As the NFL enters its final week of the regular season, one thing is clear: Kyle Shanahan has delivered one of the most impressive coaching performances the league has seen in years. Whether or not that earns him NFL Coach of the Year is another matter entirely.
San Francisco’s season could have easily collapsed under the weight of injuries. Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Trent Williams, Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner have all missed time. For most teams, losing that many cornerstone players would result in a free fall. Instead, the 49ers sit at 12–4 and are one win away from securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
The reason is Shanahan. San Francisco’s offense has been the best unit in football down the stretch, averaging more than 42 points and 455 yards per game in December while punting only twice the entire month. Shanahan’s play-calling has been surgical, creative and relentlessly aggressive. When people praise the 49ers’ offensive system, they are praising Shanahan himself. Right now, no coach in the NFL is better at putting players in positions to succeed.
Yet history suggests Shanahan may not win Coach of the Year. The award typically favors coaches who dramatically outperform preseason expectations or first-year head coaches who engineer quick turnarounds. Excellence sustained over multiple seasons is rarely rewarded. That reality explains why coaching legends like Vince Lombardi and Bill Walsh each won the award only once, while less accomplished coaches have won it multiple times.
If Shanahan misses out again, it won’t change the reality: he is the best coach in football this season by a wide margin.
NFL Power Rankings After Week 17
32. Las Vegas Raiders (2–14)
The Raiders have reached rock bottom. A chaotic week involving questionable injured-reserve decisions and a humiliating home loss to the Giants summed up a dysfunctional season. While the consolation prize may be the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the damage to the franchise’s credibility is significant.
31. New York Jets (3–13)
December has been historically bad for the Jets. They lost six of seven games by massive margins and finished the month with the worst point differential in NFL history. First-year head coach Aaron Glenn inherited a difficult situation, but repeated blowouts raise serious questions about leadership and direction.
30. Tennessee Titans (3–13)
Despite the record, there is legitimate optimism in Tennessee. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward has shown real improvement since the bye week, significantly boosting his passer rating and protecting the football. The roster remains thin, but Ward’s development matters more than wins right now.
29. Arizona Cardinals (3–13)
Michael Wilson’s late-season breakout has been one of the few bright spots. His surge has also raised uncomfortable questions about Marvin Harrison Jr., whose production has lagged despite elite expectations. The contrast between the two receivers is becoming impossible to ignore.
28. New York Giants (3–13)
The Giants’ win over the Raiders may have hurt their draft position, but it provided something more valuable: confidence. This team needed proof it could still compete, and it got it. Draft concerns can wait.
27. Washington Commanders (4–12)
Late-season flashes from young players like Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Johnny Newton offer hope for a roster that needs significant turnover. Washington’s rebuild will be difficult, but development like this matters.
26. Cleveland Browns (4–12)
Upsetting Pittsburgh was Cleveland’s highlight of the season. The defense showed up when it mattered most, and Myles Garrett remains on the verge of history as he chases the single-season sack record.
25. Kansas City Chiefs (6–10)
Injuries and quarterback instability have derailed Kansas City. The season now feels like a waiting game, with speculation swirling about whether Week 18 could be Travis Kelce’s final NFL appearance.
24. New Orleans Saints (6–10)
Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has given New Orleans legitimate hope. The Saints went 5–3 in his starts, and his emergence could reshape expectations in the NFC South next season.
23. Indianapolis Colts (8–8)
A brutal second-half collapse has overshadowed a strong start. Injuries played a role, but Jonathan Taylor’s candid postgame comments highlighted deeper issues with consistency and execution.
22. Atlanta Falcons (7–9)
Atlanta’s inconsistency is maddening. On their best days, they look dominant. On others, completely lost. One constant is Bijan Robinson, who continues to prove he is one of the league’s most electrifying players.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7–9)
Todd Bowles’ future remains uncertain. A disastrous finish to the season would be hard to justify, especially given Tampa Bay’s improved health late in the year.
20. Miami Dolphins (7–9)
Miami stabilized after a disastrous start, but looming questions around Tua Tagovailoa cloud the future. Mike McDaniel has likely done enough to survive another year.
19. Cincinnati Bengals (6–10)
Chase Brown’s growth has been a rare positive in a disappointing season. Cincinnati’s offensive core remains strong, but the rest of the roster needs significant upgrades.
18. Dallas Cowboys (7–8–1)
Dallas is the definition of average. A .500 finish would perfectly capture a season defined by mediocrity and missed opportunities.
17. Detroit Lions (8–8)
Advanced metrics suggest Detroit was better than its record. A positive point differential and solid efficiency numbers hint at a potential rebound in 2026.
16. Minnesota Vikings (8–8)
Despite terrible quarterback play, Minnesota managed eight wins. Competent QB play alone could make them a playoff team next season.
15. Baltimore Ravens (8–8)
One dominant win doesn’t erase a frustrating year, but Baltimore still has a path to the division title. Everything hinges on Week 18.
14. Carolina Panthers (8–8)
The Panthers are still alive in the NFC South race. Bryce Young must improve quickly, but the opportunity is there.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers (9–7)
A costly suspension and offensive struggles put Pittsburgh on the brink. Lose to Baltimore, and the season — and possibly Aaron Rodgers’ career — could be over.
12. Green Bay Packers (9–6–1)
Injuries have exposed Green Bay’s defense at the worst time. They no longer feel like a dangerous playoff team.
11. Los Angeles Chargers (11–5)
The Chargers have everything except offensive line health. Against elite pass rushes, that weakness could end their playoff run early.
10. Buffalo Bills (11–5)
Sean McDermott’s aggressive late-game decisions remain defensible. Buffalo is dangerous, but flawed.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (11–5)
Winning despite offensive stagnation is concerning. If the offense doesn’t improve, their playoff ceiling is limited.
8. Houston Texans (11–5)
A Week 18 win secures a favorable playoff matchup. Houston understands what’s at stake and will treat the finale accordingly.
7. Chicago Bears (11–5)
Caleb Williams continues to shine under pressure. Chicago looks capable of scoring with anyone in the postseason.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars (12–4)
Ascending at the right time, Jacksonville can clinch the AFC South with one more win. Head coach Liam Coen has been outstanding.
5. San Francisco 49ers (12–4)
The defense remains suspect, but the offense is unstoppable. With the No. 1 seed in reach, a Super Bowl run is very real.
4. Los Angeles Rams (11–5)
Recent performances raise alarms. Matthew Stafford’s mistakes have hurt MVP hopes and playoff confidence.
3. New England Patriots (13–3)
Drake Maye’s late-season surge has elevated New England into serious contender status. The coach-quarterback combination is elite.
2. Denver Broncos (13–3)
Not flawless, but consistent. A Week 18 win secures the AFC’s top seed and solidifies their Super Bowl credentials.
1. Seattle Seahawks (13–3)
Control is in Seattle’s hands. Beat San Francisco, and they claim the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Their defense against the 49ers’ red-hot offense sets up one of the best matchups of the season.