The Life 13 NFL Energy Ratings are in a relief temper so we’re going to take a look at this season’s best-case situation for all 32 groups. For some groups (hi, Philadelphia!), that’s a Tremendous Bowl win. For some groups, it’s a unutilized quarterback. For some groups, it may well be sticking with the similar quarterback.
We’re additionally looking to be grateful for such a captivating season year looking to hold our sanity checking out this league’s muddled center.
Terminating year: 1
Sunday: Beat Indianapolis Colts 24-6
Perfect-case situation: Statues
The Lions utmost gained a championship in 1957. It was once now not the Tremendous Bowl as a result of that was once nonetheless a decade clear of being invented. This staff completely can split that drought. Detroit leads the league in scoring (32.7 ppg) and level differential (plus-177) and is moment in issues allowed (16.6) next pushing aside the Colts. Barry Sanders’ statue outdoor of Ford Garden is 8 ft lofty. How lofty would Dan Campbell’s be?
Up subsequent: vs. Chicago Bears, Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
‘It’s a next-man-up mentality’: Lions hold rolling as accidents stay greatest impediment
2. Philadelphia Eagles (9-2)
Terminating year: 4
Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Rams 37-20
Perfect-case situation: Tremendous Bowl
Philadelphia established itself because the second-best staff within the NFC on Sunday night time, and Saquon Barkley put himself into the MVP dialog. Barkley on a tight schedule for a franchise-record 255 yards and took over the league speeding top with 1,392 for the season. He outgained the Rams by means of himself (302-290). The Eagles haven’t misplaced with A.J. Brown within the lineup and haven’t misplaced in any respect since September.
Up subsequent: at Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Saquon Barkley recorded 26 carries for 255 yards and a pair of touchdowns, to effect the 2d-most speeding yards over anticipated by means of a participant in one match since 2018 (+150).
Barkley reached 21+ mph on two touches within the 2d part and has now reached 21+ mph 6 occasions as a ball service… pic.twitter.com/pBpC3OunOC
— Upcoming Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 25, 2024
Terminating year: 2
Sunday: Bye
Perfect-case situation: Tremendous Bowl
Buffalo has the second-best level differential within the league (plus-106) in the back of handiest Detroit. It additionally has Josh Allen, who has grow to be the having a bet favourite to win MVP at maximum sportsbooks. Buffalo’s objective at the moment must be taking playoff home-field benefit clear of the Chiefs. The Expenses already personal the tiebreaker due to their Life 11 win, and they’ve the Sixteenth-toughest residue agenda, in line with The Athletic’s projections.
Up subsequent: vs. San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
4. Kansas Town Chiefs (10-1)
Terminating year: 3
Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 30-27
Perfect-case situation: Historical past
The Chiefs can grow to be the primary staff in NFL historical past to win 3 instantly Tremendous Bowls. The Inexperienced Bay Packers gained 3 instantly titles from 1966 to 1968, however handiest two of the ones had been Tremendous Bowls as a result of that match didn’t get started till 1967. Kansas Town lovers may now not live on the street to the three-peat at this level. Later beating Carolina on a walk-off discipline objective, Kansas Town has gotten part its wins at the ultimate snap of the sport.
Up subsequent: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Friday, 3 p.m. ET
Josh Jacobs and the Packers ran everywhere the 49ers on Sunday. (Dan Powers / USA Nowadays Community-Wisconsin / USA Nowadays Community by means of Imagn Photographs)
5. Inexperienced Bay Packers (8-3)
Terminating year: 6
Sunday: Beat San Francisco 49ers 38-10
Perfect-case situation: Tremendous Bowl
Inexperienced Bay introduced itself as a valid NFC contender Sunday by means of demolishing the reigning convention champions. If Jordan Love can also be environment friendly (two touchdowns and a 107.7 passer score in opposition to the 49ers) and Josh Jacobs assists in keeping working like this, the Packers could be a ultimatum to the Lions within the playoffs. Jacobs, who had 106 yards Sunday, is 0.33 in speeding yards (944) and has the sixth-best have shyed away from take on price amongst backs with greater than 150 carries, in line with FTN Myth.
Up subsequent: vs. Miami Dolphins, Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
Packers’ free-agent tandem of Josh Jacobs, Xavier McKinney fuels blowout of 49ers
Terminating year: 7
Sunday: Beat Chicago Bears 30-27
Perfect-case situation: NFC Championship Sport
The Vikings had a 300-yard passer, two 100-yard receivers and a 100-yard rusher in the similar match for the primary life for the reason that 2000 season, and Justin Jefferson was once now not a part of that. Sam Darnold were given the passing yards. Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson were given the receiving yards and Aaron Jones were given the speeding yards. Darnold’s 330 passing yards had been the fifth-most of his profession, however his dearth of playoff enjoy makes it hardened to pick out this staff as a Tremendous Bowl contender.
Up subsequent: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
7. Baltimore Ravens (8-4)
Terminating year: 8
Monday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 30-23
Perfect-case situation: Tremendous Bowl
Later a one-week stoop in opposition to the Steelers, Baltimore put 30 issues at the league’s preferrred scoring protection, and that’s why this staff remains to be a frontline Tremendous Bowl contender regardless of its warts — which come with being essentially the most penalized staff within the league (97) and being twenty ninth within the league in defensive EPA in opposition to the move (minus-.14). Derrick Henry had 140 extra speeding yards Monday and now has 1,325 at the season, moment handiest to Saquon Barkley.
Up subsequent: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
8. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)
Terminating year: 4
Thursday: Misplaced to Cleveland Browns 24-19
Perfect-case situation: AFC Championship Sport
Mike Tomlin hasn’t gained a playoff match for the reason that 2016 season, so finishing that drought is the primary line of postseason industry. This staff has a better ceiling than that, although. The Steelers protection, higher referred to as T.J. Watt and Buddies, is fourth in issues allowed (16.9) and height 10 in yards according to play games allowed (5.2), defensive good fortune price (60.9 p.c) and EPA (9.0 according to 100 snaps). The offensive boundaries (twenty third in yards according to play games, 5.0) put a ceiling on issues.
Up subsequent: at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
9. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)
Terminating year: 9
Monday: Misplaced to Baltimore Ravens 30-23
Perfect-case situation: AFC Championship Sport
The Chargers didn’t permit an opponent to height 20 issues within the first 10 weeks of the season. Cincinnati and Baltimore have every long gone over 26 within the utmost two weeks. They nonetheless top the league in scoring protection (15.9 ppg allowed), however they nonetheless have one thing to turn out in opposition to elite offenses in the event that they wish to be an actual contender. The Ravens on a tight schedule for 214 yards Monday night time, and the Chargers had handiest 70.
Up subsequent: at Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Terminating year: 11
Sunday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 29-19
Perfect-case situation: Playoffs
The Broncos have crushed just one staff that these days has a profitable checklist (the Falcons in Life 11,) however they’ve executed plethora to earn the 7th playoff spot within the AFC for now. Within the utmost 3 weeks, rookie quarterback Bo Nix is moment in passer score (118.6), 0.33 in EPA according to dropback (.32) and has thrown 8 touchdowns as opposed to disagree interceptions. In that very same life body, Courtland Sutton is fourth in catches (21) and 5th in receiving yards (245).
Up subsequent: vs. Cleveland Browns, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
Bo Nix, Courtland Sutton and a budding bromance guidance Broncos towards playoffs
Terminating year: 10
Sunday: Misplaced to Dallas Cowboys 34-26
Perfect-case situation: Playoffs
Washington has misplaced 3 instantly and 4 of its utmost seven with the 3 wins coming over the Panthers, Bears and Giants. The Commanders, whose handiest win over a staff with a profitable checklist got here in Life 4 in opposition to Arizona, are actually 3 video games again within the loss column within the NFC East. Jayden Daniels was once shaky once more Sunday, throwing more than one interceptions (two) for the primary life in his profession, and Washington’s height working backs at the era — Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols — had 22 yards.
Up subsequent: vs. Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Terminating year: 14
Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 16-6
Perfect-case situation: Playoffs
Regardless of dropping 5 of six video games at one level this season, Seattle now necessarily leads the NFC West as it owns the tiebreaker in opposition to the Cardinals. The Seahawks had been outgained by means of Arizona and on a tight schedule for handiest 65 yards. Newly obtained linebacker and previous Ram Ernest Jones has helped grow to be the Seattle protection, but it surely’s now not plethora to provide this staff a quantity of playoff attainable.
Up subsequent: at Untouched York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
The Seahawks are in the end taking part in contender-level protection. When will the offense catch up?
C.J. Stroud and the Texans aren’t taking part in in addition to they did utmost yr. (Alex Slitz / Getty Photographs)
Terminating year: 12
Sunday: Misplaced to Tennessee Titans 32-27
Perfect-case situation: Playoffs
There was once a life this staff appeared like a convention identify contender, however that life feels additional and extra away. Titans quarterback Will Levis outplayed Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud on Sunday, and Stroud is thirty second in passer score (70.3) and thirtieth in EPA according to dropback (minus-.09) within the utmost past. For the season, Stroud has been sacked 39 occasions, greater than any quarterback alternative than Caleb Williams. That’s now not a recipe for playoff good fortune despite the fact that they do assemble it.
Up subsequent: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
14. Arizona Cardinals (6-5)
Terminating year: 13
Sunday: Misplaced to Seattle Seahawks 16-6
Perfect-case situation: Profitable NFC West
The Cardinals nonetheless personal a work of the NFC West top even next dropping to the Seahawks on Sunday, however with Minnesota and nearest Seattle once more within the subsequent two weeks, that place will probably be examined. Particularly if Arizona doesn’t get its run match going. The Cardinals are tenth within the league in speeding EPA and 6th in hasten yards (1,543), however they won handiest 49 yards on 14 carries in opposition to the Seahawks.
Up subsequent: at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
15. Atlanta Falcons (6-5)
Terminating year: 17
Sunday: Bye
Perfect-case situation: Playoffs
Atlanta leads Tampa Bay by means of one match within the NFC South and owns the head-to-head tiebreaker in opposition to the Buccaneers. That implies the Falcons are nonetheless in lovely just right climate to assemble the playoffs regardless of dropping two instantly and 3 in their utmost 5, however a protection that ranks Twenty fifth in issues allowed (24.9) and utmost in sacks (10) way the ceiling for this staff is low.
Up subsequent: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers snapped a four-game dropping streak on Sunday and feature a good agenda forward. (Elsa / Getty Photographs)
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6)
Terminating year: 18
Sunday: Beat Untouched York Giants 30-7
Perfect-case situation: Profitable NFC South
Mike Evans returned Sunday, and Tampa Bay snapped a four-game dropping streak. The Buccaneers play games just one extra staff with a profitable checklist (the Chargers) year the Falcons, who’re one spot forward of them within the section, play games 3. Tampa Bay won 450 yards, together with 156 at the garden, in opposition to the reeling Giants.
Up subsequent: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
17. Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)
Terminating year: 20
Sunday: Bye
Perfect-case situation: One playoff win
Sure, this may shoot slightly a run, however the Bengals are able to slightly a run as a result of they’ve Joe Burrow and one of the most absolute best residue schedules within the league. Burrow is moment in passing yards (3,028) and 6th in EPA according to dropback (.16), and Cincinnati has the Twenty fifth-toughest residue agenda. The Bengals are the favorites in every in their subsequent 5 video games, in line with The Athletic’s projections. As for doing any harm within the postseason, this protection isn’t just right plethora to be expecting more than one playoff wins.
Up subsequent: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
18. Miami Dolphins (5-6)
Terminating year: 21
Sunday: Beat Untouched England Patriots 34-15
Perfect-case situation: Playoffs
Miami remains to be alive regardless of creation the season 2-6, and Tua Tagovailoa will get the credit score. The Dolphins quarterback ignored Weeks 3-7 on account of every other concussion, however since Life 9, he has 10 touchdowns and one interception and leads the league in EPA according to dropback (.36) and of entirety share (77.3). “The guy is Magic Johnson,” Jason Garrett stated on “Sunday Night Football.” “When you take this guy out of the lineup, no one can replace him. He’s playing as well as anyone in the league right now.” Sunday was once Miami’s 0.33 instantly win.
Up subsequent: at Inexperienced Bay Packers, Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET
19. Los Angeles Rams (5-6)
Terminating year: 15
Sunday: Misplaced to Philadelphia Eagles 37-20
Perfect-case situation: Playoffs
The NFC West standings assemble it unimaginable to not include any person within the section, however Sunday proved this staff doesn’t have a quantity of attainable in opposition to the NFC powers. Matthew Stafford was once sacked 4 occasions and crash every other 11 in opposition to the Eagles. Puka Nacua had 9 catches for 117 yards, however Los Angeles misplaced for the second one life within the utmost 3 video games.
Up subsequent: at Untouched Orleans Saints, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
HAVE A NIGHT, MILTON WILLIAMS!@miltonw_12 | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/TEU0fhbTRw
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 25, 2024
20. San Francisco 49ers (5-6)
Terminating year: 16
Sunday: Misplaced to Inexperienced Bay Packers 38-10
Perfect-case situation: Playoffs
The spice up equipped by means of Christian McCaffrey’s go back didn’t utmost lengthy. San Francisco gained its first match with McCaffrey again within the lineup however has now misplaced two instantly. McCaffrey has averaged handiest 3.5 yards according to elevate since his go back, together with 2.8 Sunday in opposition to the Packers. Brock Purdy ignored the sport with a shoulder shock. So long as he’s again quickly, we will be able to’t rely out the 49ers but as a result of they’re just one match again within the section.
Up subsequent: at Buffalo Expenses, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
49ers fall aside in blowout loss to Packers: ‘The worst I’ve been part of’
21. Indianapolis Colts (5-7)
Terminating year: 19
Sunday: Misplaced to Detroit Lions 24-6
Perfect-case situation: Growing Anthony Richardson
The Colts aren’t out of the playoff image, however this season gained’t be remembered for making the postseason or now not. It’ll be remembered because the yr their second-year quarterback both labored or didn’t. Richardson was once 11-of-28 passing for 172 yards and led Indianapolis with 61 speeding yards in opposition to the Lions. Indianapolis must take into consideration protective him higher. He was once 3 of 13 when burdened, in line with TruMedia.
Up subsequent: at Untouched England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
22. Chicago Bears (4-7)
Terminating year: 23
Sunday: Misplaced to Minnesota Vikings 30-27
Perfect-case situation: Protective Caleb Williams
The Bears misplaced their 5th instantly match Sunday, however the rookie quarterback is appearing building, which is all this season is set. Williams was once 32 of 47 for 340 yards and two touchdowns in opposition to Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, which is a feather in any quarterback’s cap. Flores’ protection gave up an EPA according to dropback of .04 in Weeks 1-11. Williams posted a .16.
Up subsequent: at Detroit Lions, Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET
23. Dallas Cowboys (4-7)
Terminating year: 26
Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 34-26
Perfect-case situation: No longer getting fooled
The Cowboys have a lower than one p.c probability of creating the playoffs, in line with The Athletic’s style, and a wacky win over an worn rival shouldn’t persuade this staff it’s in significance climate. Dallas is twenty ninth in scoring margin (minus-98) and thirty first in issues allowed (29 ppg). The excellent news is KaVontae Turpin is amusing to observe. He leads the league with 906 go back yards, together with an electrical 99-yard kickoff go back Sunday.
Up subsequent: vs. Untouched York Giants, Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET
99 YARDS TO THE @KaVontaeTurpin was once long gone!!
: #DALvsWAS on FOX
: Flow on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/4ckMWDEDPL— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 24, 2024
24. Untouched Orleans Saints (4-7)
Terminating year: 24
Sunday: Bye
Perfect-case situation: A top-10 pick out
The Saints are on a two-game profitable streak underneath period in-between head trainer Darren Rizzi, and he has a shot at getting the full-time task on account of his reputation within the attic room. Alternatively, profitable a quantity extra video games is probably not in Untouched Orleans’ preferrred pursuits. The Saints, who’re a projected $62 million over the 2025 wage cap, wish to be stocking up on younger ability. They’re most probably already out of the Negative. 1 pick out dialog, however the upper this staff alternatives in April the simpler.
Up subsequent: vs. Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
Are the Giants much less ‘clown show’ than the Jets? It’s getting more difficult to inform: Sando’s Pick out Six
25. Cleveland Browns (3-8)
Terminating year: 30
Thursday: Beat Pittsburgh Steelers 24-19
Perfect-case situation: A life device
This season is over, and the possibly result for 2025 is that Deshaun Watson (and his $72.9 million cap crash) will probably be creation at quarterback. The Browns might be caught with Watson for a pair extra years, so the best-case situation (have in mind, we’re now not doing most-realistic eventualities right here) is for Watson to go back someplace close his Houston mode.
Up subsequent: at Denver Broncos, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
26. Tennessee Titans (3-8)
Terminating year: 31
Sunday: Beat Houston Texans 32-27
Perfect-case situation: Construction some self assurance
There’s a lone Titans fan in the market screaming that this staff nonetheless has 4 video games left in opposition to AFC South groups, together with two in opposition to the Jaguars, and may nonetheless get into the section race, however let’s be critical right here. Will Levis outplayed C.J. Stroud on Sunday (123.3 passer score to 78.7), and that may well be one thing first-year head trainer Brian Callahan can develop on i’m sick the stretch.
Up subsequent: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
27. Untouched England Patriots (3-9)
Terminating year: 22
Sunday: Misplaced to Miami Dolphins 34-15
Perfect-case situation: Maintaining Drake Maye wholesome
Untouched England’s rookie quarterback is the staff’s handiest actual glorious spot this season, however he’s taking some punishment. Maye is fourth within the league in sacks taken (19) and hits taken (39) since taking on because the starter in Life 6, in line with TruMedia. He leads the league in scrambles (28) and has 274 speeding yards, which is moment amongst quarterbacks, in that very same stretch.
Up subsequent: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
28. Carolina Panthers (3-8)
Terminating year: 27
Sunday: Misplaced to Kansas Town Chiefs 30-27
Perfect-case situation: That Bryce Younger is the solution
Carolina had giving up on its second-year quarterback six weeks in the past, however since being chase away into the creation function on account of an shock to Andy Dalton, Younger has been higher. He handed for 263 yards and disagree interceptions in opposition to Steve Spagnuolo’s protection Sunday. Buffalo and Cincinnati are the one alternative groups to attain greater than 24 issues this yr in opposition to the Chiefs. The offseason choice about Younger will probably be fascinating.
Up subsequent: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
Bryce Younger’s numbers lately aren’t committing to trifle away. any person away, however his efficiency in opposition to an excellent Chiefs protection does discuss to the argument for letting younger avid gamers manufacture and develop prior to making an terminating wisdom on them.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) November 24, 2024
Terminating year: 25
Sunday: Bye
Perfect-case situation: A pristine get started
Aaron Rodgers is twenty sixth in EPA according to dropback (minus-.02). His passer score (88.9) and yards according to effort (6.4) are his lowest in any complete season. And nonetheless there’s the concept he may come again in 2025. No person wishes that, specifically the unutilized head trainer, whoever he is also. The 2025 quarterback draft magnificence is a difficult one and the looming free-agent listing on the place doesn’t serve any visible solutions, both, however the rest is healthier than this Jets season.
Up subsequent: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
30. Las Vegas Raiders (2-9)
Terminating year: 29
Sunday: Misplaced to Denver Broncos 29-19
Perfect-case situation: The Negative. 1 draft pick out
If the season ended lately, Las Vegas would pick out Negative. 3, however the Raiders are ultimate in at the height spot rapid. Las Vegas misplaced its 7th instantly Sunday and misplaced creation quarterback Gardner Minshew for the season. This isn’t the draft to be within the quarterback marketplace, in line with most pros, however having the primary shot to draft one nonetheless is the most suitable choice for the Raiders.
Up subsequent: at Kansas Town Chiefs, Friday, 3 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
Raiders had been a large number at QB prior to Gardner Minshew’s shock and want a medication this offseason
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)
Terminating year: 32
Sunday: Bye
Perfect-case situation: Invoice Belichick
Hiring the third-winningest trainer in league historical past would instantly give Jacksonville relevance. Pairing Belichick with Colorado’s Travis Hunter, whom the Jaguars may make a choice at Negative. 1 in the event that they proceed their stream tactics, would assemble for one of the vital fascinating player-coach dynamics within the league. Hunter may well be as flexible within the league as was once his stream faculty head trainer (Deion Sanders), and Belichick may determine interesting tactics to deploy him.
Up subsequent: vs. Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
32. Untouched York Giants (2-9)
Terminating year: 28
Sunday: Misplaced to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-7
Perfect-case situation: This season finishing
Malik Nabers referred to as out the play games calling Sunday. Dexter Lawrence indubitably referred to as out his staff’s toughness. And the Giants misplaced their 6th instantly year former Gigantic Saquon Barkley endured his MVP-caliber season. The Giants, who had been outgained by means of 205 yards Sunday, have already got shorten one-time franchise quarterback Daniel Jones. Tutor Brian Daboll and common supervisor Joe Schoen is also subsequent.
Up subsequent: at Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, 4:30 p.m.
(Manage picture of Saquon Barkley, proper, and Mekhi Becton: Ronald Martinez / Getty Photographs)
