With just two weeks remaining in the 2024 NFL regular season, the competition at the top of the league is extremely tight.
Which teams will continue to deliver throughout the Christmas week, and which ones are showing signs of fading as the new year approaches?
Here’s a breakdown of how all 32 teams rank as we head into the penultimate week of the season, along with some insights into why they’re positioned where they are.
NFL Power Rankings Week 17
1. Kansas City Chiefs (14-1) (Previous Ranking: 1)
The Chiefs experienced an injury scare with Patrick Mahomes, but he quickly returned to his dominant form, reminding everyone why he’s considered the league’s most dangerous quarterback. The Texans got a harsh reminder of this during their game last Saturday.
2. Buffalo Bills (12-3) (3)
Although the Bills made their divisional matchup with the Patriots a little too dramatic, nearly slipping up after their dominant win over the Lions, they’re aiming to fine-tune their game for the playoffs. They’ll face the Jets and Patriots once more to close out the season.
3. Detroit Lions (13-2) (4)
The Lions proved their ability to play in cold weather with Jared Goff leading the way, and their injury-plagued defense stepped up in Chicago. They strengthened their position as the NFC’s best team, especially with the Eagles struggling.
4. Minnesota Vikings (13-2) (5)
The Vikings were involved in a shootout with the Seahawks, but Justin Jefferson’s exceptional play helped their passing game—and overall offense—keep firing on all cylinders when needed most.
5. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3) (2)
The Eagles faced a setback with Jalen Hurts getting injured. Despite a strong showing from Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown, they couldn’t overcome the Commanders in Washington.
They’ll have to wait for Week 17 or Week 18 to secure a division title while hoping Hurts can recover.
6. Green Bay Packers (10-4) (6)
With Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs, and a solid defense, the Packers are still very much in the race for the NFC title. Their past playoff experience and ability to thrive in cold weather make them a dangerous team at this time of year.
7. Baltimore Ravens (10-5) (8)
The Ravens have found their defensive rhythm and are generating big plays at just the right time, supporting Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. They’re back in the AFC title race and only a few steps behind the Chiefs.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5) (7)
Injuries are starting to catch up with the Steelers, and with Russell Wilson’s recent slump, their chances of keeping the division title look slim. They are likely to fall behind the Ravens.
9. Washington Commanders (10-5) (9)
Led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Commanders are pushing to catch up with the Eagles. After a strong post-bye performance, they are in a good position to finish strong in December.
10. Los Angeles Rams (9-6) (14)
The Rams’ young defense has been instrumental in helping Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, and the offense stay competitive. They’ve been a surprise playoff contender, reminiscent of their 2023 form.
11. Houston Texans (9-6) (10)
Despite clinching the AFC South title, the Texans struggled against the Chiefs, and with C.J. Stroud facing a mild sophomore slump, their playoff hopes may be in jeopardy.
12. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) (13)
The Chargers regained their clutch factor with a comeback led by Justin Herbert against the Broncos. Their playoff potential is significant, thanks to Herbert’s leadership.
13. Denver Broncos (9-6) (11)
The Broncos have been competitive throughout the season with Bo Nix showing promise at quarterback. However, late defensive struggles in their game against the Chargers have put their playoff chances at risk, especially with tough matchups against the Bengals and Chiefs ahead.
14. Seattle Seahawks (8-7) (15)
The Seahawks were competitive in their game against the Vikings, but their running game and defense couldn’t match the Vikings’ explosive offense. It looks like the first year under Mike Macdonald will fall just short of a playoff berth.
15. Atlanta Falcons (8-7) (20)
Although Michael Penix Jr. didn’t perform up to expectations in his first rookie start, the Falcons remain strong in their running game and defense, keeping them alive in the playoff race.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) (12)
The Buccaneers are still fighting for the NFC South title, but their defense faltered against the Cowboys, costing them a shot at another division crown and potentially impacting their playoff push.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (7-8) (18)
The Bengals remain hopeful, as Joe Burrow could still make a case for MVP if they manage to pull off a miracle playoff run. Their Week 17 game against the Broncos will be crucial.
18. Dallas Cowboys (7-8) (19)
The Cowboys are showing determination with Cooper Rush at quarterback, which could help them preserve Mike McCarthy’s job for 2025. However, their playoff hopes have now evaporated despite a win over the Buccaneers.
19. Indianapolis Colts (7-8) (21)
Jonathan Taylor’s strong performance has helped keep the Colts in playoff contention, providing a much-needed boost to Anthony Richardson and the team.
20. Miami Dolphins (7-8) (22)
The Dolphins had an impressive offensive performance in their win over the 49ers. Despite an overall disappointing season, Mike McDaniel is finding ways to salvage some positives.
21. Arizona Cardinals (7-8) (16)
The Cardinals’ struggles on the road and Kyler Murray’s inconsistent play came to a head in their loss to the Panthers, which ended their playoff chances.
22. San Francisco 49ers (6-9) (17)
Brock Purdy has kept the offense together, but the defense has declined, and it’s clear the team needs some key personnel changes to stay competitive.
23. New Orleans Saints (5-9) (23)
With both Derek Carr and Alvin Kamara sidelined, the Saints are entering a rebuilding phase. The new coaching staff will need to focus on restoring the defense for the future.
24. Carolina Panthers (4-11) (26)
With Bryce Young showing promise under QB coach Dave Canales, the Panthers are optimistic about their future, despite struggles in the present.
25. Chicago Bears (4-11) (24)
The Bears’ defense has faltered, and without Matt Eberflus’ influence, their offense is in desperate need of a coaching spark to turn things around.
26. New York Jets (4-11) (25)
The Jets’ offensive momentum took a huge hit with their loss to the rising Rams, though Davante Adams continues to shine despite the team’s struggles.
27. New England Patriots (3-12) (29)
Drake Maye’s play offers some hope for the Patriots’ future, but they will need a stronger supporting cast in Year 2 to improve on this disappointing season.
28. Tennessee Titans (3-12) (30)
The Titans have discovered that Mason Rudolph is not their answer at quarterback, and their major concern heading into 2025 will be fixing a poor run defense.
29. Cleveland Browns (3-12) (27)
The Browns took a chance with Dorian Thompson-Robinson at quarterback, but their offensive struggles, compounded by a defense that has fallen from its former greatness, have led to another disappointing season.
30. Las Vegas Raiders (3-12) (32)
The Raiders delivered a strong defensive effort against the Jaguars, but it may be too little too late to save Antonio Pierce’s job.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12) (28)
While the Jaguars’ offense continues to do what it can with limited resources, their need for significant defensive improvements is evident.
32. New York Giants (2-13) (31)
The Giants are essentially playing out the remainder of the season with a rotating cast of quarterbacks, and they have a lot of work to do to fix their defense, which is crumbling outside of their pass rush.
