The NFL Power Rankings: Week 18
The NFL regular season is coming to a close, and the final seeding for the NFC playoffs is still up for grabs. The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions will face off in the NFC North title game, while the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will battle for the NFC South crown. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, and Miami Dolphins are all vying for the final AFC playoff spot.
Here are the Fox News Digital Sports NFL power rankings for Week 18:
1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) – The Chiefs have ridden a magic carpet to the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and Patrick Mahomes is starting to put up the production that is normal for him just in time for the playoffs.
2. Detroit Lions (14-2) – The Lions offense looked the best it’s been all season long in a meaningless game, and they’ll look to keep that momentum going in the NFC North title game.
3. Buffalo Bills (13-3) – The Bills are 10-1 since their 3-2 start, and Josh Allen is the odds-on favorite to capture the NFL MVP award.
4. Minnesota Vikings (14-2) – The Vikings proved that despite the NFC North being stacked, they are still in the same class as the Lions after taking down the Packers.
5. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3) – The Eagles didn’t miss a beat without Jalen Hurts, and they’ll look to keep their momentum going into the playoffs.
6. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) – Lamar Jackson made his case for MVP clear, and now it’s time to focus on getting to the postseason healthy.
7. Green Bay Packers (11-5) – The Packers were this close to an NFC title game appearance last year, and with another year of playing together, they very well take the next step in January.
8. Washington Commanders (11-5) – Jayden Daniels has Commanders fans believing, and for good reason. The rookie quarterback continues to play his best when the game is on the line.
9. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) – After months of treading water, the Chargers have surged late in the season and look well-equipped to compete in the playoffs.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) – The Steelers showed they still have a ways to go to make waves in the playoffs, but Mike Tomlin may be able to rally the troops and get ready for the postseason.
11. Los Angeles Rams (10-6) – The Rams would probably be the worst of the 14 postseason teams if they got in, but it would be quite an accomplishment nonetheless.
12. San Francisco 49ers (6-10) – This matchup with the Lions was supposed to be a thrilling rematch of the NFC Championship Game in January, but this is a much different San Fran squad in 2024.
13. Arizona Cardinals (7-9) – The Cardinals were eliminated from playoff contention last week, but they had the chance to play spoiler on Saturday night against the Rams.
14. Dallas Cowboys (7-9) – The Cowboys played hard down the stretch despite having little to play for, but against the Eagles they were simply outclassed.
15. Indianapolis Colts (7-9) – The Colts suffered a shocking playoff-eliminating loss to the struggling New York Giants, prompting serious questions about the inevitable changes to come this offseason.
16. Chicago Bears (4-12) – The Bears’ offense looked like they were finding it, but then they scored only three points at home.
17. Carolina Panthers (4-12) – Last weekend’s blowout loss to Tampa Bay kind of ruins the narrative they’re improving.
18. New Orleans Saints (5-11) – They rallied for a while under interim coach Darren Rizzi, but it was only temporary.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (4-12) – What a time to start winning. In a matter of weeks, the Raiders have gone from the No. 1 overall pick to potentially falling out of the top 10 if they decide to keep trying next week against the Chargers.
20. New York Jets (4-12) – Few teams are happier to see the NFL turn to its final week than the New York Jets.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) – The Jaguars may join the laundry list of NFL teams looking for a new head coach after a disappointing season.
22. Tennessee Titans (3-13) – The Titans close the season against Houston on Sunday with what will be the franchise’s third straight losing season.
23. New England Patriots (3-13) – Thanks to a Christmas gift from the New York Giants in the form of a win over the Colts, the Patriots jumped to the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft.
24. Cleveland Browns (3-13) – Try again next year.
25. New York Giants (3-13) – The Giants stunned the Colts, ending their chance at making the playoffs on Sunday, but in the same breath took themselves out of the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
