NFL Analysis
1/23/24
3 min read
NFL Conference Championship Power Rankings: Ravens Reign Supreme After Convincing Win
Our power rankings are focused on the four remaining teams heading into championship week. We base these rankings on who these teams are today, paired with their path to a Super Bowl win.
Championship Round Rankings
1. Baltimore Ravens 
Record: 13-4
Seed: 1st
Last Week: Ravens 34, Texans 10
The Baltimore Ravens are the league’s most consistent team while coming off another blowout win against a quality opponent. Baltimore has the league’s best defense, and Lamar Jackson is arguably the most unique quarterback talent in history.
That combination of reliability and ceiling makes the Ravens hard to beat. The pressure is on Baltimore with Patrick Mahomes coming to town and a Super Bowl berth on the line.
AFC Championship Opponent: vs. Chiefs
2. San Francisco 49ers 
Record: 12-5
Seed: 1st
Last Week: 49ers 24, Packers 21
The Packers outplayed the San Francisco 49ers for most of last week’s contest, to the point San Francisco barely escaped with a win.
Brock Purdy struggled in a rainy environment while facing consistent pressure. The 49ers’ formidable pass rush was also almost entirely mitigated by Green Bay.
San Francisco still has the league’s best roster, but it was largely outplayed by the NFC’s seventh seed. The 49ers’ pass rush needs to have a much greater impact to even get to the championship.
Deebo Samuel’s availability is another major factor, as he’s a unique player who changes what San Francisco can do on offense. It’s also becoming apparent Purdy is a different player when he’s uncomfortable. The 49ers have a talent advantage over everyone, but they looked beatable last week.
NFC Championship Opponent: vs. Lions
3. Kansas City Chiefs 
Record: 11-6
Seed: 3rd
Last Week: Chiefs 27, Bills 24
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have been the NFL’s measuring stick for more than half a decade. They will head to Baltimore for their sixth straight AFC Championship this Sunday.
Kansas City’s offense struggled throughout the regular season, but it's averaging 26.5 points in its two playoff games. The offense’s performance in Buffalo last week was more in line with what Mahomes’ offense usually looks like.
No team is more battle-tested than the Chiefs, who are the unlikely underdog against Baltimore.
AFC Championship Opponent: at Ravens
>> READ MORE: How KC Got Hot at The Right Time
4. Detroit Lions 
Record: 12-5
Seed: 3rd
Last Week: Lions 31, Buccaneers 23
An NFC Championship berth is a great achievement for the Detroit Lions. Jared Goff’s offense is a high-performing, well-rounded group.
Unfortunately, Detroit’s defense has allowed at least 340 passing yards in five consecutive games. The Lions’ have the raw materials to improve on defense, but they’ve run out of time.
If Detroit’s pass defense continues to get shredded through the air, it's hard to see them leaving San Francisco with a win.
NFC Championship Opponent: at 49ers
>> READ MORE: Lions' Rookies Fueled Playoff Run
