FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Week 16 featured some truly entertaining games as teams jockey for the precious few playoff positions that remain. There are only two spots left in the AFC and three in the NFC with two games remaining in the 2024 regular season.
The NFL's elite teams have been known for quite some time now, but the middle class has grown very competitive. The NFC West and NFC South races have been particularly compelling, especially with the late emergence of the Los Angeles Rams and the new wrinkle Michael Penix Jr. provides down in Atlanta.
While we've got a pretty good idea of what much of the playoff picture will look like, the final few entries figure to be hard-won.
Here are my updated NFL power rankings after Week 16.
(14-1)
1
2
Kansas City Chiefs
Sure, this was another one-score win. But the Chiefs are getting better at exactly the right time.
(12-3)
2
Buffalo Bills
Second-half defensive turnovers saved the Bills on a rare off day for the offense.
(13-2)
3
1
Detroit Lions
Call an ambulance ... but not for the Lions!
(13-2)
4
1
Minnesota Vikings
This has been one of the most impressive teams all season. The NFC's No. 1 seed is in reach.
(12-3)
5
4
Philadelphia Eagles
The defense forced five turnovers but without Jalen Hurts, Philly's offense couldn't put the game away.
(11-4)
6
Green Bay Packers
Matt LaFleur wanted to see a complete game from his team, and that's exactly what he got.
(10-5)
7
Baltimore Ravens
Saturday's game felt like a playoff tune-up for Baltimore, and it looked great.
(10-5)
8
6
Washington Commanders
The comeback victory is a truly signature moment for Jayden Daniels ... and covered up some mistakes.
(9-6)
9
2
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are 8-2 after starting the year 1-4, and they have a straight path to the playoffs.
(10-5)
10
2
Pittsburgh Steelers
Russell Wilson's turnovers were crushing. The Steelers can't afford those with their style of play.
(9-6)
11
4
Los Angeles Chargers
I still don't fully know what to make of the Chargers, but they keep on winning.
(9-6)
12
2
Denver Broncos
Denver may be a year away from truly becoming a contender in the AFC.
(7-8)
13
4
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati is barely alive in the playoff picture, but I would not want to face them.
(8-7)
14
4
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons played one of their best games of the season and are back on top in the NFC South.
(8-6)
15
6
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay has been one of the hottest teams, and now it could be left out of the playoffs.
(9-6)
16
4
Houston Texans
Eight of Houston's nine wins have come against sub-.500 teams. Prayers up for Tank Dell.
(8-7)
17
4
Seattle Seahawks
Geno Smith's effort was valiant but the offense was too one-dimensional.
(7-8)
18
1
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys played like Sunday night was their playoff game. It was so much fun to watch.
(7-8)
19
1
Indianapolis Colts
What a performance from the Colts' run game. 335 yards on 50 attempts — I mean, WOW.
(7-8)
20
4
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona's playoff chances are over because of a slow start and some key mistakes by Kyler Murray.
(7-8)
21
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are still in playoff contention thanks to Devon Achane's big game.
(6-9)
22
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers could get a last-place schedule for 2025, settuing up a big bounce-back year.
(4-11)
23
2
Carolina Panthers
Carolina has some of the best vibes of any 4-11 team I've ever seen.
(4-11)
24
New York Jets
This team has its moments but its lack of attention to detail in situational football is fatal.
(5-10)
25
2
New Orleans Saints
The depleted Saints becamse the first group to be held to zero points all season.
(3-12)
26
1
New England Patriots
New England couldn't complete the upset bid, but Drake Maye outdueled Josh Allen. So, there's that.
(4-11)
27
1
Chicago Bears
Three straight three-and-outs followed by two fumbles to start the game is all you need to know.
(3-12)
28
3
Las Vegas Raiders
Brock Bowers is just 10 yards from the rookie receiving record for tight ends.
(3-12)
29
1
Tennessee Titans
Tennessee made the score look tolerable, but it allowed 38 straight points to the Colts.
(3-12)
30
2
Jacksonville Jaguars
The last three rookie WRs with 1,000 yards and 8 TDs: A.J. Brown, Ja'Marr Chase and Brian Thomas.
(3-12)
31
2
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are right back in quarterback purgatory with no end in sight.
(2-13)
32
New York Giants
Congratulations, Giants fans. You're two games away from being on the clock.
