NFL Playoffs Power Rankings for Each Position (Offense and Defense) - Conference Championships

January 28, 2024

Jackson's NFL power rankings for each offense and defense position, for all remaining 2024 NFL playoff teams. The top Conference Championship QB, RB, WR, TE and more.

The winner of every Super Bowl in recent memory had a collection of high-end talent on the roster, but being a well-rounded team from top to bottom is often overlooked. The Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions all have players who are considered one of the best at their position, but strengths at other position groups have also gotten them this far.

Each team remaining is one win away from a Super Bowl LVIII berth in Las Vegas, so let's compare and contrast all position groups ahead of Conference Championship Sunday.

Which franchise has the most well-rounded roster? Which teams could be at risk of being exploited by a weak position group? We'll analyze each position by team below.

Quarterback Power Rankings

1. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs

Putting Mahomes at No. 1 is a no-brainer. The two-time MVP has 13 playoff wins and two Super Bowl rings before turning 29 years old, and he has the highest passer rating in postseason history (106.7). He's unanimously viewed as the best signal-caller in the NFL, so he's obviously the best among the four remaining.

2. Lamar Jackson, Ravens

Jackson is inevitably going to take home the second MVP of his career in just over a week, and his dominant playoff performance against the Houston Texans was much-needed for his postseason legacy. He's still young and will have many chances to pile up playoff dubs, but a win in the AFC title game against Patrick Mahomes would put him in a whole new light among NFL fans and analysts. Jackson's 75.3% win percentage puts him only behind Tom Brady (75.4%) and Mahomes (77.1%) all-time (minimum 80 starts).

LAMAR JACKSON.

Baltimore can taste the AFC Championship game.

📺: #HOUvsBAL on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/mOqD2jfu4M pic.twitter.com/stiJQtphvC

— NFL (@NFL) January 21, 2024

3. Jared Goff, Lions

Goff has been no stranger to criticism since being selected No. 1 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. However, he's thrown for at least 4,400 yards and 28 touchdowns in four of his eight career seasons. He's also 66-50-1 during his NFL career and has a 4-3 postseason record. He may never be considered elite, but he's "at least" very good and should be respected as such. If he takes the Lions to the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history, it'll be tough to doubt him any longer.

4. Brock Purdy, 49ers

Purdy won 20 of his first 25 regular season and postseason starts, and his one playoff loss came in a game in which he suffered a torn UCL. He attempted just four passes before exiting. In his first full season as a starter, the 2022 Mr. Irrelevent led the NFL in yards per attempt (9.6) and passer rating (113.0). He's ranked at No. 4 here due to the overall body of work Jared Goff has, but he could jump Goff with another season of high-end QB play.

Running Back Power Rankings

1. Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell- 49ers

Christian McCaffrey has been the best all-purpose running back since he entered the league in 2017, at least when he's been healthy. During the regular season, the 27-year-old set career highs in rushing yards (1,459) and total touchdowns (21), and led the NFL in total touches (339) and scrimmage yards (2,023). While the value of the running back position has taken a dramatic hit in recent years, McCaffrey remains an X-factor in the creative and innovative Kyle Shanahan offense. He's the clear No. 1 choice here.

Mitchell has shown ability in the past, but he's been phased out of the offense and CMC took on the workhorse role.

2. Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery- Lions

McCaffrey is the best running back in the NFL, but the Lions have the best pair of RBs. Both backs had at least 1,100 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns during the regular season. They also each ranked among the top 10 running backs in yards per carry. Sure, the Lions' elite offensive line helps their cause, but both the thunder and lightning in the Detroit backfield have made the most of their opportunities. Montgomery is sure to pick up the tough yards, while Gibbs can take any touch to the end zone.

Jahmyr Gibbs. GONE.

📺: #TBvsDET on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/frRD38ClOq pic.twitter.com/AAOEC17OoK

— NFL (@NFL) January 21, 2024

3. Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire- Chiefs

Pacheco rushed for 935 yards in 14 games, meaning he would've likely hit the 1,000-yard mark had he played a full season. He runs angry and refuses to go down, which has helped Kansas City's flashy offense transition to a hard-nose physical unit. The 2022 seventh-rounder has reached the end zone in each of his last three postseason contests. Let's see if he keeps that streak alive against the fierce Baltimore front on Sunday.

Edwards-Helaire has been a clear bust since being selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, but he's a fine complementary back and has averaged 5.8 yards per carry through two playoff games this year.

4. Gus Edwards, Justice Hill- Ravens

The Gus Bus found paydirt 13 times during the regular season, which ranked tied for third among running backs with David Montgomery. Among ball carriers with at least 600 career attempts, his 4.9 yards per carry ranks tied for 11th all-time. He's overshadowed by the elite rushing of Lamar Jackson and the strong Baltimore offensive line, but he's been productive.

Meanwhile, Justice Hill has a little more juice in the passing game. It will be interesting to see if Dalvin Cook becomes a factor for Baltimore after his eight-touch debut in the win over the Houston Texans.

Wide Receiver Power Rankings

1. Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk- 49ers

Samuel is nursing a shoulder injury and has a "50-50" shot to play this weekend. Either way, he and Aiyuk form one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL and the best during Conference Championship weekend. Although Samuel hasn't reproduced his 1,700 all-purpose-yards season from 2021, he was once again a dynamic runner and receiver in 2023. In 15 games, he caught 60 passes for 892 yards and seven touchdowns and rushed 37 times for 225 yards and five scores.

Meanwhile, Aiyuk complied a career-high 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He is known as one of the best route runners in the game. Given Detroit's struggles in the secondary and Samuel's injury, Aiyuk could be in for a monster outing in the NFC Championship Game. The Lions allowed a wide receiver to go over 147 yards in each of the last four games.

2. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds- Lions

Amon-Ra St. Brown is as consistent as NFL wideouts come. He posted at least 95 yards or caught a touchdown in 17 of his 18 games this year and set career highs in receptions (119), receiving yards (1,515), and receiving touchdowns (10). He has entered the elite tier of pass-catchers and will need a big game this weekend if Detroit has a shot to reach Super Bowl LVIII.

Reynolds hasn't been a star during his eight-year NFL career, but he's had his moments and has come up big for the Lions in their two playoff wins. Against the Rams and Buccaneers, Reynolds hauled in seven passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. St. Brown is the clear target hog in the offense and Sam LaPorta is the No. 2 option, but Reynolds has been impactful this year. 80% of his regular season receptions went for first downs.

Goff to Reynolds puts the @Lions ahead, 10-3!

📺: #TBvsDET on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/frRD38BNYS pic.twitter.com/JKCL0Y5GxL

— NFL (@NFL) January 21, 2024

3. Zay Flowers, Odell Beckham Jr.- Ravens

Flowers, the No. 22 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been spectacular for quarterback Lamar Jackson as a rookie. In 16 regular season games, Flowers caught 77 of his 108 targets for 858 yards and five touchdowns. Flowers has splash-play ability and can cut on a dime, setting up YAC opportunities. He already looks like the best wide receiver Jackson has played with, which is exciting for the future.

OBJ's 2023 season doesn't match up with the campaigns he had early in his career, but he was modestly productive during the regular season. He racked up 565 yards and three scored in 14 games. Luckily, Flowers has blossomed into a No. 1 option in the passing game, so there's not too much pressure on Beckham to do it all.

4. Rashee Rice, Marquez Valdes-Scantling- Chiefs

Rashee Rice wasted no time becoming Patrick Mahomes' favorite target not named Travis Kelce. The rookie second-rounder caught 79 passes for 938 yards and seven touchdowns in his first regular season. With Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore failing to step up in Kansas City's offense, Rice has become a go-to guy in crucial situations when Kelce isn't open.

MVS continues to be an "okay" field stretcher (15.0 YPC), but he posted a career-low 315 receiving yards and one touchdown in 2023. The Chiefs' group of wideouts is clearly the weakest remaining.

Tight End Power Rankings

1. Travis Kelce, Chiefs

While Kelce failed to post 1,000 yards this season for the first time since 2015, he deserves to remain at the No. 1 spot among all tight ends. In the win over Buffalo, he delivered a vintage two-touchdown game to help Kansas City punch its ticket to the AFC title game. Although he wasn't as dominant as usual in 2023, he's as good once as he ever was.

2. George Kittle, 49ers

In 2023, Kittle posted his third season of at least 1,000 receiving yards and earned First-Team All-Pro honors. He accomplished those feats despite running the 12th-most routes among all NFL tight ends. He is the best run-blocking tight end in the league and helps in pass protection, but he makes the most of his pass-catching opportunities. He's been just behind Kelce for most of his career, and that's where we have him on this list.

PURDY. KITTLE. 49ERS TAKE THE LEAD.

📺: #GBvsSF on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/yDUx5ZutVa pic.twitter.com/JAsaS9bxFy

— NFL (@NFL) January 21, 2024

3. Sam LaPorta, Lions

LaPorta put up unprecedented numbers for rookie tight ends this season. His 86 receptions are the most ever by a rookie at the position. His 10 touchdowns are the second-most ever, and his 889 yards are the fourth-most ever. Needless to say, his future is bright, and he could be the next dominant force in the middle of the field.

4. Isaiah Likely, Ravens

Likely is an impressive tight end who is unfortunately stuck in a backup role, but he's gotten the chance to shine in the absence of Mark Andrews. Since Andrews' Week 11 ankle injury, Likely has produced 356 yards and six touchdowns in seven games. He's no slouch, but the other tight ends on the list are more proven, so he's at the No. 4 slot by default. Andrews is reportedly trending toward playing on Sunday, and he would come in at No. 3 or No. 4 on this list if he's healthy.

Offensive Line Power Rankings

1. Detroit Lions

The Detroit O-line headlined by Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow and right tackle Penei Sewell was dominant for a second straight season in 2023, helping the running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery each post at least 900 rushing yards. The Lions had the seventh-best rushing attack (131.8 YPG) and were the fifth-fewest sacked team during the regular season.

2. Baltimore Ravens

Center Tyler Linderbaum was the only Baltimore offensive lineman to make the Pro Bowl, but make no mistake, they have studs across the board. The front five allowed the third-lowest pressure rate per dropback (15.3%) and supported the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL (160.6). Having Lamar Jackson certainly helps in those areas, which is likely the reason this unit isn't the consensus No. 1 O-line group in the league.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs' interior line featuring Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, and Trey Smith is arguably the best in the NFL, but tackles Donovan Smith and Jawaan Taylor can be liabilities at times with penalties. This puts the unit firmly behind the Ravens' front five. That said, it's an excellent unit overall.

4. San Francisco 49ers

Trent Williams is arguably the best offensive lineman in the NFL, but the Niners' line is lacking star power elsewhere. The 49ers O-line is a top-10 unit across the league, but it's the fourth-best unit remaining. Perhaps that says something about the key to getting this far in the postseason.

Interior Defensive Line Power Rankings

1. Javon Hargrave, Arik Armstead- 49ers

Hargrave and Armstead are both high-end disruptors on the interior, and they take the top spot here because of the consistency they've shown in their careers. They combined for 12 sacks and 12 tackles for loss this year, despite Armstead missing five contests.

2. Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi- Chiefs

If Aaron Donald didn't exist, Chris Jones would be viewed as the best interior defensive lineman of the last decade. Since 2018, Jones has racked up at least 7.5 sacks every year, and he has posted at least 10.5 sacks in three of those seasons. He stopped a potential game-winning touchdown by the Bills late in the fourth quarter last week by pushing Dion Dawkins into Josh Allen's lap while he was in his throwing motion. Nnadi is an average defensive tackle and doesn't do much in the pass-rushing game.

Chris Jones with back-to-back sacks on Jalen Hurts 😤 pic.twitter.com/TeRNIfl2DI

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 21, 2023

3. Justin Madubuike, Michael Pierce- Ravens

Madubuike posted 13 sacks during the regular season, which is ridiculous production from a 300-pound interior player. Meanwhile, the 345-pound Pierce continues to occupy run gaps in his seventh NFL season.

4. Alim McNeill, Benito Jones- Lions

McNeill posted five sacks in 13 games this year, and he appears to have a bright future, but he hasn't done enough to be brought up in the "great" interior D-lineman discussion. Jones has a PPF grade of 37.4 this year, which is poor enough to cancel out McNeill's flashes of excellence and put the Lions at the No. 4 spot in this section.

Edge Rusher Power Rankings

1. Nick Bosa, Chase Young- 49ers

Bosa and Young accounted for 69 combined pressures this season and will face arguably the best tackle duo in Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker in the NFC title game. If these two freak athletes on the edge can't make their presence felt, it could be a long day for the 49ers defense.

2. Aidan Hutchinson, John Cominsky- Lions

Hutchinson led the league with 62 total pressure this year, which was 12 more than the second-place tie between Maxx Crosby and T.J. Watt. It took him just two seasons to become one of the game's best edge rushers, so he does the heavy lifting with these rankings. Cominsky and Charles Harris posted a combined 26 pressures, so it's a one-man show in Detroit.

HUTCH UNTOUCHED.

📺: #TBvsDET on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/frRD38ClOq pic.twitter.com/PFlhuKKJ5X

— NFL (@NFL) January 21, 2024

3.  George Karlaftis, Michael Danna- Chiefs

Karlaftis broke out in year two of his career, posting 35 pressures (13th). He also reached double-digit sacks for the first time in his career, and he'll surely have plenty of pass-rushing opportunities over the next few seasons with Kansas City playing with a lead often. Danna had a solid season with 21 pressures.

4.  Jadeveon Clowney, Odafe Oweh- Ravens

Clowney registered a career-high 9.5 sacks in his first season with Baltimore. He and Oweh racked up 38 pressures this year, as Justin Madubuike did most of the damage from the interior.

Inside Linebacker Power Rankings

1. Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw- 49ers

Warner and Greenlaw have been recognized as the league's best inside linebacker duo for a few seasons, though Warner is the star of the show. He's been named to three First-Team All-Pro squads in the last four seasons and posted a career-high four interceptions in 2023. He's a do-it-all linebacker with unreal speed.

FRED WARNER! @49ers second INT of the half.

📺: #DALvsSF on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/WBXF8YHjXz pic.twitter.com/5aWqysTp1V

— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2023

2. Roquan Smith, Patrick Queen- Ravens

Smith has been an All-Pro selection in each of the last four seasons dating back to his time with the Chicago Bears. He might be the best off-ball linebacker in the league outside of Warner. However, Queen took his game to a new level this year, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors just months after the team declined his fifth-year option.

3. Nick Bolton, Willie Gay- Chiefs

Bolton was banged up for a lot of the 2023 campaign and spent two months on the injured reserve list. Nevertheless, he's an above-average linebacker who plays with violent speed. Gay has all the tools to be a stud linebacker, too, but he's overshadowed by Bolton.

4. Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell- Lions

Anzalone and Campbell have been solid in the middle of the Detroit defense this season, but they don't have the accolades and star power of the other tandems above them.

Secondary Power Rankings

1. Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City has been known for its offensive firepower during the Patrick Mahomes era -- and rightfully so. However, the Chiefs allowed the second-fewest passing yards per attempt (5.3) and fourth-fewest passing yards (177.6) per game in 2023. L'Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie have an argument as the best cornerback duo in the NFL, and the team's secondary is likely to be a mismatch for Baltimore's wide receivers.

2. Baltimore Ravens

Despite Marlon Humphrey being banged up for most of the year, Baltimore ranked fifth in passing yards per game allowed during the regular season (191.0). They did this despite facing the second-most passing attempts per game (37.1). Second-year safety Kyle Hamilton has already blossomed into one of the best players at the position and teammates Marcus Williams and Brandon Stephens are quality defensive backs in their own right. If Humphrey can play and be effective on Sunday, the Ravens' back-end could be better than the Chiefs'.

ARE YOU KIDDING US @kyledhamilton_?!?!?!

PICK SIX!!!!

Tune in now on FOX! pic.twitter.com/ojlcFMT1lp

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 12, 2023

3. San Francisco 49ers

Charvarious Ward is the star of the 49ers' pass defense, but the aging Teshaun Gipson and rookie Ji'Ayir Brown at safety is the weakness of this back-end. By default, this unit lands at No. 3.

4. Detroit Lions

Cameron Sutton is the worst starting defensive back on Sunday, and the Lions allowed the second-most passing yards per game this year (256.9). Nothing more needs to be said.

Kicker Power Rankings

1. Justin Tucker, Ravens

Justin Tucker is arguably the greatest kicker of all time, so this one is easy.

2. Harrison Butker, Chiefs

Butker is one of just a handful of kickers in NFL history to make a lead-taking field goal in the final minute of a Super Bowl, so again, he's the easy choice behind Tucker.

3. Jake Moody, 49ers

Moody has made 21 of his 25 field goal attempts and 60 of his 61 extra point tries as a rookie. However, he missed a short game-winner against Cleveland. Do we trust a rookie to remain calm for a potential NFC Championship or Super Bowl go-ahead field goal?

4. Michael Badgley, Lions

Badgley has made 46 of his last 53 field goal tries, but his two extra-point botches this season are a little nerve-racking if he has to deliver in clutch moments moving forward.

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