With three weeks remaining in the 2024 NFL season, teams are still positioning themselves for the best situation possible for the playoffs. The injury to Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes may be the catalyst for the Buffalo Bills to reach home-field advantage. The Bills’ 48-42 victory over the Detroit Lions may indicate that the team may have turned the corner. In previous years, the Bills have greatly underachieved in the postseason despite having one of the league’s top QBs under center, Josh Allen.
In the NFC, the Detroit Lions still sit at the top of the NFC playoff picture, but their current standing could soon change. Because of their loss to Buffalo, the Lions are now tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for the number one seed in the conference. However, the edge would still go to the Lions because they have a better conference record than the Eagles. It will be quite interesting to see how both teams finish down the stretch as the postseason nears.
1. Eagles (12-2)
The Eagles are the hottest team in the NFL, riding an impressive nine-game win streak. With their passing game firing on all cylinders against the Steelers last week, the Eagles remain the class of the NFC East. A challenging road game against the Commanders awaits, but Philadelphia looks primed to claim home-field advantage in the playoffs.
2. Bills (11-3)
Buffalo’s dominant win over Detroit showcased why they remain one of the league’s most dangerous teams. The Bills’ high-powered offense, led by MVP frontrunner Josh Allen, makes them a nightmare for opponents. Scoring 40 points may be the only way to keep up with this juggernaut.
Photo courtesy of USA Today.
3. Chiefs (13-1)
The Chiefs reclaimed the top spot last week but face challenges with Patrick Mahomes dealing with an injury. Three games in 10 days will test this team’s depth as they battle for the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
4. Lions (12-2)
Detroit’s loss to the Bills highlighted concerns about their defense, which injuries to Alim McNeill and Carlton Davis have now hit. Despite their dynamic offense, the Lions’ defensive vulnerabilities could be their undoing in January.
5. Vikings (12-2)
While not their sharpest performance, the Vikings secured another win against the Bears. A division title is within reach, but a trip to Seattle this week will be a significant test for this resilient squad.
6. Packers (10-4)
Green Bay showcased their physicality by dominating the Seahawks on Sunday night. With a balanced attack and an opportunistic defense, the Packers are a legitimate NFC contender.
7. Steelers (10-4)
An anemic offensive showing against the Eagles has raised questions about Russell Wilson’s consistency. With a divisional showdown against the Ravens looming, the Steelers must address their offensive struggles.
8. Ravens (9-5)
Coming off a dominant win over the Giants, Baltimore looks rejuvenated after their bye week. With a critical matchup against the Steelers on tap, the Ravens have a chance to solidify their playoff standing.
9. Broncos (9-5)
Despite Bo Nix’s rough outing against the Colts, Denver’s defense stepped up in a gritty win. The Broncos’ ability to make big plays on defense keeps them in the playoff hunt.
10. Rams (8-6)
Sean McVay deserves major credit for guiding the Rams to the NFC West lead. Their win over the 49ers showcased this team’s grit and resilience.
11. Buccaneers (8-6)
With key players returning from injury, Tampa Bay looks poised for a strong playoff push. Baker Mayfield is enjoying his best season yet, proving he can lead this team.
12. Commanders (9-5)
Washington dominated the Saints for most of the game but faltered late, nearly letting the victory slip away. A showdown with the Eagles will test their mettle.
13. Texans (9-5)
Houston has locked up the AFC South, but their offense remains inconsistent. The next three weeks will be crucial for fine-tuning ahead of the playoffs.
14. Chargers (8-6)
A dismal showing against the Buccaneers has put Los Angeles on the ropes. Thursday night’s road game against the Broncos is now a must-win.
15. Seahawks (8-6)
Injuries to Geno Smith and a tough loss to the Packers have dampened Seattle’s playoff hopes. The Seahawks face a daunting schedule to close the season.
16. Falcons (7-7)
Atlanta’s ugly win over the Raiders keeps them alive in the NFC South race, but a new quarterback will lead them. On Tuesday, it was reported that Falcons head coach Raheem Morris had decided to bench Kirk Cousins and insert rookie Michael Penix into the starting lineup. With three games remaining, the NFC South has become a two-team race between the Falcons and the Buccaneers.
17. Cardinals (7-7)
Kyler Murray rebounded from a rough stretch with a strong performance against the Patriots, keeping Arizona’s playoff hopes alive.
18. Dolphins (6-8)
Tua Tagovailoa struggled mightily in the loss to Houston, putting Miami on the brink of elimination.
19. Cowboys (6-8)
Dallas kept its slim playoff hopes alive with a dominant defensive effort against the Panthers. They’ll need more consistency to make a serious push.
20. Bengals (6-8)
Joe Burrow has played at an MVP level, but Cincinnati’s playoff hopes are slim due to a porous defense and a lack of key wins.
21. 49ers (6-8)
Brock Purdy’s struggles against the Rams highlighted San Francisco’s limitations. Another loss could officially end their playoff aspirations.
22. Colts (6-8)
Jonathan Taylor’s costly fumble against the Broncos could define Indianapolis’ season. They need to regroup quickly to keep their playoff hopes alive.
23. Saints (5-9)
If Spencer Rattler had started in the first half against the Commanders, the game might not be nearly as close.
24. Jets (4-10)
Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams finally connected in a win over the Jaguars, offering a glimpse of what might have been this season.
25. Panthers (3-11)
Bryce Young’s progress took a step back in the loss to the Cowboys. Carolina is now fully focused on building for the future.
26. Jaguars (3-11)
Rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has been a bright spot in an otherwise lost season. Jacksonville has work to do in the offseason to improve.
27. Bears (4-10)
Chicago’s downward spiral continues, and a coaching change feels inevitable. The focus has shifted to preparing for 2025.
28. Patriots (3-11)
Drake Maye’s development remains inconsistent. The Patriots need to give their rookie quarterback more freedom to throw in the final weeks.
29. Titans (3-11)
Will Levis’s tenure as the starter appear to be over? Tennessee will be in the market for a quarterback this offseason.
30. Browns (3-11)
The Jameis Winston experience has come to an end in Cleveland. All signs point to Deshaun Watson being the projected starter for the Browns in 2025.
31. Raiders (2-12)
Desmond Ridder isn’t the answer at quarterback, but the silver lining is that Las Vegas is in a prime position to draft their next franchise signal-caller.
32. Giants (2-12)
New York’s disastrous season could lead to significant changes in the organization. Brian Daboll’s future as head coach is uncertain.
