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NFL Power Rankings after Week 18: Lions, Bills clearly under most pressure this postseason

Dec 10, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks with quarterback Jared Goff (16) in the first half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks with quarterback Jared Goff (16) in the first half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

With all due respect to everyone else in the 2025 NFL playoff field, the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills are clearly the main characters of this postseason. It's not even close.

Detroit and Buffalo represent two of the most snakebitten franchises in league history, really even in American sports history. Prior to their recent Renaissances led by Dan Campbell and Josh Allen, they were perennial losers accustomed to snatching defeat out of the jaws of victory on a regular basis. They were cultural touchstones beloved (and bemoaned) specifically only by their respective fanbases in two cities that get very cold in the winter.

Now, they're Super Bowl favorites with the pressure of finally delivering for their tortured fans after years and years of heartbreak. It's a lot of weight to carry on one's shoulders.

And you wanna know the best part for neutral observers over the next six weeks?

We could even see the Lions and Bills match up in Super Bowl 59, guaranteeing further ultimate sorrow for one NFL city. The suspense is terrible, and I hope it lasts. I'm not sure either of the Detroit or Buffalo metropolitan areas agree.

With the playoffs here this weekend, let's take stock of all 32 teams in For The Win's final NFL Power Rankings for the 2024 regular season. There's a lot to unpack before we dive headfirst into what should be a thrilling postseason, so let's get to it.

32. Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan leaves the field after the game with the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan leaves the field after the game with the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 30

The NFL's create-a-franchise in Madden will have its third No. 1 overall selection in franchise history. After a season where they went all-in on winning and fell flat on their face, the Titans better nail the pick. Otherwise, they will be relegated to anonymity for the foreseeable future. -- Robert Zeglinski

31. New York Giants

Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 28

With a 3-14 campaign, the Giants clinched the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. That should've been the impetus to clean house. Instead, owner John Mara is running it back with Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll while preaching impatience with Big Blue's persistent losing. Make it make sense. -- RZ

30. New England Patriots

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 22: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots throws a touchdown pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 22: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots throws a touchdown pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

Last week's rank: 32

The Patriots stared down their rebuild and opted for hard mode, winning just in time to cost New England the top pick in this year's draft. The good news is Joe Milton looks like a viable backup and developmental project. The bad news is neither he nor Drake Maye has much help in either the blocking or receiving departments. The No. 4 overall pick and a league-high $100 million-plus in salary cap space could fix that this offseason. -- Christian D'Andrea

29. Cleveland Browns

Sep 22, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) walks off the field before the game between the Browns and the New York Giants at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Sep 22, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) walks off the field before the game between the Browns and the New York Giants at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 31

Deshaun Watson, once accused of sexual misconduct by more than 20 women in what the NFL would later characterize as "predatory behavior," has suffered a setback in his Achilles injury recovery. There's no timetable for his return. How convenient that one of the NFL's worst quarterbacks over the last few years just so happens to have his return delayed with over $140 million in guaranteed money remaining on his contract. -- RZ

28. Jacksonville Jaguars

Oct 20, 2024; London, United Kingdom; Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke reacts during an NFL International Series game against the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Oct 20, 2024; London, United Kingdom; Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke reacts during an NFL International Series game against the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 29

Doug Pederson is gone. Trent Baalke is not. That latter piece seems like a problem, considering Baalke has been general manager for four seasons, spent a ton of money, and made two No. 1 overall draft picks with a 25-43 record to show for it. -- CD

27. Las Vegas Raiders

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 14: Interim head coach Antonio Pierce of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775992462 ORIG FILE ID: 1856274645
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 14: Interim head coach Antonio Pierce of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775992462 ORIG FILE ID: 1856274645

Last week's rank: 27

Antonio Pierce seems primed to survive a gruesome first season as the Raiders head coach. He needs a reliable quarterback, but it will be difficult to find one after winning just enough games to land outside the Cam Ward/Shedeur Sanders landing zone at this year's draft. Will minority owner Tom Brady guide this team to the kind of low-cost, high-reward passer who can change Las Vegas's fortunes? Or will this team be stuck wandering the desert for another year? -- CD

26. New York Jets

Dec 8, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts from the field after the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts from the field after the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 26

Aaron Rodgers threw eight touchdowns and just three interceptions in four games AFTER the Jets were eliminated from the playoffs. Gang Green is truly the NFL's funniest franchise. -- RZ

25. Chicago Bears

Jan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams rushes with the football during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams rushes with the football during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 25

Chicago earned its first win in Green Bay since 2015, and all it cost was three slots of draft position. Yay? -- CD

24. New Orleans Saints

Sep 22, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) reacts to a play in the final minute of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Sep 22, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) reacts to a play in the final minute of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 23

The Saints did their darndest to spoil the Buccaneers' playoff ambitions but ultimately came up short. Now, they're looking ahead to an offseason that might portend their first earnest rebuild since the end of the Drew Brees era. Is someone like Lions genius defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn on the way to be their head coach? If so, there's reason to be optimistic about the Saints' long-term prospects. -- RZ

23. Carolina Panthers

Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates after a victory over the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates after a victory over the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 24

Bryce Young aced his 2024 exit exam, racking up five total touchdowns in Week 18. But it came against the Atlanta Falcons' non-existent pass rush, one week after Tampa Bay's pressure locked him in a cage in a blowout loss. Still, Dave Canales is having the desired effect as head coach, and there's room for optimism in Charlotte. -- CD

22. Miami Dolphins

Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel on the field before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel on the field before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 16

Welp. After a promising close to the year, the Dolphins' season ended with a thud at the hands of the Jets. Now, Tyreek Hill wants out. Considering the 30-year-old just finished only the third sub-1,000-yard campaign of his career, Miami should be more than happy to facilitate a deal that helps round out a more cohesive (and less top-heavy) roster for Mike McDaniel. -- RZ

21. Indianapolis Colts

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 29: General Manager Chris Ballard of the Indianapolis Colts looks on as he leaves the field after a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 29: General Manager Chris Ballard of the Indianapolis Colts looks on as he leaves the field after a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Last week's rank: 22

Congratulations to the Colts for barely beating the hapless Jaguars in a lost season. It's a good thing general manager Chris Ballard, who has made the playoffs twice in eight seasons on the job, is coming back to … shepherd whatever Indy is trying to accomplish moving forward. Yeesh. -- RZ

20. Dallas Cowboys

Jan 8, 2020; Frisco, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones answers questions during a press conference at Ford Center at the Star. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2020; Frisco, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones answers questions during a press conference at Ford Center at the Star. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Last week's rank: 19

Dak Prescott will return in 2025, but does it really matter if Jerry Jones continues to call the shots? The Cowboys' top-heavy, paper-thin lineup fell apart in 2024, and the franchise has had one playoff win since 2018. With minimal salary cap space and a middling draft slot, it's tough to see how things get significantly better next fall. -- CD

19. San Francisco 49ers

December 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates with tight end George Kittle (85) after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
December 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates with tight end George Kittle (85) after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 20

The 49ers' 2024 ended with a thud, leaving vast concerns about the future. The Niners have about $40 million in effective salary cap space to spend this offseason, but Brock Purdy has hit his extension years while guys like Javon Hargrave, Dre Greenlaw, Charvarius Ward, Tanaloa Hufanga, and Aaron Banks are 2025 free agents. (Purdy, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle will get there in 2026.) Can GM John Lynch find a way to keep the band together? Or is San Francisco careening toward a roster restructuring? -- CD

18. Atlanta Falcons

Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) celebrates with wide receiver Drake London (5) after a touchdown run against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) celebrates with wide receiver Drake London (5) after a touchdown run against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 18

Michael Penix Jr. is far from perfect, but he's got a big, accurate arm capable of making tough throws to the sideline or gutsy ones over the middle. That's a great fit when you've got Drake London and Bijan Robinson in the lineup. The question now is whether Atlanta can separate him from the rookie mistakes that threaten to linger into his second season with the club. -- CD

17. Arizona Cardinals

Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) escapes a tackle by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) escapes a tackle by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 21

In an ultimately disappointing finish to 2024, the Cardinals have one feather in their cap -- they swept the 49ers for the first time since 2021. That's genuine momentum to build on for 2025 as expectations will rise for Jonathan Gannon and Kyler Murray. -- RZ

16. Houston Texans

Nov 26, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans looks on from the sideline during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans looks on from the sideline during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Last week's rank: 17

After getting humbled by the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, DeMeco Ryans elected to give his backups significant playing time against the NFL's worst team in Tennessee. That's an interesting gambit for a battered and bruised squad that probably could've used more confidence ahead of the sleepy Saturday afternoon wild card game. Don't expect much from the Texans this postseason. They need to regroup. -- RZ

15. Seattle Seahawks

Dec 18, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) sits on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) sits on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Last week's rank: 15

Geno Smith had a career year and was rewarded handsomely for it. He attained $6 million in contract incentives based on his Week 18 performance. He's had a winning record in each of his three seasons as the team's starter -- a stretch that doesn't include any postseason victories. Will Seattle look to a young developmental quarterback in this year's draft? Or will it opt to see if Mike Macdonald's second year can bring the change necessary for the franchise's first playoff win since 2020? -- CD

14. Cincinnati Bengals

Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 13

Despite having the NFL's leading passer (Joe Burrow), the NFL's leading receiver (Ja'Marr Chase), and the NFL's sack leader (Trey Hendrickson), the Bengals missed the playoffs. Of course, it's the first time in NFL history anyone has ever done that, too. A potentially tumultuous offseason in Cincinnati awaits. -- RZ

13. Denver Broncos

Jan 5, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; CBS Sports reporter Tracy Wolfson interviews Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) following the win against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; CBS Sports reporter Tracy Wolfson interviews Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) following the win against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 14

Denver's defense is strong enough to carry this team to a postseason run. Can Bo Nix match that production? The rookie has been better than expected -- see a 29:8 touchdown to interception ratio in his last 14 games -- but the playoffs are a different beast. If he can thrive, optimism will reach new heights across Colorado. -- CD

12. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scrambles out of the pocket in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. The Bengals won 19-17 to finish the regular season at 9-8. Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 11

More concerning than the Steelers' four-game losing streak to close the year is the play of Russell Wilson. After helping carry Pittsburgh to a 10-3 record, Wilson finished with two games below 200 passing yards in his last four appearances. That dynamic off-platform playmaking to George Pickens and the Steelers' cadre of playmakers? Gone. That poise in the pocket? Gone. If this recent trend continues, the Steelers will head home early in another winning but ultimately meaningless season for Mike Tomlin. -- RZ

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jan 5, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) celebrates after a reception to put him over 1,000 yards for the season in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) celebrates after a reception to put him over 1,000 yards for the season in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 12

There'll be plenty of time to dissect the Buccaneers' fourth straight NFC South title, especially as they seem capable of another deep playoff run behind a sterling Baker Mayfield. So, for now, let's focus on Mike Evans. The stalwart future Hall of Famer recorded his 11th consecutive season of at least 1,000 receiving yards on Sunday, tying the legendary Jerry Rice's record. It's rare to see that kind of consistent playmaking from any NFL veteran, let alone from someone in their 30s. Evans deserves his flowers as one of his generation's greats. -- RZ

10. Los Angeles Rams

Dec 28, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay reacts against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dec 28, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay reacts against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 10

Sean McVay found a way for Jimmy Garoppolo to average 8.1 yards per attempt on a day where more than half his completions came at the line of scrimmage or behind it. That's remarkable -- and a testament to his ability to wring the most out of whatever quarterback he's got. Now he gets to go back to work with a rested Matthew Stafford behind center. -- CD

9. Los Angeles Chargers

Dec 28, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh reacts after defeating the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Dec 28, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh reacts after defeating the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 7

Jim Harbaugh didn't take Week 18 off and gets a winnable playoff opener in Houston for his troubles. That means a chance for his top-five defense to feast against the Texans' weak offensive line and perhaps another chance for Quentin Johnston to shine if Derek Stingley is committed to locking down Ladd McConkey on Saturday. -- CD

8. Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) is tackled by Chicago Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (99) against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, January 5, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. 
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) is tackled by Chicago Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (99) against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, January 5, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Last week's rank: 8

Armed with an opportunity to avoid visiting the juggernaut Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round, Jordan Love's injury and a hapless special teams unit gave the hated Bears their first win in Lambeau Field in nearly a decade. Now, a team that went 1-5 vs. the NFC North and recorded just two victories over opponents with a winning record all year has to upend a Super Bowl favorite. On the road. Good luck. -- RZ

7. Washington Commanders

Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) calls a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) calls a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 9

What's more concerning? The leg soreness that kept Jayden Daniels out of the second half of Week 18's win over the Cowboys, or the fact he'd only completed 50 percent of his passes while on the field? Dallas was able to harass the rookie with a dominating pass rush. Now, the Buccaneers and their eighth-best pressure rate await in the playoffs. -- CD

6. Baltimore Ravens

Dec 15, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh looks on in the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Dec 15, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh looks on in the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 6

In danger of another disappointing finish to a season, the Ravens won four straight games to close out a second consecutive AFC North title and clinch the AFC's No. 3 seed. However, inconsistencies remain about a team eyeing New Orleans in February. Can the defense hold up? Will Lamar Jackson's sterling regular-season play transfer over to potential matchups with Kansas City and Buffalo? If the answer is no to either of these questions, then the Ravens will almost certainly be licking their wounds over another missed opportunity in just a matter of weeks. -- RZ

5. Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is pressured by Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) and linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad (69) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is pressured by Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) and linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad (69) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.

Last week's rank: 5

Week 18 didn't go as planned. The Vikings had a chance to cement their place atop the NFC but instead shrank amidst the chaos of Aaron Glenn's swarming defense. Sam Darnold wilted, Justin Jefferson was held in check, and an aggressive defense was burned repeatedly by Jahmyr Gibbs. Was this a sign that 2025 will end in tragedy? Or a wake-up call that points out all the weaknesses that must be addressed this postseason? -- CD

4. Philadelphia Eagles

Dec 29, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni looks on during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Dec 29, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni looks on during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 4

Nick Sirianni made the prudent decision. Without a bye week in hand, he opted to rest Philadelphia's biggest stars in its regular season finale, which included Saquon Barkley on the brink of the NFL's single-season rushing record. The message is clear. The Eagles are on a mission for their second Super Bowl victory ever, and everything individually-centered comes second. Anything less than another Lombardi Trophy this winter will be considered a massive failure. -- RZ

3. Kansas City Chiefs

Jan 5, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 3

Kansas City didn't bother with token opposition to the Broncos' playoff bid, which was the right decision. Now, an offense that was beginning to find its top gear will head into the Divisional Round of the playoffs on effectively two-week rest. I'd be worried about rust, but I'm beginning to think worrying about anything with Andy Reid and prime Patrick Mahomes in the lineup is a fool's errand. -- CD

2. Buffalo Bills

Jan 5, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) on the sideline as they take on the New England Patriots in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) on the sideline as they take on the New England Patriots in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Last week's rank: 1

Josh Allen threw zero passes on Sunday because bye-less Buffalo has bigger fish to fry: winning the first Super Bowl in franchise history. A complete, balanced, and well-coached team, the No. 2 Bills have the chops to do it. It's just about making that deep run that will likely eventually culminate in Kansas City. There, the biggest game of the NFL season, even bigger than Super Bowl 59, will probably await. -- RZ

1. Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn talks with linebacker Jack Campbell during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn talks with linebacker Jack Campbell during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.

Last week's rank: 2

Aaron Glenn gets overlooked thanks to Ben Johnson's offensive wizardry, but Detroit's defensive play-caller is similarly gifted when it comes to baffling opponents. His game plan limited the Vikings to a 7.1 percent success rate in the red zone, holding Minnesota without a touchdown and making Sam Darnold look like his former Jets self. More importantly, Glenn did so without a litany of injured starters -- adding a layer of confidence as the NFC's top seed prepares for the postseason. -- CD

This article originally appeared on For The Win: NFL Power Rankings after Week 18: Lions, Bills clearly under most pressure this postseason