We have reached the last NFL Power Rankings of the 2023 season. In this edition, we once again focus on Joe Flacco and the Cleveland Browns, and the Philadelphia Eagles for different reasons.
Everything is going right for the Browns right now. They have won four in a row and have clinched the top wildcard spot in the AFC. As they get set for the playoffs, do not expect to see many starters suit up against the Cincinnati Bengals this week.
The Eagles, however, have been trending in the wrong direction since Thanksgiving. As a result, the Dallas Cowboys are in the driver’s seat to win the division, and they will need to finish the season strong against the New York Giants this week.
How does the opposite trajectory of both of these teams impact their standings in this week’s power rankings? Here are your Week 18 edition of NFL Power Rankings.
32
Carolina Panthers (2-14)
At least their owner is a nice guy, right? Right?
31
Washington Commanders (4-12)
The Commanders have landed themselves in Drake Maye territory.
30
New England Patriots (4-12)
They played the Bills valiantly, but the Patriots could not find a win.
29
New York Giants (5-11)
The Eagles better shape up or Tyrod Taylor and the Giants could catch them slipping.
28
Tennessee Titans (5-11)
Does Mike Vrabel want to head back to the college level and take over the Ohio State program?
27
Los Angeles Chargers (5-11)
Giff Smith is a real person.
26
New York Jets (6-10)
Their calling card was their defense this season until they met Joe Flacco and the Browns, who clinched a playoff spot against them.
25
Arizona Cardinals (4-12)
The Eagles lost to who?
24
Atlanta Falcons (7-9)
What would their record be if they played in any other division?
23
Minnesota Vikings (7-9)
They had a fun run, but are now closer to a top-10 pick than the playoffs.
22
Chicago Bears (7-9)
It was too little too late for Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears. However, winning four of their last five with the chance to spoil the postseason hopes of the Packers is not a bad way to end the season.
21
Denver Broncos (8-8)
They’ll always have that midseason win streak!
20
Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
No Joe Burrow, no playoffs.
19
Las Vegas Raiders (7-9)
Antonio Pierce has those boys playing hard.
18
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8)
Does anyone want to win this division?
17
New Orleans Saints (8-8)
Even after beating the Buccaneers, the fate of their NFC South hopes lie in the hands of the 2-14 Panthers.
16
Green Bay Packers (8-8)
With the chance to make the playoffs on the line, can the inconsistent Packers get it done against the Bears?
15
Seattle Seahawks (8-8)
The Seahawks just gave up another huge run as I typed this out.
14
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
Still a longshot to get in, the Steelers kept their playoff hopes alive.
13
Indianapolis Colts (9-7)
Shane Steichen has this team in a position to potentially win their division this week or miss the playoffs outright.
12
Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
The Eagles are a putrid football team right now.
11
Houston Texans (9-7)
With C.J. Stroud back on the field, the Texans need to close out their season with a win over the Colts to seal their postseason fate.
10
Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7)
Finishing off their season against the Tennessee Titans, the Jaguars will need a win to win the AFC South after once holding a firm lead over the Texans and Colts.
9
Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)
Benefitting from playing in a bad division, the Chiefs are heading back to the playoffs. But they are limping to the finish line.
8
Miami Dolphins (11-5)
The lack of quality wins has caught up to them as they have a chance to lose out on their division this weekend and potentially fall four slots in the AFC postseason seeding.
7
Los Angeles Rams (9-7)
The Rams could beat anyone on their schedule right now. Don’t sleep on them.
6
Buffalo Bills (10-6)
One of the hottest teams in football right now, the Bills have pulled themselves out of their own grave and now have a shot to win the division against the Dolphins this weekend.
5
Detroit Lions (11-5)
They better be ready for the return of Matthew Stafford and the Rams in round one of the playoffs.
4
Cleveland Browns (11-5)
Joe Flacco fever continues as the Browns can sit back and relax this weekend without the risk of playing any of their starters.
3
Dallas Cowboys (11-5)
The Cowboys are good, but Mike McCarthy’s play-calling is leaving a lot to be desired.
2
San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
There are cracks in the armor.
1
Baltimore Ravens (13-3)
Lamar Jackson is going to win another MVP and the Ravens are steamrolling everybody right now.
