NFL Analysis
12/10/24
12 min read
2024 NFL Week 15 Power Rankings: Chiefs Escape Again, Rams RIse, Falcons Tumble
There are just four weeks left in the NFL season, and the playoff picture has become very clear. Now, it's about fighting for seeding and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
But who are the actual Super Bowl contenders this year? And which teams should just be happy that they will make the tournament? Here are our updated power rankings going into Week 15 of the 2024 season:
NFL Week 15 Power Rankings
1. Detroit Lions (12-1) 
Previous Ranking: 1 
Getting divisional wins can be hard, so don’t discount the victory over the Packers in Week 14 by the Detroit Lions.
They fought the entire game, and Dan Campbell’s aggressiveness paid off once again. Detroit is in full control of the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Bills
2. Kansas City Chiefs (12-1)
Previous Ranking: 2
The Kansas City Chiefs might never have a dominant win again, but they just keep on winning and have not clinched the AFC West for the ninth straight season.
With the Bills falling in Week 14, the Chiefs' odds of earning the No. 1 seed have greatly increased. It sure feels like the road to the Super Bowl will go through Kansas City again this season.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Browns
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-2)
Previous Ranking: 4 
A win is a win, but it’s hard to be too excited about the Philadelphia Eagles coming out of Week 14. The passing offense continues to have flaws, and if it hadn’t been for a drop by Xavier Legette, the Eagles could have lost to the Panthers.
They’ll be challenged in a big way against the Steelers in Week 15, and that should show us what their ceiling is this season.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Steelers
4. Minnesota Vikings (11-2)
Previous Ranking: 5
Sam Darnold posted the best game of his NFL career, throwing for more than 300 yards and five touchdowns.
The Minnesota Vikings’ offense has been nearly unstoppable since the return of T.J. Hockenson, and Minnesota still has an outside shot at the No. 1 seed if it can beat the Lions in Week 18.
Next Game: Monday, Dec. 16 vs. Bears
5. Buffalo Bills (10-3)
Previous Ranking: 3 
Josh Allen is the first quarterback in NFL history to have three passing and three rushing touchdowns in the same game. He racked up more than 400 yards of offense without a turnover, and it still wasn’t enough for the Buffalo Bills to win on Sunday.
Sean McDermott made several critical mistakes down the stretch, which could be the reason Buffalo doesn’t have the No. 1 (or maybe even No. 2) seed in the AFC this season.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Lions
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3)
Previous Ranking: 7
The Pittsburgh Steelers just keep stacking up wins in the AFC, beating the Bengals and the Browns in back-to-back weeks. But now the schedule gets tough for the Steelers with the Eagles-Ravens-Chiefs over the next 11 days.
Pittsburgh likely just needs to win two games in the next four weeks to clinch the AFC North, but its goal should be to earn the No. 2 seed in the AFC and ensure that it would host at least two games in the playoffs.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Eagles
7. Green Bay Packers (9-4)
Previous Ranking: 6
The Green Bay Packers played the Lions about as well as you can without getting a win. The offense really picked up steam in the second half, but it was a little too late.
Green Bay has no chance of winning the NFC North and will have to play on the road in the NFC playoffs. However, it is still a really good team that can hang with the top teams in the conference.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Seahawks
8. Baltimore Ravens (8-5)
Previous Ranking: 8
The Baltimore Ravens were on bye in Week 14, but they saw their deficit in the AFC North widen as Pittsburgh held serve at home against the Browns.
The Ravens are 2.5 games back of the Steelers in the division, but they have a fairly easy schedule down the stretch, including games against the Giants and Browns. If they can win the final four games of the season, they’ll still have a good chance of winning the AFC North.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Giants
9. Los Angeles Chargers (8-5)
Previous Ranking: 9
It’s hard to be too disappointed with the Los Angeles Chargers coming out of Week 14. They went toe-to-toe with the Chiefs despite not having their top receiver in Ladd McConkey.
And if Matthew Wright’s game-winning field goal just goes another inch left, they beat the Chiefs in Kansas City. The Chargers have been close in most of their games this season but need to figure out how to close out some of these contests. They are a sure-fire playoff team that no one will want to face in January.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Buccaneers
10. Denver Broncos (8-5)
Previous Ranking: 10
The Denver Broncos were off in Week 14 but had some luck with the Chargers falling to the Chiefs. The Broncos could still earn the No. 5 seed in the AFC, which would be much better than taking on Buffalo or Pittsburgh in Round 1.
Denver’s schedule is tough, but Kansas City might not have anything to play for in Week 18. The Broncos should win 10+ games this season and could climb up the seeding in the AFC in the next few weeks.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Colts
11. Washington Commanders (8-5)
Previous Ranking: 11
The Washington Commanders were on bye in Week 14, but they saw teams like the Buccaneers, 49ers, and Rams all win in the NFC. While they are still the favorites to earn the No. 7 seed, the need to go at least 2-2 in the next four weeks to earn that spot.
That shouldn’t be too difficult, but don’t be surprised if their season comes down to a Week 18 game against the Cowboys in Dallas.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Saints
12. Houston Texans (8-5)
Previous Ranking: 12
The Houston Texans had a much-needed bye week in Week 14 as they got ready for the hardest part of their schedule. They have to play the Dolphins, Chiefs, and Ravens in the next three weeks, and all three of those games are toss-ups.
They hold a big lead in the AFC South, but we need to see this team play well to believe that they can actually make a run in the playoffs this season.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Dolphins
13. Seattle Seahawks (8-5)
Previous Ranking: 13
Just a month ago, it seemed like the Seattle Seahawks would finish last in the NFC West. However, they have now won four straight games and have a three-game lead over the Cardinals.
The division could come down to Week 18 when the Seahawks travel to Los Angeles to take on the Rams. But Seattle is playing fantastic football right now, as its defense has stepped up in a big way during the last four weeks.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Packers
14. Los Angeles Rams (7-6)
Previous Ranking: 18
The Los Angeles Rams are one of the most frustrating teams in the NFL. In any given week, they can look like Super Bowl contenders, but that rarely translates from week to week.
We saw their potential in Week 14, as Matthew Stafford went toe-to-toe with Josh Allen. If he can play at that level for the next four weeks, the Rams might be able to sneak into the NFC playoffs. But don’t count on it.
Next Game: Thursday, Dec. 12 vs. 49ers
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)
Previous Ranking: 15
It certainly hasn’t been pretty, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have managed to take back the top spot in the NFC South. And with a fairly easy schedule moving forward, there is no reason that they should give that up.
A 10+ win season is likely as long as the Buccaneers take care of business.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Chargers
16. Miami Dolphins (6-7)
Previous Ranking: 17
Tua Tagovailoa has been fantastic since returning from his concussion. He is completing 76 percent of his passes and has thrown 15 touchdowns to only one interception.
Unfortunately, it might be a little too late for the Miami Dolphins, who would need the Broncos to lose multiple games moving forward. But the fact that Tagovailoa has played this well during the last two months has to be encouraging for the Dolphins moving forward.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Texans
17. Atlanta Falcons (6-7)
Previous Ranking: 16
It’s officially time to be concerned about Kirk Cousins. He has not thrown a touchdown in any of the last four games, and the Atlanta Falcons have lost their lead in the NFC South.
The schedule is favorable for Atlanta moving forward, but they are not getting quality quarterback play, and it’s crushing their playoff chances.
Next Game: Monday, Dec. 16 vs. Raiders
18. Arizona Cardinals (6-7)
Previous Ranking: 14
Just a few weeks ago, the Arizona Cardinals were sitting well in the NFC West, but three straight losses have nearly eliminated them from the division.
Kyler Murray has regressed, and the offense has sputtered in most games. Arizona isn’t eliminated from playoff contention, but this has been a very disappointing stretch for the Cardinals.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Patriots
19. Indianapolis Colts (6-7)
Previous Ranking: 19
The Indianapolis Colts were on their bye week in Week 14, but the final four weeks of the season will tell us a lot about their future. While they aren’t out of the playoff race yet, they would need to win the final four games and get some help.
Their real goal should be figuring out if Anthony Richardson is the future at quarterback. If the answer is yes, then it is really easy to be excited about this team in 2025. We should learn a lot about him and his future outlook during the next month.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Broncos
20. San Francisco 49ers (6-7)
Previous Ranking: 20
The San Francisco 49ers bounced back in a big way in Week 14, getting a dominant win against the Bears. However, their odds of making the playoffs actually dropped after the Seahawks and Rams secured victories.
San Francisco needs to win out to have a chance at the postseason, but with the injuries continuing to mount, that seems unlikely. The 49ers might be able to get to nine wins this season, but don't expect the 2023 NFC Champions to be in the postseason this year.
Next Game: Thursday, Dec. 12 vs. Rams
21. Cincinnati Bengals (5-8)
Previous Ranking: 21
The Cincinnati Bengals were fortunate to sneak away with a win against Dallas, but their stars stepped up. Ja'Marr Chase had another monster day, and Trey Hendrickson sealed the win with his 12th sack of the season.
The Bengals are all but out of the playoff hunt in the AFC, but it was nice to see the defense make some big plays down the stretch.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Titans
22. Dallas Cowboys (5-8)
Previous Ranking: 22
The Dallas Cowboys had an excellent chance of winning the game after blocking a punt late in the fourth quarter. However, a mishap by the special teams unit gave the ball back to the Bengals, and Joe Burrow finished them.
Dallas had plenty of chances to steal this game, but it gave it away once again in the fourth quarter.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Panthers
23. New Orleans Saints (5-8)
Previous Ranking: 24
The New Orleans Saints got one of the ugliest wins you will ever see, defeating the Giants 14-11. However, it was another costly win as Derek Carr fractured his left hand, which could cause him to miss the remainder of the 2024 season.
This has been a frustrating season for the Saints, but their defense has stepped up in recent weeks, and that should be encouraging for them moving forward.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Commanders
24. Carolina Panthers (3-10)
Previous Ranking: 25
The Carolina Panthers have been in every game over the last month, and Bryce Young is playing some of the best football of his career. And yet, they just can’t close out these games.
Xavier Legette had a chance to catch the game-winning touchdown, but it went right through his arms, and the Panthers turned the ball over on downs. Carolina fans should still be encouraged by Young’s improvement, but they need to start winning some of these games.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Cowboys
25. Chicago Bears (4-9)
Previous Ranking: 23
The Chicago Bears' losing streak continues, as they were blown out by the 49ers in Week 14. Matt Eberflus's firing did not ignite a fire in the locker room, and the defense was not competitive for most of this game.
Worse yet, the Bears had five yards of offense in the first half. Five!
At this point, it’s just about finishing out the season with pride for the Bears before they find their next head coach.
Next Game: Monday, Dec. 16 vs. Vikings
26. New York Jets (3-10)
Previous Ranking: 26
The New York Jets have played much better the last few weeks, but their inability to close out games is the reason why they are 3-10.
Aaron Rodgers is playing the best football of his Jets career, but it’s clear that the Jets need to go in a new direction in 2025.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Jaguars
27. New England Patriots (3-10)
Previous Ranking: 27
The New England Patriots were off in Week 14, but they actually moved up the 2025 draft order after a win by the Jaguars. They sit at No. 3, which could put them in play for Travis Hunter.
But the Patriots' next four games should all be about developing Drake Maye, who flashed in a big way during his rookie season.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Cardinals
28. Cleveland Browns (3-10)
Previous Ranking: 28
Jameis Winston has made the Cleveland Browns more fun to watch, but you are seeing why he’s bounced around the league. He can throw for a bunch of yards, but his inability to avoid big mistakes late in games keeps his teams from winning.
He’s done a serviceable job for the Browns this year, but make no mistake about it: the Browns are in the quarterback market in 2025.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Chiefs
29. Tennessee Titans (3-10)
Previous Ranking: 29
The Tennessee Titans have had some bad losses this year, but none of them were as bad as their loss to the Jaguars in Week 14.
Tennessee allowed just 10 points at home and still lost. Will Levis has taken steps forward this season, but not enough for the Titans to ignore quarterback this offseason.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Cowboys
30. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-10)
Previous Ranking: 32
The Jacksonville Jaguars got their third win of the season, defeating the Titans in one of the ugliest games that you probably didn’t watch (unless you watched it on RedZone).
The Jaguars managed just 10 points, but it was enough to get the win. This win moved the Jaguars down from pick No. 1 to No. 5 in what could prove to be a costly victory. But with another matchup against the Titans in Week 18, they’ll have a chance to get back into the top three soon.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Jets
31. Las Vegas Raiders (2-11)
Previous Ranking: 30
The Las Vegas Raiders lost another quarterback for the season, as Aidan O’Connell suffered a season-ending knee injury. That means it’ll be Desmond Ridder for the final four games of the season.
If the season ended today, the Raiders would own the No. 1 pick. And frankly, they need it to get any kind of excitement back into this franchise.
Next Game: Monday, Dec. 16 vs. Falcons
32. New York Giants (2-11)
Previous Ranking: 31
It’s hard to imagine things getting worse for the New York Giants. They scored just 11 points against the Saints and were unable to tie the game late after getting their field goal blocked.
Will Jon Mara clean house this offseason? That seems more likely with each loss.
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Ravens
