The Generation 14 NFL Energy Scores don’t need to be a downer, however since we did best-case eventualities ultimate generation, it’s most effective honest to believe the worst-case eventualities for all 32 groups.
For groups just like the Eagles, who made an actual run on the Refuse. 1 spot this generation, that’s a relative factor, however for a lot of groups on the base, those would possibly really feel means too akin to truth.
Extreme generation: 1
Thursday: Beat Chicago Bears 23-20
Worst-case situation: An early playoff loss
The Lions gained their tenth immediately tournament on Thursday, however they didn’t glance unbeatable, scoring most effective as soon as within the ultimate 33 mins and letting the Bears again into the sport in the second one part. Detroit nonetheless has to play games the Packers, Expenses, 49ers and Vikings, so it’s taking to be examined, which may well be excellent preparation for the playoffs. If this workforce loses early later the entire expectancies it has constructed up, Lions enthusiasts shall be gutted.
Up then: vs. Inexperienced Bay Packers, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, Lamar Jackson and a scorching MVP race: Sando’s Pick out Six
2. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)
Extreme generation: 2
Sunday: Beat Baltimore Ravens 24-19
Worst-case situation: That they’re peaking too quickly
Till Sunday, there used to be a chance that Philadelphia used to be a paper tiger as a result of its splendid win used to be the entire long ago in Generation 1 in opposition to Inexperienced Bay in Brazil. That narrative died in Baltimore on Sunday because the Eagles held the Ravens to ten issues within the ultimate 3 quarters, and Saquon Barkley in a bind for 107 yards to manage 1,400 for the season. Since Generation 6, Philadelphia has allowed 15.3 issues consistent with tournament, which is moment within the league.
Up then: vs. Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Say it with us…
COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!!!!@cdejean23 | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/bDoLXiK59S— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 2, 2024
3. Buffalo Expenses (10-2)
Extreme generation: 3
Sunday: Beat San Francisco 49ers 35-10
Worst-case situation: Derrick Henry going wild within the playoffs
There’s now not a lot to pick out on in Buffalo later the Expenses trounced the 49ers at snowy Highmark Stadium on Sunday night time, however having a look forward to the playoffs, this workforce may well be prone in opposition to a potent dashing assault. The Niners in a bind for 153 yards, and Buffalo is twenty third within the collection of 10-plus court runs allowed (46) and nineteenth in explosive play games price surrendered general (11.3 %) this season. Josh Allen grimacing and conserving his left hand later being tackled within the first quarter wasn’t splendid both.
Up then: at Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
What we discovered in NFL Generation 13: Eagles secure streak alive, Expenses appear to be AFC’s splendid
4. Inexperienced Bay Packers (9-3)
Extreme generation: 5
Thursday: Beat Miami Dolphins 30-17
Worst-case situation: They’ve made the NFC West furious
The Packers, who were given 117 scrimmage yards from Josh Jacobs in opposition to Miami on Thursday, have treated the NFC West simply this season, beating the Rams, Cardinals and 49ers by way of a mean rating of 32-14. Inexperienced Bay could be enjoying NFC West chief Seattle (its Generation 15 opponent) if the playoffs had been to start out now. May that section be because of get some playoff revenge? An early loss could be a unhappiness in addition to the Packers are enjoying at the moment.
Up then: at Detroit Lions, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET
5. Minnesota Vikings (10-2)
Extreme generation: 6
Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 23-22
Worst-case situation: The Sam Darnold detractors are proper
The Vikings quarterback is doing as regards to all he can to restore his profession. He threw for 235 yards and two touchdowns Sunday and is 7th within the league in passer score (102.5), however even Minnesota enthusiasts stay worried. They had been booing an offense that most effective had six issues within the first part Sunday, however Darnold threw each his landing passes within the ultimate 17 mins.
Up then: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
Vikings’ original victory in opposition to Cardinals conjures ideas of 2022 playoff workforce
Extreme generation: 4
Friday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 19-17
Worst-case situation: The fairy mud wears off
The Chiefs are 11-1 regardless of being eleventh within the league in level margin at plus-54. Since 2000, 23 groups have gained 11 or extra video games by way of Generation 13, and the Chiefs’ level differential is ultimate by way of 34 issues, in step with TruMedia. Most effective 3 of the groups had some extent margin of not up to 100. The alternative 11-1 workforce this 12 months, the Lions, has some extent margin of plus-180. Patrick Mahomes is seventeenth (amongst certified QBs) within the league in passer score (92.2), and the protection is twenty seventh in EPA (minus-7.5) since Generation 8. How for much longer can this ultimate?
Up then: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
Russell Wilson had the Steelers offense cooking on Sunday in Cincinnati. (Andy Lyons / Getty Pictures)
Extreme generation: 8
Sunday: Beat Cincinnati Bengals 44-38
Worst-case situation: They soften in opposition to playoff quarterbacks
The offense took a step ahead Sunday with its best possible scoring output since 2018 (and 520 yards), and Pittsburgh wanted each a kind of issues as a result of Joe Burrow had 309 yards and 3 touchdowns. Russell Wilson handed for 414 yards Sunday, the second-highest, single-game overall of his profession.
Up then: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
8. Baltimore Ravens (8-5)
Extreme generation: 7
Sunday: Misplaced to Philadelphia Eagles 24-19
Worst-case situation: Transferring on from Justin Tucker
“I’m not really planning on doing that right now,” John Harbaugh mentioned later the sport. The truth that it got here up turns out ridiculous bearing in mind Tucker now not way back used to be the most productive kicker within the tournament, however he overlooked 3 kicks (two ground objectives and an excess level) for the primary week in his profession Sunday, and he’s 19 of 27 on ground objectives this season. That’s a 70.4 % luck price. The bottom of the primary 12 years of his profession used to be 82.5 in 2015. He has overlooked seven ground objectives within the Ravens’ 5 losses.
Up then: Bye
GO DEEPER
‘We want to concern about us’: Lamar Jackson resolute later Ravens’ loss to Eagles
Extreme generation: 11
Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 42-19
Worst-case situation: The Titans protection simply abandon
Did Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury put to mattress the concept that his unit is destined to be uncovered ailing the stretch or used to be Sunday as regards to the Tennessee protection? The Titans are twenty seventh in scoring protection (27.7 ppg), and there’s now not a lot left to play games for in Tennessee. Nonetheless, the Commanders ended a three-game shedding streak as rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels threw 3 landing passes and ran for a rating.
Up then: Bye
Extreme generation: 10
Monday: Beat Cleveland Browns 41-32
Worst-case situation: Going through any further of Sean Payton’s former avid gamers
Browns quarterback Jameis Winston and receiver Jerry Jeudy each had profession highs dealing with their former head teacher. Winston, who performed for Payton in Pristine Orleans, handed for 497 yards, even though he helped out his vintage boss by way of throwing 3 interceptions, together with two pick-sixes. Jeudy, whom Payton traded out of Denver ultimate 12 months for a fifth- and sixth-round decide, had 235 receiving yards, essentially the most in NFL historical past by way of a participant in opposition to his former workforce. The Browns completed with 552 overall yards.
Up then: Bye
11. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
Extreme generation: 9
Sunday: Beat Atlanta Falcons 17-13
Worst-case situation: The offense by no means clicks
The Chargers gave up 5 sacks Sunday to an Atlanta workforce that got here into the sport with 10 for the season and gained regardless of gaining most effective 187 yards. Los Angeles is 18th in scoring (21.7 ppg) and thirty first in offensive luck price (39.9 %) even with Ladd McConkey enjoying splendid. The rookie broad receiver had 9 catches for 117 yards Sunday, and most effective Jeudy (462) has had greater than McConkey’s 323 receiving yards within the ultimate 3 weeks.
Up then: at Kansas Town Chiefs, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
NFL playoff image later Generation 13: Steelers clutch keep watch over of AFC North, Expenses clinch AFC East
Operating again Zach Charbonnet and the Seahawks rallied to overcome the Jets and keep atop the NFC West. (Mark Smith / Imagn Pictures)
12. Seattle Seahawks (7-5)
Extreme generation: 12
Sunday: Beat Pristine York Jets 26-21
Worst-case situation: The cross blocking off will get Geno Smith harm
Smith used to be sacked 3 extra instances Sunday, and the Seahawks are twenty eighth within the league in drive share allowed (38.4 %), in step with TruMedia. If Seattle can secure Smith wholesome, it can be directly to one thing. He’s moment within the league in passing yards consistent with tournament amongst certified QBs (270.1), and the Seahawks top the NFC West by way of a tournament. Sunday’s play games of the pace used to be 300-pound defensive lineman Leonard Williams returning an Aaron Rodgers interception 92 yards for a landing.
Up then: at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
Extreme generation: 13
Sunday: Beat Jacksonville Jaguars 23-20
Worst-case situation: C.J. Stroud’s rookie 12 months used to be a mirage
The Texans’ second-year quarterback is twenty fifth in EPA consistent with dropback (minus-.01) and twenty third (amongst certified QBs) in passer score (87.9) this 12 months. Since Generation 7, he’s twenty seventh in touchdown-to-interception ratio with 5 of each and every. He used to be excellent plenty to overcome Jacksonville on Sunday (22 of 34 for 242 yards and a landing), however that’s now not the usual in which Stroud and the Texans shall be judged this season.
Up then: Bye
Extreme generation: 16
Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 26-23
Worst-case situation: Fake hope
There’s negative 6-6 workforce within the league feeling higher than Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers regarded out of the NFC South race later Chris Godwin’s season-ending shock and a four-game shedding streak, however the Falcons allow them to again in. The Athletic’s playoff projections give the Bucs a 41 % anticipation of successful the section. They face just one extra workforce with a successful file.
Up then: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
15. Arizona Cardinals (6-6)
Extreme generation: 14
Sunday: Misplaced to Minnesota Vikings 23-22
Worst-case situation: Lacking this chance
The Cardinals had gained 4 immediately video games and led the NFC West coming into their bye in Generation 11. They gave the look of they may well be on their method to their moment playoff tournament since 2015. Since after, they’ve misplaced two immediately, and so they play games Seattle this generation in a tournament that might do a accumulation extra harm to their playoff hopes.
Up then: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
16. Los Angeles Rams (6-6)
Extreme generation: 19
Sunday: Beat Pristine Orleans Saints 21-14
Worst-case situation: The distinction days simply don’t come again
The Rams saved themselves at the edge of the playoff race Sunday, however their ceiling seems lovely low. This generation, they face a real contender within the Expenses, and the diversities almost certainly shall be stark. Los Angeles is 21-25 since its Tremendous Bowl win and appears find it irresistible’s simply quietly going in the course of the stop phases of 36-year-old Matthew Stafford’s profession.
Up then: vs. Buffalo Expenses, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
PUUUUKKKKKKAAAAA
: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/obFaIDLwaC
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 1, 2024
17. Atlanta Falcons (6-6)
Extreme generation: 15
Sunday: Misplaced to Los Angeles Chargers 17-13
Worst-case situation: The plan blows up
Many of the NFL international raised its eyebrows later the Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the Refuse. 8 decide in a while later having signed Kirk Cousins to the most important overall free-agency do business in in league historical past. Atlanta confident everybody it had a plan: Let Cousins care for the existing and transition to Penix going forward. Alternatively, this workforce has give up a at ease NFC South top by way of shedding 3 immediately video games by which Cousins has six interceptions and negative landing passes.
Up then: at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
18. Cincinnati Bengals (4-8)
Extreme generation: 17
Sunday: Misplaced to Pittsburgh Steelers 44-38
Worst-case situation: Losing this Joe Burrow season
Burrow leads the league in passing yards (3,337) and landing passes (30). He’s 6th in EPA consistent with dropback (.15). He threw for 309 yards and 3 touchdowns Sunday, and the Bengals nonetheless misplaced. There aren’t a accumulation of quarterbacks as excellent as Burrow, however they’re almost certainly all taking to be within the playoffs and maximum of them have higher defenses than Burrow does. This workforce, which additionally has the NFL’s prominent receiver in Ja’Marr Chase (1,142 yards and 13 touchdowns), now has a three % anticipation of creating the playoffs, in step with The Athletic’s projections.
Up then: at Dallas Cowboys, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
Refuse selection extra: Bengals should dissipate up the whole lot on protection
Extreme generation: 21
Sunday: Beat Pristine England Patriots 25-24
Worst-case situation: Anthony Richardson doesn’t figure out
The second one-year quarterback has supplied a roller-coaster enjoy for Indianapolis enthusiasts. Presently, he’s at a height later prominent an 80-yard, game-winning power that he capped with a two-point conversion run. Expectancies are very prime, however right here’s a pledge of warning: Since getting back from his benching in Generation 11, he’s twenty first in EPA consistent with dropback (.01), thirtieth in passer score (75.9) and thirty third in final touch share (52.4). He threw for 109 yards and had a 55.7 passer score Sunday.
Up then: Bye
20. Miami Dolphins (5-7)
Extreme generation: 18
Thursday: Misplaced to Inexperienced Bay Packers 30-17
Worst-case situation: Iciness
We might say a chilly playoff tournament, however this workforce almost certainly isn’t taking to the playoffs. The Dolphins have misplaced 12 immediately video games when it used to be 40 levels or decrease at kickoff, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is 0-6 all week in such video games. Possibly extra depressingly for Miami, the Dolphins are 0-4 this season in opposition to groups projected to create the playoffs, and the typical margin of defeat used to be 14.5 issues.
Up then: vs. Pristine York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
21. Dallas Cowboys (5-7)
Extreme generation: 23
Thursday: Beat Pristine York Giants 27-20
Worst-case situation: Mendacity to themselves
Micah Parsons mentioned on FOX later Thursday’s win: “I believe we’re going to turn it around and make a run.” Dallas has a not up to 1 % anticipation to create the postseason, in step with The Athletic’s playoff projections. The Cowboys’ overconfidence of their contender condition is the important reason why this workforce has one playoff win since 2018.
Up then: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
A difficult season for the 49ers took a flip for the more severe on Sunday night time with Christian McCaffrey struggling a knee shock. (Timothy T Ludwig / Getty Pictures)
22. San Francisco 49ers (5-7)
Extreme generation: 20
Sunday: Misplaced to Buffalo Expenses 35-10
Worst-case situation: The window is closed
Nearest 3 immediately seasons of advancing to the NFC Championship Recreation or past, the 49ers glance damaged, specifically later Kyle Shanahan introduced Christian McCaffrey seems to have suffered a season-ending knee shock. It’s been that roughly season for the 49ers, who were given 94 passing yards out of Brock Purdy in opposition to the Expenses. San Francisco is nineteenth in level differential (minus-25). That’s on past to be its worst since 2018, Shanahan’s moment season.
Up then: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
49ers glance a accumulation like their 2020 snakebit selves in snowy, blowout loss to the Expenses
23. Chicago Bears (4-8)
Extreme generation: 22
Thursday: Misplaced to Detroit Lions 23-20
Worst-case situation: Extra nationwide TV video games
It’s evil plenty for the Bears that they have got misplaced six immediately. It makes it worse that there are countless eyewitnesses. Chicago’s shedding streak began with its well-known Downpour Mary loss to the Commanders in a tournament that used to be flexed into CBS’ marquee afternoon week slot. On Thursday, the Bears performed the hole Thanksgiving tournament and suffered extra embarrassment because of stupifying end-of-game clock control. Assumption what? They’re scheduled to play games on “Monday Night Football” in Generation 15 and “Thursday Night Football” in Generation 17.
Up then: at San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
24. Pristine Orleans Saints (4-8)
Extreme generation: 24
Sunday: Misplaced to Los Angeles Rams 21-14
Worst-case situation: Taysom Hill is rarely the similar
When Hill left Sunday’s tournament with a season-ending knee shock, he had performed 5 snaps at quarterback, 20 at broad receiver, 3 at operating again, 3 at tight stop and 8 at fullback. The 34-year-old Swiss Military knife has been a pleasing outlier right through his eight-year NFL profession, which has integrated 33 dashing touchdowns, 11 receiving touchdowns and 11 passing touchdowns.
Up then: at Pristine York Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
25. Cleveland Browns (3-9)
Extreme generation: 25
Monday: Misplaced to Denver Broncos 41-32
Worst-case situation: Being caught right here
The Browns have had two 11-win seasons since 2007. The entirety else has been 8 wins or fewer, and Cleveland has gained just one playoff tournament since 1994. Nearest Monday night time’s tournament, they’re slotted 8th within the nearest draft, possibly prime plenty to get a right away difference-maker, possibly now not. With out a cloudless solution at quarterback, there’s an actual anticipation the Browns’ truth gained’t be converting quickly.
Up then: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
26. Carolina Panthers (3-9)
Extreme generation: 28
Sunday: Misplaced to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-23
Worst-case situation: Bryce Younger prices them extra
The business for the Refuse. 1 decide to draft Younger already has value Carolina broad receiver DJ Moore and the anticipation to draft Caleb Williams (or Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye), to not point out Darnell Wright, Tyrique Stevenson and Tory Taylor, all starters for the Bears. Younger is sixteenth in EPA consistent with dropback (.04) since returning because the starter in Generation 9, but when the Panthers convey him again and the go stops, he’s going to have value them every other season.
Up then: at Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
for the top!
: FOX pic.twitter.com/KiUrAKIe8R
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 2, 2024
27. Pristine England Patriots (3-10)
Extreme generation: 27
Sunday: Misplaced to Indianapolis Colts 25-24
Worst-case situation: Mike Vrabel succeeds at his then activity
Patriots enthusiasts can’t appear to totally benefit from the emergence of quarterback Drake Maye as a result of their frustration with first-year head teacher Jerod Mayo. Pristine England will have had former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel this offseason had proprietor Robert Kraft now not determined on Mayo years in the past. Vrabel is more likely to land in different places in 2025. If he wins, Pristine England enthusiasts shall be furious.
Up then: Bye
28. Tennessee Titans (3-9)
Extreme generation: 26
Sunday: Misplaced to Washington Commanders 42-19
Worst-case situation: Making the incorrect Will Levis choice
On the week, the Titans have the 7th decide within the draft. That’s enough prime plenty to get a fresh quarterback. If they would like one. In his moment 12 months, Levis is one of those Rorschach check. You’ll see what you need to. He has plenty bodily attributes that it will paintings, however he’s had a unfavorable EPA consistent with dropback in seven of his 9 video games this season. Making the suitable name almost certainly will decide head teacher Brian Callahan’s presen in Tennessee.
Up then: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
29. Pristine York Jets (3-9)
Extreme generation: 29
Sunday: Misplaced to Seattle Seahawks 26-21
Worst-case situation: Aaron Rodgers gained’t loose
Clearly, the Jets can keep watch over that, however they’ve gotten themselves into this mess by way of acquiescing to the whole lot Rodgers has sought after. The 41-year-old quarterback is underneath assurance for yet one more season and almost certainly doesn’t have anyplace else to progress because the initiation quarterback. He’s now 4-9 because the starter and probably the most wins he will get credit score for is the 2023 opener by which he performed 4 snaps. What if he convinces the Jets to offer it yet one more shot?
Up then: at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
If Aaron Rodgers simply performed his ultimate tournament for the Jets, it could were his worst
30. Las Vegas Raiders (2-10)
Extreme generation: 30
Friday: Misplaced to Kansas Town Chiefs 19-17
Worst-case situation: Treading extra H2O
The Raiders haven’t been related since 2016 and that used to be an overly transient blip. They’ve had two successful seasons since 2002. This workforce is worse than inappropriate. It’s evil. The Raiders, who’ve attempted Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell and Desmond Ridder at quarterback, are twenty ninth in level margin (minus-110) and haven’t gained since Generation 4.
Up then: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10)
Extreme generation: 31
Sunday: Misplaced to Houston Texans 23-20
Worst-case situation: Trevor Lawrence doesn’t figure out
Lawrence’s disappointing season were given worse Sunday when he left the sport with a concussion led to by way of a past due collision from Azeez Al-Shaair that precipitated a brawl. It will be a sarcasm to mention Lawrence’s profession hasn’t labored just like the Jaguars deliberate once they took him Refuse. 1 in 2021. He’s twenty sixth in EPA consistent with dropback since after (minus-.01), and there’s negative discernible go. He’s twenty seventh in EPA consistent with dropback this 12 months (minus-.02).
Up then: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
32. Pristine York Giants (2-10)
Extreme generation: 32
Thursday: Misplaced to Dallas Cowboys 27-20
Worst-case situation: Extra of this
The Giants are 8-21 within the ultimate two seasons, and so they simply snip the quarterback they gave a four-year, $160 million extension to in 2023. Underneath head teacher Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen, the Giants ended up paying $82 million of that do business in for a 3-13 file out of Jones. The workforce’s quarterback shall be fresh in 2025 (Pristine York has the Refuse. 3 decide at the moment), and the training group of workers and entrance workplace may well be, too.
Up then: vs. Pristine Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Manage picture of Josh Allen: Bryan M. Bennett / Getty Pictures)
