B/R Experts Week 18 NFL Power Rankings

The playoff picture across the NFL is coming into focus.

Four of the league's eight divisions are already decided: the AFC East, AFC West, NFC East and NFC North. Of those four, only one was won by the team considered the front-runner entering the season: the Philadelphia Eagles. Two division champs didn't even make the playoffs a year ago. If the Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks win in Week 18, that number will move to four.

However, while most of the teams advancing to the postseason have been determined, there are still two divisions up for grabs. The Steelers and Baltimore Ravens will play a winner-take-all game in Pittsburgh Sunday night, while the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear headed toward a similar showdown in the division no one wants to win.

Of course, at the opposite end of the spectrum the league's struggling teams are jockeying for draft position in 2026. At present, the Las Vegas Raiders have the inside track for the first pick in next April's draft. But given how they have fared this year, there is still time for that to change.

As they do every week here at Bleacher Report, NFL analysts Gary Davenport, Kris Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski have come together to look back at the week that was and rank the league's teams.

The team starting things off at No. 32 should surprise no one.

32. Las Vegas Raiders (2-14)

AP Photo/David Becker

Raiders QB Geno Smith

Last Week: 32

Week 17 Result: Lost vs. Giants 34-10

When the Las Vegas Raiders hired Pete Carroll and traded for Geno Smith, the expectation was that they would help deliver a more competitive team right away. That hasn't happened, and the Raiders now appear to be actively trying to lose games.

Las Vegas announced that it was shutting down both Brock Bowers and Maxx Crosby ahead of its Week 17 game against the New York Giants—a game that would hand the loser control of the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft.

Teams tank all the time in the NFL. However, Raiders fans would probably feel better about the current state of affairs if they hadn't been sold on the idea that tanking wouldn't be part of the 2025 plan. - Knox

31. New York Giants (3-13)

AP Photo/John Locher

Giants QB Jaxson Dart

Last Week: 31

Week 17 Result: Won 34-10 vs. Las Vegas

To the chagrin of some New York Giants fans, Big Blue had one of its best outings of the season. Jaxson Dart put together a solid performance under interim head coach Mike Kafka, who earned his first victory since taking over for Brian Daboll.

The Giants' win won't help Kafka earn the full-time job, but it's a confidence-booster for Dart, who threw for 33 yards and an interception in Week 16. -- Moton

30. New York Jets (3-13)

AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis

Jets RB Breece Hall

Last Week: 29

Week 17 Result: Lost vs. New England 42-10

The Jets are done with this season. The season itself isn't over, but it still feels like that's the case, particularly after head coach Aaron Glenn openly questioned his squad's effort during Sunday's meeting with the Patriots. 

At this point, the organization's direction should be questioned. Glenn could realistically be a one-and-done head coach after seeing the Jets regress and possibly quit as the season nears its end. 

The idea has to be on owner Woody Johnson's mind while being embarrassed during the last four games and looking to finally address quarterback with a talented rookie who could use an offensive-minded head coach. -- Sobleski

29. Cleveland Browns (4-12)

AP Photo/Matt Durisko

Browns EDGE Myles Garrett

Last Week: 30

Week 17 Result: Won vs. Cleveland 13-6

At day's end, all Cleveland's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers did was cost the Browns draft position. It didn't fix the team's myriad issues. Didn't solve the team's quarterback dilemma. Or decide the future of an embattled head coach and front office. It didn't even result in the single-season sack record for Browns edge-rusher Myles Garrett.

The real problem in Cleveland is that 2026 is probably another lost year. You can blow things up, fire Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry and draft a quarterback early—enduring the growing pains that come with it. Or trade back (potentially), acquire assets for a 2027 draft that appears far deeper under center and hope that a stopgap quarterback and improved roster around him can produce a measure of respectability.

Either way, the Browns have a long climb ahead of them. - Davenport

28. Arizona Cardinals (3-13)

AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar

Cardinals WR Michael Wilson

Last Week: 28

Week 17 Result: Lost vs. Cincinnati 37-14

There isn't a team in the NFL that needs to be blown up more than the Arizona Cardinals. And there are going to be big changes after this year's woeful campaign. There's just no way that either head coach Jonathan Gannon or general manager Monti Ossenfort should survive this mess.

However, the biggest problem will be the hardest to get rid of: Kyler Murray's monstrosity of a contract.

Murray's deal is more tradeable than Tua Tagovailoa's, but that doesn't make it tradeable. There isn't going to be a bevy of draft picks coming. Arizona might have to give one to dump his salary.

Arizona could release the 28-year-old, too. That dead cap hit is north of $40 million, and leaves the Redbirds with Jacoby Brissett mentoring a rookie under center.

Next year's going be bumpy in the desert. – Davenport

27. Tennessee Titans (3-13)

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Titans QB Cam Ward

Last Week: 27

Week 17 Result: Lost 34-26 vs. New Orleans 

While the Tennessee Titans have alternated wins and losses, Cam Ward has improved as a passer, throwing for eight touchdowns and one interception in his last four games. He's led the offense up and down the field with a subpar supporting cast of perimeter pass-catchers that features tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo and a trio of rookie fourth-rounders.

The Titans will finish with a bottom-five record and in the power rankings basement, but Ward's development gives the team hope for a brighter future. -- Moton

26. Washington Commanders (4-12)

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Commanders LB Bobby Wagner

Last Week: 26

Week 17 Result: Lost 30-23 vs. Dallas

The Washington Commanders are right back where they started before drafting Jayden Daniels–at the bottom of the standings, power rankings, and offensive and defensive statistical categories. Yes, Daniels played in only seven games, but he saw significant regression in completion rate (69 to 60.6 percent) and averaged about 1 touchdown per game.

With more than $81 million in projected cap space for the 2026 offseason, Washington must rebuild an aging roster, particularly its front seven. Also, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has to do his part in elevating Daniels, who must show progress in his development to lead this team back to the playoffs. -- Moton

25. Miami Dolphins (7-9)

AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle

Last Week: 25

Week 17 Result: Win vs. Tampa Bay 20-17

Kudos to Mike McDaniel for the Dolphins' midseason turnaround. Granted, it came a little too late. Still, Miami won five of their last seven games, including Sunday's outing against the Buccaneers. 

In doing so, Miami found its identity, particularly as a run-first team with De'Von Achane driving the offense--which is a drastic change of pace compared to the high-flying unit that originally defined McDaniel's tenure. 

McDaniel even made the difficult decision to bench a $200-plus-million quarterback. Seventh-round rookie Quinn Ewers validated the move with a strong first half against the Bucs while leading the Dolphins to their latest win. -- Sobleski

24. Cincinnati Bengals (6-10)

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Bengals QB Joe Burrow

Last Week: 23

Week 17 Result: Won vs. Arizona 37-14

To be fair, routing a struggling Arizona Cardinals team is not the most impressive measuring stick at this point in the season.

But Cincinnati's third win by three scores in five weeks served as a reminder of sorts. These Bengals were supposed to be contenders in the AFC.

So now what?

Fans hoping for head coach Zac Taylor to get canned can give that notion up—Mike Brown doesn't pay guys to not coach. Fixing the Bengals' terrible defense won't be easy in free agency, as the cap space isn't there.

How ever the Bengals do it, they cannot afford to field a team this flawed in 2026, especially with at least some around the league already speculating about whether a Burrow blockbuster trade could ever materialize.

It's going to be quite the offseason in the Queen City. – Davenport

23. New Orleans Saints (6-10)

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Saints QB Tyler Shough

Last Week: 24

Week 17 Result: Won vs. Tennessee 34-26

Aside from missing the playoffs, the New Orleans Saints have to be pleased with how their 2025 campaign has unfolded. They've won four straight and appear to be forging a real identity under rookie head coach Kellen Moore.

Just as importantly, New Orleans has seen considerable growth from quarterback Tyler Shough. The rookie has repeatedly shown signs that he can be the long-term answer that the Saints have lacked since Drew Brees' retirement.

Shough has now thrown for 300-plus yards in back-to-back games, and he largely outplayed No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward in New Orleans' latest victory. The Saints have to feel good about their chances of competing in the NFC South next season. -- Knox

22. Kansas City Chiefs (6-10)

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Chiefs LB Nick Bolton

Last Week: 22

Week 17 Result: Lost vs. Denver 20-13

It's been more than a decade since we saw the Kansas City Chiefs have a lost season, but that's where we are. The Chiefs were eliminated last week, and they've lost Patrick Mahomes to a season-ending ACL tear.

While Kansas City fought hard on Thursday night, this is still a team just playing out the schedule. The big questions will loom in the offseason, where Mahomes' recovery, Travis Kelce's future, and a bloated salary cap will become major storylines.

Have we truly witnessed the end of the Chiefs' dynasty, or will we look back on 2025 as a veritable road bump? We'll have to wait until next season for that answer. -- Knox

21. Dallas Cowboys (7-8-1)

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott

Last Week: 21

Week 17 Result: Won 30-23 vs. Washington

The Dallas Cowboys took a little too long to snap their losing streak. The Cowboys' playoff hopes went up in smoke when the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Washington Commanders in Week 16. 

Looking ahead to next season, the Cowboys can carry over their top-five offense in scoring and total yards if they retain 2025 Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens, who's having a career year. 

For a 2026 playoff push, Dallas should focus on its bottom-tier defense by investing premium draft capital in blue-chip prospects who can contribute on all three levels right away. -- Moton

20. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)

AP Photo/Mike Stewart

Falcons RB Bijan Robinson

Last Week: 20

Week 17 Result: Won vs. Los Angeles Rams 27-24

Two things about the Atlanta Falcons have become obvious over the last three weeks. 

For one, BIjan Robinson is special. Atlanta's offense can and should run through him. 

Secondly, the Falcons had absolutely no business falling out of an NFC South race that may be won by a team with a losing record. This is an extremely talented team that underperformed far too often in 2025. Will Raheem Morris get credit for Atlanta's late surge or blame for how things unfolded before the team was eliminated? We'll know in about a week. 

19. Minnesota Vikings (8-8)

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson

Last Week: 19

Week 17 Result: Won vs. Detroit 23-10

Here's arguably the best (or worst) statistic anyone has ever seen: Max Brosmer became the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to see his team win after throwing for fewer than 70 passing yards, while being sacked at least seven times. 

The Vikings played spoiler Saturday thanks to Brian Flores' ultra-aggressive defense. Also, Harrison Smith apparently found the Fountain of Youth prior to the contest since the 36-year-old safety registered a sack, two tackles for loss, three defended passes and an interception. 

Minnesota can still squeak past the .500 mark to finish the season, and it can do so thanks to the team's defense. -- Sobleski

18. Indianapolis Colts (8-8)

AP Photo/AJ Mast

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor

Last Week: 18

Week 17 Result: Lost 23-17 vs. Jacksonville

Philip Rivers tried his best to keep the Indianapolis Colts' playoff hopes alive, and he's had decent stretches, but it wasn't enough to stop a post-bye-week downward spiral. 

In Week 17, the Houston Texans eliminated Indianapolis from playoff contention with a victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Colts lost their sixth consecutive game. Rivers completed 17 out of 30 pass attempts for 147 yards, a touchdown and an interception. 

The Colts have collapsed since losing Daniel Jones, who tore his ACL in Week 14. Indianapolis hasn't won a game without him this season. -- Moton

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)

AP Photo/Doug Murray

Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield

Last Week: 17

Week 17 Result: Lost vs. Miami 20-17

The 2025 collapse of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is nearly complete. While they can still win the NFC South by beating the Carolina Panthers in Week 18, they don't look anything like a viable playoff threat.

Injuries, including Baker Mayfield's shoulder ailment, questionable coaching defenses and some flat-out bad defense have caused Tampa to lose seven of its last eight.

Regardless of what happens next week, the Bucs may have to consider making some considerable changes in the offseason. -- Knox

16. Detroit Lions (8-8)

AP Photo/Ryan Sun

Lions EDGE Aidan Hutchinson

Last Week: 15

Week 17 Result: Lost vs. Minnesota 23-10

Disappointment isn't a strong enough word to describe the Lions downfall this season after finishing 15-2 a year ago. 

Detroit's regression is even more startling than what the Kansas City Chiefs experienced when the two teams tied for the league's best record in 2024, because the Lions never made it to the top. The Chiefs have been so good for so long and things finally didn't break in their favor. Whereas Detroit went from being Super Bowl hopefuls to being eliminated from the postseason before Week 18. 

The departure of the team's coordinators, particularly Ben Johnson, played a much bigger role than initially expected, with the Vikings creating havoc against the Lions offense to dash Detroit's remaining playoff hopes. -- Sobleski

15. Baltimore Ravens (8-8)

AP Photo/Matt Ludtke

Ravens RB Derrick Henry

Last Week: 16

Week 17 Result: Won vs. Green Bay 41-24

All hail King Henry.

In a game the Baltimore Ravens absolutely had to win, on a day when backup quarterback Tyler Huntley threw for just 107 yards, running back Derrick Henry carried the Ravens to within a game of an improbable AFC North championship.

Against a Packers team trying to stay in the hunt in the NFC North, Henry bulldozed his way to 216 yards and four (yes, four) touchdowns on 36 carries. Green Bay knew what was coming and could do nothing about it.

With Lamar Jackson's status for Week 18 uncertain with a back injury, it may well be the Henry show again next week against a Steelers defense that has been far stingier against the run than the pass.

If Baltimore is going to get into the postseason, the Ravens are going to have to discover some semblance of a passing game next week. - Davenport

14. Carolina Panthers (8-8)

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Panthers QB Bryce Young

Last Week: 14

Week 17 Result: Lost vs. Seattle 27-10

The Panthers were overmatched by a white-hot Seattle Seahawks team on Sunday, but they'll have one more chance to claim the NFC South next week against Tampa Bay.

Whether or not Carolina escapes with a division title and a playoff berth, the Panthers should feel good about the growth they've seen from their roster, and Bryce Young, specifically.

Capping their turnaround campaign with a division crown is obviously what the Panthers would prefer, but not many expected them to even have that opportunity when the season began. -- Knox

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8)

AP Photo/Matt Durisko

Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers

Last Week: 13

Week 17 Result: Lost vs. Cleveland 13-6

Every time we think we can trust the Pittsburgh Steelers as a legitimately good football team, something like this happens.

In recent weeks, the Steelers had won statement games over the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens, establishing themselves as the team to beat in the AFC North. Down the hapless Browns in Week 17, and the division was theirs.

Instead, an offense missing suspended No. 1 wide receiver DK Metcalf looked abysmal most of the game. Aaron Rodgers just could not throw the ball with any consistency against one of the league's better secondaries.

Fortunately for Pittsburgh, their winner-take-all matchup against the Ravens next week features a Baltimore secondary that couldn't cover a wall with paint.

Unfortunately, if Week 17 was any indication, the Steelers don't have anyone who can get open consistently, either.  -- Davenport

12. Green Bay Packers (9-6-1)

AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps

Packers WR Christian Watson

Last Week: 12

Week 17 Result: Lost vs. Baltimore 41-24

The Packers will experience a quick exit from the playoffs if their defense doesn't find a way to slow opposing ground games. 

Derrick Henry bludgeoned and brutalized Green Bay by carrying the ball a career-high 36 times for a whopping 216 yards and four touchdowns. Those numbers came with a caveat. Lamar Jackson wasn't in Baltimore's lineup. Tyler Huntley started at quarterback. The Packers knew they had to slow Henry and failed spectacularly.

Keep in mind, four of the team's top 11 rushing offenses could be found in Green Bay's pathway through the NFC postseason bracket. -- Sobleski

11. Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)

AP Photo/Wally Skalij

Chargers QB Justin Herbert

Last Week: 11

Week 17 Result: Lost vs. Houston 20-16

The Los Angeles Chargers are headed to the postseason, but they may also be headed to an early exit for the second straight year.

Los Angeles' biggest issue is a banged-up offensive line. The Chargers have struggled to protect Justin Herbert and to move the ball consistently on the ground. It cost them in a Week 17 loss that ended any hope of a division title.

Recent wins over the Eagles and Chiefs show that L.A. can be a serious threat, but winning with a bad offensive line in January is extremely difficult. -- Knox

10. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Eagles RB Saquon Barkley

Last Week: 10

Week 17 Result: Won 13-12 vs. Buffalo 

The Philadelphia Eagles are picking up steam at the right time, winning three consecutive outings. This team isn't on the same pathway as the 2023 squad that collapsed in December and backed its way into the playoffs. 

The reigning Super Bowl champions have some grit. They can grind out victories as they did this past Sunday in inclement weather. The Eagles don't always win with style points, but don't discount their potential for another deep playoff run. -- Moton

9. Houston Texans (11-5)

AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

Texans WR Nico Collins

Last Week: 8

Week 17 Result: Won 20-16 vs. Los Angeles Chargers

The Houston Texans streaked their way back into the playoffs, winning their eighth consecutive game this past Saturday to clinch a berth. Initially powered by its stingy defense, Houston's offensive rookies are picking up steam. 

In the win over the Los Angeles Chargers, quarterback C.J. Stroud threw a couple of deep strikes to second-rounder Jayden Higgins and third-rounder Jaylin Noel for touchdowns in the opening quarter. Fourth-rounder Woody Marks led the team with 71 rushing yards. 

If the Texans' rookies show greater consistency and continue to make explosive plays, this club will be on the ascent throughout its playoff journey, a scary prospect for opponents. -- Moton

8. Chicago Bears (11-5)

AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn

Bears QB Caleb Williams

Last Week: 7

Week 17 Result: Lost vs. San Francisco 42-38

The Bears took the 49ers' best punch and couldn't respond in the end. 

The Niners have been on an absolute roll offensively, and the Bears didn't do any better than San Francisco's previous opponents when trying to slow Kyle Shanahan's offense. The 49ers finished just four yards short of 500, while the Bears finished two yards short of the victory. 

This outing served as a precursor. San Francisco could realistically own the NFC's best record after Week 18. Chicago landed their share of body blows to prove they belong with the conference's best. But the Bears better have an answer if these two squads play again during the postseason. -- Sobleski

7. Los Angeles Rams (11-5)

AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

Rams QB Matthew Stafford

Last Week: 3

Week 17 Result: Lost vs. Atlanta 27-24

Remember when the Rams looked like the NFL's best team? Not just the NFC. The entire league.

That was fun.

If the Rams wind up traveling to Philadelphia for a Wild Card Round rematch of a game they lost earlier this season on a blocked field-goal attempt after blowing a big lead, it will sum up the late swoon that saw the NFC West slip through their fingers.

Missed opportunities. Turnovers. Defensive lapses at the worst possible time.

That has been the Rams the past two weeks—two weeks that have cost the Rams dearly and likely ended Matthew Stafford's MVP candidacy.

The Rams are just 5-4 away from SoFi Stadium.

They aren't winning three playoff games in a row on the road to get to Super Bowl LX. - Davenport

6. San Francisco 49ers (12-4)

AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn

49ers RB Christian McCaffrey

Last Week: 9

Week 17 Result: Won vs. Chicago 42-38

The San Francisco 49ers are a movie, not a football team.

The team has been ravaged by injuries on both sides of the ball. The defense is dead-last in sacks. Its best offensive weapon is an aging back who has touched the ball all the times ever this season. The starting quarterback was Mr. Irrelevant.

But wait, there's more.

San Francisco's star tight end and fan favorite? Out Sunday night against the Bears. The 49ers' Hall of Fame offensive tackle? Hurt early in the game. And yet, as has been the case so often this year, the Niners just keep winning.

This tattered, flawed team led by a nobody quarterback will be the NFC's No. 1 seed with a win Saturday night against the Seattle Seahawks.

Never mind. It's too unbelievable for a movie. - Davenport

5. Buffalo Bills (11-5)

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Bills QB Josh Allen

Last Week: 5

Week 17 Result: Lost vs. Philadelphia 13-12

The Bills decided to be aggressive against the Eagles and it cost them. Buffalo's two-point attempt to win Sunday's game outright instead of going into overtime ultimately allowed the New England Patriots to claim the AFC East crown, because Josh Allen misfired when it mattered the most. 

Allen often plays like the NFL's version of Superman, but he can't accomplish everything.

He seemed hampered by an ankle injury—which needs to be monitored because those issues can be nagging—and wasn't able to make the plays he normally does, including missing a wide-open Khalil Shakir in the back of the end zone to convert the two-point conversion. - Sobleski

4. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)

AP Photo/Doug Murray

Jaguars LB Foyesade Oluokun

Last Week: 6

Week 17 Result: Won 23-17 vs. Indianapolis 

As weeks pass, the Jacksonville Jaguars are gaining respect, and yet, they deserve more of it. They're a win away from claiming the AFC South title after a 4-13 campaign last year. 

Offensive-minded head coach Liam Coen has Trevor Lawrence playing his best football. In Week 17, Lawrence threw his first interception in five games, but he led Jacksonville to a victory with two rushing scores.

Also, the Jaguars defense has tightened up over the past month, allowing fewer than 21 points in five consecutive outings. -- Moton

3. Denver Broncos (13-3)

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II

Last Week: 4

Week 17 Result: Won vs. Kansas City 20-13

The Broncos have clinched the AFC West and still have a shot at the AFC's No. 1 seed. However, it remains difficult to consider Denver one of this year's top Super Bowl contenders.

Inconsistent offense has been an issue all season, and it made for a surprisingly close Week 17 game against a Chiefs team with nothing to play for. And while Denver's defense has looked championship-caliber at times, it has surrendered 26 or more points three times since its Week 12 bye.

The record and the results say that the Broncos are good enough to make a run to this year's Super Bowl. Few are likely to be surprised, though, if they bow out in their first playoff game. -- Knox

2. New England Patriots (13-3)

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Patriots QB Drake Maye

Last Week: 2

Week 17 Result: Win vs. New York Jets 42-10

The New England Patriots are rolling and they're being led by the favorite to win this season's MVP award, Drake Maye. 

Maye produced as perfect of a game as anyone can expect from a professional quarterback. He became the first in NFL history to complete at least 90 percent of his passes, while throwing for at least 250 yards and five touchdowns, in a single game. Obviously, the Jets didn't provide much resistance. That argument only goes so far when an individual accomplishes something that's never happened previously. We're seeing a truly elite talent blossom before our very eyes, and the Patriots continue to benefit. -- Sobleski

1. Seattle Seahawks (13-3)

AP Photo/Brian Westerholt

Seahawks QB Sam Darnold

Last Week: 1

Week 17 Result: Won vs. Carolina 27-10

Welcome to the Sam Darnold Revenge Tour.

After his postseason meltdown last year against the Rams, many wrote him off, including the Minnesota Vikings.

Meanwhile, in Seattle, a Seahawks team that had won 10 games in back-to-back seasons decided that was not good enough. It took a blowtorch to the offense and chose Darnold as the quarterback to lead the team.

There's no guarantee it will work. As is the case with seemingly every Super Bowl contender this year, the Seahawks have flaws. Beating the 49ers on the road next week will be no small feat.

If Seattle does win that game, though, Darnold will have posted back-to-back 14-win seasons and the Seahawks will be the NFC's No. 1 seed.

He ain't afraid of no ghosts. - Davenport