The Lions move back into the top spot after their decisive win over the Vikings, plus one lesson learned for every NFL team.

The Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and Baltimore Ravens should all be considered the favorites. They all have a flaw but they also all have good rosters from top to bottom who can get it done on any given weekend.

Are the Chiefs on top as they chase a three-peat? Or could the Bills or Lions knock them off? Here are the NFL power rankings heading into the playoffs.

The gauntlet that is the NFL regular season is over, and the seven teams in each conference that managed to separate themselves over that 17-game marathon are the only ones who remain standing.

Following their 38-0 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18, the Denver Broncos are now ranked 14th in Nate Davis’ NFL playoffs power rankings for USA TODAY Sports. With 14 teams making the postseason, Davis has Denver ranked as the worst team in the playoffs.

Needing a win and a loss from Tampa Bay to secure the NFC South title, the Atlanta Falcons dropped their Week 18 matchup with the Carolina Panthers, ending their season. While the Bucs did win and eliminated the Falcons anyway, an overtime loss ended an up-and-down year for Atlanta.

The Houston Texans aren’t viewed as a favorite to win the Super Bowl, but they’re not the worst entering wild-card weekend.

Bryce Young aced his 2024 exit exam, racking up five total touchdowns in Week 18. But it came against the Atlanta Falcons' non-existent pass rush, one week after Tampa Bay's pressure locked him in a cage in a blowout loss. Still, Dave Canales is having the desired effect as head coach, and there's room for optimism in Charlotte. -- CD

The Denver Broncos now embark on their first postseason trip since 2015. Where are they ranked in NFL power rankings?