NFL top-10 rankings: Chiefs stay on top
The penultimate week of the regular season featured declared victories by the Chiefs, Bills, Ravens, Chargers, Eagles, Vikings and Commanders, all of whom are shaping up to be playoff nightmares for their opponents.
The Ravens, Commanders and Chargers all advance, while the Steelers move on, opening up a spot for the Rams, who turned a 1-4 start into a 10-win season. They had wins and earned their spot on the list. And don’t neglect the Packers, who almost came back to score against the Vikings.
Here are my top 10 for week 17 of the 2024 season.
Kevin O’Connell is an excellent coach of close games, as evidenced by the Vikings’ 26-9 record in one-possession games over the last three seasons. The team won another close one against a division rival, beating the Packers 27-25 on Sunday, giving Minnesota the lead over the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Given their superb execution in close games, the Vikings are built to play playoff football.
Tom Brady praises Kevin O’Connell after Vikings’ 27-25 win over Packers
The Bills take care of business like a title contender with their dominant firings of underperforming players. Josh Allen sets the tone with his pragmatic style of play, allowing the offense to knock down overwhelmed opponents. The MVP favorite totaled three touchdowns against the Jets to become the first NFL player to reach 40 total touchdowns, passing and rushing, in five consecutive seasons. With another division title in their pocket (Buffalo’s fifth straight AFC East title) and the No. 2 seed on the line, the Bills are well-positioned to make the Super Bowl.
Early in the season, Detroit’s Monday night game against the Niners appeared to be a battle for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. While the Niners couldn’t hold up their end of the bargain, the Lions closed in on home-field advantage with an impressive campaign that showcased their collective talent, versatility and resilience. With a win setting up a winner-take-all contest in Week 18 against the Vikings, the Lions’ ability to lock down and focus could determine whether they secure the coveted top seed next week.
Saquon Barkley has been as good as advertised as the Eagles’ marquee free agent signee. As a 2,000-yard rusher with big-play potential, the Pro Bowler puts defensive players in a bind when deciding whether to focus on stopping Philly’s running game or an explosive aerial attack with AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith on the perimeter. Given the scoring potential of the offense and the stopping ability of the defense, the Eagles can take on any of the NFC heavyweights.
The most feared team in the league is starting to play like a title contender down the stretch. Lamar Jackson & Co. cook up offense, with the two-time MVP teaming with Derrick Henry to give the Ravens an unstoppable rushing attack. As Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely settle into their roles as complementary playmakers on the perimeter, Baltimore’s offense could spark a deep postseason run that ends with an appearance at Super Bowl LIX .
Jayden Daniels’ exploits have made the Commanders not only fun to watch, but also one of the most dangerous teams to face in a single-elimination tournament. The rookie sensation orchestrated four game-winning drives, displaying the composure and playfulness of a 10-year veteran with a Super Bowl pedigree. Even though the playoffs are a different animal, Daniels has the ability to put the Commanders on his back and lead them all the way to the postseason tournament.
Despite their youth and inexperience, the Packers will be tough in the playoffs because of their exceptional talent on both sides of the ball. Although Jordan Love can elevate the team into title contention with his spectacular skills, he must manage his gunslinger ways to avoid costly turnovers that could lead to a brief stint in the playoffs.
Jim Harbaugh has done it again, the former NFL quarterback turning the Chargers into a playoff team after inheriting a sub-.500 team. Harbaugh’s old-school formula (running game + defense + quarterback game = wins) makes the Chargers a nightmare playoff matchup.
Credit to Sean McVay for turning the Rams into a blue-collar team that relies on a ball-control offense and opportunistic defense to win with a solid complementary football scheme. Although Matthew Stafford gives the Rams the ultimate closer in the bullpen, McVay has guided the Rams from a 1-4 start to a 10-win season by relying on a hold-on approach that prioritizes to winning time of possession and the turnover battle. With Kyren Williams recording his second straight season with over 1,000 rushing yards and over 10 touchdowns, the Rams offense can control the game and force opponents out of their comfort zone.
2024-12-30 13:58:00
