NFL power rankings: Detroit Lions are still the team to beat

Following their 34-17 win over the Chicago Bears (4-11) on Sunday, the Detroit Lions (13-2) remain the team to beat in the NFL. Yes, even above the Kansas City Chiefs (14-1).

Kansas City has a better record, but they’ve had several fluky results this year and if they meet Detroit in the Super Bowl, the Lions should be considered the favorite. There’s no guarantee that the Chiefs will reach the title game, though, because the Buffalo Bills (12-3) and Baltimore Ravens (10-5) could stand in their way in the postseason.

Even the Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) and Denver Broncos (9-6) could be capable of tripping up KC in the playoffs. The Lions, meanwhile, are clearly the top contender in the NFC.

The Detroit Lions have the most wins in a season in franchise history 🔥

There are still two games left to play 😤 pic.twitter.com/k9mxpD2gYZ

— ESPN (@espn) December 22, 2024

NFL power rankings after Week 16

1. Detroit Lions (13-2)
2. Buffalo Bills (12-3)
3. Kansas City Chiefs (14-1)
4. Washington Commanders (10-5)
5. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3)
6. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
7. Green Bay Packers (11-4)
8. Minnesota Vikings (13-2)
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)
10. Los Angeles Rams (9-6)
11. Houston Texans (9-6)
12. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6)
13. Denver Broncos (9-6)
14. Cincinnati Bengals (7-8)
15. Atlanta Falcons (8-7)
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7)
17. Miami Dolphins (7-8)
18. Seattle Seahawks (8-7)
19. Arizona Cardinals (7-8)
20. Indianapolis Colts (7-8)
21. Dallas Cowboys (7-8)
22. San Francisco 49ers (6-9)
23. New Orleans Saints (5-10)
24. Carolina Panthers (4-11)
25. Chicago Bears (4-11)
26. Cleveland Browns (3-12)
27. Tennessee Titans (3-12)
28. Las Vegas Raiders (3-12)
29. New England Patriots (3-12)
30. New York Jets (4-11)
31. New York Giants (2-13)
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12)

Week 17 will kick off on Christmas Day with a Chiefs-Steelers matchup followed by a Ravens-Texans showdown.