The NFC North and conference’s top seed and first-round bye is up for grabs. So is the AFC North, the NFC South, and the final wild-card spot in the AFC. Oh, and there’s still plenty of chaos to unfold and decide the No. 1 pick AND the top-10 in the NFL draft order.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy what will be a dramatic week of football as we head into the Week 17 edition of our 2024 NFL power rankings.
Which teams are at the top of the NFL rankings after week 17?
32. Tennessee Titans (31)
It’s not at all weird to call this a good week for the Titans, who dropped their fifth straight game in a seven-point road loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants both somehow emerged victorious on Sunday. Just like that, Brian Callahan’s squad has a real shot at the No. 1 pick. And boy, could they use Shedeur Sanders.
Man, the chaotic race for the No. 1 pick is going to be epic.
31. New England Patriots (28)
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Drake Maye and the Pats were no match for Justin Herbert and the playoff-bound Los Angeles Chargers, who put up a 40-burger in a 33-point blowout victory.
It may have been the low point for an unexciting and soft Patriots team, whose fans filled the stadium with “Fire Mayo” chants. We know this was always gonna be a trying year, but Robert Kraft oughta decide if Jerod Mayo really is the guy to steer this ship going forward.
On the bright side, this loss puts them closer into Travis Hunter’s range.
30. New York Giants (32)
Have Giants fans ever been so enraged over a win? Five total touchdowns from Drew Lock paced the Giants to a 45-33 barn-burner win over the visiting Indianapolis Colts, but the W came at a price.
The Giants fell out of the first-overall pick slot and probably just cost themselves Shedeur Sanders. Good on Lock and the guys for getting that win, but this really didn’t help this NFL team from a long-term perspective. Just sayin’
29. Cleveland Browns (27)
Kevin Stefanski’s curious decision to continue with Dorian Thompson-Robinson over Jameis Winston led to predictable results.
The Browns were no contest for a visiting Miami Dolphins team missing Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle, with Tyler Huntley leading his team to a 20-3 victory.
And if this week wasn’t bad enough? Browns fans must deal with another year of Deshaun Watson, who agreed to a restructured contract that keeps him here for 2025.
At least the Cavaliers look good?
28. Chicago Bears (26)
The NFL owes everyone an apology for putting the Bears-Seattle Seahawks boxing day game on prime time. A 6-3 final for the Seahawks? Good grief.
So the Bears have now lost 10 straight games and will somehow finish multiple games off last year’s group that finished 7-10. And that’s WITH Caleb Williams, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze and D’Andre Swift.
To the Bears’ next head coach: Good luck fixing this mess.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars (30)
It feels like, compared to the teams below them, the Jaguars are showing some fight, with backup QB Mac Jones leading the way.
The Jags beat the Titans by a touchdown in a game full of two bottom-feeders, ensuring they won’t finish dead last in the AFC South. They’ll try to end this forgetful year on a high note with a road game in Indianapolis on Sunday.
Also Read: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams After Week 16 Games
26. New York Jets (25)
If this season wasn’t embarrassing enough already, try a 40-14 blowout loss at the hands of the Buffalo Bills. Should we mention that Tyrod Taylor threw both touchdowns in garbage time while Aaron Rodgers had perhaps the worst outing of his career?
The one silver lining for Jets fans: This nightmare of a season is over on Sunday.
25. New Orleans Saints (24)
New Orleans couldn’t get much going against the Las Vegas Raiders, dropping a 25-10 decision in a messy performance that saw Spencer Rattler throw two interceptions. The Saints were also penalized 10 times for 85 yards in a loss that clinched their worst record since 2005.
One positive going into Sunday: They can spoil the Bucs’ playoff hopes by upsetting Baker Mayfield and company at Raymond James Stadium. That, coupled with an Atlanta win, would seal the division for the Falcons.
24. Las Vegas Raiders (29)
It wasn’t Derek Carr on the opposing sidelines, but it was nonetheless a masterful performance by the Raiders in a 25-10 win over the New Orleans Saints.
They definitely played their way out of Shedeur Sanders territory, but Travis Hunter and Cam Ward very much remain within reach. Then again, Aidan O’Connell’s second-half performance could lead to Vegas giving him an extended look in the 2025 NFL season…
23. Carolina Panthers (23)
Practically nothing went right for the Panthers in a gross 48-14 road loss to the superior Buccaneers. The one positive was Bryce Young’s resilience, as he tossed two touchdowns and no picks despite being sacked five times by a relentless Tampa front seven.
And hey, at least the loss improves their draft position?
22. San Francisco 49ers (22)
The 49ers gave the Lions a run for their money on Monday night, but two Brock Purdy interceptions and three costly misses by Jake Moody culminated in a 40-34 loss.
Good on Kyle Shanahan’s squad for showing some fight in a meaningless game. But losing a game they controlled for the first 30 minutes? Another reminder that nothing has gone right for the 49ers in a frustrating season that’s about to mercilessly end.
21. Dallas Cowboys (21)
Even without Jalen Hurts behind center, the Cowboys were humiliated by the Saquon Barkley-led Philadelphia Eagles’ offense. Barkley had 167 yards on the ground, with the Kenny Pickett-Tanner McKee QB duo throwing for three TDs and no picks.
The one bright spot was running back Rico Dowdle hitting the 1K mark to further cement himself as Dallas’ new RB1. But the 34-point road loss in Philly was just another reminder that it’ll take much more than a healthy Dak Prescott for the Cowboys to compete in 2025.
20. Arizona Cardinals (20)
Kyler Murray’s unfortunate red zone interception cost the Cardinals a chance to upset the Los Angeles Rams as Arizona dropped a 13-9 decision.
The loss clinched a third straight losing season for Arizona, and it was a fitting way to lose in a roller-coaster of a season. Are we crazy for thinking that 2025 may be a make-or-break year for Murray in Arizona? We’re still waiting for one year of consistency on his end…
19. Indianapolis Colts (19)
The Colts’ inexcusable road loss to the Giants ended their playoff hopes and led to a scathing rant by Pat McAfee, who promised to cancel his season tickets in 2025.
A fourth straight non-playoff season has led to considerable changes in the NFL offseason. Not sure if Shane Steichen is in trouble, but GM Chris Ballard is surely on the way out. And might they consider replacing Anthony Richardson behind center? Hmm…
18. Miami Dolphins (18)
Even without Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle, the Tyler Huntley-led offense did more than enough to steer the Dolphins to a 20-3 road win in Cleveland.
Miami must defeat the Jets on Sunday and have the Chiefs’ backups beat the Broncos in Week 18 to make the playoffs. Both tasks are tall, especially if Tua doesn’t play for Miami, but neither is impossible.
Cross your fingers and hope for the best, Fins Nation.
17. Atlanta Falcons (14)
Late-game heroics from rookie Michael Penix Jr. weren’t enough, as the Falcons dropped a 30-24 heartbreaker in overtime to Washington. Raheem Morris’ D was invisible in the second half, and OT, and their inability to make a stop likely cost them their season.
The Falcons should beat Carolina with no problem on Sunday. But they need the injury-ravaged Saints to upset the Bucs on the road to claim the NFC South. Good luck with that.
Next time, don’t lose five of seven with the division essentially in your hands.
16. Seattle Seahawks (17)
In what may go down as the most boring Thursday nighter in history, the ‘Hawks defeated the Bears 6-3 at Soldier Field in a defensive slugfest. The positive vibes were short-lived, however, as the results from the weekend officially eliminated Seattle from the playoffs.
Seattle’s not playing for nothing, though. A win in LA on Sunday clinches their first 10-win season since 2020. That would be something nice to build off for rookie head coach Mike Macdonald.
15. Cincinnati Bengals (16)
Not sure who has more lives between a cat and the 2024 Bengals. If you have the answer, let us know.
Joe Burrow’s 412 yards and three TDs willed the Bengals to a season-saving 30-24 overtime win over the Broncos. Now, at 8-8, the Bengals need three things to break their way for a return to the NFL playoffs.
They need a win over Pittsburgh and losses from both Denver and Miami. We’ll just have to wait and see how everything plays out, but at least Cincy gave themselves a shot here.
14. Houston Texans (13)
The Texans should have just forfeited their Christmas Day game against Baltimore and spent the day with their families. Instead, the Netflix audience got to watch Lamar Jackson’s squad make easy work of the AFC South champs with a lopsided 31-2 victory.
We know the Texans lost Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell for the year, but there’s enough talent here to show a little more fight. Is it a stretch to believe the Texans are a lock to lose on wild-card weekend? Because they’ve looked broken and out of sync during the second half.
13. Denver Broncos (12)
Panic time is settling in. The Broncos’ defense laid an egg for the second straight week in a frustrating road loss to Cincy, costing Sean Payton’s group the chance to secure a playoff berth once again.
Denver’s lucky that Kansas City has the top seed locked up. That means Bo Nix just needs to beat the Chiefs’ second-stringers, and the Broncos are in the playoffs. Lose? Oh boy, someone’s gonna pay the price if they collapse like this.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (15)
Baker Mayfield dropped 359 yards passing and five touchdowns in the Bucs’ blowout of the visiting Panthers. Couple that with the Falcons’ loss to Washington, and now Tampa is back in the driver’s seat.
It’s simple now: Beat the Saints at home, and the division goes to Tampa for the fourth straight year. Buckle up.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers (8)
We know it’s unfair to have to face the Eagles, Ravens, and Chiefs in three straight weeks. But losing by 14-plus points in all three games? That’s not gonna do it.
Having been crushed by the Chiefs on Christmas Day at home, the Steelers now must defeat Cincy and hope the Browns somehow upset Baltimore in Week 18 to win the AFC North.
Mike Tomlin’s group squandered a golden opportunity here, and now they must regroup fast with the league’s hottest NFL QB coming to town.
10. Los Angeles Chargers (11)
The Chargers’ 40-7 blowout win in New England secured their second playoff berth in three years. This Jim Harbaugh guy sure knows how to immediately turn a program around, huh?
The Bolts can take a deep breath, knowing that they’ll be a big-time threat to whomever they face on wild card weekend. But getting that fifth seed would be nice since it would mean a meeting with the banged-up and vulnerable Texans.
9. Los Angeles Rams (10)
The Rams locked up the NFC West division crown with a victory over the Cardinals and some help on Sunday. So Sean McVay’s resilient squad can take Week 18 off before welcoming a formidable opponent on wild card weekend.
A phenomenal job by McVay, whose team lost four of five to open the NFL season. We thought they were done when Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua went down with injuries early on.
By the way, the Rams won the NFC in the last two years, and they won a division crown. Just saying…
8. Washington Commanders (9)
Nothing new to see here. Just another dazzling performance by Jayden Daniels in a thrilling overtime win over the Falcons on Sunday — one that clinched Washington their first 11-win season since 1991.
For those counting at home, Daniels now has four fourth-quarter comebacks and game-winning drives this year. Not bad for a rookie, huh?
7. Green Bay Packers (6)
We’d normally say there’s no shame in losing by two points on the road to a superior opponent, but there is cause for concern in Green Bay after being swept by the Vikings in the season series.
Matt LaFleur’s squad is now 0-and-5 in games against teams boasting better records than them. That consists of an 0-and-4 mark against Detroit and Minny, and a Week 1 loss to Philly.
Then again, four of those losses were by one score. They’re a bit of an enigma with the playoffs looming, but we’d say bet against Jordan Love’s group at your own risk. These guys love the underdog role.
6. Baltimore Ravens (7)
What a wonderful Christmas for the Ravens. Hours after the Chiefs humiliated Pittsburgh on Christmas Day, the Ravens beat down Houston to regain first place in the AFC North.
Baltimore now has an easy path to winning the division: Just beat a hapless Cleveland team at home. If the unthinkable happens, they’d just need Joe Burrow’s surging Bengals to beat the slumping Steelers.
Either way, it’s hard to envision the Ravens not donning AFC North champion shirts and hats this weekend.
5. Buffalo Bills (5)
Josh Allen’s three total touchdowns led Buffalo to a 40-14 blowout win over Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to lock up the AFC’s No. 2 seed. And it just may have been the final stamp on what should result in Allen’s first NFL MVP award.
Buffalo will either host the Bengals, Broncos or Dolphins on Wild Card Weekend. Can we go ahead and assume the Bills Mafia is crossing their fingers that it’s anyone but the Bengals?
4. Philadelphia Eagles (4)
The Eagles crushed the rival Cowboys with a QB tandem of Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee, a clear-cut reminder that they’re so ready for the postseason.
Philly locked up the No. 2 seed and has nothing to play for on Sunday. Well, actually, Saquon Barkley needs just 101 rushing yards against the Giants to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season record. Can he do it? Stay tuned.
3. Minnesota Vikings (3)
The Vikings narrowly avoided a brutal fourth-quarter collapse and took down the Packers in a high-scoring thriller to secure the season-series sweep. Sam Darnold was lights-out again with 377 yards and three passing touchdowns in the victory.
Sunday is for all the marbles now: Beat the Lions, and you have the NFC’s top seed and a lone first-round bye. Lose, and you, unfortunately, must go on the road to begin the postseason as a 14-win team.
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2. Detroit Lions (2)
The Lions’ Week 17 Monday nighter in San Fran was meaningless, but of course, Dan Campbell didn’t use it as an excuse to rest up his guys. The battle-tested Lions pulled out a mentally tough 40-34 road win against the 49ers to get some nice comeuppance from last year’s NFC Championship defeat.
One more home win on Sunday against Minnesota, and the Lions get a first-round bye. Grab your popcorn and enjoy this dandy.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (1)
The Chiefs’ 29-10 shellacking of the Steelers clinched the AFC’s top seed…and the NFL’s first 15-win team since the 2015 Carolina Panthers.
So Andy Reid can rest his core players for the meaningless Week 18 game in Denver. The offense is rounding into form with Isiah Pacheco and ‘Hollywood’ Brown returning to the lineup, and Steve Spagnuolo’s defense continues to fire on all cylinders.
Enjoy some rest, KC. See you at Arrowhead in two weeks.
Also Read: Ranking 5 Best And Worst Moments In The NFL 2024 Season
