It’s a brief week for some NFL groups seeking to make their ultimate push towards the postseason.
The Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens all play on Christmas Day, with the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears enjoying on Thursday night time.
Week 15 noticed the standings for the playoffs get a bit tighter. The sixth and seventh seeds within the AFC nonetheless must be decided, whereas the Inexperienced Bay Packers clinched a playoff berth within the NFC with the Washington Commanders hoping they might shut issues out and clinch a wild-card spot as nicely. The NFC South and West divisions nonetheless must be decided as nicely.
The Payments are nonetheless the highest group within the NFL, and two wins coupled with two Chiefs losses within the ultimate two weeks of the season would give them dwelling subject benefit within the playoffs.
Learn beneath to see how the remainder of the facility rankings shake out after Week 15.
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1. Buffalo Payments (12-3)
Buffalo Payments operating again James Cook dinner runs with the ball for a landing towards the New England Patriots through the first half at Highmark Stadium. (Gregory Fisher-Imagn Photographs)
The Payments didn’t play nice towards the Patriots on Sunday however nonetheless managed to discover a strategy to win. Their common season goes nice, however this group will likely be judged solely on what occurs within the postseason, in order that’s all that issues now.
Final week: 1
2. Detroit Lions (13-2)
Detroit Lions operating again Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates a landing towards the Chicago Bears with extensive receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and extensive receiver Tim Patrick through the first half at Soldier Subject in Chicago on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (IMAGN)
Jared Goff within the chilly was a nightmare ready to occur, but he might need turned in his most spectacular efficiency of the season. Goff is on the surface trying in, however he most positively deserves to be most likely third within the MVP rankings behind Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. This group’s offense is just too scary.
Final week: 4
3. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (14-1)
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs tight finish Travis Kelce (87) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes after Mahomes’ landing towards the Houston Texans through the first half at GEHA Subject at Arrowhead Stadium. (Denny Medley-Imagn Photographs)
Kansas Metropolis is one win away from securing home-field benefit within the playoffs after one other one-possession win, albeit one which felt a bit extra snug than their different squeakers this yr. By all accounts, the Chiefs seem like they’re peaking late simply in time once more after strolling on water all yr.
Final week: 3
4. Minnesota Vikings (13-2)
Minnesota Vikings extensive receiver Justin Jefferson celebrates after catching a landing move towards the Seattle Seahawks through the fourth quarter at Lumen Subject. (Joe Nicholson-Imagn Photographs)
Sam Darnold is over his transient droop and Justin Jefferson is trying like his OPOY self. They wrap up their season towards the Packers and Lions, so we’ll see the place they really stand. They’re driving excessive after an enormous win in a swamp in Seattle.
Final week: 5
5. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3)
Philadelphia Eagles operating again Saquon Barkley stands on the sphere throughout a timeout towards the Washington Commanders through the third quarter at Northwest Stadium. (Geoff Burke-Imagn Photographs)
The Eagles had been one late DeVonta Smith catch away from sealing the sport regardless of quarterback Jalen Hurts leaving the sport within the first quarter with a concussion. As a substitute, the Eagles couldn’t put the sport away and have become the second group to lose a recreation regardless of their protection forcing 5 turnovers. The Eagles’ 20-game profitable streak was snapped with the loss, and their hopes of getting the 1 seed within the NFC is now extremely unlikely. The most important story for the remainder of the common season in Philadelphia is the well being of Hurts.
Final week: 2
6. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
Baltimore Ravens operating again Derrick Henry (22) runs for a acquire defended by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen within the first quarter at M&T Financial institution Stadium. (Mitch Stringer-Imagn Photographs)
Lamar Jackson stays within the NFL MVP dialog. The 2-time MVP threw three touchdowns within the 34-17 victory over the Steelers to assist Baltimore clinch a playoff berth. The Ravens now flip their focus to the Houston Texans for a Christmas Day recreation.
Final week: 7
7. Inexperienced Bay Packers (11-4)
Inexperienced Bay Packers operating again Josh Jacobs runs for a primary down towards the New Orleans Saints, Monday, December 23, 2024, at Lambeau Subject in Inexperienced Bay, Wis. (IMAGN)
Their protection posted the primary shutout in your entire NFL on Monday night time. It’s not their fault they play in a stacked division, however Sunday afternoon in Minnesota may show simply the place this group stands amongst their friends.
Final week: 6
8. Washington Commanders (10-5)
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels celebrates after throwing the game-winning landing through the fourth quarter towards the Philadelphia Eagles at Northwest Stadium. (Peter Casey-Imagn Photographs)
Regardless of turning the ball over 5 occasions, the Washington Commanders nonetheless managed to win. Quarterback Jayden Daniels overcame two interceptions, together with one late within the fourth quarter, and threw 5 touchdowns within the group’s comeback win. If the Commanders win subsequent week, they’ll have secured a playoff spot in head coach Dan Quinn’s first season with the group. With the surprising success the Commanders have had this season, Quinn is a front-runner for Coach of the Yr and Daniels is the front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Yr.
Final week: 10
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)
Roquan Smith tackles Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson through the first half at M&T Financial institution Stadium. (Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Photographs)
The Steelers appear to be feeling the affect of not having extensive receiver George Pickens. Pittsburgh’s offense has averaged lower than 250 whole yards throughout Pickens’ three-game absence. Whereas Pickens just isn’t the only real motive the Steelers’ offense has struggled not too long ago, his eventual return to the lineup may present a lift.
Final week: 8
10. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert throws towards the Denver Broncos through the second half at SoFi Stadium. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Photographs)
Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert wanted a press release win, and so they bought it with an explosive efficiency towards Denver. It isn’t the big-fish win the Chargers had been on the lookout for towards the Chiefs, however it’s step for his or her confidence as they put together for the playoffs as underdogs.
Final week: 13
11. Houston Texans (9-6)
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud reacts after an harm to extensive receiver Tank Dell (not pictured) through the second half towards the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs at GEHA Subject at Arrowhead Stadium. (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Photographs)
The Texans must flip round in a brief week and go up towards the Ravens. Shedding Tank Dell isn’t going to assist issues.
Final week: 9
12. Los Angeles Rams (9-6)
Los Angeles Rams operating again Kyren Williams (23) celebrates his landing with teammates through the first half towards the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. (Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Photographs)
It wasn’t fairly in East Rutherford for Matthew Stafford & Co., however a win is a win for these Rams as they pushed their win streak to 4 video games. It was an important win as they moved into first place within the NFC West with two weeks to play. With the Cardinals and Seahawks, the groups proper beneath them within the division, coming to city in Weeks 17 and 18, respectively, the Rams management their very own future shifting ahead.
Final week: 14
13. Denver Broncos (9-6)
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix throws towards the Los Angeles Chargers through the first half at SoFi Stadium. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Photographs)
Denver followers must sweat just a little bit this Christmas after the Broncos blew a shot to clinch a playoff spot, as their extremely revered protection crumbled in Los Angeles. Now, the Broncos must beat the Bengals to keep away from an enormous collapse.
Final week: 11
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield walks off the sphere after the sport towards the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. (Tim Heitman-Imagn Photographs)
That was a very pricey loss at Dallas that knocked them from atop the NFC South.
Final week: 12
15. Seattle Seahawks (8-7)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith walks off the sphere after the sport towards the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Subject. (Steven Bisig-Imagn Photographs)
One other week, one other powerful opponent for Seattle as they fell to the Vikings, 27-24, at dwelling in a important loss with the Rams overtaking them for the highest of the division. However with a beatable Bears group upcoming on Thursday night time, a win may put Seattle in an excellent place heading into Week 18, when a gathering with the Rams may decide who takes the divisional crown.
Final week: 15
16. Atlanta Falcons (8-7)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. celebrates after a victory over the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis-Imagn Photographs)
The Michael Penix Jr. period has begun in earnest, and it solely took one week to place the Falcons atop their division.
Final week: 19
17. Cincinnati Bengals (7-8)
Cincinnati Bengals extensive receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) and extensive receiver Tee Higgins rejoice a Higgins landing reception within the first quarter on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (IMAGN)
The Bengals bought off to a gradual begin this season, however Joe Burrow has gone on to place collectively an MVP-caliber season. Cincinnati secured its seventh win of the season this previous week. The Bengals host the Denver Broncos this Saturday and must safe a victory in the event that they wish to maintain their playoff hopes alive.
Final week: 18
18. Miami Dolphins (7-8)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa seems on earlier than the sport towards the San Francisco 49ers at Exhausting Rock Stadium. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Photographs)
The Dolphins performed with extra coronary heart on Sunday towards the 49ers than they’d arguably all season, and it saved their very slim playoff hopes alive. Mike McDaniel is likely to be teaching for his job, so it’s signal that the gamers rallied behind him for a win over a proficient 49ers group.
Final week: 20
19. Dallas Cowboys (7-8)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush reacts after a play towards the Tampa Bay Buccaneers within the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. (Tim Heitman-Imagn Photographs)
The Cowboys had been formally eradicated from playoff competition earlier than their recreation towards the Buccaneers started, however that didn’t cease them from placing collectively a win. Cooper Rush had one other environment friendly recreation, discovering extensive receiver CeeDee Lamb early and sometimes. The protection compelled two clutch turnovers late to assist seal the sport. The query for the Cowboys is does this late-season surge imply head coach Mike McCarthy goes to maintain his job for one more season?
Final week: 22
20. San Francisco 49ers (6-9)
Miami Dolphins defensive deal with Calais Campbell (93) hits San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy on a move try throughout second half at Exhausting Rock Stadium. (Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Photographs)
The 49ers had been already eradicated from playoff competition, however they fell for the second straight week, this time to a Dolphins group gunning for a spot within the AFC playoff race. San Francisco will end their season towards the Lions on Monday night time, adopted by the Cardinals in Week 18.
Final week: 17
21. Arizona Cardinals (7-8)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is proven through the second half towards the Carolina Panthers at Financial institution of America Stadium. (Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photographs)
Jonathan Gannon’s group knew simply how badly they wanted to win on Sunday in Carolina towards a beatable Panthers squad. However Bryce Younger and the Panthers pulled out the upset. At 7-8 on the yr, the Cardinals are formally eradicated from playoff competition, although they’ll play spoiler in Week 17 by defeating the Rams.
Final week: 16
22. Indianapolis Colts (7-8)
Indianapolis Colts operating again Jonathan Taylor celebrates as he leaves the sphere after defeating the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. (IMAGN)
The Colts’ win over the Titans retains them within the race for the playoffs. Although likelihood is slim, it is going to be fascinating to see if they’ll produce two wins to maintain some religion.
Final week: 21
23. Carolina Panthers (4-11)
Carolina Panthers operating again Chuba Hubbard scores a landing through the second half towards the Arizona Cardinals at Financial institution of America Stadium. (Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photographs)
They eradicated Arizona however damage their draft slot. It has been that sort of yr.
Final week: 26
24. Chicago Bears (4-11)
Detroit Lions linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams through the second half on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (IMAGN)
No person anticipated a win towards Detroit, however they’d the home-field benefit with the chilly climate and couldn’t do a lot. It’s now a nine-game dropping streak for a group that regarded like they had been making noise. And simply when it regarded like they had been getting out of the funk, though Keenan Allen and DJ Moore are placing up numbers, they aren’t placing themselves in positions to succeed.
Final week: 24
25. New York Jets (4-11)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is proven throughout a play the place it appeared he bought injured on Sunday. (IMAGN)
The Jets couldn’t again up their offensive explosion in Week 15 and as an alternative scored solely 9 factors towards the Los Angeles Rams. The group appears to be coming aside on the seams, particularly with star receiver Garrett Wilson taking a few of his gripes public. This season can’t finish quickly sufficient for New York.
Final week: 25
26. New Orleans Saints (5-10)
Inexperienced Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) forces a fumble by New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) through the second quarter of their recreation at Lambeau Subject. (IMAGN)
They have been limping alongside with out their beginning quarterback, and now Alvin Kamara is lacking video games, in order that they’ve actually bought no shot to compete.
Final week: 23
27. New England Patriots (3-12)
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye throws a move below strain within the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium. (Mark Konezny-Imagn Photographs)
The Patriots presently have the second decide within the NFL Draft primarily based on their document and the tie-breaking procedures. You might make the case that the race for the highest decide within the draft is simply as thrilling because the race for the playoffs, and the Pats are proper within the thick of it for the previous, however positively not the latter.
Final week: 28
28. Tennessee Titans (3-12)
Indianapolis Colts defensive finish Kwity Paye sacks Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph through the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Marc Lebryk-Imagn Photographs)
The Titans have to return to the drafting board and spend money on some protection. A 24-point second quarter is unacceptable at this level of the season. The offseason can’t come quickly sufficient.
Final week: 30
29. Las Vegas Raiders (3-12)
Las Vegas Raiders tight finish Brock Bowers carries the ball towards the Jacksonville Jaguars within the first half at Allegiant Stadium. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Photographs)
The Raiders bought their third win and should have paid the worth with an enormous drop in draft positioning. Solely time will inform how essential or detrimental their win towards Jacksonville will likely be for his or her future.
Final week: 31
30. Cleveland Browns (3-12)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) fumbles the ball as he is wrapped up by Cincinnati Bengals defensive finish Joseph Ossai within the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. (IMAGN)
Dorian Thompson-Robison failed to offer a spark for the Cleveland Browns offense. The second-year quarterback threw two extra interceptions in a lopsided loss to the Bengals. The Browns will doubtless try and discover a answer on the quarterback place within the offseason.
Final week: 27
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12)
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) seems to knock the ball away from Jacksonville Jaguars extensive receiver Brian Thomas Jr. through the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. (Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Photographs)
The Jaguars’ loss helped their very own draft place. It’s been a tough yr for Jacksonville, and it’s simply getting more durable.
Final week: 29
32. New York Giants (2-13)
New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock (2) is sacked by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Arnold Ebiketie (17) within the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis-Imagn Photographs)
The Giants management their very own future. Usually, if you say a group controls their very own future, you’re referring to a group’s playoff probabilities, however for the Giants, they management their very own future concerning the No. 1 general decide within the NFL Draft. With the Giants’ tenth consecutive loss on Sunday, a brand new franchise document, and the Raiders profitable, the Giants are in sole possession of the No. 1 decide. The one concern for Giants followers is that if the Eagles relaxation their starters in Week 18, probably leaving the door open for a win that may break their decide.
Final week: 32
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The Fox Information Digital Sports activities NFL energy rankings had been compiled by the Fox Information Digital Sports activities employees and the OutKick.com staff.
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