Just seven weeks remain in the 2024 NFL Season but this week marks the first time all year that a team has managed to unseat the Kansas City Chiefs for first place in The Dallas Express Power Rankings.
Playoff hunts are beginning to come down between just a few teams in the conference and division, meaning every game is becoming even more important for teams looking to make a run in the postseason.
See where every team ranks in The Dallas Express Power Rankings heading into Week 12 of the NFL Season below:
1. Detroit Lions (Previous Ranking: 2)
Detroit has continued to look like the best team in the NFL throughout the majority of this season, once again destroying one of the worst teams in the league in Week 11. The Lions have one of the most well-rounded rosters in the league and should be the clear favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
2. Buffalo Bills (Previous Ranking: 4)
The Bills took down an undefeated Kansas City Chiefs team to give themselves the chance to compete for the top seed in the AFC. While this was an important win to keep Buffalo in the hunt for home-field advantage during the entire AFC playoffs, it is not something that we have not seen from the Bills in the past. Buffalo has now won four straight regular-season games against the Chiefs, but this win should be no indication of whether this team can overcome their demons once the playoffs begin.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (Previous Ranking: 1)
The Chiefs were destined to lose a game this season at some point. Kansas City has seven wins this season by one possession and was bound to lose at some point during this run. Losing in Week 11 should not be a major concern for the Chiefs as they are now expected to get Isiah Pacheco back within the next few weeks. Kansas City still has the best quarterback, coach, and defense in the league and should be one of the favorites to win the AFC.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (Previous Ranking: 5)
The Eagles have now rattled off five straight wins since their bye week and have performed well in nearly all of those games. Philadelphia now has firm control over the NFC East and has a clear path to the top seed in the conference. The Eagles have one of the most stacked offenses in the league and the defense has improved drastically since last season, setting this team up to be one of the biggest contenders in the NFC once the playoffs begin.
5. Baltimore Ravens (Previous Ranking: 3)
Baltimore once again lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 11 as Lamar Jackson continued to struggle against the Ravens’ biggest division rival. A concerning trend for the Ravens is their tendency to abandon the run game in important games, which is a trend that dates back multiple seasons since Jackson’s arrival to the franchise. Baltimore can compete with any team in the league with the correct game plan and mindset, but these factors are seemingly becoming even bigger question marks as the season continues.
6. Green Bay Packers (Previous Ranking: 6)
A win is a win. The Packers walked away with a close win against the Chicago Bears in Week 11 in a game where many aspects of the team felt disjointed. The best teas in the league often find ways to win games that they are supposed to lose based on their performance, and that is what Green Bay did against Chicago. There are still major concerns about this team such as the ineffective pass rush, Jordan Love’s decision-making, and the issues with red zone playcalling, but the Packers have the talent to compete with nearly every team when they are playing at their best.
7. Minnesota Vikings (Previous Ranking: 8)
The Vikings have continued to prove themselves as one of the best teams in the league after starting the season 8-2 with a plethora of impressive wins over playoff teams. Minnesota does not have an incredibly difficult schedule to finish the season, but they do have matchups against both the Packers and Lions in games that will likely be incredibly important for all three teams.
8. Houston Texans (Previous Ranking: 10)
The Texans have moments when they look explosive and unstoppable, but there are also moments when Houston looks completely disjointed on both sides of the ball. Nico Collins’ return to the lineup was a clear boost to the offense during their Week 11 rout of the Cowboys, as he took a screen pass 70 yards to the endzone on the first play of the game before it was called back for an ineligible man downfield. Small tweaks to both the offense and defense should have the Texans back in contention by the time the playoffs begin.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (Previous Ranking: 11)
The Pittsburgh Steelers are officially in the top 10 of the Dallas Express Power Rankings for the first time this season. The addition of Russell Wilson into the starting quarterback role has taken this offense to a different level, as the team is averaging 27.25 points per game in his four appearances. Although the Steelers failed to score a touchdown in Week 11, this team plays some of the best complimentary football in the entire league with one of the best defensive units and coaching staff. Pittsburgh should be taken seriously once the playoffs begin as this team could beat any opponent in a singular matchup.
10. Washington Commanders (Previous Ranking: 7)
The Commanders have now looked unimpressive for the past four weeks after starting the season as one of the most impressive teams in the league. This team is still very young and will likely experience growing pains against some of the better teams in the league. The good news for Washington is that the impressive start helped to a 7-4 record with a clear path to the playoffs, as the remaining schedule for this team is not difficult and could result in an 11 or 12-win season.
11. Arizona Cardinals (Previous Ranking: 12)
The Cardinals have firm control over the NFC West division and are currently on track to finish with the third overall seed in the NFC playoff standings. Arizona still has four divisional games to finish the season, with each game being incredibly important on which team will make it out of the division. With every other team in that division sitting at exactly 5-5, the Cardinals can take an even bigger lead with a Week 12 win against the Seattle Seahawks.
12. Los Angeles Chargers (Previous Ranking: 13)
The Chargers have continued to win this season with a relatively easy schedule, but the most impressive victory of the season came against the Bengals in Week 11. Los Angeles scored a season-high 34 points in the shootout win, marking significant growth for a team that is largely focused on running the ball. Justin Herbert has been playing like one of the best quarterbacks in the league and the Chargers have the potential to make a run in the playoffs with the right matchups.
13. Denver Broncos (Previous Ranking: 18)
Sean Payton has this Denver team playing incredibly well through the first 11 weeks of the season, resulting in the largest improvement in The Dallas Expres Power Rankings of any team this week. Demolishing the Falcons in Week 11 put Denver a full game ahead of the Colts in the current AFC standings as the Broncos look to continue their unexpected run to the playoffs. The Broncos’ defense continues to impress while the offense has seemingly improved every week of the season, making Denver one of the most dangerous wild-card teams if the playoffs began today.
14. San Francisco 49ers (Previous Ranking: 9)
Losing to the Seahawks in Week 11 was devastating for the 49ers, as the team is now just 5-5 and has a record of 1-3 against divisional opponents. The initial belief was that San Francisco would be fine if it was around .500 when Christian McCaffrey returned, but that has not been the case through the first two games. The 49ers struggled to win against the Buccanneers in Week 10 and once again collapsed on defense in the final minutes to lose in Week 11. San Francisco has a difficult schedule remaining this season and may have to win the division to make the playoffs, making the 1-3 record against divisional opponents even more meaningful.
15. Atlanta Falcons (Previous Ranking: 14)
The Falcons have now lost two straight games and are likely out of the running for the first seed in the NFC playoffs, but Atlanta still has strong control over the NFC South and should still be guaranteed a playoff berth. The Falcons’ offense has struggled in the last two weeks as teams get more pressure on Kirk Cousins, who was already one of the less mobile quarterbacks in the league and is even slower following his Achilles tear last season. Atlanta will also have to find ways to pressure opposing quarterbacks, as the Falcons have been amongst the worst in the league at forcing pressures.
16. Seattle Seahawks (Previous Ranking: 19)
Geno Smith kept the Seahawks alive for the playoffs with his last-second touchdown against the 49ers in Week 11. A loss would have put the Seahawks two full games behind the Cardinals and 49ers for first place in the division. Instead, the Seahawks will have a chance to win the division and sneak into the playoffs. Seattle still has one of the worst offensive lines in the league but Smith has managed to get the ball out quick enough to account for additional pressure from defensive lines. A fully healthy Seahawks team has the potential to cause a lot of disruption in the NFC and could end the playoff hopes of all the teams in its division.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Previous Ranking: 17)
Tampa Bay will have an uphill climb to make the playoffs over the next seven weeks, likely having to finish their remaining games with a record of 6-1 to compete for either the divisional title or a shot at a wild card spot. Mike Evans is expected to return in either Week 12 or 13, which should provide a boost to the Buccaneers passing game. Tampa Bay does not have an incredibly difficult schedule to finish the season, but running the table is difficult for any team in the second half of the season.
18. Los Angeles Rams (Previous Ranking: 16)
The Rams are in the same spot as every other team in their division, with the only likely path to the playoffs coming from winning the NFC West. Los Angeles is currently 2-1 in divisional games and will have to play all three of the NFC West one more time this season. Both the Rams’ offense and defense have shown the ability to be very effective, but these two units have been unable to sync up during certain games. Los Angeles will have to come prepared to play for the rest of the season if it hopes to make a run in the playoffs.
19. Miami Dolphins (Previous Ranking: 21)
There is a world where the Dolphins can make a push for the playoffs despite starting just 4-6, but that would mean this team has to finish either 7-0 or 6-1 for the rest of the season. Miami has looked much better since Tua Tagovailoa returned to the lineup, but the disastrous start of the season will likely end the chances for the playoffs. The Dolphins’ defense does not have the personnel to consistently slow down top quarterbacks and the offense has been questionable all season. With multiple holes on this roster, the Dolphins should already be evaluating which players could fit on the team next season.
20. Cincinnati Bengals (Previous Ranking: 15)
The curtains might be closing for the Bengals this season. Cincinnati is just 4-7 this season and firmly out of the hunt for a playoff appearance. The Bengals’ offense has been explosive all season, but the defense is seemingly unable to get stops against any functional offenses. Rounding out the defensive unit will be paramount for the Bengals’ success in the future, but that will not come this season unless major changes are made in some way.
21. Chicago Bears (Previous Ranking: 20)
Another week and another devastating loss for the Bears. Teams often collect a win after making a coaching change due to a major bump in their energy, but Chicago fell to the Packers for the 11th straight time in Week 11 despite looking better than the weeks before. Chicago has serious issues with the coaching staff, with multiple losses coming from questionable choices by Head Coach Matt Eberflus. At just 4-6 and fourth in the NFC North with a tough remaining schedule, the Bears’ hopes for a playoff appearance are likely coming to a close.
22. New Orleans Saints (Previous Ranking: 24)
New Orleans has looked better over the past two weeks after losing seven straight games, but that losing streak will still keep the Saints out of the playoffs by the end of the season. Injuries continue to plague this team and there is a solid chance multiple impactful players will miss the remainder of the season. While the yearly revival of Taysom Hill has been fun to watch, the Saints should begin focusing on evaluating which players will be with the franchise for the foreseeable future.
23. Indianapolis Colts (Previous Ranking: 26)
Indianapolis has been a roller coaster through the first 11 weeks of the season, but the Colts are still 5-6 and have a shot to make the playoffs if they find their stride to finish the year. The Colts have a tough game against the Lions coming in Week 12 but do not have a difficult schedule to end the season. A Week 15 matchup against the Broncos could determine which of these teams sneaks into the AFC playoffs as the seventh seed, but Anthony Richardson will have to continue his solid performances for this to become a reality.
24. New York Jets (Previous Ranking: 22)
The Jets have officially announced a decision to fire General Manager Joe Douglas in yet another significant personnel change for the organization. After starting the season with playoff expectations and Super Bowl hopes, the Jets are one of the worst teams in the league with a record of just 3-8. There is little hope remaining for this season and massive questions that will have to be answered during the offseason.
25. Cleveland Browns (Previous Ranking: 25)
Jameis Winston stepped into the role of starting quarterback for the Browns after Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles, leading the team to a record of just 1-2 in his three full starts. The Browns have a lot of work to do in the offseason on both sides of the ball, meaning the remainder of this season should be about finding players who can make meaningful contributions in the coming years. With a difficult schedule to finish the season, the Browns could be competing for a top pick in the NFL Draft.
26. Carolina Panthers (Previous Ranking: 27)
The Panthers have seemingly found their stride over the past three weeks, winning two straight games before their bye in Week 11. However, the Panthers’ stride is unlikely to last with a matchup against the Chiefs scheduled for Week 12. The good news for Carolina is that this team looks drastically improved from last season, but there are still major holes on this roster that will have to be addressed in the offseason. The Panthers can continue their growth this season but the most important part of the year is still yet to come.
27. Dallas Cowboys (Previous Ranking: 23)
Dallas must make a decision about how it wants this season to play out. Naming Cooper Rush as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season might result in a few more wins against bad teams, but Dallas should not be focused on winning games now that the playoffs are out of reach. The Cowboys should instead play Trey Lance for every snap possible this season. If Lance proves to be a truly bad quarterback, then Dallas will continue to lose and finish with a top pick in the draft. But if Lance steps onto the field and shows he can be effective, Dallas will then know that he can be a serviceable backup quarterback for the future behind Dak Prescott.
28. New England Patriots (Previous Ranking: 28)
Drake Maye has continued to look like the answer at quarterback for the Patriots, but the rest of the offensive personnel needs drastic changes for this team to be competitive next season. New England must focus on adding offensive linemen and impactful pass catchers to this roster during the offseason, which are two position groups the Patriots have struggled to get right for the last few years.
29. Tennessee Titans (Previous Ranking: 30)
The Titans only managed to score 13 points in a Week 11 loss to the Vikings, but Will Levis flashed the potential to be a solid NFL quarterback if he continues to grow over the next few seasons. Although Levis is unlikely to be one of the top players in the league at any point in his career, the Titans should look at ways to build around him to give him the best chance to succeed. Once there is a competent roster around him, the Titans can truly evaluate the second-year quarterback and determine whether a change is needed in the future.
30. Las Vegas Raiders (Previous Ranking: 31)
The Raiders must begin looking at the quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft to pair with tight end Brock Bowers, who has flashed the potential to be one of the best pass catchers in the entire league. Questions remain about whether certain players and coaches will be with the team next season, but there needs to be a change at quarterback to help this team compete next season and in the future.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (Previous Ranking: 29)
Jacksonville will have a bye in Week 12 after losing six straight games, including an embarrassing 52-6 loss to the Lions that was the largest in franchise history. The Jaguars’ roster is not completely devoid of talent, but injuries and poor coaching have doomed this team to having one of the top selections in the NFL Draft. Small adjustments to this roster and leadership could help Jacksonville be more competitive in the 2025 season, but the hope of winning anything significant this season is already gone.
32. New York Giants (Previous Ranking: 32)
New York has officially opted to bench Daniel Jones in favor of Tommy DeVito, marking a likely end to Jones’s six-year career with the franchise. New York has lost five straight games and is currently on pace to have one of the top 3 selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. The front office must get this eventual selection correct if the franchise wants to rebuild within any short timeframe.
