NFL Power Rankings: Where Teams Stand Heading into Week 17

As the NFL season hurtles toward its dramatic conclusion, the playoff picture becomes clearer. With just two weeks left, some teams are clinging to hope, while others are looking ahead to next year. Will the Detroit Lions or Kansas City Chiefs take the top spot? How much did the Eagles’ shocking loss impact their ranking? Let’s dive into the Week 17 NFL Power Rankings to see where every team stands.

The Bottom Tier: Draft Mode Activated

32. New York Giants (Last Week: 32)
Record: 2-13
The Giants are officially on the clock for the 2025 NFL Draft. Their nightmare season is winding down, and now all eyes are on who they’ll pick first overall.

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (Last Week: 30)
Record: 3-12
Even with Trevor Lawrence on a massive contract, the Jaguars are eyeing another high draft pick. But can they turn it into success?

30. Tennessee Titans (Last Week: 29)
Record: 3-12
It’s been a brutal season for the Titans, who are in desperate need of a reset. Quarterback issues have plagued them, and the future looks uncertain.

29. New England Patriots (Last Week: 28)
Record: 3-12
Drake Maye impressed this week, but the Patriots need far more than a quarterback to bounce back from this debacle of a season.

28. Las Vegas Raiders (Last Week: 31)
Record: 3-12
The Raiders’ meaningless win over the Jaguars may have cost them a shot at the top pick. Was it worth it?

Middle of the Pack: Frustratingly Close

22. San Francisco 49ers (Last Week: 19)
Record: 6-9
A once-promising season derailed by injuries leaves the 49ers pondering their top-10 draft position. Despite their struggles, a win against the Lions next week isn’t out of the question.

20. Arizona Cardinals (Last Week: 17)
Record: 7-8
The Cardinals are officially out of playoff contention. Their inconsistency all season made this an inevitability.

18. Miami Dolphins (Last Week: 20)
Record: 7-8
Miami’s offense showed flashes of brilliance with De’Von Achane returning to form. But their playoff hopes are likely too little, too late.

16. Seattle Seahawks (Last Week: 15)
Record: 8-7
Congratulations to the Rams for clinching the NFC West. Geno Smith and the Seahawks fell short of expectations this year.

Playoff Contenders: The Fight Intensifies

10. Houston Texans (Last Week: 9)
Record: 9-6
The Texans’ offence has cooled off dramatically, raising concerns as they approach the postseason. Losing Tank Dell to injury doesn’t help their cause.

9. Washington Commanders (Last Week: 10)
Record: 10-5
Jayden Daniels continues to dazzle, cementing his case for Offensive Rookie of the Year and helping Washington inch closer to a playoff berth.

6. Baltimore Ravens (Last Week: 8)
Record: 10-5
Derrick Henry’s late-season resurgence makes the Ravens a terrifying opponent heading into January. They’re hitting their stride at the right time.

The Elite: Chasing the Lombardi Trophy

4. Philadelphia Eagles (Last Week: 3)
Record: 12-3
Without Jalen Hurts, the Eagles struggled. Their path to securing the NFC’s top seed just got harder, and they’ll need help to stay in the race.

3. Minnesota Vikings (Last Week: 4)
Record: 13-2
From a rebuilding year to a Super Bowl contender, Kevin O’Connell has worked wonders in Minnesota. They’re peaking at the perfect time.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (Last Week: 2)
Record: 14-1
Patrick Mahomes continues to defy the odds, playing through injury to secure wins. With the AFC playoffs likely running through Arrowhead, the Chiefs remain the team to beat.

1. Detroit Lions (Last Week: 1)
Record: 13-2
The Lions have been dominant all year. With their sights set on clinching the NFC’s top seed, Detroit seems poised for a deep playoff run.

The Final Countdown
As we enter Week 17, the intensity ramps up. The top teams are battling for seeding, while the rest prepare for the draft or hope for a miracle. Stay tuned as the NFL season reaches its thrilling conclusion!