NFL Analysis
1/21/25
6 min read
2025 NFL Championship Weekend Power Rankings: Will Washington Pull Another Upset?
The NFL's Divisional Round is usually the best weekend in sports. That was the case again this week as we watched eight quality teams play, and we saw multiple games come down to the final play.
But just four teams are left, and we are getting closer to crowning a champion for the 2024-2025 season. But how do the playoff teams stack up compared to one another going into Conference Championship Week? Here are our conference championship power rankings after a great weekend of football.
NFL Conference Championship Rankings
1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-2) 
Previous Ranking: 1 
It’s rarely ever pretty, but the Kansas City Chiefs just don’t lose, especially at home in the playoffs. Their defense continues to rise to the occasion, and its ability to make splash plays in the biggest moments could be what ultimately propels them to their third straight Super Bowl appearance.
Will the offense ever score 30+ points this season? Probably not, but they don’t need to complete a three-peat.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 26 vs. Bills
2. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)
Previous Ranking: 3 
It never seems like the Philadelphia Eagles can put together a complete game. Despite totally dominating the Rams in Round 2, Los Angeles had a chance to win the game late, and it nearly did. However, a sack by Jalen Carter on third down saved the day, and the Eagles will now host the NFC Championship Game against the Commanders.
Still, there is a problem brewing in Philadelphia. It’s clear that Jalen Hurts is compromised, and his inability to win from within the pocket could be a major issue moving forward. But the Eagles are so talented everywhere else on their roster that it truly might not matter.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 26 vs. Commanders
3. Buffalo Bills (13-4)
Previous Ranking: 4
The Buffalo Bills are back in the AFC Championship Game because they were dominant at home all season. Including the postseason, they were 10-0 at Highmark Stadium, and their home-field advantage proved to be enough to take down the Ravens in Round 2.
The defense has done a good job of creating takeaways in big moments, and it'll need to do that again next week if it wants to reach the Super Bowl. In what was supposed to be a “down” year for the Bills, they are just two wins away from hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 26 vs. Chiefs
4. Washington Commanders (12-5)
Previous Ranking: 7
We’ve seen a lot of improbable postseason runs, but the Washington Commanders reaching the NFC Championship Game with a rookie quarterback and a first-year head coach is up there. Washington went into Detroit and knocked off the No. 1 seed and did it convincingly.
Jayden Daniels continues to be a revelation and has given Washington all the hope and excitement it has been missing during the last 20 years. It is just one win away from the Super Bowl and will face the Eagles, who it beat earlier this year in dramatic fashion. But will the stage be too big for this young team? Or will the Commanders continue to shock us? We can’t wait to watch.
Next Game: Sunday, Jan. 26 vs. Eagles
5. Detroit Lions (15-2)
Previous Ranking: 2 
You can make a strong case that the Detroit Lions were the best team in the NFL this season. However, the injuries on the defense proved to be too much for them to overcome in the postseason. At one point, they were without seven defensive starters against the Commanders.
And with the offense turning the ball over five times, Detroit just didn’t have much of a chance. Can it bounce back in 2025 without its two coordinators? We’ll see, but this was an incredibly disappointing ending for the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Next Game: N/A
6. Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
Previous Ranking: 6
Lamar Jackson could be a three-time NFL MVP, but he has yet to make a Super Bowl appearance. He’s had his fair share of playoff struggles in the past, but don’t place too much blame on him for what happened in Buffalo.
He was magnificent in the second half and put together what should have been the game-tying drive without his top two receivers. But instead, the Baltimore Ravens are back in a familiar spot. They were one of the NFL’s best teams in 2024, but they couldn’t get it done in the postseason. So, where does Baltimore go from here? Who knows, but it’s going to be a very interesting offseason for the Ravens.
Next Game: N/A
7. Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
Previous Ranking: 5
The Los Angeles Rams had just six days to prepare for the Eagles and playing in a snowstorm certainly doesn’t match their strengths. But they plenty of chances to win this game, including on the final possession when they had the ball inside of Philadelphia’s 20-yard line with under a minute left.
They weren’t able to finish that drive, but there are many reasons to be excited about their future, especially after they rebuilt their defense in just one draft.
Next Game: N/A
8. Houston Texans (10-7)
Previous Ranking: 8
The Houston Texans have made it to the AFC Divisional Round in each of the first two seasons with C.J. Stroud, but the offense hasn’t been good enough in the playoffs. And that is expected with two of his top three receivers out due to knee injuries.
However, the Texans have to figure out a better way to protect Stroud and make the offense more quarterback-friendly. Houston shouldn’t be too discouraged about how this season played out, but it’s time for the franchise to take the next step.
Next Game: N/A
