We are entering the final three weeks of the season and the playoff picture in both conferences is still tough to figure out. As many as 22 teams are still (realistically) in the playoff hunt going into Week 16.
But who are the best teams in the NFL heading into Week 16 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 Wednesday, December 22 at 12:30 p.m. ET.
NFL Power Rankings for Week 16
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: N/A
Urban Meyer is gone, but the problems are still there for the Jaguars. The defense is a major issue, but Trevor Lawrence isn’t progressing enough either.
This team is at least a year away from being a year away. Things are bad in Jacksonville right now.
31. Houston Texans (3-11) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: N/A
Is Davis Mills the answer going forward for the Texans? Probably not, but he’s been better in his last four starts, and at least he gives them some hope going forward.
Houston’s roster needs a lot, but with a strong 2022 draft and free-agent class, they could get back to playoff contention in a year or two.
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30. New York Jets (3-11) ⬇️ 1
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: N/A
The Jets have allowed 30+ points in three consecutive games. That has to be incredibly frustrating for Robert Saleh, who is a defensive-minded coach. The other issue is the offense, as Zach Wilson hasn’t shown a ton as a rookie.
The Jets need a strong offseason in order to get back on the right track.
29. New York Giants (4-10) ⬇️ 2
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +150000
The Giants are a disaster right now. Mike Glennon was benched against the Cowboys in favor of Jake Fromm, and the offense is the worst in the NFL despite all of their investments in the draft and in free agency.
The Giants should strongly consider moving on from both the general manager and head coach this offseason.
28. Carolina Panthers (5-9) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +150000
The Panthers started the season off at 3-0, and yet, here they sit at 5-9. Matt Rhule has won a total of ten games in two years as head coach, and they are trending in the wrong direction.
They aren’t any closer to competing since he’s taken over, and the Panthers will once again enter the offseason not knowing who their Week 1 quarterback will be.
27. Detroit Lions (2-11-1) ⬆️ 3
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: N/A
The Lions completely dominated the Cardinals in Week 15 en route to a double-digit win. Dan Campbell‘s team has been decimated by injuries, but they continue to fight and compete.
It’s really hard not to be excited about the direction of the Lions under Campbell.
26. Chicago Bears (4-10) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: N/A
The Bears are just a few weeks away from a complete reset. It seems very likely that the Bears will fire coach Matt Nagy, and you can make a case that general manager Ryan Pace deserves to go, as well.
This has just been a disastrous season for the Bears all the way around.
25. Atlanta Falcons (6-8) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +100000
The Falcons have a point differential of -126 on the season, fourth-worst in the NFL. However, they somehow aren’t out of the playoffs in the NFC.
However, Atlanta is a lot closer to being a two-win team than a ten-win team, so don’t expect them to go on any kind of run at the end of the season.
24. Seattle Seahawks (5-9) ⬇️ 2
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +50000
Even since Russell Wilson returned to the lineup, the offense has continued to look off. They managed only 10 points against the Rams this week, and it was the seventh time this season they’ve been held under 20 points.
Seattle won’t make the playoffs this season and it’s fair to wonder if this will be Wilson’s last year in Seattle.
23. Washington Football Team (6-8) ⬇️ 2
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +30000
Washington just couldn’t compete with the Eagles without their top two quarterbacks, which is understandable. However, Washington’s bigger problem is the offensive line, which continues to allow pressure at an alarmingly high rate.
They aren’t quite out of the playoff picture yet in the NFC, but they are close.
22. Las Vegas Raiders (7-7) ⬆️ 2
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +20000
How much credit should we give the Raiders for defeating the Browns (16-14) with Nick Mullens at quarterback? Some, but not a lot. This is still an offense that has really struggled to score more than 16 points per game lately.
They are hanging around, but the Raiders feel like a team that will finish the season with an 8-9 record and land just outside of the playoffs.
21. Denver Broncos (7-7) ⬇️ 4
- Playoffs Odds: +1000
- Super Bowl Odds: +25000
The Broncos were playing extremely well before Teddy Bridgewater went down with a head injury. Denver just isn’t the same team with Drew Lock at quarterback, and it probably ended their playoff chances.
They’ll have a “loser leaves town" match against the Raiders in Week 16 that will decide their fate.
20. Philadelphia Eagles (7-7) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +10000
The Eagles have found their winning formula over the last few weeks. They are going to run, run and then run again. Against Washington, they totaled 238 rushing yards, averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
Sitting at 7-7, the Eagles still have a good chance to make the playoffs, but they will need to win all three of their remaining games in order to do so.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6-1) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: +425
- Super Bowl Odds: +10000
The Steelers just won a game in which they only had 12 first downs and 168 yards. The defense forced four turnovers and it really saved the season for the Steelers.
Not only are the playoffs still in sight for Pittsburgh, but there is also a good chance that they could host a playoff game if they win two of their last three games.
Bet Tip: It’s been a strange season for the Steelers, but look for them to be in the playoffs once again this season. The Steelers are (+425) to make the playoffs (and +700 to win the AFC North), both of which are good bets entering Week 16.
Joe Haden’s game-saving takeaway helped the Pittsburgh Steelers earn a crucial win over the Tennessee Titans and significantly boost their chances of making the playoffs. (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
18. Miami Dolphins (7-7) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: +750
- Super Bowl Odds: +20000
The Dolphins are the hottest team in the NFL right now. They’ve won six games in a row, and their defense has been dominant in the last two months.
They’ll be tested in Week 16 against the Saints, but the Dolphins are somehow still in the AFC playoff hunt despite a 1-7 start.
17. Cleveland Browns (7-7) ⬇️ 2
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +7500
It’s tough to knock the Browns too much for their loss to the Raiders on Monday. They nearly defeated Las Vegas with their third-string quarterback and several starters out due to COVID-19.
However, the Browns probably knocked themselves out of the divisional hunt with that loss.
16. Minnesota Vikings (7-7) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +10000
It was ugly, but the Vikings got a win in Chicago to defeat the Bears. That’s all you can ask for in a primetime spot on the road.
Minnesota still has some big issues on defense to fix, but this team is talented enough to make the playoffs in a Wild Card spot.
15. New Orleans Saints (7-7) ⬆️ 8
- Playoffs Odds: +110
- Super Bowl Odds: +10000
It’s not hyperbole to say that the defensive performance by the Saints in Week 15 was one of the best you will ever see. They did not allow a single point to the Buccaneers and held Tampa Bay to just 4.1 yards per play.
All of a sudden, the schedule gets much easier for the Saints going forward and the playoffs are certainly possible.
Bet Tip: The Saints will be favored in all three of their games to finish the season. If they go 10-7, they’ll make the playoffs. That seems pretty likely now that their defense is healthy.
14. Tennessee Titans (9-4) ⬇️ 4
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +2500
The Titans dominated the Steelers in Week 15, but they couldn’t secure the win. Four turnovers were the difference in the game and Tennessee just couldn’t make enough plays on offense.
When this team is healthy, they have a legit shot of making the Super Bowl in the AFC. But will we ever see them healthy again?
13. Buffalo Bills (8-6) ⬆️ 1
- Playoffs Odds: -425
- Super Bowl Odds: +1100
The Bills beat the Panthers in Buffalo with Cam Newton under center, but that doesn’t mean we should move them up much in our rankings. They still have major issues on offense and struggle against good teams.
Buffalo is in a good spot to make the playoffs, but they will need to win at least two of their final three games to do so.
12. Baltimore Ravens (8-6) ⬇️ 4
- Playoffs Odds: -105
- Super Bowl Odds: +3500
While their performance against the Packers was commendable, the Ravens are in real trouble now sitting at 8-6. They will play the Bengals, Rams and Steelers to end the season and likely need to win at least two of those three games to make the playoffs.
For a team that held the No. 1 seed in the AFC for most of the season, the playoffs are officially in doubt for Baltimore.
Bet Tip: The Ravens have the toughest schedule left in the AFC North and have the most injured roster in the NFL. It seems very unlikely that they will make the playoffs at this point since they could easily lose their next three games. Bet on the Ravens to miss the playoffs at (-115).
11. Los Angeles Chargers (8-6) ⬇️ 2
- Playoffs Odds: -300
- Super Bowl Odds: +3500
The Chargers came up just short against the Chiefs in Week 15. With the division on the line, the offense just couldn’t convert enough on fourth down to put away the Chiefs.
Still, this is a good team that should make the playoffs in the AFC.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (8-6) ⬆️ 3
- Playoffs Odds: -115
- Super Bowl Odds: +4000
The Bengals have a lot of issues right now. The offensive line is among the worst in the NFL, and their linebacker play continues to drop off each and every week. However, Joe Burrow and his weapons are tough to stop.
As long as Burrow is healthy, they are probably the team to beat in the AFC North.
9. San Francisco 49ers (8-6) ⬆️ 3
- Playoffs Odds: -600
- Super Bowl Odds: +3000
The 49ers are the Wild Card team in the NFC that no one wants to play. The offense is finally clicking, and George Kittle might be the most unstoppable offensive weapon in the league.
If they can get a little healthier on defense, this is a darkhorse Super Bowl contender in the NFC.
8. Arizona Cardinals (10-4) ⬇️ 5
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +1600
After a fantastic start to the season, the Cardinals have lost back-to-back games for the first time this year. Losing to the Lions in Detroit is a good enough reason to move them down five spots in our rankings.
7. Los Angeles Rams (10-4) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +1000
You can make a really strong case that Cooper Kupp should be the NFL MVP. In 14 games, he’s caught 122 passes for 1,625 yards and 14 touchdowns. He’s been the best receiver in the league, and the addition of Odell Beckham Jr. has only helped him thus far.
The Rams finally look like the team that we expected to see for most of the season.
6. Dallas Cowboys (10-4) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +1200
The Cowboys have won three road games in a row, defeating the Saints, Washington, and the Giants. While none of those wins are overly impressive, they did what they were supposed to do.
If the Cowboys can continue to work out the kinks in their offense, this will be a legitimate Super Bowl contender in the NFC.
5. New England Patriots (9-5) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +1000
New England did not play a great game against the Colts. They had far too many turnovers and a blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown.
Still, this is arguably the best defense in the NFL led by the league’s greatest coach. They’ll be just fine.
4. Indianapolis Colts (8-6) ⬆️ 7
- Playoffs Odds: -500
- Super Bowl Odds: +2000
The Colts had one of the most impressive wins of the week, dominating the New England Patriots. They beat them in all three phases and Jonathan Taylor rushed for 170 yards and a touchdown.
While Carson Wentz is still hard to trust in a big game, this is one of the most dangerous teams in the AFC due to their defense and run game.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-4) ⬇️ 1
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +650
For whatever reason, Tom Brady just can’t beat the Saints in the regular season. He looked like a mere mortal against that defense, as Tampa Bay was shut out in primetime on Sunday night.
The Buccaneers have a few key injuries now that could hurt their ceiling in the playoffs, but look for them to win their final three games and remain the No. 2 seed in the NFC.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (10-4) ⬆️ 2
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +450
The Chiefs just beat a really good Chargers team on the road without their best defensive player in Chris Jones. The offense seems to be finally starting to click, but a COVID-19 outbreak in Kansas City might cause both Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce to miss Week 16.
1. Green Bay Packers (11-3) ↔️
- Playoffs Odds: N/A
- Super Bowl Odds: +450
The Packers continue to take care of business against good teams. Aaron Rodgers is likely on his way to another MVP award and the Packers are in sole place of the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
It seems pretty likely at this point that the road to the Super Bowl in the NFC will go through Lambeau Field.
Thanks for reading our NFL Week 16 Power Rankings! For more NFL betting tips, check out our NFL Week 16 Best Bets and NFL Week 16 Prop Bets.
