NFL Analysis
12/31/24
14 min read
2024 NFL Week 18 Power Rankings: Lions vs. Vikings Set for Top-5 Matchup
It’s hard to believe, but there is just one week left in the regular season. For the most part, we know who the 14 playoff teams will be this year, but there are some seeding questions that still need to be answered.
But how many teams are actual Super Bowl contenders heading into the postseason? Here are our updated power rankings going into the final week of the 2024 season:
NFL Week 17 Power Rankings
1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) 
Previous Ranking: 1 
And just like that, the Kansas City Chiefs are the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and the road to the Super Bowl runs through Arrowhead. It sure seems like the Chiefs have coasted through the first month of the season and are now starting to ramp up toward the playoffs.
They played arguably their best game of the season against Pittsburgh, holding the Steelers to just 10 points, even without Chris Jones. It’s hard to imagine anyone going into Kansas City and beating them in the playoffs at this point.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Broncos
2. Detroit Lions (14-2)
Previous Ranking: 2
The Detroit Lions didn't have to play their starters in Week 17 because they had nothing to play for in this matchup. But they played them anyway and got a convincing win against the 49ers.
The offense was nearly unstoppable, and Kerby Joseph brought in two interceptions, giving him the NFL lead at nine. Detroit is a machine, and it's hard to imagine anyone stopping them on offense in the postseason.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Vikings
3. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)
Previous Ranking: 3
No Jalen Hurts? No problem for the Philadelphia Eagles, as Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee combined to score four touchdowns against Dallas. Philadelphia’s defense stepped up in a big way, and it was the reason for the blowout win.
The Eagles have arguably the best defense in the NFL, and it could be the reason why Philadelphia reaches the Super Bowl for the second time in three years.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Giants
4. Minnesota Vikings (14-2)
Previous Ranking: 4
It’s time to take the Minnesota Vikings seriously. They have won 14 games this season, and they could have easily been 15-1 if not for a game-winning field goal by the Lions.
Minnesota will have a chance to be the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a win against the Lions in Week 18. But regardless of that game, the Vikings are legit Super Bowl contenders.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Lions
5. Buffalo Bills (13-3)
Previous Ranking: 5
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills are a machine. They’ve clinched the No. 2 seed in the AFC again and will be able to rest starters in Week 18 against the Patriots.
Allen might be the league MVP, and the offense has been dominant during the last two months. This really might be their best chance of making the Super Bowl in the last two decades.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Patriots
6. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
Previous Ranking: 6
The Baltimore Ravens have now put together three straight impressive victories, scoring 31 or more points in each game. The defense has really stepped up, as it has not allowed more than 24 points in any of its last six games.
Baltimore can now win the AFC North with a victory against the Browns in Week 18, which means it would be the No. 3 seed in the AFC and would host at least one playoff game.
Next Game: Saturday, Jan. 4 vs. Browns
7. Green Bay Packers (11-5)
Previous Ranking: 7
The Green Bay Packers are one of the toughest teams in the league to figure out. They can look dominant against average teams, but they are 0-5 against the Lions, Vikings, and Eagles.
Green Bay won’t have any layups in the postseason, and it doesn’t appear its defense is ready for a big game. Still, the offense can go toe-to-toe with the league's top units, giving them a chance in any matchup.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan 5. vs. Bears
8. Washington Commanders (11-5)
Previous Ranking: 9 
Jayden Daniels has completely changed the culture in Washington, as the Commanders might be the most fun team in the NFL to watch.
With a win against Dallas in Week 18, they can win 12 games and clinch the No. 6 seed in the NFC. That is easier said than done, as they’ve already lost to Cooper Rush and Dallas once this year. But look for Dan Quinn’s squad to get that done this time around.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Cowboys
9. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)
Previous Ranking: 10
It’s hard to take too much away from the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17, as they destroyed the Patriots in a game that was never competitive.
Jim Harbaugh does have his team peaking at the right time, and they could be a really tough out for whichever division winner they face in Round 1.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Raiders
10. Los Angeles Rams (10-6)
Previous Ranking: 13
The Los Angeles Rams don’t have many pretty wins on their resume, but they know how to win games late. That is what championship-caliber teams do.
The Rams have turned things around in the second half of the season and will be back in the postseason. How far can they go? That remains to be seen, but the fact that they will be hosting a home playoff game is pretty wild, considering how they started the year.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Seahawks
11. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
Previous Ranking: 8 
The Pittsburgh Steelers have now lost three straight games, and all three have been by double-digits. The Steelers did not face many top offenses in the first 14 weeks of the season, but that’s changed during the final three weeks.
They’ve allowed 27 or more points in each loss and have lost control of the AFC North.
Next Game: Saturday, Jan. 4 vs. Bengals
12. Seattle Seahawks (9-7)
Previous Ranking: 14
The Seattle Seahawks got an ugly win against the Bears on Thursday Night Football, but it was a rough week for them, with the Rams pulling out a win against the Cardinals.
Seattle still has a chance to finish the season strong and reach double-digit wins, but a division title is out of reach.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Rams
13. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
Previous Ranking: 15
The Cincinnati Bengals deserve a lot of credit for fighting back from a slow start. They have now won four straight games and will play a meaningful Week 18 game.
Zac Taylor’s team hasn’t quit on him yet, and they are playing their best football of the season. They will still need a lot of help to make the postseason next week, but the fact that their game against the Steelers still means something is pretty cool.
Next Game: Saturday, Jan. 4 vs. Steelers
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
Previous Ranking: 17
Baker Mayfield had arguably the best game of his career in Week 17, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers now control their own destiny in the NFC South.
With a win in Week 18, Tampa Bay will win the division and host a home playoff game, likely against the Vikings or the Lions. That is a tough matchup, but it’s one that Tampa Bay won’t be afraid of, given how well their offense has played this season.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Saints
15. Denver Broncos (9-7)
Previous Ranking: 11
The Denver Broncos have had a chance to clinch a playoff spot in each of the last two weeks, but they’ve been unable to find a way to close these games.
Tough losses to the Chargers and Bengals have now put them in a must-win situation in Week 18. Denver has had a nice season, but it doesn’t appear quite ready for playoff football.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Chiefs
16. Houston Texans (9-7)
Previous Ranking: 12
The Houston Texans sure have the look of a team that will be one-and-done in the playoffs, and injuries can be to blame. They’ve lost multiple receivers due to knee injuries and both of their starting safeties.
However, their biggest issue is that C.J. Stoud has regressed in Year 2. Houston will still host a playoff game in Round 1, but don’t be surprised if it is a heavy underdog in that matchup.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Titans
17. Miami Dolphins (8-8)
Previous Ranking: 18
The Miami Dolphins kept their playoff hopes alive, with Tyler Huntley replacing Tua Tagovailoa. He played well enough to keep the offense moving, and they left Cleveland with a win.
This has been an up-and-down season for the Dolphins, but getting back to .500 after their rough start to the year is impressive nonetheless.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Jets
18. Arizona Cardinals (7-9)
Previous Ranking: 20
The Arizona Cardinals are a tough team to figure out, as Kyler Murray can beat anyone any week. However, their offense is widely inconsistent, and that was the case again in Week 17.
Arizona made some big strides this year, but this is a big offseason for the Cardinals. They need to make some major moves to become a contender in 2025.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. 49ers
19. Atlanta Falcons (8-8)
Previous Ranking: 16
Michael Penix Jr. looked much better in his second start and gave the Atlanta Falcons a chance to win the game in regulation. But clock management errors by Raheem Morris were the biggest reason they lost on Sunday Night Football.
Now, the Falcons don’t control their own destiny in the NFC South, and it’s become likely that they will miss the postseason again.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Panthers
20. Dallas Cowboys (7-9)
Previous Ranking: 21
The Dallas Cowboys' good vibes ended in Week 17 with a 41-7 loss to the Eagles. CeeDee Lamb did not play, and the offense couldn’t generate anything through the air.
The Cowboys have played much better in the last two months, but given all of their injuries, they just don’t have the roster to compete with good teams.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Commanders
21. Indianapolis Colts (7-9)
Previous Ranking: 19
There might not have been a worse loss in the NFL in Week 17 than the Indianapolis Colts allowing 45 points to the Giants.
All the Colts needed was to win to keep their playoff lives alive, and the defense couldn’t get a stop. The Colts will not reach the postseason again, and we can only assume big changes will happen this offseason.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Jaguars
22. San Francisco 49ers (6-10)
Previous Ranking: 22
San Francisco's offense moved the ball up and down the field, but two interceptions and two missed field goals sealed its fate. The 49ers couldn't get a stop all night on defense, and that has been their biggest issue for most of the season.
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan must need to find a way to address that unit this offseason if they want to get back to contending for Super Bowls.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Cardinals
23. Carolina Panthers (4-12)
Previous Ranking: 24
Bryce Young’s development has been one of the bright spots for the Carolina Panthers this year, and he played another strong game in Week 17.
At this point, Carolina has no choice but to bring him back next year. But it must do a better job of putting a supporting cast around him if it wants to have any team success moving forward.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Buccaneers
24. Chicago Bears (4-12)
Previous Ranking: 27
It’s hard to take the Chicago Bears seriously this year, given how poorly coached they’ve been on both sides of the ball. And it’s even harder to take a serious stand on Caleb Williams, considering what’s happening with the rest of the franchise.
However, Williams will need to make some serious strides in Year 2 if the Bears want to climb out of the bottom of the NFC North anytime soon.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Packers
25. New Orleans Saints (5-11)
Previous Ranking: 23
Losing to the Packers on Monday Night Football is one thing. But losing to the Raiders (at home) by double-digits is another.
Spencer Rattler made some nice throws, but the fact that they were blown out again is quite a disturbing sign for this franchise. After a 2-0 start, they have gone 3-10 in their last 13 games, and it’s been a rough season for a team derailed by injuries.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Falcons
26. New York Jets (4-12)
Previous Ranking: 25
What more can we say about the New York Jets at this point? Major changes are coming this offseason, as they will have a new general manager, head coach, and (likely) a new quarterback.
They need a hard reset and shouldn’t rush the process. The roster is a long way away from contending, and they won’t be able to compete in the AFC until they get the quarterback position right.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Dolphins
27. Cleveland Browns (3-13)
Previous Ranking: 28
It’s pretty clear the Cleveland Browns have no interest in trying to win another game this season as they continue to trot out Dorian Thompson-Robinson at quarterback.
It’s probably a wise strategy, considering the Browns would have the No. 3 pick if the season ended today. That would put them in range to draft a quarterback or end up with Travis Hunter. Cleveland is in desperate need of top-end talent, and keeping that pick would ensure that the team can get an elite prospect.
Next Game: Saturday, Jan. 4 vs. Ravens
28. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12)
Previous Ranking: 30
The Jacksonville Jaguars have won two of their last four games, both against the Titans. While it certainly has hurt them when it comes to their 2025 draft order, the development of Brian Thomas Jr. has been one of the shining spots of their season.
He has developed into a true No. 1 receiver and should be a building block for Jacksonville moving forward.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Colts
29. Las Vegas Raiders (4-12)
Previous Ranking: 31
Back-to-back wins for the Las Vegas Raiders? Sure!
Antonio Pierce’s team is playing hard, and Aidan O’Connell has proven to be a massive upgrade over Desmond Ridder (go figure). The Raiders will still be in the quarterback market in 2025, but it’s nice to see them play respectable football down the stretch.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Chargers
30. Tennessee Titans (3-13)
Previous Ranking: 29
This has been a disastrous season for the Tennessee Titans, and they might be the worst-coached team in the NFL. They haven’t been any closer to finding a quarterback solution, and the defense has gotten worse in the last two months.
The Titans have to address the quarterback position in 2025, or else this team is doomed in the AFC for the foreseeable future.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Texans
31. New England Patriots (3-13)
Previous Ranking: 26
There isn’t much the New England Patriots do well at this point. The defense has been exposed in the last few weeks against better quarterbacks, and the offense can’t score more than a few times each week.
It sure seems like Jerod Mayo could be a one-and-done coach, and it would be easily justified. This has been a disaster of a season, and it’s hard to believe that things will get better soon.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Bills
32. New York Giants (3-13)
Previous Ranking: 32
The New York Giants are still the worst team in the league despite a thrilling win against the Colts in Week 17. It was cool to see Drew Lock play his best game ever in the NFL, and Malik Nabers put on a show.
The Giants are still in the quarterback market, and it will be tougher to grab one at pick No. 4, but this does not eliminate them from taking one in Round 1.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 5 vs. Eagles
