After 272 games that ran the gamut from hard-fought to hardly fought, the 2024 NFL regular season is over.

For 18 teams, that's that. Some came close to the postseason. Others had no chance of getting within a country mile of a playoff game. For them, all that's left is looking forward to free agency and the 2025 NFL draft—where the Tennessee Titans are on the proverbial clock.

However, 14 teams aren't quite ready to turn the page to 2025. There's still the small matter of the playoffs. Of trying to make it to New Orleans and Super Bowl LIX. Winning a Lombardi Trophy.

In a completely stunning and unforeseen development, the road to the Super Bowl in the AFC goes through Kansas City. The Chiefs are trying to do something no NFL team ever has—win three straight Super Bowls.

After the Lions blasted the Minnesota Vikings in the final game of the regular season, the road to the Big Easy in the NFC goes through Detroit. The Lions are also attempting to accomplish a first: a Super Bowl trip.

Week 18's action got some teams into the postseason tournament and knocked others out. The Los Angeles Chargers head in with momentum after handling the Raiders. The Pittsburgh Steelers limp in on the heels of four straight losses. And five wins to close the season were too little, too late for the Cincinnati Bengals—their season is over.

As the postseason begins, Bleacher Report NFL Analysts Gary Davenport, Kristopher Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski have gathered to rank all 32 teams yet again—from tomato cans to Terminators.

It's a list that becomes progressively less depressing the more you read.

32. Tennessee Titans (3-14)

Last Week: 32

Week 18 Result: Lost vs. Houston 23-14

The Tennessee Titans are on the clock.

Tennessee's loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday, coupled with New England's win over the Buffalo Bills, gives the Titans the first overall pick in the 2025 draft.

As Nick Suss wrote for The Tennessean, that high pick is just one part of the offseason drama facing the Titans in 2025.

"The Titans head into a fascinating offseason," he wrote, "beginning with whether controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk will make any moves regarding the job statuses of (Brian) Callahan and general manager Ran Carthon. The team will almost certainly be in the hunt for a new quarterback in the coming months, whether that means adding a veteran as a bridge option or picking a rookie at the top of the draft. And several big-name free agents will hit the market who the Titans will be able to court with a glut of money available against the salary cap, while also tasked with making decisions about whether to retain veteran presences from the previous era such as outside linebacker Harold Landry and receiver Treylon Burks."

Analyst's Take

After 18 weeks, I'm not sure what's left to say about the Titans. They've had a solid defense but not one capable of winning games consistently. They have a couple of productive pieces on offense but no quarterback capable of taking full advantage. We'll see a new signal-caller behind center in 2025. Only then will we know if Brian Callahan is cut out to be an NFL head coach. -- Knox

31. Cleveland Browns (3-14)

Last Week: 30

Week 18 Result: Lost at Baltimore 35-10

Given that the Cleveland Browns just suffered through an atrocious three-win season, it was no secret that changes were coming in the offseason. They have already begun—offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and offensive line coach Andy Dickerson were fired Sunday after one year on the job.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski didn't mince words with reporters: Changes needed to be made.

"Just bottom line, I want to go in a different direction," Stefanski said. "We need to improve, as everybody knows, on the offensive side of the ball. That's what we plan to do."

Stefanski also said that these wouldn't be the only changes made in Cleveland this offseason.

"It's early," Stefanski said. "So, [we] need to work through all of that. I think we'll talk to a bunch of different guys and get some different perspectives, but there's a lot of work to be done there."

Unfortunately, the one change Stefanski would most like to make—quarterback Deshaun Watson—isn't possible for two more seasons.

Analyst's Take

Myles Garrett said it all after Sunday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens, when he told reporters after that this year "is probably a more disappointing season" than when the Browns went 0-16 during the 2017 campaign. Seven years ago, Cleveland was expected to be really bad.

Expectations were far different this year, yet the Browns still found themselves in the AFC North basement. However, they'll hold a top-three draft pick thanks to the downturn, with an opportunity to take a top quarterback prospect. Anything to remove the stink of the Deshaun Watson deal will go a long way to improving the situation. -- Sobleski

30. New York Giants (3-14)

Last Week: 31

Week 18 Result: Lost at Philadelphia 20-13

The best thing that can be said about the New York Giants' season is that it's over. Losing to the Eagles' reserves in the regular-season finale tells you everything you need to know about the 2024 G-Men.

The campaign was a disaster from just about every perspective—and that disaster seemingly clouded the future of head coach Brain Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen.

However, Giants president John Mara said in a statement Monday that both will return:

While a reset is due at the quarterback position, there won't be one coming to the front office in 2025.

Analyst's Take

In November, the Giants released Daniel Jones. This offseason, Big Blue has to find a long-term solution at the most important position via the draft or free agency. If the Giants acquire a serviceable quarterback, their offense can take a significant leap with wideout Malik Nabers on the perimeter and dual-threat running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. out of the backfield. -- Moton

29. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13)

Last Week: 28

Week 18 Result: Lost at Indianapolis 26-23 (OT)

Simply put, with the exception of rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., everything that could go wrong for the Jacksonville Jaguars did in 2024. Injuries wracked the team on both sides of the ball. Players galore underperformed. It was a mess from start to finish.

Given that abysmal season, owner Shad Khan announced Doug Pederson didn't survive Black Monday (h/t NFL Network's Tom Pelissero). The Super Bowl-winning head coach acknowledged to reporters after Sunday's overtime loss that he wasn't sure if he'd be around come Monday.

"I'll find out this week. It's hard to speculate," Pederson said. "Emotions are running high right now, but I hope I'm still here. Honestly, I feel like we have the makings of a good football team. I'm optimistic."

Frankly, if Pederson did stay as the team's head coach, it would have been the biggest upset the franchise pulled all season.

Analyst's Take

Jacksonville had to be one of the league's biggest disappointments this year. While the Jaguars struggling to meet expectations is nothing new, the organization legitimately believed this was its year to compete, with owner Shad Khan telling reporters prior to the season that the 2024 Jaguars were "the best team assembled by the Jacksonville Jaguars ever."

Whoops. Jacksonville "earned" a top-10 draft pick for the 20th time in franchise history. They've only been around for 30 years.

Legitimate building blocks are in place for the Jaguars. They need the right people leading the way to finally reach the expectations the organization often places upon itself. -- Sobleski

28. New England Patriots (4-13)

Last Week: 29

Week 18 Result: Won at Buffalo 23-16

The New England Patriots would have secured the first overall pick in April's draft with a loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Instead, the Pats won, slipping to the No. 4 pick. And that frustrating outcome sealed first-year head coach Jerod Mayo's fate.

Mayo was fired just after the game Sunday, with team owner Robert Kraft releasing a statement.

"For me, personally, this was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made," Kraft said. "I have known Jerod for 17 years. He earned my respect and admiration as a rookie in 2008 and throughout his career for his play on the field, his leadership in the locker room and the way he conducted himself in our community. When he joined our coaching staff, his leadership was even more evident, as I saw how the players responded to him. When other teams started requesting to interview him, I feared I would lose him and committed to making him our next head coach. Winning our season-opener on the road at Cincinnati only strengthened my convictions. Unfortunately, the trajectory of our team's performances throughout the season did not ascend as I had hoped."

Add a new head coach to New England's lengthy offseason to-do list.

Analyst's Take

Whether it's splurging on free agents, drafting Travis Hunter with the intent to feature him at wide receiver or trading down to acquire a haul of premium picks and then adding offensive playmakers, the Patriots must add skill players to aid rookie quarterback Drake Maye's development. He's shown enough promise to get Patriots fans excited about his future. The Patriots' new head coach will have a big project on his hands, but the front office has to do its part to rebuild the roster in the offseason. -- Moton

27. Las Vegas Raiders (4-13)

Last Week: 27

Week 18 Result: Lost vs. Los Angeles Chargers 34-20

It has been another miserable season for the Las Vegas Raiders. We could go on and on about all the things wrong with the team. But there have been a few bright spots.

Rookie tight end Brock Bowers had a historic season. After the trade of veteran Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers stepped into the role of No. 1 wide receiver and responded with the first 1,000-yard season of his career.

While addressing the media, embattled head coach Antonio Pierce lauded Meyers for doing much more than just racking up receptions and yards.

"To me it's just the ultimate compliment for this player," said Pierce. "He's done all the dirty work, right? The crack blocks, the run blocking, reverses, throw the ball. Whatever we ask him to do. Now he gets the opportunity to showcase himself as a premiere or legit number one receiver and he put himself kind of in that category. And what I love about it is he didn't really talk about that. He wanted to win. He understood. We all knew what was there and when we threw the ball to him, he made plays. But if you talk about a pro that's been consistent since the day he walked in last year, it's been Jakobi Meyers. He's a team guy, he's a tough guy, he's an AP guy, he's a Raider. I'm glad he's on our team."

Analyst's Take

The Raiders have all sorts of issues to sort out, from potential coaching staff vacancies to a long list of impending free agents and, of course, a glaring question mark at quarterback. Mark Davis will listen to Tom Brady's advice on how to turn the franchise around.

Though we have no clue if Brady has a knack for rebuilding a franchise, he cannot be much worse than Davis, who's hired five coaches and seen his team reach the playoffs twice since he became principal owner of the franchise in 2011. -- Moton

26. New Orleans Saints (5-12)

Last Week: 26

Week 18 Result: Lost at Tampa Bay 27-19

Remember when the New Orleans Saints blew out their first two opponents in 2024?

It's hard to believe that ever happened—because the rest of the season for the Saints has been an injury-filled nightmare that got head coach Dennis Allen fired.

Darren Rizzi did an OK job as interim head coach in New Orleans, but per Darrion Gray and Jeremy Trottier of Saints Wire, the cold, hard reality is that the Saints are a bad football team.

"The Saints have had the excuse for a few seasons of being 'unlucky.' when considering injuries primarily," they said. "While the injuries do heavily play into the product on the field, eventually there has to be an understanding of which players deserve to remain on the roster and who is ultimately worth letting go. The Saints have now gone four seasons without a playoff appearance, which has not happened since 2001-2005 in the pre-Drew Brees era. There has been a steady decline for this team since 2021, and now they have hit what is essentially the bottom."

Analyst's Take

The Saints have tried the past several years to play a shell game with a terrible cap situation and remain competitive in a bad NFC South. But the franchise has little to show for it. The cap situation remains a mess.

The quarterback situation is unsettled—to put it mildly. Many foundational pieces on defense are at the end of their careers. This team needs more than a piece here and a piece there. It needs torn down to the studs and rebuilt—and Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has shown little desire to do that -- Davenport

25. New York Jets (5-12)

Last Week: 25

Week 18 Result: Won vs. Miami 32-20

If this was the end of the line for No. 12, at least he went out finally looking like Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers had his best game in a long time against the Miami Dolphins—274 passing yards, four touchdowns and a passer rating of 112.5. The 41-year-old also became the fifth quarterback in NFL history to throw 500 career touchdown passes.

The game did nothing to erase doubts about Rodgers' future. Will he want to play in 2025? Will the Jets want him back? Rodgers acknowledged to reporters after the win that right now he doesn't know the answer to either of those questions.

"I just need some time away to think about my future in the game, and my future here if they want me to be a part of the next phase or they're ready to move on," Rodgers said. "Either way, I'm thankful for my two years here. I'm looking forward to those conversations. It feels good to be able to do some of the things these last five or six weeks I know I was capable of doing, even at 40, 41. But either way, I won't be upset or offended with what they decide to do — if they want to move on, if I still want to play. And if not, I'll let them know, if that's the case."

Analyst's Take

I may start throwing things if the Jets bring back Rodgers and start this mess over again in 2024.

I understand taking a gamble on Rodgers, given the rest of the talent New York had on its roster. Unfortunately, the pieces the Jets patched together over the last two years simply didn't mesh. Rodgers didn't save the offense. Davante Adams didn't save Rodgers. Firing Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas didn't save anyone, and Woody Johnson isn't about to fire himself to save the franchise.

New York needs a fresh start, a hands-off approach from ownership and a way to sell its future to the promising young players it has before they too start trying to force their way out of the building. -- Knox

24. Chicago Bears (5-12)

Last Week: 24

Week 18 Result: Won at Green Bay 24-22

By most estimations, the Chicago Bears and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams had a disappointing season. The team lost a whopping 10 games in a row before Sunday's upset of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

However, as depressing as much of the season was, it ended on a high note. The Bears had lost a dozen games in a row to the Packers and hadn't won at Lambeau since 2015. While addressing the media after the game, Williams said that victory at least gives the team some momentum heading into the offseason.

"To be able to have that moment was great," said Williams. "Being able to have the first win of 2025, being able to have the first win since 2015 in Lambeau, to be able to have the first win against Green Bay in (12) games. It's the first of a lot, and really excited about this offseason."

It's going to be a critical offseason for Da Bears—and without question the team's first priority has to be finding a head coach who can develop Chicago's young quarterback.

Analyst's Take

Williams can take the Bears to the next level, but general manager Ryan Poles must hire the right head coach to assemble a quality staff to get the most out of the rookie signal-caller and the offense.

Williams threw for 3,393 yards, 19 touchdowns and six interceptions this season. Though Williams has held onto the ball too long at times, which is partially why he's taken the most sacks, the Bears should feel encouraged by his overall production. Chicago should do what it takes to lure Mike Vrabel to the Windy City. -- Moton

23. San Francisco 49ers (6-11)

Last Week: 21

Week 18 Result: Lost at Arizona 47-24

Given what an injury-marred mess the 2024 season was in San Francisco, the 2023 NFC champions are probably relieved on some level that it's over.

But the moment the offseason begins in San Francisco, the Niners have a problem.

A Purdy problem.

Now that he has played three seasons, Purdy is eligible for a new contract. His base salary this year was less than a million dollars.

That number is going to skyrocket—the only question is how high.

As Eric Jackson wrote for Sportico, Purdy has a case for a deal in excess of $50 million a season.

"With the 49ers' offseason looming, Purdy made history on Monday Night Football this past week against Detroit, notching 15 games with at least two passing touchdowns and a passer rating of at least 115," he said. "That's more than any NFL QB has had in his first three seasons. He also set a career high in passing yards (377) in the NFC championship rematch loss to Jared Goff and the playoff-bound Lions. Goff notably signed a $212 million deal earlier this year (averaging $53 million per season) that keeps him in Detroit through 2027 with a 2028 option."

Of course, a deal that big would ripple across the entire franchise—and force some tough decisions regarding high-priced veterans like wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

Analyst's Take

Purdy didn't finish the 2024 campaign as the 49ers starting quarterback, while dealing with what's believed to be a nerve issue in his throwing elbow. At this juncture, the organization doesn't believe there's any reason to worry about its quarterback's surgically repaired arm—a critical component to the franchise's offseason plans.

Despite a disappointing season in which the Niners missed the playoffs after making three straight appearances, the team's future is built upon Purdy's throwing arm. San Francisco famously drafted the quarterback with the last pick, aka Mr. Irrelevant, in the 2022 NFL draft. He's been a tremendous value over his first three seasons. Everything should change this offseason.

Purdy enters the initial window within his rookie contract where he and his representation can negotiate a long-term contract. San Francisco benefited greatly over the last few seasons from a steeply discounted rate at the quarterback position. Purdy shouldn't take the field again until a new contract is signed. -- Sobleski

22. Carolina Panthers (5-12)

Last Week: 23

Week 18 Result: Won at Atlanta 44-38 (OT)

The playoffs haven't been within reach for the Carolina Panthers for some time now—over the first half of the season, the Panthers were one of the worst teams in the league.

But after being benched for several weeks, something happened to second-year quarterback Bryce Young—he started playing like the franchise quarterback the Panthers thought they were getting in 2023.

Young had perhaps the best game of his career in the regular-season finale—251 passing yards, three touchdowns and two more scores on the ground.

After the win, head coach Dave Canales told reporters that there's no question who the team's quarterback is moving forward.

"Bryce is our quarterback," Canales said. "I'm so proud of the way that he just took the challenge, and he just grew every week."

For his part, Young was quick to credit the head coach.

"Everyone understood, you know, we were playing for ourselves," Young said, adding that coach Dave Canales "talked about finish all week. This is such a great opportunity for us to go and prove what we can do."

Analyst's Take

The Panthers didn't experience the quick turnaround they were hoping for in 2024. That's OK because everything seems to indicate that Bryce Young can be their long-term answer at quarterback.

Can Carolina put a quality receiving corps around him while building a respectable defense in the offseason? That's the biggest question now surrounding the Panthers. -- Knox

21. Indianapolis Colts (8-9)

Last Week: 22

Week 18 Result: Won vs. Jacksonville 26-23 (OT)

There may not be a team in the league that solved less in 2024 than the Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts don't really know if Shane Steichen is a long-term answer at head coach. They certainly don't know if second-year pro Anthony Richardson (who missed Week 18) is the long-term answer at quarterback.

However, despite calls from fans for both Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard to be shown the door, team owner Jim Irsay issued a statement last week affirming that both coach and general manager will return in 2025.

"I've been evaluating our entire operation," Irsay said, "and I believe in Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen and our collective ability to make the improvements needed to take us to the next level in 2025. I know fans who want an immediate change in leadership will be disappointed. That means we all have a lot to prove, so we'll get back to work and keep doing what we can to earn your support and make you proud."

Analyst's Take

The Colts regressed in 2024. Anthony Richardson didn't develop as expected. Instead, the second-year signal-caller was benched, needed an attitude adjustment to understand what it means to be an NFL starting quarterback and a back injury ended his campaign. Head coach Shane Steichen wasn't nearly as aggressive as a play-caller or impressive as an organizational leader. The defense fell completely apart when it matters the most, with major changes needed on that side of the ball.

Indianapolis can't run it back again next year thinking it's close to a postseason berth, because the Colts really aren't. -- Sobleski

20. Dallas Cowboys (7-10)

Last Week: 20

Week 18 Result: Lost vs. Washington 23-19

The Dallas Cowboys enter every season with Super Bowl aspirations. They won't even sniff the playoffs in 2024. Due in part to the loss of quarterback Dak Prescott, the Cowboys lost 10 games after three straight 12-win seasons.

Coming up so short of expectations is not conducive to job security when working for Jerry Jones, and there has been speculation for weeks about the future of head coach Mike McCarthy in Dallas. For his part, the veteran coach made it very clear after Sunday's loss that he wants to remain the head coach in Big D.

"Absolutely. I have a lot invested here. And the Cowboys have a lot invested in me," McCarthy told reporters. "And then there's a personal side to all these decisions. They all point the right direction. I think anytime you invest your time, energy, your belief, the connection you have, the relationships that are in place here, the understanding of what the organization can do and is willing to do, those are all positive attributes that you take into account. I don't like to talk about myself that way, but I'll just be clear: I'm a winner. I know how to win. I've won a championship. I won a championship in this building, and that's who I am. We'll see where it goes."

Analyst's Take

My guess is that McCarthy will be back as Dallas' head coach in 2025—assuming he wants to return. Injuries derailed the Cowboys' season, and while I believe they had too many holes to be a title contender, McCarthy held the locker room together respectably.

Even if Dallas doesn't have coaching questions in the offseason, though, it has needs to address. The offensive line isn't good, the run defense might be worse, and the Cowboys lack a reliable No. 2 receiver. Rico Dowdle emerged as a serviceable starting running back, but he's set to be a free agent. -- Knox

19. Arizona Cardinals (8-9)

Last Week: 19

Week 18 Result: Won vs. San Francisco 47-24

The Arizona Cardinals are one of the harder teams in the NFL to figure out.

Some weeks, the Cardinals look the part of a tomato can. Then there are games like Sunday's victory over San Francisco. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray threw four touchdown passes. The team averaged over 5.5 yards on the ground. The Arizona defense forced three turnovers.

The Redbirds made a four-game improvement over last season but still missed the postseason, and head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters that the Redbirds realize the team needs to improve in the offseason to be a contender in the NFC West in 2025.

"We didn't accomplish what we wanted to accomplish this year and that stings," Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon said. "But I'm proud of them. I really am. They fought, they battled. ... To put that kind of effort against the 49ers, a well-coached, tough, physical team, I thought that was cool to see."

This is a team that will need to be wise with both free-agent additions and draft capital next year—because right now the NFC West doesn't really have any bad teams in it.

Analyst's Take

The Cardinals didn't make the postseason for the third straight season, with only one appearance in the last nine seasons. However, the squad did show improvement during Jonathan Gannon's second season as head coach.

Think back for a moment. Arizona's roster was viewed as the NFL's least talented entering the 2023 campaign. The Cardinals found a way to win four games. A multi-win improvement this fall shows the team is trending in the right direction.

The roster still needs significant additions, though. Reinforcements in the trenches, on both sides of the ball, can go a long way toward finally pushing the Cardinals into a potential playoff spot in 2025. -- Sobleski

18. Miami Dolphins (8-9)

Last Week: 18

Week 18 Result: Lost at New York Jets 32-20

The Miami Dolphins are a team on the brink.

Miami's $200 million quarterback can't stay healthy. Opponents took the long pass away from the Dolphins this year, and the offense never truly compensated. And now, as the team was fighting for the final playoff spot in the AFC, Miami's star wide receiver may have quit on his team.

You read that right.

In the second half of Sunday's loss to the lowly Jets, with it clear that Denver would claim that last playoff spot, Tyreek Hill pulled himself out of the game.

"I was informed that he was unavailable right before a drive," head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters in a postgame presser. "I was not informed that it was a new injury. You know, I think at that point in time my focus was on the players… There was guys on the field that were competing, we were trying to win a game."

Hill's comments after the loss didn't help matters.

"This is the first time I haven't been in the playoffs," Hill told reporters. "For me, I have to do what's best for me and my family, if that's here or wherever the case may be. I'm opening the door. I'm out. It was great playing here."

Hill is under contract with Miami through 2026. But this is a bridge that could be awfully hard to rebuild—not that teams won't line up to acquire Hill's services anyway.

Analyst's Take

There's been some buzz that the Dolphins could fire GM Chris Grier in the offseason—another report suggests he may retire. Neither outcome would surprise me because poor roster building was Miami's biggest issue in 2024.

Despite having a top-10 overall defense and a surplus of speedy offensive playmakers, the Dolphins fell short of the playoffs/squeaked in as a wild-card team. An unreliable offensive line and a lack of offensive physicality meant Miami largely had to win with finesse. This simply wasn't a team built to win without Tua Tagovailoa, and, to make matters worse, the Dolphins failed to invest in a strong backup plan at quarterback.

Those early losses while Tagovailoa was sidelined burned Miami in a big way. -- Knox

17. Atlanta Falcons (8-9)

Last Week: 16

Week 18 Result: Lost vs. Carolina 44-38 (OT)

When the Atlanta Falcons drafted Washington's Michael Penix Jr. in the top 10 after handing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins a four-year, $180 million contract, it sent more than a few eyebrows skyward.

No one is second-guessing that decision now.

Yes, Penix was unable to lead the Falcons to a Week 18 win over the Carolina Panthers. But Tampa's win over the Saints knocked Atlanta from the postseason anyway, and head coach Raheem Morris told reporters after the game that Atlanta's future is bright under center.

"Really proud of our youngster at quarterback giving us a chance, keeping us in that football game," Morris said. "The light at the end of the tunnel for us ... is the quarterback. The organization has a quarterback that is certainly bright, certainly our future, certainly can go out there and make any single play and play in any single game."

Now, all the Falcons have to do is find a team interested in a gently-used Kirk Cousins. Because releasing him outright will carry a massive dead cap hit.

Analyst's Take

Welp, it looked like Kirk Cousins could make Atlanta a legitimate contender for about half of the season. In hindsight, the Falcons weren't just a quarterback away from being Super Bowl caliber—they seriously need to address their defensive back seven in the offseason—even if they almost won the NFC South.

On a positive note, playing Cousins for most of the year allowed Atlanta to evaluate the rest of a good-not-great roster while allowing Penix to take over only after he was ready. -- Knox

16. Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)

Last Week: 15

Week 18 Result: Won at Pittsburgh 19-17

The story of the 2024 season for the Cincinnati Bengals will be what could have been. After downing the Pittsburgh Steelers for their fifth consecutive win to close out the regular season, the Bengals entered Sunday with faint hopes of making the postseason. But the team needed losses by both Miami and Denver to get in, and with the Broncos facing a Chiefs team resting, well, everyone that was never a likely outcome.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow quipped to reporters that he hoped the JV Chiefs had some upset magic in them—while allowing that the Bengals put themselves in this precarious position.

"I don't know how many guys will be playing for (Kansas City)," Burrow said. "Hopefully some. "It's not ideal. But we put ourselves in this position. I know that if we get in, we can make some noise with the players and coaches that we have in this building. We've just got to hope for some help tomorrow and sit back and watch it."

If the Bengals had a better record, Burrow would be an MVP candidate. Wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had the best season by a player at his position in some time.

Too bad it was all for nothing.

Analyst's Take

It didn't really matter whether the Bengals made the playoffs. The most important aspect is that the team figured out who it was over the second half of the campaign, winning five straight contests to round out the regular season.

Joe Burrow just pieced together his best professional season. Ja'Marr Chase emerged as the league's best wide receiver. Tee Higgins' value to the team is obvious, with Cincinnati needing to re-sign him this offseason. Trey Hendrickson showed he's the league's best sack artist. Finally, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo seemed to have figured out the squad's defensive issues, tweaked some things and had that side of the ball playing much better.

If the Bengals can keep their core intact, while adding more pieces through free agency and/or the draft, they just may enter next season as the favorite to win the AFC. -- Sobleski

15. Seattle Seahawks (10-7)

Last Week: 17

Week 18 Result: Won at Los Angeles Rams 30-25

As a team, the Seattle Seahawks were playing for pride Sunday. But quarterback Geno Smith was playing for quite a bit more. He had ample reasons to put his best foot forward Sunday.

In fact, he had about six million of them.

Provided that the Seahawks don't cut Smith before the fifth day of the 2025 league year, Smith hit three separate $2 million incentives Sunday—completion percentage, team wins and passing yards.

He didn't get anything extra for his career-high four touchdown passes.

Next year is the final season of Smith's contract, and he told reporters that he wholeheartedly feels this team can be a legit contender in 2025—with or without him.

"I'm telling you, man, this team is heading in the right direction," said Smith. "Man, this team is on its way, and that's with or without me. ... I got a bright future. I think y'all can see that, and I believe we have a bright future together. Obviously, I'm just saying that, but we all have a bright future together."

Analyst's Take

Smith's long-term future with Seattle will likely be a hot topic this offseason, but it really shouldn't be. Smith's no Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson. But he was sixth in passing yards among quarterbacks in 2024. Yes, he threw too many interceptions this year—so many that he should be allowed to play out the last year of his deal. But the notion that there's someone better available just doesn't hold water. Give Smith one more season—and then decide based on next season whether it's time to make a change. -- Davenport

14. Houston Texans (10-7, AFC No. 4 Seed)

Last Week: 14

Week 18 Result: Won at Tennessee 23-14

After a miserable performance against the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans decided to play his starters in Week 18 despite having nothing of consequence to play for.

It was a decision that offensive lineman Tytus Howard agreed with.

"Everybody's been preparing like we're playing," Howard told reporters. "That's the goal, go out there and put some good football on tape and get ready for the playoffs. We have no intention of coming out and treating this week as a time for guys to rest. We've been putting in some good work this week and we're all prepared to play."

Many of those starters exited early, but the Texans accomplished their goal—ending their skid before the postseason begins.

But starting next week, the Texans don't get to play any more AFC South tomato cans.

Analyst's Take

The Texans are AFC South champions once again, though that says more about the state of their division than about this team. C.J. Stroud took a step back in 2024, as did the team as a whole.

Injuries at wide receiver didn't help matters, and the offensive line was a liability. However, Stroud never appeared to find the comfort level or the rhythm that he had by the end of last season. I'm not sure he can rediscover it during the playoffs. Houston deserves to be in the postseason, but its chances of going far feel slim. -- Knox

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7, AFC No. 6 Seed)

Last Week: 10

Week 18 Result: Lost vs. Cincinnati 19-17

The good news for the Pittsburgh Steelers is that the team won 10 games this season and secured a berth in the postseason tournament.

The bad news is that the Steelers enter the postseason a pitching, lurching mess riding a four-game skid after falling at home to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18.

After the loss, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson downplayed the team's losing streak while speaking to reporters.

"I don't really wanna talk about the past just because I think we've been in that for a little bit here," Wilson said. "I think the best thing we can do is get ready for the playoffs. It's a new season. That's the only thing that really matters anymore at this point, right? The reality is, obviously us winning that game would have helped us in some form or fashion. But at the end of the day, when you go into the playoffs, everybody's 0-0. You gotta beat everybody anyway. And that's gotta be our focus right now."

Tell yourself whatever you need to, Russ.

Analyst's Take

Well, the Russell Wilson and Justin Fields experiments were worth a try, especially when paying them next-to-nothing compared to the NFL's quarterback market. But people say that you get what you pay for. The Steelers didn't get winning quarterback play based on the team's investments. Yes, Pittsburgh made the postseason. It did so almost in spite of their quarterbacks.

Since Wilson and Fields are both free agents after this season, general manager Omar Khan can help the organization by looking elsewhere to address the game's most important position--either through another veteran option or a significant draft investment. What the team has behind center right now isn't good enough for Pittsburgh to compete at the highest level in the AFC. -- Sobleski

12. Denver Broncos (10-7, AFC No. 7 Seed)

Last Week: 13

Week 18 Result: Won vs. Kansas City 38-0

Before anyone gets carried away, yes, the Denver Broncos making the playoffs in Bo Nix's rookie season was quite the accomplishment. But the game that got the team in there was—yeah. It could be a much different story had the Broncos been facing the actual Chiefs instead of the preseason iteration.

However, teams play whoever is put in front of them, and Denver took care of business in emphatic fashion to win 10 games and claim the AFC's final postseason spot.

For veteran wide receiver Courtland Sutton, Denver's first playoff spot since the Broncos won Super Bowl 50 is most assuredly a big deal—no matter how they got in.

"You look on the wall and you see all of the success that this organization has had," Sutton told reporters. "For the past nine years, we haven't held up our end of the bargain on the field. To be able to be in this spot where we get to continue this legacy of this season and to potentially do something special to get put up on this wall of past champions. It's a humbling experience."

Analyst's Take

I'll give Sean Payton credit. I didn't expect Denver to be a playoff-caliber team with a rookie quarterback this season. However, both Denver and Bo Nix far exceeded my expectations. Nix certainly looks like a future franchise quarterback, but I would have said the same thing about Mac Jones during his rookie campaign, and he's probably on the verge of joining his third team. There's no telling exactly what the future holds for Nix. Right now, he's a big part of a very good Broncos team. -- Knox

11. Los Angeles Rams (10-7, NFC No. 4 Seed)

Last Week: 11

Week 18 Result: Lost vs. Seattle 30-25

The Los Angeles Rams could have hung on to the NFC's No. 3 seed with a win Sunday. But as he often has in the past, Rams head coach Sean McVay sat many of his veteran starters. Now, after losing to the Seahawks, the Rams will face a 14-3 Minnesota Vikings team seething after a Week 17 beatdown in Detroit in the Wild Card Round.

While addressing the media after the game, McVay made it clear he's not going to risk injury to star players for fear of having to host a higher-seeded team—including a 14-win one.

"You know what's at stake and you have tremendous respect," McVay said, "but I'm excited about seeing who that is, and then we're going to dive into it. We're going to go for it with no fear. It's going to be a great challenge, but I do know this: I've been fortunate enough to get into this thing (before), and you can't worry about ducking people. If you really expect to make some noise when you get in it, you're going to have to play people eventually. Felt like it was the smart move for our football team, and really, we had an opportunity to come away with the win."

Analyst's Take

Frankly, you can make a decent argument that Minnesota is a better matchup for the Rams next week anyway. L.A.'s young edge-rushers should be able to pressure San Darnold. The Rams played the Vikings back in Week 8—and won by double-digits. And the nightmare matchup for teams like the Rams and Tampa is the Washington Commanders and Jayden Daniels. Quarterbacks like Daniels and Lamar Jackson who can create on the fly are much more difficult to scheme against than a pocket passer like Sam Darnold. -- Davenport

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7, NFC No. 3 Seed)

Last Week: 12

Week 18 Result: Won vs. New Orleans 27-19

Sunday's edict for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was simple: win, and the team would be NFC South champions for the fourth year in a row.

It wasn't especially pretty, but the Bucs got that win—and while doing so Tampa wide receiver Mike Evans became the second wideout in NFL history to record 1,000 yards in 11 consecutive seasons.

The victory was obviously the top priority—but Tampa quarterback Baker Mayfield told reporters that he was happy to see Evans continue a streak that started his rookie year (a feat not even Jerry Rice accomplished).

"He always (puts the team first)," Mayfield said. "That's why you love him. We're lucky to have him. He's underappreciated throughout the media and the league. He's one of one. He deserves that. You saw the stadium erupt. You saw the sideline erupt. You can tell how much people care about him and what that means for everybody around him."

Analyst's Take

Sunday actually marked the first time in Baker Mayfield's career that he mounted a successful comeback after being down double-digit points. And in some respects, that's the Buccaneers in a nutshell. They are a good team—but not an especially imposing one.

However, these are the same Buccaneers that absolutely blasted the Philadelphia Eagles in Tampa in last year's Wild Card Round. This is a Buccaneers team that went into Ford Field earlier this season and beat the Lions.

Opponents who underestimate the Buccaneers in the postseason do so at their own peril. -- Davenport

9. Green Bay Packers (11-6, NFC No. 7 Seed)

Last Week: 7

Week 18 Result: Lost vs. Chicago 24-22

Losing two straight headed into the playoffs is bad. Losing those games to rivals is worse. Those losses knocking the team into the No. 7 seed is worse still.

And potentially losing your starting quarterback and one of your top receivers just before the playoffs? That's just brutal.

Early reports indicate that quarterback Jordan Love (hand) should be OK for next week's trip to Philadelphia. But given that wide receiver Christian Watson was carted off the field, his availability for the Wild Card Round is much more unlikely.

While talking to the media after the loss, Love admitted that the Packers ended the regular season on a sour note.

"It's obviously not the note we wanted to end on with a loss to the Vikings and then turn around and (have) a loss here," Love said. "It's the reality of our situation. We've got to find a way to improve this week, get better and look forward to seeing Philly."

The Packers and Eagles met in Brazil in the season opener. Green Bay will have to reverse the outcome of that game to keep their season alive.

Analyst's Take

The Packers have quality wins against the Rams and Texans, but they're a tier below teams with wide-open Super Bowl windows like the Chiefs, Bills, Ravens, Lions and Eagles. That said, Green Bay lost a close 34-29 battle to Philadelphia on a neutral field in Brazil. These teams could have another battle that comes down to the final drive. In consecutive years, the Packers can pull off a Wild Card Round upset. -- Moton

8. Washington Commanders (12-5, NFC No. 6 Seed)

Last Week: 8

Week 18 Result: Won at Dallas 23-19

There isn't a more surprising postseason team in the NFL than the Washington Commanders. This is a team that had the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

Of course, when you use that pick on a quarterback who has all but run away with Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, things can turn around in a hurry.

However, Jayden Daniels was pulled from Sunday's win over the Dallas Cowboys with a sore leg, leading to a lot of folks in Washington, DC, turning blue.

You know, from holding their breath.

"It wasn't a plan going in," Quinn told reporters. "We thought we were going to go all the way, but he had some mild soreness in his leg. I just kind of made the decision honestly to say, 'Let's go with Marcus [Mariota].' ... I just thought that was the way to go going into the second half."

Daniels downplayed the injury, but it adds an additional level of drama to next Sunday night's playoff tilt in Tampa Bay.

Analyst's Take

Like the Texans did a year ago, the Commanders have shown the rest of the NFL the value of pairing a competent head coach with a promising young quarterback. Hitting on both in the same offseason is a tall order for any franchise, but it is possible—have hope, Raiders fans!

GM Adam Peters also deserves a ton of credit for patching together a playoff roster in a single offseason. We've seen franchises target volume in free agency before, only to flop. Washington added the perfect blend of veteran leadership and players who fit its offensive and defensive schemes. The result? A playoff berth and an offseason of building instead of rebuilding. -- Knox

7. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6, AFC No. 5 Seed)

Last Week: 9

Week 18 Result: Won at Las Vegas 34-20

If Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert carries this level of play over into the postseason, the Houston Texans have problems.

Granted, it came against a bad Raiders team. But Herbert was essentially flawless Sunday—28 completions in 36 attempts for 346 yards and two touchdowns. It was a performance that left Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh duly impressed while addressing the media.

"I'm very proud of the way the team played, starting with the quarterback," Jim Harbaugh said. "I'm not going to say unbelievable because I believe it and I see it every day. But there were throws that he was making ... that were like handoffs. They were right where you would put it if you were handing the ball off on a running play. Just incredible game by him."

With JK Dobbins back at running back, the Chargers offense looks exponentially better. No team in the NFL has allowed fewer points per game.

The Chargers are a quietly dangerous team—one more than capable of pulling off an "upset" or two in the postseason.

Analyst's Take

The Chargers offense looks different when running back J.K. Dobbins is healthy. He returned from injured reserve in Week 17, and Los Angeles racked up its second-most total yards in a game this season (428). With him leading the ground attack and Justin Herbert's budding connection with rookie wideout Ladd McConkey, the Chargers may be more than a one-and-done playoff team. -- Moton

6. Minnesota Vikings (14-3, NFC No. 5 Seed)

Last Week: 4

Week 18 Result: Lost at Detroit 31-9

Week 18 was a litmus test for quarterback Sam Darnold and the Vikings. A chance for the quarterback to show that his career season has been no fluke. A chance for the team to stake its claim as the NFC's best team. Maybe even the NFL's best team.

Player and team failed that test—spectacularly.

Darnold completed just 18 of 41 passes and posted a miserable passer rating of 55.5. The Vikings were abysmal in the red zone, going 0-for-3 and failing on a pair of fourth-down attempts near the goal line. The Vikings looked a lot less like a Super Bowl contender than a team whose time in the postseason could be brief.

Minnesota head coach Kevin O' Connell told reporters he remains confident the team will shake off the dud next week in Los Angeles against the Rams.

"We didn't do a lot of the things we did well this season," O'Connell said. "Sam has hit a lot of those plays all year and I have every bit of confidence that he will hit it the next time."

Analyst's Take

My confidence in Minnesota's ability to make a deep playoff run all but evaporated Sunday night. The Lions forced Darnold out of the pocket, and he looked a lot like the quarterback who struggled throughout most of his career. Jahmyr Gibbs shredded Minnesota's defense. And wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison were MIA most of the game.

Now the Vikings have to head west to take on a Rams team that beat the Vikings by 10 back in October. If the Vikings we saw in Week 18 show up at SoFi Stadium, Minnesota isn't getting out of the Wild Card Round. -- Davenport

5. Baltimore Ravens (12-5, AFC No. 3 Seed)

Last Week: 6

Week 18 Result: Won vs. Cleveland 35-10

After blasting the woeful Cleveland Browns on Saturday, the Baltimore Ravens are champions of the AFC North and the conference's No. 3 seed. Head coach John Harbaugh told reporters that while the team will celebrate the division title, there's still much more for the Ravens to accomplish this year.

"It's awesome. It's an awesome thing," Harbaugh said. "It's a week-to-week league, and you really just have to take it one week at a time, one day at a time, one play at time, and our guys have done a really good job of holding onto that. Now, that's going to be exciting, and we're going to enjoy it tonight, and we're going to watch games tomorrow and see who we play, but we're moving on for what we've been working for."

Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who surpassed 4,000 passing yards for the season in the win, also said that the Ravens have only just begun accomplishing their goals.

"I'm focused on the wild card game; I'm not going [to] lie to you," quarterback Lamar Jackson said. "I'm cool [with] what's going on today. I'm cool, don't get me wrong, but my mind [is] on something else."

Analyst's Take

With Sunday's win, Baltimore accomplished its first goal of the season by winning the AFC North. The team didn't emerge unscathed, though. Leading receiver Zay Flowers suffered an injury after his only catch of the contest. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the first-time Pro Bowler is now dealing with a sprained knee, which will likely keep him out for at least the opening round of the playoffs. His absence will be a significant blow since the Ravens finally had a legitimate threat out wide. Rashod Bateman picked up the slack Sunday, but he doesn't have the same separation skills as his teammate. -- Sobleski

4. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3, NFC No. 2 Seed)

Last Week: 5

Week 18 Result: Won vs. New York Giants 20-13

The Eagles weren't playing for anything Sunday—they were locked into the second seed in the NFC win or lose. That meant most of Philly's starters sat out—and the Eagles beat the Giants anyway.

The hero of Sunday's win was third-string quarterback Tanner McKee, who threw for 269 yards and a pair of scores. As Reuben Frank wrote for NBC Sports Philadelphia, McKee has impressed over the past couple of weeks.

"It was impressive seeing Tanner McKee throw a couple touchdown passes last week at the end of that Dallas game, but what he did Sunday is even more impressive in a way because he was doing it with an entirely backup offensive line (and not a very good one), a bunch of rookies and backup receivers - other than Dallas Goedert early - and he still performed at such a high level," Frank said. "There's no doubt this kid has a bright future in this league, and hopefully Howie Roseman resists the urge to trade him because I'm sure there'll be significant offers. McKee has everything you're looking for in a young quarterback - accuracy, decisiveness, intelligence, big arm, great size. He's got an outstanding pocket sense, delivers the ball accurately on the move and has that innate ability to throw the ball not where his receivers are but where they're going."

Analyst's Take

The Eagles took precautions by resting their starters before the playoffs, which is reasonable. A few weeks ago, Saquon Barkley said he was dealing "with a little something." A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have missed time this year due to injuries, and Jalen Hurts is going through concussion protocol. Barkley may not get this close (101 yards) to breaking Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson's rushing record again, but a well-rested Eagles squad has a real chance to reach the Super Bowl. -- Moton

3. Buffalo Bills (13-4, AFC No. 2 Seed)

Last Week: 3

Week 18 Result: Lost vs. New England 23-16

Sunday's season finale meant nothing to the Buffalo Bills—win or lose the Bills were the second seed in the AFC. Now the focus turns to the same thing it has this time of year the past several seasons—figuring out a way to get past the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs and into the Super Bowl.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen is also the odds-on favorite to be named the NFL's Most Valuable Player—an honor that Bills head coach Sean McDermott believes Allen has absolutely earned.

"Josh Allen is the MVP," McDermott told reporters. "I've been around this league long enough to know, to see MVPs every year for many years, and what he has done on this team and this organization, in this community, and no offense to anybody else, but I have a hard time believing that someone's done more."

For his part though, Allen has his sights set on bigger achievements.

"I don't really care about that," Allen said.

(He does.)

Analyst's Take

Quarterback Josh Allen is in the conversation for league MVP, but he'll be focused on helping his team overcome a playoff hurdle. Buffalo has lost in the divisional round of the postseason in three consecutive campaigns. The Bills are a strong No. 2 seed, but they field the 22nd-ranked pass defense and allow 4.7 yards per carry, which ranks 25th leaguewide. Buffalo's defense could be its Achilles' heel in this year's postseason. -- Moton

2. Detroit Lions (15-2, NFC No. 1 Seed)

Last Week: 2

Week 18 Result: Won vs. Minnesota 31-9

Sunday night's regular-season finale featured a number of firsts. It was the first time two 14-win teams ever squared off in the regular season. It was also an opportunity for the Lions to do something they never had—enter the NFC playoffs as the top seed.

The Lions will do so after blasting the Vikings at Ford Field. It was a game Detroit dominated in every facet—including a defense that allowed just 262 yards of offense.

However, there was at least one cause for concern—the play of Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Goff threw a pair of interceptions (and nearly threw a third) should have been called for intentional grounding in the end zone and just generally wasn't sharp.

On a night where the defense played lights out and Jahmyr Gibbs scored three times, it didn't matter. But the postseason is coming—and that means the margin for error is about to shrink considerably.

Analyst's Take

On one hand, the Lions looked like the best team in the league for much of Sunday's game—what was supposed to be a back-and-forth slugfest wound up a one-sided beatdown. And if Detroit's injury-ravaged defense can put together three more efforts like we saw Sunday night, the Lions could absolutely win Super Bowl LIX.

But Goff's performance against the Vikings is also the kind of effort that could get Detroit bounced from the postseason if Gibbs and the Lions defense doesn't stand on its head. The road to the Super Bowl goes through Ford Field in the NFC, but the Lions aren't unbeatable—at least one NFC playoff team already showed that in Detroit this season, and both the Lions losses in 2024 were at home. -- Davenport

1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-2, AFC No. 1 Seed)

Last Week: 1

Week 18 Result: Lost at Denver 38-0

Never in NFL history has a 38-0 loss meant less.

Granted, it still looks ugly on the scoreboard. But the Chiefs weren't the Chiefs Sunday in Denver. They were the Chefs—like in the commercial. Any player of any prominence for Kansas City watched the game from the sidelines.

A meaningless Week 18 game doesn't matter to the Chiefs. Only one thing does. New Orleans. Super Bowl LIX. Becoming the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls.

Carson Wentz, who started in Patrick Mahomes' stead Sunday, told reporters that two weeks from now, the actual Chiefs will be back on the field—and on a mission.

"Today, obviously was not great, but we know it's ahead of us as a team," said Wentz. "Pat, everybody, all the starters, they know what's ahead of us and where we're trying to go and what we're capable of doing. So, our mindset is on that."

Look out, AFC. The Arrowhead Invitational has begun.

Analyst's Take

How does the old saying go? To be the champ, you have to beat the champ? I don't think the Chiefs have the most talented roster in the NFL this year, but their ability to win close games is unmatched. They also have the league's best head coach—with all due respect to coaches like Kevin O'Connell, Dan Campbell and Matt LaFleur—and the league's best quarterback.

The road to the Super Bowl will also run through Kansas City in the AFC. Will the Chiefs pull off the unprecedented three-peat? I don't know, but I'll be fairly surprised if they don't find a way to return to the Super Bowl. -- Knox