Bills’ rise looks for real

1. Chiefs 12-1 (1): The rough start the Chiefs had vs. the Dolphins might doom them against better opponents. But they rallied to win and capture the AFC West title for the fifth year in a row.

2. Bills 10-3 (4): The Bills defense returned to form against the Steelers, and they’re positioned to win the AFC East for the first time since 1995.

3. Packers 10-3 (5): Aaron Rodgers is up to 39 TD passes with only four picks, but they have questions on defense.

4. Rams 9-4 (7): Rookie Cam Akers ran for 171 yards as the Rams dominated up front, and the defense stymied the Pats.

5. Saints 10-3 (2): Drew Brees’ availability remains a question mark, and the offense with Taysom Hill at the controls won’t produce every week.

6. Steelers 11-2 (3): The Steelers have lost two in a row, and now it’s unlikely they will earn a first-round bye and home-field advantage for the playoffs.

7. Titans 9-4 (8): Derrick Henry ran for 215 yards and two TDs in a 31-10 win over the Jags. It’s the fourth time in his career he has topped 200 yards and had two rushing TDs.

8. Colts 9-4 (10): The Colts are finally chugging with rookie Jonathan Taylor running behind a powerful offensive line, and that could make them a tough out in the playoffs.

9. Seahawks 9-4 (9): In the Jamal Adams revenge game, the former Jets safety had a sack to give him 8 ½ for the season, an NFL record for a defensive back.

10. Ravens 8-5 (13): Justin Tucker’s 55-yard field goal with two seconds left lifted the Ravens to a wild 47-42 victory Monday in Cleveland, keeping them in the wild-card hunt.

11. Browns 9-4 (6): Baker Mayfield rallied the Browns from 14 points down to take a lead late in the fourth.

12. Buccaneers 8-5 (12): The Bucs benefited from a pass interference on a Hail Mary before halftime and earned a key NFC win over the Vikings.

13. Dolphins 8-5 (11): Losing tight end Mike Gesicki to injury takes away one of the Dolphins’ few skill targets.

14. Cardinals 7-6 (20): LB Hasson Reddick, a former firstround pick who had 7 ½ sacks through his first three seasons, had a team-record five in a road win vs. the Giants.

15. Washington 6-7 (19): QB Alex Smith left the game vs. the 49ers with a hamstring strain and the offense failed to score a TD, but Washington still found a way to win again to move into first in the NFC East.

16. Raiders 7-6 (17): Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther was fired after a 44-27 loss to the Colts. It’s not his fault former first-round pick Clelin Ferrell has been a bust so far.

17. Vikings 6-7 (16): Dan Bailey missed three field goals and an extra point in a 26-14 road loss to the Bucs, and nothing sets off coach Mike Zimmer quite like struggling kickers.

18. Bears 6-7 (26): David Montgomery scored on an 80-yard run on the first offensive snap, Mitch Trubisky was sharp and the defense pinned its ears back vs. the Texans.

19. Patriots 6-7 (14): The slim hope the Patriots had of making a late playoff push pretty much vanished when they were dominated Thursday against the Rams.

20. 49ers 5-8 (15): A loss to Washington was a big blow to their slim playoff hopes. Who’s the QB next season?

21. Broncos 5-8 (22): Drew Lock has had a bumpy season, but the second-year QB passed for 280 yards and four TDs in a road win vs. the Panthers.

22. Giants 5-8 (18): Even when the Giants haven’t won this season, they have managed to keep it close. That wasn’t the case vs. the Cardinals.

23. Eagles 4-8-1 (27): Jalen Hurts threw for 167 yards and a TD and rushed for 106 yards as the Eagles kept their NFC East hopes alive by stunning the Saints. That will keep Carson Wentz on the bench for sure.

24. Lions 5-8 (24): The defense fought hard for Darrell Bevell vs. the Packers, but the Lions are so undermanned, they couldn’t hold up.

25. Texans 4-9 (21): Where do the Texans begin the offseason rebuilding? On defense? With linemen to help Laremy Tunsil protect Deshaun Watson? Or with some playmakers for Watson? Help is needed in all areas.

26. Cowboys 4-9 (28): In the Andy Dalton revenge game, the former Bengals QB tossed two TD passes in a 30-7 blowout win in Cincinnati.

27. Panthers 4-9 (23): The Panthers melted down in the fourth vs. the Broncos to lose for the seventh time in the last eight games.

28. Chargers 4-9 (29): For once, the Chargers weren’t the team bungling an opportunity in the game’s final moments as an interception, a clutch drive and a game-winning kick propelled them over the Falcons.

29. Falcons 4-9 (25): Probably should tap the brakes on the idea of interim coach Raheem Morris getting the job on a full-time basis. The Falcons need a fresh direction.

30. Bengals 2-10-1 (30): The Bengals have reached doubledigit losses for the third consecutive season.

31. Jaguars 1-12 (31): The QB merry-go-round is spinning again as Gardner Minshew came off the bench.

32. Jets 0-13 (32): In almost any other game, kicker Sergio Castillo missing three field goals would be a big deal. But it’s the Jets, it’s the most miserable season you can imagine and it was a 40-3 loss in Seattle.