Entering Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season, the race for the playoffs is heating up. With 25 teams still mathematically alive, we break down where all 32 franchises stack up in our latest NFL Power Rankings.
To remove subjectivity from power rankings, we have devised our PR+ metric. This metric combines our internal Offense+ and Defense+ metrics, sprinkles in some special teams, and then applies a level of correction for the teams’ strength of schedule and win-loss record.
Those are the top-level ingredients, but there’s much more that goes into creating the PFN PR+ numbers. Is this system perfect? Absolutely not. And as we continue to research, we’ll continue tinkering with the elements that make up the PFN PR+. That may be at the Offense+ or Defense+ level, or it may be adding a fifth element that our analysis determines should be included in the overall rankings.
In the meantime, let’s examine where each team ranks through the first 14 weeks of the season.
1. Detroit Lions
Record: 12-1
- Offense+ Rank: 1
- Defense+ Rank: 2
- Special Teams+ Rank: 10
- SOS Rank: 15
With their 11th straight win, the Lions are now on their longest winning streak in franchise history. According to PFN’s Offense+ and Defense+ metrics, the Lions have the NFL’s best offense and second-best defense, making them by far the most well-rounded team in the league.
PFN’s Playoff Predictor has been a fan of Detroit all season, giving them a 55.6% chance of securing the NFC’s top seed and an NFL-high 38.2% chance of winning the Super Bowl.
A rematch against the Bears in Week 16 is Detroit’s only remaining game against a team out of playoff contention, and they still have a rematch with the Vikings on tap (albeit at home) and a matchup against the Bills.
2. Philadephia Eagles
Record: 11-2
- Offense+ Rank: 15
- Defense+ Rank: 3
- Special Teams+ Rank: 21
- SOS Rank: 31
The Eagles stopped Carolina on fourth down with under a minute to go and hung on for a 22-16 win over the upstart Panthers. After a slow start, Jalen Hurts threw two touchdowns and ran for another, while Saquon Barkley added another good game to his MVP résumé, running for 124 yards and setting the Eagles’ single-season rushing record.
Philly (11-2) won its ninth straight game and is one game behind the NFC-leading Lions for the top seed. Per PFN’s model, the Eagles have a 22.4% chance of catching Detroit for the NFC’s No. 1 spot. The Eagles will be looking for their 10th straight win next week when they host the Steelers in a battle of Pennsylvania teams.
3. Minnesota Vikings
Record: 11-2
- Offense+ Rank: 12
- Defense+ Rank: 5
- Special Teams+ Rank: 12
- SOS Rank: 22
The Vikings handed the Falcons their fourth straight loss in Week 14. Sam Darnold threw for a career-high five TDs and helped Minnesota improve to 11-2 on the season. Darnold, who completed 22 of 28 passes for 347 yards, became the first Vikings quarterback with five passing touchdowns in a game since Daunte Culpepper in 2004.
Three of these scores went to Jordan Addison, who had eight receptions for 133 yards, while the other two touchdowns went to Justin Jefferson, who became the third-fastest WR in NFL history to record 7,000 receiving yards (73 career games).
With the win, Minnesota remains one game behind the Lions in the NFC North battle and leads the Packers by two games for the top Wild Card spot. The Vikings have a 98.5% chance to make playoffs and still have 27.2% odds to take the NFC North, per PFN’s model.
4. Green Bay Packers
Record: 9-4
- Offense+ Rank: 7
- Defense+ Rank: 16
- Special Teams+ Rank: 22
- SOS Rank: 2
The Packers have had the NFL’s second-hardest schedule to this point, yet they are still 9-4. It’s worth noting that their only losses have come against other teams ranked inside the top five: against the Eagles in Week 1, the Vikings in Week 4, and the Lions in Weeks 9 and 14. Also, two of those losses came with Jordan Love hobbled by injuries.
The Packers deserve credit for hanging with the Lions, losing 34-31 on Thursday Night Football. This loss all but ends Green Bay’s hope of winning the NFC North, as PFN’s model gives them just a 4.0% chance of winning the division. However, the Packers have a 94.0% chance of making the playoffs, and they will likely be a tough out in the postseason.
5. Buffalo Bills
Record: 10-3
- Offense+ Rank: 4
- Defense+ Rank: 17
- Special Teams+ Rank: 22
- SOS Rank: 20
The Bills clinched a playoff spot last week with their impressive victory over the 49ers, but they followed it up with a 44-35 loss to the Rams.
Josh Allen had a phenomenal performance in Week 14, becoming the first player in NFL regular-season history with three passing TDs and three rushing TDs in the same game. He threw for 342 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions while adding 82 rushing yards and three scores, but it wasn’t enough to take down Los Angeles.
Next week, the Bills will go on the road to face the Lions in a potential preview of Super Bowl LIX. If they defeat Detroit on the road, Buffalo could potentially get their hands on the first seed in the AFC. PFN’s model currently gives the Bills a 13.9% chance of landing the No. 1 seed.
6. Kansas City Chiefs
Record: 12-1
- Offense+ Rank: 9
- Defense+ Rank: 13
- Special Teams+ Rank: 26
- SOS Rank: 29
The defending Super Bowl champions got off to a 9-0 start before suffering a Week 11 road loss to the Bills. Ever since, they narrowly defeated the Panthers, Raiders, and Chargers.
Kansas City hasn’t looked like the best team in the league, as they’ve been tied or trailing in the fourth quarter of six straight games. But with an NFL-record 15 straight wins in one-score games, Kansas City continues to maintain an aura of inevitability.
A DOINK FOR THE DIVISION! IT'S GOOD! @CHIEFS WIN! pic.twitter.com/RtsINqo05m
— NFL (@NFL) December 9, 2024
The Chiefs’ performances are trending downward despite having played the NFL’s third-easiest schedule to this point. The PFN luck metric, which uses Offense+ and Defense+ numbers from each game to produce an expected win-loss record and calculate how many wins each team has above expectation, has the Chiefs graded as the “luckiest” team in the NFL, with 3.94 wins above expectation this season.
7. Baltimore Ravens
Record: 8-5
- Offense+ Rank: 2
- Defense+ Rank: 19
- Special Teams+ Rank: 31
- SOS Rank: 10
The Ravens are a very talented team, and nobody will want to face this squad in the postseason. When they are playing to their full potential, they can compete with any team in the league.
However, Baltimore has dropped several winnable games this season, including losses to the Browns and Raiders. Their wins above expectation currently sit at -1.48, with an expected win-loss record of 9.5-3.5. You can look at that as a collection of bounces going the wrong way, or you can look at it as sloppy football that must be fixed before the playoffs.
This was the Ravens’ bye week, and they will be heavily favored next week on the road against the Giants.
8. Denver Broncos
Record: 8-5
- Offense+ Rank: 17
- Defense+ Rank: 1
- Special Teams+ Rank: 8
- SOS Rank: 24
The Broncos were on bye this week, but they remain in the AFC playoff picture. According to PFN’s metrics, Denver boasts the best defense in the NFL, while the offense is capable of doing enough to help them win games.
No. 12 overall pick Bo Nix has been a pleasant surprise, exceeding all expectations for how he would fare as a rookie. After throwing for 2,842 yards, 17 touchdowns, and eight interceptions on a 63.8% completion percentage while also rushing for 304 yards and four scores, Nix is challenging Jayden Daniels for the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
After getting some rest during their bye week, the Broncos will try to finish strong over the final four weeks of the season. A win over the Colts in Week 15 would put the Broncos in a great position to clinch a playoff spot.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 10-3
- Offense+ Rank: 21
- Defense+ Rank: 7
- Special Teams+ Rank: 1
- SOS Rank: 28
The Steelers improved to 10-3 with a 27-14 win over the Browns in Week 14. Despite not having George Pickens, Russell Wilson threw for two touchdowns, and Pittsburgh’s defense picked off Jameis Winston twice and recovered a Kadarius Toney fumble.
With that said, the Steelers’ remaining schedule is brutal. They will face a Bengals team that is tougher than their record indicates, then they have a rematch with the Ravens in Baltimore, as well as games against the Eagles and Chiefs.
Pittsburgh has benefitted from playing the fifth-easiest schedule in the NFL to this point, so we’ll learn a lot about this squad over the next month.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record: 7-6
- Offense+ Rank: 3
- Defense+ Rank: 23
- Special Teams+ Rank: 7
- SOS Rank: 12
With their Week 14 win over the Raiders, the Buccaneers have now won three straight games. And since the Falcons lost to the Vikings on Sunday, Tampa Bay has taken sole possession of the NFC South’s No. 1 seed.
PFN’s metrics have been high on the Bucs all season, as they boast the NFL’s third-best offense and have registered quality wins over the Lions, Eagles, and Commanders. Even when Tampa Bay was on a four-game losing streak entering their Week 11 bye, PFN’s Playoff Predictor still gave the Bucs a slight edge to win the division since Atlanta had been underwhelming and Tampa Bay had the NFL’s easiest remaining schedule.
Next week, the Bucs will face the Chargers on the road in a terrific litmus test for this squad. After that game, their remaining opponents are the Cowboys, Panthers, and Saints.
11. Washington Commanders
Record: 8-5
- Offense+ Rank: 5
- Defense+ Rank: 21
- Special Teams+ Rank: 13
- SOS Rank: 30
After the Commanders’ Week 9 win over the Giants, Washington was 7-2 and looked like one of the better teams in the league. However, the team proceeded to come back down to Earth and lose their next three games.
Last week, the Commanders managed to snap this losing streak with an impressive win over the Titans. The offense looked to be back on track after some underwhelming outings, and it came against a defense that has been reasonably good this year.
MORE: Simulate the Rest of the NFL Season With PFN’s Playoff Predictor
Yet, it is still fair to question the Commanders’ credentials. They have zero wins against teams with a winning record, and they are 0-4 when facing teams who are .500 or better this season.
Washington was on bye this week, and it comes at a perfect time so they can regroup. Next week, the Commanders will face a depleted Saints team on the road in a very winnable game.
12. Seattle Seahawks
Record: 8-5
- Offense+ Rank: 16
- Defense+ Rank: 9
- Special Teams+ Rank: 20
- SOS Rank: 13
Zach Charbonnet, starting in place of the injured Kenneth Walker III, ran for a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns as the Seahawks completed a season sweep of the Cardinals in Week 14 to stay atop the NFC West.
The Rams upsetting the Bills and the Niners getting back on the winning track made this road win even more important, as Seattle leads the Rams by a game (and the Niners and Cardinals by two games). PFN’s Playoff Predictor gives the Seahawks a 48.3% to win the NFC West.
In Weeks 15 and 16, Seattle will be the underdog against the Packers and Vikings. Then, the Seahawks will face the Rams in Week 18, which could decide the division.
13. Arizona Cardinals
Record: 6-7
- Offense+ Rank: 6
- Defense+ Rank: 27
- Special Teams+ Rank: 25
- SOS Rank: 1
The Cardinals must be ruing the timing of their bye week. Entering Week 11, they were coming off a four-game winning streak, with two statement victories and two narrow wins over potential playoff teams. Unfortunately, they have averaged just 15.3 points per game and are 0-3 since the bye.
In Week 14, they lost a crucial divisional battle against the Seahawks, and their odds of making the playoffs fell to 20.4% while their odds of winning the NFC West dipped to 15.1%.
Arizona’s schedule hasn’t done them any favors, as they have played the hardest slate of any team in the NFL to this point, including games against the Lions, Vikings, Packers, Bills, Commanders, and Chargers, plus their division foes (the Rams, 49ers, and Seahawks).
14. Los Angeles Rams
Record: 7-6
- Offense+ Rank: 8
- Defense+ Rank: 26
- Special Teams+ Rank: 28
- SOS Rank: 6
In Week 14, the Rams got an impressive win over the Bills, who entered the game with a seven-game winning streak. Los Angeles put up 44 points and 457 total yards.
Matthew Stafford threw for 320 yards and two scores, and Kyren Williams added two touchdowns on the ground as the Rams improved to 7-6.
Every TD from the 12-touchdown game between the Bills and Rams! pic.twitter.com/yuPdB7aOB2
— NFL (@NFL) December 9, 2024
With this victory, the Rams stay one game behind the Seahawks in the NFC West race. Los Angeles now has a 28.8% chance to win the NFC West and a 42.3% chance to make the postseason. The Rams play at San Francisco on Thursday night in Week 15.
15. San Francisco 49ers
Record: 6-7
- Offense+ Rank: 11
- Defense+ Rank: 20
- Special Teams+ Rank: 32
- SOS Rank: 11
The 49ers snapped their three-game losing streak in Week 14, defeating the Bears 38-13. San Francisco has had horrible injury luck this season. In addition to Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Jordan Mason, Dre Greenlaw, and Javon Hargrave being on IR, Nick Bosa and Trent Williams have also been sidelined in recent weeks.
In typical Shanahan fashion, the 49ers’ rushing attack didn’t miss a beat despite starting fourth-string rookie Isaac Guerendo (who started the year behind McCaffrey, Mason, and Elijah Mitchell on the depth chart). In just the second start of his life, Guerendo rushed 15 times for 78 yards and two touchdowns while adding two receptions for 50 yards.
After this win, PFN’s Playoff Predictor gives the 49ers a 16.1% chance of making the playoffs and a 7.7% chance of winning the NFC West.
16. Los Angeles Chargers
Record: 8-5
- Offense+ Rank: 23
- Defense+ Rank: 4
- Special Teams+ Rank: 3
- SOS Rank: 26
It is hard to know what to make of this team, as they have played the sixth-easiest schedule in the NFL. This season, they are 1-4 against teams above .500. Their only win against a team with a winning record is the Broncos in Week 6.
Tonight’s Sunday Night Football matchup against the Chiefs was an opportunity to get a quality win, but Kansas City once again pulled out a last-second victory.
The Chargers will finish the season against the Buccaneers, Broncos, Patriots, and Raiders. The final two contests in New England and Las Vegas should provide a cushion in terms of getting to 10 wins and making the playoffs, but this is a team with plenty to prove down the stretch.
17. Houston Texans
Record: 8-5
- Offense+ Rank: 24
- Defense+ Rank: 6
- Special Teams+ Rank: 16
- SOS Rank: 23
It has not been smooth sailing for the Texans in 2024, and that continued last week against the Jaguars. Even with Jacksonville losing starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the middle of the game (due to a dirty hit from Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair), Houston barely beat its divisional opponent after a late scare. The Texans are relying on their defense most weeks, as the offense is not trending in the right direction.
The Texans’ 8-5 record feels like a product of a fairly easy schedule to this point, and things get a lot tougher after the Week 14 bye. The next three games are against the Dolphins, Chiefs, and Ravens, and then they head to Tennessee to face a team that already beat them in Houston. They have a two-game lead over the Colts in the division, but there is a realistic path to the Texans missing the playoffs altogether.
18. Miami Dolphins
Record: 6-7
- Offense+ Rank: 14
- Defense+ Rank: 12
- Special Teams+ Rank: 29
- SOS Rank: 32
The Dolphins improved to 6-7 this week with a 32-26 win over the Jets. Tua Tagovailoa completed 33 of 47 passes for 331 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions, including one score to Tyreek Hill (who had 10 receptions for 115 yards). Jonnu Smith caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime.
TUA AND JONNU FOR THE WIN IN OT! pic.twitter.com/3TJFKzI55M
— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2024
PFN’s Playoff Predictor gives the Dolphins a 27.1% chance of making the playoffs. This team is better than their record indicates since they lost three of four games when Tagovailoa was out.
The Dolphins should be favored in nearly all of their remaining games, with only the game in Houston being a question mark.
19. Atlanta Falcons
Record: 6-7
- Offense+ Rank: 13
- Defense+ Rank: 29
- Special Teams+ Rank: 30
- SOS Rank: 5
Playing in Minnesota against his former team, Kirk Cousins’ struggles continued in Week 14. The Falcons have now lost four straight games, and Cousins has thrown for zero touchdowns and eight interceptions over that span.
After this loss to the Vikings, the Falcons’ odds of making the playoffs dropped to 27.0%, and they only have a 23.3% chance of winning the NFC South.
PFN’s metrics have been low on the Falcons for much of the season, predicting that the Buccaneers would ultimately come from behind to win the division. Now, the Bucs have taken the lead in the NFC South after winning three straight.
The Falcons are a great example of how much can change in one month in the NFL. Not too long ago, Atlanta was 6-3 and looking like a potential playoff contender. Now, many fans are calling for Raheem Morris to bench Cousins for No. 8 overall pick Michael Penix Jr.
20. Chicago Bears
Record: 4-9
- Offense+ Rank: 25
- Defense+ Rank: 10
- Special Teams+ Rank: 17
- SOS Rank: 21
Back in Week 6, the Bears blew out the Jaguars in London and were entering their bye week. They had just won back-to-back games, and they had momentum entering the second half of the season.
Unfortunately, Chicago hasn’t won a game since, and it cost head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron their jobs. With their 38-13 loss to the 49ers in Week 14, the Bears have now lost seven consecutive contests. This was a very difficult stretch, as it included games against the Lions, Vikings, Packers, Commanders, 49ers, and Cardinals, but they also lost convincingly against the Patriots in Week 10.
Unfortunately for the Bears, their schedule doesn’t get any easier over the final month of the season, as they have to face the Vikings (away), Lions, Seahawks, and Packers (away) down the stretch. This is the downside of playing in the NFL’s toughest division.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Record: 5-8
- Offense+ Rank: 9
- Defense+ Rank:31
- Special Teams+ Rank: 18
- SOS Rank: 19
The Bengals’ offense has looked great at times this season, but many of their big performances have come in losing efforts. That wasn’t the case in Week 14, when Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Chase Brown and Co. defeated the Cowboys on Monday Night Football 27-20.
Burrow completed 33 of 44 passes for three touchdowns and one interception, Chase caught 14 passes for 177 yards and two scores, and Brown totaled 123 yards (58 rushing and 65 receiving) and had a receiving touchdown.
At this point, PFN’s Playoff Predictor gives the Bengals just a 6.7% chance of making the postseason. They’ll try to keep their slim postseason hopes alive with a win over the Titans in Week 15.
22. New York Jets
Record: 3-10
- Offense+ Rank: 20
- Defense+ Rank: 11
- Special Teams+ Rank: 24
- SOS Rank: 14
From acquiring four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, three-time All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams, and All-Pro pass rusher Haason Reddick to parting ways with head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas midseason, the Jets have made aggressive moves in hopes of making the playoffs and turning around this franchise.
However, with Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins, New York has officially been eliminated from the playoffs. This was the Jets’ fourth-straight loss, and they are now 3-10 this season.
Considering the Jets entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations, this year has been a huge disappointment. Remember, this was a team that won seven games last year despite starting Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian, and Tim Boyle at quarterback.
This will be an interesting offseason for the Jets, and it seems likely that Rodgers’ (and Adams’) days with the team are numbered.
23. Indianapolis Colts
Record: 6-7
- Offense+ Rank: 22
- Defense+ Rank: 24
- Special Teams+ Rank: 14
- SOS Rank: 8
Last week, the Colts got an ugly (but crucial) win over the Patriots. While they were on bye this week, they are still ahead of the Dolphins in the standings since they defeated Miami earlier in the season. They are also still within two games of the Broncos, whom they face in Week 15.
Nothing about this team has been convincing, but Anthony Richardson is the ultimate X-factor. The metrics don’t support Indianapolis making the playoffs. However, their remaining schedule ranks as the fourth-easiest in the league, with games against the Titans, Giants, and Jaguars in the final three weeks.
The Colts still have a chance at winning their division (22.4% odds) or earning a Wild Card spot (36.2%) if they finish strong.
24. New Orleans Saints
Record: 5-8
- Offense+ Rank: 18
- Defense+ Rank: 18
- Special Teams+ Rank: 6
- SOS Rank: 27
After dropping seven straight games from Week 3-9 and firing head coach Dennis Allen, the Saints have shockingly won three of their last four contests.
In Week 14, New Orleans defeated the Giants 14-11. What makes this recent stretch even more impressive is that the Saints are depleted. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed have been sidelined for a while, and now Taysom Hill and Derek Carr are out for the rest of the season as well.
Carr fractured his hand during Sunday’s victory, so the Saints will likely go back to either Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler under center. The Saints are a long shot to make the playoffs (3.7% chance), but give them credit for fighting down the stretch.
25. Cleveland Browns
Record: 3-10
- Offense+ Rank: 32
- Defense+ Rank: 8
- Special Teams+ Rank: 11
- SOS Rank:18
After losing to the Steelers on Sunday, the Browns’ postseason hopes are officially dead. This isn’t a huge surprise, as this is a team that lost eight of their first 10 games.
The Browns improved once Deshaun Watson ruptured his Achilles and Jameis Winston took over as the team’s starting quarterback, pulling off shocking upsets over the Ravens in Week 8 and Steelers in Week 12. However, this team dug themselves too deep of a hole earlier in the season.
Cleveland was dreadful when Watson was under center. He was arguably the worst starting quarterback in the league, ranking No. 40 in PFN’s QB+ metric. Even before his injury, he was in the bottom five for nearly every metric, including third-down conversion rate, nYPA, passing from a clean pocket, and passing when under pressure. Through seven weeks, Watson not only had zero 300-yard passing games, he had zero 200-yard passing games. If the Browns had started Winston all season, perhaps they would still be alive.
26. Tennessee Titans
Record: 3-10
- Offense+ Rank: 30
- Defense+ Rank: 14
- Special Teams+ Rank: 27
- SOS Rank: 7
The Titans’ 10-6 loss to the Jaguars in Week 14 officially eliminated them from the playoffs. Even with Trevor Lawrence out for the remainder of the season while dealing with head and shoulder injuries, the Titans couldn’t defeat the Jaguars while at home.
It’s worth noting that Tennessee’s schedule hasn’t done them any favors, as they have had the NFL’s sixth-toughest slate to this point.
It remains to be seen if the Titans will stick with quarterback Will Levis in 2025 or if they will draft (or sign) a new QB this offseason. The hope was that Levis would take a step forward this season, but that hasn’t been the case. In 10 games, he has thrown for 1,827 yards, 12 touchdowns, and nine interceptions with a 63.6% completion percentage.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Record: 5-8
- Offense+ Rank: 26
- Defense+ Rank: 23
- Special Teams+ Rank: 4
- SOS Rank: 9
After showing some backbone in recent weeks with wins over two NFC East rivals (the Giants and Commanders), the Cowboys lost to the Bengals on Monday Night Football due to late blunders. After the loss, Dallas only has a 1.3% chance of making the playoffs.
This season hasn’t gone as planned for the Cowboys. After signing an NFL-record four-year, $240 million deal, Dak Prescott has underwhelmed. According to PFN’s QB+ metric, Prescott is the 28th-ranked quarterback in the league this season with a D grade. This ranking is strictly based on the games that Prescott has played, so it has nothing to do with his season-ending hamstring injury.
This has been Prescott’s worst season since 2019 by a considerable distance. He’s struggled in all aspects, sitting just outside the bottom 10 in passing from a clean pocket and when pressured. He’s also struggled on third downs this year, which is unusual for Prescott and this offense. It has been a very odd year for Prescott and the Cowboys, and it’s hard to know if it’s meaningful or just an aberration.
28. Carolina Panthers
Record: 3-10
- Offense+ Rank: 27
- Defense+ Rank: 32
- Special Teams+ Rank: 19
- SOS Rank: 16
The Panthers have lost three straight games, but this looks like a different team from the dreadful squad we saw earlier in the season. They nearly pulled off upsets over the Chiefs, Buccaneers, and Eagles in back-to-back-to-back weeks; they lost these three games by a combined 12 points (and took Tampa Bay to overtime).
What a play by Bryce Young, man! pic.twitter.com/Vo9KvOBr58
— Jon Gruden (@BarstoolGruden) December 8, 2024
Bryce Young is playing much better — so much so that Carolina has committed to starting him in 2025. Despite the losses, head coach Dave Canales and Co. are doing a solid job developing Young and the team’s young core.
29. Las Vegas Raiders
Record: 2-11
- Offense+ Rank: 28
- Defense+ Rank: 25
- Special Teams+ Rank: 9
- SOS Rank: 4
Raiders quarterbacks can’t stay healthy this season. Aidan O’Connell had a stint on injured reserve earlier this season due to a broken thumb, so Gardner Minshew took over as Las Vegas’ starting quarterback. However, Minshew suffered a season-ending broken collarbone in Week 12. O’Connell returned the following week, but now his season is likely over as well after injuring his left leg in Week 14’s loss to the Buccaneers. O’Connell’s leg was placed in an air cast, and he was carted off the field.
MORE: Try PFN’s Free Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
Desmond Ridder will likely start in the Raiders’ final four games against the Falcons, Jaguars, Saints, and Chargers. There’s one bright spot to take away from Las Vegas’ awful season: if the season ended today, they would pick No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
30. Jacksonville Jaguars
Record: 3-10
- Offense+ Rank: 19
- Defense+ Rank: 30
- Special Teams+ Rank: 5
- SOS Rank: 3
The Jaguars are eliminated from the playoffs and very little has gone right for this team this season. However, give them credit: they are still fighting. After nearly defeating the Texans last week, Jacksonville beat the Titans 10-6 in Week 14.
Even with Trevor Lawrence, Christian Kirk, and Gabe Davis among others sidelined, the Jaguars pulled off the win. It’s possible this victory could prove costly when it comes to Jacksonville’s 2025 first-round pick, but it’s seemingly proof that this team continues to fight for Doug Pederson.
31. New England Patriots
Record: 3-10
- Offense+ Rank: 29
- Defense+ Rank: 28
- Special Teams+ Rank: 2
- SOS Rank: 25
In Week 13, the Patriots nearly defeated the Colts. If not for a bizarre interception at the goal line, New England likely would have won the game and the conversation would have been about their complete performance across the board.
The offensive improvements continue to be promising, but the defense is still a problem. Fortunately, Drake Maye looks capable of masking some of those issues down the line. While this has been a tough season for New England, the fact that they have seemingly found their quarterback of the future makes it easier to stomach. The Patriots were on bye this week, and they will travel to Arizona to face the Cardinals in Week 15.
32. New York Giants
Record: 2-11
- Offense+ Rank: 31
- Defense+ Rank: 15
- Special Teams+ Rank: 15
- SOS Rank: 17
This has been a season to forget for New York. The Giants lost their eighth consecutive game on Sunday, dropping their Week 14 contest against the Saints 14-11.
Daniel Jones was benched and subsequently released after 10 games, and the team has been playing Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito since. Regardless of who’s under center, this offense has struggled mightily.
It will be interesting to see if the Giants part ways with head coach Brian Daboll. While he’s had some tough outings, plenty of franchises would love to hire him if New York fires him.
