RADIO
32. New York Giants (2-12)
Career backup and journeyman Tim Boyle became the fourth Giants quarterback to throw a pass this season. It didn’t help. New York scored 14 points, further dropping their league-low average.
31. Las Vegas Raiders (2-12)
The Las Vegas offense hit a new low on Monday night when it took Desmond Ridder over three-and-a-half quarters to complete a pass to a wide receiver. There will be a rookie quarterback under center in 2025.
30. New England Patriots (3-11)
Rookie quarterbacks and young teams typically perform better following a bye week. Instead, the Patriots continued to look outclassed. Arizona jumped out to a 23-3 lead before New England scored two late touchdowns. Despite the losing season, Jerod Mayo will reportedly return for a second season as the team’s head coach.
29. Tennessee Titans (3-11)
Is the Will Levis experiment over? The second-year quarterback tossed three interceptions and lost a fumble before being benched for Mason Rudolph. Head coach Brian Callahan was non-committal to a starting quarterback for the rest of the season.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-11)
In a nightmare season, there’s one thing to be thankful for if you’re a Jaguars fan. Brian Thomas Jr. could be the best rookie receiver in the league and will be an outstanding weapon for years to come. Hopefully, that’s enough for Trevor Lawrence to lead the team to wins next year.
27. Cleveland Browns (3-11)
It was only a matter of time. Jameis Winston tossed three more interceptions against the Kansas City Chiefs. That was the final straw for the coaching staff, who benched the veteran for Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Kevin Stefanski declined to name a starter for Week 16.
26. Carolina Panthers (3-11)
For the first time since 2022, the Carolina Panthers were favored to win a football game. It blew up in spectacular fashion. Bryce Young turned the ball over four times and the defense, once again, couldn’t stop their opponent’s run game.
25. New York Jets (4-10)
What year is it? 2021?
Aaron Rodgers found Davante Adams for 198 yards and two touchdowns en route to a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. It’s too bad they can’t play like their Green Bay days every week. Then, they could have actually contended for a playoff spot.
24. Chicago Bears (4-10)
The Chicago Bears season went off the rails following the Hail Mary loss to the Commanders in Week 8. It never got back on track. The Bears’ latest blunder was an offensive lineman not reporting as eligible that took a touchdown off the board. That’s eight straight losses.
23. New Orleans Saints (5-9)
It’s hard to blame interim coach Darren Rizzi for going for the win. The Saints scored a touchdown with zero seconds on the clock. Instead of kicking the extra point to tie, Rizzi gambled on New Orleans’ momentum. Unfortunately, Spencer Rattler’s pass just missed the hands of his receiver.
22. Indianapolis Colts (6-8)
Untimely turnovers turn into a blowout loss. The Colts led the Broncos into the fourth quarter. Three fumbles (including one on a walk-in touchdown by Jonathan Taylor) and one interception contributed to a scoreless second half and put Indianapolis’ playoff hopes on life support.
21. Dallas Cowboys (6-8)
Rico Dowdle and the running game gave Dallas fans something to cheer about this season. The 26-year-old set a new career-high mark in three consecutive games, culminating in 149 yards against Carolina. The ‘Boys are still three games out of the playoffs with three to play.
20. Atlanta Falcons (7-7)
There wasn’t a lot of celebrating following Atlanta’s win over the Raiders. Head coach Raheem Morris noted postgame they need better play from the quarterback position. Kirk Cousins threw his first touchdown in five weeks but also another interception. That’s nine over the same five-week span.
19. Miami Dolphins (6-8)
Miami’s postseason chances landed in the hands of Derek Stingley Jr. The Texans cornerback picked off Tua Tagovailoa on two potential game-tying drives in the fourth quarter. The Dolphins are two games behind the Los Angeles Chargers for the final playoff spot with three games to play.
18. Cincinnati Bengals (6-8)
There’s still a long way to go, but the Cincinnati Bengals have climbed back into the AFC playoff hunt. A head-to-head loss to Los Angeles in Week 11 could be the difference, given the Chargers currently hold the final spot.
17. San Francisco 49ers (6-8)
Some teams can’t survive the injury bug. Even with defensive end Nick Bosa and linebacker Dre Greenlaw back in the lineup, the 49ers didn’t have enough talent to beat the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football. San Francisco is two games behind Seattle and Los Angeles in the NFC West.
16. Arizona Cardinals (7-7)
James Conner is the offensive engine in the desert. The veteran running back averages 87 rushing yards in wins and 51 in losses. Conner hit triple digits (110) in a dominant win over the New England Patriots.
15. Seattle Seahawks (8-6)
Playoff teams can’t get pushed around like Seattle did on Sunday night. The Packers led for nearly 55 minutes and established dominance from the opening kick. Geno Smith’s injury could cost Seattle a chance at an NFC West crown.
14. Los Angeles Rams (8-6)
There’s a new team atop the NFC West. The offense didn’t find the end zone against San Francisco after scoring six touchdowns versus Buffalo. However, the rain can be blamed for offensive struggles.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6)
Rookies Bucky Irving and Jalen McMillan are elevating an already elite offense to another level. Tampa Bay dropped 40 points on the league’s best defense (Los Angeles Chargers) thanks to their rookies and a vintage Mike Evans performance. They are the favorites to win the NFC South.
12. Los Angeles Chargers (8-6)
The Los Angeles offense completely changed when J.K. Dobbins injured his knee. The running game is inefficient and non-existent, contributing to two straight losses. The Chargers have a two-game lead for the final AFC playoff spot and face the Denver Broncos on Thursday night.
11. Washington Commanders (9-5)
Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin continue to dissect red zone defenses. For most of the game, it looked like Washington would cruise to an easy win on the shoulders of their stars. A failed New Orleans two-point conversion with zero seconds remaining secured the victory.
10. Houston Texans (9-5)
Houston clinched their spot in the postseason thanks to a win over the Dolphins. The Texans have won the AFC South twice in as many seasons. A Week 17 matchup with Baltimore could determine postseason seeding.
9. Denver Broncos (9-5)
Bo Nix looked more like Bo Picks against the Indianapolis Colts. A career-high three interceptions put the Broncos in a second-half hole. Eventually, the better team prevailed, pitching a second-half shutout. The Broncos moved ahead of the Chargers in the AFC West standings.
8. Baltimore Ravens (9-5)
The Ravens didn’t fall for the trap with a crucial rematch against Pittsburgh looming. The last-place New York Giants were easily dispatched thanks to a five-touchdown game from Lamar Jackson. A win over the Steelers would put them in a tie atop the AFC North standings.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4)
The Eagles made it clear on Sunday that they are the best team in Pennsylvania. The Pittsburgh offense struggled (one drive over 40 yards) without George Pickens. The defense may have lost its best player, T.J. Watt, to an ankle injury.
6. Green Bay Packers (10-4)
The Green Bay Packers went into a playoff-caliber NFC foe’s stadium and dominated from start to finish. Head coach Matt LaFleur sent a message, giving running back Josh Jacobs the first eight touches as he punished Seattle defenders en route to a touchdown.
5. Minnesota Vikings (12-2)
The Minnesota Vikings are tied atop the NFC standings and have a date with the Detroit Lions in Week 18. A lot can happen in the two weeks leading up to the rematch but it could have huge implications for the NFC North standings and conference playoff picture.
4. Detroit Lions (12-2)
A second loss isn’t sending the Lions plummeting in the rankings. It’s the injuries. Head coach Dan Campbell can only work so much magic with injuries to star players piling up. Two more key pieces, running back David Montgomery and defensive tackle Alim McNeill, are done for the season.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (12-2)
For nine games in their 10-game winning streak, the Philadelphia Eagles leaned on Saquon Barkley and the defense to rack up victories. After taking a helmet to the leg in the first half, Barkley wasn’t himself. Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown picked up the offensive slack. This is a complete and dangerous football team.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (13-1)
The Kansas City Chiefs hold a two-game lead over the Buffalo Bills. That’s the good news. The bad news is they don’t own the tiebreaker and Patrick Mahomes is dealing with a high-ankle sprain that could hinder Kansas City’s chance to claim the AFC’s top spot.
1. Buffalo Bills (11-3)
The Buffalo Bills have defeated Kansas City, San Francisco, and Detroit in three of their last four games. That’s three of the final four teams from a year ago. Josh Allen has all but locked up his first NFL MVP award with 14 touchdowns in his last three games.
