NFL Analysis
11/19/24
14 min read
2024 NFL Week 12 Power Rankings: Detroit Lions Take Top Spot
We saw the last undefeated team in the NFL lose in Week 11, and several other massive games between AFC contenders helped shape the future playoff picture.
But what teams rose the most in our rankings? And which teams are now firmly in the pretender category? Here is our updated power rankings going into Week 12 of the 2024 season:
NFL Week 12 Power Rankings
1. Detroit Lions (9-1) 
Previous Ranking: 2 
For the first time all season, there is a new No. 1 team in the NFL. The Detroit Lions are nearly unstoppable on offense, as Jared Goff had another fantastic outing against the Jaguars.
They are averaging a whopping 33.6 points per game this year and have a top-five scoring defense. This team is 100 percent for real and should be a heavy favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Colts
2. Kansas City Chiefs (9-1) 
Previous Ranking: 1 
The Kansas City Chiefs finally lost, and it felt like it was coming for the past several weeks. The offense has looked good in spurts, but it hasn't consistently scored 24+ points.
Against good teams, that’s what you need to do. The Chiefs will be just fine in the long run, and a loss like this could end up being a good thing for them. So don’t panic too much here.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Panthers
3. Buffalo Bills (9-2) 
Previous Ranking: 3 
The Chiefs are no longer the clear-cut best team in the AFC. The Buffalo Bills have now won six straight games and took down the Chiefs in Week 11. Josh Allen made nearly every significant play in the game, and the defense managed to create several turnovers and big-time stops against Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid.
In a year in which many expected the Bills to regress, they have a chance to clinch the AFC East by Thanksgiving. But they still have much bigger goals on the radar.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. 49ers
4. Minnesota Vikings (8-2) 
Previous Ranking: 5
It was another ho-hum win for the Minnesota Vikings, who leaned on their defense to get a win in Tennessee. The Vikings are 8-2 on the season, but they are 1.5 games back in the NFC North due to their two-point loss against Detroit.
They’ll have another meeting this season, and it could decide which team has a bye in Round 1 and which plays on the road in the playoffs. That's a pretty big deal.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Bears
5. Philadelphia Eagles (8-2) 
Previous Ranking: 6
It took the Philadelphia Eagles a while to get their offense going, but several big plays by Saquon Barkley in the second half allowed them to beat the Commanders in a huge NFC East game.
Philadelphia is one of the most complete teams in the league and could be the best potential matchup for the Lions in the playoffs.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Rams
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2) 
Previous Ranking: 7
The Pittsburgh Steelers just find ways to win weird games, and they did it again in Week 11. They beat the Baltimore Ravens despite not scoring a single touchdown. It helped that they created three takeaways, and Justin Tucker missed two field goals, but Pittsburgh’s defense did a great job of limiting Lamar Jackson’s impact.
Sitting at 8-2, the Steelers are only one game out of the No. 1 seed in the AFC. And with a pretty soft schedule coming up in the next three weeks, going into Week 15 with a record of 11-2 is certainly on the table.
Next Game: Thursday, Nov. 21 vs. Browns
7. Baltimore Ravens (7-4) 
Previous Ranking: 4
The Baltimore Ravens are exciting to watch most weeks because the duo of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry might be the best in football. However, the Ravens fail to do the little things well, and this shows when they play quality opponents.
This is why they’ve struggled in the postseason in the last few years, and it’ll likely be the reason why they are playing on the road in Round 1 of the playoffs despite having an A+ roster.
Next Game: Monday, Nov. 25 vs. Chargers
8. Green Bay Packers (7-3) 
Previous Ranking: 8
It took a blocked field goal for the Green Bay Packers to escape against the Bears, but a win is a win. Jordan Love continues to have one or two bone-headed plays a week, but the Packers have overcome them for the most part.
Green Bay is likely to be a wild-card team in 2024, but it is a team that no one will want to face in Round 1.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. 49ers
9. Los Angeles Chargers (7-3) 
Previous Ranking: 12
It’s amazing how fast Jim Harbaugh has changed the culture in Los Angeles. This is suddenly one of the toughest teams in the league, and Justin Herbert is playing the best football of his career.
The Los Angeles Chargers are 2.5 games back in the AFC West divisional race, which might be too big of a gap to make up. But they could be a deadly wild-card team in 2024, especially if they face a team like Houston or Pittsburgh in Round 1.
Next Game: Monday, Nov. 25 vs. Ravens
10. Washington Commanders (7-4) 
Previous Ranking: 9
The Washington Commanders have lost back-to-back games for the first time all season and were a Hail Mary away from losing three of their last four. Is the league catching up to Jayden Daniels? No.
However, the rest of the roster is being exposed a bit. The defense is just not very talented, and Daniels doesn’t have a reliable weapon to target in the passing game besides Terry McLaurin. Washington shouldn’t have any problem reaching double-digit wins, but it isn't nearly as scary as we once thought.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Cowboys
11. Houston Texans (7-4) 
Previous Ranking: 10
The Houston Texans blew out the Cowboys in Week 11, but it was far from a dominant win. Houston's offense still looks a bit off, but they figured things out in the second half. We will see if that trend continues moving forward.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Titans
12. Arizona Cardinals (6-4) 
Previous Ranking: 14
Their lead in the division tightened during the bye week with the Seahawks and Rams earning wins, but the Arizona Cardinals are in pole position to win the NFC West for the first time in several years.
Their defense has been outstanding at home this season, and as long as Kyler Murray can stay healthy, there is no reason why they can’t win 10+ games this year.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Seahawks
13. Denver Broncos (6-5) 
Previous Ranking: 15
How about Bo Nix? The rookie quarterback from Oregon got off to a really slow start to begin his NFL career, but he just had a game where he threw four touchdowns and was in complete control of the offense.
It certainly helps that the Denver Broncos have one of the league’s top defenses, and they were a blocked kick away from a 7-4 record. They have a healthy lead for the final spot in the AFC wild-card hunt, and it’s becoming more and more likely that they will make the postseason in Year 2 under Sean Payton.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Raiders
14. Atlanta Falcons (6-5) 
Previous Ranking: 13
The Atlanta Falcons have had some great wins this season, but their losses have been mind-boggling. They’ve been blown out by the Seahawks and now the Broncos.
That game was over by halftime, and Kirk Cousins looked pretty old. Atlanta still has a nice lead in the NFC South, but it has evaporated some in the last few weeks. The Falcons are one of the league's toughest teams to figure out on a weekly basis.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Chargers
15. Los Angeles Rams (5-5) 
Previous Ranking: 19
There is nothing prettier in the NFL than watching Matthew Stafford carve up defenses when he is healthy. And that’s exactly what happened in Week 11 against the Patriots, now that Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are healthy.
The Los Angeles Rams have been up-and-down all season long, but the fact that they are just one game back in the division going into Week 12 is great news for their outlook this season.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Eagles
16. Seattle Seahawks (5-5) 
Previous Ranking: 20
The season was on the line for the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11, and Geno Smith delivered arguably the best drive of his career. Needing a touchdown with under three minutes left, Smith drove the Seahawks the length of the field and got into the end zone with a beautiful scramble.
They got a massive win against the 49ers and improved to 5-5 on the season. With several divisional games still left on the docket, the Seahawks still have a chance to host a home playoff game in Round 1.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Cardinals
17. San Francisco 49ers (5-5) 
Previous Ranking: 11
The San Francisco 49ers have not played a complete game this season, and it’s costing them time and again in the NFC West. They’ve held leads against the Seahawks, Cardinals, and Rams late in the fourth quarter but lost all three of those games in dramatic fashion.
They are in last place in the NFC West, and with a tough schedule coming up, it’s fair to wonder if they will even make the playoffs this season. It’s been that kind of year in San Francisco.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Packers
18. Cincinnati Bengals (4-7) 
Previous Ranking: 16
It’s time to give up on the Cincinnati Bengals. Joe Burrow has played the best football of his career, and it simply hasn’t mattered because the rest of the team just isn’t talented.
Evan McPherson missed two kicks that would have given the Bengals the lead against the Chargers, and the defense allowed 30+ points once again. The Bengals are on bye in Week 12, with a Week 13 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers looming. Their season is over, and it feels like a waste considering how well Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase have played this year.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Steelers
19. Miami Dolphins (4-6) 
Previous Ranking: 21
The Miami Dolphins have now won back-to-back games and have a favorable schedule down the stretch. They still have two games left with the Jets and another against the Patriots, which could allow them to go on a run.
With a healthy Tua Tagovailoa back on the field, anything is possible for this offense. They can afford to lose one or two more games and sneak into the playoffs, but there isn’t much wiggle room after that.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Patriots
20. Indianapolis Colts (5-6) 
Previous Ranking: 22
Anthony Richardson returned to the field in Week 11 and had the best performance of his career. He torched the Jets through the air and put together a game-winning touchdown drive to improve to 5-6 on the season.
The Indianapolis Colts are still in the playoff hunt in the AFC and aren’t even out of the divisional race left. We’ll see if Richardson can keep it up, but this was easily the most encouraging outing of his career.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Lions
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) 
Previous Ranking: 17
The bye week for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was a good one, as the Atlanta Falcons lost another game. While Tampa Bay is technically three games back in the division, it isn't out of the hunt just yet.
With a soft upcoming schedule and the hopeful return of Mike Evans, Tampa Bay could be a team that makes some noise in December.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Giants
22. Chicago Bears (4-6) 
Previous Ranking: 18
The Chicago Bears finally had the Packers dead to rights in a huge NFC North game. However, settling for a long field goal allowed the kick to be blocked, and the Packers held on.
The offense continues to look lost, even with Shane Waldron gone. For a team that had a 4-2 record after the first six games, they’ve now lost four straight and have fallen to the bottom of the division.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Vikings
23. New Orleans Saints (4-7) 
Previous Ranking: 28
The New Orleans Saints have put together back-to-back wins in the post-Dennis Allen era, and a lot of the credit goes to Taysom Hill.
He put together a fantastic performance, totaling more than 180 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. With the Falcons dropping yet another game, the Saints somehow aren’t out of the NFC South playoff picture just yet.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Rams
24. New England Patriots (3-8) 
Previous Ranking: 23
Drake Maye had another encouraging outing for the New England Patriots, as he continues to make chicken salad out of you know what.
It was the defense that let New England down, as the Rams threw the ball all over the field. This might be the best long-term outcome for the Patriots. They desperately need to add an offensive line and weapons around their young star quarterback. However, the fact that the defense has regressed so much after Bill Belichick’s departure is tough to watch.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Dolphins
25. Dallas Cowboys (3-8) 
Previous Ranking: 24
What more can we say about the Dallas Cowboys? They are one of the worst teams in the league, and the injuries are starting to mount. Now, it's fair to wonder if this team will win another game this season.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Commanders
26. New York Jets (3-8) 
Previous Ranking: 25
The New York Jets have looked lifeless for a few weeks now, and their first-half performance against the Colts was one of the worst you’ll ever see.
This team needs a hard reset and a change in the front office. At this stage of the season, bringing everyone back for another run in 2025 seems pointless.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Seahawks
27. Carolina Panthers (3-7) 
Previous Ranking: 26
The Carolina Panthers were on bye in Week 11, but the team will continue starting Bryce Young moving forward.
He’s looked improved in recent weeks and gives them some juice on offense. While he likely isn’t the long-term answer at quarterback, it would be nice to see him string together some solid outings before the end of the year.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Chiefs
28. New York Giants (2-8) 
Previous Ranking: 30
We predicted last week that a loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 10 might seal Daniel Jones’ fate in New York, and that is now the case.
The team is benching him in favor of Tommy DeVito for the rest of the season to avoid an injury that might cause his contract to be guaranteed for the 2025 season. The New York Giants are officially in the quarterback market for 2025, and you can bet that Jones will be a backup somewhere else next year.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Buccaneers
29. Las Vegas Raiders (2-8) 
Previous Ranking: 27
Let’s be positive about the Las Vegas Raiders for once. Brock Bowers looks like a superstar after another massive performance on Sunday. He is second in the NFL in receptions (70), behind only Ja’Marr Chase, who has played one more game than Bowers.
He has a chance to put together the best rookie season ever by a tight end, and he just seems to be getting better every week.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Broncos
30. Cleveland Browns (2-8) 
Previous Ranking: 29
Things have gone from bad to worse in Cleveland after another rough loss in Week 10. Starting left tackle Dawand Jones left the game with a fractured ankle, and he will miss the remainder of the 2024 season.
The Cleveland Browns offense line continues to fall apart, and the defense is lightyears worse than what we saw in 2023. The Browns are in a tough spot this year and desperately need this season to end so they can regroup and start over in 2025.
Next Game: Thursday, Nov. 21 vs. Steelers
31. Tennessee Titans (2-8) 
Previous Ranking: 31
Will Levis showed signs of life in Week 11 against the Vikings, but the Tennessee Titans still only scored 13 points on offense, and he was way too inconsistent drive to drive.
They hit a 98-yard touchdown to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, but the offense managed just 196 yards on their other 10 drives. With a 2-8 record, it seems like the Titans will be in the quarterback market again in 2025.
Next Game: Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Texans
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9) 
Previous Ranking: 32
At this point, it seems like a lock that the Jacksonville Jaguars will receive the No. 1 overall pick for the third time in five seasons.
They weren’t competitive at all against the Lions, allowing touchdowns on the first seven drives of the game. Doug Pederson obviously isn’t the long-term solution, but the only question that remains is who else will be gone after this season. Things have gone from bad to worse in Jacksonville.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 1 vs. Texans
