2024 NFL Power Rankings – Week 18

1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1): The Chiefs clinched the best record in the NFL and more importantly, the best record with a Christmas day 29-10 victory over the Steelers in Pittsburgh. It was a very impressive showing for a team that is looking to win a third Super Bowl Championship. Next: +10.5 at Denver Broncos -Sun, Jan. 5, 1:25 PM PT – O/U: 40 (ATS: 8-8 – O/U: 7-9) Win probability: 15.3%

2. Buffalo Bills (13-3): The Bills led 40-0 before they called off the dogs in a 40-14 beat down of the hapless Jets. The Bills lead the NFL in turnover differential with a +23. The next closest team is the Steelers with a +15. The Bill clinched the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoff race. Next: -2.5 at New England Patriots - Sun, Jan. 5, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 38 (ATS: 10-6 – O/U: 10-6) Win probability: 64.8%

3. Detroit Lions (14-2): The came from behind in the second half to defeat the 49ers in Santa Clara, setting up their showdown in Detroit with the Vikings. The winner will clinch the NFC North division title and the best record in the NFC. The loser will be the No. 5 seed in the NFC playoffs and will play a first-round game at either SoFi Stadium against the Rams or at the winner of the NFC South division, either the Bucs or Falcons. Next: -2.5 vs Minnesota Vikings – Sun, Jan. 5, 5:20 PM PT – O/U: 56.5 (ATS: 11-5 – O/U: 9-7) Win probability: 63.3%

4. Minnesota Vikings (14-2): The Vikings knocked off the Packers 37-25 to set up a huge game with the Lions in Detroit. The winner will clinch the NFC North division title and the best record in the NFC. The loser will be the No. 5 seed in the NFC playoffs and will play a first-round game at either SoFi Stadium against the Rams or at the winner of the NFC South division, either the Bucs or Falcons. Next: +2.5 at Detroit Lions – Sun, Jan. 5, 5:20 PM PT – O/U: 56.5 (ATS: 11-4-1 – O/U: 7-9) Win probability: 36.7%

5. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3): The Eagles easily trounced the Cowboys 41-7 and are the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. Running back Saquon Barkley went over 2,000 yards in the victory. Barkley has 2,005 yards and needs 101 in next Sunday's regular-season finale to top Eric Dickerson and his 2,105 yards for the Rams in 1984. The Eagles have prudently decided to rest Barkley against the Giants, who recklessly decided to let Barkley go after the 2023 season. Next: -2 vs New York Giants – Sun, Jan. 5, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 37.5 (ATS: 10-6 – O/U: 7-9) Win probability: 55.6%

6. Green Bay Packers (11-5): Quarterback Jordan Love is suddenly struggling, and it showed against the Vikings defense in a 27-25 defeat. The final score was not indicative of how the game went. The Vikings led 27-10 halfway through the fourth quarter before allowing some cheap scores playing prevent defense. The Packers are 0-5 against the top three teams in the NFC. Next: -10 vs Chicago Bears - Sun, Jan. 5, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 41 (ATS: 9-7 – O/U: 7-8-1) Win probability: 85.1%

7. Baltimore Ravens (11-5): Quarterback Lamar Jackson threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in an easy 31-2 win over the Texans in Houston. The Ravens need to beat the Browns at home on Saturday to clinch the AFC North division title and clinch a home playoff game in the first round of the NFL playoffs. Next: -18 vs Cleveland Browns – Sat, Jan. 4, 1:30 PM PT – O/U: 41.5 (ATS: 9-6-1 – O/U: 12-4) Win probability: 93.3%

8. Washington Commanders (11-5): The Commanders clinched a playoff berth with a 30-24 overtime victory over the Falcons on Sunday Night. Former Stanford star Zach Ertz caught a 2-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jayden Daniels for the game winner in OT. Ertz also had a ten-yard touchdown reception in the game. Next: -4.5 at Dallas Cowboys – Sun, Jan. 5, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 44 (ATS: 10-5-1 – O/U: 11-5) Win probability: 73.6%

9. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6): The Chargers clinched a playoff berth behind three touchdown passes from quarterback Justin Herbert in a 40-7 beatdown of the Patriots. That was payback for the 45-0 loss at home to the Pats in the 2020 season, a game Herbert and edge rusher Joey Bosa were both a part of. Next: -4.5 at Las Vegas Raiders - Sun, Jan. 5, 1:25 PM PT – O/U: 41.5 (ATS: 11-5 – O/U: 7-9) Win probability: 69.7%

10. Los Angeles Rams (10-6): The Rams clinched the NFC West division with a 13-9 win over the Cardinals and with some help from a few other teams. The Rams will host a playoff game at SoFi Stadium. Head coach Sean McVay is resting Matthew Stafford in Week 18 and named Jimmy Garoppolo as the starting quarterback. Next: +6.5 vs Seattle Seahawks – Sun, Jan. 5, 1:25 PM PT – O/U: 38.5 (ATS: 8-8 – O/U: 7-9) Win probability: 25.9%

11. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6): The Steelers are fading down the stretch after a third consecutive loss, a 29-10 dreary loss at home. The fact that the Steelers got to ten wins with this team is a credit to head coach Mike Tomlin and his staff. Next: +2 vs Cincinnati Bengals – Sat, Jan. 4, 5:00 PM PT – O/U: 48 (ATS: 10-6 – O/U: 8-8) Win probability: 54.2%

12. Houston Texans (9-7): The Texans fell to the Ravens in a Christmas Day embarrassment, 31-2 in Houston. The Texans won the weak AFC South and get a home game in the first round of the playoffs, but they are a team that looks like a one-and-done in the playoffs, with their likely opponent either the Steelers or the Chargers. Next: +1.5 at Tennessee Titans – Sun, Jan. 5, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 37 (ATS: 6-8-2 – O/U: 5-11) Win probability: 49.8%

13. Denver Broncos (9-7): After a tough loss to the Bengals in overtime on the road, the Broncos have gone from a sure thing for the playoffs to needing a win or help to make the playoffs. The Broncos can only hope that the Chiefs keep their best players on the sidelines for their final game. Next: -10.5 vs Kansas City Chiefs - Sun, Jan. 5, 1:25 PM PT – O/U: 40 (ATS: 11-5 – O/U: 10-5-1) Win probability: 84.7%

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7): The Buccaneers are back in the saddle again after a blowout win over the Panthers, 48-14. The Bucs hold a one-game lead in the NFC South and just need a win over the fading Saints in Tampa to clinch the division and a home game. For the second time in three weeks, quarterback Baker Mayfield was selected as the NFC Offensive Player of the Week after completing 27 of 32 passes for 359 yards and five touchdowns. Next: -13.5 vs New Orleans Saints – Sun, Jan. 5, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 43.5 (ATS: 10-6 – O/U: 11-5) Win probability:83.8%

15. Seattle Seahawks (9-7): The Seahawks beat the Bears, 6-3 but were eliminated from the playoff race due to the Rams victory over the Cardinals. The Seahawks need to make several roster moves in the offseason, starting with trading D.K. Metcalf to a team with a need for a wide receiver. The Chargers should be among those teams that are inquiring about Metcalf. Next: -6.5 at Los Angeles Rams - Sun, Jan. 5, 1:25 PM PT – O/U: 38.5 (ATS: 6-9-1 - O/U: 8-8) Win probability: 69.7%

16. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8): Quarterback Joe Burrow threw for 412 yards and three touchdowns in a 30-24 overtime victory over the Broncos, keeping the Bengals slim playoff hopes alive. Wide receiver Tee Higgins caught all three touchdown passes in a performance that kept the hopes of Bengals fans alive and impacted the hopes of many fantasy football owners. Next: -2 at Pittsburgh Steelers – Sat, Jan. 4, 5:00 PM PT – O/U: 48 (ATS: 10-6 – O/U: 11-5) Win probability: 45.8%

17. Miami Dolphins (8-8): The Dolphins kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a victory over the hapless Browns, 20-3. The Dolphins played without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who's nursing a hip injury, but may start him instead of Tyler Huntley in their final game against the Jets. Next: -1 at New York Jets - Sun, Jan. 5, 1:25 PM PT – O/U: 39 (ATS: 7-9 – O/U: 7-9) Win probability: 51.0%

18. Atlanta Falcons (8-8): The Falcons had a chance to beat the Commanders on Sunday Night, but clock mismanagement by head coach Raheem Morris cost the Falcons a shot at a makeable field goal attempt and led to an overtime 30-24 loss. The Falcons are now one game behind the Buccaneers in the NFC South and need a Bucs loss to the Saints and a win over the Panthers to win the division. Good luck with that. Next: -8 vs Carolina Panthers – Sun, Jan. 5, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 48 (ATS: 6-9-1 – O/U: 6-10) Win probability: 75.2%

19. Indianapolis Colts (7-9): The Colts needed a win to stay alive in the playoff race and instead got run over by the Giants, 45-33, ending their hopes for a playoff berth. The Colts need a quarterback, and this could be the next landing spot for either Sam Darnold or Aaron Rodgers. Next: -5 vs Jacksonville Jaguars – Sun, Jan. 5, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 43.5 (ATS: 9-7 – O/U: 8-7-1) Win probability: 72.2%

20. Arizona Cardinals (7-9): The Cardinals were 6-4 after Week 10, then had their Bye Week in Week 11. Since then, the Cardinals are 1-5 with their lone win over the Patriots. The Cardinals lost their first in sixth games at SoFi Stadium on Saturday Night to the Rams, 13-9. Next: -4 vs San Francisco 49ers - Sun, Jan. 5, 1:25 PM PT – O/U: 42.5 (ATS: 10-6 – O/U: 7-8-1) Win probability: 50.7%

21. Dallas Cowboys (7-9): Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has been shut down for the season with a shoulder injury, and without Lamb, the Cowboys offense has been shut down. The Cowboys got blown out by the Eagles, 41-7 and looks like a team that just wants to get this failure of a season over with. Next: +4.5 vs Washington Commanders - Sun, Jan. 5, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 44 (ATS: 6-10 – O/U: 11-5) Win probability: 26.4%

22. San Francisco 49ers (6-10): The 49ers looked good for one half, but in the end the Lions won it with a second half onslaught, 40-34. The 49ers need to make a decision in the offseason about quarterback Brock Purdy regarding a contract extension and just how much to pay him. Next: +4 at Arizona Cardinals – Sun, Jan. 5, 1:25 PM PT – O/U: 42.5 (ATS: 5-11 – O/U: 9-7) Win probability: 49.3%

23. New Orleans Saints (5-11): The Saints bounced back from their shutout the week before against the Packers by scoring 10 points against the Raiders in another loss. The Saints need to look at hiring a good offensive head coach and fix their offensive issues through the draft. Next: +13.5 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sun, Jan. 5, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 43.5 (ATS: 6-10 – O/U: 7-9) Win probability: 16.2%

24. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12): The Jaguars beat the Titans, 20-13, to complete the season sweep over the Titans. The Jags are currently at No. 5 in the 2025 NFL Draft and should be able to grab one of the top Michigan players in this draft, either Will Johnson at cornerback or Mason Graham at defensive tackle. Next: +5 at Indianapolis Colts - Sun, Jan. 5, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 43.3 (ATS: 8-7-1 – O/U: 8-8) Win probability: 27.8%

25. Chicago Bears (4-12): The Bears extended their losing streak to ten games after losing to the Seahawks, 6-3. In a game with 13 punts and zero touchdowns, the Bears and Seahawks played an ugly brand of incompetent offensive football coupled with inclement weather. This game is our nominee for the Crummy Game of the 2024 NFL Season. Next: +10 at Green Bay Packers - Sun, Jan. 5, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 41 (ATS: 7-7-2 – O/U: 6-10) Win probability: 14.9%

26. Las Vegas Raiders (4-12): The Raiders have a two-game winning streak after soundly defeating the Saints, 25-10. The bad news is that the Raiders are now at No. 8 in the 2025 NFL Draft with one week to go in the season. The Raiders running game, which has struggled this season, would improve significantly with the addition of a stud running back like Boise State's Ashton Jeanty. Pairing Jeanty with rookie tight end star Brock Bowers might be a good idea. Next: +4.5 vs Los Angeles Chargers – Sun, Jan. 5, 1:25 PM PT – O/U: 41.5 (ATS: 7-8-1 – O/U: 8-8) Win probability: 30.3%

27. New York Jets (4-12): The dysfunctional Jets were blown out by the Bills, 40-14. This has to be the most underachieving roster in the NFL. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers will likely be available via trade if an NFL team wants him. He should be getting a call from that dysfunctional team in Las Vegas. Next: +1 vs Miami Dolphins - Sun, Jan. 5, 1:25 PM PT – O/U: 39 (ATS: 5-11 – O/U: 9-6-1) Win probability: 49.0%

28. Carolina Panthers (4-12): The Panthers saw what the Chargers saw a few weeks earlier, that the Buccaneers offense is very good and very explosive. The Panthers lost on the road to the Bucs, 48-14, allowing 551 yards in total offense to quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers offensive juggernaut. Next: +8 at Atlanta Falcons – Sun, Jan. 5, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 48 (ATS: 7-9 – O/U: 12-4) Win probability: 24.8%

29. New York Giants (3-13): The Giants had the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft, but that did not matter to the players. The Giants stunned the Colts, 45-33, knocking them out of the playoffs and knocking themselves out of the No. 1 spot in the 2025 NFL draft. Next: +2 at Philadelphia Eagles – Sun, Jan. 5, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 37.5 (ATS: 5-11 – O/U: 6-10) Win probability: 44.4%

30. Cleveland Browns (3-13): The Browns are a mess, on and off the field. The ownership wants a new stadium, and the team need a new quarterback. The Browns want to move to the suburbs to build a domed stadium and the city of Cleveland is not happy with that proposal. The Browns are locked into long term contract with quarterback Deshaun Watson, a player that no one in Cleveland wants to see on the field at QB. Next: +18 at Baltimore Ravens – Sat, Jan. 4, 1:30 PM PT – O/U: 41.5 (ATS: 4-12 – O/U: 6-10) Win probability: 6.7%

31. Tennessee Titans (3-13): The Titans fought hard, but lost again, this time to the Jaguars, 20-13. The Titans have lost five in a row and now have the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL draft. The Titans need help all over, so drafting a quarterback without fixing the other weaknesses on the roster, particularly on the offensive line, makes little sense. Next: -1.5 vs Houston Texans – Sun, Jan. 5, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 37 (ATS: 2-14 – O/U: 9-6-1) Win probability: 50.2%

32. New England Patriots (3-13): The Patriots got embarrassed by the Chargers, 40-7. The Chargers exposed weaknesses in the Pats secondary and at wide receiver. Two-way Colorado star Travis Hunter may be the answer. Hunter was a first-team All-American at cornerback and a second-team All-American at wide receiver. He can help the Pats at both positions. Next: +2.5 vs Buffalo Bills – Sun, Jan. 5, 10:00 AM PT – O/U: 38 (ATS: 6-9-1 – O/U: 10-6) Win probability: 35.2%