Week 18 NFL power rankings: Cowboys, Browns, and Steelers rise as Dolphins, Eagles, and Seahawks fall.
There is just one game left in the 2023 NFL regular season before the playoffs start. The real “best teams” will be determined in the coming weeks by the Super Bowl 58 tournament, but for now it’s critical to identify who is rising at the appropriate moment.
Conversely, a few clubs are attempting to avoid going even deeper into the metaphorical basement. The composition of the teams from 1 to 32 is as unexpected as usual, arranged from top to bottom. Following the games in Week 17, these are Sporting News’ final non-playoff NFL power rankings:
Maryland Ravens 13-3 (last week: 1)
Before Super Bowl 58, the Ravens made sure there was no doubt who the team to beat was by shutting down the 49ers and Dolphins in back-to-back weeks. In addition to their outstanding offensive outings, Lamar Jackson has virtually secured his second MVP award.
2. 49ers of San Francisco, 12-4 (2)
After the Ravens humiliated them at home, the 49ers bounced back with an all-around win while playing in the Washington Beltway. They can now relax, regroup, and get healthy in anticipation of a potentially deeper playoff run, with the top-seed bye transaction completed before Week 18.
3. Cowboys of Dallas 11-5 (9)
The Cowboys wanted to show off a little, and even though the Lions pushed them to the brink, they produced the crucial big plays on both the offensive and defensive ends to go unbeaten at home and have a chance to start the playoffs in a favorable position.
4. 11-5 Cleveland Browns (6)
Again, how about Joe Flacco? Here comes an emerging favorite for Comeback Player of the Year and a mini-season MVP outside of Baltimore. The Browns are expected to play his old team in a division rematch in the divisional round under his leadership.
5. 11-5 Detroit Lions (4)
Before a late comeback led by their defense and key pass plays, the Lions appeared to be out of it in Dallas. They are making a lot of effort to host their first postseason game in thirty years and enter the playoffs with momentum. With Matthew Stafford and the scorching Rams looming large, they must remain focused.
Miami Dolphins, sixth, 11-5 (3)
With Jaylen Waddle and Raheem Mostert down, the Dolphins were unable to maintain offensive parity against the Ravens. To defeat the Bills for the AFC East championship the next week, their defensive collapse against Jackson is a serious worry.
7. Eagles of Philadelphia, 11-5 (5)
The Eagles’ pass defense has gotten weaker and they’ve started to leak, which makes them vulnerable in every game.
8. Buffalo Bills 10-6 (7)
The Bills are a dangerous floater in the conference and are a win away from being close to their old nasty selves as a No. 2 seed wedged between the Ravens and Chiefs. They have the widest range of outcomes of any team alive in the AFC race.
Despite Bailey Zappe’s costly passing errors, the Patriots are supporting Bill Belichick well by pressing the defense and rallying around him. It’s incredible that there is just one more game left in the BB era.
