December 2023 NFL Power Rankings: THIRTY TEAMS Still in Playoff Contention

 As we go into my third of four power rankings for this season, it is mid-December and there are still a whopping THIRTY teams alive for playoff spots. That being said, some teams have next to no chance, but the fact that they haven't been eliminated yet says something about how competitive this season has been and how aside from a small handful of teams, it really feels like anyone can beat anyone any given Sunday. With four weeks to go, here is how I see the teams stacking up!

1. San Francisco 49ers (10-3)
Previously: #5 ↑

It has been quite the rollercoaster ride for these 49ers in the first 14 weeks of the regular season, but they somehow find themselves right back on top as they were after four weeks. The Niners started the season out amongst the league's longest unbeaten's and were the overwhelming top team in the league, but a three-game losing streak right near the mid-season seemed to cloud things and people wondered if a Brock Purdy led team could really be a contender. Since that losing streak, the Niners have NOT lost. They have now beaten pretty much every team that some might call competition to them in terms of the top spot in the league. At 10-3 and currently #1 in the NFC, the Niners can clinch the bye if they win out. The one team that really feels like that could stand in their way, the Baltimore Ravens who they see in a couple weeks for what could be a Super Bowl preview...

2. Baltimore Ravens (10-3) 
Previously: #2

Just like our last rankings, the Ravens check in at #2. While the Niners feel like the easy top dog in the NFC, the Ravens feel like that team of the AFC right now. They currently hold the no. 1 seed and play a dominant brand of football. The defense has been elite all year, and the offense is really even getting better with the emergence rookies Zay Flowers (WR) and Keaton Mitchell (RB), and a resurgence from veteran wideout Odell Beckham. This well-rounded team is built to win in January, and they could really go all the way this year. All eyes will be on that test against the 49ers on Christmas night. 

3. Dallas Cowboys (10-3)
Previously: #6 ↑

While Dallas has enjoyed plenty of 10+ win seasons of late, this season feels a little different. These Cowboys have been much more dominant than in past years and they are finally starting to win some of these games that they would've fallen short in during past seasons. It started with a shootout victory over Seattle on primetime and then a dismantling of their rival Eagles this past Sunday night. The Eagles have absolutely owned Dallas of late, so them winning this game really felt significant. Like the lifting of a curse. The reason for this dominant Dallas team? Dak Prescott. A boarder-line top 15 QB going IN to the season, he is currently the league's MVP favorite. He has simply been on a tear down the stretch and really looks like he could be one of the more unlikely MVP winners we've seen. With Prescott's connection to pass catchers CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson heating up, this defense has as well, making this well-rounded team a real threat to win the NFC finally after years of unjustified hype. 

4. Philadelphia Eagles (10-3)
Previously: #1 ↓

It has been a nightmare two weeks for the Eagles. After winning yet another close OT game a few weeks ago, against Buffalo, things have fallen apart for Philly. Their offense and defense are both not playing well, and Philly has gone from almost running away with the NFC's top seed, to less likely to even win their own division. Now, if Philly wins out (which is certainly possible) they'd win the division over Dallas still, but with how they are playing right now, I'm not so sure. Jalen Hurts and AJ Brown who were both legit MVP candidates a few weeks ago have crashed back down to earth and look almost unmotivated. The Eagles lost to the Niners and Cowboys in back to back weeks which is crushing, but all is not lost. This star studded roster can get back on track and still host multiple playoff games. They are too talented to just fall off the face of the earth. To get back to their old ways, we will need to see them get back to their elite run game behind that great OL and D'Andre Swift. We also need their secondary to kick it up a couple notches as they've really been an extreme weak-point all year. The addition of former All-Pro LB Shaquille Leonard should help them as well. A loss in Seattle on MNF this week would be the time to really panic.

5. Detroit Lions (9-4)
Previously: #4 ↓

Even after losing two of their last three, I won't drop the Lions too far. Both games were divisional losses which is sometimes understandable, even for the best of teams. At 9-4, the Lions are still in great shape to secure a top 2-3 seed in the conference and easily win their division. All their units have looked average at best in this losing streak, but we all know how good they can be at times. With Dan Campbell coaching this team, I don't see a way they just fall off the earth as well. While this defense hasn't been anything special all year, this offense has. Detroit needs to get back to their ways of feeding star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. He has been mediocre in the past few weeks and this team seems to function its best when their best weapon is balling out. Crazy right? The Lions do have some tough games remaining over the final month, but going even 3-1 would be huge for this team heading back to the post-season (almost surely) for the first time in a couple of years.

6. Miami Dolphins (9-4)
Previously: #11 ↑

While the Dolphins do rise since the last rankings, it is more based on other teams losing than their own success. The Dolphins have won 3 out of their last four, but they have looked shaky at best, and we still don't really know if this team can beat anyone good. All of their wins have come against likely non-playoff teams, and even some of their losses have too. I can't begin to explain their dramatic meltdown on MNF this past week to the Titans. It was simply just embarrassing. I am really not sold on this Miami team, but all they have to do is win their winnable games out of their last four and secure their first division title in years. They are one of the best teams in the league this season at home, and it will be crucial for them to host a game or two in South Florida this post-season if they want to go far. I'd like to see them incorporate Jaylen Waddle and De'Von Achane more as well. Tyreek Hill and Raheem Mostert have been absolutely sensational in their roles, but sprinkling in a bit more of these two young speedsters behind them can't hurt. DC Vic Fangio needs to get his chickens in order as well, as this defense has really been awful of late despite a lot of talent. Pass rush is a major concern for this team after losing Jaelan Phillips to a season ending leg injury.

7. Cleveland Browns (8-5)
Previously: #8 ↑

How about these Browns of late. Sure, they've gone 2-2 since the last rankings, but I am really impressed by what I'm seeing right now in Cleveland. It was sad to see Deshaun Watson lost to yet another season ending injury just when he was getting back into the swing of things, and I ultimately thought the season was lost for Cleveland, but then, an unlikely hero stepped in. Enter 38 year old QB Joe Flacco. The former Super Bowl champ got a call to come Quarterback the Browns off his couch, and he has not looked back since. Flacco has tossed nearly 600 yards and 5 TDs in his first two Browns starts, and HC Kevin Stefanski has named him the starter for the rest of the season. Who knows if this will continue, but Flacco has done more than just manage the game thus far, he has actually elevated this offense. If his play can remain near this level, the Browns are going to not only be a playoff team, but a tough out at that. They have a top 3 defense in the NFL, and so if this offense can continue to produce like it has, they are going to be very good in January. Great story out of Cleveland right now.

8. Kansas City Chiefs (8-5)
Previously: #3 ↓

Things are very different right now in KC than they have been in recent years. The Chiefs are 1-3 in their last four and things do not look to be trending in the right direction. The last minute loss to Buffalo this past weekend seemed to be where things boiled over. Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid mouthed off to the media after a "controversial" off-side penalty cost them late in the game. It was a foul, but Mahomes and co. were not happy with it nonetheless. Either way, the Chiefs need to figure it out, and quick. The Broncos are suddenly just one game behind them in the AFC West. If the Chiefs continue to falter and Broncos continue to surge, we could see one of the biggest division title upsets ever in the next few weeks. Patrick Mahomes has NEVER played a playoff game on the road, and it looks like he will have to play a couple if he wants to return to the Super Bowl this season. Odd times in KC.

9. Buffalo Bills (7-6)
Previously: #15 ↑

The Bills are getting hot at the right time. They are 3-1 since firing OC Ken Dorsey and could even be 4-0 if not for a brutal OT loss to the Eagles where they blew a lead. With the AFC playoff picture so crowded right now, there is not any margin for error, but the Bills have to like their chances right now. Josh Allen has been awesome lately and they have really found a great offensive balance with the emergence of RB James Cook and Latavius Murray giving them quality snaps as well. Stefon Diggs has been underused of late, so reincorporating him will be big, but it has been good to see them win even without him going off. The worry comes from this secondary in my opinion, as they are very banged up and thin back there. It feels like this team has to win shootouts for the most part against good teams. With the Dolphins struggling and the Bills surging, an unlikely division title is still not out of the question, especially with Buffalo up 1-0 in the two game season series against Miami and the second game still to come. 

10. Denver Broncos (7-6)
Previously: #17 ↑

The Broncos have been amongst the league's hottest second half teams so far. After starting the season 1-5, Denver has won 6 of 7 (which could have even been 7 straight if not for a loss in Houston at the buzzer). Now just one game back of the Chiefs, things are getting really interesting in Denver. Russell Wilson has been spectacular of late, and his connection with veteran wideout Courtland Sutton has been awesome. Javonte Williams is getting hot at the right time as well, propelling the run game, and their defense as a whole has seemed to really turn it around lately. Even if they don't wind up catching the Chiefs in the division standings (which they still really could), Denver could be a very dangerous wildcard team if they find their way in to the post-season. All in all, it is wild to see Denver in the top 10 with four games to go given the fact that they were in the bottom 3 at one point this season.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5)
Previously: #12 ↑

2-2 in their last four doesn't sound awful, but it has been pretty much the nightmare scenario for this team. They've lost some very winnable games and could easily be 10-3 right now and atop the AFC standings. Instead, they are in danger of losing the division to the nagging Texans who are right on their heels. Trevor Lawrence is banged up, and it has effected this offense, but their defense has really been struggling despite a strong season from edge rusher Josh Allen. With the Ravens coming to town this weekend, the Jags are in jeopardy of losing yet another game and getting into a very crowded wildcard discussion with the rest of the AFC. I think ultimately the Jags will make the playoffs in some capacity, but it feels like sketchy times right now for a team that was once elite this season.

12. Houston Texans (7-6)
Previously: #9 ↓

Despite being one of the hottest teams around the mid-season mark, the Texans have now gone 2-2 in their last four games and CJ Stroud has taken a small step back. He is still awesome, but he has not looked like the best QB in the NFL like we have surprisingly seen from him at times this year. The loss to the Jets this weekend was a real shocker, and it came at a bad time as the Jags lost and a lot of AFC wildcard contenders won. At 7-6, the Texans are right in the mix, but have not distanced themselves from anyone. Since they split the season series with the Jaguars 1-1, the race for the AFC South is truly anyone's, but Houston really can't afford to lose any more easy ones. This is still a dangerous team, but they are very young, and it has shown at times of late. They were lucky to get that win over Denver a couple weeks ago, or they'd be under .500 and really facing an uphill battle to the post-season.

13. Cincinnati Bengals (7-6)
Previously: #10 ↓

It seemed like a season that was just getting off the ground was officially over when superstar QB Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending injury, but there is new life in Cinncy. Long-time backup Jake Browning has stepped in and stepped UP, leading the Bengals to two impressive victories since taking over, both against playoff contending teams. Browning has thrown for nearly 1,000 yards and accounted for 9 TDs to just 2 picks since taking over. He has looked every bit as poised and patient as Burrow, which is insane. With Browning commanding this offense, and the defense really stepping up of late, the Bengals are true playoff contenders still. At 7-6, they can't afford many or really any missteps in a crowded AFC playoff picture, but they have to like where they are right now with Browning leading the way. 

14. Green Bay Packers (6-7)
Previously: #28 ↑↑

Possibly the biggest risers in the league since our last rankings four weeks ago. The Packers are 3-1 since, and have a really great shot to suddenly storm their way in to the NFC playoffs. Jordan Love has arrived. He has been amazing over this stretch, throwing for about 1,000 yards, 10 TDs, and just 1 INT in these four games. The Packers also beat the Lions and Chiefs in this stretch. With the offense rallying around Love and breakout rookie wideout Jayden Reed, and a strong defense behind them, the Packers could get in, and even beat someone I think. The upset loss to the Giants on MNF was a real shock and disappointment, but the Packers hold tiebreakers over some of the other close teams in the NFC wildcard race, and have the easiest remaining schedule in football. I'd be shocked if they didn't make the playoffs at this point. Crazy how fast things can change in the NFL.

15. Los Angeles Rams (6-7)
Previously: #25 ↑↑

Another huge riser in the rankings, and the NFC wildcard race. The Rams are 3-1 over their last four, and came as close as you can to pulling off a major upset against the vaunted Ravens this weekend. This team is legit again. With Matthew Stafford healthy again, he has looked as good as ever. He has utilized Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua to their full potentials and has also enjoyed riding the breakout wave of RB Kyren Williams. While their defense is not stacked with stars, it has been serviceable for the most part. The Rams still need some help to get into the playoffs, but if they keep playing this way, and the Vikings keep playing how they are playing, a return to the playoffs two years from their Super Bowl win is very much in the cards for Sean McVay's team. Sweeping Seattle was HUGE for this team.

16. Seattle Seahawks (6-7)
Previously: #7 ↓↓

What a trainwreck the last month has been in Seattle. The 'Hawks have lost four in a row (for the first time ever under Pete Carroll) and look more likely to miss the playoffs than make them despite starting the season 5-2. Everything has come undone here. Geno Smith has been banged up and inconsistent. The run game has been non-existent. The O-line play has been bad. And their defense cannot stop a nosebleed. Pete Carroll even uncharacteristically name-dropped struggling players on his defense, including former Pro Bowlers Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs. Whether this team finds a way into the playoffs or not, change appears to be coming this off-season in Seattle. A loss to the Eagles on MNF would all but seal their fate while an upset win would keep them very much alive.

17. Indianapolis Colts (7-6)
Previously: #20 ↑

2-2 over their past four games has actually been impressive for Indy, given how banged up they are and the fact that this was supposed to be a rebuild year. Gardner Minshew has looked pretty good in relief of Anthony Richardson. There was some real optimism mounting for Shane Steichen's crew to make a playoff push, but it feels very unlikely now after a loss to the Bengals this past weekend. At 7-6, they are right in it, but they have a lot less talent on their team than many of the other squads in the race. I commend this whole team for sticking with it all season, but it might be too little too late. A 4-0 finish would give them a real shot, but that feels unlikely with some tough games on tap.

18. Minnesota Vikings (7-6)
Previously: #13 ↓

Currently 7-6, the Vikings are comfortably in the 6th spot in the NFC playoffs, but that feels like it won't last for long. Minnesota got their 7th win by way of a 3-0 victory over the struggling Raiders this past weekend, and once resurgent QB Josh Dobbs has been benched for the bum Nick Mullens. With their remaining four games coming against playoff caliber teams, I don't think this crew will be able to get it done with Mullens at QB, a poor defense, and an injured Justin Jefferson. It was fun at times, but I do think this is the end of the road for the Vikings this season.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7)
Previously: #21 ↑

Your current no. 4 seed in the NFC playoff picture: the 6-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers! The NFC South has been as much of a crapshoot as we all could have predicted, but I'm not sure if anyone would have had Tampa Bay as the leader of it going into week 15. With three teams at 6-7 right now, it is really anyone's division to win. Tampa has looked the best of the three teams in my opinion and is currently at the top, so I have them the highest ranked right now, but that will likely change down the stretch. This offense has been great lately with Baker Mayfield still looking good, Mike Evans having an awesome year, and the breakout of RB Rachaad White. The defense is very suspect, but still might be enough to win the division. With another game remaining against New Orleans, it could go anyone's way here, and I bet it comes down to week 18 for the right to HOST a playoff game on wildcard weekend.

20. Atlanta Falcons (6-7)
Previously: #24 ↑

With Desmond Ridder playing better of late, the Falcons still remain in real contention for the NFC South title. This offense has so many playmakers but HC Arthur Smith really just doesn't know how to use them. Their defense is above average too. It is just hard to figure this team out. With another game against the Saints remaining in week 18, it likely will come down to that.

21. New Orleans Saints (6-7)
Previously: #15 ↓

I've always thought the Saints were the best team in the awful NFC South, but finding themselves at 6-7 after being 5-5 a few weeks ago really changes my mind. Derek Carr has been awful for them this year, which is a sad development for a lot of hopeful Saint fans across the country. I still like this defense a lot, but they have not looked good of late either. Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and Taysom Hill have really been the only bright spots on this team of late. You know its bad when home fans are booing the team's starting QB off the field. The Saints still do really control their own destiny in this sad division race with games remaining against both the Bucs and Falcons, and maybe they can finally figure their bs out, but for now I really don't love the football they've been playing of late. It will be an interesting off-season in New Orleans.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)
Previously: #14 ↓↓

At this point it should come as a surprise to no one that I have the Steelers this low. Sure, it was a good thing that they finally fired awful OC Matt Canada a few weeks ago, but this may be the worst 7-6 team of all time. As bad as Kenny Pickett was playing, it was hard to see anyone being able to do worse, until Pickett went down and Mitch Trubisky stepped in. Trubisky has been downright awful as this offense is back to square one. Two straight losses to some of the worst teams in football have dropped the Steelers' playoff hopes drastically. Now right in the mix with everyone else, these somehow 7-6 Steelers don't seem to be trending in the right direction to run the table over the next four.

23. Las Vegas Raiders (6-8)
Previously: #19 ↓

The last couple weeks have been an absolute ROLLERCOASTER for the now Antonio Pierce/Aidan O'Connell led Raiders. They went 1-3 since our last ranks, including a 0-3 embarrassment of a loss last week to the Vikings, but then four days later dropped SIXTY THREE on the reeling LA Chargers this Thursday Night. While it feels a little too late for this team to make a playoff push, if they can somehow continue to replicate that success and win their final 3 games too, they *might* have a fighting chance to get in. I doubt it though.

24. Chicago Bears (5-8)
Previously: #29 ↑

The last couple weeks have finally brought some excitement to Chicago Bears fans. The Bears are on a two game win streak including a win over the high-flying Lions this past week, and have some real stuff to feel positive about. The defense is coming to life with the addition of edge rusher Montez Sweat who they traded for at the deadline and Justin Fields is playing some of the best football of his young career. I'd like to mention that if not for a late game collapse, the Bears would be 2-0 against the Lions this year and if they were sitting at 6-7 instead of 5-8 due to that loss, there would be some real hype for them to get into the playoffs. It is not over yet, but the Bears would need to finish 4-0 and get some help for an unlikely berth in the post-season. Regardless, the future seems brighter than ever in Chicago, including the fact that they own the Panthers' 1st round pick that looks to be all but a lock for no. 1 overall in the upcoming draft.

25. Tennessee Titans (5-8)
Previously: #26 ↑

Moving up one slot since last time, the Titans have gone 2-2 in their last four including a shocking come from behind upset win over Miami this past Monday night. The grit they showed after a really poor first three quarters to come back and win was impressive. It really feels like they have their franchise QB in Will Levis, and will now need to surround him with young talent for the future. Just like a lot of these teams in this 'tier', the playoffs are very unlikely for Tennessee, but not completely out of the question. If we see that same fight from them like we saw at the end of the Miami game, this team could go down swinging til the end.

26. New York Jets (5-8)
Previously: #22 ↓

It has been quite ugly lately, and frankly all season for the Jets, but they are coming off of a big upset win over the red hot Texans this past weekend. I'm not sure if it will last, but the Jets finally found an offense this week, turning back to embattled QB Zach Wilson who may have had the best game of his career. There is really optimism that Aaron Rodgers is close to a return, but given the very slim chances of the playoffs this team has, I doubt we see him again til next season like we initially expected. With this elite defense, and an offense that seems to have the weapons but currently not the QB, 2024 could be exciting for the Jets.

27. New York Giants (5-8)
Previously: #31 ↑

It hasn't been GOOD for the Giants this year, but they are currently riding a three game win streak right now against all odds. Rookie QB Tommy DeVito has really stepped it up of late for the Giants, showing off some actual dual threat ability, and the G-Men have been better for it since. While two of those three wins were against lowly competition, the Giants did pull off a quality win against the Packers this past Monday night where DeVito was awesome, throwing the ball to Wan'Dale Robinson early and often in what resulted in a game-winning field goal at the end. It is probably too little too late for the Giants, but there is a sliver of post-season hope if they somehow go 4-0 and get some help over this final month.

28. Washington Commanders (4-9)
Previously: #23 ↓

After an 0-3 stretch since the last rankings, the Commanders take a big tumble towards the very bottom of my rankings. I like the potential of this team going into 2024, but 2023 is just clearly a lost cause. The seem to have their franchise QB in Sam Howell, which is good, but basically no other part of this team around him is anything to write home about. With hopefully a new coaching staff and some nice potential off-season additions, the Commanders could begin to contend in 2024.

29. Arizona Cardinals (3-10)
Previously: #27 ↓

Arizona has looked better and won two games since Kyler Murray returned as their QB, but this roster is not built to win right now. There is simply just not enough talent. With multiple first round picks in this upcoming draft and potential cap space, this team could be resurgent in 2024. After all, it seems they do have a QB who is at the very least, above average, which seems like more of rarity in today's NFL.

30. New England Patriots (3-10)
Previously: #30

The Patriots stay put right at 30, still a clear bottom 3 team in the NFL right now. Wins in any capacity are huge for these complete bottom feeders, but the Patriots' one win since the last ranks was not a quality one in my opinion. The Steelers are probably a bottom 5 team that just happens to have a good record. They would have beat the Patriots if it wasn't the case. Anyways, New England has a lot of change coming its way this off-season more likely than not. Bailey Zappe and Mac Jones have rotated around the starting QB role and rumors are truly beginning to swirl about longtime legendary HC Bill Belichick and his immediate future with the team. 

31. Los Angeles Chargers (5-9)
Previously: #18 ↓↓

The Chargers were already having a pretty poor season, and now they are without Justin Herbert. The QB suffered a finger injury a week ago that will keep him out the rest of the season. It may seem to have a 5 win team all the way down at 31, but they are certainly a worse team than all the 3 and 4 win teams above them right now. Easton Stick is just awful, HC Brandon Staley may be worse, and the team just lost 63-21 to a Raider team fresh off a shutdown 3-0 loss four days prior. It won't get better til this team makes some real moves in the off-season, easily starting with firing Staley. Brutal times for the Bolts right now.

32. Carolina Panthers (1-12)
Previously: #32

Carolina remains at the bottom, the spot they have occupied for pretty much of all 2023. With still just ONE win on the season, the Panthers are two wins back from even the Patriots and Cardinals right now. Frank Reich was fired, already, which was actually a good thing for this team, but it has been no better without him. I know he's a rookie, but man has Bryce Young looked awful. Like worse than usual rookie struggles. To be fair, he has no O-line or receiving core to work with, but man, he's been bad. Not even owning their first rounder, it will be an uphill battle this off-season for this team to improve vastly, but a new HC and a couple smart adds here and there will go a long way for this team which looks like one of the worst in NFL HISTORY.

There are my power rankings with one quarter to go. My final power rankings will come following the last week of the regular season as we head into the playoffs. It will be very interesting to see which teams actually make it in with these insanely crowded wildcard pictures, and which current 10-3 team or right below can finish out as the 1 and 2 seeds in each respective conference.