The weather has turned cold. The airwaves are full of commercials trying to convince you that people buy one another new cars for Christmas. The holiday season is in full swing. And that means that the stretch run for the NFL playoffs has as well.

There were no shortage of games in Week 14 that had a major impact on the postseason races. The week kicked off with the Detroit Lions notching a franchise-record 11th straight win with a victory over the Green Bay Packers. The Minnesota Vikings stayed red-hot with a win over the reeling Atlanta Falcons. The Buffalo Bills were stunned in Los Angeles by the Rams in the highest-scoring game of the 2024 campaign. And as they have just about all season long, the Chiefs squeaked out another close one, doinking their way past the Los Angeles Chargers.

The playoff picture may be coming into focus, but in the ever-changing NFL that picture can change on a dime. And just as they do every week, Bleacher Report NFL analysts Gary Davenport, Kristopher Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski have gathered to help make sense of it all by ranking the league's teams from worst to first.

The aforementioned Lions maintained their hold on the top spot, but there was a shakeup in the top-five, and a new No. 32 team whose own fans have taken to calling them a "dumpster fire."

With visual aids and everything.

32. New York Giants (2-11)

Last Week: 31

Week 14 Result: Lost vs. New Orleans 14-11

"Fix This Dumpster Fire."

That's what the banner being towed by a plane over MetLife Stadium Sunday read—and after yet another atrocious performance offensively, it's an apt descriptor for the 2024 Giants.

The Giants have eight wins over their last 30 games. When reporters asked why the team should retain him as head coach, Brian Daboll didn't really have an answer.

"Look, we've won two games. I'm not happy either," Daboll said. "I'm disappointed we have two wins," Daboll said. "We're just gonna keep on grinding out and keep developing these young players and get ready to play a great team next week."

However, for all the team's issues, quarterback Drew Lock told reporters that the team still believes in its head coach.

"That locker room is tight – it's one of the closest locker rooms I've ever been in," Lock said. "Zero finger pointing. It's nice to be in that and I think guys have handled this the best they could and we're going to continue to handle it and try to get a win here in these last couple of games."

Analyst's Take

The Giants are one of two 2-11 teams in the league, and they're not entertaining to watch, regardless of who's under center. With three different signal-callers in its last four games, Big Blue averaged 13.8 points in that stretch. The Giants badly need a franchise quarterback and an offensive line to protect him. -- Moton

31. Tennessee Titans (3-10)

Last Week: 29

Week 14 Result: Lost vs. Jacksonville 10-6

While speaking to reporters after what may well have been the single ugliest loss of the entire 2204 season, Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan may have sprained his cerebrum trying to rationalize the pathetic effort he just witnessed.

"Lot of positive things, disappointed in the outcome," said Callahan. "Our defense played their tails off today. I thought we recovered well on special teams. They were challenged not to let them start outside the 30, we never let them do that. We played great run defense for most of the game, and at the end of the day we needed to score in the red zone. We were 0-for-two down there and that's the difference in a tight ballgame in a divisional game and that's—you got to score touchdowns down there and we didn't. So, we're 0-for-two and that's the difference in the ballgame. Again, I thought there was a lot of positive things. We put ourselves in position and didn't execute when we had to have it the most, which is down there tight. Again, I'm disappointed in the outcome, certainly. But at the end of the day, we didn't do enough to win again."

Please. Point out the positives in scoring just six points against arguably the NFL's worst defense, the positives in quarterback Will Levis's another dismal performance, and the positives in getting beat at home by the league's worst team.

It's one week closer to the season being over? Draft slot?

Seriously. Point them out.

Analyst's Take

Will Levis isn't the solution in Tennessee. If the previous statement wasn't already obvious going into this weekend's action, it became blatantly clear against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Levis outright missed a couple of touchdown passes in a game that ended with a 10-6 score. He's far too erratic, with major questions about decision-making. General manager Ran Carthon may have traded up to acquire Levis at the top of the second round in the 2023 draft, but he must know the Titans don't have their starting quarterback for 2025 and beyond. -- Sobleski

30. Las Vegas Raiders (2-11)

Last Week: 30

Week 14 Result: Lost at Tampa Bay 28-13

Things just keep getting better and better for the Las Vegas Raiders.

After falling in Tampa Bay Sunday, the Raiders have now lost nine straight games. The team will also likely be starting Desmond Ridder, the rest of the way at quarterback after Aiden O'Connell was injured on a hit from Buccaneers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey.

The injury-ravaged Raiders take on another reeling team in Week 15 in the Atlanta Falcons, and Ridder told reporters he'll be extra motivated to take down the team who drafted him and then cut him loose.

"Obviously, the team and the game that we're going to play next week is going to be big, and it's obviously a huge stage, but this team's excited," Ridder said. "This team's ready to just get a win, ready to put four quarters together, 60 minutes together, to be able to go out there and, at the end of the day, put up more points than the other team. How we do that, we've got to figure that out."

Scoring more points than the other team. Now there's a novel concept. If only the Raiders had considered that strategy sooner.

Analyst's Take

The Raiders will likely finish the season with a third-string quarterback, Desmond Ridder, who wasn't on the roster at the beginning of the season. They had a nightmare of a campaign with star wide receiver Davante Adams requesting a trade, firing assistant coaches and concerning meetings. This team is headed for a two- or three-win season and a top-three pick in the 2025 draft. -- Moton

29. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-10)

Last Week: 32

Week 14 Result: Won at Tennessee 10-6

The Jacksonville Jaguars did their level best to lose to the Tennessee Titans in Week 14. With backup quarterback Mac Jones under center, the Jaguars failed to gain 300 yards of offense. The team lost the turnover battle and committed more penalties than their opponent.

But the Titans just wanted the loss more—and in the ugliest NFL game of 2024, one touchdown was enough to earn the Jaguars win No. 3 for the season.

Embattled head coach Doug Pederson said he'll take the win any way he can get it.

"It's sort of a relief, right?" Pederson told reporters. "You know, it's the excitement. It's the joy of the work that you put in. And you're finally rewarded."

Of course, all the win really did was cost the Jaguars draft slots. So even in victory, Jacksonville kind of lost.

Analyst's Take

Everyone on the Jaguars roster and coaching staff is doing their best to win games, and they accomplished that goal for the third time this season when facing the rival Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Unfortunately, a victory doesn't help the franchise. In fact, the outcome actively hurts the team, which went from owning the No. 1 overall pick to the five-hole and out of the pole position to leverage that selection for a significant return. The Jaguars need something positive to come out this season. A pick landing somewhere between fifth and 10th overall doesn't necessarily provide that silver lining. -- Sobleski

28. New England Patriots (3-10)

Last Week: 27

Week 14 Result: Bye Week

It has admittedly been another long season in New England, and there hasn't been a ton to cheer for. However, rookie quarterback Drake Maye's play has at least offered some optimism for the future.

However, per Mike Reiss of ESPN, Rodney Harrison of NBC Sports (a longtime star for the Pats) said that while Maye has shown promise, that won't really matter if New England doesn't get better around the young signal-caller.

"The main thing I see is they don't have enough talent around him," Harrison said. "They have to work on building that offensive line, and you have to get a No. 1 receiver. The tight-end situation is solid. I would bring in another running back. And quite frankly, I would look at some of the contracts on the defensive side of the ball and say, 'Hey, do we need this guy making 'X' amount of dollars or do we need to reallocate those resources to the offensive line?'"

Analyst's Take

Harrison's assessment couldn't be more spot on. Maye has exceeded expectations as a rookie, and the Pats have at least a decent running back in Rhamondre Stevenson. But the pass-catching talent in New England is quite possibly the weakest in the NFL, and the offensive line in Beantown is a liability. The Patriots should either spend their first pick on one of next year's top receivers or offensive linemen or consider a trade back with a QB-needy team and stockpile even more draft capital. -- Davenport

27. Cleveland Browns (3-10)

Last Week: 26

Week 14 Result: Lost at Pittsburgh 27-14

The Cleveland Browns' loss in their 10th game and elimination from the postseason in Week 14 is hardly surprising—the Browns have been a bad team most of the season. That the team turned the ball over three times, committed nine penalties, and squandered multiple scoring opportunities was even less surprising—the team has been its own worst enemy all year long.

After nine interceptions in five games by Jameis Winston, some pundits are already calling for Dorian Thompson-Robinson to start the rest of the season.

"Winston is an old Porsche with no brakes and one functioning airbag," Jason Lloyd of the Athletic wrote. It's going to be a fun ride, but at some point, there will be a crash and it's probably going to hurt. (Kevin) Stefanski said he did not consider going to DTR when the game was out of hand in the fourth quarter. The Browns have been high on him since they drafted him. Why not use the last month to take a look and see what's there?"

Of course, we've seen Thompson-Robinson play, too. He has completed under 52 percent of his passes with one touchdown and six picks.

He's Winston—without any arm talent.

Analyst's Take

The Browns were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 14, but it's felt like their season has been over since early October. I'll give Kevin Stefanski credit for continuing to generate strong efforts amid a lost season, but keeping the locker room together in 2025 may also be challenging.

Cleveland's roster has several holes that will be difficult to fill in the offseason, as the franchise faces a significant salary-cap deficit. Expect the Browns to spend the final month auditioning several younger (or simply cheaper) players for the future. -- Knox

26. New York Jets (3-10)

Last Week: 28

Week 14 Result: Lost at Miami 32-26 (OT)

The New York Jets have been put out of our misery.

The Jets were eliminated from postseason consideration after falling to the Miami Dolphins in overtime Sunday. Sunday's loss was the season in a nutshell—the offense finally had some success moving the ball, so of course, the defense fell apart.

Sunday marked the third straight week that Gang Green entered the fourth quarter with a lead only to squander it. And yet another blown lead left young wide receiver Garrett Wilson visibly frustrated.

"At the end of the day, we've got to stop being losers, period," Wilson told reporters. "When you're up in the fourth quarter, all of a sudden it starts to feel like you have a losing problem. It's like you have a gene or some [expletive]. It's not like we're just going out there and getting our butt beat from start to finish. No, no, no. We have a chance to go win the game. We're supposed to win the game. The odds are in our favor and we're finding a way to lose the game. It's just frustrating, for sure."

Analyst's Take

The Jets are headed for an offseason rebuild but haven't given up on the 2024 campaign. Gang Green nearly pulled off upsets on the Seahawks and Dolphins over the last two weeks, but the club's undisciplined play contributed to its downfall in both contests. The Dolphins eliminated the Jets from playoff contention. Gang Green will be a scary spoiler team for the rest of the term. -- Moton

25. Carolina Panthers (3-10)

Last Week: 24

Week 14 Result: Lost at Philadelphia 22-16

For a brief moment, it appeared that the Carolina Panthers would stun the two-loss Eagles in Philadelphia. With time running out, quarterback Bryce Young lobbed a pass toward the end zone and into the hands of rookie receiver Xavier Legette. But bad things happen to bad teams, and Legette couldn't hold on.

It's a play that Panthers head coach Dave Canales lamented while addressing the media after the game.

"That's a big play we're counting on. He'd be the first one to tell you he's got to make that play," Canales said. "Bryce steps up, makes a beautiful throw in the situation. We had the coverage we wanted, all that. Those are the plays that we've just got to find a way to make for us to get back on the winning column."

However, for the second time in the past few weeks, Young and the Panthers gave a Super Bowl contender all they could handle—this time on the road.

Carolina isn't a good team yet. But they are getting better.

Analyst's Take

Carolina may have lost three in a row, but the team is improving as the season progresses. The Panthers aren't the same lost squad that started the campaign with a 1-6 record. Once quarterback Bryce Young was reinserted into the lineup, he's been much more comfortable with Carolina competing against some of the league's better teams. However, Young's growing confidence is huge for the entire organization because it no longer has to consider the possibility of investing in yet another quarterback. Now, the Panthers can add pieces around the 2023 No. 1 overall pick and continue to build a strong foundation. -- Sobleski

24. Chicago Bears (4-9)

Last Week: 23

Week 14 Result: Lost at San Francisco 38-13

The Chicago Bears rolled out a new head coach Sunday in Thomas Brown.

They also got the same old result.

If anything, the Bears took a step backward in Week 14. The Bears had lost six straight entering Week 14, but the previous three losses had been by a combined seven points—including a three-point nailbiter in Detroit on Thanksgiving.

But in San Francisco, the 49ers were dominated from start to finish. Chicago had just 162 yards of offense and was outgained by 290 yards. After the demolition, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was brutally honest about what happened at Levi's Stadium while speaking to reporters.

"We got our a** kicked today. There's no way around it," said Williams. "I think at one point they had 240-something (yards) and we had four total yards. Regardless of how we feel, regardless of all of that, we got it handed to us."

He wasn't wrong.

Analyst's Take

The San Francisco 49ers manhandled the Bears during Sunday's action. Apparently, the offensive coordinator and head coach weren't the only problems in Chicago. However, the Bears did have one glimmer of hope during the blowout loss. Rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze doubled his season touchdown reception total, with a pair of scores. This season has always been about the development of this year's No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Caleb Williams. Anything that shows progression between Williams and Odunze is a positive, even in a bad outing. -- Sobleski

23. New Orleans Saints (5-8)

Last Week: 25

Week 14 Result: Won at New York Giants 14-11

At 5-8, the Saints have the slimmest of postseason hopes, even after downing the putrid Giants Sunday. Those hopes were likely dashed in Week 14 when quarterback Derek Carr suffered a fractured hand that will likely sideline him for the rest of the season.

But while addressing reporters after the game, Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi said that his team is going to keep fighting until the season comes to an end.

"We're down here at the end of the year. It's the middle of December already," Rizzi said. "When you're playing games that still matter and still count and still have a chance to affect the final outcome, that's a big deal. So here we are with four to go and as I just said to the guys, that's why we practice with a purpose. We go through the week with a purpose because we're still playing. We're still in contention. Trying not to be a big-picture guy, but it's always nice to have that out there so you can focus on the now and not worry about that there's still that opportunity for us."

It's an admirable mentality, but frankly, all the Saints are really doing right now is costing themselves a draft position. This is a bad team playing out the string—whether they realize it or not.

Analyst's Take

The Saints' offense may be down to Alvin Kamara and second- and third-stringers by the end of the season. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi told reporters that quarterback Derek Carr injured his left hand and may go into concussion protocol. Credit to Rizzi, though, he squeezes every ounce of talent and effort out of his injury-riddled roster. The Saints are 3-1 on his watch. -- Moton

22. Dallas Cowboys (5-8)

Last Week: 22

Week 14 Result: Lost vs. Cincinnati 27-20

Monday night's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals sums up the 2024 Dallas Cowboys better than any writer could.

The Cowboys entered the game winners of two straight. Get a win, and the Cowboys would be one game under .500 and two out of the last playoff spot. And with the game tied in the fourth quarter, Dallas blocked a punt that appeared set to give the Cowboys plus field position.

But as the ball bounded down the field, a Dallas player touched it. Live ball. Cincinnati recovered, retained possession and Joe Burrow found Ja'Marr Chase for a long touchdown that sealed the deal—and any shot Dallas realistically had at a playoff spot.

But wait—it gets worse.

Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, whose play had been a bright spot in a dark season for the Cowboys, left the field in the second half with a knee injury and was quickly ruled out. The full extent of the injury wasn't immediately known, but it didn't look good.

Injuries. Miscues. Six losses at AT&T Stadium.

2024 is a nightmare the Cowboys just can't wake up from.

Analyst's Take

Now that Cooper Rush has settled in at quarterback, the Cowboys have reemerged as a competitive team. They've found a capable running back in Rico Dowdle, still have CeeDee Lamb out wide and have a handful of legitimate playmakers on defense. The playoffs are still an extreme long shot for Dallas, but this is no longer a team that can simply be overlooked.

The big unknown, for Cowboys fans, anyway, is whether Dallas can play well enough over the final month to ensure the return of head coach Mike McCarthy. -- Knox

21. Cincinnati Bengals (5-8)

Last Week: 22

Week 14 Result: Won at Dallas 27-20

At 4-8 entering Week 14, the Cincinnati Bengals faced long odds of making the playoffs this year. Gutting out a road win over a mediocre Dallas team doesn't move the needle that much.

But as Burrow told reporters ahead of the game, it still matters that the Bengals go out there and give it everything they have every week.

"The playoffs are probably out of reach," Burrow said. "But these reps are very valuable to prove you can be counted on going forward. We'll learn a lot about who we have in the locker room, the guys we can count on going forward and guys that we can't."

Burrow already knew he could count on wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. And thanks to 369 passing yards and three scores from Burrow and a ridiculous 14/177/2 stat line from Chase, Cincy isn't completely out of it yet.

Analyst's Take

The Bengals seem to find themselves in a giant-sized issue of What If. Burrow really might be playing the best football of his career, and the emergence of running back Chase Brown has given Cincinnati one of the most exciting offenses in the NFL. If the Bengals had anything even remotely resembling a playoff-caliber defense, we'd probably view them as title contenders.

The Bengals were fortunate to steal a victory from the five-win Cowboys on Monday. Despite all of the team's talent, that's the state of the Bengals in 2024. -- Knox

20. Atlanta Falcons (6-7)

Last Week: 18

Week 14 Result: Lost at Minnesota 42-21

The Atlanta Falcons are unraveling before our eyes.

Not that long ago, the Falcons were 6-3 and in total control of the NFC South. Now, after getting roasted by the Minnesota Vikings, the Falcons have lost four straight, fallen from first place and are under .500.

The biggest reason why? Quarterback Kirk Cousins has been awful.

Cousins threw a pair of interceptions Sunday at US Bank Stadium. Over the past month, the 36-year-old has thrown eight picks—and zero touchdown passes.

While addressing the media after the game, Cousins insisted that things aren't as bad as they look.

"When you're playing well you usually aren't as good as people are telling you when they're patting you on the back, and if you're in a rut you're usually not as bad as people kind of leaving you for dead," Cousins said. "The reality's usually somewhere in the middle. You just have to keep playing and see where the dust settles in January."

The calls for rookie Michael Penix Jr. to start over Cousins will be deafening this week.

Analyst's Take

If the Buccaneers slip in the final month, the Falcons could still make the postseason. However, I don't view this team as a serious playoff threat, even in a home playoff game.

Atlanta has finally found a pass rush, but its defense simply isn't good overall. Kirk Cousins is beginning to make mistakes in bunches, and the Falcons don't have a strong enough supporting cast to carry him. A lot can change between now and January, but I'll be stunned if we see Atlanta in the divisional round. -- Knox

19. Indianapolis Colts (6-7)

Last Week: 20

Week 14 Result: Bye Week

The Indianapolis Colts aren't out of the playoff chase just yet. But the odds are stacked against them. Frankly, the more important thing for the Colts over the season's last month is the continued development of second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson, who has played better of late after being benched earlier in the season.

While addressing the media, Colts general manager Chris Ballad said that in hindsight, the team wishes it hadn't rushed Richardson onto the field as a rookie.

"Looking back on it, I wish we hadn't played him as a rookie," Ballard said. "John Dorsey (a longtime personnel man) called me and said, 'Don't play him.' John had had the great wisdom from Green Bay, where they sat all those quarterbacks (Aaron Rodgers backed up Brett Favre for three seasons, and Jordan Love sat behind Rodgers for two years). And as they mature and get older, they pick up habits that we were expecting Anthony to have from the get-go."

Ballard also made it clear he's tired of the narrative surrounding the Colts young signal-caller.

"I was so upset at the bulls**t that was said after we benched him," Ballard said. "Are people that clueless? They were saying he's a bust, that he's done. I told our local people, 'We're not done with this guy.' Nobody believed it. To watch him these last three weeks, I couldn't be more proud."

Analyst's Take

Richardson remains incredibly raw as a passer—he has completed just 47.4 percent of his passes this season and still has more interceptions than touchdown passes. But the youngster has played much better over the last few weeks, which should, at the very least, send the Colts into the offseason looking to build around Richardson and not potentially replace him. -- Davenport

18. Arizona Cardinals (6-7)

Last Week: 15

Week 14 Result: Lost vs. Seattle 30-18

Not that long ago, the Arizona Cardinals appeared to potentially be the best team in the NFC West. Now, after three straight losses, including two to the Seattle Seahawks, the Cardinals' postseason hopes are on life support.

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters that he's not about to throw in the towel on the 2024 campaign.

"I've got to find some answers to get us going a little bit, because we haven't played great the past couple weeks," Gannon said. "That falls on me. I've got to go back to the drawing board tomorrow, get these things corrected, put them in better position, and we've got to win a game."

However, the picture is bleak. Two head-to-head losses to the Seahawks put Arizona squarely behind Seattle in the NFC West. Arizona is also two back of the Washington Commanders for the final Wild Card spot in the NFC—with a head-to-head loss. As a matter of fact, the Cardinals lost to all three NFC Wild Card teams.

Barring a miracle, the playoffs aren't happening in Arizona this season.

Analyst's Take

The Cardinals peaked between late October and early November. Now, they look like playoff pretenders, losing three consecutive games, two to the Seahawks. After back-to-back fourth-place season finishes in the NFC West, the Cardinals have closed the gap on their rivals, but they're still the worst team in that division. -- Moton

17. Miami Dolphins (6-7)

Last Week: 17

Week 14 Result: Won vs. New York Jets 32-26 (OT)

The Miami Dolphins are still alive.

Granted, it took overtime to beat a bad New York Jets team. But Sunday's win moved the Dolphins to 6-7 and kept them within shouting distance of the last playoff spot in the AFC.

After a 2-6 start, the Dolphins have now won four of five. While speaking to the media after the game, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said that the team knows there's zero margin for error moving forward.

"A win means a lot," said Tagovailoa. "It means a lot because we have no room for error to lose another game. Just know we were getting after everyone inside the huddle to make sure you're blocking the way you need to block, you're running the routes the way you need to be — you need to be in the right spots."

Week 15 will bring what could be a do-or-die trip to Houston to face the AFC South-leading Texans, followed by a home date with the defending NFC champions. The season concludes with trips to Cleveland and New York—and given Miami's struggles in cold weather, sweeping that quartet of games isn't especially likely.

Analyst's Take

The Dolphins almost saw their playoff hopes disintegrate, but they pulled out an overtime win against the Jets. Miami's defense has been an issue in recent outings, allowing 56 points over the last two weeks. The Dolphins need edge-rusher Bradley Chubb back on the field. Coming off a torn ACL, he could make his season debut sooner than later. -- Moton

16. San Francisco 49ers (6-7)

Last Week: 19

Week 14 Result: Won vs. Chicago 38-13

The San Francisco 49ers needed this in the worst way. With injuries continuing to mount and their playoff chances dwindling by the week, the Niners needed an emphatic win in the worst way.

Thanks to 325 passing yards from quarterback Brock Purdy, over five yards a carry and two scores from running back Isaac Guerendo, a huge game from tight end George Kittle and a dominant defensive performance, the Niners got that win—and kept their postseason aspirations afloat.

For star linebacker Fred Warner, it was simply a matter of the defending NFC champions getting back to playing 49ers football.

"We just got back to being us, honestly," Warner told reporters. "The product we were putting on the field the last couple weeks just wasn't us. We knew that. We had a great opportunity this week to come out at home and right those wrongs and get back to playing our style and what we do best."

Analyst's Take

Christian McCaffrey is officially out. Jordan Mason is dealing with a high-ankle sprain. Rookie fourth-rounder Isaac Guerendo is the next man up in the 49ers' backfield. Despite only one collegiate start, Guerendo didn't look out of place starting for the first time at the professional level. He contributed 78 yards and two scores before leaving the contest with a sprained foot. Though the injury doesn't appear to be of much concern. Kyle Shanahan knows how to scheme a run game, and Guerendo is the latest in a long line to take full advantage of helping the coach's offense. -- Sobleski

15. Los Angeles Rams (7-6)

Last Week: 16

Week 14 Result: Won vs. Buffalo 44-42

Heading into Week 14, the Los Angeles Rams were a .500 team on the fringe of playoff contention. They were not a bad team by any stretch, but they didn't appear to be an especially good one, either.

After Sunday, quite a few folks are likely looking at the Rams in a different light.

In Week 14, the Rams scored 44 points on a Bills team some consider the AFC's best. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 320 yards and a pair of scores, and wide receiver Puka Nacua had a massive game. The Rams are still a game back of the Seattle Seahawks, but they served notice they aren't to be taken lightly.

While speaking to the media after the game, Stafford credited his team's resiliency—and said he's looking forward to a stretch run that matters.

"It's just going out there and executing," Stafford said. "It starts up front. Our guys did a great job of owning the line of scrimmage today. We ran the ball efficiently, and they kept me clean in the pass game. When they're doing that, it allows the other guys to go do their job and operate at a high level, and we were able to do it. "It keeps us alive. It keeps the games in December meaningful for us. That's what we're fighting for every single week. Doing our job to try to prepare during the week to go out there and play well. And to have no regrets at the end of the thing."

Analyst's Take

I don't know if the Rams' defense can hold up well enough to go on a deep postseason run. However, the offense makes L.A. a serious threat to pull off an upset or two in January.

Matthew Stafford is playing as well as ever, Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are both healthy, and the Rams are learning to lean a little more heavily on their running game. In an all-out offensive race, there are few teams I'd trust right now more than the Rams. -- Knox

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)

Last Week: 14

Week 14 Result: Won vs. Las Vegas 28-13

The Buccaneers are back on a roll.

After four straight losses heading into their bye week, the Bucs have rattled off three straight wins to reclaim first place in the NFC South.

Baker Mayfield threw for nearly 300 yards and three scores against the Raiders, and while addressing the media after the game, he said that while the victory wasn't especially pretty, Tampa is doing what it needs to to get into the postseason.

"It doesn't have to be pretty. Obviously, there are a lot of things that I would personally like to have back, but it's a resilient group. We play for each other," Mayfield said. "Guys step up when other people go down and that's what football is all about. It teaches you life lessons."

However, head coach Todd Bowles cautioned that there's still a lot of football to be played.

"It's one thing getting to first place. It's a whole other thing staying there," Bowles said. "We've got four games left. It's going to be a battle all the way through. We have to come ready every week."

Analyst's Take

The Buccaneers are good enough to win despite a sloppy performance, which is what they did last Sunday. In fact, Tampa Bay has turned the ball over six times in its last three games. Now first place in the NFC South, the Buccaneers must tighten up loose ends to stay one game ahead of the Falcons, who swept them this season. -- Moton

13. Seattle Seahawks (8-5)

Last Week: 13

Week 14 Result: Won at Arizona 30-18

The Seattle Seahawks have taken control of the NFC West.

After downing the Cardinals in Arizona, the Seahawks have a two-game lead on both Arizona and San Francisco and one-game lead on the Rams. However, Seattle lost to Los Angeles back in Week 9, so the team's grasp on the division is hardly ironclad.

While speaking to reporters after the win, Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald credited the offensive line for opening holes for a run game that piled up 176 yards and averaged 5.7 yards per carry.

"Anytime you have continuity, and you can stack reps, that's important," Macdonald said. "Now, sometimes you've got to make necessary adjustments or guys go down, guys have got to step up, which has happened throughout the season. But it's been great to get two weeks in a row where the same five guys are out there, and they can build off these performances."

Hanging on to the division lead won't be easy though—the Seahawks host the Packers and Vikings the next two weeks, and a Week 18 trip to Los Angeles could carry massive stakes.

Analyst's Take

Remember, Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald called plays for the Ravens' No. 1 scoring defense last year. So, no one should be surprised that he's molded Seattle's unit into a stingy group over the past month. Since the Seahawks' Week 10 bye, they've allowed 15.5 points in four games. Seattle is still figuring it out on offense, but the club has an aggressive defense that allows few big plays and trips to the end zone. -- Moton

12. Washington Commanders (8-5)

Last Week: 12

Week 14 Result: Bye Week

Not many folks expected rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to have the Washington Commanders in contention for a postseason spot this late in the season. But after a 7-2 start, the Commanders dropped three straight before finally righting the ship last week against the lowly Tennessee Titans.

Daniels has been the star of this surprising season in the nation's capital, but he told reporters that, in his opinion, getting running back Brian Robinson and the ground game going is the key to success in December.

"What he's been doing this season is remarkable," Daniels said. "How he's able to run and get to the second level. Break tackles so, obviously, any running game is going to help out any quarterback. It opens up a lot. Obviously, being able to get guys to move the line of scrimmage and getting to the second level. Let our backs do what they do. We're getting to those times of the season where in December, January you've got to be able to control the line of scrimmage and run the ball."

Analyst's Take

The Commanders don't have a ton of margin for error down the stretch with the Rams breathing down their necks, and even if the Commanders do make it into the second season, they aren't likely to make a lot of noise. But just getting to the playoffs would be a huge achievement for a team that drafted second overall. Add in that Washington has seemingly solved their quarterback issues in the long-term, and the future is bright in D.C. -- Davenport

11. Denver Broncos (8-5)

Last Week: 11

Week 14 Result: Bye Week

Not many expected the Denver Broncos to be in the thick of the AFC playoff chase at this point in the season. But after a wild Week 13 win over the Cleveland Browns, that's where the 8-5 Broncos find themselves.

Of course, with four games to play, the Broncos still have much to accomplish to earn a postseason berth. But rookie quarterback Bo Nix told reporters that he has every intention of finishing his first season strong.

I think (the bye is) at a good time," Nix said. "We have a lot of ball behind us, and it's kind of set us up for this. A good week of rest, good week of just kind of [getting] a reset. Then we have four more games. Four tough games to battle through down the stretch. We're going for a playoff spot. We're going for longer in the season. So, it's going to be good for us. I think the guys are going to enjoy it, but we're also going to be I think excited to get back and finish this thing out the right way."

Analyst's Take

Nix has certainly impressed for the season, but if Denver's going to make the playoffs, the Broncos' defense has to shake off last week's surprising, shaky effort against Cleveland. Denver's path to the playoffs involves games against familiar faces in the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs. The latter game doesn't come until Week 18—and it's fair to question if the Chiefs will have anything to play for in that game. -- Davenport

10. Los Angeles Chargers (8-5)

Last Week: 9

Week 14 Result: Lost at Kansas City 19-17

That the Chargers were able to give the Kansas City Chiefs all they could handle Sunday night despite being short both their top running back and No. 1 wide receiver speaks to the toughness that Jim Harbaugh has instilled in the team in his first year as head coach.

But in the NFL, results are all that matters—and after a last-second field goal bounced through the uprights, the AFC West had been decided, and the Bolts had lost for the second time in three games to fall to the sixth seed in the AFC playoffs.

After the loss, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert told reporters that the Bolts just can't afford to start slow against the AFC's best teams.

"We just had to settle in," said Herbert. "We didn't make enough plays in the first half, and we didn't execute the way we wanted to. Pass game, run game, we weren't moving the ball well. That's on us and I praise the guys for staying in there, staying patient and making plays in the second half."

The Chargers will have to rebound quickly—Los Angeles plays two straight against teams who would be in the playoffs if the season ended today before closing the schedule with two road games against AFC tomato cans.

Analyst's Take

Jim Harbaugh's Chargers are more physical. They play tough defense. It's a squad built to win. Yet they still can't overcome the bully in the AFC West, with two regular-season losses to the Kansas City Chiefs. While Los Angeles remains in line to capture a wildcard postseason berth, it's clear the Chargers aren't quite ready to handle the league's elite. A playoff run is possible, though it doesn't feel likely since four of the Chargers' five losses came against potential postseason opponents. -- Sobleski

9. Houston Texans (8-5)

Last Week: 10

Week 14 Result: Bye Week

The good news for the Houston Texans is that at 8-5, barring a catastrophic collapse the team will be champions of the AFC South.

The bad news is that may not matter much. Houston is 2-3 over their last five games and barely squeaked by the lowly Jaguars last time out.

As Bucky Brooks wrote for NFL.com, second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud has played his part in Houston's struggles. But Stroud's issues go beyond just a young quarterback who isn't playing well.

"Whenever a quarterback struggles," Brooks said, "it is likely due to problems with the play caller, playmakers and/or pass protectors. "The 3 Ps," as we call them on the Move The Sticks Podcast, typically have the biggest impact on the QB's performance -- and that is indeed the case with Stroud. The Texans' schematic issues, lack of playmaker availability and poor pass protection have contributed to the young signal-caller's issues. From opponents catching up to offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik's schemes to the revolving door of playmakers around Stroud to the poor play of the offensive line, the QB1's recent woes fall on the shoulders of the group."

Analyst's Take

The Texans have no shortage of offensive talent, whether it's Joe Mixon on the ground or Nico Collins through the air. But the Houston offense has been out of sync of late, the defense just lost its No. 1 linebacker to a three-game suspension. And Houston appears headed toward the AFC's fourth seed, a Round 1 matchup with the AFC North runner-up—and a quick exit from the postseason. -- Davenport

8. Green Bay Packers (9-4)

Last Week: 6

Week 14 Result: Lost at Detroit 34-31

In the second half of Sunday's game in Detroit, the Green Bay Packers looked like a team capable of not only competing with the NFL's best but beating them.

The problem is that football games and two halves—and Packers quarterback Jordan Love spent the first half of Sunday's loss completing just three of seven passes for 31 yards. It was the worst first half (yardage-wise) of Love's career, and it came at the worst possible time.

After the loss, Love acknowledged to reporters that he can't play like that and expect to beat the NFL's best teams.

"I feel like we're a very good offense, a very explosive offense and there's going to be games where you've got to put up a lot of points," Love said. "I think it just goes to show how dialed in you've got to be all game – how you've got to be able to start fast and execute early on and be able to put up those points that we weren't putting up in that first half. So, second half, I liked the way we responded, but it just wasn't good enough."

Analyst's Take

The NFC North may be out, but barring a collapse the Packers are headed to the postseason as a Wild Card team. Green Bay is good enough to give a team like Seattle or Tampa Bay all they can handle and pull the "upset" in the first round. But the Packers have played both the Eagles and Lions this year—those teams account for three of Green Bay's four losses. For Green Bay to have a shot at knocking off either of those teams, Green Bay will need to essentially play a perfect game—their quarterback included. -- Davenport

7. Baltimore Ravens (8-5)

Last Week: 8

Week 14 Result: Bye Week

For much of this season, the Baltimore Ravens were considered among the leading contenders to represent the AFC in Super Bowl LIX. But things haven't gotten a bit bumpy of late—Baltimore's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles was their second in the past three games.

The Ravens are two games behind the Pittsburgh Steelers with four to play. But some pundits, such as John Breech of CBS Sports, still believe that Baltimore has a real chance to surge past Pittsburgh as the season hits the stretch run.

"I think [the Ravens] on paper are the more talented team. It's just a matter of they can't have any more slip-ups. There is no more margin for error," Breech said. "The Ravens have to put up or shut up now and I do think they will do that coming out of their bye, and I think they will steal this division back from the Pittsburgh Steelers and end up as the AFC North champion."

Analyst's Take

The Ravens have been a bit uneven the past few weeks, largely because of the same pass-defense issues that have plagued the team all season long. Next week's trip to New York to face the Giants should net a win, followed by two games that will determine whether the Ravens have any shot at catching the Steelers—a rematch with the Steelers in Baltimore followed by a trip to Houston to face the AFC South-leading Houston Texans. -- Davenport

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3)

Last Week: 7

Week 14 Result: Won vs. Cleveland 27-14

The Pittsburgh Steelers don't get the run that the Buffalo Bills or Kansas City Chiefs do as potentially the AFC's best team. But maybe they should.

And a big part of the reason why is quarterback Russell Wilson.

Despite being without No. 1 wide receiver George Pickens, Wilson was equal parts effective and efficient Sunday—he passed for just 158 yards, but threw two touchdown passes and posted a passer rating over 100.

Per Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live, Wilson is playing his best football in years.

"From jumpstarting a touchdown drive on third-and-10 by scrambling outside the pocket and finding Pat Freiermuth to throwing a sidearmed dot to Van Jefferson on the same drive, Wilson consistently displayed that even with a bare bones wide receiver corps, he could get the most out of them," he said. "Mike Williams and Scotty Miller each made plays. However, they were both off beautiful moon balls from Wilson. Wilson has found the fountain of youth, being able to work with his legs and still have enough juice with his arm to make the tight window throws."

Analyst's Take

Will the Steelers bring back Russell Wilson in 2025? That's an important question, but one Pittsburgh probably won't even consider until February. The veteran signal-caller is back to the Pro Bowl form we last saw in Seattle, and he's complemented by one of the most dynamic defenses in the NFL.

I'd feel a bit better about Pittsburgh as a title contender if it had another top-tier receiver on the roster. Sunday's win, however, showed that Pittsburgh's passing game isn't wholly reliant on George Pickens. The Bills and Chiefs may carry more hype, but Pittsburgh might be the most complete team in the AFC. -- Knox

5. Buffalo Bills (10-3)

Last Week: 2

Week 14 Result: Lost at Los Angeles Rams 44-42

There wasn't a hotter team in the league entering Week 14 than the Buffalo Bills. In their previous two games, the Bills had defeated both of last year's Super Bowl participants—including handing the Kansas City Chiefs their only loss of the season.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen was amazing against the Rams, throwing three touchdown passes and running for three more. He's the first player in NFL history to accomplish this feat. But the Bills came up short in one important statistical category.

The scoreboard.

"Hate losing," Allen told reporters after the game. "If you lose by two or lose by 100, it doesn't matter, you are still losing. Offensively, we have to find ways to score before and after the half. We didn't do our part."

Bills head coach Sean McDermott credited the Rams for flat-out playing better.

"They did a great job controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball," McDermott said. "Defensively and special teams, neither were good enough to help us win this game."

Analyst's Take

After Sunday's loss to the Rams, I have some serious concerns about Buffalo's Super Bowl chances that I didn't have only a few days ago.

As was the case in the early-season loss to the Ravens, the Bills defense largely failed to show up in Week 14. As was the case in the loss to Houston, some questionable clock management hurt Buffalo late. Josh Allen had arguably his most impressive game of the season against a team clawing just to reach the playoffs, and it wasn't enough.

The Bills simply can't expect to win a Super Bowl as a one-man show. They're also running out of chances to steal the No. 1 seed, which they might need, as all three of their losses have been on the road. -- Knox

4. Minnesota Vikings (11-2)

Last Week: 5

Week 14 Result: Won vs. Atlanta 42-21

There isn't a more surprising success story this season than the resurgence of quarterback Sam Darnold with the Minnesota Vikings this season.

Darnold hit something like a midseason bump where he struggled with turnovers. But in Week 14 against the Atlanta Falcons, he looked like an elite signal-caller. The seventh-year veteran had one more incompletion (six) than touchdown passes (five). Darnold was the first Vikings quarterback in 20 years to throw five scores, and his passer rating of 157.9 was a franchise record.

After the win, Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson talked up his quarterback while speaking to reporters.

"Sam's been playing great this whole year, but especially these last few weeks, he's had some big drives at the end of games. And then this week, obviously the second half that we had, it was a lot of fun to watch him work and ball a little bit," Hockenson said. "I mean, he had a great game. The first time in 20 years that a (Vikings) quarterback threw five touchdowns, that's insane. So, it was a lot of fun. I'm glad that he's on our side."

Analyst's Take

The Detroit Lions aren't giving up ground in the NFC North, and they continue to overshadow the Vikings. However, Minnesota is among the handful of NFC teams that could realistically make a push to the Super Bowl.

The Vikings don't have a shut-down defense, but a solid front, a strong pass rush, and a penchant for turnovers make it good enough. Sam Darnold appears to be over his midseason slump, and he has an embarrassment of playmakers at his disposal. And the No. 1 seed still isn't out of the question for Minnesota. -- Knox

3. Kansas City Chiefs (12-1)

Last Week: 3

Week 14 Result: Won vs. Los Angeles Chargers 19-17

The Kansas City Chiefs just keep finding a way.

Sunday night, the Chiefs found themselves in yet another close, hard-fought contest. And has been the case in every game but one this season, Kansas City gutted out a victory—securing a ninth consecutive AFC West title in the process.

That's right. Nine.

After the victory, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters that winning the division was an important goal for the team—but far from their ultimate one this year.

"We're playing some real good football teams that are trying to get themselves into the playoffs, so they're going to be hungry and attacking and so we've got to make sure we keep doing it. Every year is a little bit different on how we've gotten there, but I'm proud of our guys who are just hanging in there,'' Reid said. "We have so many tight games, more so than some of these other years. The guys keep hanging in there and feeling like good things are going to happen and they keep battling.''

Analyst's Take

If there's a way, the Chiefs will find it, exploit it and win. The Los Angeles Chargers were the latest to own a fourth-quarter lead, only to end up on the wrong side of the ledger. In doing so, Kansas City captured its ninth straight division title while winning its 15th consecutive contest determined by one score. This year's Chiefs simply aren't as good as the last two years when the franchise became back-to-back Super Bowl champs. In some ways, the current squad feels closer to the one that came up short against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV. However, the current Chiefs don't get rattled, and they're peaking in the clutch. -- Sobleski

2. Philadelphia Eagles (11-2)

Last Week: 4

Week 14 Result: Won vs. Carolina 22-16

The headline from Philly's ninth straight victory in Week 14 was the running of Saquon Barkley. Barkley absolutely deserves the run he's getting—he's now the Eagles single-season rushing king and he remains on pace to break Eric Dickerson's single-season NFL record.

But while Barkley is absolutely rolling, the Eagles passing attack is stuck in the mud. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, thankfully, isn't turning the ball over. But Hurts has just 225 passing yards in the last two games combined, and he told reporters he's well aware the offense needs more balance if Philly is going to make it to New Orleans and Super Bowl LIX.

"I think we did a bad job [in the passing game]," he said. "That starts with me, how I execute, and ultimately, you yearn, and I yearn for better synchronization amongst that, for a more complimentary style of ball, in a sense. You know, some things don't get you until it gets you. And there's definitely been some urgency there, trying to figure it out. And got to keep climbing and trying to progress."

Head coach Nick Sirianni agreed.

"I'll have to go watch everything. We're definitely capable of playing better and coaching better in the pass game."

So, while Barkley has been amazing, the Eagles still have work to do.

Analyst's Take

Saquon Barkley's inclusion in the Eagles' history books proves he's been worth every penny of the three-year, $37.8 million free-agent contract he signed this offseason. Barkley is now Philadelphia's all-time leading rusher for a single season. He's at 1,623 rushing yards and counting, thus making him the league's leading rusher by a rather significant margin. But he's also been a key component in getting the Eagles back on track and restoring the franchise's previous Super Bowl aspirations. -- Sobleski

1. Detroit Lions (12-1)

Last Week: 1

Week 14 Result: Won vs. Green Bay 34-31

The Detroit Lions are rolling—in a way that the franchise never really has before.

At least not in most of our lifetimes.

After downing the rival Packers on a last-second field goal Thursday, the Lions have won 11 games in a row—a feat never before accomplished in franchise history. Unless something bizarre happens between now and the end of the regular season, this will be the best year a Lions team has ever had.

That team remains ultra-aggressive under head coach Dan Campbell. It went for it on fourth down a whopping five times against the Pack. Four of those were converted, and Campbell told reporters he believes that aggressiveness is what it takes to win in the NFC North.

"Our division is damn good," Campbell said. "I mean, it's really good. It's the best division in football in my opinion. We've got top-tier talent, we've got top-tier coaching and players and the whole deal. The competition is really elite. So, I think that's just another reason why you've got to do whatever it takes to win this division, because if you do and you're able to play at home, it's gonna go a long way with the teams that we have."

Analyst's Take

Fans love Campbell's kneecap-biting intensity, but there's a line between intense and reckless—and Campbell crossed it on the one fourth down the Lions didn't convert. Turning it over on downs at your own 30-yard-line just isn't smart football. It didn't cost Detroit in Week 14, but that's the kind of gaffe that can get you bounced in the postseason. Campbell is who he is, but sometimes you gotta have enough sense to know your first impulse is a bad one. -- Davenport