Multiple Super Bowl contenders were pushed to the brink in Week 13 of the 2024 NFL season, but the best teams in the league have continued to separate themselves as the postseason draws closer.
With just five weeks remaining until the first week of the NFL playoffs, nearly every team is either pushing for a coveted playoff berth or is already preparing for the upcoming offseason.
See how each of these teams ranks in The Dallas Express Week 14 Power Rankings below:
1. Detroit Lions (Previous Ranking: 1)
Detroit is now the third straight NFC North team to walk away with a narrow win against the Chicago Bears, but winning any divisional games in any way is important for teams at this portion of the season. The Lions have continually looked like the top team in the NFC and remain the clear favorite to represent the conference in the Super Bowl.
2. Buffalo Bills (Previous Ranking: 2)
Josh Allen and the Bills have made a strong argument to be the favorite in the AFC, proving that they can win in multiple ways against solid opponents. Although the Bills do not have the most star power in the league outside of Allen, the team is built well on both offense and defense and has many of the ingredients needed to win a Super Bowl this season.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (Previous Ranking: 3)
Kansas City just keeps winning close games. The Chiefs have almost become underrated by many people, but this team should remain one of the favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. Although he has struggled during parts of this season, Patrick Mahomes is still the best quarterback in the league until he loses in the playoffs and should not be discounted during important games.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (Previous Ranking: 4)
Nearly every piece of this Eagles team has been performing well throughout this season, making Philadelphia one of the top contenders to win the NFC. The Eagles have some of the most explosive players in the league on offense and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has his side of the ball playing incredibly well at every level. While there still might be slight concerns leading into the playoffs, there is nothing major that will surely knock off the Eagles during the playoffs.
5. Green Bay Packers (Previous Ranking: 6)
The Packers have now put together back-to-back games that could be considered their best of the season. This team is still incredibly young and could be inconsistent in the final stretch of games, but a second-half-of-the-season hot streak could be coming in a similar fashion to what transpired last season. Green Bay will take on the Lions on Thursday in a game that will say a lot about both teams and their abilities to contend for the Super Bowl.
6. Minnesota Vikings (Previous Ranking: 7)
Many people presented concerns about how the Vikings would play in close games after a dominant start to the season, but back-to-back close wins that have involved game-winning drives by Sam Darnold likely ended some of these concerns. Now, the question is whether the Vikings can rely on Darnold to remain calm and perform this way once the playoffs begin.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (Previous Ranking: 8)
The Steelers have looked better as the season progresses and the offense has become more comfortable. Russell Wilson is not on the level of other elite quarterbacks in the AFC, but he does not have to be on that level for Pittsburgh to pull off wins. The Steelers’ defense looks dominant and the special teams unit has performed up to par all season, making Pittsburgh an incredibly dangerous team leading into the final portion of the season.
8. Baltimore Ravens (Previous Ranking: 5)
Every game that Baltimore plays seemingly involves one piece of the team struggling heavily, with the special teams unit completely falling apart in Week 13. While Justin Tucker was previously one of the most accurate and reliable kickers in the league, he has quickly become a major concern for the Ravens leading into the postseason. The Ravens have lost five games this season by 22 combined points, with Tuckers costing the Ravens 22 points through missed kicks in those losses. This issue is something Baltimore will have to fix soon.
9. Houston Texans (Previous Ranking: 9)
The Texans are a good team, but there are too many holes on this roster to be considered a great team this season. The biggest issues with this team are the struggles of the offensive line and questionable playcalling in the red zone, leading to an offensive unit that has been worse than expected leading into the year. While the Texans can still win games this season and should be considered a threat in the playoffs, the ideal time for this team to compete for a Super Bowl not be until next year.
10. Washington Commanders (Previous Ranking: 10)
The Commanders dismantled the Titans in Week 13 in a game that should demonstrate how good this team can play when everything is clicking. Washington has struggled on offense in recent weeks but finally put together an impressive performance against a bad team. While this team should not be considered one of the top contenders in the NFC due to this inconsistency, many other teams will also want to avoid an explosive Commanders team that can compete with anyone.
11. Denver Broncos (Previous Ranking: 11)
Bo Nix finally came back to earth on Monday night against the Cleveland Browns, but the Broncos still managed to walk away with a win due to multiple pick-sixes thrown by Jameis Winston. The Broncos are now 8-5 this season with a clear path to the playoffs, but that is likely the furthest this team will go this year. Denver has already exceeded expectations and could even win a wild card playoff game with the right matchup, but the hopes for a Super Bowl should not be taken too seriously with this team.
12. Los Angeles Chargers (Previous Ranking: 13)
The Chargers are a dangerous team that many contenders will want to avoid in the playoffs, but the overall talent on the roster may not be enough against the best teams. Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh has put together an incredibly impressive season and he should be in the running for the Coach of the Year Award, but the Chargers do not have the top level of talent across the board to compete for the Super Bowl. Another offseason with Harbaugh will help this team compete next season, but winning a playoff game is not out of the question due to the style of play and attention to detail displayed by this team.
13. Seattle Seahawks (Previous Ranking: 14)
Seattle now sits alone atop the NFC West and controls its own destiny in the hunt for the playoffs. There are still major concerns about the offensive line, but Geno Smith has been playing the best football of his career this season. The Seahawks may not have the best chances of winning a Super Bowl this season, but hosting a playoff game could spark a run to the NFC Championship game with the right matchups. Seattle is another team that opponents will proffer to avoid leading into the playoffs.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Previous Ranking: 16)
The return of Mike Evans combined with an easy schedule to end the season has already vaulted the Buccanneers back into the playoff hunt. Baker Mayfield has continued his impressive start to the season and led a 30-second field goal drive in Week 13 to keep the Buccaneers playoff hopes alive. Although Tampa Bay is not playing at the level that it was to begin the season, the Buccaneers are a formidable matchup for any team if they can find a way into the playoffs.
15. Arizona Cardinals (Previous Ranking: 12)
The Cardinals are another NFC West team with a legitimate shot at winning the division and hosting a playoff game, but the most important games for this team have still not taken place. Arizona still has three divisional matchups remaining against the 49ers, Rams, and Seahawks that will help determine which team wins that division. The Cardinals’ defense remains a major question mark for this team, but the performance of Kyler Murray has kept this team alive all season.
16. Los Angeles Rams (Previous Ranking: 19)
Los Angeles has moments where it looks like the best team in the NFC West, but there are other moments where the team looks like it belongs at the bottom of the conference. Matthew Stafford has struggled in recent weeks to find a rhythm and the Rams are just 2-2 in their last four games. Despite these struggles, Los Angeles could still win the NFC West and host a playoff game. While the Rams should not be favored to win the division or conference, the abilities of Stafford and Head Coach Sean McVay should not be discounted leading into the final regular season stretch.
17. Atlanta Falcons (Previous Ranking: 15)
Atlanta has now lost three straight games and is tied with the Buccanneers for first place in the division. Kirk Cousins has thrown six interceptions and zero touchdowns during this losing streak and has looked worse as the season continues, which is a concerning trend for a player coming off a major injury last season. The good news for Atlanta is that it holds the tiebreaker over Tampa Bay with wins in both matchups this year, but the remaining schedule could pose major issues for this team’s playoff chances. Something has to turn around for this team in the coming weeks to make a playoff appearance possible, but there is no sign as to what could prompt these changes.
18. Miami Dolphins (Previous Ranking: 17)
Miami was still alive for the postseason leading into Week 13, but a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Packers might have ended the hopes for a late playoff push. While the weather may not be the only factor working against the Dolphins in the second half of seasons, it has seemingly become an issue multiple times over the past few years. Miami will have to take a look at the construction roster of this team during the offseason to determine which major changes should be made to make a Super Bowl win possible.
19. San Francisco 49ers (Previous Ranking: 18)
The 49ers’ season has seemingly come to a close with the team now trailing the Seahawks by two full games for the lead in the NFC West, with the odds being even slimmer due to the losses against divisional opponents. San Francisco has had some of the worst injury luck in the league this season and lost multiple games in the closing minutes. With Christian McCaffrey now set to once again be on the injured reserve, the 49ers must begin preparing for next season.
20. Cincinnati Bengals (Previous Ranking: 20)
The Bengal’s defense has been one of the worst in the league and continues to cost this team wins this season. Cincinnati has lost three straight games despite scoring 99 points in those appearances, providing a clear indication of what has gone wrong throughout the year. The Bengals are now expecting to lose wide receiver Tee Higgins during the offseason and the Super Bowl window could be coming to a close faster than expected. Cincinnati will never be completely out of the hunt with Joe Burrow and Jamarr Chase on the team, but hitting on selections during the draft will be more important than ever.
21. New Orleans Saints (Previous Ranking: 21)
The Saints have looked better in recent weeks as more players return from injuries, but the slow start and continued impact of prior injuries have been too much to overcome for this team. New Orleans will be in an awkward position during the offseason due to the salary cap situation, presenting difficult decisions about which players should remain with the team. This team has enough talent to compete with many teams in the league, but the issues with the salary cap and various holes on this roster will prevent New Orleans from truly competing for a Super Bowl in the foreseeable future.
22. Indianapolis Colts (Previous Ranking: 24)
Anthony Richardson has looked very solid in recent weeks and the box scores do not demonstrate his entire impact. Despite missing multiple players with injuries, the Colts managed to win against the Patriots behind an impressive performance by Richardson. The Colts are still one or two years away from competing at the highest level, but this team has the right foundation for the future.
23. Dallas Cowboys (Previous Ranking: 26)
Dallas has now won two straight games and is technically back in the hunt for a playoff spot if everything goes right, but the Cowboys’ remaining schedule will be too difficult to overcome the plethora of injuries. The Cowboys have begun receiving impactful contributions from younger players on the team as they receive more playing time due to injuries, which will be important for the franchise as it looks to bounce back next season, With many of the players on this roster set to return next year, the Cowboys could put together a solid team with the right plan for the offseason.
24. Chicago Bears (Previous Ranking: 22)
Chicago finally decided to part ways with former Head Coach Matt Eberflus following a disastrous end to the game against Detroit. However, the franchise is now getting scrutinized for the manner in which the firing took place, with the team allowing Eberflus to conduct a media interview just hours before he was released. The Bears will likely receive a small boost from the personnel change and could take down the 49ers in Week 14, but there has been little indication that this team can actually compete against the best teams in the league. The future is bright for Chicago, but the current roster is not meant to compete in any meaningful way.
25. Cleveland Browns (Previous Ranking: 23)
Jameis Winston is a fun football player to watch, but that does not mean the Browns will win many games with him starting at quarterback. Cleveland does not seem far away from competing at very many positions, with the defense and special teams units still functioning well despite a poor season as a whole. While Winston is enjoyable to watch and can quickly put up points, the issues he brings with interceptions outweigh the benefits. The Browns must look at quarterback solutions for the long-term future.
26. New York Jets (Previous Ranking: 25)
The Jets have become a complete disaster. Despite the Jets’ special teams securing two fumbles and scoring a touchdown, the team managed just 21 points and lost to eh Seahawks in Week 13. Reports have now surfaced that Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall are unhappy with the offensive staff and players, indicating that the issues are much worse than initially expected. This season is already over for New York and the team should begin preparing for a new head coach, general manager, and quarterback next year.
27. Carolina Panthers (Previous Ranking: 28)
Bryce Young continued his impressive streak of games in Week 13 against the Buccaneers, throwing for 298 yards and picking up two total touchdowns in the loss. Young’s growth as a quarterback will allow the Panthers to pursue other positions in free agency and the draft, which will be incredibly meaningful for the team as it looks to continue building on this season. Although the Panthers have not won many games this season, the growth by Young and the rest of the team should not be taken lightly.
28. New England Patriots (Previous Ranking: 29)
The Patriots’ loss to the Colts in Week 13 was disappointing after the team played well for nearly the entire game, but this loss will prove to be more beneficial for the Patriots in their quest to be a respectable team next season. New England has the chance to secure a top pick in the draft and select a player who can be with the franchise for the foreseeable future, meaning losses are almost more valuable than wins for the remainder of the year.
29. Las Vegas Raiders (Previous Ranking: 30)
Las Vegas almost picked up an important win against the Chiefs in Week 13, but a fumble on their last offensive possession of the game sealed their fate against a divisional rival. The Raiders are like many of the teams near the bottom of the rankings with major holes on the roster and an even bigger concern at the quarterback position. Aidan O’Connell has performed better than expected at times this season, but he is not a player who can consistently win games in this league. Las Vegas must look into potential quarterback solutions moving forward.
30. Tennessee Titans (Previous Ranking: 27)
The Titans have a lot of issues on this roster that are keeping them from competing with any good teams, meaning the off-season plans should already be in full swing. Adding more pieces to this team will be paramount for whether it can compete in the future. While there are still a lot of questions surrounding Will Levis and his ability to perform, the Titans should look at the other holes on the roster and determine ways to fix those issues first.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (Previous Ranking: 31)
The Jaguars are now set to be without quarterback Trevor Lawrence for an extended period of time after he suffered a concussion in Week 13. While losing a starting quarterback is never ideal for a team, the Jaguars are now in line to receive one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. This team should begin evaluating all the different options for this selection, including whether to trade down and collect more assets for a team that already has multiple high-level players.
32. New York Giants (Previous Ranking: 32)
Every aspect of the Giants has looked bad this season. Week 13 featured the Giants losing another game to the Dallas Cowboys as this team has shown almost no ability to actively compete against solid teams. While there are a plethora of issues with this roster, the Giants must begin deciding which quarterbacks would be worth a high selection in the draft.