Tag: Los Angeles Chargers

Draft season kicks into high gear this week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis as teams will put prospects under a microscope during private interviews, news conferences and workouts at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Quarterbacks always dominate conversations at the combine, and this year will be no different with USC’s Caleb Williams, North Carolina’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels expected to be among the first handful of picks come April. But a stellar wide receiver group, headlined by Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU’s Malik Nabers and Washington’s Rome Odunze, will also draw plenty of interest this week.

Beyond the draft prospects, new head coaches, led by the Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh, and GMs, including the Commanders’ Adam Peters, will be in the spotlight. And the futures of quarterbacks Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will be hot topics.

We asked The Athletic’s team of beat and national writers to fill us in on who or what they’ll be watching or listening for as the NFL world descends upon Indianapolis.

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Caleb Williams, Justin Fields and other top stories to follow at the NFL combine

How big of a priority is an upgrade at wide receiver?

The Cardinals need help there. That’s not a question. But they have several needs, and two of the biggest are on the offensive and defensive lines. Like many of his peers, general manager Monti Ossenfort believes the quickest way to build is through the trenches. The popular theory is that if wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is there, you take him. But what if he’s not? Does Arizona select Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze, also considered elite receivers? Or do they go a different route and look to pick up a receiver in later rounds? Ossenfort, who traded back from No. 3 last year, won’t answer these questions, of course, but he might shed light on how he views Arizona’s roster priorities. — Doug Haller

How does Tier 2 of the quarterback class shake out?

The Falcons don’t have a shot at Caleb Williams or Drake Maye picking at No. 8, and trading up to No. 1 or No. 2 in this draft class doesn’t seem realistic for anyone. That means if Atlanta is going to rely on the draft to find its next quarterback, it’s going to have to decide who it likes from a group that includes LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy and maybe even Oregon’s Bo Nix. Not only that, the Falcons have to figure out where they’re going to need to pick to get the player they want. McCarthy and Nix almost certainly will be available at eight, but getting Daniels might require a trade up to as high as No. 3. — Josh Kendall

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How NFL teams can navigate intangibles of QB evaluation, starting with Bears at No. 1

Which agents is general manager Eric DeCosta meeting with?

The Ravens are picking 30th. They have myriad needs, particularly on the offensive line and at running back and edge rusher. However, they’ll stay at 30 and pick the best player available or they’ll trade back to accrue more picks. What they do in the draft is never sexy, but it’s who they are. It’s also why there will be no position focus at the combine. What will be more notable is whether DeCosta can gain any traction in re-signing his own free agents. The Ravens have nearly two dozen, including standouts Justin Madubuike and Patrick Queen. With a tight salary-cap situation, DeCosta will need to get creative to keep the core of a 13-4 team together for another run. — Jeff Zrebiec

How will the Bills navigate their currently nonexistent cap space?

The Bills have their work cut out for them this offseason. The team is in a projected $41 million hole for 2024 cap space, with only 53 players on their roster and a lot of holes to boot. The team will need to make some difficult decisions. Whom might they cut to make room? Which contracts will they restructure? Which players will they extend? How much do they want to negatively influence their 2025 cap sheet with some of their restructurings? General manager Brandon Beane hasn’t had to do anything quite like this since his early years as the team’s GM. — Joe Buscaglia

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NFL beat writer mock draft: Trades shake up top 10 picks and QB landscape

The team’s new coach and general manager

I’m interested in hearing what Dave Canales and Dan Morgan say at their first combine as the top of the Panthers’ football food chain. The two spoke in mostly general terms at their introductory news conference, where Morgan said the team needs more “dogs.” You might have heard: The Panthers don’t have a first-round pick. But this is an important offseason for a team that needs to get quarterback Bryce Young offensive line help and more weapons while figuring out how to handle a pair of key free agents in edge rusher Brian Burns and linebacker Frankie Luvu. — Joseph Person

How will Caleb Williams handle the limelight?

The most important elements of the combine for the presumptive No. 1 pick will take place behind the scenes during his conversations with teams, starting with the Bears. Most questions about Williams have more to do with what he’s like off the field, and while he’s experienced more fame than most college football players, he hasn’t experienced anything like the media onslaught that will be waiting for him Friday morning in Indianapolis. The Bears, and other teams, will likely take note of how he does in that environment. — Kevin Fishbain

The defensive tackle class

The Bengals need to attack needs at interior defensive line aggressively, so how the measurables (and interviews) shake out will go a long way to deciding if Byron Murphy of Texas and Jer’Zhan Newton of Illinois could connect at No. 18 or if a move up or down the board shakes them out of mid-first range. Will any new candidates enter the equation for Day 2 with a strong combine? The Bengals need to plot the draft path at DT and if they don’t see enough options, they could shift to a free-agent-laden approach. — Paul Dehner Jr.

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NFL free-agent rankings: Brian Burns, Saquon Barkley, Kirk Cousins lead the top 150

The wide receivers

The Browns are focused on winning in 2024, so the “good” stuff at the combine will involve Browns GM Andrew Berry talking potential trades with his peers and potentially bumping into agents of upcoming free agents. None of that will be for public consumption. But the Browns need to upgrade their receiving corps — now and into the future — so it’s fair to think they’ll focus on their evaluations of this year’s wide receiver class. The Browns don’t pick until No. 54 of the second round, so they’ll have to determine how many wide receivers will be long gone, which ones they might like in the second or third rounds and how those receivers might fit into their ever-evolving offense. — Zac Jackson

What is the latest with Dak Prescott’s contract?

There are plenty of areas to address in free agency and the draft, from offensive line to linebacker and defensive tackle. But Prescott’s contract is the No. 1 issue because it affects everything else. The Cowboys have given no indication that they are considering an immediate future without Prescott, who is entering the final season of his current deal. The most likely scenario is that he signs a new contract next month. If the Cowboys leave his deal as is, he’d count just under $60 million against their 2024 cap, making it difficult to do anything to improve the roster outside of the draft. If Dallas is truly “all in,” like Jerry Jones said at the Senior Bowl, they need to figure out Prescott’s future so they can begin improving the rest of the roster. — Jon Machota

Russell Wilson watch

Sean Payton said after the season that a decision on the future of the 35-year-old Wilson would not be “a long, drawn-out process.” A few weeks later, at the Super Bowl, Payton said the decision would come “sooner rather than later.” The Broncos appear ready to move on from Wilson, whose $37 million in 2025 salary becomes guaranteed if he’s still on the roster on March 17, but there has been no movement yet publicly. I’m interested to see whether the activities at the combine reveal anything about what the Broncos will do with Wilson after two underwhelming seasons in Denver and what light will be shed on their quarterback plan to follow. — Nick Kosmider

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2024 NFL Draft consensus Big Board: Who’s rising, falling ahead of the combine?

The cornerback class

This is a really intriguing group of corners, with more than a handful of prospects looking like first-rounders. The Lions obviously could use some young talent at the position, whether it’s at No. 29 on the first night or on Day 2 with three picks — Nos. 61, 73 and 92. I’m curious to see which corners separate themselves in Indianapolis. Testing is obviously part of the equation, but defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn believes you have to be wired a certain way to excel at the position. Hearing from corners at the podium could help us get a better understanding of prospects the Lions might like. — Colton Pouncy

Jordan Love extension talks

I’m going to be parked next to the second-floor Starbucks at the JW Marriott for 96 consecutive hours, waiting for a glimpse of Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst and super-agent David Mulugheta talking with each other. I’d even take just a glance in each other’s direction. Then, I’ll know exactly how much the Packers are paying Love. Gutekunst can’t sign his franchise quarterback until May 3 because that’s 12 months after Love’s last extension, but he and Mulugheta will surely meet in Indianapolis to exchange contract numbers. — Matt Schneidman

Nick Caserio’s plan to build on last season

This was supposed to be a gradual and potentially painful build as Caserio and new coach DeMeco Ryans began laying the foundation last season after the GM spent the two previous years dismantling and setting the table for a true rebuild. But Caserio struck gold with his hiring of Ryans and draft selections both in 2022 and 2023 and Houston came out of nowhere to win its first division title in four years. Now Caserio must further fortify the roster, giving C.J. Stroud additional support by way of consistent weapons and more impactful defensive playmakers. With adequate cap space and eight draft picks, the Texans have resources to build with a blend of free-agent talent and young prospects. Caserio and Ryans surely will not give away any state secrets next week, but they should shed light on some of their highest priorities. — Mike Jones

Who will catch the eye of Colts WRs coach Reggie Wayne?

Beyond the first-round prospects Indianapolis will consider with the No. 15 pick, this year’s draft class is supposed to be loaded with wide receiver talent. Last year, Wayne said he was very impressed with Josh Downs’ route running and sure-handedness during the combine, despite Downs being undersized coming out of North Carolina. Wayne relayed that message to GM Chris Ballard, Downs was drafted in the third round and had a standout rookie season. I’ll use my binoculars to keep a close eye on Wayne’s interactions during combine drills, while also asking several receivers if they’ve met with him and heard any feedback. — James Boyd

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Feldman’s Freaks List revisited: Who will show off at the NFL Combine?

How they handle the tricky Calvin Ridley situation

By all accounts, the Jaguars want Ridley back after the 29-year-old receiver had 76 catches for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns in his first season in Jacksonville. However, Ridley’s contract expired and his situation is fascinating to consider. If the Jaguars re-sign Ridley before free agency begins, it qualifies as an extension and they would owe Atlanta a second-round pick in the 2024 draft as per the terms of their trade. However, if Ridley gets to free agency but still returns to the Jaguars, the new deal wouldn’t be considered an extension — rather a free-agent contract — and the Jaguars would only have to send Atlanta their third-round pick. Allowing Ridley to get to the open market is risky, but if the Jaguars play their cards right, they could bring back Trevor Lawrence’s top weapon without losing a top-50 pick. — Jim Ayello

Tier 2 of the receiver and tight end prospects

A major question for next season is whether Chiefs coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach can return the team’s offense to its previous potent form. One of the fastest ways to do that is to select the best pass-catching prospects available late in the first and second rounds. Travis Kelce will be 35 next season, so adding another tight end should be high on the Chiefs’ priority list. As for the receivers, the Chiefs should have plenty of options, considering the depth of this year’s class. Reid and Veach will use the combine to start identifying which receiver could most excel playing alongside Patrick Mahomes. — Nate Taylor

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The quarterback prospects

This isn’t a unique answer, but it’s the most significant roster question for the Raiders in their first full season under general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierce. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell was solid in 10 starts as a rookie, but it’s hard to see the Raiders finishing this offseason without adding competition for the starting job either through the addition of a veteran or a rookie quarterback. Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels are widely considered the top three quarterbacks in this class. The Raiders will do plenty of work on them, but it’ll be difficult for them to draft any of them considering they hold pick No. 13 in the first round. With that in mind, they’ll also need to deeply study J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr. and the rest of the class. — Tashan Reed

Their salary-cap situation

The Chargers are effectively $31.7 million over the salary cap as they head into the combine, according to Over the Cap. Crucial decisions loom, particularly regarding receiver Mike Williams, receiver Keenan Allen, edge rusher Joey Bosa and edge rusher Khalil Mack. All four veterans have cap hits exceeding $30 million in 2024. How will new head coach Jim Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz navigate these veteran contracts — and their cap situation in general? Who stays? Who goes? Do they inquire into the trade market? Do they offer extensions? Will they use void years? I’ll be looking for answers to these questions in Indy. — Daniel Popper

Sniffing around an offseason plan

The Rams don’t generally attend the NFL combine (here is why) other than their medical staff’s on-site collection of the all-important medical information on prospects. But Indianapolis is still a great place to gather data and tidbits from agents and other league sources about what their offseason plan could be and new trends in contract structures and team-building. The Rams will have approximately $40 million in workable cap space and a lot of needs despite a better-than-expected 2023 season. They also have brought in new assistant coaches — and the combine will be the perfect environment to mine for information about those additions. — Jourdan Rodrigue

Tua Tagovailoa extension talks

It certainly seems like a Tagovailoa extension is a foregone conclusion. But what will it look like and when will it happen? The Dolphins QB enters the 2024 season with a $23.1 million cap charge on the fifth-year option. The Dolphins then have the franchise tag at their disposal, so they don’t have to sign him to a long-term deal now or even next offseason. But for a team that could use some cap relief, lowering his cap figure with an extension could be appealing. But how much is it going to take to retain Tagovailoa? Is he the caliber of quarterback who should be paid in the neighborhood of a Joe Burrow ($55 million AAV)? Would he take less? These are the franchise-defining questions to keep in mind at the combine and beyond. — Jim Ayello

Where things stand between the Vikings and Kirk Cousins

This subject will shape the future of the Vikings organization. Keep Cousins, and Minnesota would likely be signaling its belief that it can contend in the short term. Move on from him, and the Vikings would be indicating that they’d be ready to chart a new path. Cousins’ contract is set to void March 12. If that happens, the Vikings will be on the hook for a hefty $28.5 million dead-cap hit. The only way to extend that money into the future is to come to terms on an extension with Cousins. The NFL combine stands as a prime opportunity for in-person discussions on this subject between the team and Cousins’ representatives. — Alec Lewis

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Nine potential destinations for Jimmy Garoppolo after he’s released by the Raiders

Quarterback Jayden Daniels

The easiest way for the Patriots to address their issues at quarterback is to draft a signal caller — either Daniels or Drake Maye depending on who falls to them at No. 3. With Daniels, there are more unknowns. The Pats aren’t concerned about his height (6-foot-4) or hand size (9 5/8 inches), but scouts want to see him at or above 210 pounds at the combine because there are concerns about his slight frame and the big hits he too often takes. The other question for the Patriots is how Daniels will interview and how he’ll test when they run him through plays on the whiteboard. How Daniels (and Maye) do this week will go a long way in determining whether the Patriots draft a quarterback or wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the third pick. — Chad Graff

Offensive tackles and pass catchers

We’ll leave the annual “too far over the salary cap” discussion for after the combine because the Saints always find a way. And this year it should come in mass contract restructurings of several veteran players. As noted in our NFL reporters’ mock draft recently, the need for tackle and/or guard should stand high on the priority list. So you’d imagine players like Olu Fashanu (Penn State), JC Latham (Alabama), Taliese Fuaga (Oregon State), Amarius Mims (Georgia) and Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma) are all on the Saints’ radar. The Saints could also use another piece for Derek Carr at wide receiver (LSU’s Brian Thomas, Florida State’s Keon Coleman, Texas’ Adonai Mitchell) to add some more punch with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. — Larry Holder

Saquon Barkley watch

There’s a lot riding on this next period of the Giants offseason after an already noisy start to the business side of things with coaching changes aplenty. But the spotlight will be tuned to Barkley’s future at the combine as the front office and the running back’s representatives are expected to meet again. Will they be able to hammer out a deal? Will he get tagged again for $12.1 million or will he finally test the open market and venture into the interesting running back market? We’ll get a clearer picture by week’s end of where the two sides stand. — Charlotte Carroll

The pass catchers

The Jets have an obvious need at offensive tackle (and/or at guard, too, depending on some offseason decisions), but they also desperately need help at wide receiver for star Garrett Wilson. Allen Lazard won’t cut it as an option in 2024. There are some extremely talented receivers in this class who could be available at No. 10 when the Jets pick — after Marvin Harrison Jr., who will almost certainly be gone — and even if the Jets still need an offensive lineman, they might be tempted by the likes of Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze — or others later in the draft, when teams have found stars in past years while the Jets sat on their hands, like last year. — Zack Rosenblatt

Are they organized?

Fourth-year coach Nick Sirianni overhauled both coordinator positions, and there’s still not much clarity about how involved he will be in working with newly hired offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to build a less predictable offensive system that supplies a deeply talented roster with more answers this offseason. And what kind of offense is that exactly? A Howie Roseman-led personnel department that remains largely intact must also upgrade several defensive positions. How more favorably positioned will defenders be in a revamped “Fangio System” that will this time be coached by … well, Vic Fangio? — Brooks Kubena

If it’s a clean sweep concerning Kenny Pickett

The Steelers interview every single player they can and they pretty much use the combine as an assurance of what they’ve scouted throughout the year. So there’s not much to glean there. Where there could be some clarification, or at least unity, is what general manager Omar Khan says about Pickett compared with what Mike Tomlin said days after the season and what owner Art Rooney II said two weeks later. Both alluded to Pickett being the No. 1 quarterback entering the season despite not regaining his starting position from Mason Rudolph over the final four games of the season. Will the Steelers triple down on that or walk it back and hammer home that Pickett won’t be entering the offseason as the clear-cut QB1 and either a re-signing of Rudolph or an outside free agent — or a potential trade — will provide legitimate competition? — Mark Kaboly

The offensive linemen

Three of the top center prospects — Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson, Duke’s Graham Barton and West Virginia’s Zach Frazier — should all have multi-positional capability in the NFL. That could be tantalizing to the 49ers, whose biggest weakness to fix lies in the offensive line. More than one spot was a problem this past season. Essentially everyone but left tackle Trent Williams endured significant struggles at one point or another. So perhaps the 49ers, who don’t pick until No. 31, will be looking for an adaptable interior lineman who can immediately fortify their especially problematic right guard position before potentially becoming the long-term solution at center. The 49ers simply need more quality options up front. Imagine the boost that could give QB Brock Purdy. — David Lombardi

GO DEEPER

Examining the 49ers’ salary-cap outlook and how it applies to Brandon Aiyuk’s future

John Schneider flying solo

This will be Seattle’s first combine with GM Schneider leading football operations, so his messaging from the podium will be interesting to analyze. While Schneider has long figured prominently into key decisions, coach Pete Carroll set the vision for the franchise previously. Schneider is doing more of that now. We won’t hear from new coach Mike Macdonald at all at the combine; he and his staff are expected to remain behind to install their schemes. That will put additional attention on Schneider. — Mike Sando

How they approach the quarterback position

The Bucs want to re-sign Baker Mayfield, whose contract is up. Mayfield has said he wants to remain in Tampa. But he also told ESPN he wants market value. That probably means a deal similar to the one Geno Smith recently signed with Seattle — $75 million over three years. Whether the Bucs want to pay that is the issue. A franchise tag is an option but not ideal with safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and wide receiver Mike Evans also on expiring contracts. It will be interesting to hear what GM Jason Licht says about the quarterback position, including the prospects in the draft. — Dan Pompei

Three tackles and two receivers

The free-agency picture suggests the Titans can get help at cornerback and interior offensive line before the draft but will likely have to focus their first two picks on their two biggest needs. The absence of a third-round pick increases the urgency. Second-year quarterback Will Levis needs a long-term receiver to grow with and a left tackle to protect him. The board may work out for the Titans to choose between Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu as a foundational tackle — but what about Taliese Fuaga? Does he continue his momentum in Indy? Could the Titans move down, get him and be happy with it? The board may also let Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze slide to No. 7. Would Brian Callahan prefer a playmaker over a blocker as the Bengals did when he was there and they took Ja’Marr Chase over Penei Sewell in 2021? — Joe Rexrode

The quarterbacks

It’s no secret that the holders of the No. 2 pick are expected to select a quarterback from the top group. The trick here is the new braintrust of GM Adam Peters, head coach Dan Quinn, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and the scouting department holdovers are mostly new to each other. Do they have Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels graded in the same range? If Williams is a cut above, is the gap considered enough to offer the Bears a Godfather trade for the first pick? Has Daniels’ dual-threat shine caught up to Maye or do they prefer the UNC quarterback’s prototypical size? We won’t find out the staff’s hopes and dreams, but this is where the detective work begins by examining the trio on our own. — Ben Standig

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Commanders at 2 likely means determining if Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels is their guy

(Top photos of J.J. McCarthy, Saquon Barkley and Malik Nabers: Gregory Shamus, Getty Images; Jim McIsaac, Getty Images; Matthew Hinton / USA Today)

NFL free agency is fast approaching, offering the first window for teams to improve this offseason, provided they sign the right players.

These are my rankings and scouting reports of the top 150 free agents available, shaped by a ton of film work and perspective from many years leading NFL personnel departments. This might not be exactly how you see it, but that’s why Baskin-Robbins has 31 flavors.

A few notes:

• While these rankings factor in age (as of Sept. 5, the scheduled date of the 2024 season opener) and known injury history, they do not consider medical or character information, as teams know much more about those subjects behind closed doors.

• At each position, I’ve included some stats I find valuable. At some positions, I’ve estimated play speed from what I can see on tape (not timed 40-yard-dash speed — there is a difference). At times, I’ve used play speed as a differentiator.

• If I were with an NFL team, this would be only one part of a multilevel process to establish consensus within the building. That consensus is missing from any rankings you’ll see, here or elsewhere. You can read more about my criteria and how an NFL GM approaches free agency here.

With that, let’s dive in.

— The Athletic’s James Boyd, Joe Buscaglia, Paul Dehner Jr., Michael-Shawn Dugar, Dan Duggan, Chad Graff, Zac Jackson, Mark Kaboly, Josh Kendall, Brooks Kubena, David Lombardi, Jon Machota, Daniel Popper, Tashan Reed, Matt Schneidman, Ben Standig and Jeff Zrebiec contributed to this story.

(Top illustration: Daniel Goldfarb / The Athletic; photos of, from left, Kirk Cousins, Brian Burns and Saquon Barkley: Stephen Maturen, David Jensen / Getty Images, Michael Owens / Associated Press)

Like the rest of you, the Power Rankings are trying to make some sense of this NFL year as we head into the final week of the regular season. Nine playoff spots are spoken for — by the Ravens, Dolphins, Chiefs and Browns in the AFC and 49ers, Cowboys, Lions, Eagles and Rams in the NFC. That leaves five more to be decided by the results of Week 18.

Before all that, though, we’re going to try to take a lesson from each team’s season, even those seasons that are basically over.

1. Baltimore Ravens (13-3)

(Last week: 1)

Sunday: Beat Miami Dolphins 56-19

The lesson: Hire great assistants

John Harbaugh hit back-to-back home runs by hiring defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald in 2022 and offensive coordinator Todd Monken in 2023. As a result, his Ravens clinched the AFC’s top seed by thumping the Dolphins on Sunday. Well, that, and having Lamar Jackson, who was 18-for-21 for 321 yards and five touchdowns against Miami. Jackson’s plus-28.2 passing EPA was the best single-game performance since Joe Burrow against the Ravens in 2021 (plus-34.1), according to NextGenStats, and probably clinched the MVP award.

Up next: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET

2. San Francisco 49ers (12-4)

(Last week: 2)

Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 27-10

The lesson: Star power matters

The 49ers have made a quarterback nobody else in the league wanted look like a superstar by surrounding him with stars. On Sunday, San Francisco became the first team in league history to have a running back (Christian McCaffrey), two wide receivers (Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk) and a tight end (George Kittle) all surpass 1,000 yards in a single season. The 49ers also clinched the top seed in the NFC, meaning teams that love playing at home on turf (looking at you Dallas and Detroit) probably will have to win in the elements to get to the Super Bowl.

Up next: vs. Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

3. Cleveland Browns (11-5)

(Last week: 8)

Thursday: Beat New York Jets 37-20

The lesson: They didn’t even need Deshaun Watson

The Browns would be one of the feel-good stories in the league this year if not for the fact that they still have a scar from their pursuit of Watson, and it looks like it was a misguided self-inflicted wound. Cleveland has won seven of its last nine games, the last five of which have come with 38-year-old Joe Flacco at quarterback. Flacco has topped 300 yards passing in each of the last four games. He had 309 and three touchdowns against the Jets on Thursday. Why did they do all they did to get Watson again?

Up next: at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

What we learned in NFL Week 17: Ravens, Niners clinch top seeds, Bears get first pick in draft

4. Detroit Lions (11-5)

(Last week: 5)

Saturday: Lost to Dallas Cowboys 20-19

The lesson: NFL Draft maxims are flawed

Remember all the grief Detroit got for taking running back Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 and inside linebacker Jack Campbell at No. 18? Since Week 14, Gibbs is ninth in the league in rushing (72.25 yards per game). Campbell is second on the team in tackles for the season (77). Tight end Sam LaPorta, the No. 34 pick, hasn’t been bad either, catching 81 passes for 860 yards and nine touchdowns. (Sorry about the ref thing guys. We hope leaving you ahead of the Cowboys in these rankings makes it all better.)

Up next: vs. Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Reporting eligible: What to know about the under-the-radar task and why it cost the Lions

5. Dallas Cowboys (11-5)

(Last week: 6)

Saturday: Beat Detroit Lions 20-19

The lesson: Throw the ball to your best players

Dallas has lost only once this season when CeeDee Lamb gets more than 10 targets in a game. Lamb averaged seven targets and 5.7 catches per game through Week 6, and the Cowboys were 4-2. Since then, he has averaged 12.6 targets and 8.8 catches per game, and Dallas is 7-3 in that span. Saturday night, he had a career-high 227 yards on 13 catches against the Lions.

Up next: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

.@dak said GO LONG @_CeeDeeThree 🚀 pic.twitter.com/xuP9pBgndi

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 31, 2023

6. Miami Dolphins (11-5)

(Last week: 3)

Sunday: Lost to Baltimore Ravens 56-19

The lesson: Speed kills

Six of the top 10 speeds achieved by ball carriers in the NFL this year have been by Dolphins — Tyreek Hill three times, Devone Achane twice and Raheem Mostert once. They have enough speed that they’ve been able to survive injuries to all three of those players at some point this season and still get to 11 wins. It didn’t help much Sunday, but Achane did have 107 yards on just 14 carries against one of the NFL’s best defenses.

Up next: vs. Buffalo Bills, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

(Last week: 4)

Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 27-21

The lesson: Josh Allen is the MVP runner-up

All the hand-wringing after Allen’s four-turnover start to the season is long gone as the second-most unique player in the league behind Lamar Jackson has the Bills sitting at No. 6 in the AFC playoff race after their fourth straight win Sunday, and Buffalo can win the AFC East by beating Miami on Sunday. Despite a pedestrian statistical performance against the Patriots, Allen is seventh in the NFL in passing yards (3,947) and second in scramble EPA per game (3.47), according to TruMedia.

Up next: at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

Only Josh Allen could come up with this 🤯

🎥 @NFLpic.twitter.com/s60r1P9lUV

— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) December 31, 2023

8. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)

(Last week: 9)

Sunday: Beat Cincinnati Bengals 25-17

The lesson: There are no sure things

The Chiefs may win another Super Bowl, but it’s going to be an uphill climb. All of Patrick Mahomes’ magic could only generate one touchdown against the Bengals on Sunday. Kansas City got the win thanks to six Harrison Butker field goals, and Rashee Rice, who had five catches for 127 yards, remains the only reliable wide receiver. That’s a problem that is made worse by the fact that Travis Kelce had only three catches for 16 yards against the Bengals and hasn’t topped 45 yards in any of the last three games.

Up next: at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

NFL Week 17 takeaways: What ails the Eagles? What should Bears do with draft’s No. 1 pick?

9. Los Angeles Rams (9-7)

(Last week: 10)

Sunday: Beat New York Giants 26-25

The lesson: Sean McVay shouldn’t do TV

After flirting with retirement and a high-paying television job, McVay has proved he’s still really good at his current high-paying job. Los Angeles has won six of its last seven after holding off the Giants on Sunday, and the Rams will be a tough out in the playoffs as long as Matthew Stafford is playing like this. Stafford had another 317 yards Sunday and is eighth in the league in passing yards per game (264.3).

Up next: at San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 13)

Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 26-3

The lesson: The right quarterback fixes everything

This was supposed to be a throwaway year in Houston. Instead, rookie C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 pick, is fourth in the NFL with 274.57 passing yards per game, and Houston is in the eighth spot in the AFC, still very much alive in the playoff race. After missing two games because of a concussion, Stroud returned Sunday to complete 24 of 32 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown against the Titans. Defensive end Will Anderson set the Texans’ rookie sack record with his seventh.

Up next: at Indianapolis Colts, Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET

11. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)

(Last week: 7)

Sunday: Lost to Arizona Cardinals 35-31

The lesson: Matt Patricia is never the answer

The Eagles have won 11 games this season and still can’t seem to help but panic. Their most recent abrupt move was to elevate Patricia to defensive play caller. On Sunday, the Eagles’ defensive success rate (40.8 percent) was their worst in a game since 2006, according to TruMedia. The Cardinals finished with 449 yards and marched 70 yards on their fourth-quarter, game-winning drive. The Eagles have lost four of their last five. (More lessons learned about former Patriots assistants below.)

Up next: at New York Giants, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 14)

Sunday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 23-20

The lesson: Shane Steichen has been as good as any new hire

Steichen didn’t get the headlines among this offseason’s hires, but he’s playing Sunday for a spot in the playoffs despite losing starting quarterback Anthony Richardson for the season and not having Jonathan Taylor for seven games. Indianapolis is 10th in the league in scoring (23.56) with the former Eagles offensive coordinator in charge.

Up next: vs. Houston Texans, Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 20)

Sunday: Beat Minnesota Vikings 33-10

The lesson: Draft quarterbacks early

Jordan Love is third in the NFL in touchdown passes (30) and ninth in EPA per attempt (.19) in his first season as the full-time starter. That’s after spending two seasons on the bench before replacing Aaron Rodgers, who spent three seasons on the bench before replacing Brett Favre. The Packers look like they’re going to end up having three good to very good, long-term quarterbacks, and there’s no secret to why. They draft the quarterbacks they like when that player is available and are patient enough to let him sit until the right time.

Up next: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 15)

Sunday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 30-23

The lesson: Mike Tomlin is historically steady

After Sunday’s win, Tomlin is guaranteed his 17th straight season with a .500 or better record. Only Tom Landry (21) and Bill Belichick (19) have more. Steelers fans will point out that Tomlin has missed the playoffs in the last two seasons and in four of the last six. Even after Sunday’s win, in which George Pickens had 131 yards, Pittsburgh is only ninth in the AFC.

Up next: at Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET

(Last week: 11)

Sunday: Lost to New Orleans Saints 23-13

The lesson: The right timing and situation matter

Baker Mayfield didn’t play his best game Sunday, finishing 22-for-33 for 309 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, but he’s been a season-saver for Tampa Bay. Playing on a one-year, $4 million contract, Mayfield is tied for fourth in the NFL in touchdown passes (28) and eighth in EPA per attempt (.19). If he can lead the Buccaneers past Bryce Young and the Panthers, he will take Tampa Bay to the playoffs.

Up next: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 12)

Sunday: Lost to Pittsburgh Steelers 30-23

The lesson: Pete Carroll can really coach

Seattle still has a 23.8 percent chance of making the playoffs, according to The Athletic’s projections, despite Sunday’s loss. If the Seahawks can get there, it will be Carroll’s 10th trip in his last 13 seasons as head coach. There’s a lot of angst in Seattle right now because the Seahawks gave up 468 yards to Mason Rudolph and the Steelers on Sunday, but Seattle could do a lot worse than being in the mix every year under Carroll.

Up next: at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 16)

Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 26-0

The lesson: There are two star Josh Allens

The Jaguars linebacker sacked Bryce Young three times on Sunday and now has the team’s single-season record with 16 1/2, which ranks third in the NFL. Allen is second in the league in quarterback hits (33) and eighth in hurries (53), according to TruMedia. He led a defensive effort Sunday that held the Panthers to 124 yards and also had six tackles, and probably should be getting more attention in the defensive player of the year conversation.

Up next: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 19)

Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 16-9

The lesson: Sean Payton is the dictator

This was mostly known when Payton took the job in the offseason, but the head coach made it official this week when he benched Russell Wilson in favor of Jarrett Stidham. Payton insisted it was a move made for football reasons only, and the Broncos did snap a two-game losing streak Sunday, but the move really was Payton officially winning the power play. Denver general manager George Paton, who gave Wilson his huge contract extension last year, may be next.

Up next: at Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Broncos’ silence after Russell Wilson’s benching is deafening: Sando’s Pick Six

(Last week: 24)

Sunday: Beat Atlanta Falcons 37-17

The lesson: Justin Fields isn’t a quitter

The Bears might still fire Fields, but he’s going to make it as difficult a decision as he can. On Sunday, he made plays with his arms and legs and led Chicago to its fourth win in five games. Falcons defensive end Calais Campbell, a 16-year NFL veteran, said “give him his respect. I think he flashed a lot today. Obviously, it’s a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately business, so he could have a bad game next week and nobody cares, but today he was a premier NFL quarterback.”

Up next: at Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

“I’m gonna remember this for the rest of my life.”

– Justin Fields talking to @Amanda_Balionis about hearing WE WANT FIELDS chants raining down from @ChicagoBears fans pic.twitter.com/OOXgKEIfBQ

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 31, 2023

20. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)

(Last week: 17)

Sunday: Lost to Kansas City Chiefs 25-17

The lesson: Magical runs eventually end

It took a lot longer than we all thought, but Cincinnati was eliminated from the playoff race Sunday. Everyone assumed that had happened in Week 11 when Joe Burrow was lost for the season with a wrist injury. Instead, backup Jake Browning went on a tear. On Sunday, though, Browning had his lowest-output game since replacing Burrow, completing 57.6 percent of his passes for 197 yards. That came on the heels of a three-interception game. Burrow will be back next season and so will the Bengals.

Up next: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 21)

Sunday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-13

The lesson: The NFC South is a wreck

There’s just nothing else to be taken from this Saints’ season. They have gotten up-and-(mostly)-down play from free-agent quarterback Derek Carr. Alvin Kamara is averaging 3.7 yards per carry and still is New Orleans’ leading rusher. And yet, New Orleans will head to the playoffs if it beats Atlanta and Carolina beats Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Up next: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 18)

Sunday: Lost to Green Bay Packers 33-10

The lesson: Kirk Cousins is going to get paid

Viking coach Kevin O’Connell is 17-9 with Cousins as his starting quarterback. He is 3-5 without Cousins and is now very aware of what life is like in the NFL when you’re in quarterback limbo. Minnesota has cycled through Jaren Hall, Joshua Dobbs and Nick Mullens since Cousins tore his Achilles. That memory is going to loom large when Cousins, who will be a free agent, asks for his next deal.

Up next: at Detroit Lions, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 22)

Sunday: Lost to Indianapolis Colts 23-20

The lesson: Hiring Josh McDaniels is a bad idea

The Raiders hired McDaniels after his 11-17 run in Denver, and he went 9-16 in Las Vegas before being fired. The Raiders fell to 4-4 under interim coach Antonio Pierce with Sunday’s loss, but that’s still a better career winning percentage than McDaniels has. Davante Adams was targeted 21 times Sunday against the Colts, catching 13 passes for 126 yards. His 21 targets are the most by any player this season. Second most were Adams’ 20 targets in Week 3.

Up next: vs. Denver Broncos, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

24. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)

(Last week: 23)

Sunday: Lost to Chicago Bears 37-17

The lesson: Quarterback still counts the most

The Falcons paid their offensive line, improved their defense and spent three straight top-10 picks on offensive skill players and still are 26th in the league in scoring (19 points per game). The reason is their quarterbacks — Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke — have turned the ball over 21 times. Coach Arthur Smith, hired for his offensive acumen, is on the hot seat after Sunday’s stinker.

Up next: at New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

25. New York Jets (6-10)

(Last week: 25)

Thursday: Lost to Cleveland Browns 37-20

The lesson: Don’t be stubborn

The Jets tried so hard to prove they could make Zach Wilson work that they ruined their season. Aaron Rodgers’ injury was bad luck. Keeping Wilson as the backstop for a Rodgers injury was just hard-headed. Wilson was 34th in the league in EPA per attempt (.04) and 37th in passer rating (77.2) in 12 games before finally being benched. Remember, Joe Flacco was on the Jets’ roster last year and was available with just a phone call until six weeks ago.

Up next: at New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

26. New York Giants (5-11)

(Last week: 26)

Sunday: Lost to Los Angeles Rams 26-25

The lesson: Don’t pay big money for average QB play

Tyrod Taylor and Tommy DeVito both have a better EPA per attempt than Daniel Jones’ minus-.12 this season, according to TruMedia. Jones’ number ranks 44th among quarterbacks who had more than 100 pass attempts this season. Not many people thought it was a good idea for the Giants to give Jones a four-year, $160 million contract in the offseason. New York proved all those people right by playing just as well using players it picked up for next to nothing.

Up next: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 31)

Sunday: Beat Philadelphia Eagles 35-31

The lesson: We’ll see

The Cardinals are getting a pat on the back for beating a playoff team, but they also moved themselves from the No. 2 pick in the draft to the No. 4 pick for now. If that holds, it could be a costly turn of events even if the Cardinals want to hold on to Kyler Murray. A top-two pick in this draft means being able to take Caleb Williams or Drake Maye or shop the pick to someone who wants to do that. That might be worth more in the long run than feeling good on the last Monday of the regular season.

Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Mueller: Have the Cardinals seen enough — on and off the field — from Kyler Murray?

28. Tennessee Titans (5-11)

(Last week: 27)

Sunday: Lost to Houston Texans 26-3

The lesson: Competitive rebuilds are hard

After three straight trips to the playoffs, Tennessee is 12-21 in the last two seasons. The Titans went back to Ryan Tannehill on Sunday, but it didn’t bring back the good ol’ days. Tennessee had 187 yards of offense, was 1-for-12 on third down and didn’t manage a touchdown against the division-rival Texans, who swept Tennessee this season.

Up next: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

29. Los Angeles Chargers (5-11)

(Last week: 28)

Sunday: Lost to Denver Broncos 16-9

The lesson: Coaching hires are a crap shoot

This is not a new lesson. The Chargers are just the most recent team to highlight it. They hired Brandon Staley in 2021 because he was the hot defensive name. They fired him after 14 games this year because he was 5-9 and his defense stunk. The coaching change hasn’t changed the team’s luck. The Chargers have lost four straight and seven of their last eight heading into the season finale against the Chiefs.

Up next: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

30. New England Patriots (4-12)

(Last week: 29)

Sunday: Lost to Buffalo Bills 27-21

The lesson: Bill Belichick shouldn’t get another GM job

Taking Mac Jones with the No. 15 pick of the 2021 draft is what got the Patriots into this mess, but Belichick’s drafting miscues don’t stop there. New England used a fourth-round pick on kicker Chad Ryland and he’s 15-for-24 after missing again Sunday. Belichick’s future hasn’t been discussed much of late. Is it possible he stays as head coach in New England but gives up personnel responsibilities?

Up next: vs. New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Why the Patriots’ Bill Belichick-Robert Kraft partnership is on the verge of a breakup

(Last week: 30)

Sunday: Lost to San Francisco 49ers 27-10

The lesson: The Sam Howell talk was a smokescreen

It seems pretty clear that Ron Rivera was hoping that convincing everyone Howell was the long-term answer at quarterback would buy him some more time in Washington. Howell isn’t and it won’t. After Jacoby Brissett played well in Weeks 15 and 16, Howell was forced back into the lineup Sunday because of Brissett’s hamstring injury. The result was a 17-for-28 day with 169 yards, two interceptions and a touchdown. The Commanders will have a new coach and a new quarterback next season.

Up next: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

32. Carolina Panthers (2-14)

(Last week: 32)

Sunday: Lost to Jacksonville Jaguars 26-0

The lesson: The coach and QB are not the problem

Owner David Tepper appears to have been busted tossing a drink on a fan late in Sunday’s loss. The NFL is expected to respond with some sort of rebuke for the owner, but the biggest penalty for Tepper is that the incident confirms what everyone had expected — he’s the problem in Carolina. Hiring a coach just got harder and more expensive for the NFL’s heir apparent to Daniel Snyder.

Up next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Top photo of Joe Flacco: Cooper Neill / Getty Images)

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“The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

The Baltimore Ravens scored their most impressive victory of the season Monday night, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 33-19. Along with making them look like worthy Super Bowl contenders, the victory puts them in a fantastic position in the AFC. At 12-3, they’re a game ahead of Miami and have a chance to clinch the top spot next week in a game against those very Dolphins.

Meanwhile, the 49ers’ loss sends them to 11-4 and a three-way tie atop the NFC with the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. The 49ers own the tiebreaker over both, but with two games to go, there’s still time for the Eagles or Lions to make a move.

As for the rest of the NFL, Week 16 saw plenty of movement in the playoff picture. Let’s take a look at where things stand as we enter Week 17.

Listed odds to make the playoffs, secure the No. 1 seed and win the Super Bowl are all via The Athletic’s NFL betting model, created by Austin Mock.

x — Clinched playoff berth | z — Clinched division title

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens delivered a message in San Francisco, not just on the scoreboard with their blowout of the 49ers but with the way they initiated the physicality throughout the night. Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald might have worked his way onto some short lists for teams with head coaching vacancies.

Remaining schedule: vs. Miami Dolphins, vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 69.5 percent | To win Super Bowl: 17.2 percent

The Ravens’ defense vs. the 49ers on Christmas:

◻️ 5 INT
◻️ 9 QB hits
◻️ 4 sackshttps://t.co/Hh2mfOm6AZ pic.twitter.com/XF8vaN0tuT

— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) December 26, 2023

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins just earned their first marquee victory of the season Sunday against the Cowboys, and they got it with a clutch, game-winning drive just before the buzzer. That’s huge, not just for a team angling for seeding but as the Dolphins work to build confidence before the playoffs. Now they’re in a position to take hold of the No. 1 seed if they can win Sunday in Baltimore.

Remaining schedule: at Ravens, vs. Buffalo Bills

Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 28.9 percent | To win Super Bowl: 13.2 percent

DOLPHINS CLINCH A PLAYOFF BERTH ON A WALK-OFF FIELD GOAL!

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/ynIkpoMfGt

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 25, 2023

The Chiefs have lost five of eight, and they’re 2-3 this season against teams that currently have winning records. While it may feel reckless to write off quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ resume isn’t representative of a team that’s ready to win four consecutive playoff games.

Remaining schedule: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, at Los Angeles Chargers

Odds: To make playoffs: 98.1 percent | To earn bye: 0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 9.1 percent

The Jags are reeling with four consecutive losses, and quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s injuries are mounting by the week. Their offensive issues over the past two weeks can be explained by injuries and Lawrence’s shortage of practice time, but the defense is also leaking by surrendering 29.5 points per game during the skid. Then again, the Bucs scored three touchdowns off turnovers, so it’s become a widespread meltdown.

Remaining schedule: vs. Carolina Panthers, at Tennessee Titans

Odds: To make playoffs: 65.9 percent | To earn bye: 0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 1.2 percent

GO DEEPER

NFL Week 16 takeaways: Browns, Joe Flacco do it again; time to consider Lions contenders?

Quarterback Joe Flacco, who was sitting on his couch watching football five Sundays ago, has three consecutive 300-yard games for the first time in his career. He hasn’t had a trio of 300-yard games throughout an entire season since 2016. Just a remarkable run.

Remaining schedule: vs. New York Jets, at Bengals

Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 1.6 percent | To win Super Bowl: 2.9 percent

telling my kids this is Santa Claus pic.twitter.com/eTloAPK2EK

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 24, 2023

Buffalo Bills

The Bills started their three-game winning streak in Kansas City, and they’re shaping up to be as dangerous as any team in the AFC. There’s also a possibility we see the next chapter of the Bills-Chiefs mini-rivalry in the wild-card round.

Remaining schedule: at New England Patriots, at Dolphins

Odds: To make playoffs: 90.3 percent | To earn bye: 0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 4.7 percent

QB keeper!

📺: @peacock#ProBowlVote | @JoshAllenQB pic.twitter.com/uy9yYWjbiJ

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 24, 2023

The Colts laid an egg with a 29-10 loss in Atlanta, and now they’re in a four-way tie with the Texans, Steelers and Bengals. The Colts will almost certainly have to win out and hope the tiebreakers work in their favor to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

Remaining schedule: vs. Raiders, vs. Houston Texans

Odds: To make playoffs: 66.4 percent | To earn bye: 0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 0.9 percent

In the hunt

• Houston Texans (8-7)
• Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7)
• Cincinnati Bengals (8-7)
• Denver Broncos (7-8)
• Las Vegas Raiders (7-8)

Eliminated

• New York Jets (6-9)
• Tennessee Titans (5-10)
• Los Angeles Chargers (5-10)
• New England Patriots (4-11)

---

x — Clinched playoff berth | z — Clinched division title

San Francisco 49ers

Quarterback Brock Purdy’s four interceptions will dominate the spotlight in the wake of the 49ers’ one-sided defeat to the Ravens, but don’t ignore another key aspect. After falling behind 23-12 with 12:07 remaining in the third quarter, Purdy was just 8-of-14 passing for 107 yards and one interception over four scoreless possessions before leaving with an injury. The 49ers’ concern has been their inability to erase late deficits, and they didn’t make much of a dent when they fell behind Monday night.

Remaining schedule: at Washington Commanders, vs. Los Angeles Rams

Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 74.3 percent | To win Super Bowl: 25.5 percent

Philadelphia Eagles

It’s well-established by now very little will come easy for the Eagles, who haven’t won a game by more than 8 points since Week 7. While their final two regular-season tilts are against non-playoff foes, they will be personal against former defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon and the Arizona Cardinals before a rematch with the Giants. The quality of the opponent won’t be elite, but they’ll be tough games that will serve as good playoff tuneups.

Remaining schedule: vs. Cardinals, at Giants

Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 22.4 percent | To win Super Bowl: 7.8 percent

GO DEEPER

Eagles hold off Giants to snap skid as DeVito benched

Detroit Lions

The Lions have finally won the NFC North and will host a playoff game for the first time in 30 years. They’ll also be searching for their first postseason victory in 32 years — and just their second in the Super Bowl era. And in a sadistically fitting way, they may have to go through fan favorite Matthew Stafford to get it done.

Remaining schedule: at Dallas Cowboys, vs. Minnesota Vikings

Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 2.9 percent | To win Super Bowl: 5.2 percent

What was once an aspiration is now a reality in Detroit.

This Lions team knows how to win. It knows how to close games. It knows better than to leave things to chance, writes @colton_pouncy.

And it doesn’t stop here.

🔗: https://t.co/yXLvQCEtl4 pic.twitter.com/p5dDdcb35l

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 25, 2023

The Bucs have won four in a row but hadn’t necessarily beaten a quality opponent until delivering a statement with a blowout against the Jaguars. There won’t be high expectations for the Buccaneers — or whoever wins the NFC South — against the NFC East runner-up, but a playoff berth in a rebuilding year after a 4-7 start should be viewed as a huge success in Tampa.

Remaining schedule: vs. New Orleans Saints, at Panthers

Odds: To make playoffs: 89.1 percent | To earn bye: 0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 1.7 percent

Baker and the Bucs have won four consecutive games.

The NFC South standings:

◻️ Tampa Bay Bucs (8-7)
◻️ Atlanta Falcons (7-8)
◻️ New Orleans Saints (7-8)
e — Carolina Panthers (2-13) pic.twitter.com/TLyT0EalC4

— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) December 25, 2023

Dallas Cowboys

With the loss Sunday in Miami, the Cowboys fell to 2-2 this season in one-possession games, and they’ve only won a single time (Week 13 against the Seahawks) when they’ve trailed after the first quarter. Their lack of success in tightly contested games will again be a concern in the playoffs.

Remaining schedule: vs. Lions, at Commanders

Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 0.5 percent | To win Super Bowl: 7.8 percent

GO DEEPER

Cowboys insist confidence is high after second consecutive loss — both on the road

Los Angeles Rams

There was little reason to believe the Rams would be in this position when they were 3-6, but they’ve won five of six since their bye week and have a shot to play the role of spoilers if they can continue this march into the playoffs.

Remaining schedule: at Giants, at 49ers

Odds: To make playoffs: 68.2 percent | To earn bye: 0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 1.1 percent

GO DEEPER

Puka Nacua shows why he’s in Offensive ROY conversation in prime time as Rams keep rolling

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks don’t rack up many style points, but they’ve proven their ability to win close games, including game-winning drives from quarterbacks Geno Smith and Drew Lock in the last two outings. If they can get healthier for the playoffs, this physical team that just endured a stretch of tough opponents is going to be an unenviable opponent.

Remaining schedule: vs. Steelers, at Cardinals

Odds: To make playoffs: 70 percent | To earn bye: 0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 0.9 percent

In the hunt

• Minnesota Vikings (7-8)
• Atlanta Falcons (7-8)
• Green Bay Packers (7-8)
• New Orleans Saints (7-8)
• Chicago Bears (6-9)

Eliminated

• New York Giants (5-10)
• Washington Commanders (4-11)
• Arizona Cardinals (3-12)
• Carolina Panthers (2-13)

 

(Top photo of Lamar Jackson:  Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)

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“The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

We’re coming down the stretch of the NFL season, and the playoff seedings and Power Rankings are starting to sort themselves out, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been some surprises along the way. Today, we’re going to look at one surprising aspect of each team’s season.

And then we’re going to start looking forward to a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup in Week 16 of the season.

(Last week: 1)

Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 45-29

Surprise: Brock Purdy

We’ve let all the talk about whether the second-year quarterback is a top-10 quarterback in the league or even possibly the MVP obscure what remains at its heart the most remarkable story in the league. Purdy, the last pick of the 2022 draft, is now 16-3 as a starting quarterback. His passer rating (119) and expected points added per dropback (.32) lead the NFL and both would rank among the top five in the last 10 years in the league, according to TruMedia.

Up next: vs. Baltimore Ravens, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 3)

Sunday: Beat Jacksonville Jaguars 23-7

Surprise: They’ve clinched a playoff spot

Baltimore didn’t even enter the season as the favorite in its division, and now it’s the only team in the AFC to clinch a postseason berth. Lamar Jackson has been Lamar Jackson and the Todd Monken hire at offensive coordinator looks inspired. The Ravens have won eight of their last nine. Watching their defense, which leads the NFL with just 16.1 points per game allowed, go against the 49ers offense next week will be a treat.

Up next: at San Francisco 49ers, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

What we learned in NFL Week 15: Beware the Ravens and Bills, trouble in Pittsburgh and more

(Last week: 5)

Sunday: Beat Dallas Cowboys 31-10

Surprise: That they’ve lost six games

The Bills proved Sunday they’re one of the best teams in the league and a Super Bowl contender. More importantly, they got themselves closer to the playoffs, moving into the No. 9 spot in the AFC. Of course, the answer may be as simple as turnovers. The Bills are plus-11 in turnover margin in their wins (fourth in the league) and minus-eight in their losses (20th in the league). They didn’t turn the ball over against the Cowboys and rushed for 266 yards, their highest total since 2016.

Up next: at Los Angeles Chargers, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET

(Last week: 7)

Sunday: Beat New York Jets 30-0

Surprise: Why nobody else just drafted all the fast guys

Tyreek Hill didn’t play Sunday because of an ankle injury, and Miami still had three of the fastest people in the world on the field. Jaylen Waddle had a season-high 142 receiving yards on eight catches, and Raheem Mostert and Devon Achane had a combined 105 yards. The Dolphins have won four of their last five and can beat anybody in the league with their home run power.

Up next: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

Raheem Mostert’s 20 total touchdowns this year (18 rushing, two receiving) ranks second all time among all players 31 years or older, behind only John Riggins (24)
per @pfref

— Danny Kelly (@DannyBKelly) December 18, 2023

(Last week: 2)

Sunday: Lost to Buffalo Bills 31-10

Surprise: How they play on the road

Dallas, which is 7-0 at home, is now below .500 on the road, dropping to 3-4 with Sunday’s loss. The Cowboys lead the league in scoring (39.86 ppg) and scoring margin (plus-171) at home but are 15th in scoring (21.71 ppg) and have a minus-4 scoring margin on the road. This is not good news for a team that probably is going to have to play at Philadelphia or at San Francisco to get to the Super Bowl. It has played in both of those stadiums this year and lost by a combined score of 70-33.

Up next: at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 4)

Monday: Lost to Seattle Seahawks 20-17

Surprise: The panic

The Eagles are the most hand-wringing 1o-win team in the NFL. They already have clinched a playoff spot and still have a good chance to win the NFC East, yet the team and its fans believe the sky is falling because it has hit a rough patch against talented opponents. The Eagles took control of the defense away from coordinator Sean Desai and handed it to Matt Patricia for Monday’s game. That didn’t work so well on the final drive as Drew Lock took the Seahawks 92 yards for the game-winning touchdown, but Philadelphia still has some of the most talented offensive and defensive lines in the league and will be fine in January.

Up next: vs. New York Giants, Monday, 4:30 p.m. ET

(Last week: 8)

Saturday: Beat Denver Broncos 42-17

Surprise: Sam LaPorta

It’s not shocking that the rookie tight end is good, but this good? LaPorta had three touchdown catches Saturday night and now has nine on the season, the fourth-most receiving touchdowns in the league. LaPorta, the No. 34 pick in the 2023 draft, already has 758 receiving yards, the sixth most by a rookie tight end in the history of the league. If he hits his average the rest of the season, he will end up third behind only Mike Ditka and Kyle Pitts.

Up next: at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Examining NFL’s 3 coaching vacancies and 9 other teams facing decisions: Sando’s Pick Six

(Last week: 6)

Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 27-17

Surprise: How hard it has been

Kansas City guaranteed its 11th straight winning record under Andy Reid, but it wasn’t without more drama. Kadarius Toney dropped a pass that turned into an interception, and the Patriots led 10-7 until the final minute of the first half. The defending Super Bowl champion is the No. 3 seed in the AFC right now. The good news is rookie receiver Rashee Rice had his fourth straight game with at least seven catches and 64 yards to take some of the pressure off Travis Kelce.

Up next: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Monday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 12)

Sunday: Beat Chicago Bears 20-17

Surprise: That nobody hired Jim Schwartz earlier

Cleveland’s defensive coordinator spent the last two seasons as a senior defensive assistant in Tennessee. Then the Browns put him back in charge of a defense, and Cleveland leads the NFL in defensive splash plays (363). The Browns have a league-high 65 tackles for loss that aren’t sacks and 41 sacks, which ranks eighth in the league, to go along with it. The defense has saved a season in which the offense lost running back Nick Chubb and quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Up next: at Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 11)

Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 28-20

Surprise: They’re in the playoffs at the moment

This was supposed to be a reset year for the Rams, and it looked like it when they started 3-6. Since then, Sean McVay’s crew is 4-1 with the only loss coming to the Ravens. During the winning streak, the Rams are fourth in the league in scoring (29.8 ppg), and Matthew Stafford is fifth in the league in passer rating (105.2) and second in passing touchdowns (13). It’s been good enough to get them to the seventh seed, for now at least.

Up next: vs. New Orleans Saints, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 14)

Sunday: Beat Minnesota Vikings 27-24

Surprise: They’re still in it

Jake Browning won his third game in a row Saturday, and the Bengals are now 3-1 since Joe Burrow’s season ended because of injury. Cincinnati, which is third in scoring in the last three weeks (31.7 ppg), was written out of the playoff race when Burrow went down but is the No. 6 seed in the AFC as of now. The problem is the Bengals have to play Kansas City, Pittsburgh and Cleveland down the stretch.

Up next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET

12. Seattle Seahawks (7-7)

(Last week: 17)

Monday: Beat Philadelphia Eagles 20-17

Surprise: The defense

Pete Carroll is known for defense, but the Seahawks are 27th in the NFL in defensive EPA per snap and have given up more plays of 10-plus yards (190) than all but two teams in the league. However, the defense got the job done Monday night, holding an illness-slowed Jalen Hurts and the Eagles to 17 points to stop a four-game losing streak. They’re just one spot out of a playoff spot with the Titans, Steelers and Cardinals left on their schedule.

Up next: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 13)

Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 19-16 in OT

Surprise: Another Kyle Shanahan disciple

Is there no end to the number of really good play callers San Francisco’s head coach can create in his lab? Texans first-year offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is 36 years old and had only one year as a full-fledged member of the 49ers staff before joining DeMeco Ryans in Houston. Before that, Slowik had several secondary roles in San Francisco. On Sunday, he helped backup quarterback Case Keenum to a victory that keeps the Texans in the playoff race and keeps him on the radar for head coaching jobs.

Up next: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 15)

Sunday: Beat Pittsburgh Steelers 30-13

Surprise: This team is in the playoff race

The Colts were 4-12 last season. They lost quarterback Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 pick in the draft, in the fourth game of the year. Jonathan Taylor has played in only seven games. And yet, Indianapolis is eighth in the league in scoring (24.6 ppg) and has the No. 7 spot in the playoff race right now. Shane Steichen is making a strong case for coach of the year.

Up next: at Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 9)

Sunday: Lost to Detroit Lions 42-17

Surprise: Sean Payton-Russell Wilson is kind of working

Or at least it was until Saturday night when Payton had a very animated, and seemingly one-way, conversation with Wilson on the sideline. It was what everyone expected from their relationship headed into the season, but things had been going pretty well. After a career-low 84.4 passer rating in his first season in Denver, Wilson has bounced back to a 97.5 this year and has at least made it plausible he could be Denver’s starting quarterback next season.

Up next: vs. New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 16)

Sunday: Lost to Baltimore Ravens 23-7

Surprise: That Trevor Lawrence isn’t better

The No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft is good, but he was expected to be great. Lawrence is ninth in the league in passing yards (3,525) but just 21st in touchdown-to-interception ratio (1.8) and 23rd in EPA per attempt (.08). Sunday’s loss highlighted some of the frustrations with Lawrence, who threw an ill-advised pass at the end of the first half that cost the Jaguars points, and he simply dropped a ball without being touched on a scramble.

Up next: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

20 years after his career began, this NFL lineman keeps defying the odds

(Last week: 20)

Sunday: Beat Green Bay Packers 34-20

Surprise: They’re going to win the division

It’s not set in stone yet, but the odds are now 61.6 percent, according to The Athletic’s NFL betting model. This is the team that had the lowest preseason win prediction in the NFC South and lost six of seven games at one point this season. However, Tampa Bay has now won three in a row. Baker Mayfield, who Sunday became the first opposing quarterback ever to have a perfect passer rating at Lambeau Field, threw for 381 yards and four touchdowns against the Packers.

Up next: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

18. Green Bay Packers (6-8)

(Last week: 10)

Sunday: Lost to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34-20

Surprise: How inconsistent they are

Beat the Lions and Chiefs? Lose to the Giants and the Buccaneers? Sure, the Packers have done all that in the last month. Oft-analyzed quarterback Jordan Love hasn’t been the biggest problem, either. The defense is 29th in success rate (56.4) and 23rd in yards per play allowed (5.4). On Sunday, the Packers surrendered the only perfect passer rating of Mayfield’s six-year career and 452 yards to the Buccaneers to fall into 11th place in the NFC.

Up next: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 18)

Saturday: Lost to Cincinnati Bengals 27-24

Surprise: The Justin Jefferson mystery

In the seven games Jefferson has played, he’s averaging 97.43 receiving yards per game, which ranks behind only Tyreek Hill. However, after Saturday, Minnesota is 2-5 when he’s in the lineup. In games Jefferson has missed because of injury, the Vikings are 5-2. Nick Mullens became the fourth quarterback to start a game for Minnesota on Saturday. He threw for 303 yards and two touchdowns but also had two interceptions.

Up next: vs. Detroit Lions, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

20. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7)

(Last week: 19)

Saturday: Lost to Indianapolis Colts 30-13

Surprise: George Pickens is still on the team

The second-year wide receiver’s attitude has been enough of a problem that coach Mike Tomlin felt the need to tell the team’s official website that he and Pickens had “a great meeting” last week. It must not have been that great because Pickens had two embarrassing clips surface from Saturday’s game — one on which he put hardly any effort into a run block and one on which he seemed to run away from the opposing ball carrier after an interception. He leads the team with 52 catches for 814 yards, but it might not be worth all this.

Up next: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Kaboly: The Steelers’ roster needs an overhaul (and not just because it lacks talent)

(Last week: 22)

Sunday: Beat New York Giants 24-6

Surprise: Derek Carr keeps getting away with it

Last week, the story was the New Orleans quarterback getting into another in-game argument with a teammate (adding center Erik McCoy to a list that includes wide receiver Chris Olave and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael). This week, he threw three touchdown passes and had a 134.8 rating as the Saints won their second straight to stay alive in the playoff race.

Up next: at Los Angeles Rams, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

Carr finds Juwan Johnson as he steps into the end zone! TD @Saints

📺: #NYGvsNO on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/kw7mays4qU pic.twitter.com/ktajaC4VDv

— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2023

(Last week: 28)

Thursday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 63-21

Surprise: That offensive showing

Only one team, Miami in this year’s 70-20 win over Denver, has scored more points in a game since at least 2000. The Dolphins have Mike McDaniel calling plays and the fastest skill position group in the league. The Raiders have an interim head coach, Antonio Pierce, and a rookie quarterback, Aidan O’Connell, who even after Thursday is only 30th in the league in passer rating. It’s probably not enough to get Pierce the full-time job, but he’s 3-3 since taking the helm.

Up next: at Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 21)

Sunday: Lost to Carolina Panthers 9-7

Surprise: The offense is bad

Arthur Smith, who is in his third season, was hired for his offensive acumen. The Falcons have drafted an offensive skill-position player in the top 10 in each of the last three drafts. Their $46.6 million investment in their offensive line is the fourth-highest in the NFL. And yet they are 26th in the NFL in points (18.43) after scoring just seven Sunday against a one-win Carolina team. Now there’s a chance Smith is on his way out in Atlanta.

Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 23)

Sunday: Lost to Cleveland Browns 20-17

Surprise: There’s still no answer on Justin Fields

With only three games left in the season, Chicago still doesn’t appear to have a clear answer about whether it should stick with Fields at quarterback or use the Panthers’ pick it acquired last March to take Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. Sunday was a “move on” game. Fields completed 19-for-40 passes for 166 yards and had a 46.5 passer rating. For the season, he is 23rd in passer rating (85.6) but is eighth in scramble EPA (17.72), according to TruMedia.

Up next: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 24)

Sunday: Lost to Miami Dolphins 30-0

Surprise: Garrett Wilson is a top-25 receiver

Despite Zach Wilson and everything else that has gone wrong in New York, Garrett Wilson has 882 receiving yards, the 22nd most in the league. If that doesn’t sound that impressive, remember that the Jets are 30th in the NFL with 170 passing yards per game. Wilson led New York in receiving Sunday, but it was a pretty hollow achievement considering he had only three catches for 29 yards.

Up next: vs. Washington Commanders, Sunday 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Jets get embarrassed again, and Robert Saleh’s team future grows more tenuous

26. New York Giants (5-9)

(Last week: 25)

Sunday: Lost to New Orleans Saints 24-6

Surprise: They screwed up the 2024 draft

The Tommy DeVito story is great, or at least was until Sunday when New York lost for the first time in a month, but how fondly will it be remembered in New York in the future? The three wins that DeVito led before this have moved the Giants to the No. 7 pick in the 2024 draft at the moment. There’s still hope considering New York has to play the Eagles twice in the final three games, but for now the Giants still don’t have an answer to their quarterback problem.

Up next: at Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, 4:30 p.m. ET

27. Tennessee Titans (5-9)

(Last week: 26)

Sunday: Lost to Houston Texans 19-16 in OT

Surprise: Derrick Henry is human

The last seven seasons had convinced us otherwise, but the Titans and their otherworldly running back are looking like they are near the end of their runs. On Sunday, Henry had the fewest yards (10) for any player with 20 or more touches in NFL history, and after the game, he indicated it could be his last season with the Titans. Tennessee was eliminated from the playoff race when Case Keenum led Houston to 10 points in the final 3:03 and overtime on Sunday.

Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 27)

Thursday: Lost to Las Vegas Raiders 63-21

Surprise: That it took this long

The Chargers finally fired Brandon Staley, who fell to 24-24 in three seasons with Thursday night’s embarrassing loss. It was the fifth loss in the last six games for Los Angeles, which entered the season with playoff hopes and now is the second-worst team in the AFC, ahead of only the Patriots. Staley was hired because he was supposed to be an up-and-coming defensive guru, but the Chargers are 27th in points (24.6) and yards per play (5.6) allowed.

Up next: vs. Buffalo Bills, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET

29. Arizona Cardinals (3-11)

(Last week: 29)

Sunday: Lost to San Francisco 49ers 45-29

Surprise: Nothing really

This team is exactly what we thought it would be. There was a moment (remember the Week 3 win over Dallas?) when Arizona looked like it might be plucky, but the only wins since have come against the reeling Falcons and Steelers. The Cardinals have ended up where they want to be, in the mix to draft one of the top two quarterbacks in the league.

Up next: at Chicago Bears, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

30. New England Patriots (3-11)

(Last week: 30)

Sunday: Lost to Kansas City Chiefs 27-17

Surprise: The record

Bill Belichick hasn’t had fewer than seven wins in a season since 2000, and he’s on track for the fewest wins in his 29-year head coaching career. The Patriots are 28-36 since Tom Brady left after the 2019 season, but nobody expected things to be this bad. New England is 28th in the league in scoring margin (minus-113) and is in the bottom third of the league in both rushing and passing yards per game.

Up next: at Denver Broncos, Sunday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 31)

Sunday: Lost to Los Angeles Rams 28-20

Surprise: The Sam Howell lovefest

Ron Rivera said he pulled Howell from Sunday’s game to protect him because the Rams defense was in a position to be very aggressive in its pass rush. Then Jacoby Brissett went 8-for-10 and led two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter. Howell is seventh in the league in passing yards (3,568), but his negative plays have outweighed all that yardage. Howell leads the league in both interceptions (15) and sacks (59).

Up next: at New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

32. Carolina Panthers (2-12)

(Last week: 32)

Sunday: Beat Atlanta Falcons 9-7

Surprise: They won a game

In pouring rain in a nearly empty home stadium against an Atlanta team still in the race for the division title, Carolina put together a 90-yard drive and kicked the winning field goal as time expired. It doesn’t change how bad this season has been, but at least it made the Panthers feel a little better about themselves. “Obviously, we’re not gonna clinch anything, but it feels good to mess up their Christmas,” defensive end Brian Burns said.

Up next: vs. Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

NFL QB EPA rankings: Brock Purdy is in Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers territory

(Top photo of Bills running back James Cook: Rich Barnes / Getty Images)

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“The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

Last week, the Power Rankings looked at the best-case scenario for all 32 NFL teams, but it’s late in the season and we’ve had to watch so many bad Jets quarterbacks that it’s taken all the optimism out of us. So this week, we’re looking at the worst-case scenario for each team as the season heads down the stretch.

Obviously, the real answer for most teams would be an injury to their starting quarterback and/or superstar, but we don’t want to jinx anyone (and we certainly don’t want to hear about it in the comments) so we’re trying to be more creative than that in most cases.

In the case of our new No. 1, though, we couldn’t come up with anything because, man, the 49ers looked like a monster on Sunday.

1. San Francisco 49ers (9-3)

(Last week 4)

Sunday: Beat Philadelphia Eagles 42-19

Worst case: Bumps and/or bruises

When the 49ers are healthy, they are scary. They hoped to prove that Brock Purdy’s injury in the NFC Championship Game was the only reason they didn’t beat the Eagles and advance to the Super Bowl last season. Mission accomplished. Deebo Samuel, who talked the most trash coming into the game, scored three touchdowns. When he, Purdy and left tackle Trent Williams are all healthy, San Francisco has scored at least 27 points this season.

Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday

GO DEEPER

The MVP race through 13 weeks and Brock Purdy’s growing case: Sando’s Pick Six

(Last week: 2)

Sunday: Bye

Worst case: Roquan Smith regression

Since the Ravens sent the Bears second- and fifth-round picks for Smith on Oct. 31 last year, Baltimore is first in the NFL in yards per play allowed (4.5), third in defensive success rate (62 percent) and third in EPA per snap (12.8). In that span, the linebacker is fourth in the league in defensive splash plays (66), according to TruMedia. Sure, Lamar Jackson is integral to Baltimore’s success, but don’t overlook Smith’s impact.

Up next: vs. Los Angeles Rams, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 5)

Thursday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 41-35

Worst case: Down day from Dak

The Cowboys can beat anybody when Dak Prescott plays like he did Thursday night against the Seahawks. Prescott was 29-for-41 for 299 yards and three touchdowns, and Dallas scored on eight of its nine possessions. For the season, he is second in EPA per attempt (0.30) and passer rating (108.3). However, Dak does have “those days.” He’s had a negative EPA per attempt twice this year. The Cowboys have lost both games (to Arizona and San Francisco).

Up next: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 6)

Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 45-15

Worst case: Any tweak for Tyreek

Tyreek Hill remains on pace to be the first player in league history with more than 2,000 receiving yards in a season after catching five passes for 157 yards Sunday. He had 78- and 60-yard touchdown catches and leads the NFL with 1,496 yards from scrimmage. More than half of his touches go for a first down or touchdown, but he’s such a finely tuned speed machine that you constantly worry that even the slightest imbalance might throw the whole thing out of whack.

Up next: vs. Tennessee Titans, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday

GO DEEPER

What we learned in Week 13: The 49ers’ playoff potential, Tyreek’s target in sight and more

5. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)

(Last week: 1)

Sunday: Lost to San Francisco 49ers 42-19

Worst case: Run game reversal

Philadelphia is third in the league in rushing EPA this season, according to TruMedia, but when its run game falters, it usually isn’t pretty. The Eagles have been held to a total of 126 rushing yards and 3.2 yards per carry in their two losses. The results were a loss to the Jets and Sunday’s drubbing by the 49ers.

Up next: at Dallas Cowboys, 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 7)

Sunday: Beat New Orleans Saints 33-28

Worst case: It was all a mirage

After losing to Green Bay on Thanksgiving, Detroit had to hold on to beat reeling New Orleans on Sunday. The Lions are probably fine. They remain fourth in the league in touchdowns per drive (29.3 percent). Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta had nine catches for 140 yards Sunday, and he’s tied for the most touchdowns by a tight end (six) and has the fourth-most receiving yards among tight ends (679). But it would be cruel to this team’s fan base if it doesn’t finish strong.

Up next: at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 3)

Sunday: Lost to Green Bay Packers 27-19

Worst case: Patrick Mahomes can’t do it all alone

It sure looked like he could when Kansas City won the Super Bowl the year after trading Tyreek Hill, but the Chiefs slipped to 11th in the league in scoring Sunday (22.9 ppg). The Chiefs have scored fewer than 20 points in six games this season. That happened only six times total in Mahomes’ first five seasons as the starter. Inconsistency at receiver is the main culprit. Justin Watson, a fifth-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2018 who signed as a low-money free agent in the offseason, is the second-leading wide receiver with 332 yards on 20 catches.

Up next: vs. Buffalo Bills, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday

GO DEEPER

Jones: NFL officials face impossible task — we or league must make change

(Last week: 9)

Sunday: Bye

Worst case: They’re living it

This team was 13-3 last season and came into this season with similar expectations, but Josh Allen has had some rough moments and the defense has lost pillars Tre’Davious White and Matt Milano for the season because of injury. In fact, more than 16 percent of Buffalo’s salary cap is on injured reserve, according to Spotrac. The Bills could still make the playoffs, but the Chiefs, Cowboys and Dolphins all remain on the schedule.

Up next: at Kansas City Chiefs, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 10)

Sunday: Beat Denver Broncos 22-17

Worst case: C.J. Stroud and the rookie wall

It’s easy to forget that Stroud is a rookie. He overtook Sam Howell for the league’s passing lead Sunday, throwing for 274 yards to get to 3,570 for the season. He and Dak Prescott are the only quarterbacks in the league with a passer rating above 100 and a touchdown-to-interception ratio of four or higher. We’re getting into uncharted territory for Stroud, though. He never played more than 13 games in a season at Ohio State. His next one in Houston will be No. 13.

Up next: at New York Jets, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 19)

Sunday: Beat Cleveland Browns 36-19

Worst case: San Francisco playing for home-field advantage

There’s a decent chance the Rams will head into Week 18 having to beat the division-rival 49ers to get into the playoffs. San Francisco will have a playoff spot locked up by then and will be tempted to rest its stars unless it has a first-round bye on the line. That got closer to reality when the Niners beat the Eagles on Sunday. Why is this such bad news? The Rams have lost nine of their last 10 to the 49ers.

Up next: at Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

GO DEEPER

NFL playoff picture after Week 13: Jaguars lose control of AFC’s top seed

(Last week: 15)

Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 31-28

Worst case: Wasting a year

The Colts could make the playoffs this season. They would be the sixth seed if the season ended today, and their five remaining games are winnable (Houston, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Cincinnati). But what this year was really supposed to be about was developing Anthony Richardson. If Gardner Minshew leads the Colts to the playoffs this year, then the pressure is really on Richardson next season.

Up next: at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

“We’re very gritty. We’re gonna find a way. It’s not always gonna be sexy, but dang, it’s good.”

– Gardner Minshew with a potential soundbite of the year with @AJRoss_TV following the @Colts W pic.twitter.com/yDfOS5Kikz

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 3, 2023

12. Green Bay Packers (6-6)

(Last week: 16)

Sunday: Beat Kansas City Chiefs 27-19

Worst case: Flipped turnover luck

The Packers have turned their season around with three straight wins, the most recent two coming against Super Bowl contenders. It might be a sign of great things to come. Or it might just be turnovers. The Packers are second in the league in turnover margin in the last three weeks (plus-five). The remaining schedule is in the Packers’ favor as 6-6 Minnesota is the only team that doesn’t have a losing record.

Up next: at New York Giants, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday

13. Seattle Seahawks (6-6)

(Last week: 12)

Thursday: Lost to Dallas Cowboys 41-35

Worst case: They missed their chance

Seattle needed to steal at least one game during this current four-game stretch that includes the 49ers twice, the Cowboys and the Eagles. It missed the chance against Dallas, wasting a 406-yard offensive day and a six-catch, 134-yard, three-touchdown effort from DK Metcalf. Seattle now gets the 49ers and Eagles back-to-back while sitting one spot out of the playoff race.

Up next: at San Francisco 49ers, 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 8)

Monday: Lost to Cincinnati Bengals 34-31 (OT)

Worst case: It happened late Monday night

Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft and one of 10 quarterbacks to throw for more than 3,000 yards this season, went down with what appeared to be a significant injury after his right ankle was stepped on by one of his offensive linemen. Lawrence slammed his helmet to the turf and then made a slow and painful walk to the locker room with lots of help. If Lawrence is done for the season, so are the Jaguars. Backup C.J. Beathard has a career passer rating of 80.3.

Up next: at Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

If Trevor Lawrence can’t play Sunday, FOUR of the 7 current AFC playoff teams will start a backup QB in Week 14.

— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) December 5, 2023

(Last week: 13)

Sunday: Lost to Houston Texans 22-17

Worst case: Running out of gas

The Broncos came back from the dead thanks to a five-game winning streak, but that took a lot of energy and the tank finally ran dry Sunday. They were plus-13 in the turnover margin during their winning streak. Against the Texans, that number flipped and the Broncos lost the turnover battle 3-0. They play only one more team with a winning record (Detroit), so they’re still alive, but they’ll have to get their momentum back.

Up next: at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 14)

Sunday: Lost to Los Angeles Rams 36-19

Worst case: Exposed defensive weaknesses

Since Week 10, the Browns and their formerly fearsome defense are 26th in the league in points allowed (26.5 ppg) and 28th in point margin (minus-29), according to TruMedia. With Joe Flacco now the quarterback (23-for-44 for 254 yards, two touchdowns and an interception Sunday), Cleveland needs this defense more than ever. It has given up five yards per carry in the last month, which ranks 26th in the league while recording only seven sacks (20th).

Up next: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

17. Atlanta Falcons (6-6)

(Last week: 17)

Sunday: Beat New York Jets 13-8

Worst case: Unfulfilled promise

Tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson — all drafted in the top 10 in the last three seasons — were supposed to be a three-headed monster. Each has been electric at times, but it has never happened simultaneously, and Atlanta’s offense certainly isn’t scaring anyone. Robinson surpassed 1,000 yards from scrimmage on Sunday (1,022, which ranks 13th in the league and second among rookies), but the Falcons are 24th in scoring (18.8 ppg).

Up next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

18. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5)

(Last week: 11)

Sunday: Lost to Arizona Cardinals 24-10

Worst case: Matt Canada wasn’t the problem

Pittsburgh got a bump the first week after firing its beleaguered offensive coordinator, but it was back to business as usual Sunday. The Steelers scored 10 points against an Arizona defense that ranks 30th in points allowed (25.5 per game). On top of that, quarterback Kenny Pickett suffered an ankle injury that is expected to keep him out multiple weeks. The AFC North lead looks a long way away now.

Up next: vs. New England Patriots, 8:15 p.m. ET Thursday

19. Cincinnati Bengals (6-6)

(Last week: 20)

Monday: Beat Jacksonville Jaguars 34-31 (OT)

Worst case: A quarterback controversy

Just kidding, but Jake Browning was excellent on Monday night against a decent Jacksonville defense. Browning was 32-for-37 for 354 yards and a touchdown in his second game since replacing Joe Burrow. If he keeps playing like that, the Bengals can get back into the playoff mix and also could attract something on the trade market once Burrow is healthy. Cincinnati racked up a season-high 491 yards behind Browning.

Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

20. Minnesota Vikings (6-6)

(Last week: 18)

Sunday: Bye

Worst case: Kirk doesn’t come back

Since Kirk Cousins became a regular starter in 2015, he is sixth in the NFL (among quarterbacks with more than 1,000 attempts) in passer rating (99.9) and 10th in EPA per pass attempt (.21). After beating two NFC South teams in the first weeks without Cousins, the Vikings have lost their last two, and it’s clear how much they miss Captain Kirk. There’s every reason to believe Cousins will return at basically full strength from his torn Achilles, but he’s scheduled to be a free agent in 2024. Minnesota should fix that.

Up next: at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7)

(Last week: 22)

Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 21-18

Worst case: Losing Mike Evans

The Buccaneers didn’t get a contract extension done with Evans this offseason, and he is the best thing this team has going right now. On Sunday, he extended his own NFL record of most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons to begin a career with 10. Evans had seven catches for 162 yards Sunday, accounting for 80.2 percent of Tampa Bay’s passing game. A Buc since the team drafted him in 2014, he should stay a Buc, but he might want a shot at another ring.

Up next: at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

The catch to make history 🙌

📺: #CARvsTB on CBS pic.twitter.com/ldFzSwkAHQ

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 4, 2023

(Last week: 24)

Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 6-0

Worst case: Wasting Justin Herbert

There are a lot of people who aren’t Herbert believers because he’s .500 in his career, 31-31 after Sunday. That’s not on Herbert, though. He’s as physically talented as any quarterback in the league, and he already has 11 fourth-quarter comebacks in his career, which is only two fewer than Patrick Mahomes and more than Lamar Jackson, Geno Smith, Jalen Hurts and Joe Burrow among others. He starts getting really expensive in 2025, though, and it’s going to be even harder for the team to win then.

Up next: vs. Minnesota Vikings, 4:05 p.m. Sunday

(Last week: 23)

Sunday: Bye

Worst case: Quarterback conundrum

The Raiders are already there. The benched Jimmy Garoppolo counts $28.5 million against the cap for the next two seasons and would cost $33.7 million to cut before June 1. Rookie Aidan O’Connell is 2-3 as a starter, 26th in the league in yards per attempt (6.7) and has more interceptions than touchdowns (six to four). However, if Las Vegas wins a couple more games, it’s going to be outside the ideal spot to draft a sure-fire quarterback prospect this offseason.

Up next: vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

24. New Orleans Saints (5-7)

(Last week: 21)

Sunday: Lost to Detroit Lions 33-28

Worst case: Paying their credit card bill

The Saints keep kicking the salary-cap can down the road. It hasn’t gotten them double-digit wins since 2020, and that isn’t changing this season. New Orleans is $71 million over the 2024 salary cap at the moment and looks like it will be starting Jameis Winston at quarterback for a while after Derek Carr was injured Sunday. That might not be so bad considering Saints fans booed loudly this week when Carr replaced Taysom Hill at quarterback during the game.

Up next: vs. Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 25)

Sunday: Bye

Worst case: NFC East obscurity

Division rivals Philadelphia and Dallas already have doubled up New York in wins this season. They have franchise quarterbacks on (Jalen Hurts) or about to be on (Dak Prescott) long-term deals. Even the Commanders have new ownership and some juice. What do the Giants have? A big question about what to do with Daniel Jones when he’s healthy and a hometown, feel-good quarterback fill-in in Tommy DeVito who is due to turn into a pumpkin at any time.

Up next: vs. Green Bay Packers, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday

26. Arizona Cardinals (3-10)

(Last week: 30)

Sunday: Beat Pittsburgh Steelers 24-10

Worst case: Winning more games

Seriously, this is enough. The Cardinals are third in the draft order after winning Sunday for the second time in four games. That might be right on the borderline to acquire an elite player in this draft, and Arizona needs elite players, whether that’s a quarterback or not. Since returning in Week 10, Kyler Murray is 10th in the league in passing yards (864) and seventh among quarterbacks in rushing yards (106). Unfortunately for Arizona, that’s been good enough for a couple of wins.

Up next: Bye

27. Chicago Bears (4-8)

(Last week: 27)

Sunday: Bye

Worst case: A bad quarterback choice

It’s looking like Chicago will have its choice of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or … Justin Fields. The incumbent has thrown for 386 yards and rushed for another 163 in two games since returning from a thumb injury. He’s undeniably dynamic and will be tough to give up on, but he’s also 50th in the NFL in passing EPA per dropback (0.07) in the three seasons he has been Chicago’s starter, according to TruMedia.

Up next: vs. Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 28)

Sunday: Lost to Indianapolis Colts 31-28

Worst case: Will Levis is not the guy

There was a brief glimmer of hope when Levis took over in Week 8 and beat the Falcons. He had four touchdowns that day. He’s had three since, and he’s 32nd in the league in completion percentage (56.4 percent) and 29th in passer rating (77.6). On Sunday, he completed 16 passes and was arguing with DeAndre Hopkins on the sideline. The only other quarterbacks on the roster are Ryan Tannehill (who may want out of town) and Malik Willis (who isn’t the answer).

Up next: at Miami Dolphins, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday

Will Levis and DeAndre Hopkins 👀

🎥: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/FBD9HG8xTN

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) December 3, 2023

29. Washington Commanders (4-9)

(Last week: 26)

Sunday: Lost to Miami Dolphins 45-15

Worst case: A distracted new owner

Josh Harris, who bought the team this offseason, has a lot on his plate. He might change the team name again, and he has to get a new stadium built somewhere. It’s possible all this would prevent him from moving on from Ron Rivera. Possible, but not likely. Since a surprising 2-0 start, Washington is 2-9 and last in the NFL in point margin (minus-140).

Up next: Bye

30. New York Jets (4-8)

(Last week: 29)

Sunday: Lost to Atlanta Falcons 13-8

Worst case: Another Aaron Rodgers issue

Look, the guy is 40 years old. He’ll be coming back from a torn Achilles whenever he does come back. It will probably be fine, but we’ve seen what it looks like when Rodgers is not fine. The Jets played Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian against the Falcons on Sunday, and it was so bad they might go back to Zach Wilson this week. New York is 30th in the league in scoring (14.25) and hasn’t topped 13 points in a game since Oct. 15.

Up next: vs. Houston Texans, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

(Last week: 31)

Sunday: Lost to Los Angeles Chargers 6-0

Worst case: Bill Belichick staying stubborn

Bill Belichick has earned the right to have a large say in how he exits New England after six Super Bowl titles. He could make it difficult on owner Robert Kraft if he wants to, but that would be a shame. The Patriots, and probably Belichick, need a change. New England is 30th in offensive EPA per play and 31st in special teams EPA in the league. It’s gotten bad enough that drafting Caleb Williams or Drake Maye is an option, but the Patriots don’t appear to be a young-quarterback-friendly environment.

Up next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 p.m. ET Thursday

(Last week: 32)

Sunday: Lost to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21-18

Worst case: Ruining Bryce Young’s confidence

The No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft hasn’t been good, but it’s not all his fault. Carolina has given up 47 sacks this season. Only three teams have given up more. Thirty-three-year-old Adam Thielen is the only wide receiver on the team with more than 34 catches. Next year’s coach will be charged with developing Young, but it’s going to be tough if he’s beaten down before this season ends.

Up next: at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

(Top photo of Deebo Samuel: Mitchell Leff / Getty Images)

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“The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

The homestretch of the NFL season is upon us, and the Power Rankings are in an optimistic mood. That means that this week we’ll look at the best-case scenario for all 32 teams the remainder of the season.

For some, it’s a Super Bowl ring, for some, it’s a postseason appearance and for some, it’s a new head coach under the Christmas tree.

(Last week: 1)

Sunday: Beat Buffalo Bills 37-34 in overtime

Best case: Super Bowl ring

Three coaches in NFL history have started 10-1 in back-to-back seasons, according to Elias Sports. They are Don Shula, Tony Dungy and … Nick Sirianni. The Eagles, who played without offensive tackle Lane Johnson (groin), have beaten the Cowboys, Chiefs and Bills in consecutive games, and their next three are against the 49ers, Cowboys and Seahawks. Jalen Hurts, who had five touchdowns Sunday, is second in the NFL in rushing touchdowns (11) and has 18 passing touchdowns. This team can erase the bad taste of last year’s Super Bowl loss.

Up next: vs. San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

NFL Week 12 takeaways: Are Bills’ playoff hopes over after OT loss to Eagles?

(Last week: 4)

Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 20-10

Best case: Super Bowl ring

The Ravens are the most balanced team in the AFC. They are second in scoring defense (15.6) and defensive success rate (62.9 percent). Offensively, they lead the league in rushing (158.6 per game) and are seventh in yards overall (366.1 ypg). Linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen each have more than 100 tackles, and Jadeveon Clowney has 7 1/2 sacks. Baltimore hasn’t advanced past the divisional round since its 2012 Super Bowl win. That looks like it’ll change.

Up next: Bye

3. Kansas City Chiefs (8-3)

(Last week: 2)

Sunday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 31-17

Best case: Super Bowl ring

It would be the second in a row for the Chiefs. Any worries about the state of Kansas City’s wide receiving corps should be offset by the fact that this team won its last Super Bowl with the same group plus JuJu Smith-Schuster, who has 24 catches this season for 159 yards for the Patriots. Rashee Rice was a bright spot Sunday, catching eight passes for 107 yards. With Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, the best case is a ring. On Sunday, Reid became the first coach in NFL history to become the winningest coach for two franchises.

Up next: at Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

4. San Francisco 49ers (8-3)

(Last week: 5)

Thursday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 31-13

Best case: Super Bowl ring

Since acquiring defensive end Chase Young at the trade deadline, the 49ers are second in the league with 15 sacks. They have at least four sacks in each game since then, and they got Geno Smith six times on Thanksgiving Day. Plus, they still have Brock Purdy and that offense. San Francisco has played one other contender this season. It beat the Cowboys 42-10 in that game. This team could finally get Kyle Shanahan his championship.

Up next: at Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

5. Dallas Cowboys (8-3)

(Last week: 7)

Thursday: Beat Washington Commanders 45-10

Best case: Super Bowl ring

Dallas hasn’t been able to do better than regular-season rings for a while now, so there’s some understandable skepticism about this team, but the Cowboys are a very real threat. They lead the NFL in scoring margin (162). They are second in offensive EPA, third in defensive EPA and 10th in special teams EPA. Dak Prescott received PFF’s highest game grade (97) of any quarterback since 2007 for his Thursday performance. He has topped 300 yards passing and a 115 passer rating four times in the last five games.

Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 6)

Friday: Beat New York Jets 34-13

Best case: Super Bowl

The Dolphins are second in the league in scoring (30.82 ppg) despite having 19 turnovers (the sixth most in the league). If Miami’s offense plays cleanly, this team can beat anyone. However, a defense that ranks 22nd in points allowed (22.82 per game) and lost Jaelan Phillips to an Achilles injury Friday combined with the fact that the Dolphins didn’t top 20 points against the Bills, Eagles or Chiefs makes it hard to think this group can beat three really good teams in a row.

Up next: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 3)

Thursday: Lost to Green Bay Packers 29-22

Best case: Super Bowl ring

Even Jared Goff’s most ardent fans get nervous this time of year, and Goff wasn’t great Thursday against the Packers. Still, in an off game, he produced 332 yards, two touchdowns and a 103.6 passer rating. The Lions play the Saints, Bears, Broncos and Vikings (twice) down the stretch. If Detroit can get home-field advantage, it can make a run with this offense, which ranks second in the league in yardage (405.5).

Up next: at New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Explaining the inexplicable Denver Broncos and other NFL mysteries: Sando’s Pick Six

(Last week: 9)

Sunday: Beat Houston Texans 24-21

Best case: Two playoff games

Jacksonville’s stars are getting hot at the right time. Linebacker Josh Allen had 2 1/2 sacks Sunday and now is second in franchise history with 38 for his career. On the offensive side, Calvin Ridley has 192 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the last two weeks. Jacksonville has won seven of its last eight with the only loss coming to San Francisco.

Up next: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

9. Buffalo Bills (6-6)

(Last week: 12)

Sunday: Lost to Philadelphia Eagles 37-34 in overtime

Best case: Super Bowl

We’re having a hard time giving up on the Bills even though they lost for the third time in four games Sunday. The reason? That very game. Buffalo gained 505 yards and went toe-to-toe with the defending NFC champions in Philadelphia. The Bills are fifth in scoring (27.33 per game) and fourth in scoring margin (101). It’s not going to be easy to claw back into the picture with the Chiefs, Cowboys and Dolphins still on the schedule, but if they do …

Up next: Bye

The #Bills are the 40th team since the 1970 Merger to have 500 yards, 10 third down conversions and a positive turnover margin in a game.

They are the first team to lose in that scenario. Teams were 39-0 entering today, per @ESPNStatsInfo

— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) November 27, 2023

(Last week: 10)

Sunday: Lost to Jacksonville Jaguars 24-21

Best case: Two playoff games

This team will be dangerous in the playoffs, if it makes it, because of C.J. Stroud. The rookie topped 300 yards passing for the fourth consecutive game (an NFL rookie record) and sixth time this season Sunday and also led Houston in rushing with 47 yards. The Texans are one spot outside the playoff picture but still play the Titans twice and the Jets once down the stretch.

Up next: vs. Denver Broncos, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 15)

Sunday: Beat Cincinnati Bengals 16-10

Best case: Two playoff games

Firing Matt Canada seems to have served its purpose. After failing to top 400 yards in 44 games with Canada as the offensive coordinator, the Steelers gained 421 the week after firing him. Pairing an actual offense with a defense that ranks fifth in points allowed (18.6 ppg) is a winning formula, but it’s hard to imagine Kenny Pickett (31st in EPA per attempt, minus-.05) making much of a playoff run.

Up next: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Who could Panthers target as next head coach? Jim Harbaugh, Belichick and more candidates

12. Seattle Seahawks (6-5)

(Last week: 11)

Thursday: Lost to San Francisco 49ers 31-13

Best case: Playoffs

There was a time not long ago when the Seahawks looked like a threat to San Francisco in the NFC West. That thought died Thursday when Seattle had three first downs compared with San Francisco’s 16 in the first half. It was the Seahawks’ third loss in the last four games, but they are holding onto the sixth seed in the NFC right now. Still, a defense that ranks 22nd in points allowed (22.6) puts a ceiling on this team.

Up next: at Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

13. Denver Broncos (6-5)

(Last week: 16)

Sunday: Beat Cleveland Browns 29-12

Best case: Playoffs

Denver won its fifth straight Sunday, giving it the longest active winning streak in the league. In that stretch, the Broncos are third in the league in scoring defense (16.8 ppg allowed). Prior to the winning streak, Denver was giving up 33.3 points per game, which ranked last in the league. Russell Wilson threw for only 134 yards Sunday, but he’s fifth in the league in passer rating (103.4). The Broncos only play two more teams with a winning record — the Lions and Texans. They are a very real playoff contender, but it’s hard to forecast much more considering all the energy it will take to get there.

Up next: at Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 8)

Sunday: Lost to Denver Broncos 29-12

Best case: Playoffs

The Browns would be the No. 6 seed in the AFC if the playoffs started today. Now, they just have to see if they can hold on to that spot. Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson was knocked out of Sunday’s game with a head injury and was replaced by P.J. Walker, who completed 6 of 13 passes for 56 yards. That puts more pressure on a defense that ranks first in the league in success rate (67.6 percent) and sack percentage (10.6) and seventh in points allowed (19 per game).

Up next: at Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 20)

Sunday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-20

Best case: Playoffs

The Colts are the seventh seed at the moment and play only two more teams with a winning record — the Steelers and Texans. And this is with Gardner Minshew at quarterback. Jonathan Taylor had his second 90-plus-yard rushing game of the season (91 on 15 carries), and Indianapolis is 11th in the league in scoring (23.3). Shane Steichen has entered the Coach of the Year conversation.

Up next: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

16. Green Bay Packers (5-6)

(Last week: 23)

Thursday: Beat Detroit Lions 29-22

Best case: Playoffs

After upsetting the Lions on Thanksgiving, the Packers are only one spot out of the playoff picture. The reason is the improvement of Jordan Love, who is fourth in the league in EPA per attempt (.32) and passing yards (1,193) in November. He threw three touchdowns versus no interceptions on Thanksgiving against the Lions. After throwing eight interceptions in the first seven games, he has only two in the last four games.

Up next: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, 8:20 p.m.

(Last week: 24)

Sunday: Beat New Orleans Saints 24-15

Best case: Playoffs

The Falcons are in first place in the NFC South despite winning for the first time since Oct. 22 on Sunday. The run game produced a season-high 228 yards against New Orleans. Combining more of that with a defense that ranks sixth in the league in success percentage (61 percent) might be enough to keep the Falcons in front in this division. The best part of the weekend for Atlanta was the team’s celebration of 50 years of hip-hop music at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Ludacris even came out of the ceiling.

Up next: at New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

This was absolutely LUDACRIS pic.twitter.com/fR8k1M7GsX

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 27, 2023

18. Minnesota Vikings (6-6)

(Last week: 14)

Monday: Lost to Chicago Bears 12-10

Best case: Playoffs

Despite Josh Dobbs throwing four interceptions and despite losing to the Chicago Bears, the Vikings are still in the playoffs as the No. 7 seed for the moment. The problem is they still have to play the Lions twice. The Dobbs story was fun for a while, but the Vikings should have started working on a new deal for Kirk Cousins at some point in the second half Monday night.

Up next: Bye

(Last week: 25)

Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 37-14

Best case: Playoffs

The Rams are in the ninth spot in the NFC after their second consecutive win. Kyren Williams had 143 yards on 16 carries and led the team with six catches (for 61 yards) in his first game since Week 6. Williams has topped 100 rushing yards in three of the last four games he has played, and Los Angeles looks like a different team with him in the lineup. “That was a big deal getting him back,” coach Sean McVay said.

Up next: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

QB future of all 32 NFL teams: Justin Fields, Russell Wilson and other intriguing scenarios

(Last week: 13)

Sunday: Lost to Pittsburgh Steelers 16-10

Best case: Marvin Harrison Jr.

They’ve probably already won too many games to get into the top three of the draft, but we are talking about the best-case scenario after all. The Joe Burrow-less Bengals have the second-toughest remaining schedule in the league. They aren’t going to the playoffs, so why not solve their Tee Higgins problem in the best possible way? Lose out. Root for the Patriots, Bears, Commanders and Giants to stumble into a few wins, let Higgins walk and put Harrison, the Ohio State star, with Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.

Up next: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

21. New Orleans Saints (5-6)

(Last week: 17)

Sunday: Lost to Atlanta Falcons 24-15

Best case: Playoffs

Three of the four teams in the NFC South remain in the playoff hunt simply because the division stinks. The Saints had 444 yards of offense but failed to get into the end zone against Atlanta on Sunday. The performance dropped them to 24th in the league in scoring (18.17 ppg). That’s even with Chris Olave having seven catches for 114 yards before leaving with a concussion in the third quarter.

Up next: vs. Detroit Lions, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 22)

Sunday: Lost to Indianapolis Colts 27-20

Best case: Playoffs

The Buccaneers have lost six of their last seven. We should be able to count them out of the playoff race, but they’re only one game back in the win column for first place in the NFC South. Mike Evans is second in the NFL with nine receiving touchdowns after two more Sunday, but Tampa Bay is 23rd in the league in scoring (19.27 ppg). The rest of the Buccaneers have only 13 touchdowns combined.

Up next: vs. Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m.

(Last week: 19)

Sunday: Lost to Kansas City Chiefs 31-17

Best case: Jim Harbaugh

The Antonio Pierce interim coach bump appears to be over. Las Vegas went up 14-0 on Kansas City on Sunday but was outscored 31-3 in the final 37 minutes and has now dropped two in a row. They trail the Broncos in the division and have four teams between them and sniffing a playoff spot. Harbaugh is the type of big name the Raiders love to hire. He’s 49-22-1 all-time in the NFL. And there are reasons to believe his time at Michigan is short.

Up next: Bye

24. Los Angeles Chargers (4-7)

(Last week: 18)

Sunday: Lost to Baltimore Ravens 20-10

Best case: Ben Johnson

The Chargers were flagged for having 12 men on the field on their first defensive snap Sunday night, which may be their only hope defensively. Los Angeles is last in the league in defense (390.6 ypg allowed), and Justin Herbert’s talents are being wasted. Herbert is fifth in the league in EPA per attempt (.19) and ninth in passing yards (2,826). Herbert needs an offensive-minded head coach, and the Lions’ offensive coordinator looks like the perfect match. The problem is the Panthers might outspend the Chargers for Johnson.

Up next: at New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

QB future of all 32 NFL teams: Justin Fields, Russell Wilson and other intriguing scenarios

25. New York Giants (4-8)

(Last week: 29)

Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 10-7

Best case: Stop winning

Tommy DeVito has more passing touchdowns (seven) than Zach Wilson and Kenny Pickett (six each) this season. DeVito, the undrafted free agent who is living with his parents, has started the last three games, and New York has won two of them. The problem is that has cost them valuable draft positioning. They now sit sixth in the order. The good news is they still have to play the Eagles twice.

Up next: Bye

The Giants made history on Sunday during their 10-7 win over the Patriots 👀

New York is the first team in the Super Bowl era to win a game in which they:

◽️ Scored 10 or fewer points
◽️ Were sacked six or more times
◽️ Had fewer than 20 rushing attempts

H/T @optastats pic.twitter.com/auxLrOsJEj

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 26, 2023

(Last week: 21)

Thursday: Lost to Dallas Cowboys 45-10

Best case: Dan Quinn

Washington fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer on Friday. Head coach Ron Rivera is almost certainly next. Quinn, the former Falcons head coach and current Cowboys defensive coordinator, would bring the kind of energy and confidence-building style this organization desperately needs. Quinn might even be able to keep pass-happy offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy on board.

Up next: vs. Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

27. Chicago Bears (4-8)

(Last week: 27)

Monday: Beat Minnesota Vikings 12-10

Best case: Brian Johnson

Jalen Hurts is a powerful, athletic, strong-armed quarterback. Justin Fields is a powerful, athletic, strong-armed quarterback (who is faster than Hurts). In Brian Johnson’s three seasons with the Eagles — two as quarterbacks coach and this one as offensive coordinator — Hurts has gone from a question mark at the position to an MVP candidate. It’s folly to assume Fields could follow the same path, but at least Johnson knows what the path looks like. Or, they could just draft Caleb Williams.

Up next: Bye

28. Tennessee Titans (4-7)

(Last week: 28)

Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 17-10

Best case: Losing out

Right now, Tennessee would have the No. 9 pick in the 2024 draft, but it can do better than that. Its five remaining opponents all have winning records, and it’s not inconceivable that Sunday’s win could be the Titans’ last. That would leave them picking in the top five, where they could nab one of the top tackles available — Olu Fashanu of Penn State or Amarius Mims of Georgia.

Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

29. New York Jets (4-7)

(Last week: 26)

Friday: Lost to Miami Dolphins 34-13

Best case: A media blackout

No one needs to see the rest of this season, for their sake or for the Jets’. Having Robert Saleh do a television interview moments after New York gave up a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown on a Hail Mary attempt to end the first half against Miami felt cruel. Of course, the Jets bring a lot of this on themselves by doing things like starting Tim Boyle over Trevor Siemian (or a long list of other quarterbacks who could have been acquired during the season).

Up next: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 30)

Sunday: Lost to Los Angeles Rams 37-14

Best case: A beneficial Kyler Murray trade

The Cardinals got a Murray bump in his first game back from a torn ACL, but they have returned to form now. Murray had an 83.2 passer rating, rushed for only 2 yards and was sacked four times Sunday. The Cardinals are in position to draft either Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, and Murray is dynamic enough that he can bring them a good return on the trade market.

Up next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

31. New England Patriots (2-9)

(Last week: 31)

Sunday: Lost to New York Giants 10-7

Best case: An amicable parting

The Patriots are 4-14 in their last 18 games. Their best quarterback options are Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe. Both played Sunday, and neither topped 100 passing yards. Bill Belichick spoke for four minutes in his postgame news conference before he walked out. Owner Robert Kraft has been quiet about Belichick’s job status, but it’s hard to imagine him coaching in New England next year.

Up next: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

32. Carolina Panthers (1-10)

(Last week: 32)

Sunday: Lost to Tennessee Titans 17-10

Best case: Ben Johnson

In what may be the weirdest stat in the league right now, Carolina has seen its point total stay level or decrease in each of the last six games — 24, 21, 15, 13, 13, 10. That’s the kind of thing that gets a head coach fired, and it did Monday as the Panthers dismissed Frank Reich. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young could use a dose of Johnson’s offense. Carolina won’t be the most attractive job this offseason, but Panthers owner David Tepper can afford to pay to lure Johnson, and now he has a head start on the competition.

Up next: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Who will make the 2023 NFL playoffs? Our confidence (or lack thereof) in 20 teams

(Top photo of DaRon Bland, left, and Dak Prescott: Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images)

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“The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

Spoiler alert: Players around the NFL think Patrick Mahomes is pretty good.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and two-time MVP was our runaway winner as the best player in the game today, according to the 85 players our beat writers from The Athletic spoke to over the past month. That’s no surprise, but the rest of the answers weren’t so obvious, as we set out to conduct our first anonymous NFL player poll.

We asked each player we spoke to the same set of questions, although not every player answered them all. They were granted anonymity in order to candidly offer their opinions on the league’s players, coaches, commissioner and some of the biggest topics facing the league today — including running back salaries, the grass versus turf debate and more.

Players were polled on who dishes the best trash talk, which coach besides their own they’d like to play for and who are the most underrated players in the league. Some of the more entertaining responses came when players were asked which team has the most annoying fan base.

“Buffalo,” one player responded. “They be mooning folks and it’s like, ‘Why y’all showing y’all ass?’ F— outta here with that.”

Sorry, Bills fans, just like the standings right now, that wasn’t enough to get you into first place.

Throughout this player poll — and upcoming stories that will dive deeper into some of the questions — we hope you learn more about what today’s NFL players really think.

(Editor’s note: In some cases, the combined percentages of all the answers to a question may not add up to 100 percent, because individual percentages have been rounded up or down to the nearest tenth of a percentage point. Half-votes were awarded if a player gave two answers to a question.)

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Did you really expect anybody else? Nearly half of the respondents selected Mahomes, many without giving it much thought.

“He’s Patrick Mahomes,” said one player.

“Don’t you have to say him?” added another.

“There’s nobody like him,” one more said.

As if any justification for this vote was needed, one player offered this: “No matter how much you’re down, he still can bring your team back.”

GO DEEPER

The lessons Patrick Mahomes learned as a high school safety that helped him become an elite QB

That said, more than half of the 84 respondents to this question went a different direction, with Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald earning runner-up honors.

“It’s self-explanatory on that one. No one can stop him,” offered one player.

Said one player who chose the Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett: “I was gonna sit here and debate quarterbacks, but there’s your answer. The guy is out of this world.”

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Talking trash is a part of sports, but there are some players in the NFL more inclined to ruffle feathers with their on-field chatter.

Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who is now with the Detroit Lions after spending last season with the Philadelphia Eagles during their Super Bowl run, tops the list. He did so despite not playing since Week 2, when he injured a pectoral muscle.

“I think that’s just kind of like his schtick,” one player said. “I don’t know if it necessarily works, but it’s what he reverts to.”

Jalen Ramsey, who also missed extended time before returning to the field last month for the Miami Dolphins, received the second-most votes. “He has a lot to say,” one player opined.

And don’t for a second think trash talk is limited to just defensive players. The Los Angeles Chargers’ Keenan Allen, one of the NFL’s most consistent wideouts, is known to have a thing or two to say during games. “Big-time s— talker,” one player said. “It’s nonstop.”

Offensive linemen tend to get in on the act, too. Said a player of Carolina Panthers guard Austin Corbett: “I think his trash-talking is pretty elite. It’s the psychological warfare. It’s so nice you don’t even know what’s going on.”

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When in doubt, go with the head coach who remarkably has never had a losing season. That continues to be the distinction for Mike Tomlin, who again has the Pittsburgh Steelers well on their way to a 17th consecutive .500 or better campaign with him in charge.

“His messaging, leadership and attitude seem consistent with a winning formula,” one player said.

“He’s tough and accountable, and he demands that out of his players,” added another.

From the veteran, Super Bowl-winning coach in Tomlin, players shifted to the young, quirky offensive mastermind in Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel.

“He seems like a pretty fun coach to play for,” one player said of the 40-year-old in his second season in Miami.

Not far behind were Kansas City’s Andy Reid and Detroit’s Dan Campbell, the latter of whom might be the favorite for this season’s NFL Coach of the Year award.

“A guy who really loves ball,” said a player who chose Reid. “So I think that’s a really good coach.”

Of Campbell, another player said: “I appreciate coaches that are players’ coaches and get the best out of their players.”

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Sometimes on-field production doesn’t always lead to players getting the respect they deserve. Regardless of how well some perform, their names aren’t brought up as much when discussing the top guys at their respective positions.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins led the vote, but there are a multitude of players who received recognition among their peers for being underrated.

“His production speaks for itself, and nobody ever talks about him when the topic of best RBs in the league comes up,” one player said of Chargers dual-threat running back Austin Ekeler. “He’s vital to that offense running and also in the pass game,” another player added.

And though the tight end discussion is normally dominated by Chiefs All-Pro Travis Kelce, players feel the San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle and Baltimore Ravens’ Mark Andrews should get even more credit than they already do.

“I think he’s the best tight end in the league,” one player said unapologetically about Kittle.

“I don’t know how underrated he is, but everybody is always talking about Kelce and Kittle, not him,” another player said in regard to Andrews.

---

It turns out players aren’t scared away from the sight of the stadium that’s hosted five consecutive AFC Championship Games. (Then again, maybe Arrowhead Stadium’s steady presence on their TV is influencing their decision.)

Whatever the reason, players love playing in the NFL’s third-oldest stadium (opened in 1972) even if some did mention issues with Kansas City’s cramped locker rooms.

“That place is electric,” one player said. “That’s one of the coolest places to play. In my opinion, the loudest in the NFL.”

Minnesota’s seven-year-old U.S. Bank Stadium — despite being an indoor stadium with turf — was lauded for many of the same ear-rattling reasons.

“That place was f—ing loud,” one player said.

Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium also fared well, along with Green Bay’s historic Lambeau Field — “The fans and the atmosphere are the best in the league.” — and Seattle’s Lumen Field.

“If it was grass — whoo! — it would be perfect,” one player who chose Seattle said, while another added: “It almost feels like you’re in a bird’s nest. Gotham City.”

---

Arrowhead and U.S. Bank led the way for best stadiums, but players had opposite viewpoints of MetLife Stadium, FedEx Field and Highmark Stadium, which were the top vote-getters for worst to play in.

The Commanders’ home field has never been a popular playing destination, and this poll solidified that even before Sunday, when there wasn’t any hot water or sufficient water pressure for players to shower after the New York Giants’ win over Washington.

“Almost everything about (FedEx) is below the standard of what an NFL stadium should be,” one player said. “The place is just a dump,” said another.

As for MetLife, where both the Giants and Jets play, a player voiced that the “turf sucks and the whole place is lame.” Another agreed about the turf, adding that the “fans are horrible. Everything about that place is horrible.”

Though Lambeau Field was among the top five for best stadium, it was also top five for the worst stadium — for one obvious reason: “F—ing Green Bay, because it’s super cold!”

Meanwhile, the Oakland Coliseum hasn’t been used since the Raiders moved to Las Vegas in 2020 but still managed to pick up a couple of votes.

---

The Eagles and Cowboys apparently aren’t just competing on the field, with both grabbing about a quarter of the votes from the 73 players who answered this question.

“Just loud, rude and obnoxious,” one player said of Eagles fans, who might be nodding along in agreement at this moment. “They just swear they’re the biggest football gurus on earth,” added another.

Said a player who picked the Cowboys: “They usually think they should win the Super Bowl every year.”

As for the AFC East battle for third place between the Bills and Jets, while mooning in Buffalo earned Bills fans demerits, the classic “J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets” chant drove one player to pick New York.

“That J-E-T-S stuff. They were doing that during warmups,” he said.

---

From the outside looking in, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell doesn’t appear to be beloved across the league. But when talking with players for our poll, the majority of voters gave him their seal of approval.

“He continues to elevate the league and make everyone more money,” one player said.

Another player said he’d give Goodell a thumbs up because of “the way he’s growing the game right now, the way he’s expanding it. Because at one point when I was in college, and all of the concussion stuff was coming out, I was scared, like, ‘Hey, football might not last,’ but now, I don’t feel that way.”

Not everyone polled was in favor of Goodell’s approach.

“Thumbs down. He’s done fined me too many times,” one player added, while another mentioned Goodell “forgets too often that the league is about the players.”

---

The biggest story here might be that two players — among the 81 who responded — gave NFL officials a 10 out of 10 rating. Overall, though, the results are largely what you’d expect, with the vast majority of scores falling in the middle range, as 57 players (70.4 percent) selected between a 4 and 7.

“They miss some calls, but it’s a really hard job,” said one sympathetic player who rated them an 8.

“Either they’re missing obvious calls or they’re calling everything,” said a player who rated them a 4. “There’s no in-between, and it varies so much between crews that you never know what to expect.”

One player who gave a 2 rating offered a solution for improvement: “They all should be full-time employees. It’s a no-brainer.”

---

There’s no disputing how players across the league feel about the ongoing turf versus grass debate. Nearly 83 percent of those who gave an answer said it’s a real concern.

“You wake up in the morning feeling 10 times better after you played on grass compared to when you played on turf,” said one player.

“I’ve been vocal about it. I think our locker room is pretty unified on it,” another player added. “It sucks, and there’s enough money to eliminate it. It’s time.”

Some say they can feel the difference not only after games but before the first snap is taken.

“Even warming up on the turf field in Minnesota hurt my knees,” a player declared.

“You feel like s—,” a lineman added. “Especially being a big guy, running on turf, your knees hurt. When you fall and trip, you don’t want to get up. You feel it the next day a lot.”

---

The positional value of running backs was a hot topic this offseason with the contract situations of Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Jonathan Taylor. Only Taylor earned a long-term extension (and only after a messy standoff). While running backs across the league gathered on Zoom to discuss solutions, there are few options until the collective bargaining agreement expires in 2030, when the NFL Players Association could try to seek changes to the franchise tag.

Running backs have complained about how the tag unfairly impacts them — only punters and kickers make less on a franchise tag — but the reality is they would need support from their locker room to enact changes. An increase in pay for running backs could reduce salaries at other positions. Though our results show that support exists to some degree, it’s not overwhelming.

“What? No. What makes them better than me?” offered one player.

Another, who already sounds like he has an executive future in mind, painted an even bleaker picture.

“I know that running backs complain about the market,” he said. “But from an insider’s perspective, if I was ever a GM, I would never pay a running back. There’s a lot of talented backs that come out in the draft every year — at any place in the draft. I would never draft a running back in the first round.”

Other players were more understanding of the running backs’ plight.

“Yeah. Because they’re definitely underpaid,” one said. “The franchise tag for a lineman is like, what, $15 (million), $16 million? I mean, s—, that’s more than great money. So, yeah, I definitely feel like they should be paid more.”

Others supported a change, but not exclusively for running backs: “The whole franchise tag rule has to be changed in general. It’s become too powerful of a tool.”

GO DEEPER

The value of NFL running backs keeps falling. How did we get here?

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The NFL has been doing its best to expand its reach beyond the United States. This season, there were five games played internationally (three in London and two in Frankfurt, Germany). Games were also played in Mexico City in previous seasons.

After years of hearing the rumors, what if there really were a team located outside the United States? Would players be interested in the possibility of playing for one? The majority said no, but more than one-third of those we spoke to said they would be open to the idea.

“Hell yeah! Because overseas they’re gonna pay that money,” said one player who may have forgotten a salary cap would still exist. “Think about a team in Saudi Arabia. I know that’s far as f—, but whatever. Think about Saudi Arabia and the soccer players. They’re giving out billions of dollars, so hell yeah I’ll play in Saudi Arabia.”

One player on the fence said it would depend on where the team was located. “Probably. That’d be cool. Only in England, though. I’m not going to f—ing Germany.”

“Hell no. I’d retire,” another player said.

He wasn’t alone. Said another player: “No. I like dropping my kids off at their really nice school and ordering pizza from the place down the street. If I was 23, maybe (it would be) different. But that’s just not for me.”

(Top illustration: John Bradford / The Athletic;
photos of Mike Tomlin, Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Donald
by Cooper Neill and Justin Edmonds / Getty Images)

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“The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

It’s Week 11 in the NFL, and it’s time to start thinking about who among the current head coaches has a future that will extend into the 2024 season.

The Las Vegas Raiders have already made a coaching change, replacing Josh McDaniels with Antonio Pierce, at least on an interim basis. The Power Rankings are weighing in this week with a status check on Pierce and the other 31 head coaches to determine who’s “solid,” who’s “safe” and who’s “shaky.”

Remember, that it takes a lot for a coach to reach “solid” status in the NFL, and don’t be surprised by the very famous name low on the list who is on shaky ground.

(Last week: 2)

Sunday: Bye

Coach status: Safe

Since going 9-8 in 2021, Nick Sirianni is 22-4 as the Eagles’ coach. He took Philadelphia to the Super Bowl last season and is beloved in the city for his fiery personality on top of it. It’s hard to imagine a better marriage of city and coach than what the Eagles have at the moment, just like it’s hard to imagine Sirianni not being in Philadelphia for a long time.

Up next: at Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

Nick Sirianni is FIRED up after tonight’s win against the Dolphins 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/4aqSuyHReA

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) October 23, 2023

(Last week: 3)

Sunday: Bye

Coach status: Solid

Andy Reid is 254-140 in 25 seasons as a head coach, which puts him fourth on the all-time wins list. He’s had eight straight double-digit wins seasons, and he is the only coach in NFL history to lead two franchises to 10 or more playoff wins. By his standards, this year’s Chiefs are struggling on offense (13th in scoring, 23.11 points per game), and not a single person is worried that Reid and company won’t figure it out.

Up next: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Why Chiefs coach Andy Reid runs the NFL’s hardest training camp

(Last week: 4)

Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 41-38

Coach status: Safe

All the kneecap-biting jokes were on us. Plenty of people wrote off Dan Campbell after his bombastic introductory news conference, but he’s 15-4 in his last 19 games. The Lions went for it on fourth down five times Sunday against the Chargers and converted four times, including an early fourth-and-5 with a run play and then on fourth-and-2 with 1:47 left in a tie game when in field goal range. Converting that last one allowed Detroit to run the clock down and kick the game-winner as time expired. “He’s got big …” (confidence, let’s say confidence), quarterback Jared Goff said after the game.

Up next: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 6)

Sunday: Beat Jacksonville Jaguars 34-3

Coach status: Solid

There’s no doubt Kyle Shanahan is one of the best offensive designers and play callers in the NFL, maybe in the history of the NFL, but is he a great head coach? After Sunday, Shanahan is 58-49 in seven seasons in San Francisco. Eleven current head coaches with at least six years on the job have a better career winning percentage than Shanahan’s .539. But when it looks good, it looks good, and it looked good Sunday. The 49ers had 437 yards and are now third in the league in scoring (28 ppg).

Up next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

(Last week: 10)

Sunday: Beat Baltimore Ravens 33-31

Coach status: Safe

What are we supposed to do with Kevin Stefanski? Sunday’s win over the Ravens, which put Cleveland in a tie with Pittsburgh for second place in the AFC North, may have moved him from shaky to safe. It was the Browns’ fourth win in the last five games in a season that has included season-ending injuries to running back Nick Chubb and offensive tackle Jack Conklin and whatever is going on with Deshaun Watson’s shoulder. Cleveland’s win total went down in each of Stefanski’s first three seasons, but he’s close to stopping that trend after Sunday’s win.

Up next: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 1)

Sunday: Lost to Cleveland Browns 33-31

Coach status: Solid

John Harbaugh is on his way to a sixth winning season in the last seven years, and he may very well be on the way to the Super Bowl even after losing to the Browns on Sunday. After making home run hires at defensive coordinator (Mike McDonald) and offensive coordinator (Todd Monken) in the last two seasons, Harbaugh is now 154-98 in his 16th season with the Ravens.

Up next: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, 8:15 p.m.

GO DEEPER

NFL Week 10 takeaways: C.J. Stroud enters the MVP race; day of mayhem in the AFC North

(Last week: 7)

Sunday: Bye

Coach status: Safe

What Mike McDaniel is doing in the NFL should not go unappreciated, and we’re not talking about running an offense that is averaging 7.1 yards per play, the most by any team in at least the last 20 years. We’re talking about having a personality. In a league in which too many coaches behave like they’re working on a cure for cancer, McDaniel has the self-assurance to have a sense of humor, and he’s 15-11 in two seasons in Miami.

Up next: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

😂 Mike McDaniel is the best pic.twitter.com/gnahbuwdyG

— Sky Sports NFL (@SkySportsNFL) November 4, 2023

(Last week: 5)

Sunday: Lost to Houston Texans 30-27

Coach status: Safe

Zac Taylor has the lowest wins-to-respect ratio in the NFL. Without question, much of the Bengals’ success in the last three seasons (27-15 with a Super Bowl run) should be credited to Joe Burrow, but the extent to which Taylor has been erased from the equation is pretty remarkable. The Bengals remained in last place in the AFC North thanks to Sunday’s loss, but Taylor remains safe in Cincinnati.

Up next: at Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 9)

Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 29-26

Coach status: Solid

Pete Carroll, the world’s youngest 72-year-old, has taken Seattle to the postseason in 10 of his 13 seasons as head coach and right now they’d be the fifth seed in the NFC playoffs. He is 17th all-time with 167 wins. And what Carroll has done for Geno Smith’s confidence is part of his secret sauce. After a dud offensive performance in Week 9, Smith passed for 369 yards Sunday, and Seattle had the 11th most-productive offensive yardage game of the season in the league (489 yards).

Up next: at Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 15)

Sunday: Beat Cincinnati Bengals 30-27

Coach status: Safe

It looks like everyone who’s been saying that DeMeco Ryans was going to make a great head coach was right. It’s not just that Ryans is one game out of first place in the AFC South in his first year in Houston, it’s that he hasn’t taken a misstep since getting the job in January. The Texans took the right quarterback (C.J. Stroud) with the No. 2 pick in April, and that led to 544 yards on Sunday against the Bengals and one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL.

Up next: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Bears, Giants or Patriots: Which can maximize the NFL Draft’s No. 1 pick? Sando’s Pick Six

(Last week: 8)

Sunday: Lost to San Francisco 49ers 34-3

Coach status: Safe

Doug Pederson has made a nice career of replacing the big splash college coach hire by just being a pro. In Philadelphia, he replaced Chip Kelly and won a Super Bowl in his second year. In Jacksonville, he replaced Urban Meyer and has the Jaguars in first place in the AFC South in his second season. Sunday was a down day, though. The Jaguars offensive EPA (minus-21.07) was the fourth worst in Pederson’s 118 games as a head coach.

Up next: vs. Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 12)

Sunday: Beat New York Giants 49-17

Coach status: Shaky

Mike McCarthy is 30-13 in the regular season in the last three years as Cowboys coach. He sold Dallas owner Jerry Jones on the notion that giving him more control of the offense would result in better overall team play, and the formula worked Sunday for sure. They outgained the Giants 640-172 and outscored them 109-17 this season, but it hasn’t worked against the teams it will need to in the playoffs. Jones has been more patient with head coaches than his public persona would suggest, but McCarthy has won only one playoff game in Dallas.

Up next: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 17)

Sunday: Beat New Orleans Saints 27-19

Coach status: Safe

Kevin O’Connell didn’t get a lot of credit for Minnesota’s 13-4 record in his first season as head coach because of the Vikings’ crazy luck in one-score games and ensuing playoff flameout, but what he’s done in the two games since Kirk Cousins suffered an Achilles injury is impressive. Two weeks ago, Minnesota scored 31 points with a quarterback, Josh Dobbs, who had not taken a snap with the team until that day. On Sunday, the Vikings followed that up with another win under Dobbs, who had a 101.1 passer rating.

Up next: at Denver Broncos, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

What we learned in NFL Week 10: Vikings’ positive trajectory, Patriots’ plummet and more

14. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)

(Last week: 13)

Sunday: Beat Green Bay Packers 23-19

Coach status: Solid

Mike Tomlin’s status is unchanging. He’s planted in Pittsburgh as long as he wants to be, and it makes sense considering he seems to be on the way extending his streak of never-had-a-losing-season to 17 years. Steelers fans, though, can be forgiven for wondering if Tomlin shouldn’t be judged on a different scale. Such as: What has he won lately? The answer to that is no playoff games in six years. This year’s Steelers are minus-26 in point differential, the lowest in the league for any team with a winning record.

Up next: at Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 14)

Sunday: Lost to Minnesota Vikings 27-19

Coach status: Shaky

Dennis Allen won’t be going anywhere if the Saints win the NFC South, and it’s somehow in first place in the division despite losing Sunday. However, he’s 12-15 in two seasons with the Saints, which makes him 20-43 all time as a head coach. Allen is an excellent defensive coordinator, but New Orleans can do better for a head coach and might if Allen doesn’t win the division this season.

Up next: Bye

(Last week: 11)

Monday: Lost to Denver Broncos 24-22

Coach status: Safe

Fifteen coaches in NFL history have coached more than 100 games and have a winning percentage of higher than .630. Sean McDermott is one of them. There’s some anxiety in Buffalo that the Bills’ championship window is going to close in frustrating fashion. That anxiety was not alleviated by a sloppy, four-turnover performance on Monday night, but McDermott has earned some benefit of the doubt after winning double-digit games in each of the last four seasons.

Up next: vs. New York Jets, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

17. Los Angeles Chargers (4-5)

(Last week: 16)

Sunday: Lost to Detroit Lions 41-38

Coach status: Shaky

Brandon Staley went from being the defensive coordinator at John Carroll University, a 3,600-student private college in Ohio, to an NFL head coach in five years, and it’s possible that the ascent was too fast. Staley’s background is on defense, but the Chargers are 24th in points allowed (23.9 ppg) after Sunday, which dropped Staley to 23-20 as a head coach. Justin Herbert had a 114.9 passer rating and the Chargers scored touchdowns on their final five possessions against Detroit, and they still lost.

Up next: at Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

18. Las Vegas Raiders (5-5)

(Last week: 19)

Sunday: Beat New York Jets 16-12

Coach status: Shaky

The only team so far to make a coaching change, the Raiders fired Josh McDaniels last week, and are now 2-0 under interim coach Antonio Pierce on Sunday. Pierce will win the team over down the stretch simply because he’s not McDaniels, so he has a shot to have that interim tag removed. It’s more likely, though, that Las Vegas tries to make a splashier hire, and who would be splashier than Jim Harbaugh?

Up next: at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Raiders’ Josh Jacobs, Robert Spillane embody new coach’s toughness in win over Jets

(Last week: 20)

Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 10-6

Coach status: Safe

After finishing last season 30th in scoring with 17 points per game, the Colts are ninth with 24.2 points per game despite an offensive stinker Sunday in Germany. New coach Shane Steichen is managing that despite losing quarterback Anthony Richardson for the season and missing tailback Jonathan Taylor for a month. Steichen got a win over Bill Belichick on Sunday with Gardner Minshew as his starting quarterback. He gets some points for that.

Up next: Bye

(Last week: 21)

Sunday: Lost to Seattle Seahawks 29-26

Coach status: Shaky

Barring a 7-0 finish to end the season (which seems very unlikely), Ron Rivera is going to have a losing record when his fourth season in Washington is complete. Rivera should get some sort of medal for surviving Dan Snyder’s ownership with such grace, but his results with the Commanders can’t be what new owner Josh Harris is looking for. There’s a chance Harris sticks with Rivera to maintain some consistency while he figures out other things, but it feels like a small one.

Up next: vs. New York Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 25)

Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 20-6

Coach status: Shaky

Todd Bowles is an excellent defensive coordinator, but he is 38-55 in seven years as a head coach. He was 8-9 last year with Tom Brady at quarterback. Predictably, it has not gotten better with Baker Mayfield at quarterback although Tampa Bay did stop a four-game losing streak on Sunday. The sample size on Bowles’ head coaching career is large enough that we know what he is now — a great defensive coordinator.

Up next: at San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

22. Denver Broncos (4-5)

(Last week: 27)

Monday: Beat Buffalo Bills 24-22

Coach status: Safe

The Broncos sent a first- and second-round draft pick to New Orleans in the offseason for the right to hire Sean Payton, so he’s not going anywhere, especially with Denver playing the way it is now. The Broncos won their third straight despite getting outgunned 7.1 yards per play to 4.2 yards per play by the Bills.

Up next: vs. Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

(Last week: 18)

Sunday: Lost to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-6

Coach status: Safe

Coming off his first losing season in his five years as the Titans’ head coach, Mike Vrabel looks like he’s on his way to another. There was a moment of hope after quarterback Will Levis beat the Falcons in his NFL debut in Week 8, but Levis’ completion percentage, yards per attempt, passer rating and EPA per dropback all have dropped each week since. Vrabel is now 51-40 in Tennessee. His job is secure, but things are trending in the wrong direction.

Up next: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

24. Atlanta Falcons (4-6)

(Last week: 22)

Sunday: Lost to Arizona Cardinals 25-23

Coach status: Shaky

Arthur Smith will be Atlanta’s head coach in 2024 barring a complete collapse down the stretch, but this is not what the Falcons had in mind in his third year. They are 18-26 under Smith after losing to a one-win Cardinals team on Sunday. The Falcons have drafted an offensive skill player in the top 10 in each of the last three years, and for that, they are 24th in the league in scoring (18.9 ppg). Smith can take himself into the “safe” category by winning the NFC South this year. If he doesn’t, next season will start on shaky ground.

Up next: Bye

(Last week: 23)

Sunday: Lost to Pittsburgh Steelers 23-19

Coach status: Safe

Matt LaFleur with Aaron Rodgers: 47-18. Matt LaFleur without Aaron Rodgers: 3-7. The Packers’ fifth-year coach has enough equity to survive a down year, but if Jordan Love doesn’t make progress, LaFleur’s status could be downgraded soon. Love, who is in his fourth year in the system, threw his ninth and 10th interceptions Sunday. No quarterback has thrown more this season, and Love is also 34th in the league in completion percentage (58.7).

Up next: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

Raiders’ Josh Jacobs, Robert Spillane embody new coach’s toughness in win over Jets

(Last week: 26)

Sunday: Bye

Coach status: Safe

How can Sean McVay be in his seventh year as an NFL head coach? The 37-year-old seems like a grizzled veteran. This year has been a struggle with Matthew Stafford suffering a thumb injury and the bill coming due for the chips-all-in 2021 season that resulted in a Super Bowl win. McVay is 8-18 since that championship but still 63-44 overall, which gives him the 32nd-best winning percentage of all time among coaches with more than 100 games coached.

Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 24)

Sunday: Lost to Las Vegas Raiders 16-12

Coach status: Shaky

The Aaron Rodgers injury was a tough break. The defense, which is Robert Saleh’s specialty, is great. But Saleh is now 15-28 in his third year in New York. The Jets may be forcing quarterback Zach Wilson on Saleh, but having the third-fewest rushing attempts in the league (198) while Wilson is at quarterback and Breece Hall is on the team does fall at Saleh’s feet.

Up next: at Buffalo Bills, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

28. Arizona Cardinals (2-8)

(Last week: 31)

Sunday: Beat Atlanta Falcons 25-23

Coach status: Safe

At this moment, the Cardinals have a quarterback who looked pretty good in his return from an ACL injury (Kyler Murray threw for 249 yards and rushed for 33 and a touchdown) and the Nos. 4 and 20 picks in the 2024 draft. Jonathan Gannon’s biggest blunders this year are beating the Cowboys and the Falcons (which is keeping Arizona from having the No. 1 pick), but he should probably be given some grace for that.

Up next: at Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 28)

Thursday: Beat Carolina Panthers 16-13

Coach status: Shaky

Matt Eberflus matched his win total from a year ago by beating Carolina on Thursday night. That makes him 6-21 in his second season. Sure, Justin Fields’ health has been an issue, but that’s not the main reason the Bears defense ranks 27th in points allowed (25.5). That’s not a good sign for a guy who got the job because of his success as a defensive coordinator.

Up next: at Detroit Lions, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

30. New York Giants (2-8)

(Last week: 29)

Sunday: Lost to Dallas Cowboys 49-17

Coach status: Safe

Brian Daboll’s 2022 coach of the year award gives him some cushion, but that cushion is slowly being eaten away by losses like Sunday’s. The Cowboys outgained the Giants by 468 yards, the largest yardage differential in the league in the last 44 years. Daboll can’t be expected to do much down the stretch with Tommy DeVito as the starting quarterback — he had 86 passing yards Sunday — but maybe that’s the point. The Giants are very much in the running for a draft pick that could get them one of the top two college quarterbacks available.

Up next: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 30)

Sunday: Lost to Indianapolis Colts 10-6

Coach status: Shaky

The fact that Bill Belichick is on shaky ground after six Super Bowl wins in New England illustrates just how ephemeral NFL coaching careers can be. And exactly how contingent they can be on having the right players. After Sunday, Belichick is 81-95 (and 1-2 in the postseason) without Tom Brady as his quarterback versus 219-64 (30-11 in the postseason) with Tom Brady as his quarterback. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini indicated last week there could be a mutual parting of the ways at the end of the season, but owner Robert Kraft looked Sunday like he might not be able to wait even that long. The Patriots have a bye this week.

Up next: Bye

Could Bill Belichick be fired midseason?

Sources believe that outcome would be unlikely, writes @DMRussini. But don’t rule out a move coming at the end of the year…

🔗https://t.co/8uqbCecbWn pic.twitter.com/xms8FDJIHO

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 11, 2023

32. Carolina Panthers (1-8)

(Last week: 32)

Thursday: Lost to Chicago Bears 16-13

Coach status: Shaky

The Panthers, who traded DJ Moore, two first-round picks and two second-round picks, for the right to draft Bryce Young No. 1, have scored two offensive touchdowns in the last three games. Frank Reich, who was hired to provide a veteran quarterback whisperer for Young, has already turned over play-calling duties to try to change this team’s fortunes, but nothing is working. Carolina doesn’t get much benefit from stinking this year thanks to the Young trade. Based on the current standings, the Panthers wouldn’t pick until No. 34, and owner David Tepper may have a new coach by then.

Up next: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

GO DEEPER

NFL Draft Film Room: How LSU’s offensive stars dominated against Florida

GO DEEPER

NFL Week 10 best and worst coaching decisions: Panthers’ indecisiveness proves costly

(Top photo of Shaquill Griffin, left, and DeAndre Houston-Carson: Michael Allio / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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“The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

We’re through nine weeks of the NFL season, and that means the Power Rankings can start handing out report cards. Be warned, we are grading on a curve, which is why you’ll see the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 3 with a B-plus while the Arizona Cardinals at No. 31 got an A.

The Chiefs are Super Bowl contenders as long as Patrick Mahomes is healthy and in his prime, and they have some flaws you can see under a harsh light. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are executing a nearly flawless pivot. After amassing tons of draft capital in the offseason, they are in the process of making those picks very valuable by not winning many games while also not looking like a total joke.

(Last week: 2)

Sunday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 37-3

Report card: A-plus

The Ravens outgained a good Seattle team 515-151. Baltimore has won four games in a row by an average of 20 points (including a 32-point win over the Lions) and is first in the league in offensive EPA (32.21) and third in defensive EPA (44.73) in that period. It has allowed nine touchdowns (first in the league) and scored 27 (third in the league) this season, and its point differential (plus-115) is the best in the league and 35 points higher than second place.

Up next: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 1)

Sunday: Beat Dallas Cowboys 28-23

Report card: A

Philadelphia fans are not going to be happy falling a spot after a win over the Cowboys. That’s fair, but the Eagles were outgained 406-292 by Dallas on Sunday, and there are a couple of areas of concern to monitor. The Eagles have averaged fewer than 100 rushing yards in their last four games (86.8), and they are 20th in the NFL in yards per play allowed (5.3). Big picture though, they are 24-5 dating to 2022 and have established themselves as the clear favorite in the NFC.

Up next: Bye

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3. Kansas City Chiefs (7-2)

(Last week: 4)

Sunday: Beat Miami Dolphins 21-14

Report card: B-plus

You can’t have a loss to the Broncos in the last month and get an A. Sorry, these are the rules. Travis Kelce became Kansas City’s all-time leading receiver Sunday in Germany (10,941 yards), but the story was the defense, which held the Dolphins 138 yards under their season average. The Chiefs are third in the NFL in defensive EPA per drive (.70), according to TruMedia. If there’s a worry, it’s that four of Kansas City’s seven lowest offensive success rate games in the Patrick Mahomes era have come this season. Sunday was its third lowest in that span (36.1).

Up next: Bye

4. Detroit Lions (6-2)

(Last week: 5)

Sunday: Bye

Report card: A-plus

The Lions have gone from 3-13 to 9-8 to now 6-2 in head coach Dan Campbell’s three seasons. Detroit’s only two losses have come against Seattle and Baltimore, and it is second in the league in yards per game (390.6) and fifth in yards allowed per game (296.9). And this is not a team that has mortgaged its future. The Lions are eighth in the league in available cap space for 2024 ($73.3 million), according to Over the Cap.

Up next: at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

(Last week: 8)

Sunday: Beat Buffalo Bills 24-18

Report card: A-minus

Cincinnati has won four in a row and has beaten the 49ers and Bills in the last two weeks. Since Week 5, Joe Burrow leads the NFL in completion percentage (75.8), is third in offensive EPA per dropback (.15) and has 10 touchdowns against two interceptions. Getting Tee Higgins unlocked Sunday night, with a season-high 110 yards, feels like a notable development for this team.

Up next: vs. Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

6. San Francisco 49ers (5-3)

(Last week: 6)

Sunday: Bye

Report card: B-minus

A month ago, this was a solid A, but the 49ers have lost three straight games. They averaged 33.4 points in their first five games and started 5-0. They have scored 17 points in each of the last three weeks and lost all three of them. Quarterback Brock Purdy is shouldering a lot of the blame, but the running game might be the real culprit. From Week 6 through Week 9, San Francisco was 17th in the league in rushing (95.3 ypg). Before that, it was third (156.4 ypg).

Up next: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

7. Miami Dolphins (6-3)

(Last week: 3)

Sunday: Lost to Kansas City Chiefs 21-14

Report card: B-plus

The Dolphins have played three teams this season that currently have a winning record. They are 0-3 and averaging 17 points per game in those games. Against everyone else, the Dolphins are 6-0 and averaging 39 points per game. Miami still leads the league with 435.3 yards per game, but it has been held under 300 yards by the Eagles and now the Chiefs in the last three weeks.

Up next: Bye

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(Last week: 10)

Sunday: Bye

Report card: B-plus

Don’t look now, but Jacksonville is 12-3 in its last 15 games. The Jaguars aren’t dominant in any one area of the game. They are 18th in the league in yards per play allowed (5.2) and 19th in yards per play (5.1). But they have created more turnovers (2.25 per game) than anyone in the league and are ninth in point differential (plus-37). Their matchup this week with the 49ers with both teams coming off a bye is the game of the week.

Up next: vs. San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

9. Seattle Seahawks (5-3)

(Last week: 7)

Sunday: Lost to Baltimore Ravens 37-3

Report card: B-plus

Adding defensive tackle Leonard Williams at the trade deadline didn’t have the desired effect, at least immediately. Seattle was eighth in the NFL in rushing yards allowed (96.9 per game) entering Sunday’s game. Baltimore rushed for 298, the second-most surrendered by any team in a game this season. Still, we’ll give Pete Carroll the benefit of the doubt on defense, and the Seahawks still are tied for the NFC West lead.

Up next: vs. Washington Commanders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 13)

Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 27-0

Report card: B-minus

Cleveland held Arizona to 58 yards Sunday. That’s the third-lowest total in a game in the last 10 years. Quarterback Deshaun Watson also returned from his shoulder injury and threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns. The Browns are looking like they are going to be a real part of the postseason mix. The only reason their grade is not higher is the production doesn’t quite match the investment. Only the Ravens are investing more cash into this season than the Browns ($281.4 million).

Up next: at Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

11. Buffalo Bills (5-4)

(Last week: 11)

Sunday: Lost to Cincinnati Bengals 24-18

Report card: C-plus

Buffalo spends more salary-cap space on its defense ($111 million) than any team in the NFL other than Pittsburgh. Yet it has a defense that ranks 14th in the league in total defensive EPA (27.09). Josh Allen has to be Super Josh Allen for this team to win big games, and he wasn’t that Sunday, completing 26-for-38 for 258 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Up next: vs. Denver Broncos, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

12. Dallas Cowboys (5-3)

(Last week: 9)

Sunday: Lost to Philadelphia Eagles 28-23

Report card: C-plus

The Cowboys always get graded harshly because of their place in the league’s history and owner Jerry Jones’ penchant for drawing a bull’s-eye on his squad. This year, the spotlight is all the brighter because Mike McCarthy jettisoned offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and designated himself the man to take Dallas over the top. Instead, the Cowboys are now 0-2 in their showdown games (against San Francisco and Philadelphia) and they are middle of the pack offensively (14th in yards per play, 5.3).

Up next: vs. New York Giants, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3)

(Last week: 12)

Thursday: Beat Tennessee Titans 20-16

Report card: B-minus

Yes, the Steelers are two games above .500, but we can’t forget the hype surrounding this team’s preseason offensive performance, and the subsequent uptick in expectations it caused. Through that lens, this team (which ranks 26th in the league at 4.7 yards per play), feels less than what it should be. Pittsburgh is the 34th team since 1933 to be outgained in each of its first eight games and is the only team from that list to have a winning record after eight games, according to ESPN.

Up next: vs. Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

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(Last week: 19)

Sunday: Beat Chicago Bears 24-17

Report card: B

The Saints lead the NFC South, but that still doesn’t equate to more than a B because of the state of the NFC South. All of New Orleans’ wins have come against teams with losing records, and it was outgained by the Bears on Sunday (368 to 301). After Paulson Adebo’s two interceptions against the Bears, the Saints lead the league in that category (12).

Up next: at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

“I thought that part of my life was over,” @camjordan94 got one more hit in on Matt Ryan 🤣

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/JhiIm566GU

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 5, 2023

(Last week: 22)

Sunday: Beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 39-37

Report card: A

Houston has its quarterback. That’s an automatic A. On Sunday, C.J. Stroud set an NFL rookie record with 470 passing yards. He also threw five touchdowns (versus no interceptions), including the game-winner with six seconds remaining. He became the sixth player in NFL history to have more than 450 passing yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions in a game, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Overall, he is seventh in the league in passing yards (2,270) and third in yards per attempt (8.1).

Up next: at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 15)

Monday: Beat New York Jets 27-6

Report card: C-minus

The Chargers hired Brandon Staley because he was a defensive innovator, but in his third year, Los Angeles is 27th in the league in defensive EPA per snap (minus-2). And that’s even after playing the Jets on Monday night. A better defense to go along with quarterback Justin Herbert might have given the Chargers something this year. Instead, they’re in the middle of the pack. On a positive note, defensive end Joey Bosa seems to be rounding into form. He had 2 1/2 sacks Monday night. On the offensive side, Keenan Allen crossed 10,000 receiving yards for his career.

Up next: vs. Detroit Lions, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

(Last week: 24)

Sunday: Beat Atlanta Falcons 31-28

Report card: B

On Sunday, Josh Dobbs was 20-for-30 for 158 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner with 22 seconds remaining. Why is that so impressive? It was his first day taking a snap in Minnesota’s offense. Dobbs was acquired via trade Tuesday but did not take a snap in practice because the Vikings were starting rookie Jaren Hall. However, Hall got injured on the first series of the game, leading to Dobbs’ heroics. He also led the Vikings in rushing with 66 yards.

Up next: vs. New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 14)

Thursday: Lost to Pittsburgh Steelers 20-16

Report card: C-minus

This team, which is ranked 25th in defensive EPA per game (minus-.60), is 10-15 in its last 25 games. Mike Vrabel has had two double-digit win seasons in his five seasons in Nashville, and this is not looking like it’s going to be the third time. Rookie quarterback Will Levis has provided some hope in the last two weeks — throwing for 500 yards, four touchdowns and one interception — but this is still a team struggling to be average (21st in point margin at minus-12).

Up next: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 26)

Sunday: Beat New York Giants 30-6

Report card: C

The Raiders really didn’t like Josh McDaniels, did they? After failing to score more than 21 points under McDaniels in the first eight games of the season, they had 24 at halftime Sunday. Josh Jacobs rushed for a season-high 98 yards and two touchdowns to help Las Vegas stop a two-game slide and give Antonio Pierce his first victory as an (interim) head coach.

Up next: vs. New York Jets, Monday, 8:20 p.m. ET

The Raiders were smoking celebratory cigars after their first win without Josh McDaniels 💨

Mark Davis was loving it 😂

🎥 ig/maxxcrosby pic.twitter.com/3zlvqGVm8n

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 6, 2023

(Last week: 23)

Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 27-13

Report card: B

Kenny Moore became the first Colt to return two interceptions for a touchdown in a game Sunday. That helped an offense that gained only 198 yards and helped Indianapolis keep its streak of scoring at least 20 points in every game this season alive. Since returning from his holdout/injury, Jonathan Taylor is 17th in the league with 50.8 yards per game.

Up next: at New England Patriots, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (Germany)

(Last week: 25)

Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 20-17

Report card: C-minus

Sam Howell has more passing yards than anyone in the NFL in the last two weeks (722). More surprisingly, he has been sacked only four times in those two games. Still, the Commanders haven’t beaten anyone with a winning record and their four victims have a combined record of 10-25.

Up next: at Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 16)

Sunday: Lost to Minnesota Vikings 31-28

Report card: C-minus

In the third year under coach Arthur Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot, the Falcons have lost three of four. They have given up a season high in points in each of the last two weeks, and a quarterback change this week didn’t change their offensive fortunes. Taylor Heinicke threw a critical interception against Minnesota, and Desmond Ridder might get his job back this week.

Up next: at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:05 p.m.

(Last week: 27)

Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Rams 20-3

Report card: C-minus

The Packers had their highest yards per play average (5.8) and third-highest offensive success rate (40.5) of the season Sunday. The reason? They took some load off Jordan Love, running the ball a season-high 47.1 percent of the time. This team is much better with a healthy Aaron Jones getting 20 carries and could be on the rise if that continues.

Up next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

.@Showtyme_33 takes it in for the score!

TOUCHDOWN 🙌#LARvsGB | #GoPackGo

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/Jwat4Qj3NY

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) November 5, 2023

24. New York Jets (4-4)

(Last week: 21)

Monday: Lost to Los Angeles Chargers 27-6

Report card: C-plus

How do you not have a better backup plan when you sign a 39-year-old quarterback? The Jets loaded up this season, building a dynamite defense and getting running back Breece Hall back from injury. Aaron Rodgers’ injury is not New York’s fault, but not having a better Plan B than  Zach Wilson is. The Jets knew Wilson was what they saw again Monday night, which resulted in seven punts and another wasted defensive effort. New York leads the NFL with 5.88 punts per game.

Up next: at Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

(Last week: 17)

Sunday: Lost to Houston Texans 39-37

Report card: B-minus

Not many people expected the Bucs to be good this year, and they aren’t. After a 3-1 start, Tampa Bay has lost four in a row. On a positive note, Mike Evans is still getting it done. The 10th-year wide receiver is 15th in the league in receiving yards (594) and 11th in yards per catch (16.1).

Up next: vs. Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 18)

Sunday: Lost to Green Bay Packers 20-3

Report card: C

With Brett Rypien starting in place of injured Matt Stafford (thumb), the Rams gained 187 yards. That’s their second-lowest total since 2020. (The lowest was 156 yards against the Packers last season with Baker Mayfield at quarterback.) Los Angeles has a bye this week, and Stafford could come back in Week 11. Stetson Bennett, who was drafted in the fourth round, remains on the non-football injury list and is not likely to return this season, Sean McVay said.

Up next: Bye

27. Denver Broncos (3-5)

(Last week: 20)

Sunday: Bye

Report card: D-plus

Denver traded three players, three first-round draft picks and three second-round draft picks to acquire Russell Wilson and Sean Payton. For all that, the Broncos are 26th in the league in point differential (minus-54). Wilson, at least, has made strides from his disastrous first season in Denver. He has 16 touchdowns versus four interceptions, is fifth in the league in passer rating (101.7) and has the second-lowest off-target percentage among starters (6.9 percent).

Up next: at Buffalo Bills, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

28. Chicago Bears (2-7)

(Last week: 31)

Sunday: Lost to New Orleans Saints 24-17

Report card: D-plus

Why don’t the Bears get credit for having the Nos. 2 and 3 picks, at the moment, in the upcoming draft when Arizona gets an A? Because it feels more like the result of Carolina’s panic than a discernible Chicago plan. The Bears have only three picks in the top 100 of the 2024 draft. Tyson Bagent is a fun story, but he’s not a plan. He’s thrown five interceptions in the last two weeks. Justin Fields might be back this week, and the Bears need him.

Up next: vs. Carolina Panthers, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

29. New York Giants (2-7)

(Last week: 28)

Sunday: Lost to Las Vegas Raiders 30-6

Report card: F

It’s gotten so bad that the Giants aren’t even fun to pick on anymore. Daniel Jones returned from a neck injury Sunday and promptly suffered a season-ending ACL tear. Backup quarterback Tommy DeVito gives New York a great chance to get into the top-two pick conversation, but would the Giants take a quarterback high after giving Jones a big contract in the offseason? The answer is probably yes because New York can get out of the deal relatively cheaply ($22.2 million in dead money) after next season.

Up next: at Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 29)

Sunday: Lost to Washington Commanders 20-17

Report card: F

The Patriots have the same record as the Giants yet are still fun to pick on. That’s the cost of having dominated the league for so long. Folks tend to savor your ensuing misery more, and things are pretty miserable in New England. Mac Jones, the Patriots’ first-round quarterback from 2021, is not good and for some reason threw the ball 44 times Sunday. He is ninth in the NFL in attempts this season (304) and 29th in yards per attempt (6.1). Why?

Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (Germany)

31. Arizona Cardinals (1-8)

(Last week: 30)

Sunday: Lost to Cleveland Browns 27-0

Report card: A

Right now, the Cardinals are set to have picks No. 1, 16, 33, 65, 72 and 80 in the upcoming draft. They have executed their rebuilding plan exactly how they planned. They had to trade away Josh Dobbs and start Clayton Tune (who had 58 yards and a 20.8 passer rating Sunday) to keep the tanking train on track, but so be it. Now, all eyes turn to how Arizona handles Kyler Murray, who is healthy enough to play but might help this team win games.

Up next: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

32. Carolina Panthers (1-7)

(Last week: 32)

Sunday: Lost to Indianapolis Colts 27-13

Report card: F

The F is not for Frank, and Frank (Reich) might not be for the Panthers for more than one season. Rookie Bryce Young had his lowest passer rating of the season (48.3) Sunday against a Colts team that has the 26th-ranked defense in the league by yards allowed. In what has become a weekly occurrence, Carolina coaches and teammates rallied behind Young after the game, but somebody is going to take the fall for this soon it seems.

Up next: at Chicago Bears, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Top photo of Gus Edwards and Ronnie Stanley: Patrick Smith / Getty Images)

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“The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time is on sale now. Order it here.