What is the best team in the NFL? The 2024 NFL regular season has drawn to a close and the NFL playoffs are set with a 14-team battle to win the Lombardi Trophy. From here on out, we settle it on the field.
The regular season is complete, and here's how the league stacks up. For this wild-card edition of the power rankings, we've stacked the 14 playoff teams for the weekend. And don't fret. If you don't like where your team is slotted in the playoff pecking order, your team can sort that out on the field starting Saturday.
1. Detroit Lions
The Lions earned their first No. 1 seed, set a franchise record for most wins in a regular season (15), won back-to-back NFC North division titles for the first time in nearly 70 years, and earned their first playoff bye since the 1991 NFL season. As the Lions prepare for their Divisional Round matchup, they'll have the advantage of extra rest and preparation time. With the support of their home crowd at Ford Field, Detroit has a golden opportunity to continue their historic season and potentially reach their first Super Bowl.
2. Buffalo Bills
The Bills have been one of the most impressive teams in the NFL this season, showcasing a potent offense with quarterback Josh Allen as the driving force, putting together an MVP season. Buffalo's success will largely hinge on Allen's performance. His dual-threat capabilities make him a formidable opponent for any defense, which also has to account for James Cook. The running back tied the Bills' single-season record with his 16th touchdown run in Week 18, adding another dimension to Buffalo's already potent offense. This is the third consecutive season the Bills enter the playoffs as the No. 2 seed. While they've faced disappointment in the Divisional Round in the past two years, this experience could prove valuable as they aim to advance further this postseason.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs' 38-0 loss to the Broncos in Week 18 should be taken with a grain of salt. Key starters were rested including Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, with no playoff implications for Kansas City. The team's focus was on keeping players healthy and giving backups playing time. The team has hosted five AFC Championship games in the last six years. With their experience, home field advantage, and extra rest, they remain one of the top contenders for the Super Bowl.
4. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens clinched their second consecutive AFC North title with a convincing 35-10 win over the Browns with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry combining for an impressive 201 rushing yards. Despite their strong showing, the Ravens will need to address one area of concern – their occasional sloppy play, which could be costly in high-stakes playoff matchups.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles tied their franchise record for most wins in a single season, securing the No. 2 seed. The biggest question mark for the Eagles heading into the playoffs is the status of quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts has been in the NFL's concussion protocol since December 22nd and missed the final two games of the regular season. If Hurts is unable to play, the Eagles may turn to Tanner McKee, who showed promise in the final two regular-season games.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs clinched the NFC South title for the fourth consecutive season. Baker Mayfield has had a career year, throwing for over 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns. His resurgence has provided the team with stability and leadership at the quarterback position. Mike Evans has tied Jerry Rice's NFL record with his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season. Despite losing Chris Godwin to a season-ending injury earlier in the year, the passing game has remained potent, while rookie running back Bucky Irving has revitalized the ground attack, becoming the first Bucs rookie to rush for 1,000 yards since Doug Martin in 2012.
7. Los Angeles Rams
Despite a Week 18 loss, the Rams had already clinched the NFC West title in Week 17. Head coach Sean McVay prioritized rest for key players in Week 18, resting notable starters such as Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Kyren Williams, aiming to have the team as fresh as possible for their playoff run. The Rams have shown resilience throughout the year, bouncing back from a 1-4 start to become one of the better teams in the NFL since October.
8. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings tied their second-best win total in franchise history. Entering as NFC's fifth seed makes them the first 14-win team in NFL history to enter the playoffs as a Wild Card team. Sam Darnold, who has had an impressive season overall, will need to regain his form after a shaky performance against the Lions.
9. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have clinched a playoff berth for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 in the 2015 season, ending the longest playoff drought following a Super Bowl victory in NFL history. It's their first double-digit win season since 2015. In the crucial Week 18 game, Bo Nix showcased his abilities with a stellar performance, throwing for 321 yards and 4 touchdowns.
10. Washington Commanders
This is Washington's best performance since 1991 when the team finished 14-2. While it wasn't likely offensive rookie of the year Jayden Daniels making the magic happen this time — he was subbed off early to get some rest for the playoffs — the Commanders once again showed their resilience with a touchdown right in the last moment to beat the Cowboys in Week 18.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers enter the postseason on a four-game losing streak. Pittsburgh's offense has been a major concern in recent weeks. The team has failed to score more than 17 points in each of their last four games. In the Week 18 loss to Cincinnati, the offense accumulated fewer than 200 total yards. Russell Wilson has regressed from his early-season form. The Steelers face an uphill battle in the playoffs.
12. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers boast the NFL's top-scoring defense, which could be a crucial factor in their playoff run. This defensive prowess, combined with their offensive firepower, makes them a well-rounded team heading into the postseason. Jim Harbaugh‘s Chargers could be a dangerous team in the 2024 postseason field.
13. Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud has shown flashes of brilliance but has also experienced some inconsistency typical of a sophomore season. The running game, led by Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce, has been a bright spot. Pierce, in particular, had a standout performance in Week 18, rushing for 176 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.
14. Green Bay Packers
Green Bay enters the playoffs on a downward trend, having lost 3 of their last 5 games including two straight to end the regular season. Their Week 18 loss to the Chicago Bears was particularly disappointing. It was their first loss to the Bears since 2018. Injuries to wide receiver Christian Watson will impact their postseason hope, and Jordan Love experienced numbness in his throwing hand after taking a hit to his elbow.