B/R Experts Week 17 NFL Power Rankings: Where Does Every Team Stand?
Sixteen weeks of the 2024 NFL regular season have come and gone. Just two weeks remain. And the playoff pictures are coming into focus.
In the AFC, it appears the road to New Orleans will once again go through Kansas City—after defeating the Houston Texans in Week 16, the Chiefs need only a win or a Buffalo loss to sew up the No. 1 seed.
Things are cloudier in the NFC—with both the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions sitting at 13-2 after Week 16 victories, the NFC North (and the NFC's No. 1 seed) could come down to a Week 18 meeting between the two teams. The NFC East also remains in play (albeit barely) after the Washington Commanders upset the Eagles with a huge fourth quarter.
Teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts kept their faint playoff hopes alive. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers slipped up Sunday night, opening the door for the Atlanta Falcons to take over first place in the NFC South.
It was another wild week across the league—and as always, Bleacher Report NFL Analysts Gary Davenport, Kristopher Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski have come together to sort through the week's happenings and slot the league's teams from worst to first.
One thing remained constant—the New York Giants are still awful.
32. New York Giants (2-13)
1 of 32
Last Week: 32
Week 16 Result: Lost at Atlanta 34-7
The New York Giants are trash. Period. Full stop.
That may seem harsh, but it's also accurate. The Giants were once again dominated in almost every facet of the game by the Falcons. Despite an uneven offensive performance in rookie Michael Penix's NFL debut, the G-Men were blown out. Both of Drew Lock's interceptions were returned for touchdowns.
After another ugly loss, head coach Brian Daboll offered the same platitudes we have often heard this season while speaking to reporters.
"At the end of the day, if it wasn't good enough, that's my fault," he said. "It's not good enough. Again, that's my responsibility. You do everything you can do each week. Obviously, not good enough. Of course, after every game, it hurts. It hurts to lose. I put a lot into it. We have two more to finish off. Unacceptable, can't have it, again, put it on me."
Oh, it's going to be put on Daboll all right.
Analyst's Take
At this point, there is no reason whatsoever for the Giants to win either of their last two games. After losing their 10th consecutive game, Big Blue is in the pole position to secure the first overall pick in next April's draft. We know that Daniel Jones isn't the answer in New York, but as things stand now, the Giants would have their choice of players like Colorado's Shedeur Sanders or Miami's Cam Ward. Now all they need is a new head coach and general manager—because these Giants need to blown up and rebuilt from the ground up. -- Davenport
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12)
2 of 32
Last Week: 28
Week 16 Result: Lost at Las Vegas 19-14
The 2024 season has essentially been one long low point for the Jaguars. Injuries. Poor play. Loss after loss. But getting beat by a woeful Raiders team riding a 10-game losing streak was a new nadir.
This was a game where Jacksonville had just 15 first downs for the game. Where the Jags turned it over twice. When the team committed eight costly penalties.
After another defeat, soon-to-be ex-head coach Doug Pederson told reporters he's at a loss because the Jaguars can't even seem to get out of their own way and play a clean game.
"It's the most frustrating thing that I've ever seen or been a part of," Pederson said. "Obviously, it's something that's been holding us back all year. Gosh, at some point you would think that enough would be enough. We'd learn from it. Move on. But it seems to be plaguing us each week."
Eh. It will probably be someone else's problem soon enough. Just have some egg nog and chill, coach.
Analyst's Take
Believe it or not, the Jaguars have upstart offensive playmakers who could help turn the franchise around. Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. has star potential. Two weeks ago, tight end Brenton Strange logged career highs in catches (11) and receiving yards (73). Tank Bigsby is averaging 4.9 yards per carry. If the Jaguars upgrade their coaching staff, they could bounce back next year. -- Moton
30. Tennessee Titans (3-12)
3 of 32
Last Week: 30
Week 16 Result: Lost at Indianapolis 38-30
You know it was a rough week when the best thing that can be said about a team is that they didn't fold in a blowout.
That's the situation the Tennessee Titans found themselves in Sunday—the Colts raced out to a 38-7 lead in a game where Indy amassed a staggering 335 yards on the ground and 458 yards of total offense.
Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph threw three interceptions in the game—including one that sealed the team's fate late. But while speaking to the media, Tennessee head coach Brian Callahan said that Rudolph still brings some stability to the Tennessee offense that had been missing in recent weeks.
"Yeah, that's what we've been looking for all season," Callahan said. "Being able to execute consistently over the course of multiple drives. We've had moments where we've had good drives, then we've had a three-and-out or we've had a turnover. We're trying to find ways to be more consistent drive to drive, and that's one of the things that we hope that's the case."
Of course, it would help if that stability came before things are totally out of hand.
Analyst's Take
To Tennessee's credit, the Titans didn't back down after the Colts ran the score to 38-7. But it's glaringly obvious the organization needs to invest in someone it believes can be the franchise quarterback. After benching Will Levis, it's clear that Mason Rudolph isn't the answer. Currently, the Titans find themselves situated with a top-four draft selection. Unfortunately, that slotting may still be too low for the 2025 class' top quarterbacks, though the Las Vegas Raiders' win certainly helped Tennessee's offseason cause. -- Sobleski
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29. Cleveland Browns (3-12)
4 of 32
Last Week: 29
Week 16 Result: Lost at Cincinnati 24-6
In Sunday's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Browns edge-rusher Myles Garrett logged the 100th sack of his career. Garrett and Lawrence Taylor are the only two players in NFL history with a dozen sacks in five straight seasons.
And this well may be the end of the line for him at the Factory of Sadness.
Earlier this week, Garrett told reporters that as he heads toward the offseason, he is well and truly sick of losing.
"Well, for me, I mean first of all I want to win. I want the Browns to be able to put me and us in position to win," Garrett said. "I'm not trying to rebuild. I'm trying to win right now. I want that to be apparent, when the season's over and we have those discussions, I want them to be able to illuminate that for me, illustrate that for me, so that can be something that I can see in the near future. Because that's all we want to do."
Frankly, with Garrett nearing 30 and Cleveland's cap situation in utter shambles, a trade may be the best thing for both parties.
The Browns really are that big a mess.
Analyst's Take
Dark times are likely ahead in Cleveland. Again. The Browns don't have a viable starting quarterback on their roster, they're staring down a horrendous cap situation, and there's a non-zero chance that star pass-rusher Myles Garrett will demand a trade in the offseason. Garrett made it clear last week that he doesn't want to go through another rebuild and wants the Browns to present him with a plan for winning now. After scoring a mere six points against one of the league's worst defenses, there's virtually no way Cleveland can do that.
Last year's playoff run with Joe Flacco was a fluke. Cleveland's contention window truly closed three years ago when the Browns gave up on Baker Mayfield and made their franchise-destroying play for Deshaun Watson. -- Knox
28. Las Vegas Raiders (3-12)
5 of 32
Last Week: 31
Week 16 Result: Won vs. Jacksonville 19-14
When a team has lost 10 games in a row, they will do anything to see that streak end. And after the Raiders finally got a victory in a truly awful excuse for a football game, embattled head coach Antonio Pierce wasn't shy about sharing his excitement about coming out on the right side of the scoreboard for once.
"It's long overdue," he told reporters. "It's good to see all of those smiling faces from our players, our staff and everybody involved in our organization. Obviously, you don't want to go what we went over the last 10 weeks, but that's behind us. … I'm very proud of this group for being resilient, blocking out the outside noise and playing for one another."
Of course, that win won't necessarily save Pierce's job. It also knocked the Raiders several spots down the board for the 2025 draft—not long after reports surfaced that Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders would like to play in Vegas.
Even when the Raiders win, they lose.
Analyst's Take
The Raiders won their previous game but may have lost their shot at a young quarterback of the future. With a win over Jacksonville, Las Vegas dropped from No. 1 to No. 6 in the draft order. Barring a move to trade up, the Raiders will likely miss out on Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward in the top five. The front office could gauge the free-agent market and take a signal-caller on Day 2 of the draft for a true quarterback competition next summer. -- Moton
27. New England Patriots (3-12)
6 of 32
Last Week: 27
Week 16 Result: Lost at Buffalo 24-21
If you're into moral victories, the New England Patriots can take some solace in playing the Buffalo Bills tough. New England led one of the AFC's best teams much of the way and were in the game until the very end.
A backward pass to running back Rhamondre Stevenson that the Bills recovered for a touchdown was a game-turning play, and quarterback Drake Maye told reporters those sorts of mistakes continue to plague the Pats this season.
"The (defensive) end's a big dude, tough player to cut," Maye said. "That's really just a tough break, tough play on Rhamondre to catch it and get blown up. So, either got to throw it at somebody's feet or do something different. It's very frustrating. Just hurting ourselves, same things repeating. Those guys are playing hard. That's the biggest thing. Those guys are fighting. We're fighting, no matter whatever atmosphere out there."
Analyst's Take
The Patriots came up short once again, leading to the team's ongoing five-game losing streak. However, a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport stated that the Kraft family believes in first-year head coach Jerod Mayo. Clearly, the Patriots' locker room hasn't given up despite a 3-12 record. In fact, New England held a 14-7 halftime lead over the Buffalo Bills before the superior team finally pulled out a close victory. Still, the Patriots are experiencing a rebuilding process. Mayo will continue to lead them into the future. -- Sobleski
26. New York Jets (4-11)
7 of 32
Last Week: 26
Week 16 Result: Lost vs. Los Angeles Rams 19-9
Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams personified the Jets in 2024.
There were spots when the team played well. New York actually led a first-place Rams team entering the fourth quarter. But then came the mistakes. A costly turnover by quarterback Aaron Rodgers. And the team's 11th loss of the season.
And of course, the obligatory pontifications from Rodgers while speaking to reporters have done nothing to help the Jets win games.
"We're kind of past the keeping-it-positive thing," he said. "It's just about perspective. Your perspective informs your truth and your truth makes your reality. The reality of the situation is what it is. But your perspective is something you can change every single day, so what you're focusing on is the most important thing now. That's not to change the reality of the situation, being 4-11, out of the playoffs, going into an unknown offseason. But we've got to figure out what it means to be a professional. That's an important part of building culture."
The offseason may be unknown. But one thing isn't.
Rodgers' run in New York has been a fiasco.
Analyst's Take
The Aaron Rodgers-Davante Adams duo didn't save the Jets season, but they could regroup and propel a new team into playoff contention in 2025. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said Rodgers is a "long shot" to stay with the Jets, and he also detailed how Adams could get out of two contracted years to become a free agent.
After a rough start together in New York, Rodgers and Adams have connected on five passing touchdowns over the last four weeks. If they're together for a full offseason, the pair could still be one of the league's top quarterback-receiver duos next year. -- Moton
25. New Orleans Saints (5-10)
8 of 32
Last Week: 24
Week 16 Result: Lost at Green Bay 34-0
Before Monday's meeting with the Packers, veteran edge-rusher Cameron Jordan told reporters that he's been impressed by the job interim head coach Darren Rizzi has done since taking over the team.
"Rizzi has brought energy, has brought fire, has brought an idea of what a head coaching job should look like and at the same time, will he be given that shot next year? ... Everybody's under evaluation," he said.
It's hard to say how becoming the first team shut out this year will affect that evaluation. The reality is that the Saints are so decimated by injuries that it's not entirely fair to judge a coach based on what happened in Week 16.
But there are a lot of hard truths facing this team. And while Rizzi has done a solid job given the circumstances, he's not a permanent hire that will move the needle much.
Of course, the Saints' next head coach will be in something of an untenable position anyway.
Analyst's Take
There are teams with worse records in the NFL, but outside maybe Cleveland, the Saints may be in the worst long-term shape in the league.
There isn't a team in the league looking worse relative to next year's estimated salary cap. New Orleans doesn't have a long-term answer at quarterback, and many of its core players on both sides of the ball are aging.
At this point, the smart play is to bite the bullet, blow up the roster, suffer through a 2025 season that will make this year look like a picnic and then draft a quarterback in 2026.
Whether New Orleans has the guts to concede the franchise needs a total reset is another matter. -- Davenport
24. Chicago Bears (4-11)
9 of 32
Last Week: 23
Week 16 Result: Lost vs. Detroit 34-17
It's fair to start looking ahead in Chicago. In fact, it's been time to start looking ahead for a while now—the last time the Bears won a game was on October 13, before head coach Matt Eberflus was hired. Given that he hasn't won a game yet, interim coach Thomas Brown has about as much chance of landing the permanent gig as you do.
However, per Tom Pelissero of NFL.com, the Bears may already have a target in mind to fill the job in 2025—Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
"There's a lot to like in Chicago with Caleb Williams, tons of cap space, extra draft resources," Pelissero said. "Team president Kevin Warren has a lot of connections around the league from his several decades in pro and college football. That's allowed them to get a jump start on the search process, gathering background as part of what is expected to be a thorough search led by Warren and GM Ryan Poles."
Johnson is exactly the type of coach Chicago should target—young and offense-minded. Hit on that hire, and the turnaround in the Windy City could be a quick one.
Analyst's Take
I still believe that the future is bright in Chicago. Caleb Williams has all the tools and intangibles needed to be a franchise quarterback, and the Bears still boast a talent-filled roster. They desperately need direction, though, which is why the looming coaching search will be the most pivotal in recent memory.
If Chicago can hit on its next coach, the Bears can experience the sort of turnaround we've seen from the Broncos and Chargers this season. For now, though, Chicago feels like a team that won't win another game. The defense has taken steps in the wrong direction, the offense keeps failing to properly utilize its playmakers, and an already suspect offensive line just lost left tackle Braxton Jones. -- Knox
23. Carolina Panthers (4-11)
10 of 32
Last Week: 25
Week 16 Result: Won vs. Arizona 36-30 (OT)
Bryce Young's 2024 season has truly been a rollercoaster. There have been lows galore, whether it was his benching earlier in the season or a disastrous Week 15 effort against the Dallas Cowboys.
But Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, Young again offered hope that he could be Carolina's quarterback of the future—Young was efficient as a passer, added 68 yards with his legs and accounted for three total touchdowns.
While addressing the media after the game, Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that Young is at his best when he doesn't overthink things and just gets into the flow of the game.
"He just played fast again," he said. "He was really decisive, you saw some of the scrambles early in the first half where he was able to pick up some critical downs for us there, and run one in for a touchdown. So, it was about just being decisive, knowing where all the bones are buried and concepts and being able to get to the scramble when those windows open up for him. And again, just making some really nice throws when we needed him to."
Analyst's Take
I had my doubts about head coach Dave Canales early in the year, and I'm sure I wasn't alone. It's been quite a turnaround for Carolina since Bryce Young reentered the starting lineup mid-season, however. While the Panthers haven't exactly racked up wins—they do have two more of those than they did in 2023—they've shown more heart and cohesion than a lot of other teams this season.
Young, meanwhile, hasn't been perfect but is playing a lot more like the difference-making quarterback he was expected to be when he was drafted. If Carolina can significantly improve its roster through free agency and the draft, it' could be in the thick of the NFC South race in 2025. -- Knox
22. San Francisco 49ers (6-9)
11 of 32
Last Week: 19
Week 16 Result: Lost at Miami 29-17
The San Francisco 49ers knew before their Week 16 game with the Miami Dolphins even began that there would be no playoffs this season—wins by the Rams and Commanders eliminated the defending NFC champions.
Now, after falling in Miami, the Niners have also had their first losing season since 2020.
It's not hard to pinpoint why San Francisco struggled this year—the list of prominent players on both sides of the ball who have missed significant time is depressingly long.
Star edge-rusher Nick Bosa, who was one of those injured players at times this year, acknowledged to reporters that Sunday's game in Miami had a different feel.
"I've learned that this league is very tough, and we've been on the highest of highs for a long time and sometimes things don't go your way," Bosa said. "And a lot of it is because of what we've done, obviously, but we just have to appreciate playing this game. I mean, I don't think I've played a game where we don't really have a chance in the playoffs, so it was it was different feel [today], but it's always a blessing to be on the field and be a part of the Niners."
Analyst's Take
The 49ers were eliminated on Sunday and are now fully focused on the upcoming offseason. San Francisco showed against Miami that it's willing to keep fighting, but injuries have made this team average at best.
The 49ers are running out of healthy ball-carriers, lost linebacker Dre Greenlaw to a calf injury and were forced to turn to Spencer Burford at left tackle on Sunday.—then watched him exit with a leg injury, along with guard Aaron Banks. San Francisco might be good again in 2025—if it can get and stay healthy—but it probably doesn't have enough talent left to put up a fight against Detroit next Monday night. -- Knox
21. Dallas Cowboys (7-8)
12 of 32
Last Week: 22
Week 16 Result: Won at Tampa 26-24
The Dallas Cowboys knew before Sunday night's kickoff that the team was eliminated from postseason contention. There was nothing left for the team to do but play spoiler.
So that's exactly what the Cowboys did.
After squeaking past the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Cowboys are a game below .500. If the team can win out, they will finish with a winning record—quite the achievement for a team that has spent much of the season rolling out a backup quarterback.
Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy admitted to reporters that missing the playoffs is a bummer—but he lauded his team's fight in a game that may have knocked Tampa from the postseason as well.
"There wasn't a whole lot of conversation about it," McCarthy said. "I made the point before the game, `Just play the way we always play. We're playing really dang good football these past four, five weeks. Let's grind this thing out.' When we had to have it with the takeaways there in the fourth quarter, it's remarkable, just to see the bounce-back."
Analyst's Take
Had you asked me a month ago, I'd have said that McCarthy was toast after the 2024 season concluded. But the Cowboys have now peeled off four wins in five games—including victories over a pair of postseason contenders in the Commanders and Buccaneers. This isn't to say that McCarthy is the coach who can get Dallas back to the Super Bowl. But it's also unsure who exactly would be an upgrade, and McCarthy's experience has likely helped keep the 2024 campaign from coming completely off the rails. Don't write off the possibility that he'll be back at the helm in 2025. -- Davenport
20. Indianapolis Colts (7-8)
13 of 32
Last Week: 21
Week 16 Result: Won vs. Tennessee 38-30
Last week, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor made one of the gaffes of the year, dropping the ball before crossing the goal line against the Denver Broncos.
There would be no such mistake Sunday in a game that was much more lopsided than the final score—Taylor rushed for 218 yards in a contest where the Colts set a new franchise record with 335 rushing yards.
While talking to reporters after the win, Taylor said it was fun to play in a game where the team dominated the line of scrimmage—and that he was determined to atone for last week's mistake.
"That's kind of the exciting part," Taylor said "It's kind of when you start imposing your will, establishing that line of scrimmage. Those are the types of football games as a running back ... you love. I had already predetermined in my mind that next time, I'm going all the way in the tunnel."
Analyst's Take
Jonathan Taylor learned from his mistake after dropping the ball before crossing the goal line and costing the Colts a potential game-defining touchdown last weekend against the Denver Broncos. He responded against the Tennessee Titans, while showing exactly how Indianapolis' offense should operate as Anthony Richardson develops. Taylor ran for 218 yards--which won't happen every weekend. Still, the running game needs to be the focal point, especially when head coach/offensive play-caller Shane Steichen has Richardson and Taylor in the backfield to give opponents fits. Bring Richardson along slowly, while staying competitive along the way. -- Sobleski
19. Arizona Cardinals (7-8)
14 of 32
Last Week: 16
Week 16 Result: Lost at Carolina 36-30 (OT)
The Arizona Cardinals will have some hard questions to answer in the offseason.
Losing in overtime to a three-win Panthers team eliminated the Cardinals from the postseason. This was a game where the Cardinals rushed for over 200 yards and averaged over seven yards a carry—and lost.
Dan Bickley of Arizona Sports didn't mince words when breaking down an effort that should haunt the Redbirds for a good long while.
"Their first-quarter focus was an abomination," he said. "There were penalties, a botched handoff and numerous mental errors. Marvin Harrison Jr. made two of them in the first three plays, helping squander great field position to start the game. The first quarter spoke very poorly to the team leadership, particularly a coaching staff that could not command the room's attention, which failed to prevent the second lackluster performance in the span of three weeks."
Coaches. Players. There's blame to be shared by all.
Analyst's Take
The Jonathan Gannon era in Arizona sure fells a lot like the Kliff Kingsbury era. Kyler Murray can do some incredible things on the football field, and at times, he and James Conner are enough to carry the Cardinals to wins. However, the Cards continue to shrink under the spotlight and underperform in important games.
Arizona's defense has taken some positive strides under Gannon, but it doesn't look anything like the Super Bowl-caliber unit he coached in Philadelphia in 2022. The Cardinals may not be a gimmicky as they appeared to be with Kingsbury and his college-influenced offense. However, Arizona still feels more like a collection of talent than a unified team. -- Knox
18. Miami Dolphins (7-8)
15 of 32
Last Week: 16
Week 16 Result: Won vs. San Francisco 29-17
After losing to the Buffalo Bills in Week 9, the Miami Dolphins were a 2-6 mess of a football team headed nowhere fast. Now, after winning five of seven, Miami is within a game of .500 for the first time since Week 3 and are still alive in the AFC playoff hunt.
After downing an injury-ravaged 49ers team Sunday, cornerback Kader Kohou told reporters that even when the team was struggling the players never lost faith that they could turn things around.
"The whole year, even when things weren't going our way, I always knew we had a playoff team," said Kohou. "So, there's not any thoughts in our mind about going to Cancun or anything like that. We're still thinking playoffs, and we're just trying to win every game."
Defensive lineman Calais Campbell also stated that Miami isn't about to give up on moving on to the postseason.
"There's a lot of fight left in us," Campbell said. "If we have a chance, we're going to fight for it. I was proud of my guys. We kept believing and kept fighting. As long as we're alive, we're going to act like we're alive."
With games left against the lowly Jets and Browns, there's a real chance the Dolphins will finish the season 9-8.
The question is whether that will good enough to get the team into the postseason tournament.
Analyst's Take
The Dolphins have been significantly more competitive since Tua Tagovailoa returned to the lineup in Week 8. Their offense still hasn't been as explosive as it was a year ago, but it's been good enough to complement a sneaky good defense that came into Week 16 ranked sixth in yards allowed.
That combination hasn't been enough to beat playoff-caliber teams like Buffalo, Houston and Green Bay, but the Dolphins have proven that they're not in the same tier as "bad" teams like next week's opponent, the Browns. -- Knox
17. Cincinnati Bengals (7-8)
16 of 32
Last Week: 18
Week 16 Result: Won vs. Cleveland 24-6
No matter what happens from here out, the 2024 season in Cincinnati will be viewed as a disappointment. A team some view as a Super Bowl contender will all but certainly miss the playoffs altogether.
However, at 7-8 the Bengals are still technically alive, and quarterback Joe Burrow told reporters that he and the team aren't giving up on the playoffs just yet.
"This one just keeps us in the race," Burrow said. "It feels good to play in big games. It's exciting to still be in it."
It also marked the seventh straight game in which Burrow has thrown three or more touchdown passes—three off the NFL record. Burrow remarked that he's trying to develop an appreciation for those individual accomplishments as well.
"When you get a record and when you make big-time plays," he said, "I'm trying to get better at appreciating those and being excited about that. That hasn't really been who I am, but I think if I want to have the longevity that I want to, I need to appreciate and be excited about things like that, so that's exciting for me."
Analyst's Take
The Bengals' defense finally showed up, albeit against a bad Browns team starting a second-year third-string quarterback. Had Cincinnati's defense found its stride about a month earlier, we might be talking about the Bengals as potential Super Bowl contenders.
Joe Burrow and the offense have been that good, and there's a very real chance that Cincinnati ends the year on a five-game winning streak. As things stand, though, the Bengals will probably be the most dangerous team that doesn't make the postseason in 2024. -- Knox
16. Seattle Seahawks (8-7)
17 of 32
Last Week: 15
Week 16 Result: Lost vs. Minnesota 27-24
If the Seattle Seahawks miss the playoffs, this will be the game the team looks back on as the one where the season got away from them.
With less than four minutes to go, the Seahawks led 24-20. But the Seattle defense couldn't seal the deal, allowing the Vikings to drive the length of the field for the go-ahead touchdown.
While speaking to the media after the devastating loss, Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald tried to put a positive spin on his team's effort in Week 16.
"The reason that their record is what it is and what their record is in one score games is because they're a good football team," Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. "We hung right in there. We had an opportunity to win the game, and we didn't. There's things in all three phases that we can do better, but we also did a lot of great things. We gave ourselves a chance to win."
However, the reality is that the Seahawks have to win their last two games (including a Week 18 contest with the Los Angeles Rams) and get some help to get into the postseason now.
Analyst's Take
Not much has changed for the Seahawks between this and last season. At 8-7 with two games left to play, Seattle could realistically finish the year with a 9-8 record for the third straight campaign. Two straight years of mediocrity led to Pete Carroll's dismissal as head coach. Mike Macdonald hasn't made a significant difference in his first year at the helm. Seattle remains far too reliant on quarterback Geno Smith. While the defense has been better, it still ranks among the middle of the pack. A roster overhaul may be necessary to stop this squad from spinning its wheels. -- Sobleski
15. Atlanta Falcons (8-7)
18 of 32
Last Week: 20
Week 16 Result: Won vs. New York Giants 34-7
After losing four of five games and squandering their lead in the NFC South, the Atlanta Falcons made a switch at quarterback against the Atlanta Falcons—rookie Michael Penix Jr. drew his first career start Sunday against the New York Giants.
The numbers weren't overly impressive—18 completions in 27 attempts for 220 yards and an interception. But Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris told reporters that he was impressed by the poise the rookie showed in his first start.
"He went out and played almost flawless football," Morris said. "He kept the game really clean."
At this point, Atlanta's edict is clear--victories over the Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers the next two weeks will give the Falcons the NFC South title.
Lose either of those games though, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could overtake Atlanta (again) and win the division.
Analyst's Take
Penix's first career start may have generated all the headlines, but it's the Falcons pass rush that has been the real story these past few weeks. After finishing dead last in the NFL in sacks last year, the Falcons had just 10 sacks over the season's first 11 weeks. However, since the bye the Falcons have more than doubled that number—16 over the past four weeks.
If the Falcons are going to seal the deal and make the postseason, the team needs to keep that defensive performance up. -- Davenport
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7)
19 of 32
Last Week: 12
Week 16 Result: Lost at Dallas 26-24
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered Sunday night's tilt with the Dallas Cowboys in control of their destiny in the NFC South.
They left AT&T Stadium needing help to make the playoffs.
Tampa quarterback Baker Mayfield had another big game, throwing for 303 yards and a pair of scores. But a Buccaneers defense that has struggled to play consistently at times this season couldn't make plays when it needed to, and a pair of costly turnovers played a big part in a two-point loss that dropped the Buccaneers into a first-place tie with the Atlanta Falcons, who won both head-to-head meetings this season.
Tampa head coach Todd Bowles told reporters that there's not much the Buccaneers can do now but win their final two games—and hope for an Atlanta loss.
"We lost, we fell back in the pack," Bowles said. "We've got to eat it, can't spend too much time on it. We had our chances. We've got to take care of us and let everything else take care of itself."
Analyst's Take
Welcome to the NFC South—the division no one wants to win.
The reality is that the Buccaneers are probably the best team in the division—especially with rookie Michael Penix Jr. leading the Atlanta offense. But if Tampa comes up short in their chase for a playoff spot, they will have no one to blame but themselves. Tampa's last three opponents all sported losing records, but the team struggled in the first of those meetings.
At this point, it really doesn't matter—the winner of the NFC North will all but certainly get the brakes beaten off them by either the Lions or the Vikings in the Wild Card round. – Davenport.
13. Denver Broncos (9-6)
20 of 32
Last Week: 10
Week 16 Result: Lost at Los Angeles Chargers 34-27
Early in the second half of Thursday night's game in Los Angeles, it appeared that the Denver Broncos were headed toward a 10th win that would have kept the team in the conversation for the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs. But the Broncos faltered late, and now Denver finds itself in the No. 7 seed and with little margin for error.
While speaking to reporters after the game, Denver head coach Sean Payton lamented the one that got away.
"Obviously, a disappointing loss. There was a lot at stake, and we know that," Payton said. "We had a fast start, and then uncharacteristically this season, we didn't finish or play nearly well enough in the second half, both offensively and defensively."
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix echoed those sentiments.
"First three drives, 21 points, and then just kind of stalled," said Nix. "We got the same defense (in the second half). Just for whatever reason, we couldn't get going."
Analyst's Take
Last week's loss to Los Angeles was disappointing—and the reality is that even if the Broncos do make the postseason odds are good that they will be a one-and-done team. But the future is bright in the Mile High City. The Broncos appear to have found their franchise quarterback of the future in Nix. There are foundational pieces on defense in the likes of edge-rusher Nik Bonitto and cornerback Patrick Surtain II. With a successful offseason, the Broncos could enter 2025 as a legitimate challenger to the Chiefs in the AFC West. -- Davenport
12. Los Angeles Rams (9-6)
21 of 32
Last Week: 14
Week 16 Result: Won at New York Jets 19-9
Last season, the Rams used a late surge to finish a surprising 10-7 and make the postseason. This season, it's a little less surprising, but after downing a bad Jets team in New York the Rams now have the inside track to winning the NFC West.
The decisive touchdown Sunday was scored by veteran tight end Tyler Higbee, who made his 2024 debut after an ACL tear ended his 2023 campaign. After the win, head coach Sean McVay told reporters that in many ways, Higbee personifies the Rams' resiliency.
"There was a lot of guys that were so excited for him because of what he means to them as a teammate, more importantly, as a human being," McVay said. "And he happens to also be a stud on the football field. But he epitomizes everything that's right about this team: mentally tough, physically tough, resilient, can respond to different types of things. I love him, and it was a really cool moment today."
The Rams are now one game up on Seattle with two to play—including a Week 18 battle with the Seahawks. After beating Seattle earlier this season, a Rams win this week against the Cardinals and a Seahawks loss to Chicago could actually tie up the NFC West before that showdown ever takes place.
Analyst's Take
Like last year, the Rams have picked up momentum in the second half of the season. In 2023, they only lost one regular-season game after their Week 10 bye. Following a Week 10 home loss to the Dolphins, they have won five of their previous six contests. Led by Super Bowl-winning head coach Sean McVay, Los Angeles is again on a heater at a crucial point in the campaign. -- Moton
11. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
22 of 32
Last Week: 13
Week 16 Result: Won vs. Denver 34-27
The AFC West may be decided, but Thursday's matchup between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers still had significant implications for the AFC Wild Card picture. In a back-and-forth affair, the home team rallied, peeling off 15 points in the fourth quarter to get past the Broncos and all but sew up a playoff spot.
In the win, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 284 yards and two scores with a passer rating north of 110. But while addressing reporters after the win, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh lauded what he called a total team effort.
"It was a total team effort by everyone. It was phenomenal," Harbaugh said. "The test and challenge is how you are going to respond. They went back to work and stayed the course."
It was an impressive rebound after the Chargers were drubbed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a week ago, and the win moved the Bolts above Denver and into the No. 6 seed in the AFC.
Analyst's Take
Watching two of the NFL's stingiest defenses allow 55 points was a little odd, but this was an impressive gut-check win the Chargers. The run game in Los Angeles remains a question mark (this week's stats were skewed by one long Gus Edwards run), but the Chargers play excellent defense and have the sort of high-end quarterback in Justin Herbert who can make all the difference in the world in a playoff game. The Bolts are not a team folks want to have to face in the Wild Card round. -- Davenport
10. Houston Texans (9-6)
23 of 32
Last Week: 9
Week 16 Result: Lost at Kansas City 27-19
The Houston Texans are headed to the postseason this year as the champions of the AFC South. But it's becoming fair to question whether Houston is any kind of legit contender or a team ripe to be upset by the AFC's No. 5 seed in the Wild Card Round.
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has backslid a bit in his second professional season—after throwing just five interceptions as a rookie, Stroud's pair of picks against the Chiefs give him 11 this year. The offense has also been hit hard by injuries—after a gruesome knee injury Saturday, wide receiver Tank Dell will join Stefon Diggs on injured reserve.
However, despite the adversity and miscues, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters that he believes Houston can hang with any squad in the NFL—they just need to execute for a full 60 minutes.
"This was a great test versus a really good playoff team," Ryans said. "This was a playoff atmosphere here today. I thought our guys battled the right way. We just have to finish."
Another stiff test awaits the Texans on a short week—on Christmas Day Houston hosts the surging Baltimore Ravens.
Analyst's Take
The Texans offense took another significant hit last week. Wideout Tank Dell dislocated his kneecap in a collision with teammate Jared Wayne in the end zone. Remember, Houston already lost receiver Stefon Diggs, who suffered a torn ACL, and wideout John Metchie III missed the previous game because of a shoulder injury. In the pocket, C.J. Stroud will have to do more with less in the final two games of the regular season and the playoffs. Running back Joe Mixon will likely have a massive workload as a ball-carrier and pass-catcher. -- Moton
9. Washington Commanders (10-5)
24 of 32
Last Week: 11
Week 16 Result: Won vs. Philadelphia 36-33
If the Washington Commanders make noise in the postseason this year, it may well be because of Week 16—because of the way Jayden Daniels rallied the team in a frenetic fourth quarter comeback.
The 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year (that race is over, folks) threw for five touchdowns in the game, rallying the team with 22 fourth-quarter points.
The young quarterback told reporters after the game that contests like this are why he plays the game.
"You got those guys that came in on the win streak they were on, they were hot and they're a very good team — rightfully so, good offense, good defense, all-around well-prepared team and you want to go out there and see where you match up against those type of guys," Daniels said. "Those type of situations when it's on thin ice and plays need to be made, that's what you live for. If you really love this sport, you live for those big-time moments where it comes down to the end."
Analyst's Take
Quarterback Jayden Daniels is well on his way to becoming the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Some questions persisted about whether the Denver Broncos' Bo Nix deserved the honor. Those conversations can stop after Daniels threw for five touchdowns in Sunday's comeback victory over the Philadelphia Eagles and the league's No. 1-ranked defense. Washington scored 22 points in the fourth quarter. More importantly, the Commanders are 10-5 for the first time since 1991. -- Sobleski
8. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)
25 of 32
Last Week: 7
Week 16 Result: Lost at Baltimore 34-17
When the Pittsburgh Steelers downed the Baltimore Ravens back in Week 12, it appeared that the team had the AFC North firmly within their grasp.
Now it may be slipping away.
Since that win, the Steelers are 2-3—including back-to-back setbacks against the Eagles and Ravens. With No. 1 wide receiver George Pickens out, the team has struggled to move the ball through the air. But while talking to reporters after the loss, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin wasn't interested in making excuses for his team's performance.
"We didn't control the run game. We never did. When you don't, you've got to do some splash plays or win the turnover battle in a significant way, and we didn't do that either," Tomlin said. "There were some balls on the ground that we didn't get. Then obviously we turned the ball over going in -- it took seven points off the board -- and they had a pick-6. The rest is history, as they say."
There's no time to bemoan the team's recent struggles—on Christmas Day the Steelers host the Kansas City Chiefs in a game that now carries the highest of stakes.
Analyst's Take
The Steelers' offense isn't built around one player, but they need wide receiver George Pickens back on the field. Pickens has missed the last three games because of a hamstring injury, and in those contests, Russell Wilson has averaged 167.7 passing yards. The Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns 27-13 without Pickens. However, they also lost by multiple scores to the Eagles and Ravens without him. -- Moton
7. Green Bay Packers (11-4)
26 of 32
Last Week: 6
Week 16 Result: Won vs. New Orleans 34-0
Ahead of Monday night's matchup with what's left of the New Orleans Saints, Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love told reporters that to him the key both this week and moving forward is simply to play Packers football. To not beat themselves:
"The main thing for me is just taking care of the ball, being smart with it, going out there and finding completions and keep continuing to stack those positive plays. I think that's where we're at our best, when we don't put ourselves in bad positions.
"We're confident that whoever we're going to go against that we're going to make plays out there. I don't think a lot of teams have been able to stop us; I feel like we stop ourselves."
It's hard to gauge much from Monday's annihilation of New Orleans—the Saints just don't have anyone left—but at no point during the game was there any question who was going to win.
And while the Packers can't win the NFC North, hanging on to the No. 6 seed in the NFC is worth keeping their foot on the gas this week, never mind the opportunity to potentially cost the rival Vikings the division and top seed in the conference.
Analyst's Take
The Packers almost feel like a forgotten team, but they have won five of six since their bye and gave Detroit all they could handle in the lone loss. Green Bay is balanced, talented and should be able to defeat either the NFC South or NFC West champions in the Wild Card Round. The question then becomes whether the team can do what it hasn't yet this season: defeat an NFC heavyweight.
As an aside, the playoffs this year are going to be outrageously good on both sides of the bracket. -- Davenport
6. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
27 of 32
Last Week: 8
Week 16 Result: Won vs. Pittsburgh 34-17
The AFC North just got really interesting.
By virtue of Baltimore's double-up of the Pittsburgh Steelers, both teams now sit at 10-5. The Steelers still hold the tiebreaker as things stand today, but the final two weeks of the regular season now carries massive stakes for both teams.
The Ravens were propelled to victory by quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry—and by a pick-six from veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey. It was an eventful week for the latter, who also welcomed a son into the world this week.
"My whole family's in town to help out with my wife and everything," Humphrey told reporters. "I was texting her before. I'm supposed to go pick her up from the hospital, discharge her with the baby. So, there's a lot of just great things that happened this week. It was cool to get a pick-6, but clinching a spot in the playoffs, to beat the Steelers, I'm just happy that the guys came in, put in the work, and we just took care of business. I felt that this team has had our number over the years. Just take care of business, man. I felt like the performance we put on wasn't perfect, but I felt like that's what we were supposed to do."
The Ravens are in the postseason with the win. But right now, the team has their sights set higher—on an AFC North title and the AFC's No. 3 seed.
Analyst's Take
The Ravens can still win the AFC North if they win out and the Steelers lose another game. Regardless of their seeding, they look like a complete team prepared to go on a deep postseason run. Lamar Jackson has posted career highs in multiple passing categories. Running back Derrick Henry is a closer on the offensive side of the ball, and the defense can also finish games. Baltimore is giving up the fewest rushing yards, and its pass defense hasn't allowed more than 217 yards in a game since Week 10. -- Moton
5. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3)
28 of 32
Last Week: 1
Week 16 Result: Lost at Washington 36-33
At first glance, it's easy to blame the loss that ended the Eagles 10-game winning streak on the concussion that knocked Jalen Hurts from Sunday's game with the Washington Commanders early.
But that injury wasn't why the Philly defense fell apart in the fourth quarter, Or why wide receiver DeVonta Smith dropped a pass late that would have all but salted the game away.
Still, while the Eagles most assuredly didn't play their best game, running back Saquon Barkley told reporters that the team isn't going to let one less send the Eagles into panic mode.
"It sucks," he said. "But at the end of the day, it is what it is. We're going to go out there and we're going to win every football game -- that's our mindset as a team. But at the same time, when we lose and we didn't do what we wanted to accomplish, we're not going to panic. We'll leave it up to [the media] to go out there and write stories about us and say whatever you want to say but we're going to stay locked in in this locker room and keep believing in each other and finish the season up strong."
Analyst's Take
In one of the biggest stories coming out of Week 16, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts left Sunday's contest due to concussion protocols and didn't return. Kenny Pickett entered the lineup and played over three quarters. While the backup's play isn't the primary reason why the Eagles had their 10-game winning streak snapped, Pickett didn't help matters. Hurts' health is the foremost concern. Even when he returns--whether it's later this week or down the road--Philadelphia's coaching staff must be careful with his usage, i.e. the "Brotherly Shove." -- Sobleski
4. Minnesota Vikings (13-2)
29 of 32
Last Week: 5
Week 16 Result: Won at Seattle 27-24
The Sam Darnold-led Minnesota Vikings keep right on rolling.
Darnold threw for 246 yards and three scores against the Seahawks, including the game-winner to Justin Jefferson with less than four minutes to play. In the postgame press conference, head coach Kevin O'Connell said that the Vikings never doubted that they would leave the Emerald City with a victory.
"There wasn't really one guy — and I know I'm not speaking just for myself — (who didn't think) we're going to go down and we're going to get a touchdown," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said. "And I think the level of confidence that that group has in their quarterback and the level of confidence the quarterback has in the 10 guys in the huddle is significant. And that's how you're able to go do that in that moment on the road at this place where you can't hear yourself think."
At 13-2, the Vikings are tied with the scorching-hot Lions for the best record in the NFC—setting up a Week 18 meeting between the teams that could determine home-field advantage throughout the NFL playoffs.
Analyst's Take
At 13-2, the Vikings are the NFL's best story. Their addition of Sam Darnold wasn't supposed to be more than a bridge to first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy. This year's 11th overall pick suffered a season-ending knee injury in preseason. Instead, Darnold emerged as the franchise-caliber quarterback many envisioned in the 2018 NFL draft when the New York Jets chose him with the third overall pick. Kevin O'Connell should be the front-runner for NFL Coach of the Year. Also, Minnesota remains within striking distance of the NFC's No. 1 overall seed despite sitting in the fifth spot. Skol! -- Sobleski
3. Buffalo Bills (12-3)
30 of 32
Last Week: 2
Week 16 Result: Won vs. New England 24-21
The Buffalo Bills got the win in Week 16, but that three-point victory came with some nerves. The New England Patriots gave the Bills all they could handle, and Bills quarterback Josh Allen spent much of the game dealing with an issue on his throwing hand.
Allen told reporters after the win that he whacked his funny bone—and it wasn't funny even a little.
"Lost some feeling in my hand. Just hit the funny bone nerve," said Allen. It took a good five to ten minutes, so just making sure, trying to get some blood flow back in there. So, it was a weird feeling. Just glad it's gone now."
Unfortunately, Buffalo's chances of earning the AFC's top seed are likely all but gone as well. Buffalo needs a combination of two Bills wins and a pair of losses by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Otherwise, it's likely the No. 2 seed for Buffalo—and a potential trip to Arrowhead Stadium for the AFC Championship Game.
Analyst's Take
Josh Allen is a rough-and-tumble quarterback. He's bigger and more athletic than most at the position and he knows how to use it to his advantage. The scary part is the injury potential. For example, Allen is already dealing with a broken left hand. He then spent the fourth quarter dealing with an issue on his throwing hand that Allen later identified as being hit on his funny bone. As the potential league MVP, the Bills must do everything to keep Allen healthy and not let him get dinged any further. It's a big ask, but necessary if Buffalo is to achieve its ultimate goal finally. -- Sobleski
2. Detroit Lions (13-2)
31 of 32
Last Week: 3
Week 16 Result: Won at Chicago 34-17
The Detroit Lions have been ravaged by injuries on both sides of the ball. But despite all the adversity the team has faced, Sunday in Chicago the Lions did something that has never been accomplished in team history—win a 13th regular season game.
After handling an overmatched Bears team with relative ease, head coach Dan Campbell told reporters that he continues to be impressed by his team's ability to rise to the occasion every week.
"This is when your eyes get opened, when competition is at its highest, people are breathing down your neck or you're chasing somebody and you're at the top," coach Dan Campbell said. "It just doesn't get any better than this. This is what it's all about. Can it get frustrating, can it get stressful? Yeah, it gets all those. But also it's the drug. It's the drug. This is what you live for. Look, some can't. Some can't handle this. It's too much for them. Players, coaches, teams, it's just too much. But not our group. This is the good stuff, man, and we're in the middle of it right now."
For all their success though, the Lions can't take their foot off the gas even a little—not with the similarly 13-2 Minnesota Vikings breathing down their necks.
Analyst's Take
I don't know if the Lions can continue navigating their injuries and make a run all the way to the Super Bowl. However, they continue to show that they won't simply fold under adversity. Even with David Montgomery (MCL) out of the lineup, Detroit still has the offensive fuel needed to match points with any team in the NFL, and that's going to give them a chance each and every week.
This may still end up being the ultimate "what-if" season for the Lions, but if there's a team with mental makeup to make a masterpiece out of molded bread, it's Detroit. -- Knox
1. Kansas City Chiefs (14-1)
32 of 32
Last Week: 4
Week 16 Result: Won vs. Houston 27-19
Heading into Week 16, all eyes were on the injured ankle of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. But as has been the case so many times this season, Mahomes and the Chiefs did enough to get the win and inch closer to the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs.
Mahomes' numbers weren't great—28 completions in 41 attempts for 260 yards and a touchdown, with another score on the ground.
While addressing the media after the game, Mahomes said he was only doing himself what he has asked teammates to do in the past—play through the pain.
"I ask a lot from the guys around me, and so I feel like if I'm going to ask them to play through pain, if I'm going to ask them to play through little nicks and bruises and stuff like that, I've got to do it," Mahomes said. "That's something that I pride myself on, is being out there with my guys and playing football, and I'm not going to put us in a position to be in a bad spot or lose a football game, but if I feel like I can compete and win, I'll be out on that football field."
Analyst's Take
Patrick Mahomes ' ankle isn't an issue. On five carries, he scrambled for 33 yards and a touchdown against the Texans last week. In the same game, Hollywood Brown made his Chiefs debut, catching five passes for 45 yards. Cornerback Trent McDuffie has two interceptions in his previous two games as a game-changer in the secondary. Kansas City will clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC to ease its pathway to a potential three-peat -- Moton
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