There’s a new No. 1 in the Week 16 power rankings for the 2024 NFL season.
1. Philadelphia Eagles (12-2) | Last week: 3 (+2)
Things appear fine in Philadelphia after the passing game was on point in the win over the Steelers. Given Detroit’s injuries, I think the Eagles should be considered the definite favorites in the NFC right now with their ability to win in a variety of ways.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (13-1) | Last week: 2
Meanwhile, the AFC feels a tad more wide open, and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is dealing with a high-ankle sprain ahead of two games in the next week (Saturday and Christmas Day). However, the defense stepped up with five sacks and six takeaways and may be hitting their stride at the right time.
3. Buffalo Bills (11-3) | Last week: 4 (+1)
As awesome as Josh Allen is playing right now—so well that he can basically carry Buffalo to beat anyone—the play of the defense versus top opponents remains a major concern. At least the Bills defense came out fired up for the upset win at the Lions, but they must get consistent stops in the postseason.
4. Detroit Lions (12-2) | Last week: 1 (-3)
Dan Campbell is fired up to play for the guys that have been injured and win games in any way possible, but there’s no question their championship aspirations take a major hit with all the injuries they’ve suffered. Star defensive tackle Alim McNeill (ACL, season), tone-setting running back David Montgomery (MCL, season), and veteran cornerback Carlton Davis (jaw, likely out several weeks) are massive losses. That said, if a team is going to overcome all this, it’s probably Detroit.
5. Minnesota Vikings (12-2) | Last week: 5
Minnesota has won seven consecutive games and is in position to potentially swipe the top seed in the NFC playoffs—but it will be a challenge. The Vikings face the Seahawks, Packers, and Lions over the final three games.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4) | Last week: 6
The absence of star receiver George Pickens showed up in the loss to Philadelphia, and now we’re watching All-Pro pass rusher T.J. Watt (ankle) ahead of a matchup with the Ravens on Saturday. Pittsburgh clinches the AFC North with a victory.
7. Baltimore Ravens (9-5) | Last week: 7
Lamar Jackson had another awesome game, basically doing whatever he wanted with five touchdowns at the Giants. Now the two-time MVP is looking to get past the big-time struggles he’s had in his career versus the rival Steelers.
8. Green Bay Packers (10-4) | Last week: 8
The Packers’ only losses are to the Eagles, Vikings, and Lions (twice), and they are building toward being a tough team to get rid of in January. The return of receiver Romeo Doubs (two touchdowns at Seattle) was a nice boost on Sunday night, and the Green Bay defense sacked Geno Smith and Sam Howell seven times.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) | Last week: 13 (+4)
Winners of four consecutive games and fresh off an eventual blowout of the Chargers with a 27-0 second half, the Bucs jump four spots in the power rankings and are a scary team. The defense getting healthier has quietly led to Tampa looking very dangerous on both sides of the ball.
10. Denver Broncos (9-5) | Last week: 10
Nik Bonitto had another pick-six—sparking a critical home win against the Colts—to go along with his double-digit sacks in 2024, and he should arguably be the Defensive Player of the Year favorite with three games remaining. The schedule is challenging, but the Broncos need one more win to make the postseason.
11. Houston Texans (9-5) | Last week: 12 (+1)
Derek Stingley Jr. had one of the games of the year for a cornerback, doing a tremendous job on Tyreek Hill and Miami’s receivers while intercepting two passes including the game-sealer. And the play of rookie safety Calen Bullock, who has shown his playmaking skills on the backend with five interceptions, shouldn’t be overlooked.
12. Los Angeles Chargers (8-6) | Last week: 9 (-3)
The wheels fell off a bit for the Chargers versus the Bucs, but they have a quick turnaround to take on the Broncos on Thursday night—and with the struggling Patriots and Raiders on deck and in the hole.
13. Los Angeles Rams (8-6) | Last week: 14 (+1)
The Rams held the 49ers to 191 total yards (the second fewest in the Kyle Shanahan era), with the former “no name” type of unit quickly making names for themselves—particularly up front led by Kobie Turner in a young group.
14. Seattle Seahawks (8-6) | Last week: 11 (-3)
Vibes were high for the Seahawks entering Week 15, but their primetime loss to the Packers might been one of those off days that can happen. Geno Smith (knee) sounds like he’ll be ready for a battle with the Vikings this weekend.
15. Washington Commanders (9-5) | Last week: 15
The Commanders have been in a bunch of tight games this season, so they’re battle tested as they look to get a postseason spot in the NFC. It won’t be easy, with the Eagles, Falcons, and Cowboys on the schedule.
16. Arizona Cardinals (7-7) | Last week: 17 (+1)
Obviously, the Cardinals desperately needed to beat the three-win Patriots, and they arguably got it done the right way with James Conner going for 110 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Look for a similar formula versus a Panthers team that should not be taken lightly.
17. Atlanta Falcons (7-7) | Last week: 18 (+1)
It’s easy to be conflicted about the Kirk Cousins situation. First, he never would have signed with the Falcons if he knew there was even a good chance they would draft a quarterback in the first round. So, while I feel for him getting benched in a tough situation, he was not playing well at all recently—whether because of injury or that he’s in a major funk. And at the same time, I am very excited to see Michael Penix Jr. in action beginning this week against the Giants and next Sunday night at Washington.
18. Cincinnati Bengals (6-8) | Last week: 21 (+3)
No exaggeration, the win over the Titans was one of the sloppiest games of all time with with 10 combined turnovers and 25 combined penalties (first time in the Super Bowl era), but the Bengals took care of business behind a defense that made enough plays in a matchup with an offense vulnerable to turnovers and sacks.
19. San Francisco 49ers (6-8) | Last week: 16 (-3)
The De’Vondre Campbell situation was the latest bad event in what’s been quite the year for the 49ers. It was awesome to see linebacker Dre Greenlaw make his return from the torn Achilles, and he gave a noticeable boost to the San Francisco defense—it wasn’t noted enough how the group struggled when he wasn’t able to play toward the end in the loss to LA. And San Francisco’s offensive performance last Thursday night was one of the most disappointing outings of any unit in 2024.
20. Miami Dolphins (6-8) | Last week: 19 (-1)
While being aware of their late-season struggles when things can get tight, I admittedly didn’t realize Miami’s record under Mike McDaniel against teams with winning records (3-15, including playoffs) was so low. I’m anxious to see how they play when hosting the Niners this Sunday.
21. Indianapolis Colts (6-8) | Last week: 20 (-1)
Jonathan Taylor’s very uncharacteristic dropped touchdown before crossing the goal line and the pick-six thrown by Adonai Mitchell on a trick play were clearly momentum-shifters in the road loss to Denver. Anthony Richardson started strong but ultimately struggled overall, and his play will be vital over the final three winnable games as Indy looks to get to 9-8 with a shot to sneak into the playoffs.
22. Dallas Cowboys (6-8) | Last week: 22
Micah Parsons already recorded his 14th career game with two-plus sacks in a win at the Panthers (as surprising underdogs). Remember, the Cowboys nearly knocked off the Bengals a couple of weeks ago and would be winners of four straight. They’re showing great fight during a down year.
23. New Orleans Saints (5-9) | Last week: 23
Spencer Rattler (and a nice touchdown throw from receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. to Alvin Kamara) sparked a valiant comeback effort against the Commanders, with a chance to win on a two-point conversion. Next up is a trip to Lambeau Field.
24. New York Jets (4-10) | Last week: 27 (+3)
The Jets are back in the win column for the first time since Halloween, as Davante Adams starred with 198 yards and two touchdowns at Jacksonville. Aaron Rodgers and company are a fun potential spoiler this week against the Rams.
25. Carolina Panthers (3-11) | Last week: 24 (-1)
Dallas was a tough matchup for Carolina, and they took somewhat of a step back. But the final three weeks—Arizona, Tampa Bay, and Atlanta—are an opportunity to have a say in the playoff race despite being out of the picture.
26. Cleveland Browns (3-11) | Last week: 26
A quarterback switch is coming for Cleveland, with Jameis Winston heading to the bench for Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a second-year guy with some experience and the ability to run around and make some things happen. The Browns unfortunately lost running back Nick Chubb due to a broken foot, but it was nice to see him back on the field in 2024.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-11) | Last week: 28 (+1)
It’s so odd that the Jaguars sounded ready to fire someone a few weeks ago, nothing happened, and they’ve gone on to play pretty well all things considered—including going back and forth with the Jets. Mac Jones appears to be having a good time out there, but I hope he’s not acting a bit too “goofy” as someone with starter ability looking to get another shot with a franchise.
28. Chicago Bears (4-10) | Last week: 25 (-3)
While not arguing Matt Eberflus was going to stay past this season, his firing might be exposing some holes with Chicago’s roster. They’ve been less competitive since Thanksgiving.
29. Tennessee Titans (3-11) | Last week: 29
The Titans are going with Mason Rudolph at quarterback after Will Levis couldn’t cut down on the costly mistakes, and I think they’ll be a steadier team while looking to build something positive in three AFC South matchups ahead of the offseason.
30. New England Patriots (3-11) | Last week: 30
The Patriots go to Buffalo before hosting the Chargers and Bills over their final two games, so the final stretch will be a great learning experience for rookie quarterback Drake Maye and New England.
31. Las Vegas Raiders (2-12) | Last week: 31
Give the Raiders credit for battling back in the Monday night loss to the Falcons, but they’ve lost 10 consecutive games and the outside talk is about draft positioning. Antonio Pierce just wants to get another win.
32. New York Giants (2-12) | Last week: 32
The Giants are right behind the Raiders with a nine-game losing streak, and it’s looked really bad. The consecutive losses tie a franchise record, so we’ll see if they can snap that against a rookie quarterback making his first start.