It’s bittersweet to say, but we are entering Week 18. It has gone quickly, and it also means this will be the final NFL Power Rankings featuring all 32 teams, as it will be trimmed to the teams still alive once we enter the playoffs.
Nearly all of the spots in the NFL Playoffs are up for grabs, but there are a couple that need to be decided yet. In the NFC, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in if they win. However, a loss and an Atlanta Falcons win means the Falcons would win the NFC South and claim the No. 4 seed. Also in the NFC, the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings face off for the crown in the NFC North and the first overall seed in the conference.
The AFC has more teams alive, but there is still only one spot remaining. If the Denver Broncos defeat a Carson Wentz-led Chiefs, then they will claim that spot. However, a Denver loss and a Cincinnati Bengals are in. They would be very hot at the right time. Should both of those teams lose and the Miami Dolphins win, then the Dolphins somehow would sneak in.
Our weekly NFL Power Rankings will be released here on FlurrySports every Tuesday, so make sure to check them out every single week to see which direction your team is trending. As always, these power rankings factor in both how a team is playing right now as well and their actual ability to win a Super Bowl. This seems to be hard to comprehend for some, but I believe you can do it.
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NFL Power Rankings For Week 18
1) Kansas City Chiefs (Wk16 Ranking: 1)
The Kansas City Chiefs locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC as well as our top seed in the NFL Power Rankings heading into the NFL Playoffs, unless something crazy happens. I have been saying all season long that this still is the best team in the NFL, and with a bit of rest to get healthier, and get their entire receiving corps involved in the offense, they will be favorites to win the Super Bowl once again.
2) Philadelphia Eagles (2)
The Philadelphia Eagles must get Jalen Hurts healthy. However, assuming their quarterback will be good to go for the postseason, this is the best team in the NFC. They may have the best defense in the league, and the offense can be as dominant as anyone’s as well.
3) Detroit Lions (3)
The Detroit Lions essentially stated that momentum and a winning mentality are more important than rest. I would agree with this, but this team is also really, really injured. They have a chance to win in Week 18 and earn a week off. Dan Campbell may ask to defer the bye week if given the choice.
4) Baltimore Ravens (4)
The Baltimore Ravens got back to their dominant ways this past week. When at their best, there isn’t an offense more dominant than the Ravens. This is because they are as physical as can be upfront and in their backfield, but they also have the speed to kill you downfield as well. Oh, and they also have the best quarterback in the NFL, and he is deserving of another MVP award.
5) Buffalo Bills (6)
The Buffalo Bills absolutely embarrassed the New York Jets. Now, it would benefit them long-term to lose to the Patriots this week. However, will they want this negative momentum heading into the postseason? Josh Allen is playing outstanding, but the defense must step up against tough opponents (especially tough opponents who can run the ball).
6) Minnesota Vikings (7)
The Minnesota Vikings somehow have earned themselves the right to play for the top overall seed in the NFC this week. That is bananas considering this team’s expectations and overall roster depth. They have remained healthy for the most part, and they are very dangerous when playing with a lead. However, they will fall behind at some point, and that will be the worry.
7) Pittsburgh Steelers (5)
The Pittsburgh Steelers completed the ridiculous gauntlet that the NFC schedule-makers presented them. Three losses in a row is not good. However, given the schedule, injuries, and the opponents they faced, it is what it is. With a few extra days off, we should expect the Steelers to smack the Bengals in the mouth. However, if they head into the postseason on a four-game losing streak, it could be another early exit for Pittsburgh.
8) Green Bay Packers (8)
The Green Bay Packers continue to lose against the class of the NFC, and Jordan Love continues to prove he is a mid-tier quarterback, despite what his contract suggests he is. Aside from the inaccurate QB who is 50/50 on his decisions and the lack of a pass rush on defense, this team has plenty of playmakers. However, they are unfortunately weak at two very crucial positions for this time of the year.
9) Washington Commanders (9)
Jayden Daniels is very good at football. Unfortunately, this team is still a year away from truly competing. The offense is good enough to make some noise in the playoffs and cause some headaches. However, the defense isn’t talented enough for this team to truly go on a run. There is no doubt this team and organization have exceeded expectations for 2024.
10) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10)
It’s a “win and you’re in” situation for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18. Luckily, all they have to do is defeat Spencer Rattler. Despite the injuries this season, the Tampa Bay offense remains solid. What may be the most surprising is how dominant the running game is for the Bucs, and it is good enough to lean in during this upcoming weekend and beyond. The defense, however, needs to step up for this team in order for them to keep playing.
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11) Los Angeles Chargers (11)
12) Denver Broncos (13)
13) Los Angeles Rams (14)
14) Houston Texans (12)
15) Atlanta Falcons (16)
16) Cincinnati Bengals (21)
17) Seattle Seahawks (15)
18) Miami Dolphins (18)
19) Arizona Cardinals (17)
20) San Francisco 49ers (20)
