NFL power rankings, Week 18: Patriots control fate
Looking at our NFL power rankings in the AFC for Week 18, the New England Patriots are facing a win-and-in situation.
16. Houston Texans (LW: 16)
One more loss and the Texans have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
15. Indianapolis Colts (LW: 15)
There’s no argument for Jeff Saturday to be a candidate for head coach after this season, let alone a strong one. What an embarrassment the Colts are.
14. Denver Broncos (LW: 14)
It’s time to finally wrap up perhaps the most disappointing season in Broncos history.
13. Las Vegas Raiders (LW: 13)
Another double-digit lead, another loss for the Raiders.
12. Cleveland Browns (LW: 12)
Cleveland has nothing left to play for, but it’s won a few games with Deshaun Watson and will try to polish off the Steelers’ hopes in Pittsburgh this weekend.
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11. New York Jets (LW: 10)
What a complete mess. The Jets looked like a team destined for the postseason at 7-4, and they haven’t won since thanks to a pitiful offense.
10. Tennessee Titans (LW: 8)
It’s the last chance for Tennessee, which has lost six straight after starting the season at 7-3. What an incredible fall it has been for the Titans.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (LW: 11)
Kenny Pickett delivered in the clutch on Sunday night. Now, the Steelers must beat the Browns and get losses from both the Patriots and Dolphins.
8. Miami Dolphins (LW: 7)
Whether it’s Teddy Bridgewater or Skylar Thompson under center, Miami is clearly not the same team at this juncture.
7. New England Patriots (LW: 9)
The Patriots are extremely limited on offense, but the defense is solid and the greatest coach of all time roams the sidelines.
6. Baltimore Ravens (LW: 5)
Baltimore needs Lamar Jackson back. Without him, there’s really no case to be made for the Ravens doing anything come the postseason.
Read: Green Bay Packers In Win-And-In Matchup Against Detroit
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (LW: 6)
The Jaguars had to move up after handling the Texans by a 31-3 count. This despite Trevor Lawrence having a day of zero touchdown tosses and an interception.
4. Los Angeles Chargers (LW: 4)
No reason to move the Chargers in either direction in the NFL power rankings. They will be the fifth seed with a win over the Broncos this weekend in Denver.
3. Cincinnati Bengals (LW: 3)
Obviously, we don’t know Cincinnati’s situation at this time. The Bengals might have the AFC North wrapped up, depending on the league’s decision about their game with Buffalo.
2. Buffalo Bills (LW: 2)
Frankly, nothing matters but the health of Damar Hamlin right now.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (LW: 1)
The Chiefs won again and therefore sit in the top spot, having won nine of their last 10. They finish with the Raiders in Las Vegas on Saturday.
