1. New England Patriots (10-2), AFC East leaders: Week 12's narrow defeat of the Bengals gave the Pats the league's best record, moving them past Denver and into the conference's top spot. Good chance they hold onto it when they hit their off week. Remaining schedule: vs. Giants, BYE, vs. Bills, at Ravens, at Jets, vs. Dolphins

The Bears took care of business on Black Friday when they wore down the Philadelphia Eagles, winning 24-15 to improve to 9-3. The victory kept them atop the NFC North division for the second week in a row and boosted their postseason chances with five games to go in the regular season. But they could climb even higher with the Panthers' help.

For Rams fans, the Week 13 matchup between the Eagles and Bears has a clear side to take. Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams getting a huge win would help the Rams immensely, as their chances to secure the number one seed would be far and away the best in the conference.

It’s a weird year in the NFL. Each of the traditional powers is missing something. Everything we fret about with the Eagles are worries in Kansas City and Buffalo. The Chargers have failed to take the next step.