The NFL playoff image is coming into focus, however loads of questions stay. The truth is, the Week 17 NFL Energy Rankings have a query for each workforce. In the meantime, the contenders for the highest seed within the AFC are beginning to transfer up the rankings whereas the highest groups within the NFC are exhibiting some cracks.
1. Buffalo Payments (12-3)
Final week: 2
Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 24-21
The large query: Is the protection ok?
The Payments have given up a median of 35.7 factors within the final three video games. New England gained 379 yards and took an early 14-0 lead Sunday earlier than working again James Cook dinner introduced Buffalo again. He was the Payments’ main rusher (100 yards) and receiver (26 yards). For the season, Buffalo is eleventh in scoring protection (22.1 ppg allowed) however 18th in defensive EPA (minus-.3 per 100 snaps), in response to TruMedia.
Up subsequent: vs. New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
2. Detroit Lions (13-2)
Final week: 3
Sunday: Beat Chicago Bears 34-17
The large query: Are there sufficient gamers left?
The Lions’ injured reserve listing 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 stays on the energetic roster, however he’s a protracted shot to return due to a knee damage. A minimum of this week, although, it didn’t appear to trouble them as they put 475 yards on the hapless Bears.
Up subsequent: at San Francisco 49ers, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
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3. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3)
Final week: 1
Sunday: Misplaced to Washington Commanders 36-33
The large query: Is a cliff coming?
This workforce appeared nice by way of Week 15, however then quarterback Jalen Hurts acquired knocked out of Sunday’s recreation with a concussion and the Commanders erased a 13-point lead within the fourth quarter. This is similar workforce that misplaced six of its final seven final season. Effectively, not precisely the identical workforce. That one didn’t have Saquon Barkley, and he rushed for 150 yards towards Washington and is just 162 away from 2,000 for the season.
Up subsequent: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Chiefs rookie extensive receiver Xavier Worthy has eight touchdowns this season, together with one receiving and one dashing on Saturday towards the Texans. (Jay Biggerstaff / Imagn Photos)
4. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (14-1)
Final week: 6
Saturday: Beat Houston Texans 27-19
The large query: Is Xavier Worthy prepared?
The rookie extensive receiver has been focused 11 instances in every of the final two weeks and has responded with 13 catches for 111 yards and a landing. It’s like Andy Reid is telling him the playoffs are coming. With extensive receiver Hollywood Brown making his Kansas Metropolis debut Saturday, Worthy had a season-high seven catches. If Worthy can flip into a real No. 1 possibility, the three-peat is absolutely on the desk for the Chiefs.
Up subsequent: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Wednesday, 1 p.m. ET
5. Minnesota Vikings (13-2)
Final week: 5
Sunday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 27-24
The large query: Is Sam Darnold shutting everybody up?
We’re working out of causes to put in writing off the Vikings, who’ve clinched a playoff spot and nonetheless may earn the highest seed within the NFC. The anti-Minnesota of us are nonetheless holding out hope Sam Darnold will flip right into a pumpkin, however he’s fourth within the league in passer score (105.4) and fifth in landing passes (32). Towards the Seahawks, he threw three landing passes and located Justin Jefferson 10 instances for 144 yards.
Up subsequent: vs. Inexperienced Bay Packers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
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6. Inexperienced Bay Packers (11-4)
Final week: 4
Monday: Beat New Orleans Saints 34-0
The large query: Has Jordan Love mounted his greatest flaw?
By means of Week 11, the Packers quarterback was tied for essentially the most interceptions within the league with 11, however Monday night time marked his fifth straight recreation with out an interception. That’s the longest he’s gone throughout his profession as a starter, and if he retains it up, Inexperienced Bay shall be as harmful as anybody within the postseason. The Packers had outgained the Saints by greater than 200 yards earlier than pulling Love within the fourth quarter.
Up subsequent: at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
7. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
Final week: 8
Saturday: Beat Pittsburgh Steelers 34-17
The large query: Can Lamar Jackson prevail within the playoffs?
Since 2018 when Lamar Jackson was drafted, he’s eighth within the NFL in anticipated factors added per dropback (.13), and he has received two MVP awards. Within the playoffs since 2018, he’s thirty second in EPA per dropback (minus-.06) and has a 2-4 document. If Jackson can shake that historical past and Baltimore can play prefer it did Saturday in thumping the Steelers, Baltimore has pretty much as good an opportunity as any workforce to elevate the Lombardi Trophy.
Up subsequent: at Houston Texans, Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. ET
8. Washington Commanders (10-5)
Final week: 10
Sunday: Beat Philadelphia Eagles 36-33
The large query: Can they maintain on?
Sunday’s win helped rather a lot. The Commanders improved to 10-5 for the primary time since 1991 and now have a 94 % probability to make the playoffs. Jayden Daniels led Washington in dashing with 81 yards and threw 5 landing passes towards the Eagles. He’s sixth within the NFL in fantasy factors this 12 months and has extra passing yards, passing touchdowns and dashing yards than Jalen Hurts.
Up subsequent: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
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9. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)
Final week: 7
Saturday: Misplaced to Baltimore Ravens 34-17
The large query: The place’s the run recreation?
When Pittsburgh employed Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator, acquired Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to play quarterback and drafted three offensive linemen within the first 4 rounds, huge issues had been predicted for the run recreation. The Steelers try. They’re second in makes an attempt (479) however subsequent to final in yards per carry (3.9), and their offense appears depending on whether or not extensive receiver George Pickens performs or not. He didn’t on Saturday.
Up subsequent: vs. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, Wednesday, 1 p.m. ET
10. Denver Broncos (9-6)
Final week: 9
Thursday: Misplaced to Los Angeles Chargers 34-27
The large query: Is the protection legit?
A Chargers workforce that’s nineteenth in scoring (21.9 ppg) put up 355 yards for the sport and 21 factors within the second half towards the Broncos protection. Denver is fourth within the league in scoring protection (18.7 ppg allowed) however has given up greater than 30 in two of its final three video games. The Broncos can clinch a playoff spot by profitable both of their final two video games, however these are towards the Bengals and Chiefs.
Up subsequent: at Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET
The Rams’ Jared Verse celebrates a fumble restoration on Sunday. He and fellow rookie Braden Fiske have helped put the Rams within the driver’s seat within the NFC West. (Emilee Chinn / Getty Photos)
11. Los Angeles Rams (9-6)
Final week: 12
Sunday: Beat New York Jets 19-9
The large query: Which rookie defender is best?
Apparently drafting Florida State teammates was greater than a publicity stunt. The Rams took linebacker Jared Verse and defensive finish Braden Fiske within the first two rounds, and they’re each within the high 20 in quarterback hurries this season. Verse is third with 48, and Fiske is seventeenth with 36. Each are additionally within the high 10 in NFL historical past for quarterback hurries by way of a participant’s first 15 video games.
Up subsequent: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET
12. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
Final week: 15
Thursday: Beat Denver Broncos 34-27
The large query: How good is Justin Herbert?
This debate could by no means finish. Herbert is in in his fifth 12 months. He’s again above .500 within the common season as a starter after Thursday night time’s win (39-38), however as a lot as new head coach Jim Harbaugh talks about him like he’s John Elway, Herbert is center of the pack statistically (sixteenth in EPA per dropback, .05) this season. That tracks together with his complete profession. The No. 6 choose from 2020 is 14th (.10) since becoming a member of the league, in response to TruMedia.
Up subsequent: at New England Patriots, Saturday, 1 p.m. ET
13. Houston Texans (9-6)
Final week: 13
Saturday: Misplaced to Kansas Metropolis Chiefs 27-19
The large query: What’s up with the offense?
The Texans are final within the NFL in success price, with solely 40 % of their performs gaining sufficient yards to maintain them transferring towards first downs. In consequence, their common yards to achieve on third down (7.93) is the best within the league. Second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud hasn’t been ok to get them out of it. He’s twenty fifth in EPA per dropback (minus-.01) after being sixth as a rookie (.11), in response to TruMedia. Accidents are an element, and can proceed to be after Tank Dell went down, however this offense ought to be higher.
Up subsequent: vs. Baltimore Ravens, Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. ET
14. Cincinnati Bengals (7-8)
Final week: 16
Sunday: Beat Cleveland Browns 24-6
The large query: Will they carry again Tee Higgins?
Cincinnati held its collective breath whereas Higgins laid on the turf with an ankle damage Sunday, however the Bengals’ No. 2 extensive receiver seems to be effective. Higgins is beloved by Cincy and never simply because he’s fourth within the AFC in receiving yards per recreation (72.7). He gave a hilarious (however expletive-filled) breakdown of his quarterback’s efficiency within the locker room Sunday, calling Joe Burrow “Superman,” and Burrow loves Higgins, too. That doesn’t change the actual fact he’s taking part in on the franchise tag this 12 months and shall be costly to re-sign.
Up subsequent: vs. Denver Broncos, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7)
Final week: 11
Sunday: Misplaced to Dallas Cowboys 26-24
The large query: How lengthy can Baker Mayfield do that?
The 29-year-old is within the first 12 months of a three-year extension with the Buccaneers that pays him a median of $33 million per 12 months. He’s in his seventh 12 months and has the perfect EPA per dropback (.13), passer score (103.5) and yards per try (7.7) of his profession. Mayfield is on his fourth workforce however seems to be like he has discovered a house in Tampa Bay. It’s time to cease considering of him as a stopgap.
Up subsequent: vs. Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
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16. Dallas Cowboys (7-8)
Final week: 19
Sunday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-24
The large query: Will Mike McCarthy return?
The Cowboys head coach is making a robust case for his job safety down the stretch. Dallas has received 4 of its final 5 whereas beginning backup Cooper Rush at quarterback. Dallas was eradicated from the playoffs earlier than Sunday night time’s win over Tampa however nonetheless received a shootout with one of many league’s hottest groups. Since Week 12, the Cowboys are eleventh in scoring (27.4) and level differential (plus-26).
Up subsequent: at Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Jerry Jones and Mike McCarthy within the locker room after tonight’s win pic.twitter.com/zPfti4P31i
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 23, 2024
17. Seattle Seahawks (8-7)
Final week: 14
Sunday: Misplaced to Minnesota Vikings 27-24
The large query: Why aren’t we speaking extra about Jaxon Smith-Njigba?
Seattle’s second-year extensive receiver is fifth within the league with 1,089 yards and has clearly surpassed DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett as Geno Smith’s favourite goal. Smith-Njigba had eight catches, 95 yards and a landing towards the Vikings on Sunday.
Up subsequent: at Chicago Bears, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET
18. Atlanta Falcons (8-7)
Final week: 18
Sunday: Beat New York Giants 34-7
The large query: What’s subsequent for Kirk Cousins?
Cousins watched Sunday as rookie Michael Penix Jr. began and performed effectively sufficient that it’s in all probability unlikely Cousins will return to the Falcons’ beginning job. The 13-year veteran is within the first 12 months of a four-year deal that shall be very costly for Atlanta to get out of this offseason ($65 million useless cap hit). The Falcons may commerce Cousins, however they’d must discover a accomplice he’s prepared to play for as a result of he has a no-trade clause. They may preserve him as a $45 million backup subsequent 12 months, however who actually believes that’s going to occur?
Up subsequent: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
19. Indianapolis Colts (7-8)
Final week: 22
Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 38-30
The large query: What to do with Anthony Richardson?
The second-year quarterback rushed for 70 yards however threw solely 11 passes Sunday. Perhaps that’s the precise formulation for this workforce. The Colts’ 38 factors had been their most this season due to Jonathan Taylor’s 218 yards on the bottom, however is it sustainable? Richardson, who’s within the second 12 months of his rookie deal, is final amongst qualifying quarterbacks in passer score (61.6) and completion share (47.7 %) and tied for fourth in interceptions (12) regardless of being thirty third in makes an attempt (264), in response to TruMedia. He doesn’t achieve sufficient on the bottom (45.4 per recreation, third within the league) to make up for that.
Up subsequent: at New York Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
20. Miami Dolphins (7-8)
Final week: 20
Sunday: Beat San Francisco 49ers 29-17
The large query: Is Mike McDaniel the precise man?
The Dolphins nonetheless have a 12 % probability of creating the playoffs, however Calais Campbell was within the locker room Sunday explaining how he may be launched to signal with a contender as soon as the postseason elimination turns into official. “It’s positively one thing you consider,” Campbell stated. The Dolphins have performed in two playoff video games below McDaniel — each Tremendous Wild Card Weekend losses — and they’re 6-9 below him in December and January regular-season video games even after Sunday’s win.
Up subsequent: at Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
Calais Campbell stated he would by no means dwell with any remorse over not taking the possibility to get traded from the Dolphins on the deadline.
However he did say it’s potential, if Miami is eradicated, to have some dialog about getting waived earlier than season’s finish to completed elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/fYlccxr2Ng
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) December 18, 2024
21. Arizona Cardinals (7-8)
Final week: 17
Sunday: Misplaced to Carolina Panthers 36-30
The large query: Is that this Kyler Murray’s ceiling?
Murray is the Tenth-highest-paid quarterback within the league ($46.1 million per 12 months). For that, the Cardinals, who had been eradicated from playoff competition Sunday, have gotten one playoff recreation in six years. In that recreation, he accomplished 55.9 % of his passes for 137 yards and two interceptions. He’s sixteenth in passer score this season (92.6), and he has 9 interceptions versus 16 landing passes.
Up subsequent: at Los Angeles Rams, Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET
22. San Francisco 49ers (6-9)
Final week: 21
Sunday: Misplaced to Miami Dolphins 29-17
The large query: Is that this a blip?
After three consecutive journeys to a minimum of the convention championship recreation, San Francisco is assured a dropping season after Sunday’s loss. If Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk return at full energy subsequent 12 months and the 49ers get a deal finished with Brock Purdy, San Francisco may be proper again within the fray subsequent season. Or the damage and tear of conserving this factor going the final three years might need worn this franchise down. The 49ers have misplaced 5 of six.
Up subsequent: vs. Detroit Lions, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
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Accidents, errors and missed kicks: 49ers’ loss to Dolphins sums up their season
23. Carolina Panthers (4-11)
Final week: 27
Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 36-30
The large query: Ought to Bryce Younger return?
Since Week 12, Younger is seventeenth in EPA per dropback (.06). That’s not nice, however let’s evaluate it to the 2 video games this 12 months earlier than he acquired benched: thirty second at minus-.44. Younger handed for 158 yards, two touchdowns Sunday and had a 107.5 passer score, the second highest of his profession. Younger is just midway by way of his rookie deal and if the Panthers determine to stay with him, they’ll use what’s now the No. 7 choose within the draft to assist a porous protection.
Up subsequent: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
24. New York Jets (4-11)
Final week: 24
Sunday: Misplaced to Los Angeles Rams 19-9
The large query: Will Aaron Rodgers return?
Rodgers stated this after Sunday’s loss, which was the Jets’ fifth in six video games: “Your perspective informs your reality and your reality makes your actuality. The fact of the scenario is what it’s, however your notion you’ll be able to change day-after-day. … The final two weeks we are able to actually see who’s on board transferring ahead and who is able to get out.” Anyone have any clue what this implies? Neither will we. Keep tuned.
Up subsequent: at Buffalo Payments, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
“The final two weeks we are able to actually see who’s on board transferring ahead and who is able to get out.”
– Aaron Rodgers pic.twitter.com/fH4iU5Imy4
— Jets Movies (@snyjets) December 22, 2024
25. Chicago Bears (4-11)
Final week: 25
Sunday: Misplaced to Detroit Lions 34-17
The large query: Is Caleb Williams attempting to woo Ben Johnson?
In two video games towards Detroit this 12 months, the Bears rookie quarterback has handed for 590 yards, 5 touchdowns and run for 73 yards. He additionally has misplaced each video games as a result of the Bears are the Bears, they usually’ve now misplaced 9 straight. Johnson, the Lions’ offensive coordinator and one of many league’s high head teaching prospects, needs to be considering he may work with that.
Up subsequent: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET
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What Caleb Williams’ big-time throws imply in one other ugly Bears loss
26. New Orleans Saints (5-10)
Final week: 23
Monday: Misplaced to Inexperienced Bay Packers 34-0
The large query: When will they pay the payments?
The Saints already are projected to be an NFL-worst $63 million over the 2025 wage cap. This isn’t a brand new improvement in New Orleans the place the Saints have been pushing their prices into the longer term for years now. The technique made sense when the workforce was aggressive, however they haven’t received greater than 9 video games in a season since 2020, they usually aren’t altering that this 12 months.
Up subsequent: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
27. New England Patriots (3-12)
Final week: 28
Sunday: Misplaced to Buffalo Payments 24-21
The large query: Can Drake Maye flip the web page?
Let’s be trustworthy, the Patriots are having a tricky time transferring on from the Tom Brady-Invoice Belichick period. The fan base has hardly embraced first-year head coach Jerod Mayo. However a minimum of there’s Maye. The No. 3 choose handed for 261 yards, ran for 30 and had New England up 14-0 early. If Maye can lower down on his interceptions (he has 10 this 12 months), he might need a particular second season and the Patriots can get on with their lives.
Up subsequent: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Saturday, 1 p.m. ET
28. Las Vegas Raiders (3-12)
Final week: 31
Sunday: Beat Jacksonville Jaguars 19-14
The large query: How a lot is Tom Brady concerned?
Brady’s minority possession is costing him the flexibility to correctly put together for his new job as a FOX colour analyst as a result of he’s not allowed into manufacturing conferences with different groups, however we don’t know the way a lot it’s going to assist the Raiders. Las Vegas is predicted to be hiring a head coach and drafting a quarterback this offseason. These are topics Brady is unquestionably to really feel strongly about, however we don’t know but how a lot affect he may have. The Raiders dropped to sixth within the draft with Sunday’s win.
Up subsequent: at New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
29. Cleveland Browns (3-12)
Final week: 26
Sunday: Misplaced to Cincinnati Bengals 24-6
The large query: What to do at quarterback?
The Browns benched Jameis Winston and began Dorian Thompson-Robinson on Sunday. It didn’t assist. Deshaun Watson, who remains to be financially tied to the workforce tighter than any participant in NFL historical past for the subsequent two years, shall be coming back from an Achilles damage within the offseason, however there’s a query about whether or not the Browns need him again. Myles Garrett didn’t essentially sound prefer it this week and needed to stroll again these feedback Sunday. “I’m hoping he’s prepared when the season comes, however that’s a tricky damage to return again from,” Garrett stated. “He’s been a hell of a teammate.”
Up subsequent: vs. Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
30. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12)
Final week: 29
Sunday: Misplaced to Las Vegas Raiders 19-14
The large query: May this be the place Ben Johnson lands?
Everybody needs to hyperlink the Lions offensive coordinator to the Bears job (together with us above), however becoming a member of a division with Detroit, Inexperienced Bay and Minnesota may not be the perfect profession transfer. The Jaguars may supply Trevor Lawrence and a spot within the AFC South. Additionally they have the No. 3 choose proper now after dropping to the Raiders.
Up subsequent: vs. Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
31. Tennessee Titans (3-12)
Final week: 30
Sunday: Misplaced to Indianapolis Colts 38-30
The large query: Did they preserve the precise govt?
Tennessee selected normal supervisor Ran Carthon over head coach Mike Vrabel within the offseason. Carthon’s greatest offseason strikes had been hiring Brian Callahan and signing Calvin Ridley (twenty fifth in receiving, 857 yards) and Tony Pollard (eleventh in dashing with 1,015 yards, 619 yards lower than the working again Tennessee let go, Derrick Henry). In the meantime, Vrabel might be some of the sought-after coaches this offseason.
Up subsequent: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
32. New York Giants (2-13)
Final week: 32
Sunday: Misplaced to Atlanta Falcons 34-7
The large query: Ought to Brian Daboll or Joe Schoen return?
In October, Giants proprietor John Mara stated he didn’t plan to fireplace his head coach or normal supervisor. The Giants had been 2-5 then. They’re 2-13 now and have misplaced a franchise-record 10 straight video games. That’s fairly a feat for a workforce that began taking part in soccer in 1925. The Giants weren’t aggressive Sunday towards a rookie quarterback making his first profession begin (Michael Penix Jr.) and the Falcons, and are thirty first within the NFL in level differential (minus-147).
Up subsequent: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Prime picture of James Cook dinner: Timothy T Ludwig / Getty Photos)
