Here are the NFL power rankings as we head into Week 16 of the 2024 season (previous rank in parentheses):

1. 1. Buffalo Bills (3): The Bills have managed to score at least 30 points in their last eight games, making them one of only five teams in history to achieve this feat in a single season. They are averaging 35 points during this stretch. According to NFL Media, they are the first team since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to score at least five touchdowns in three consecutive games while remaining sack and turnover-free. With upcoming games against the Patriots and Jets, the Bills are on track to finish with a record of 14-3, putting them in a strong position for the top playoff seed in the AFC. Quarterback Josh Allen is expected to add around 12 more touchdown passes to his total as he aims for his first league MVP award.
   2. Philadelphia Eagles (2): After securing their 10th consecutive victory, a franchise record, the Eagles need just one more win to officially clinch the NFC East. They are now the No. 1 defense in the league in terms of points and yards allowed, with opponents averaging just 15.1 points during their current winning streak. However, there are concerns about RB Saquon Barkley, who appeared to have a minor issue during last Sunday’s game.
   3. Detroit Lions (1): The Lions are facing a tough season with key players like DL Alim McNeill and RB David Montgomery out due to injuries, alongside Aidan Hutchinson going on injured reserve. This proud but battered team will need to continue winning shootouts, or they might not secure a home playoff game.
   4. Green Bay Packers (6): The Packers have only been defeated by the Lions twice since Week 4, and they seem to be hitting their stride just as their divisional rivals face difficulties. They are becoming a formidable playoff contender for the second straight year.
   5. Minnesota Vikings (5): Like the Lions, the Vikings are in the hunt for the NFC North title, which could culminate in a decisive showdown in Week 18 in Detroit. With the current momentum, they look prepared to capitalize.
   6. Kansas City Chiefs (4): Quarterback Patrick Mahomes achieved the milestone of 300 career touchdowns faster than anyone else, scoring 282 through passing and 18 through rushing in just 128 games. However, he again sustained an ankle injury, casting doubt on his availability. The Chiefs may need to find a way to win two of their last three games, all against likely playoff teams (Houston, Pittsburgh, Denver), to ensure they can rest their key players in the wild-card round.
   7. Pittsburgh Steelers (7): The Steelers have a five-year unbeaten streak at Baltimore. If they can maintain that, they’ll clinch the AFC North, though it’s clear they may struggle in the playoffs without WR George Pickens.
   8. Baltimore Ravens (8): A victory over the Steelers at home would secure a playoff spot for the Ravens, but they need to do more to reclaim the AFC North title. Winning could also enhance QB Lamar Jackson’s fading MVP campaign, although he faces a challenging 2-5 record and a 66.7 career passer rating against Pittsburgh. Maybe the return of WR Odell Beckham Jr. would be beneficial?
   9. Los Angeles Rams (10): With just one turnover in their last five games, which happened to be in their only loss during that stretch, the Rams should be considered favorites to claim the NFC West.
   10. Denver Broncos (13): Nik Bonitto made history as the first linebacker to score touchdowns of over 50 yards in consecutive games since the AFL-NFL merger, illustrating the dominance of a defense that now shares the top position for fewest points allowed this season.
   11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (14): WR Mike Evans is the fifth player in NFL history to make at least 50 receptions in each of his first 11 seasons. After a stellar 159-yard performance last Sunday, he has a good chance to achieve his 11th consecutive season with at least 1,000 receiving yards.
   12. Washington Commanders (9): Since Halloween, the Commanders have not performed up to expectations, following a strong 7-2 start. However, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is having a memorable season, joining the ranks of four other rookie quarterbacks to throw for over 3,000 yards and rush for over 500 yards. He needs just 160 more rushing yards to surpass Robert Griffin III’s record for first-year passers.
   13. Houston Texans (15): RB Joe Mixon has struggled, averaging under 2 yards per carry in three of the last five games. This raises doubts about the potential of the two-time defending AFC South champions in the playoffs.
   14. Seattle Seahawks (11): The Seahawks, like the Rams, can clinch the NFC West by winning out. However, their chances are complicated if QB Geno Smith isn’t able to deliver strong performances, especially with their final two games on the road.
   15. Arizona Cardinals (16): TE Trey McBride has more receptions (89) than the combined catches of the team’s top two wide receivers, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson (88). However, Harrison Jr. and Wilson have scored 11 touchdowns, significantly outpacing McBride.
   16. Los Angeles Chargers (12): After keeping opponents to no more than 20 points in their first nine games, the Chargers have allowed at least 27 points in three of their last five, including a loss to the Buccaneers where they conceded 40 points.
   17. Cincinnati Bengals (17): QB Joe Burrow is just four touchdown passes away from being the first Bengal to reach 40 touchdown passes in a single season, and he is on track to achieve this by Sunday.
   18. Atlanta Falcons (21): A dull performance against an uninspiring opponent highlighted QB Kirk Cousins’ mediocre play. Despite this, a win in Las Vegas could lead to an unexpected home playoff game.
   19. San Francisco 49ers (18): The 49ers recorded only 191 yards in their last loss, marking their lowest offensive output in a regular-season game since Kyle Shanahan took over as head coach in 2017.
   20. Dallas Cowboys (26): Although critics pointed out their running game issues, it turns out they weren’t utilizing RB Rico Dowdle sufficiently. After three consecutive 100-yard rushing games, he is on track for over 1,300 scrimmage yards, setting himself up for a lucrative contract next season.
   21. Indianapolis Colts (19): It’s easy to overlook the Colts, but their remaining opponents (Titans, Giants, Jags) have only eight wins collectively, leaving some possibility for success.
   22. Miami Dolphins (20): The absence of a player like OBJ might have cost them in a crucial win-or-go-home scenario last Sunday.
   23. New England Patriots (22): The Patriots have the worst passing offense in the league, failing to reach 260 yards in a single game this year and turning in 10 games under 200 yards.
   24. Chicago Bears (24): After losing eight straight games, QB Caleb Williams is experiencing one of the toughest stretches for a rookie quarterback selected first overall in Super Bowl history, only surpassed by Troy Aikman, who lost 11 consecutive games with the 1989 Cowboys.
   25. Carolina Panthers (23): Did you know that WR Adam Thielen is now the fourth undrafted player from the common-draft era (since 1967) to achieve over 8,000 career receiving yards?
   26. New Orleans Saints (25): Running back Alvin Kamara has the opportunity to join Lydell Mitchell as the only players in the Super Bowl era (since 1966) to lead their teams in both rushing and receiving yards more than once.
   27. Cleveland Browns (27): Although the season has been challenging, they seem to have discovered a promising long-term No. 1 receiver in Jerry Jeudy.
   28. New York Jets (28): A thrilling win over a struggling Jaguars team on Sunday serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in the rebuild, especially with owner Woody Johnson actively seeking a new GM.
   29. Jacksonville Jaguars (30): Brian Thomas Jr. is just 44 yards away from becoming the first rookie receiver in Jaguars history to hit 1,000 yards. Now, if only they could find a way to team him up with Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.
   30. Las Vegas Raiders (29): With defensive end Maxx Crosby out for the season due to ankle surgery, the outlook for the remainder of the season seems dim. However, Brock Bowers is currently only 109 yards away from setting a rookie tight end record.
   31. Tennessee Titans (31): There’s still a possibility they could tie for the best record in the AFC South if they sweep their divisional rivals in the next three weeks. (Finding positives in this situation is definitely a challenge.)
   32. New York Giants (32): It’s puzzling how QB Tim Boyle keeps getting job offers – didn’t the Giants watch him play for the Jets in 2023? This franchise seems intent on making its 100th season its worst ever.