2024 NFL Power Rankings – Week 17

1. Kansas City Chiefs (14-1): The Chiefs are one win away from clinching the best record in the AFC in their quest for a third consecutive Super Bowl crown. The Chiefs knocked off the Houston Texans on Saturday, 27-19. The Chiefs need a win or a Bills loss to clinch the best record in the AFC and the No. 1 seed, which earns them a bye in the first round of the playoffs. Next: -3 at Pittsburgh Steelers - Wed, Dec. 25, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 43.5 (ATS: 7-8 – O/U: 7-8) Win probability: 56.7%

2. Buffalo Bills (12-3): The Bills struggled on Sunday at home on Sunday against the Patriots, falling behind 14-0 early in the game, but got a huge defensive touchdown in the fourth quarter to beat the Pats, 24-21. At worst, the Bills are the No. 2 seed in the AFC. Next: -9.5 vs New York Jets - Sun, Dec. 29, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 46 (ATS: 9-6 – O/U: 9-6) Win probability: 89.8%

3. Detroit Lions (13-2): The injury riddled Lions got a solid road win over the Bears in Chicago, 34-17. Quarterback Jared Goff threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns in the victory. The Lions control their own destiny. If they win their final two games they will end up the No. 1 seed in the NFC and earn the coveted first round bye. They need the extra week off to get healthy. Next: -3.5 at San Francisco 49ers – Mon, Dec. 30, 5:15 PM PT – O/U: 51 (ATS: 10-5 – O/U: 8-7) Win probability: 69.1%

4. Minnesota Vikings (13-2): The Vikings held on for a 27-24 win over the Seahawks and they are a step closer to setting up a classic Week 18 showdown with the Detroit Lions in Detroit for the NFC North division title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Next: -1.5 vs Green Bay Packers – Sun, Dec. 29, 1:25 PM PT – O/U: 49 (ATS: 10-4-1 – O/U: 6-9) Win probability: 51.1%

5. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3): The Eagles lost for the first time since September to the Commanders, 36-33. Quarterback Jalen Hurts left the game early with a concussion and his status for this week's game is uncertain. The loss may have cost the Eagles a shot at the best record in the NFC and the No. 1 seed. Next: -9 vs Dallas Cowboys – Sun, Dec. 29, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 43 (ATS: 9-6 – O/U: 6-9) Win probability: 84.8%

6. Green Bay Packers (11-4): The Packers are having a terrific season at 11-4. They destroyed a struggling Saints team, 34-0. They are headed to the playoffs; they have great young defense and a good balance of running and passing on offense. Yet they are in third place in the NFC North division. Life is not always fair. Next: +1.5 at Minnesota Vikings - Sun, Dec. 29, 1:25 PM PT – O/U: 49 (ATS: 9-6 – O/U: 6-8-1) Win probability: 48.9%

7. Baltimore Ravens (10-5): Quarterback Lamar Jackson threw three touchdown passes, running back Derrick Henry rushed for 162 yards, and wide receiver Zay Flowers caught 5 passes for 100 yards as the Ravens used their stars to easily defeat the Steelers, 34-17. The Ravens are tied with the Steelers in the AFC North but have the more favorable schedule. Next: -5.5 at Houston Texans – Wed, Dec. 25, 1:30 PM PT – O/U: 46.5 (ATS: 8-6-1 – O/U: 12-3) Win probability: 66.4%

8. Washington Commanders (10-5): Former Cajun high school star Jayden Daniels threw five touchdown passes and rushed for 81 yards in leading the Commanders to a 36-33 victory over the Eagles. Daniels connected with wide receiver Jamison Crowder on a nine-yard TD pass with six seconds remaining to win the game. Next: -4 vs Atlanta Falcons – Sun, Dec. 29, 5:20 PM PT – O/U: 47.5 (ATS: 9-5-1 – O/U: 10-5) Win probability: 62.7%

9. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5): The Steelers lost their second consecutive game, this time to the Ravens, 34-17. As the schedule has gotten tougher, the Steelers are struggling. The Steelers get the Chiefs this week and finish with the Bengals. They are going to need more smoke & mirrors. Next: +3 vs Kansas City Chiefs – Wed, Dec. 25, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 42.3 (ATS: 10-5 – O/U: 8-7) Win probability: 43.3%

10. Los Angeles Rams (9-6): The Rams held on for a tough win on the road against the Jets, 19-9. The Rams will win the NFC West with a win over the Cardinals at home and they would get a first-round home game, against either the Packers or the Commanders. Next: -6 vs Arizona Cardinals – Sat, Dec. 28, 5:15 PM PT – O/U: 48 (ATS: 8-7 – O/U: 7-8) Win probability: 69.2%

11. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6): The Chargers are one win away from the playoffs after defeating the Broncos, 34-27. The Chargers can clinch a playoff berth by beating the Patriots on Saturday afternoon in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Pats are 3-12 and have a five-game losing streak but have been competitive in most games. Next: -4 at New England Patriots - Sat, Dec. 28, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 42.5 (ATS: 10-5 – O/U: 6-9) Win probability: 73.4%

12. Houston Texans (9-6): The Texans loss the game to the Chiefs and lost star wide receiver Tank Dell for the playoffs with an ACL knee injury. The Texans are limping into the playoffs and are the division winner that every AFC wild-card team wants to play. Next: +5.5 vs Baltimore Ravens – Wed, Dec. 25, 1:30 PM PT – O/U: 46.5 (ATS: 6-7-2 – O/U: 5-10) Win probability: 33.6%

13. Denver Broncos (9-6): The Broncos scored 21 points in the first half against the Chargers and looked to be in total control, leading 21-13 at halftime. The second half looked entirely different, as the Chargers held the Broncos to six points and rallied for a 34-27 victory. The loss has put the Broncos in a tough position. They face the 7-8 Bengals in Cincinnati on Saturday and play the Chiefs in Week 18 in Denver. The Broncos need a win to clinch a playoff berth, and it will not be easy. Next: +3.5 at Cincinnati Bengals - Sat, Dec. 28, 1:30 PM PT – O/U: 50 (ATS: 11-4 – O/U: 9-5-1) Win probability: 42.2%

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7): The Buccaneers lost a very winnable game against the Cowboys, 26-24. For some unknown reason, the Bucs did not allow star running back Bucky Irving to touch the ball in the final nine minutes of the game. When asked about it, head coach Todd Bowles said, "The game turned out how it turned out. I don't think that had anything to do with the outcome.'' Right. Next: -8 vs Carolina Panthers – Sun, Dec. 29, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 49.5 (ATS: 9-6 – O/U: 10-5) Win probability:76.0%

15. Seattle Seahawks (8-7): The Seahawks lost to the Vikings at home and lost control of their own destiny. The Seahawks only path to the playoffs is winning their final two games over the Bears and the Rams, both road games, and a Rams loss on Saturday Night to the Cardinals. The Cardinals have been eliminated from the wild-card playoff race and can only get in by winning the NFC West. Next: -3.5 at Chicago Bears - Thu, Dec. 26, 5:15 PM PT – O/U: 43.5 (ATS: 6-8-1 - O/U: 8-7) Win probability: 64.5%

16. Cincinnati Bengals (7-8): Quarterback Joe Burrow threw three touchdown passes to lead the Bengals to an easy 24-6 win over the Browns. The Bengals kept their slim playoff hopes alive. They need to beat the Broncos and Steelers, and then hope the Colts and Dolphins both lose one of their final two games and hope the Chiefs beat the Broncos in Week 18. Next: -3.5 vs Denver Broncos – Sat, Dec. 28, 1:30 PM PT – O/U: 50 (ATS: 9-6 – O/U: 10-5) Win probability: 57.8%

17. Indianapolis Colts (7-8): The Colts needed a win and finally decided to get running back Jonathan Taylor involved. Taylor responded with a three touchdown, 218 rushing yard performance in leading the Colts to a 38-30 win over the Titans. The Colts offense needs to go through their All-Pro running back. Next: -8 at New York Giants – Sun, Dec. 29, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 40.5 (ATS: 9-6 – O/U: 7-7-1) Win probability: 76.4%

18. Arizona Cardinals (7-8): The Cardinals lost in overtime to the Panthers and were eliminated from the playoffs. Head coach Jonathan Gannon said about the Cardinals season, "I'm not satisfied with the performance of the team. That starts with me. What I'm really saying is that's an indictment of myself. I'm not satisfied with myself." Cardinal fans approve of that statement. Next: +6 at Los Angeles Rams - Sat, Dec. 28, 5:15 PM PT – O/U: 48 (ATS: 9-6 – O/U: 7-7-1) Win probability: 30.8%

19. Miami Dolphins (7-8): The Dolphins kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a victory over the 49ers, 29-17. Running back De'von Achane rushed for 120 yards, including a 50-yard TD run and added six pass receptions for 70 yards in leading the Dolphins to the victory. Next: -6.5 at Cleveland Browns - Sun, Dec. 29, 1:05 PM PT – O/U: 40 (ATS: 6-9 – O/U: 7-8) Win probability: 69.9%

20. Atlanta Falcons (8-7): The Falcons started rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at QB and the result was a 34-7 win over the Giants. Penix will remain the starter for the rest of the season and for the foreseeable future. The Falcons might say that Kirk Cousins is still in the mix, but no one thinks that is the truth or sensible. Penix is the future. Cousins is the past. Next: +4 at Washington Commanders – Sun, Dec. 29, 5:20 PM PT – O/U: 47.5 (ATS: 6-8-1 – O/U: 5-10) Win probability: 37.3%

21. Dallas Cowboys (7-8): Quarterback Cooper Rush led the Cowboys to their fourth win in their last five games. Rush completed 26 of 35 passes for 292 yards, and a touchdown. Rush got no help from the running game, which gained 31 yards on 20 carries. It is interesting that the Cowboys are performing better with Rush at QB instead of their injured starter Dak Prescott. Next: +9 at Philadelphia Eagles - Sun, Dec. 29, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 43 (ATS: 6-9 – O/U: 10-5) Win probability: 15.2%

22. San Francisco 49ers (6-9): The 49ers are circling the drain on a disappointing season that has been riddled with holdouts, injuries, a rookie being shot in a robbery attempt, and an underwhelming performance by their starting quarterback. The 2025 season has to be better. Next: +3.5 vs Detroit Lions – Mon, Dec. 30, 5:15 PM PT – O/U: 51 (ATS: 5-10 – O/U: 8-7) Win probability: 30.9%

23. Chicago Bears (4-11): Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has not thrown an interception in the past nine games, and the Bears have lost all nine games. The most recent loss was a 34-17 loss to the Lions in Chicago. Playing it safe those not equal wins. The Bears are headed for another Top Ten pick in the NFL Draft. Next: +3.5 vs Seattle Seahawks - Thu, Dec. 26, 5;15 PM PT – O/U: 43.5 (ATS: 6-7-2 – O/U: 6-9) Win probability: 35.5%

24. New York Jets (4-11): The dysfunctional Jets lost again, this time to the Rams, 19-9. It has been reported that owner Woody Johnson takes advice from his teenage sons, Brick and Jack. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers mused about being released by a teenager. Warning to 2025 free agents: Steer clear of the Jets. Next: +9.5 at Buffalo Bills - Sun, Dec. 29, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 46 (ATS: 5-10 – O/U: 8-6-1) Win probability: 10.2%

25. New England Patriots (3-12): The Patriots lost to the Bills, 24-21, despite taking an early 14-0 lead. The Patriots have the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which means wide receiver/cornerback/Heisman trophy winner Travis Hunter could fall right into their laps, if they lose their final two games. Next: +4 vs Los Angeles Chargers – Sat, Dec. 28, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 42.5 (ATS: 6-8-1 – O/U: 9-6) Win probability: 26.6%

26. Carolina Panthers (4-11): The Panthers beat the Cardinals in overtime,36-30, eliminating the Cardinals from the playoffs. The Panthers are running the ball well behind running back Chuba Hubbard and the passing attack has improved under QB Bryce Young. The Panthers are currently in the No. 7 slot for the draft, and they could go in a number of directions. A top offensive tackle might make sense. Or a cornerback. Or a defensive tackle. This team needs help everywhere. Next: +8 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sun, Dec. 29, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 49.5 (ATS: 7-8 – O/U: 11-4) Win probability: 24.0%

27. New Orleans Saints (5-9): The Saints became the first NFL team to be shutout this season, falling to the Packers, 34-0 in Green Bay. With injuries to quarterback Derk Carr, running back Alvin Kamara, wide receiver Chris Olave, and jack-of-all-trades offensive weapon Taysom Hill, the Saints are not a threat to score many points against any NFL defense, with the possible exception of the Bengals. Next: -1 vs Las Vegas Raiders – Sun, Dec. 29, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 39.5 (ATS: 6-9 – O/U: 7-8) Win probability: 54.8%

28. Tennessee Titans (3-12): The Titans got run over by the Colts, losing 38-30 on the road. The Colts rushed for 335 yards on the ground against the Titans, running around and through the porous run defense. The Titans lead the NFL with 32 turnovers, another sign that this team has too many holes to plug. Next: +1 at Jacksonville Jaguars – Sun, Dec. 29, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 41 (ATS: 2-13 – O/U: 9-5-1) Win probability: 52.4%

29. Cleveland Browns (3-12): Bad teams are easy to identify. The Browns lost to the Bengals, 24-6 on Sunday, with three turnovers contributing to the loss. The Browns are last in the NFL in turnover differential, with an -18-turnover differential. The Browns are 31st in turnovers with 30. This is a bad football team. Next: +6.5 vs Miami Dolphins – Sun, Dec. 29, 1:05 PM PT – O/U: 40 (ATS: 4-11 – O/U: 6-9) Win probability: 30.1%

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12): The Jaguars lost to the Raiders in Las Vegas, 19-14. The good news continues to be the performance of rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., the Jags first round pick out of LSU. Thomas caught nine passes for 132 yards and a touchdown in the loss to the Raiders. He leads all rookies with nine touchdown receptions. Next: -1 vs Tennessee Titans - Sun, Dec. 29, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 41 (ATS: 7-7-1 – O/U: 8-7) Win probability: 47.6%

31. Las Vegas Raiders (3-12): It never fails. The Raiders decided to win a game when it was in their best interest to lose, ending a ten-game losing streak. At least they started the winter with a win. The Raiders defeated the equally puzzling Jaguars, 19-14. Rookie tight end Brock Bowers caught 11 passes for 99 yards. Bowers for the season is tied for second in the NFL with 101 catches and has 1, 067 yards receiving. Next: +1 at New Orleans Saints – Sun, Dec. 29, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 39.5 (ATS: 6-8-1 – O/U: 8-7) Win probability: 45.2%

32. New York Giants (2-13): The Giants lost to the Falcons; their tenth consecutive game loss in a miserable season. The Falcons won 34-7 but the good news is that the Giants own the No. 1 draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. They just need to lose their final two games against the Colts at home and the Eagles in Philadelphia and they will clinch the top pick. Unfortunately for the Giants, they need more than just a quarterback. The Giants are last in the NFL scoring at 14.3 points per game and 31st in run defense, allowing 142.3 yards per carry. Next: +8 vs Indianapolis Colts – Sun, Dec. 29, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 40.5 (ATS: 4-11 – O/U: 5-10) Win probability: 23.6%