NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Bills, Chiefs inch up, plus asking a big question of every team

The NFL playoff picture is coming into focus, but plenty of questions remain. In fact, the Week 17 NFL Power Rankings have a question for every team. Meanwhile, the contenders for the top seed in the AFC are starting to move up the rankings while the top teams in the NFC are showing some cracks.

1. Buffalo Bills (12-3)

Last week: 2

Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 24-21

The big question: Is the defense good enough?

The Bills have given up an average of 35.7 points in the last three games. New England gained 379 yards and took an early 14-0 lead Sunday before running back James Cook brought Buffalo back. He was the Bills’ leading rusher (100 yards) and receiver (26 yards). For the season, Buffalo is 11th in scoring defense (22.1 ppg allowed) but 18th in defensive EPA (minus-.3 per 100 snaps), according to TruMedia.

Up next: vs. New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

2. Detroit Lions (13-2)

Last week: 3

Sunday: Beat Chicago Bears 34-17

The big question: Are there enough players left?

The Lions’ injured reserve list is ridiculous — Aidan Hutchinson, Alex Anzalone, Marcus Davenport, Carlton Davis III, Alim McNeill, Malcolm Rodriguez and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., and that’s not all of them. David Montgomery remains on the active roster, but he’s a long shot to return because of a knee injury. At least this week, though, it didn’t seem to bother them as they put 475 yards on the hapless Bears.

Up next: at San Francisco 49ers, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

3. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3)

Last week: 1

Sunday: Lost to Washington Commanders 36-33

The big question: Is a cliff coming?

This team looked great through Week 15, but then quarterback Jalen Hurts got knocked out of Sunday’s game with a concussion and the Commanders erased a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter. This is the same team that lost six of its last seven last season. Well, not exactly the same team. That one didn’t have Saquon Barkley, and he rushed for 150 yards against Washington and is only 162 away from 2,000 for the season.

Up next: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

4. Kansas City Chiefs (14-1)

Last week: 6

Saturday: Beat Houston Texans 27-19

The big question: Is Xavier Worthy ready?

The rookie wide receiver has been targeted 11 times in each of the last two weeks and has responded with 13 catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. It’s like Andy Reid is telling him the playoffs are coming. With wide receiver Hollywood Brown making his Kansas City debut Saturday, Worthy had a season-high seven catches. If Worthy can turn into a true No. 1 option, the three-peat is fully on the table for the Chiefs.

Up next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Wednesday, 1 p.m. ET

5. Minnesota Vikings (13-2)

Last week: 5

Sunday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 27-24

The big question: Is Sam Darnold shutting everyone up?

We’re running out of reasons to write off the Vikings, who have clinched a playoff spot and still could earn the top seed in the NFC. The anti-Minnesota folks are still holding out hope Sam Darnold will turn into a pumpkin, but he’s fourth in the league in passer rating (105.4) and fifth in touchdown passes (32). Against the Seahawks, he threw three touchdown passes and found Justin Jefferson 10 times for 144 yards.

Up next: vs. Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

6. Green Bay Packers (11-4)

Last week: 4

Monday: Beat New Orleans Saints 34-0

The big question: Has Jordan Love fixed his biggest flaw?

Through Week 11, the Packers quarterback was tied for the most interceptions in the league with 11, but Monday night marked his fifth straight game without an interception. That’s the longest he’s gone during his career as a starter, and if he keeps it up, Green Bay will be as dangerous as anyone in the postseason. The Packers had outgained the Saints by more than 200 yards before pulling Love in the fourth quarter.

Up next: at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

7. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)

Last week: 8

Saturday: Beat Pittsburgh Steelers 34-17

The big question: Can Lamar Jackson prevail in the playoffs?

Since 2018 when Lamar Jackson was drafted, he is eighth in the NFL in expected points added per dropback (.13), and he has won two MVP awards. In the playoffs since 2018, he is 32nd in EPA per dropback (minus-.06) and has a 2-4 record. If Jackson can shake that history and Baltimore can play like it did Saturday in thumping the Steelers, Baltimore has as good a chance as any team to lift the Lombardi Trophy.

Up next: at Houston Texans, Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. ET

8. Washington Commanders (10-5)

Last week: 10

Sunday: Beat Philadelphia Eagles 36-33

The big question: Can they hold on?

Sunday’s win helped a lot. The Commanders improved to 10-5 for the first time since 1991 and now have a 94 percent chance to make the playoffs. Jayden Daniels led Washington in rushing with 81 yards and threw five touchdown passes against the Eagles. He’s sixth in the NFL in fantasy points this year and has more passing yards, passing touchdowns and rushing yards than Jalen Hurts.

Up next: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

9. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)

Last week: 7

Saturday: Lost to Baltimore Ravens 34-17

The big question: Where’s the run game?

When Pittsburgh hired Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator, acquired Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to play quarterback and drafted three offensive linemen in the first four rounds, big things were predicted for the run game. The Steelers are trying. They’re second in attempts (479) but next to last in yards per carry (3.9), and their offense seems dependent on whether wide receiver George Pickens plays or not. He didn’t on Saturday.

Up next: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Wednesday, 1 p.m. ET

10. Denver Broncos (9-6)

Last week: 9

Thursday: Lost to Los Angeles Chargers 34-27

The big question: Is the defense legit?

A Chargers team that is 19th in scoring (21.9 ppg) put up 355 yards for the game and 21 points in the second half against the Broncos defense. Denver is fourth in the league in scoring defense (18.7 ppg allowed) but has given up more than 30 in two of its last three games. The Broncos can clinch a playoff spot by winning either of their last two games, but those are against the Bengals and Chiefs.

Up next: at Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET

11. Los Angeles Rams (9-6)

Last week: 12

Sunday: Beat New York Jets 19-9

The big question: Which rookie defender is better?

Apparently drafting Florida State teammates was more than a publicity stunt. The Rams took linebacker Jared Verse and defensive end Braden Fiske in the first two rounds, and they are both in the top 20 in quarterback hurries this season. Verse is third with 48, and Fiske is 17th with 36. Both are also in the top 10 in NFL history for quarterback hurries through a player’s first 15 games.

Up next: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET

12. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)

Last week: 15

Thursday: Beat Denver Broncos 34-27

The big question: How good is Justin Herbert?

This debate may never end. Herbert is in in his fifth year. He’s back above .500 in the regular season as a starter after Thursday night’s win (39-38), but as much as new head coach Jim Harbaugh talks about him like he’s John Elway, Herbert is middle of the pack statistically (16th in EPA per dropback, .05) this season. That tracks with his entire career. The No. 6 pick from 2020 is 14th (.10) since joining the league, according to TruMedia.

Up next: at New England Patriots, Saturday, 1 p.m. ET

13. Houston Texans (9-6)

Last week: 13

Saturday: Lost to Kansas City Chiefs 27-19

The big question: What’s up with the offense?

The Texans are last in the NFL in success rate, with only 40 percent of their plays gaining enough yards to keep them moving toward first downs. As a result, their average yards to gain on third down (7.93) is the highest in the league. Second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud hasn’t been good enough to get them out of it. He’s 25th in EPA per dropback (minus-.01) after being sixth as a rookie (.11), according to TruMedia. Injuries are a factor, and will continue to be after Tank Dell went down, but this offense should be better.

Up next: vs. Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. ET

14. Cincinnati Bengals (7-8)

Last week: 16

Sunday: Beat Cleveland Browns 24-6

The big question: Will they bring back Tee Higgins?

Cincinnati held its collective breath while Higgins laid on the turf with an ankle injury Sunday, but the Bengals’ No. 2 wide receiver appears to be fine. Higgins is beloved by Cincy and not just because he’s fourth in the AFC in receiving yards per game (72.7). He gave a hilarious (but expletive-filled) breakdown of his quarterback’s performance in the locker room Sunday, calling Joe Burrow “Superman,” and Burrow loves Higgins, too. That doesn’t change the fact he’s playing on the franchise tag this year and will be expensive to re-sign.

Up next: vs. Denver Broncos, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7)

Last week: 11

Sunday: Lost to Dallas Cowboys 26-24

The big question: How long can Baker Mayfield do this?

The 29-year-old is in the first year of a three-year extension with the Buccaneers that pays him an average of $33 million per year. He’s in his seventh year and has the best EPA per dropback (.13), passer rating (103.5) and yards per attempt (7.7) of his career. Mayfield is on his fourth team but looks like he has found a home in Tampa Bay. It’s time to stop thinking of him as a stopgap.

Up next: vs. Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

16. Dallas Cowboys (7-8)

Last week: 19

Sunday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-24

The big question: Will Mike McCarthy return?

The Cowboys head coach is making a strong case for his job security down the stretch. Dallas has won four of its last five while starting backup Cooper Rush at quarterback. Dallas was eliminated from the playoffs before Sunday night’s win over Tampa but still won a shootout with one of the league’s hottest teams. Since Week 12, the Cowboys are 11th in scoring (27.4) and point differential (plus-26).

Up next: at Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Jerry Jones and Mike McCarthy in the locker room after tonight’s win pic.twitter.com/zPfti4P31i

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 23, 2024

17. Seattle Seahawks (8-7)

Last week: 14

Sunday: Lost to Minnesota Vikings 27-24

The big question: Why aren’t we talking more about Jaxon Smith-Njigba?

Seattle’s second-year wide receiver is fifth in the league with 1,089 yards and has clearly surpassed DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett as Geno Smith’s favorite target. Smith-Njigba had eight catches, 95 yards and a touchdown against the Vikings on Sunday.

Up next: at Chicago Bears, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

18. Atlanta Falcons (8-7)

Last week: 18

Sunday: Beat New York Giants 34-7

The big question: What’s next for Kirk Cousins?

Cousins watched Sunday as rookie Michael Penix Jr. started and played well enough that it’s probably not likely Cousins will return to the Falcons’ starting job. The 13-year veteran is in the first year of a four-year deal that will be very expensive for Atlanta to get out of this offseason ($65 million dead cap hit). The Falcons could trade Cousins, but they’d have to find a partner he’s willing to play for because he has a no-trade clause. They could keep him as a $45 million backup next year, but who really believes that’s going to happen?

Up next: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

19. Indianapolis Colts (7-8)

Last week: 22

Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 38-30

The big question: What to do with Anthony Richardson?

The second-year quarterback rushed for 70 yards but threw only 11 passes Sunday. Maybe that’s the right formula for this team. The Colts’ 38 points were their most this season thanks to Jonathan Taylor’s 218 yards on the ground, but is it sustainable? Richardson, who is in the second year of his rookie deal, is last among qualifying quarterbacks in passer rating (61.6) and completion percentage (47.7 percent) and tied for fourth in interceptions (12) despite being 33rd in attempts (264), according to TruMedia. He doesn’t gain enough on the ground (45.4 per game, third in the league) to make up for that.

Up next: at New York Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

20. Miami Dolphins (7-8)

Last week: 20

Sunday: Beat San Francisco 49ers 29-17

The big question: Is Mike McDaniel the right guy?

The Dolphins still have a 12 percent chance of making the playoffs, but Calais Campbell was in the locker room Sunday explaining how he might be released to sign with a contender once the postseason elimination becomes official. “It’s definitely something you think about,” Campbell said. The Dolphins have played in two playoff games under McDaniel — both Super Wild Card Weekend losses — and they are 6-9 under him in December and January regular-season games even after Sunday’s win.

Up next: at Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

Calais Campbell said he would never live with any regret over not taking the chance to get traded from the Dolphins at the deadline.

But he did say it’s possible, if Miami is eliminated, to have some conversation about getting waived before season’s end to finished elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/fYlccxr2Ng

— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) December 18, 2024

21. Arizona Cardinals (7-8)

Last week: 17

Sunday: Lost to Carolina Panthers 36-30

The big question: Is this Kyler Murray’s ceiling?

Murray is the 10th-highest-paid quarterback in the league ($46.1 million per year). For that, the Cardinals, who were eliminated from playoff contention Sunday, have gotten one playoff game in six years. In that game, he completed 55.9 percent of his passes for 137 yards and two interceptions. He’s 16th in passer rating this season (92.6), and he has nine interceptions versus 16 touchdown passes.

Up next: at Los Angeles Rams, Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET

22. San Francisco 49ers (6-9)

Last week: 21

Sunday: Lost to Miami Dolphins 29-17

The big question: Is this a blip?

After three consecutive trips to at least the conference championship game, San Francisco is guaranteed a losing season after Sunday’s loss. If Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk return at full strength next year and the 49ers get a deal done with Brock Purdy, San Francisco might be right back in the fray next season. Or the wear and tear of keeping this thing going the last three years might have worn this franchise down. The 49ers have lost five of six.

Up next: vs. Detroit Lions, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

23. Carolina Panthers (4-11)

Last week: 27

Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 36-30

The big question: Should Bryce Young return?

Since Week 12, Young is 17th in EPA per dropback (.06). That’s not great, but let’s compare it to the two games this year before he got benched: 32nd at minus-.44. Young passed for 158 yards, two touchdowns Sunday and had a 107.5 passer rating, the second highest of his career. Young is only halfway through his rookie deal and if the Panthers decide to stick with him, they can use what is now the No. 7 pick in the draft to help a porous defense.

Up next: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

24. New York Jets (4-11)

Last week: 24

Sunday: Lost to Los Angeles Rams 19-9

The big question: Will Aaron Rodgers return?

Rodgers said this after Sunday’s loss, which was the Jets’ fifth in six games: “Your perspective informs your truth and your truth makes your reality. The reality of the situation is what it is, but your perception you can change every day. … The last two weeks we can really see who is on board moving forward and who is ready to get out.” Anybody have any clue what this means? Neither do we. Stay tuned.

Up next: at Buffalo Bills, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

“The last two weeks we can really see who’s on board moving forward and who is ready to get out.”

– Aaron Rodgers pic.twitter.com/fH4iU5Imy4

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) December 22, 2024

25. Chicago Bears (4-11)

Last week: 25

Sunday: Lost to Detroit Lions 34-17

The big question: Is Caleb Williams trying to woo Ben Johnson?

In two games against Detroit this year, the Bears rookie quarterback has passed for 590 yards, five touchdowns and run for 73 yards. He also has lost both games because the Bears are the Bears, and they’ve now lost nine straight. Johnson, the Lions’ offensive coordinator and one of the league’s top head coaching prospects, has to be thinking he could work with that.

Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

26. New Orleans Saints (5-10)

Last week: 23

Monday: Lost to Green Bay Packers 34-0

The big question: When will they pay the bills?

The Saints already are projected to be an NFL-worst $63 million over the 2025 salary cap. This is not a new development in New Orleans where the Saints have been pushing their costs into the future for years now. The strategy made sense when the team was competitive, but they haven’t won more than nine games in a season since 2020, and they aren’t changing that this year.

Up next: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

27. New England Patriots (3-12)

Last week: 28

Sunday: Lost to Buffalo Bills 24-21

The big question: Can Drake Maye turn the page?

Let’s be honest, the Patriots are having a tough time moving on from the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick era. The fan base has hardly embraced first-year head coach Jerod Mayo. But at least there’s Maye. The No. 3 pick passed for 261 yards, ran for 30 and had New England up 14-0 early. If Maye can cut down on his interceptions (he has 10 this year), he might have a special second season and the Patriots can get on with their lives.

Up next: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Saturday, 1 p.m. ET

28. Las Vegas Raiders (3-12)

Last week: 31

Sunday: Beat Jacksonville Jaguars 19-14

The big question: How much is Tom Brady involved?

Brady’s minority ownership is costing him the ability to properly prepare for his new job as a FOX color analyst because he’s not allowed into production meetings with other teams, but we don’t know how much it’s going to help the Raiders. Las Vegas is expected to be hiring a head coach and drafting a quarterback this offseason. Those are subjects Brady is surely to feel strongly about, but we don’t know yet how much influence he will have. The Raiders dropped to sixth in the draft with Sunday’s win.

Up next: at New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

29. Cleveland Browns (3-12)

Last week: 26

Sunday: Lost to Cincinnati Bengals 24-6

The big question: What to do at quarterback?

The Browns benched Jameis Winston and started Dorian Thompson-Robinson on Sunday. It didn’t help. Deshaun Watson, who is still financially tied to the team tighter than any player in NFL history for the next two years, will be returning from an Achilles injury in the offseason, but there’s a question about whether the Browns want him back. Myles Garrett didn’t necessarily sound like it this week and had to walk back those comments Sunday. “I’m hoping he’s ready when the season comes, but that’s a tough injury to come back from,” Garrett said. “He’s been a hell of a teammate.”

Up next: vs. Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12)

Last week: 29

Sunday: Lost to Las Vegas Raiders 19-14

The big question: Could this be where Ben Johnson lands?

Everyone wants to link the Lions offensive coordinator to the Bears job (including us above), but joining a division with Detroit, Green Bay and Minnesota might not be the best career move. The Jaguars could offer Trevor Lawrence and a spot in the AFC South. They also have the No. 3 pick right now after losing to the Raiders.

Up next: vs. Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

31. Tennessee Titans (3-12)

Last week: 30

Sunday: Lost to Indianapolis Colts 38-30

The big question: Did they keep the right executive?

Tennessee chose general manager Ran Carthon over head coach Mike Vrabel in the offseason. Carthon’s biggest offseason moves were hiring Brian Callahan and signing Calvin Ridley (25th in receiving, 857 yards) and Tony Pollard (11th in rushing with 1,015 yards, 619 yards less than the running back Tennessee let go, Derrick Henry). Meanwhile, Vrabel could be one of the most sought-after coaches this offseason.

Up next: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

32. New York Giants (2-13)

Last week: 32

Sunday: Lost to Atlanta Falcons 34-7

The big question: Should Brian Daboll or Joe Schoen return?

In October, Giants owner John Mara said he didn’t plan to fire his head coach or general manager. The Giants were 2-5 then. They are 2-13 now and have lost a franchise-record 10 straight games. That’s quite a feat for a team that started playing football in 1925. The Giants were not competitive Sunday against a rookie quarterback making his first career start (Michael Penix Jr.) and the Falcons, and are 31st in the NFL in point differential (minus-147).

Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Top photo of James Cook: Timothy T Ludwig / Getty Images)