans on the finish of the season, and all three groups are nonetheless looking for their second win. If issues proceed on the identical path for the Saints and the Titans, then this recreation has the potential to find out who will probably be selecting on the high of the draft in 2026. At the moment, New Orleans is simply behind Tennessee with a 27.4% probability on the No. 1 decide, per the FPI. — Katherine Terrell

Week 9 end result: Bye
Week 9 rating: 31

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 16 on the Saints

This might have main implications for the No. 1 decide within the 2026 draft, because the Jets, the Saints and the Titans are the league's solely one-win groups. In contrast to the Titans, who drafted Cam Ward final 12 months, the Jets and the Saints determine to be within the QB market. The Jets have Justin Fields below contract subsequent season, however he has but to exhibit he could be their long-term reply. His Whole QBR is 37.9, which ranks thirtieth out of 32 certified passers. — Wealthy Cimini

Week 9 end result: Misplaced to the Chargers 27-20
Week 9 rating: 32

Most vital recreation remaining: Week 18 on the Jaguars

Having their closing recreation towards AFC South rival Jacksonville provides the Titans a chance to finish on a excessive be aware and construct upon that subsequent season. This marketing campaign was meant to be a constructing block for future success. The Titans' brass knew the staff wasn't more likely to be aggressive. At this level, given Tennessee's struggles and a brand new workers in all probability coming this offseason, the gamers don't have anything to play for apart from their pleasure and placing good movie out for evaluators. Getting the possibility to play spoilers if the Jaguars are in playoff rivalry would add motivation. — Turron Davenport