RADIO
32. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
The Tennessee Titans are on the clock. There isn’t a can’t-miss quarterback prospect in this year’s draft but the Titans will surely give Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward a chance to become the face of the franchise in Nashville.
31. New York Giants (3-14)
With the third-overall pick, finding the next franchise quarterback may cost future compensation or reaching for a prospect. The last time they gambled on a prospect, well, he was released midseason this year.
30. Cleveland Browns (3-14)
How do the Cleveland Browns rebound? Is it drafting a quarterback second overall and waiting for Deshaun Watson’s poison-pill contract to expire? That could cost them Myles Garrett, who wants a clear plan on how Cleveland can win now.
29. New England Patriots (4-13)
The Patriots lost the first-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft with the Week 18 win over Buffalo. Then, Jerod Mayo became a one-and-done head coach. Finding his replacement (Mike Vrabel?) and quality receivers and offensive linemen for Drake Maye is on the offseason checklist.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13)
Another week of Brian Thomas Jr. dominating opposing defenses has Jaguars fans buzzing. A bounce-back season could be in the cards with Trevor Lawrence back in the fall and a new coaching staff on the way.
27. New York Jets (5-12)
Aaron Rodgers’ New York swan song (probably) was a vintage four-touchdown performance. Will this lasting memory get him a starting job in another city next season? And how do the Jets solve their quarterback woes? An interesting offseason awaits.
26. Chicago Bears (5-12)
For the first time since the victory over Jacksonville in London (Week 6), the Chicago Bears won a football game. It only took a sneaky punt return, an injury to Jordan Love, and a Josh Jacobs half-measure to win.
Let’s see how the next head coach can maximize Caleb Williams’ abilities.
25. New Orleans Saints (5-12)
Interim head coach Darren Rizzi kept New Orleans competitive (outside of the shellacking by Green Bay in Week 16). Injuries to key players were too much to overcome. Derek Carr seems to believe he’ll be back as the team’s starting quarterback next season.
24. Las Vegas Raiders (4-13)
Two late-season wins put the Raiders in a tough spot. The organization will draft sixth in April’s draft and desperately needs a quality quarterback. Will they find one there or feel the need to trade up? Whoever is under center will have the best young tight end connect with.
23. Carolina Panthers (5-12)
Bryce Young wrapped up his second season with three touchdowns through the air and two more on the ground en route to an overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons. Dave Canales may have worked his quarterback magic again.
22. San Francisco 49ers (6-11)
Injuries certainly played a part in the Super Bowl hangover for the San Francisco 49ers. Brock Purdy’s contract extension will be the Bay Area’s biggest talking point in the offseason.
21. Indianapolis Colts (8-9)
Despite the embarrassing end to the season, the Colts are bringing back head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard. Their futures could hinge on the choices made regarding Anthony Richardson as a starting quarterback.
20. Dallas Cowboys (7-10)
The Cowboys used Week 18 to learn what they had in Trey Lance. He didn’t turn the ball over but also didn’t lead a touchdown drive until midway through the fourth quarter.
Mike McCarthy’s contract expires on Wednesday. He wants to return to the Cowboys. Does Jerry Jones want that too?
19. Arizona Cardinals (8-9)
Arizona may be in quarterback purgatory. Kyler Murray doesn’t seem fit to lead a team to the Super Bowl, but he’s also not bad enough to warrant replacing. Arizona has made one postseason appearance since 2016.
18. Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
Atlanta’s season ended when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Saints at home. It ended with a whimper when the Falcons allowed Bryce Young and the Panthers to score 44 points on their home turf.
17. Miami Dolphins (8-9)
Cold weather bites the Dolphins again. Tyler Huntley couldn’t lead Miami to a win in chilly East Rutherford. Ultimately, it didn’t matter with Denver’s victory over the Kansas City Chiefs officially eliminating the ‘Fins.
16. Seattle Seahawks (10-7)
Geno Smith made six million dollars Sunday by hitting contract incentives, including leading the Seahawks to 10 wins. Seattle’s brass likely thought double-digit wins would lead to a playoff appearance. That was not the case.
15. Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)
Would the Cincinnati Bengals, winners of five straight, be favored over some teams that made the postseason? Probably. Unfortunately, the slow start kept Joe Burrow and Co. out of the playoffs for the second year in a row.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
Losers of four straight, the Steelers limp into the postseason with offensive struggles aplenty. A third matchup with the Baltimore Ravens could be the last of their campaign.
13. Houston Texans (10-7)
Houston’s Week 18 win may be one of the most important of their season. It didn’t move them in the standings. However, confidence was low after the blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens a week prior. C.J. Stroud marched the offense down for a score on Houston’s first drive before taking off the rest of the game.
12. Denver Broncos (10-7)
Yes, it was against Kansas City’s backups but the Broncos took care of business at home to secure their postseason bid. The 38-0 victory sets up a date with the Buffalo Bills for Bo Nix’s playoff debut.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
A double-digit halftime deficit in the must-win game had Buccaneers fans nervous. When the final whistle sounded, Tampa Bay punched its ticket to the postseason and Mike Evans notched his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season.
10. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
A consistent second option in the passing game is a big need for the Los Angeles Chargers. If Quentin Johnston plays like he did on Sunday (13 catches, 186 yards), that problem will be solved.
9. Green Bay Packers (11-6)
There are two Week 1 rematches in the opening round of the playoffs. Washington will travel to Tampa Bay. Green Bay will see the Eagles, this time on American soil. Jordan Love claims his injured throwing arm will be ready in Philadelphia.
8. Washington Commanders (12-5)
This is a much different Washington team than the one that lost by 17 to the Buccaneers in Week 1 if Jayden Daniels is healthy. He left Week 18 with mild leg soreness.
7. Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
The Los Angeles Rams backups nearly took down their division rival Seahawks in Week 18. A win would have altered the NFC standings. Instead of hosting the Washington Commanders, they’ll match up against a 14-win Minnesota Vikings team.
6. Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
The Ravens clinched the AFC North with a Saturday win over the lowly Cleveland Browns. Now, one more division game awaits. Baltimore will host Pittsburgh in the Wild Card round.
5. Minnesota Vikings (14-3)
In the biggest game of his career, Sam Darnold looked like the New York version of himself. It’s an even bigger game next week, as the former first-round pick makes his first playoff start.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)
The Eagles won while resting several key players on both sides of the football, reinforcing the argument that they are the most complete team. Jalen Hurts should return for the Wild Card matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (15-2)
No reason to fret about the 38-point loss to Denver. The Chiefs rested all the important pieces and will have another week of rest as they watch the Wild Card round play out.
2. Buffalo Bills (13-4)
With the Week 18 formality out of the way, it’s playoff time in Buffalo. The Bills will host the Denver Broncos in the first round. Could this be the year Josh Allen beats Patrick Mahomes and advances to the Super Bowl?
1. Detroit Lions (15-2)
Alex Anzalone’s return negated T.J. Hockenson and helped Detroit put together what may have been their best defensive game this season, despite all the injuries. Detroit earned a first-round bye and the NFC playoffs go through the Motor City.
