FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — This season has featured less parity and more polarization than any I can remember in recent NFL history. The league's elite teams have been clear from the jump, and it remained that way on Sunday.
A few notable teams like the Bengals, Dolphins and Rams have impressively managed to claw their way back into the mix after slow starts to the year, but they are the exception in 2024. Nearly everything is settled in the playoff pictures with only one spot up for grabs in each conference. Nevertheless, there is a lot at stake in terms of seeding in Week 18, which should make for a lot of entertaining action.
Here are my updated NFL power rankings after Week 17.
(15-1)
1
Kansas City Chiefs
After all the hand-wringing this season, the Chiefs are the No. 1 seed yet again.
(13-3)
2
Buffalo Bills
It feels like the Bills have cooled off a bit, and they still put up 40 points Sunday.
(14-2)
3
Detroit Lions
No team's depth has been tested like Detroit's, and you'd never know it by watching them.
(14-2)
4
Minnesota Vikings
The first three quarters against Green Bay are all I care about. What a statement by the Vikings.
(13-3)
5
Philadelphia Eagles
No Jalen Hurts? No problem. The NFC playoffs are going to be so much fun.
(11-5)
6
1
Baltimore Ravens
A good run game is essential in the playoffs, and Baltimore has the league's best.
(11-5)
7
1
Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels' legend keeps growing.
(11-5)
8
2
Green Bay Packers
I still think the Packers are a good team, but they can't seem to crack that top tier.
(9-7)
9
6
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Look up "peaking at the right time" and you'll find a picture of Tampa Bay's logo.
(10-6)
10
1
Los Angeles Chargers
That was the Chargers' best game in a while. I don't even care who it was against.
(8-8)
11
2
Cincinnati Bengals
It's crazy how small the margins are in the NFL, and the Bengals were due for one of those.
(10-6)
12
3
Los Angeles Rams
It's not that I don't like the Rams. It's just that I like other teams a bit more.
(10-6)
13
3
Pittsburgh Steelers
Take what I said about Tampa Bay and flip it.
(9-7)
14
2
Denver Broncos
A win gets Denver in the playoffs, and it looks like the Chiefs will sit some starters.
(9-7)
15
2
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle is 5-2 since its bye week, but it was too little too late.
(8-8)
16
2
Atlanta Falcons
Sunday night's game felt like a microcosm of Atlanta's season.
(9-7)
17
1
Houston Texans
No part of the Texans' offense gives me the warm and fuzzies right now.
(8-8)
18
3
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are 6-2 after starting 2-6. A win and a Denver loss gets them in the playoffs.
(6-10)
19
3
San Francisco 49ers
Missed kicks set the 49ers back Monday night, but the team was up for that game.
(7-9)
20
2
Dallas Cowboys
Four turnovers fueled the Eagles' route and ended any good feelings in Dallas.
(7-9)
21
1
Arizona Cardinals
Watching the season bounce off your star tight end's helmet is a rough way to go.
(7-9)
22
3
Indianapolis Colts
With their playoff hopes still alive, the Colts lost to the 2-13 Giants. Not what you want.
(4-12)
23
Carolina Panthers
The Bryce Young and Adam Thielen connection was legit. Everything else was not.
(5-11)
24
1
New Orleans Saints
It's tough to win games going 1 of 10 on third down.
(4-12)
25
1
New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers' passer rating: 44. Tyrod Taylor's passer rating: 131.
(4-12)
26
2
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have matched their win total from the first 15 weeks in their last two games.
(4-12)
27
Chicago Bears
A 4-2 start to the season has snowballed into pure misery for Bears fans.
(4-12)
28
2
Jacksonville Jaguars
Brian Thomas may be my new favorite player. He's definitely Mac Jones'.
(3-13)
29
3
New York Giants
Serious question: Are Giants fans happy to have won that game?
(3-13)
30
4
New England Patriots
Drake Maye needs more help around him. Good thing the Pats are in line for the No. 1 pick.
(3-13)
31
2
Tennessee Titans
The Titans enter yet another offseason with major questions at quarterback.
(3-13)
32
1
Cleveland Browns
The Browns restructured Deshaun Watson's contract, but he doesn't appear to be going anywhere.
