2023 NFL Power Rankings, Week 18: Vikings Tumble Again
Josh Frey
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Week 17 of the NFL season has come and gone.
Now, we are looking ahead to one final week of the regular season before the playoffs officially get started. Week 18 promises to have some playoff-like football, and as we head towards the weekend, here is a look at the updated NFL power rankings.
The Super Bowl Contenders
1. Baltimore Ravens
- Last Week: 56-19 win vs. MIA
- Trending: —
- This Week: 1/6 vs. PIT
The Ravens put an exclamation point on their 2023 regular season with an absolutely dominant performance against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Lamar Jackson looked as good as he ever has throwing the ball, and Miami’s offense couldn’t sustain anything against the Ravens defense. They have homefield advantage through the playoffs and will be a very tough team to beat.
2. San Francisco 49ers
- Last Week: 27-10 win @ WSH
- Trending: +1
- This Week: 1/7 vs. LAR
San Francisco got back on track after their own debacle against the Ravens in Week 16, and they clinched the top seed in the NFC with their wire-to-wire win over the Commanders.
3. Buffalo Bills
- Last Week: 27-21 win vs. NE
- Trending: +2
- This Week: 1/7 @ MIA
The Bills continue to win games, and they are doing it less because of Josh Allen’s heroics, and more so with a great defensive effort. This is a much more sustainable way to win football games come playoff time, and after everything that they’ve been through this year, should Buffalo be able to secure a win against the Dolphins this weekend, they will jump into the No. 2 seed in the AFC.
4. Cleveland Browns
- Last Week: 37-20 win vs. NYJ
- Trending: +1
- This Week: 1/7 @ CIN
Joe Flacco once again totaled over 300 passing yards and had a trio of TD passes during Cleveland’s dominant win over the New York Jets last week. The QB situation seems to be sorted out for the Browns, and they are riding towards the playoffs as one of the toughest teams in the league.
5. Miami Dolphins
- Last Week: 19-56 loss @ BAL
- Trending: -3
- This Week: 1/7 vs. BUF
Miami’s struggles continue on the road, and a dominant loss to the Ravens squandered the Dolphins’ opportunity to snatch the No. 1 seed and ensure that they wouldn’t have to play on the road during the playoffs. Now, they have to beat Buffalo this weekend in order to ensure that they cling to their narrow lead in the AFC East and will be without Bradley Chubb the rest of the way.
6. Dallas Cowboys
- Last Week: 20-19 win vs. DET
- Trending: +2
- This Week: 1/7 @ WSH
Of course, questionable calls down the stretch tainted this victory a bit for the Cowboys. However, Dallas did just enough to come away with a win over the Detroit Lions, and with their performance, the Cowboys move back into the top of the NFC East.
7. Detroit Lions
- Last Week: 19-20 loss @ DAL
- Trending: -3
- This Week: 1/7 vs. MIN
The Lions did not get a win on the road after Dan Campbell’s failed decision to go for two points and end the game, but they did prove that they are able to hang with some of the heavyweights in the NFC. They’ll still be a tough out in the playoffs.
Strong Playoff Teams
8. Los Angeles Rams
- Last Week: 26-25 win @ NYG
- Trending: +1
- This Week: 1/7 @ SF
In a season where the Rams were supposed to be rebuilding, they officially clinched a playoff berth with their win over the New York Giants. This Los Angeles team had some struggles in Week 17, but they are still a dangerous group going into the playoffs.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
- Last Week: 25-17 win vs. CIN
- Trending: +1
- This Week: 1/7 @ LAC
Kansas City put together a strong defensive performance this weekend against the Bengals, and they were able to clinch another AFC West title. Isiah Pacheco had a terrific day running the ball, and Rashee Rice continues to emerge as a target in the passing game.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
- Last Week: 31-35 loss vs. ARI
- Trending: -3
- This Week: 1/7 @ NYG
This Eagles defense continues to prove to be a problem in Philadelphia. They allowed Kyler Murray to get whatever he wanted in the passing game while Arizona also totaled 221 rushing yards. Philly needs to figure a few things out if they want to make another run in the playoffs.
The “Swing” Teams
11. Green Bay Packers
- Last Week: 33-10 win @ MIN
- Trending: +5
- This Week: 1/7 vs. CHI
The Packers went into Minnesota, and stole the Vikings’ lunch money. Green Bay put together a dominant defensive showing, and Jordan Love made a few ridiculous throws en route to a blowout win. Now, the Packers just need to beat the Bears at home in order to secure a playoff spot.
12. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Last Week: 26-0 win vs. CAR
- Trending: +3
- This Week: 1/7 @ TEN
This was a good get-right game for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Trevor Lawrence did not suit up, but Travis Etienne led the way with 126 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns. Jacksonville’s four-game losing streak is over.
13. Houston Texans
- Last Week: 26-3 win vs. TEN
- Trending: +4
- This Week: 1/6 @ IND
C.J. Stroud got back into the lineup, and the Texans began clicking again on offense. Will Anderson put together a pair of sacks. Houston’s rookies continue to deliver, and the team needs one more big game from them in order to make the playoffs.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Last Week: 30-23 win @ SEA
- Trending: +6
- This Week: 1/6 @ BAL
Pittsburgh secured another winning season under Mike Tomlin by stealing their ninth victory of the year in Seattle. NaJee Harris scored a pair of touchdowns, and George Pickens made a few more big catches en route to a road victory.
15. Seattle Seahawks
- Last Week: 23-30 loss vs. PIT
- Trending: -4
- This Week: 1/7 @ ARI
The Seattle Seahawks found a decent bit of success in the running game on Sunday, but they simply didn’t stick with it. Instead, Geno Smith attempted to keep them in the game by throwing the ball, and he did a decent job if it were not for some key breakdowns by the defense.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Last Week: 13-23 loss vs. NO
- Trending: -4
- This Week: 1/7 @ CAR
Tampa Bay had a chance to secure the NFC South title once again, but they squandered the opportunity against the Saints at home. It wasn’t a great game for either side of the ball, but even with the disappointing loss, they can still clinch the division with a win over the Panthers.
17. Denver Broncos
- Last Week: 16-9 win vs. LAC
- Trending: -3
- This Week: 1/7 @ LV
Denver made the surprising decision to bench Russell Wilson last week, and they put Jarrett Stidham in as the starting QB. Despite going up against the lowly Chargers, the Broncos were unable to really grab control in this game.
18. Chicago Bears
- Last Week: 37-17 win vs. ATL
- Trending: +4
- This Week: 1/7 @ GB
The feisty Bears just keep winning games. They’ve now won four of their past five games down the stretch of the season, and their defense is flying all over the field. Justin Fields is looking much better at QB too, and now, the Bears can play spoiler for the Packers this weekend.
19. Cincinnati Bengals
- Last Week: 17-25 loss @ KC
- Trending: -6
- This Week: 1/7 vs. CLE
Without Chiefs-killer, Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals struggled in Kansas City last weekend. Jake Browning could not solve the puzzle of Kansas City’s secondary, and the rushing attack was inefficient all afternoon.
20. Indianapolis Colts
- Last Week: 23-20 win vs. LV
- Trending: +1
- This Week: 1/6 vs. HOU
The Colts aren’t going to be a world beater if they make the playoffs, but Shane Steichen has done a fantastic job of turning around the offense in 2023. Even with the Raiders playing one of their best overall games of the season, Indy was still able to come away with a win.
21. New Orleans Saints
- Last Week: 23-13 win @ TB
- Trending: +4
- This Week: 1/7 vs. ATL
That was one of the best performances the Saints offense has had all season. Derek Carr looked comfortable in the pocket and delivered some sharp throws throughout the game. However, Alvin Kamara’s injury is worth keeping an eye on heading into Week 18.
On the Outside Looking In
22. Las Vegas Raiders
- Last Week: 20-23 loss @ IND
- Trending: -4
- This Week: 1/7 vs. DEN
The Raiders did an excellent job of putting pressure on Gardner Minshew last weekend, but it simply didn’t matter for the Colts QB. Las Vegas’ defense is a great group in the front seven, but they still need some help in the back end.
23. Atlanta Falcons
- Last Week: 17-37 loss @ CHI
- Trending: -4
- This Week: 1/7 @ NO
Atlanta’s defense held no resistance against the Chicago Bears as Justin Fields carved them up through the air, and Khalil Herbert led the way with a strong rushing attack. Meanwhile, it didn’t help that Taylor Heinicke threw four interceptions.
24. Arizona Cardinals
- Last Week: 35-31 @ PHI
- Trending: +6
- This Week: 1/7 vs. SEA
Arizona’s offense got absolutely everything that they wanted against Philly’s once-vaunted defense. This group continues to be frisky and have a spoiler opportunity against the Seahawks.
25. Minnesota Vikings
- Last Week: 10-33 loss vs. GB
- Trending: -2
- This Week: 1/7 @ DET
Jaren Hall got his second NFL start against Green Bay, but it quickly became clear that he was unable to lead the Vikings’ offense. Minnesota’s defense put together another very bad showing as well, and the Vikings’ playoff hopes have all but ended.
26. New York Giants
- Last Week: 25-26 loss vs. LAR
- Trending: +1
- This Week: 1/7 vs. PHI
Tyrod Taylor did a great job of leading the Giants offense, and New York nearly stole a win against the surging Rams squad. The 2023 season has been a disappointment for this squad, but they could be back in the mix in 2024.
27. New England Patriots
- Last Week: 21-27 loss @ BUF
- Trending: -2
- This Week: 1/7 vs. NYJ
The Patriots offense was truly horrendous throughout much of Sunday afternoon. Bailey Zappe had a couple very ugly interceptions, and now, New England could be inching their way to a shiny QB prospect if they fall against the Jets this weekend.
28. Tennessee Titans
- Last Week: 3-26 loss @ HOU
- Trending: -2
- This Week: 1/7 vs. JAX
Will Levis left this game with an injury, and the Titans were unable to sustain any sort of consistency on offense. They reached the red zone once all afternoon and floundered against their division rivals.
29. New York Jets
- Last Week: 20-37 loss @ CLE
- Trending: -1
- This Week: 1/7 @ NE
It was a big revenge game for Joe Flacco against the New York Jets, and the Jets defense could not contain the veteran QB. Even though the Jets forced three turnovers on the day, their offense couldn’t consistently put drives together.
30. Los Angeles Chargers
- Last Week: 9-16 loss @ DEN
- Trending: -1
- This Week: 1/7 vs. KC
Easton Stick is sending the Chargers further and further up the draft board. LA’s offense has completely stalled in recent weeks, scoring single-digits in three of their past five games.
31. Washington Commanders
- Last Week: 10-27 loss vs. SF
- Trending: +1
- This Week: 1/7 vs. DAL
The Commanders weren’t shut out by a bad defense this weekend, so they move up a spot for that reason only. Otherwise, this was a pretty tough game to watch for Washington.
32. Carolina Panthers
- Last Week: 0-26 loss @ JAX
- Trending: -1
- This Week: 1/7 vs. TB
There isn’t much to say about Sunday for the Panthers. It was a bad showing by the defense, and another very tough day for the offense as well.
The Chaotic 2023 NFL Standings Heading into Week 18
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.