What’s up everyone!? So, I considered these power rankings as my last one for the season, but I’m testing next week’s rankings. There won’t be much shifting because plenty locked up their seeds or clinched the playoffs. It’s highly likely that most will rest their players in Week 18, so that makes it tough on how I want to finish the standings properly. I’ll figure it out and see if I’ll go with it in Week 18 next season. If it doesn’t work, just assume it doesn’t count.

Going back to teams that locked up their seeds, this was a heck of a weekend (and Christmas) for it. Starting with the AFC, the Chiefs, the Bills, and the Texans are all set. Steelers, Ravens, and Chargers are still juggling playoff spots. Meanwhile, Denver’s on edge trying to hold for the last seed, but the last two losses gave hope to Cincinnati that dropped them last week in overtime and Miami that survived Cleveland without Tua.

The NFC has three teams vying for the one seed, but Philly locked up the two seed while Detroit and Minnesota showcases the last regular season game of the season for a winner-take-overall NFC seed matchup. Thanks to the Commanders overtime win, both them and the Rams clinch the playoffs with L.A. winning the division with all scenarios met. That also eliminated Seattle before even believing they had a shot. There’s a chance that the Rams and an NFC South winner could shift seeds depending on the result. Speaking of NFC South, Tampa temporarily holds atop while Atlanta must win and pray Tampa Bay loses in order to win the division. As for Green Bay and Washington, a loss by either side shifts spots. Otherwise, they’re locked at their playoff spots.

TEAMS CONSIDERED

14. BENGALS

13. SEAHAWKS

12. STEELERS

11. RAMS

10) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Tampa dismantled Carolina by way of Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving, Mike Evans, and an energized defense. Since Atlanta lost to Washington in overtime, they just need to simply defeat New Orleans and they’re in for the fifth straight time (and back-to-back with Baker Mayfield. Hell yeah!!!)

9) GREEN BAY PACKERS

Green Bay struggled for the majority of the game until the fourth quarter. To be fair, they were down a few key players, including Christian Watson and Jaire Alexander. But they worked with what they had and came within striking distance of a comeback. No matter what happens in Week 18, Green Bay will be ready for a playoff opponent whether it’s a rematch with either the Eagles or the Rams.

8) LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

With a playoff appearance in reach, the Chargers put on an unrelenting, merciful, and aggressive performance against a young, yet beaten down Patriots. “The Ladd” McConkey put on a clinic with multiple touchdown catches with Justin Herbert cooking the entire game. The Chargers return to the playoffs for the second time in three seasons, and Jim Harbaugh continues his winning process wherever he goes.

Speaking of winning, this is Jim’s fifth straight season with no losing seasons. I would like to know how many “Niner fans” thought they were better off without Jim? I want answers! (Just me ranting because I love that man…)

7) WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

The Commanders are just flat out difficult to keep down. No matter what happens to them, quit is not in their diction. They don’t waffle, waver, or lament. They fight until the clock hits zero in the fourth (or overtime). Washington does it again behind the leadership of Jayden Daniels along with help from Olamide Zaccheaus and the group of running backs from start to finish. The Commanders played very well this season and earned a playoff spot. Congrats to Washington for making one heck of a run!

6) BALTIMORE RAVENS

Lamar Jackson breaks Mike Vick’s record for rushing yards by a quarterback. He definitely deserves it, and that adds his resumé for MVP. As for Baltimore as a whole, they kept the Houston kids in check for the third straight time. Here’s an interesting stat: Baltimore outscored Houston 90-21 in the CJ Stroud/DeMeco Ryans era. They also haven’t allowed an offensive touchdown at all. Until Houston figures out how to execute on offense perfectly, Baltimore holds them in check. With Pittsburgh’s loss, Baltimore’s a win away from claiming the AFC North division.

5) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

When Dallas thought they had some hope for 2025, Philly reminded them that it’s still 2024. Saquon Barkley, AJ Brown, and DeVonta Smith still embarrassed them with two different quarterbacks. Philly’s defense swarmed and stifled the offense that has no CeeDee Lamb. It was a cakewalk to keep their hopes alive for at least the two seed. As for Saquon Barkley, he accomplished the 2,000-yard rushing mark which is an incredible feat. Then again, the mans a cheat code with one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Cakewalk to that mark? Highly likely lol

4) MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Welp, history repeated itself like Week 4. Minnesota had Green Bay on the ropes for three quarters before crapping out in the fourth. In the first meeting, they allowed 22 points in the fourth. Now, they allowed 15 points in the fourth. They held on thanks to their defense that brought the pressure to Jordan Love from start to finish. Sam Darnold torched a Jaire-less secondary for 377 passing yards and three touchdowns with his top four catchers going for 60 plus. Minnesota faces Detroit for a winner-take-overall NFC seed next week.

3) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

No Chris Jones? No problem. Kansas City’s defense served up plenty of complications for Pittsburgh’s offense. Outside of Russell Wilson doing the majority of the work, everyone else didn’t have a great game. To add on to Kansas City’s success, Travis Kelce breaks Tony Gonzales’s record for most receiving touchdowns in a career. They claimed the overall seed with just one week to go.

2) BUFFALO BILLS

We’re well aware of how well Buffalo’s offense played, but let’s mention the defense. After struggles in back-to-back games against the Rams and Lions, they gathered themselves against New England, and had things figured out against Aaron Rodgers and the Jets. Would this have anything to do with going after the two seed again? If it did, they played A+ football at the perfect time to claim it. They’re locked up and their starters are ready for a week off in Week 18.

1) DETROIT LIONS

Dan Campbell said the Lions had to play to win in San Francisco. They did their job and now set up a winner-take-overall NFC seed matchup with Minnesota. Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown were clinical while Jahmyr Gibbs worked the defense with his speed and strength. Safety Kerby Joseph deserves praise for his two interceptions to give Detroit plenty of leverage down the stretch. With all the injuries on defense, he was the bright spot on Monday Night.