It’s a quick week for some NFL groups trying to make their closing push towards the postseason.
The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens all play on Christmas Day, with the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears enjoying on Thursday evening.
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 effectively. The NFC South and West divisions nonetheless must be decided as effectively.
The Payments are nonetheless the highest staff within the NFL, and two wins coupled with two Chiefs losses within the closing two weeks of the season would give them house area benefit within the playoffs.
Learn under 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 in opposition to the New England Patriots in the course of the first half at Highmark Stadium. (Gregory Fisher-Imagn Photos)
The Payments didn’t play nice in opposition to the Patriots on Sunday however nonetheless managed to discover a strategy to win. Their common season goes nice, however this staff shall 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 in opposition to the Chicago Bears with broad receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and broad receiver Tim Patrick in the course of 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 skin trying in, however he most undoubtedly deserves to be in all probability third within the MVP rankings behind Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. This staff’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 in opposition to the Houston Texans in the course of the first half at GEHA Subject at Arrowhead Stadium. (Denny Medley-Imagn Photos)
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 comfy than their different squeakers this yr. By all accounts, the Chiefs appear to be 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 broad receiver Justin Jefferson celebrates after catching a landing cross in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks in the course of the fourth quarter at Lumen Subject. (Joe Nicholson-Imagn Photos)
Sam Darnold is over his transient hunch and Justin Jefferson is trying like his OPOY self. They wrap up their season in opposition to the Packers and Lions, so we’ll see the place they honestly 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 sector throughout a timeout in opposition to the Washington Commanders in the course of the third quarter at Northwest Stadium. (Geoff Burke-Imagn Photos)
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 staff to lose a sport regardless of their protection forcing 5 turnovers. The Eagles’ 20-game successful streak was snapped with the loss, and their hopes of getting the 1 seed within the NFC is now extremely unlikely. The largest 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 achieve defended by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen within the first quarter at M&T Financial institution Stadium. (Mitch Stringer-Imagn Photos)
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 sport.
Final week: 7
7. Inexperienced Bay Packers (11-4)
Inexperienced Bay Packers operating again Josh Jacobs runs for a primary down in opposition to the New Orleans Saints, Monday, December 23, 2024, at Lambeau Subject in Inexperienced Bay, Wis. (IMAGN)
Their protection posted the primary shutout in the whole NFL on Monday evening. It’s not their fault they play in a stacked division, however Sunday afternoon in Minnesota might show simply the place this staff stands amongst their friends.
Final week: 6
8. Washington Commanders (10-5)
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels celebrates after throwing the game-winning landing in the course of the fourth quarter in opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles at Northwest Stadium. (Peter Casey-Imagn Photos)
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 staff’s comeback win. If the Commanders win subsequent week, they may have secured a playoff spot in head coach Dan Quinn’s first season with the staff. With the surprising success the Commanders have had this season, Quinn is a front-runner for Coach of the 12 months and Daniels is the front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the 12 months.
Final week: 10
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)
Roquan Smith tackles Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson in the course of the first half at M&T Financial institution Stadium. (Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Photos)
The Steelers appear to be feeling the impression of not having broad receiver George Pickens. Pittsburgh’s offense has averaged lower than 250 complete yards throughout Pickens’ three-game absence. Whereas Pickens shouldn’t be the only purpose the Steelers’ offense has struggled lately, his eventual return to the lineup might present a lift.
Final week: 8
10. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert throws in opposition to the Denver Broncos in the course of the second half at SoFi Stadium. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Photos)
Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert wanted an announcement win, they usually bought it with an explosive efficiency in opposition to Denver. It is not the big-fish win the Chargers had been on the lookout for in opposition to the Chiefs, but it surely’s a very good 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 damage to broad receiver Tank Dell (not pictured) in the course of the second half in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs at GEHA Subject at Arrowhead Stadium. (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Photos)
The Texans must flip round in a brief week and go up in opposition to the Ravens. Dropping 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 in the course of the first half in opposition to the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. (Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Photos)
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 a vital win as they moved into first place within the NFC West with two weeks to play. With the Cardinals and Seahawks, the groups proper under them within the division, coming to city in Weeks 17 and 18, respectively, the Rams management their very own future transferring ahead.
Final week: 14
13. Denver Broncos (9-6)
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix throws in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers in the course of the first half at SoFi Stadium. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Photos)
Denver followers must sweat slightly 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 need to beat the Bengals to keep away from a large collapse.
Final week: 11
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield walks off the sector after the sport in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. (Tim Heitman-Imagn Photos)
That was a very expensive 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 sector after the sport in opposition to the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Subject. (Steven Bisig-Imagn Photos)
One other week, one other robust opponent for Seattle as they fell to the Vikings, 27-24, at house in a important loss with the Rams overtaking them for the highest of the division. However with a beatable Bears staff upcoming on Thursday evening, a win might put Seattle in an amazing place heading into Week 18, when a gathering with the Rams might 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 Photos)
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 broad receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) and broad 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 preserve their playoff hopes alive. Â
Final week: 18
18. Miami Dolphins (7-8)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa seems on earlier than the sport in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers at Exhausting Rock Stadium. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Photos)
The Dolphins performed with extra coronary heart on Sunday in opposition to the 49ers than they’d arguably all season, and it stored their very slim playoff hopes alive. Mike McDaniel is perhaps teaching for his job, so it’s a very good signal that the gamers rallied behind him for a win over a gifted 49ers staff.
Final week: 20
19. Dallas Cowboys (7-8)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush reacts after a play in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers within the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. (Tim Heitman-Imagn Photos)
The Cowboys had been formally eradicated from playoff competition earlier than their sport in opposition to the Buccaneers started, however that didn’t cease them from placing collectively a win. Cooper Rush had one other environment friendly sport, discovering broad receiver CeeDee Lamb early and infrequently. 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 an additional 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 cross try throughout second half at Exhausting Rock Stadium. (Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Photos)
The 49ers had been already eradicated from playoff competition, however they fell for the second straight week, this time to a Dolphins staff gunning for a spot within the AFC playoff race. San Francisco will end their season in opposition to the Lions on Monday evening, adopted by the Cardinals in Week 18.
Final week: 17
21. Arizona Cardinals (7-8)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is proven in the course of the second half in opposition to the Carolina Panthers at Financial institution of America Stadium. (Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photos)
Jonathan Gannon’s group knew simply how badly they wanted to win on Sunday in Carolina in opposition to 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 will 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 sector 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 chances are high slim, it will likely be fascinating to see if they will produce two wins to maintain some religion.
Final week: 21
23. Carolina Panthers (4-11)
Carolina Panthers operating again Chuba Hubbard scores a landing in the course of the second half in opposition to the Arizona Cardinals at Financial institution of America Stadium. (Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photos)
They eradicated Arizona however damage their draft slot. It has been that type of yr.
Final week: 26
24. Chicago Bears (4-11)
Detroit Lions linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams in the course of the second half on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (IMAGN)
No person anticipated a win in opposition to 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 staff that seemed like they had been making noise. And simply when it seemed 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 in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams. The staff 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) in the course of the second quarter of their sport at Lambeau Subject. (IMAGN)
They have been limping alongside with out their beginning quarterback, and now Alvin Kamara is lacking video games, so 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 cross beneath stress within the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium. (Mark Konezny-Imagn Photos)
The Patriots presently have the second choose within the NFL Draft primarily based on their file and the tie-breaking procedures. You possibly can make the case that the race for the highest choose 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 undoubtedly not the latter.
Final week: 28
28. Tennessee Titans (3-12)
Indianapolis Colts defensive finish Kwity Paye sacks Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph in the course of the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Marc Lebryk-Imagn Photos)
The Titans have to return to the drafting board and put money into 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 in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars within the first half at Allegiant Stadium. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Photos)
The Raiders bought their third win and should have paid the worth with a large drop in draft positioning. Solely time will inform how necessary or detrimental their win in opposition to Jacksonville shall 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 seemingly 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 broad receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in the course of the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. (Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Photos)
The Jaguars’ loss helped their very own draft place. It’s been a tough yr for Jacksonville, and it’s simply getting harder.
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 Photos)
The Giants management their very own future. Usually, once you say a staff controls their very own future, you might be referring to a staff’s playoff probabilities, however for the Giants, they management their very own future concerning the No. 1 total choose within the NFL Draft. With the Giants’ tenth consecutive loss on Sunday, a brand new franchise file, and the Raiders successful, the Giants are in sole possession of the No. 1 choose. 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 might spoil their choose.
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 employees.
