There are just two weeks left in the NFL season, and Week 17 promises to be the best one yet. There are nearly a dozen games this week with huge playoff implications and big divisional matchups. After this week, the 2021-2022 playoff picture should finally take shape.
Who are the best teams in the NFL heading into Week 17 and which ones are legit Super Bowl contenders? Let’s rank them from 32-1 to find out.
All playoff lines and odds are courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook and are current as of Tuesday, December 28 at 12:00 p.m. ET.
NFL Power Rankings for Week 17
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-13) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: N/A
The Jaguars are easily the worst team in the NFL and they’ve been that way most of the season. They are on pace to own the No. 1 pick in back-to-back seasons, and they need it.
This team is several years away from competing in the AFC, even if Trevor Lawrence ends up being a franchise quarterback.
31. New York Giants (4-11) ⬇️ 2
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: N/A
The Giants have now lost four straight games and have managed to score more than 10 points just once during that stretch. They have the No. 30 scoring offense in the NFL, and things are getting worse for Joe Judge by the minute.
While the ownership seems set are keeping Judge, it feels like it’s time to move on and go in a different direction.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Before reading the rest of our NFL Week 17 power rankings, you should know that Caesars Sportsbook is one of the best around, offering tons of promotions and great welcome offers. Be sure to take advantage of their welcome bonus, which matches your first bet up to $1,001 (win or lose) with the code .
Read Chris Wassel’s Caesars Sportsbook review for more insight and get your welcome bonus below, or continue reading our NFL Week 17 bet picks.
30. New York Jets (4-11) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: N/A
The Jets had over 20 players on the reserve/COVID-19 list in Week 16, but they still got a win over the Jaguars. Zach Wilson played one of his better games of the season, scoring two touchdowns and adding 91 yards on the ground.
The Jets still have a long way to go, but Wilson has improved some over the last month, which is encouraging.
29. Carolina Panthers (5-10) ⬇️ 1
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: N/A
Matt Rhule signed a massive deal with the Panthers during the 2020 offseason, and it’s time to wonder if he is on the hot seat. The Panthers have won a combined 10 games over the last two seasons and look further away now than when Rhule took over.
Carolina still hasn’t solved the quarterback situation and they are currently the No. 26 offense in the NFL in points. Yikes. If Rhule does return in 2022, it’s going to be a make-or-break season for him.
28. Houston Texans (4-11) ⬆️ 3
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: N/A
The Houston Texans won four games in 2020 with Deshaun Watson as their quarterback. The 2021 Texans have already won four games with Tyrod Taylor and Davis Mills playing at quarterback.
Houston is still a long ways away, but David Culley has his team playing hard and way above their heads. That is the sign of a good coach.
27. Detroit Lions (2-13-1) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: N/A
The Lions nearly upset the Falcons in Atlanta in Week 16 with Tim Boyle playing at quarterback. Needless to say, Dan Campbell is doing a heckuva job with his team.
The Lions are one of the most fun teams in the NFL to watch despite their 2-13-1 record.
26. Seattle Seahawks (5-10) ⬇️ 2
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: N/A
Seattle suffered one of their worst losses of the season, allowing Chicago to mount an 11-point comeback in the fourth quarter with Nick Foles at quarterback.
The Seahawks are officially out of playoff contention in the NFC with a big offseason ahead.
25. Chicago Bears (5-10) ⬆️ 1
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: N/A
Chicago is still likely to fire Matt Nagy at the end of the season, but they had an impressive road win over the Seahawks in Week 16. Nick Foles started and led the Bears to a big fourth-quarter comeback and a game-winning drive.
If this is it for Nagy, this was a nice win to remember from an otherwise rough season.
24. Washington Football Team (6-9) ⬇️ 1
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +75000
What is there to say about Washington after they just allowed 56 points to the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football? Washington has been devasted by injuries and COVID-19, but we know they can be a tough out after defeating Tampa Bay and Las Vegas just a few weeks ago.
They aren’t going to make the playoffs in 2021 and they need a big offseason in order to compete with Dallas in the NFC East in 2022.
23. Atlanta Falcons (7-8) ⬆️ 2
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +50000
The Falcons have an incredible -122 point differential this season, yet they have a real shot at making the playoffs if they win their final two games. However, that isn’t going to be easy, as they’ll take on the Bills in Buffalo and host the New Orleans Saints in Week 18.
It feels like their season is finally going to come to an end here in Week 17 against the Bills.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7-1) ⬇️ 3
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +15000
The Steelers were embarrassed in Kansas City, losing to a Chiefs team that put up 36 points without Travis Kelce. Pittsburgh still isn’t out of the playoff race yet, and if they can get two wins to close out the season, they could still win the AFC North.
However, it might be better for the Steelers to miss the playoffs and reset the direction of the franchise.
21. Denver Broncos (7-8) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +50000
The Broncos have the No. 1 scoring defense in the NFL, and they’re still going to miss the playoffs in the AFC. That is pretty rare.
If the Broncos can figure out their quarterback position next year, they will be a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
20. Minnesota Vikings (7-8) ⬇️ 4
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +15000
The Vikings are one of the most difficult teams in the NFL to figure out. Some weeks, the offense clicks and they look like the most well-balanced unit in football. But in other weeks, everything looks like a struggle.
They’ll need a win in Green Bay on Sunday Night Football to save their season. Can they sweep the Packers in 2021 and make a run at the playoffs?
19. Philadelphia Eagles (8-7) ⬆️ 1
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +7000
The Eagles continue to stack wins, and now they have a legit shot of being the No. 6 or No. 7 seed in the NFC. With their offensive line, Philadelphia can run on just about anybody, and they have a scary pass rush when healthy.
The Eagles aren’t a Super Bowl contender, but they could be a tough out in the first round of the playoffs.
As winners of five of their last six, the Philadelphia Eagles are quietly picking up steam en route to a potential playoff appearance. (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
18. Las Vegas Raiders (8-7) ⬆️ 4
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +15000
Just a few weeks ago, the Raiders sat at 6-7, and their chances of making the playoffs seemed slim. Now, the Raiders control their own destiny after earning back-to-back victories over the Browns and Broncos.
With that said, the Raiders don’t really resemble a playoff team despite their record.
17. Cleveland Browns (7-8) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +15000
Once again, the Browns came really close to winning a game that they probably shouldn’t have. Baker Mayfield threw four interceptions against the Packers, and yet, they still almost stole that game.
Cleveland isn’t completely out of the playoff picture yet, but they need two wins to close out the season and a loss by the Bengals against the Chiefs.
16. New Orleans Saints (7-8) ⬇️ 1
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +12500
It’s really tough to make too many judgments based on what we saw on Monday Night Football. The Saints had 11 players from the practice squad on the field, and Ian Book was just over his head.
The Saints are still a really talented team, but they need to win their final two games in order to make the playoffs.
15. Miami Dolphins (8-7) ⬆️ 3
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +10000
The Dolphins are now the first team ever to have a seven-game winning streak and a seven-game losing streak in the same season. With two games left to go, they are firmly in the playoff hunt in the AFC.
If they win their final two games (at Titans, Patriots), they are in the playoffs. That would be quite the run by Miami after a 1-7 start to the year.
14. Los Angeles Chargers (8-7) ⬇️ 3
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +5000
The Chargers are coming off their worst loss of the season after being blown out by the Texans, who had nearly 20 players on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
The Chargers now must win their final two games to make the playoffs, and that won’t even guarantee them a spot.
13. Baltimore Ravens (8-7) ⬇️ 1
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +5000
After a magical start to the season, the Ravens are in real danger of losing out and finishing the season with a record below .500. The playoffs seem a ways off right now, especially with the Rams on deck here in Week 17.
Baltimore has been the league’s most injured team and it seems like it’s finally catching up to them this season.
Bet Tip: The Ravens are (-190) to miss the playoffs, which is a good bet. They are big underdogs this week to the Rams and that game seems like a loss with how banged-up their secondary is right now. The Ravens must win their final two games of the season to make the playoffs, which feels highly unlikely at this point.
12. San Francisco 49ers (8-7) ⬇️ 3
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +3500
The 49ers were up 10-0 against the Titans on Thursday Night Football but managed to find a way to lose that game. They are still likely to make the playoffs in 2021-2022, but they need Trey Lance — in his second start — to beat the Texans in Week 17.
11. Tennessee Titans (10-5) ⬆️ 3
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +2000
As we saw in Week 16, A.J. Brown makes a huge difference for the Titans. Without him, Tennessee has one of the most boring and bland offenses in the league. But with him on the field, they are a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
If the Titans can get Derrick Henry back for the playoffs and keep Brown on the field, they are a real dark horse to come out of the AFC given how tough and well-coached they are under Mike Vrabel.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (9-6) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +2800
Joe Burrow had a career day against the Ravens, throwing for over 500 yards. They’ve now put themselves in a great position to win the AFC North — all they have to do is win one of their final two games.
However, that won’t be easy, as they will host the Chiefs in Week 17 and go on the road to Cleveland in Week 18.
9. Buffalo Bills (9-6) ⬆️ 4
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +900
Josh Allen and the Bills were able to get their revenge on the Patriots in Week 16 and are now set up to win the AFC East. With two fairly easy games left on their schedule, Buffalo should be able to finish the season at 11-6 and possibly earn the No. 2 seed in the AFC.
8. Arizona Cardinals (10-5) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +2500
The Cardinals are struggling in December for the third consecutive year under Kliff Kingsbury, and their NFC West chances have fallen through the floor.
Up next are the Dallas Cowboys, who are coming off a 56-14 win. Good luck.
7. New England Patriots (9-6) ⬇️ 2
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +1500
The Patriots have now lost back-to-back games and could be in some playoff trouble. One more win should essentially guarantee them a spot in the playoffs, but that’s a pretty big drop considering they were the No. 1 seed in the AFC just a few weeks ago.
6. Los Angeles Rams (11-4) ⬆️ 1
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +900
The Rams are now in a great position to not only win the NFC West but potentially be the No. 2 seed in the conference. Cooper Kupp continues to dominate for Los Angeles, and the defense is finally playing up to their potential.
Don’t be surprised if the Rams wind up in the NFC Championship Game. They are clearly one of the most talented teams in the NFL.
5. Indianapolis Colts (9-6) ⬇️ 1
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +1800
While the Colts drop slightly in our rankings this week, it’s not due to anything they did on the field. Indianapolis was missing four starters on the offensive line and its leader on defense in Darius Leonard. Still, they went on the road and got a win against a desperate Cardinals team.
As long as they are healthy going into the playoffs, the Colts have a legitimate chance to win the AFC.
4. Dallas Cowboys (11-4) ⬆️ 2
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +1000
The Cowboys have now won four games in a row, and it appears they have a defense that finally matches their offense.
With Trevon Diggs and Micah Parsons both in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation, the Cowboys have the right formula to potentially make a deep run in the playoffs.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-4) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +650
The Buccaneers are one of the most banged-up teams in the NFL, but they got a much-needed win in Week 16 over the Panthers. It was a 26-point road win in which they held the Panthers to just 273 total yards.
It’s not always pretty, but the Buccaneers are absolutely still a Super Bowl contender going into the playoffs.
Bet Tip: With the Chiefs surging, the Buccaneers have seen their Super Bowl odds drop a bit in recent weeks. If you’d like to side with history and bet on Tom Brady to win another ring, now may be the best time to do so.
2. Green Bay Packers (12-3) ⬇️ 1
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +425
Is it fair to move the Packers down after another win? Probably not. They are getting the job done, and Aaron Rodgers is likely to win MVP. However, they’ve let teams hang around a little too long and nearly lost to both the Ravens and the Chiefs.
The Packers are still the team to beat the NFC, but they just haven’t been as dominant as the Chiefs over the last two months.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (11-4) ⬆️ 1
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +425
The Chiefs take over the No. 1 spot here as they now have a top-five scoring offense and defense. They just put up 36 points against the Steelers without Travis Kelce, and it could have been an even bigger day for the offense if Patrick Mahomes played in the fourth quarter.
They are the most well-rounded team in the NFL and should be the No. 1 seed in the AFC once again this season.
Bet Tip: With the Chiefs likely being the No. 1 seed in the AFC this year, now is the time to bet on the Chiefs to win the Conference at +170. They are so tough to beat at home and only need to win two games to accomplish that.
They are the most battle-tested team in the league and have the best quarterback in the conference. This seems like too good of a value to pass up entering Week 17.
Thanks for reading our NFL Week 17 Power Rankings! For more NFL betting tips, check out our NFL Week 17 Best Bets and NFL Week 17 Prop Bets.
