We’re headed into the final week of the season, so it’s time to update our 2024 NFL Power Rankings.
It’s a good idea to check in on the hierarchy of NFL teams as the playoff picture gets finalized.
With that in mind, let’s get right into it.
2024 NFL Power Rankings
| Rank | Team | Record | Previous Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eagles | 13-3 | 1st (0) |
| 2 | Ravens | 11-5 | 3rd (+1) |
| 3 | Chiefs | 15-1 | 5th (+2) |
| 4 | Vikings | 14-2 | 6th (+2) |
| 5 | Bills | 13-3 | 2nd (-3) |
| 6 | Lions | 14-2 | 4th (-2) |
| 7 | Packers | 11-5 | 7th (0) |
| 8 | Commanders | 11-5 | 10th (+2) |
| 9 | Rams | 10-6 | 13th (+4) |
| 10 | Buccaneers | 9-7 | 12th (+2) |
| 11 | Chargers | 10-6 | 14th (+3) |
| 12 | Texans | 9-7 | 9th (-3) |
| 13 | Steelers | 10-6 | 8th (-5) |
| 14 | Broncos | 9-7 | 11th (-3) |
| 15 | Bengals | 8-8 | 19th (+4) |
| 16 | Falcons | 8-8 | 20th (+4) |
| 17 | Dolphins | 8-8 | 18th (+1) |
| 18 | Seahawks | 9-7 | 15th (-3) |
| 19 | Cardinals | 7-9 | 16th (-3) |
| 20 | 49ers | 6-10 | 17th (-3) |
| 21 | Cowboys | 7-9 | 22nd (+1) |
| 22 | Colts | 7-9 | 21st (-1) |
| 23 | Saints | 5-11 | 25th (+2) |
| 24 | Bears | 4-12 | 24th (0) |
| 25 | Panthers | 4-12 | 27th (+2) |
| 26 | Jets | 4-12 | 23rd (-3) |
| 27 | Raiders | 4-12 | 32nd (+5) |
| 28 | Jaguars | 4-12 | 29th (+1) |
| 29 | Browns | 3-13 | 26th (-3) |
| 30 | Giants | 3-13 | 31st (+1) |
| 31 | Titans | 3-13 | 30th (-1) |
| 32 | Patriots | 3-13 | 28th (-4) |
Please note that all 2024 NFL odds are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Thursday, January 2 at 11 a.m. ET.
NFL Power Rankings: Moving Up
Kansas City Chiefs (+2)
The Chiefs were fortunate to rack up wins throughout the year in one-score games, but now they seem to be peaking at the right time.
With Hollywood Brown back in the fold, Patrick Mahomes now has an impressive trio of wideouts that also includes DeAndre Hopkins and Xavier Worthy, with the latter coming on strong of late.
We all know about how this team also has one of the best defenses in the NFL — it was just a matter of if the offense can get back on track.
The back-to-back defending Super Bowl champions look poised for another deep run after locking up the top seed in the AFC.
Minnesota Vikings (+2)
The Vikings are coming off an impressive home win vs the Packers, where they had a 27-10 lead heading into the fourth quarter before Green Bay put up 15 unanswered points with just over six minutes left.
This may be the best-coached team in the NFL, with Kevin O’Connell helping revive Sam Darnold and Brian Flores putting on a masterclass with this defense.
Minnesota is riding high on a nine-game winning streak with a chance to lock up the NFC top seed with a road win against a Lions team with a depleted defense.
I’m betting that the Vikings lock up a first-round bye with a win in Detroit. Look out for this team in the playoffs.
Baltimore Ravens (+1)
The Ravens have an elite offense led by another spectacular season from Lamar Jackson. Adding Derrick Henry has really put the finishing touch on this group.
The question throughout the season was whether the Ravens could fix a leaky pass defense, but those concerns have been addressed, making this team look especially dangerous.
Since Week 11, Baltimore ranks 1st in Pass EPA on defense after coming in 30th from Weeks 1-10. This was after they made adjustments like benching Marcus Williams, playing Ar’Darius Washington at safety, and using Marlon Humphrey in the slot.
This is now a complete team that looks like the best in the AFC.
NFL Power Rankings: Moving Down
Buffalo Bills (-3)
The Bills have exceeded preseason expectations with an MVP-performance from Josh Allen.
My issue with this group is their defense. We saw the Rams (44 points) and Lions (48 points) have their way with this group in Weeks 14-15.
We also saw the Ravens pour on points with a 35-10 victory back in Week 4.
Allen will need to put the Bills on his back for a Super Bowl run — which is entirely possible, but keeps them 5th on this list.
Detroit Lions (-2)
It’s a shame that I have to rank the Lions at 6th because when healthy, they’re the best team in the NFL.
The problem is that their defense is riddled with injuries and hasn’t been able to make any stops of late.
Since Week 14, Detroit has allowed 130 points in only four games, including 48 against the Bills. What’s going to happen when the Lions face a more balanced team like the Vikings in Week 18?
I’m betting that Minnesota beats Detroit in that game, which would mean that the Lions likely have to win three road games to get to the Super Bowl since they’d be the 5th seed in this scenario.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-5)
The Steelers are on a freefall right now, losing three games in a row — each to Super Bowl contenders in the Eagles (27-13), Ravens (34-17), and Chiefs (29-10).
Getting blown out in three consecutive games against the best teams in the NFL doesn’t inspire much confidence in a playoff run.
While Russell Wilson’s resurgence has been a good story, this team looks like a one-and-done group, even in a road game against an underwhelming Texans side.
The good news is that perhaps the offense can get back on track now that George Pickens has returned, but I don’t think that’s enough to move the needle on what’s been an overachieving team all year.
