NFL Analysis
12/24/24
13 min read
2024 NFL Week 17 Power Rankings: Which Teams Look Ready for a Postseason Run?
There were some massive upsets in the NFL this week, two of which occurred in the NFC, and it will have some major playoff implications.
However, who are the best teams in the league going into the final two weeks of the regular season? Here are our updated power rankings going into Week 17 of the 2024 season:
NFL Week 17 Power Rankings
1. Kansas City Chiefs (14-1) 
Previous Ranking: 2 
The Kansas City Chiefs did it again. They played sloppy football for most of the game but found a way to shut down Houston’s offense in the second half.
The Chiefs are just one game away from securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC, which they certainly need, given all the veterans on their team. But can they get it done against the Steelers in Pittsburgh on Wednesday? We shall see.
Next Game: Wednesday, Dec. 25 vs. Steelers
2. Detroit Lions (13-2)
Previous Ranking: 1 
The Detroit Lions had a bunch of injuries going into Week 17, and it didn’t matter at all against the Bears. Detroit’s offense was hot right out of the gate, and it took care of business on the road.
There is still some concern about the defense when it faces better offenses, but this was a dominant win that the Lions needed to get their season back on track.
Next Game: Monday, Dec. 30 vs. 49ers
3. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3)
Previous Ranking: 3 
How much should we knock the Philadelphia Eagles for a road division loss without Jalen Hurts? Not much.
Philadelphia forced five turnovers on defense, but Jayden Daniels made enough plays to steal a victory at home. The Eagles will still be a force in the playoffs, but it’s a good reminder that their defense might not quite be as good as the overall numbers have indicated in recent weeks.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Cowboys
4. Minnesota Vikings (13-2)
Previous Ranking: 4
The Minnesota Vikings just find ways to win games. Late in the game, Sam Darnold dealt with a bad ankle but still managed to connect with Justin Jefferson for the go-ahead touchdown. The defense got back-to-back stops, including the game-sealing interception.
The Vikings are the most improbable 13-win team this season and will still be the No. 1 seed if they win their final two games.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Packers
5. Buffalo Bills (12-3)
Previous Ranking: 5
The Patriots jumped out to a 14-0 lead on the Buffalo Bills as Buffalo’s offense sputtered for most of the first half. The defense did make some big plays in the second half, including scoring a touchdown on a backward lateral.
Although Josh Allen’s performance was subpar, the rest of his team stepped up, keeping them alive for the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Jets
6. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
Previous Ranking: 8
Baltimore’s offense was clicking against Pittsburgh, as it scored 34 points at home. Lamar Jackson continues to have a career year, and Derrick Henry isn’t slowing down at all.
The Baltimore Ravens still have a good chance of winning the AFC North, but they’ll need wins against the Texans and Browns, plus a loss by the Steelers, for that to happen.
Next Game: Wednesday, Dec. 25 vs. Texans
7. Green Bay Packers (11-4)
Previous Ranking: 7
The Green Bay Packers took care of business at home against a bad team. That is what they were expected to do and they accomplished that on Monday night. But will they be able to have the same type of success next week against Minnesota?
And how much effort will they exert in essentially a meaningless game? We shall see, but the Packers are a very good team that no division winner will want to see in Round 1.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Vikings
8. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)
Previous Ranking: 6
The Pittsburgh Steelers had not faced many top-end offenses in the first half of the year, but that has changed during the last two weeks. Philadelphia and Baltimore moved the ball up and down the field on them, and they’ve been exposed through the air.
The Steelers should be getting a few key pieces back on that side of the ball, but this unit isn’t quite as dominant as the early-season numbers suggested.
Next Game: Wednesday, Dec. 25 vs. Chiefs
9. Washington Commanders (10-5)
Previous Ranking: 11
The Washington Commanders might be one of the most fun teams in the NFL. It seems like they play in a high-drama game every week, and Jayden Daniels never fails to impress.
Washington has essentially clinched a playoff berth and its first double-digit win season since 2012. And as we saw in Week 16, it can hang with just about any team in the NFC this postseason.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Falcons
10. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
Previous Ranking: 9
The Los Angeles Chargers got off to a slow start against the Broncos in Week 16, but a free kick field goal before halftime gave them some momentum, and they managed to win and cover at home.
The Chargers are near lock to make the playoffs now, and the No. 5 seed is still in play if they can win their final two games of the season.
Next Game: Saturday, Dec. 28 vs. Patriots
11. Denver Broncos (9-6)
Previous Ranking: 10
The Denver Broncos aggressively ran the ball in the first half against the Chargers, scoring 21 points in the first two quarters.
But the offense stalled in the second half, and it ended up costing them. Denver still has a great chance of making the postseason, but it needs to win one of its final two games or get some additional help.
Next Game: Saturday, Dec. 28 vs. Bengals
12. Houston Texans (9-6)
Previous Ranking: 12
The Houston Texans managed to hang around against the Chiefs in Week 16, but their offense bogged down once Tank Dell (knee) left the game with a serious injury.
Houston has been unable to beat most of the top teams in the AFC, and it sure feels like it will be one-and-done in the postseason. As you would expect, losing Dell and Stefon Diggs to serious knee injuries has severely limited this offense's ceiling.
Next Game: Wednesday, Dec. 25 vs. Ravens
13. Los Angeles Rams (9-6)
Previous Ranking: 14
The Los Angeles Rams got off to a slow start against the Jets, but their defense tightened up in the second half and allowed just nine total points.
It wasn’t a strong game for the offense, but the Rams have now put together multiple wins and still have a good chance of hosting a home playoff game in Round 1.
Next Game: Saturday, Dec. 28 vs. Cardinals
14. Seattle Seahawks (8-7)
Previous Ranking: 13
The Seattle Seahawks were in the driver’s seat for the NFC West just a few weeks ago, but back-to-back losses to the Packers and the Vikings have them on the outside looking in.
Their defense has had some bright moments this year, but there have been far too many games against quality opponents where they’ve been unable to get a key stop. And with a tough upcoming schedule, it seems unlikely the Seahawks will win this division in Year 1 under Mike Macdonald.
Next Game: Thursday, Dec. 26 vs. Bears
15. Cincinnati Bengals (7-8)
Previous Ranking: 21
Week 16 was a good week for the Cincinnati Bengals as they secured an 18-point win against the Browns, and the Broncos fell to the Chargers. Joe Burrow continues to play the best football of his career, and now the Bengals will play a meaningful game against the Broncos in Week 17.
In what felt like a lost season for Cincinnati, it is giving its fans some hope going into the final two weeks of the season.
Next Game: Saturday, Dec. 28 vs. Broncos
16. Atlanta Falcons (8-7)
Previous Ranking: 17
It’s hard to take too much away from Michael Penix Jr. in his first start because he didn’t need to do much. The defense scored multiple touchdowns and held the Giants to just seven points.
But the Atlanta Falcons needed this win to stay alive in the NFC South divisional race. And sitting at 8-7, they still have a decent chance of stealing the division and hosting a home playoff game.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Commanders
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7)
Previous Ranking: 15
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers let a golden opportunity slip through their hands on Sunday Night Football. All they had to do was beat the Cowboys to maintain their lead in the NFC South.
Instead, the defense allowed 23 first-half points to Cooper Rush, and they never held the lead the entire way. The Buccaneers are on the verge of missing the playoffs, and their defense is a big reason why.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Panthers
18. Miami Dolphins (7-8)
Previous Ranking: 16
The Miami Dolphins took care of business against the 49ers and still have a playoff pulse. Miami is now 6-4 on the season in games that Tua Tagovailoa starts and finishes, and it has played pretty well in the second half of the season.
Miami probably won’t make the postseason, but it is finishing the 2024 season strong and playing with pride. That’s all you can ask for at this time of year.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Browns
19. Indianapolis Colts (7-8)
Previous Ranking: 19
The winning formula for the Indianapolis Colts is simple: run the ball and limit Anthony Richardson's passing attempts. Whenever they do that, they can be difficult to stop because of their offensive line and the explosiveness of Jonathan Taylor.
They scored 38 points despite completing just seven passes in Week 16, and that’ll need to continue if they want to sneak into the postseason this year.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Giants
20. Arizona Cardinals (7-8)
Previous Ranking: 18
The Arizona Cardinals were leading the NFC West just a few weeks ago, but they’ve now lost four of their last five games and have officially been eliminated from playoff contention.
It’s a shame because the Cardinals started the season off so well, but the defense has really declined during the last month.
Next Game: Saturday, Dec. 28 vs. Rams
21. Dallas Cowboys (7-8)
Previous Ranking: 22
The Dallas Cowboys were eliminated from the postseason ahead of their Week 16 matchup against the Buccaneers, but you wouldn’t know that by their intensity. They played one of their best games of the season on Sunday Night Football and upset the Buccaneers, who needed the win.
Mike McCarthy’s team has now won four of their last five games, and they have been competitive just about every week. This has been a lost season for Dallas, but it is certainly playing with a lot of pride right now.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Eagles
22. San Francisco 49ers (6-9)
Previous Ranking: 20
The San Francisco 49ers have been eliminated from the playoffs, and they sure played like it in Week 16. The defense continues to get gashed on the ground, and the offense just hasn’t looked explosive in most contests.
This will be a fascinating offseason for the 49ers as they try to figure out how to extend their Super Bowl window.
Next Game: Monday, Dec. 30 vs. Lions
23. New Orleans Saints (5-10)
Previous Ranking: 23
It's really hard to evaluate the New Orleans Saints right now, given all of the injuries and the fact that they have an interim coach.
It sure feels like this team needs a hard reset, but the Saints have been hesitant to do that over the last several years. Some very tough decisions are looming for the Saints in just a few weeks.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Raiders
24. Carolina Panthers (4-11)
Previous Ranking: 24
The Carolina Panthers have had several close games during the last two months, but they haven’t been able to finish them despite stellar play by Bryce Young.
They finally won this week against the Cardinals in overtime, as the defense stepped up in a big way late. Carolina has to be thrilled with the development of Young, and it sure feels like he’s going to be given the opportunity to start again in 2025.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Buccaneers
25. New York Jets (4-11)
Previous Ranking: 26
Between the end of the half and the start of the third quarter, the New York Jets had two drives that totaled 29 plays. They scored just three points on those two drives and just nine points at home against the Rams.
The offense just hasn’t been able to produce in the red zone, and its inability to run the ball continues to cause problems. Aaron Rodgers has played better in recent weeks, but everything still points to a divorce at the end of the season.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Bills
26. New England Patriots (3-12)
Previous Ranking: 27
The New England Patriots gave Buffalo everything it could handle and more in Week 16, as Drake Maye looked fantastic for most of the game.
Buffalo made his life harder in the second half, but he played as well as you could expect for a rookie quarterback against one of the best teams in the league. New England has to be thrilled with the development of Maye going into Year 2.
Next Game: Saturday, Dec. 27 vs. Chargers
27. Chicago Bears (4-11)
Previous Ranking: 25
Things continue to spiral for the Chicago Bears, who have lost their ninth straight game. The defense was supposed to be this team's strongest unit, but it was shredded through the air in Week 16.
Chicago will have a new coach in 2025, and the Bears fans only have to suffer through two more games before we find out who will be on the sideline next year.
Next Game: Thursday, Dec. 26 vs. Seahawks
28. Cleveland Browns (3-12)
Previous Ranking: 28
If you were hoping that Dorian Thompson-Robinson was going to solve all of Cleveland’s issues, think again. He threw multiple interceptions and was sacked five times against the Bengals.
Cleveland’s defense did a good job of limiting Joe Burrow for most of the game, but by the fourth quarter, it just had nothing left. Needless to say, the Cleveland Browns are limping to the finish line and will be searching for a new quarterback in 2025.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Dolphins
29. Tennessee Titans (3-12)
Previous Ranking: 29
The Tennessee Titans just lost a game in which they allowed just seven completions but 38 points.
Mason Rudolph proved not to be an upgrade over Will Levis, and it sure feels like the Titans will have yet another new quarterback in 2025. It’s been a pretty rough year for Brian Callahan in his first year with the team.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Jaguars
30. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12)
Previous Ranking: 30
It’s hard to have too many takeaways from their Week 16 loss to the Raiders, but the good news is that Brian Thomas Jr. looks like an alpha No. 1 receiver.
He was dominant again on Sunday and has produced no matter who has been at quarterback. In a lost season for the Jacksonville Jaguars, his emergence has been one of the few bright spots.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Titans
31. Las Vegas Raiders (3-12)
Previous Ranking: 31
The Las Vegas Raiders got their third win of the season in Week 16, beating Mac Jones and the Jaguars. It was a costly win, moving them down from No. 1 to No. 6 in the draft order.
Antonio Pierce’s team isn’t good, but at least they play hard. But with the Saints on the upcoming schedule in Week 17, it’s certainly possible they could win another game before the year is over.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Saints
32. New York Giants (2-13)
Previous Ranking: 32
It seems impossible, but the New York Giants seem to be getting worse each week. Drew Lock threw two pick-sixes against the Falcons, and that game was over by halftime.
New York seems destined to finish the season with just two wins and should be considered the favorites to own the No. 1 overall pick.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Colts
