NFL Analysis
12/26/23
14 min read
NFL Week 17 Power Rankings: Baltimore Ravens are No. 1 Team
Every Tuesday, we’ll provide updated power rankings. The rankings will be driven by who the teams are at the moment. Those stances will be centered on every team’s talent, reliability and current level of success.
Betting markets will also influence our stances, as will each team’s path to contention within its conference. We’ll also be aware of each team’s looming schedule difficulty.
NFL Week 17 Power Rankings
1. Baltimore Ravens (12-3) 
Previous Rank: No. 2
Last Game: Ravens 33, 49ers 19
To be the man, you have to beat the man, and that is exactly what the Baltimore Ravens did in San Francisco on Christmas evening.
The Ravens’ defense led the charge with five interceptions, while Lamar Jackson was the best player on the field all night. That combination has driven most of Baltimore’s success since Jackson took over in 2019.
Next: vs. MIA, vs. PIT
>> READ: Lamar Jackson's MVP Case
2. San Francisco 49ers (11-4) 
Previous Rank: No. 1
Last Game: Ravens 33, 49ers 19
One loss doesn’t define a season, but the San Francisco 49ers' showing on Christmas was disappointing. Brock Purdy’s four interceptions against Baltimore will likely cost him the MVP.
Long term, this decisive loss could be a wake-up call for the league’s best roster. The 49ers are in a big bounce-back spot against the league’s worst pass defense when they visit Washington this week.
Next: at WAS, vs. LAR
3. Miami Dolphins (11-4) 
Previous Rank: No. 4
Last Game: Dolphins 22, Cowboys 20
Sunday’s win against Dallas came with some controversy, but ultimately, the Miami Dolphins beat a premium opponent for the first time this season. Injuries are now Miami’s biggest concern, particularly at wide receiver.
Tyreek Hill played through an ankle sprain last week, but now fellow speedster Jaylen Waddle may have a high ankle sprain. That duo is what makes Miami a unique opponent. If both players are reduced by injury, that changes the Dolphins’ ceiling.
Next: at BAL, vs. BUF
4. Buffalo Bills (9-6) 
Previous Rank: No. 5
Last Game: Bills 24, Chargers 22
It wasn’t pretty Saturday night, but the Buffalo Bills have won three in a row and four of their last five. More importantly, that run has put Buffalo back in a position to make the playoffs.
Josh Allen is a perennial MVP candidate for a reason, and his Bills could make some noise this postseason. Buffalo controls its fate
Next: vs. NE, at MIA
5. Dallas Cowboys (10-5) 
Previous Rank: No. 3
Last Game: Dolphins 22, Cowboys 20
The Dallas Cowboys have faced three premium teams in a row, but they’ve lost their last two games. Dak Prescott’s offense has underwhelmed during those two losses to Buffalo and Miami. The Cowboys have an opportunity to bounce back against a Lions defense that gave up over 400 passing yards to Nick Mullens last week.
Next: vs. DET (Saturday night), at WAS
6. Philadelphia Eagles (11-4) 
Previous Rank: No. 6
Last Game: Eagles 33, Giants 25
A fumbled kick return and a pick-six kept the Philadelphia Eagles' game against the Giants closer than it should have been.
On the bright side, Philadelphia ended its three-game losing streak behind a much-improved outing from its talented offense. On the downside, the Eagles continue to be sloppy, and their secondary is a genuine liability.
Next: vs. ARI, at NYG
7. Detroit Lions (11-4) 
Previous Rank: No. 8
Last Game: Lions 30, Vikings 24
The Detroit Lions have won three of their last four, largely driven by their offense. The win in Minnesota clinched Detroit’s first NFC North crown in the history of the division — and its first division title in 30 years.
But in that victory against the Vikings, the Lions’ defense gave up 411 passing yards to Mullens. If Detroit is going to make any noise this postseason, its defense needs to be much better than it has been.
Next: at DAL (Saturday night), vs. MIN
8. Cleveland Browns (10-5) 
Previous Rank: No. 9
Last Game: Browns 36, Texans 22
The Cleveland Browns are 3-1 under Joe Flacco, who has thrown for more than 300 yards in each of those three victories. Flacco has, in many ways, saved Cleveland’s season. The Browns’ defense was dominant in the first half of the year, but it has been more uneven during the past month.
If that group can peak again, Cleveland is a dangerous team that’s beaten the Ravens and 49ers.
Next: vs. NYJ (TNF), at CIN
9. Los Angeles Rams (8-7) 
Previous Rank: No. 11
Last Game: Rams 30, Saints 22
The Los Angeles Rams have won five of their last six, scoring at least 28 points in five of those matchups. Los Angeles has bled talent, but it is just two years removed from a Super Bowl win. You could argue no one has elevated their team more this season than Matthew Stafford.
If the Rams continue to play like this, it will be no surprise if they knock off a division winner in the Wild Card round.
Next: at NYG, at SF
>> READ: Stafford Is The Best QB Nobody Is Talking About
10. Kansas City Chiefs (9-6) 
Previous Rank: No. 7
Last Game: Raiders 20, Chiefs 14
The Kansas City Chiefs' loss to the Raiders was one of the worst games of Patrick Mahomes' professional career. In any other season, that outing could be treated as an anomaly. A mere blip on the radar. This year, it’s simply the worst of many underwhelming performances from Kansas City’s offense.
Right now, the Chiefs look like a team that can lose in the first round of the playoffs.
Next: vs. CIN, at LAC
11. Houston Texans (8-7) 
Previous Rank: No. 10
Last Game: Browns 36, Texans 22
C.J. Stroud missed his second straight game with a concussion, which is more concerning than a loss to the Browns. If Stroud returns to action this week, the Houston Texans have a clear path to finishing 10-7.
If they do, Stroud makes them a dangerous playoff team that could avenge last week’s loss to Cleveland. If Stroud continues to miss time, Houston would fall far down this list.
Next: vs. TEN, at IND
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) 
Previous Rank: No. 17
Last Game: Buccaneers 30, Jaguars 12
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won four in a row after a very convincing win against the Jaguars. Baker Mayfield has played his best two games of the season, if not his career, in the past two weeks. On top of that, Rachaad White has at least 80 rushing yards in four of his last five games.
Tampa Bay has become a well-rounded football team that’s peaking at the right time.
Next: vs. NO, at CAR
13. Seattle Seahawks (8-7) 
Previous Rank: No. 15
Last Game: Seahawks 20, Titans 17
The Seattle Seahawks have won two games in a row by a 20 to 17 score, which has put them back on the playoff track. However, Seattle has won just two of its last six, and its offense is one of the league’s most underachieving units.
The Seahawks will probably edge the Vikings for a playoff spot, but Seattle doesn’t look like a major threat right now.
Next: vs. PIT, at ARI
14. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-7) 
Previous Rank: No. 12
Last Game: Buccaneers 30, Jaguars 12
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a free-falling team that’s lost four in a row. Trevor Lawrence has been playing through an ankle injury, to the point that C.J. Beathard threw 15 passes in relief duty last week.
With a healthy Lawrence, Jacksonville likely wins its final two games. If Beathard is forced into action, the Jaguars could finish the year with six straight losses.
Next: vs. CAR, at TEN
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7) 
Previous Rank: No. 22
Last Game: Steelers 34, Bengals 11
With the Pittsburgh Steelers' season on the line, Mike Tomlin’s team dismantled the Bengals last week. Mason Rudolph’s 290 passing yards are the most for any Steelers quarterback in a game this season.
We shouldn’t count on last week’s offensive surge being the new norm, but it was encouraging. Ultimately, the Steelers’ defense will determine if Tomlin’s streak of winning seasons continues. Pittsburgh faces a highly motivated Seattle team this week.
Next: at SEA, at BAL
16. Cincinnati Bengals (8-7) 
Previous Rank: No. 14
Last Game: Steelers 34, Bengals 11
Jake Browning's Cincinnati Bengals took a trip back to reality last week in Pittsburgh, getting blown out by the Rudolph-led Steelers. Browning has now started five games — he’s lost two to Pittsburgh and gone 3-0 otherwise. Those wins against Jacksonville and Minnesota both went to overtime, where luck was on Cincinnati’s side.
It would be no surprise if the Bengals have already enjoyed their last win of the 2023 season.
Next: at KC, vs. SEA
17. Indianapolis Colts (8-7) 
Previous Rank: No. 16
Last Game: Falcons 29, Colts 10
All year we’ve pegged the Indianapolis Colts as the league’s most overachieving team. We’ve been consistently below consensus on them for that reason.
Last week’s blowout loss to the Falcons showed how low the floor can be for Indianapolis. From a pure talent standpoint, no one is an easy out for the Colts. Next week’s game against the Raiders suddenly looks much tougher than it did a month ago. Week 18’s matchup with Houston could end up deciding who wins the AFC South.
Next: vs. LV, vs. HOU
18. Denver Broncos (7-8) 
Previous Rank: No. 13
Last Game: Patriots 26, Broncos 23
Simply put, the Denver Broncos had a horrifying, season-altering loss to the Patriots on Christmas Eve. Denver had a path to a wild-card berth if they beat New England. Now, Denver has dropped three of its last four.
What’s worse is the Broncos' ascending defense has allowed 68 points in its last two games.
Next: vs. LAC, at LV
19. Chicago Bears (6-9) 
Previous Rank: No. 20
Last Game: Bears 27, Cardinals 16
The Chicago Bears have won four of their last six — and are two or three plays away from having a six-game winning streak. The Bears’ ascending defense has driven much of that success, but Justin Fields’ offense has scored at least 27 points in two of its last three games.
The Bears continue to be a dangerous spoiler.
Next: vs. ATL, at GB
20. Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) 
Previous Rank: No. 23
Last Game: Raiders 20, Chiefs 14
The Las Vegas Raiders knocked off the Chiefs despite Aidan O’Connell only throwing for 62 passing yards. The Raiders’ defense has been one of the league’s most overachieving units this season. You could argue that last week’s defensive effort is the most significant a Raiders team has had in half a decade.
Las Vegas is 4-3 since Antonio Pierce took over as head coach. Last week’s win may earn him the job long term.
Next: at IND, vs. DEN
21. Minnesota Vikings (7-8) 
Previous Rank: No. 18
Last Game: Lions 30, Vikings 24
Nick Mullens threw for 411 passing yards last week against Detroit, but he also threw four interceptions. The Minnesota Vikings’ offense is extremely talented, but it misses Kirk Cousins immensely.
Minnesota has now dropped four out of its last five games to freefall out of the NFC Wild Card picture. Not only will the Vikings need help to get back in, they’ll need to beat Green Bay and Detroit.
Next: vs. GB, at DET
22. Green Bay Packers (7-8) 
Previous Rank: No. 21
Last Game: Packers 33, Panthers 30
In the past couple of seasons, few units have underachieved more than the Green Bay Packers’ defense. Their effort against the Buccaneers two weeks ago may have cost Green Bay a trip to the playoffs.
In the Packers' most recent game, they gave up a season-high 30 points to the Panthers — which is genuinely concerning. Unless the Packers’ defense gets its act together, Green Bay could drop its next two games.
Next: at MIN (SNF), vs. CHI
23. New Orleans Saints (7-8) 
Previous Rank: No. 18
Last Game: Rams 30, Saints 22
The New Orleans Saints' loss to the Rams wasn’t as close as the final score would indicate.
The Saints are a talented team that has failed to capitalize on the league’s easiest schedule. Few teams, if any, have underachieved more than New Orleans this season. That said, the Saints still have a path to winning the NFC South. This week’s contest in Tampa Bay is an absolute must-win.
Next: at TB, vs. ATL
24. Atlanta Falcons (7-8) 
Previous Rank: No. 25
Last Game: Falcons 29, Colts 10
The Atlanta Falcons' seesaw of a season continued last week with a blowout win against the Colts. Atlanta has a talented roster on both sides of the ball, but the team has been maddeningly inconsistent. The Falcons continue to play musical chairs at quarterback, with Taylor Heinicke getting his second stint as the starting quarterback.
Atlanta’s season is on the line this week in Chicago against an ascending Bears team.
Next: at CHI, at NO
25. Tennessee Titans (5-10) 
Previous Rank: No. 24
Last Game: Seahawks 20, Titans 17
The Tennessee Titans had a chance to steal a win from Seattle last week, but Ryan Tannehill’s offense provided little support. Through the rest of the season, Mike Vrabel’s Titans can play spoiler against division rivals Houston and Jacksonville.
Next: at HOU, vs. JAX
26. New York Jets (6-9) 
Previous Rank: No. 28
Last Game: Jets 30, Commanders 28
The New York Jets' offense has now enjoyed two spike weeks in its last three games, although the unit was shut out by Miami in between.
What’s more surprising for the Jets is their defense has given up 58 points in the past two games. That includes a comeback surge from Jacoby Brissett last week. If New York’s defense can return to form, it can give Cleveland a game on Thursday night.
Next: at CLE (TNF), at NE
27. New York Giants (5-10) 
Previous Rank: No. 26
Last Game: Eagles 33, Giants 25
Two freak plays kept the New York Giants in last week’s game against the Eagles. Beyond that, New York has put together a number of scrappy efforts on defense, but it has had one of the league’s most unwatchable offenses.
Whether Tommy DeVito or Tyrod Taylor starts this week won’t change much down the stretch.
Next: vs. LAR, vs. PHI
28. Arizona Cardinals (3-12) 
Previous Rank: No. 27
Last Game: Bears 27, Cardinals 16
The Arizona Cardinals are now 2-4 since Kyler Murray’s return in Week 10. Arizona is far from a dependable team, but it has been more dangerous during that stretch. Murray’s passing attack could show some ceiling against the Eagles’ beatable secondary.
Next: at PHI, vs. SEA
29. New England Patriots (4-11) 
Previous Rank: No. 30
Last Game: Patriots 26, Broncos 23
Sometimes winning the battle leads to losing the war. The New England Patriots have won two of their last three, but that could cost them a new future at quarterback in this year’s draft.
Still, the Patriots may have cost the Steelers and Broncos playoff berths in the past weeks. You have to give Bill Belichick credit for keeping this team competitive.
Next: at BUF, vs. NYJ
30. Los Angeles Chargers (5-10) 
Previous Rank: No. 32
Last Game: Bills 24, Chargers 22
After the Los Angeles Chargers' embarrassing loss to the Raiders, they took the Bills to the brink Saturday night. Buffalo often plays to the level of its competition, but the Chargers deserve credit for a monumentally better effort.
Los Angeles will have its hands full with divisional rivals Denver and Kansas City to finish the year.
Next: at DEN, vs. KC
31. Washington Commanders (4-11) 
Previous Rank: 29
Last Game: Jets 30, Commanders 28
Jacoby Brissett has made two tremendous relief appearances in each of the last two weeks.
In both contests, he turned two blowouts into much closer games. Unfortunately, the Washington Commanders face two top-five teams with premium pass rushes to close out the year.
Next: vs. SF, vs. DAL
32. Carolina Panthers (2-13) 
Previous Rank: No. 31
Last Game: Packers 33, Panthers 30
On the bright side, Bryce Young had his best game as a pro last week against a talented Packers defense.
On the downside, the Carolina Panthers still have the worst record in football, but the Bears have the Panthers’ first-round pick.
Next: at JAX, vs. TB
