Like the remainder of you, the Energy Rankings try to make some sense of this NFL 12 months as we head into the ultimate week of the common season. 9 playoff spots are spoken for — by the Ravens, Dolphins, Chiefs and Browns within the AFC and 49ers, Cowboys, Lions, Eagles and Rams within the NFC. That leaves 5 extra to be determined by the outcomes of Week 18.
Earlier than all that, although, we’re going to attempt to take a lesson from every staff’s season, even these seasons which might be mainly over.
1. Baltimore Ravens (13-3)
(Final week: 1)
Sunday: Beat Miami Dolphins 56-19
The lesson: Rent nice assistants
John Harbaugh hit back-to-back residence runs by hiring defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald in 2022 and offensive coordinator Todd Monken in 2023. Because of this, his Ravens clinched the AFC’s high seed by thumping the Dolphins on Sunday. Properly, that, and having Lamar Jackson, who was 18-for-21 for 321 yards and 5 touchdowns in opposition to Miami. Jackson’s plus-28.2 passing EPA was one of the best single-game efficiency since Joe Burrow in opposition to the Ravens in 2021 (plus-34.1), in accordance with NextGenStats, and possibly clinched the MVP award.
Up subsequent: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET
2. San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
(Final week: 2)
Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 27-10
The lesson: Star energy issues
The 49ers have made a quarterback no person else within the league needed seem like a celebrity by surrounding him with stars. On Sunday, San Francisco turned the primary staff in league historical past to have a working again (Christian McCaffrey), two extensive receivers (Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk) and a good finish (George Kittle) all surpass 1,000 yards in a single season. The 49ers additionally clinched the highest seed within the NFC, which means groups that love enjoying at residence on turf ( you Dallas and Detroit) in all probability should win within the parts to get to the Tremendous Bowl.
Up subsequent: vs. Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
3. Cleveland Browns (11-5)
(Final week: 8)
Thursday: Beat New York Jets 37-20
The lesson: They didn’t even want Deshaun Watson
The Browns can be one of many feel-good tales within the league this 12 months if not for the truth that they nonetheless have a scar from their pursuit of Watson, and it appears prefer it was a misguided self-inflicted wound. Cleveland has received seven of its final 9 video games, the final 5 of which have include 38-year-old Joe Flacco at quarterback. Flacco has topped 300 yards passing in every of the final 4 video games. He had 309 and three touchdowns in opposition to the Jets on Thursday. Why did they do all they did to get Watson once more?
Up subsequent: at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
What we discovered in NFL Week 17: Ravens, Niners clinch high seeds, Bears get first choose in draft
4. Detroit Lions (11-5)
(Final week: 5)
Saturday: Misplaced to Dallas Cowboys 20-19
The lesson: NFL Draft maxims are flawed
Bear in mind all of the grief Detroit obtained for taking working again Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 and inside linebacker Jack Campbell at No. 18? Since Week 14, Gibbs is ninth within the league in dashing (72.25 yards per sport). Campbell is second on the staff in tackles for the season (77). Tight finish Sam LaPorta, the No. 34 choose, hasn’t been dangerous both, catching 81 passes for 860 yards and 9 touchdowns. (Sorry concerning the ref factor guys. We hope leaving you forward of the Cowboys in these rankings makes all of it higher.)
Up subsequent: vs. Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
Reporting eligible: What to know concerning the under-the-radar activity and why it price the Lions
5. Dallas Cowboys (11-5)
(Final week: 6)
Saturday: Beat Detroit Lions 20-19
The lesson: Throw the ball to your finest gamers
Dallas has misplaced solely as soon as this season when CeeDee Lamb will get greater than 10 targets in a sport. Lamb averaged seven targets and 5.7 catches per sport via Week 6, and the Cowboys had been 4-2. Since then, he has averaged 12.6 targets and eight.8 catches per sport, and Dallas is 7-3 in that span. Saturday evening, he had a career-high 227 yards on 13 catches in opposition to the Lions.
Up subsequent: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
.@dak stated GO LONG @_CeeDeeThree 🚀 pic.twitter.com/xuP9pBgndi
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 31, 2023
6. Miami Dolphins (11-5)
(Final week: 3)
Sunday: Misplaced to Baltimore Ravens 56-19
The lesson: Pace kills
Six of the highest 10 speeds achieved by ball carriers within the NFL this 12 months have been by Dolphins — Tyreek Hill 3 times, Devone Achane twice and Raheem Mostert as soon as. They’ve sufficient pace that they’ve been in a position to survive accidents to all three of these gamers in some unspecified time in the future this season and nonetheless get to 11 wins. It didn’t assist a lot Sunday, however Achane did have 107 yards on simply 14 carries in opposition to one of many NFL’s finest defenses.
Up subsequent: vs. Buffalo Payments, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
(Final week: 4)
Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 27-21
The lesson: Josh Allen is the MVP runner-up
All of the hand-wringing after Allen’s four-turnover begin to the season is lengthy gone because the second-most distinctive participant within the league behind Lamar Jackson has the Payments sitting at No. 6 within the AFC playoff race after their fourth straight win Sunday, and Buffalo can win the AFC East by beating Miami on Sunday. Regardless of a pedestrian statistical efficiency in opposition to the Patriots, Allen is seventh within the NFL in passing yards (3,947) and second in scramble EPA per sport (3.47), in accordance with TruMedia.
Up subsequent: at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
Solely Josh Allen might provide you with this 🤯
🎥 @NFLpic.twitter.com/s60r1P9lUV
— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) December 31, 2023
8. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (10-6)
(Final week: 9)
Sunday: Beat Cincinnati Bengals 25-17
The lesson: There are not any certain issues
The Chiefs could win one other Tremendous Bowl, but it surely’s going to be an uphill climb. All of Patrick Mahomes’ magic might solely generate one landing in opposition to the Bengals on Sunday. Kansas Metropolis obtained the win thanks to 6 Harrison Butker subject targets, and Rashee Rice, who had 5 catches for 127 yards, stays the one dependable extensive receiver. That’s an issue that’s made worse by the truth that Travis Kelce had solely three catches for 16 yards in opposition to the Bengals and hasn’t topped 45 yards in any of the final three video games.
Up subsequent: at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
NFL Week 17 takeaways: What ails the Eagles? What ought to Bears do with draft’s No. 1 choose?
9. Los Angeles Rams (9-7)
(Final week: 10)
Sunday: Beat New York Giants 26-25
The lesson: Sean McVay shouldn’t do TV
After flirting with retirement and a high-paying tv job, McVay has proved he’s nonetheless actually good at his present high-paying job. Los Angeles has received six of its final seven after holding off the Giants on Sunday, and the Rams can be a tricky out within the playoffs so long as Matthew Stafford is enjoying like this. Stafford had one other 317 yards Sunday and is eighth within the league in passing yards per sport (264.3).
Up subsequent: at San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
(Final week: 13)
Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 26-3
The lesson: The suitable quarterback fixes every part
This was alleged to be a throwaway 12 months in Houston. As an alternative, rookie C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 choose, is fourth within the NFL with 274.57 passing yards per sport, and Houston is within the eighth spot within the AFC, nonetheless very a lot alive within the playoff race. After lacking two video games due to a concussion, Stroud returned Sunday to finish 24 of 32 passes for 213 yards and a landing in opposition to the Titans. Defensive finish Will Anderson set the Texans’ rookie sack report along with his seventh.
Up subsequent: at Indianapolis Colts, Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET
11. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
(Final week: 7)
Sunday: Misplaced to Arizona Cardinals 35-31
The lesson: Matt Patricia is rarely the reply
The Eagles have received 11 video games this season and nonetheless can’t appear to assist however panic. Their most up-to-date abrupt transfer was to raise Patricia to defensive play caller. On Sunday, the Eagles’ defensive success fee (40.8 p.c) was their worst in a sport since 2006, in accordance with TruMedia. The Cardinals completed with 449 yards and marched 70 yards on their fourth-quarter, game-winning drive. The Eagles have misplaced 4 of their final 5. (Extra classes discovered about former Patriots assistants beneath.)
Up subsequent: at New York Giants, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
(Final week: 14)
Sunday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 23-20
The lesson: Shane Steichen has been nearly as good as any new rent
Steichen didn’t get the headlines amongst this offseason’s hires, however he’s enjoying Sunday for a spot within the playoffs regardless of dropping beginning quarterback Anthony Richardson for the season and never having Jonathan Taylor for seven video games. Indianapolis is tenth within the league in scoring (23.56) with the previous Eagles offensive coordinator in cost.
Up subsequent: vs. Houston Texans, Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET
Quarterback Jordan Love has the Packers on the verge of the playoffs. (Nick Wosika / Icon Sportswire through Getty Pictures)
(Final week: 20)
Sunday: Beat Minnesota Vikings 33-10
The lesson: Draft quarterbacks early
Jordan Love is third within the NFL in landing passes (30) and ninth in EPA per try (.19) in his first season because the full-time starter. That’s after spending two seasons on the bench earlier than changing Aaron Rodgers, who spent three seasons on the bench earlier than changing Brett Favre. The Packers seem like they’re going to finish up having three good to superb, long-term quarterbacks, and there’s no secret to why. They draft the quarterbacks they like when that participant is on the market and are affected person sufficient to let him sit till the proper time.
Up subsequent: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
(Final week: 15)
Sunday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 30-23
The lesson: Mike Tomlin is traditionally regular
After Sunday’s win, Tomlin is assured his seventeenth straight season with a .500 or higher report. Solely Tom Landry (21) and Invoice Belichick (19) have extra. Steelers followers will level out that Tomlin has missed the playoffs within the final two seasons and in 4 of the final six. Even after Sunday’s win, through which George Pickens had 131 yards, Pittsburgh is just ninth within the AFC.
Up subsequent: at Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET
(Final week: 11)
Sunday: Misplaced to New Orleans Saints 23-13
The lesson: The suitable timing and scenario matter
Baker Mayfield didn’t play his finest sport Sunday, ending 22-for-33 for 309 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, however he’s been a season-saver for Tampa Bay. Enjoying on a one-year, $4 million contract, Mayfield is tied for fourth within the NFL in landing passes (28) and eighth in EPA per try (.19). If he can lead the Buccaneers previous Bryce Younger and the Panthers, he’ll take Tampa Bay to the playoffs.
Up subsequent: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 12)
Sunday: Misplaced to Pittsburgh Steelers 30-23
The lesson: Pete Carroll can actually coach
Seattle nonetheless has a 23.8 p.c likelihood of constructing the playoffs, in accordance with The Athletic’s projections, regardless of Sunday’s loss. If the Seahawks can get there, it is going to be Carroll’s tenth journey in his final 13 seasons as head coach. There’s quite a lot of angst in Seattle proper now as a result of the Seahawks gave up 468 yards to Mason Rudolph and the Steelers on Sunday, however Seattle might do rather a lot worse than being within the combine yearly below Carroll.
Up subsequent: at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen padded his sacks whole Sunday in opposition to Bryce Younger and the Panthers. (Morgan Tencza / USA At present)
(Final week: 16)
Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 26-0
The lesson: There are two star Josh Allens
The Jaguars linebacker sacked Bryce Younger 3 times on Sunday and now has the staff’s single-season report with 16 1/2, which ranks third within the NFL. Allen is second within the league in quarterback hits (33) and eighth in hurries (53), in accordance with TruMedia. He led a defensive effort Sunday that held the Panthers to 124 yards and likewise had six tackles, and possibly must be getting extra consideration within the defensive participant of the 12 months dialog.
Up subsequent: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 19)
Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 16-9
The lesson: Sean Payton is the dictator
This was largely recognized when Payton took the job within the offseason, however the head coach made it official this week when he benched Russell Wilson in favor of Jarrett Stidham. Payton insisted it was a transfer made for soccer causes solely, and the Broncos did snap a two-game dropping streak Sunday, however the transfer actually was Payton formally successful the ability play. Denver normal supervisor George Paton, who gave Wilson his large contract extension final 12 months, could also be subsequent.
Up subsequent: at Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
Broncos’ silence after Russell Wilson’s benching is deafening: Sando’s Choose Six
(Final week: 24)
Sunday: Beat Atlanta Falcons 37-17
The lesson: Justin Fields isn’t a quitter
The Bears may nonetheless fireplace Fields, however he’s going to make it as troublesome a call as he can. On Sunday, he made performs along with his legs and arms and led Chicago to its fourth win in 5 video games. Falcons defensive finish Calais Campbell, a 16-year NFL veteran, stated “give him his respect. I believe he flashed rather a lot at the moment. Clearly, it’s a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately enterprise, so he might have a nasty sport subsequent week and no person cares, however at the moment he was a premier NFL quarterback.”
Up subsequent: at Inexperienced Bay Packers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
“I am gonna keep in mind this for the remainder of my life.”
– Justin Fields speaking to @Amanda_Balionis about listening to WE WANT FIELDS chants raining down from @ChicagoBears followers pic.twitter.com/OOXgKEIfBQ
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 31, 2023
20. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
(Final week: 17)
Sunday: Misplaced to Kansas Metropolis Chiefs 25-17
The lesson: Magical runs ultimately finish
It took rather a lot longer than all of us thought, however Cincinnati was eradicated from the playoff race Sunday. Everybody assumed that had occurred in Week 11 when Joe Burrow was misplaced for the season with a wrist harm. As an alternative, backup Jake Browning went on a tear. On Sunday, although, Browning had his lowest-output sport since changing Burrow, finishing 57.6 p.c of his passes for 197 yards. That got here on the heels of a three-interception sport. Burrow can be again subsequent season and so will the Bengals.
Up subsequent: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 21)
Sunday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-13
The lesson: The NFC South is a wreck
There’s simply nothing else to be taken from this Saints’ season. They’ve gotten up-and-(largely)-down play from free-agent quarterback Derek Carr. Alvin Kamara is averaging 3.7 yards per carry and nonetheless is New Orleans’ main rusher. And but, New Orleans will head to the playoffs if it beats Atlanta and Carolina beats Tampa Bay on Sunday.
Up subsequent: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 18)
Sunday: Misplaced to Inexperienced Bay Packers 33-10
The lesson: Kirk Cousins goes to receives a commission
Viking coach Kevin O’Connell is 17-9 with Cousins as his beginning quarterback. He’s 3-5 with out Cousins and is now very conscious of what life is like within the NFL if you’re in quarterback limbo. Minnesota has cycled via Jaren Corridor, Joshua Dobbs and Nick Mullens since Cousins tore his Achilles. That reminiscence goes to loom giant when Cousins, who can be a free agent, asks for his subsequent deal.
Up subsequent: at Detroit Lions, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Final week: 22)
Sunday: Misplaced to Indianapolis Colts 23-20
The lesson: Hiring Josh McDaniels is a nasty thought
The Raiders employed McDaniels after his 11-17 run in Denver, and he went 9-16 in Las Vegas earlier than being fired. The Raiders fell to 4-4 below interim coach Antonio Pierce with Sunday’s loss, however that’s nonetheless a greater profession successful proportion than McDaniels has. Davante Adams was focused 21 occasions Sunday in opposition to the Colts, catching 13 passes for 126 yards. His 21 targets are probably the most by any participant this season. Second most had been Adams’ 20 targets in Week 3.
Up subsequent: vs. Denver Broncos, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
24. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)
(Final week: 23)
Sunday: Misplaced to Chicago Bears 37-17
The lesson: Quarterback nonetheless counts probably the most
The Falcons paid their offensive line, improved their protection and spent three straight top-10 picks on offensive ability gamers and nonetheless are twenty sixth within the league in scoring (19 factors per sport). The reason being their quarterbacks — Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke — have turned the ball over 21 occasions. Coach Arthur Smith, employed for his offensive acumen, is on the recent seat after Sunday’s stinker.
Up subsequent: at New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
25. New York Jets (6-10)
(Final week: 25)
Thursday: Misplaced to Cleveland Browns 37-20
The lesson: Don’t be cussed
The Jets tried so exhausting to show they might make Zach Wilson work that they ruined their season. Aaron Rodgers’ harm was dangerous luck. Maintaining Wilson because the backstop for a Rodgers harm was simply hard-headed. Wilson was thirty fourth within the league in EPA per try (.04) and thirty seventh in passer ranking (77.2) in 12 video games earlier than lastly being benched. Bear in mind, Joe Flacco was on the Jets’ roster final 12 months and was out there with only a telephone name till six weeks in the past.
Up subsequent: at New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Quarterback Tyrod Taylor gave the Giants an opportunity in opposition to the Rams on Sunday. (Brad Penner / USA At present)
26. New York Giants (5-11)
(Final week: 26)
Sunday: Misplaced to Los Angeles Rams 26-25
The lesson: Don’t pay large cash for common QB play
Tyrod Taylor and Tommy DeVito each have a greater EPA per try than Daniel Jones’ minus-.12 this season, in accordance with TruMedia. Jones’ quantity ranks forty fourth amongst quarterbacks who had greater than 100 move makes an attempt this season. Not many individuals thought it was a good suggestion for the Giants to offer Jones a four-year, $160 million contract within the offseason. New York proved all these individuals proper by enjoying simply as effectively utilizing gamers it picked up for subsequent to nothing.
Up subsequent: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
27. Arizona Cardinals (4-12)
(Final week: 31)
Sunday: Beat Philadelphia Eagles 35-31
The lesson: We’ll see
The Cardinals are getting a pat on the again for beating a playoff staff, however additionally they moved themselves from the No. 2 choose within the draft to the No. 4 choose for now. If that holds, it may very well be a expensive flip of occasions even when the Cardinals wish to maintain on to Kyler Murray. A top-two choose on this draft means having the ability to take Caleb Williams or Drake Maye or store the choose to somebody who desires to do this. That could be price extra in the long term than feeling good on the final Monday of the common season.
Up subsequent: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
Mueller: Have the Cardinals seen sufficient — on and off the sphere — from Kyler Murray?
28. Tennessee Titans (5-11)
(Final week: 27)
Sunday: Misplaced to Houston Texans 26-3
The lesson: Aggressive rebuilds are exhausting
After three straight journeys to the playoffs, Tennessee is 12-21 within the final two seasons. The Titans went again to Ryan Tannehill on Sunday, but it surely didn’t carry again the great ol’ days. Tennessee had 187 yards of offense, was 1-for-12 on third down and didn’t handle a landing in opposition to the division-rival Texans, who swept Tennessee this season.
Up subsequent: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
29. Los Angeles Chargers (5-11)
(Final week: 28)
Sunday: Misplaced to Denver Broncos 16-9
The lesson: Teaching hires are a crap shoot
This isn’t a brand new lesson. The Chargers are simply the latest staff to spotlight it. They employed Brandon Staley in 2021 as a result of he was the recent defensive identify. They fired him after 14 video games this 12 months as a result of he was 5-9 and his protection stunk. The teaching change hasn’t modified the staff’s luck. The Chargers have misplaced 4 straight and 7 of their final eight heading into the season finale in opposition to the Chiefs.
Up subsequent: vs. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
30. New England Patriots (4-12)
(Final week: 29)
Sunday: Misplaced to Buffalo Payments 27-21
The lesson: Invoice Belichick shouldn’t get one other GM job
Taking Mac Jones with the No. 15 choose of the 2021 draft is what obtained the Patriots into this mess, however Belichick’s drafting miscues don’t cease there. New England used a fourth-round choose on kicker Chad Ryland and he’s 15-for-24 after lacking once more Sunday. Belichick’s future hasn’t been mentioned a lot of late. Is it potential he stays as head coach in New England however offers up personnel obligations?
Up subsequent: vs. New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
GO DEEPER
Why the Patriots’ Invoice Belichick-Robert Kraft partnership is on the verge of a breakup
(Final week: 30)
Sunday: Misplaced to San Francisco 49ers 27-10
The lesson: The Sam Howell speak was a smokescreen
It appears fairly clear that Ron Rivera hoped that convincing everybody Howell was the long-term reply at quarterback would purchase him some extra time in Washington. Howell isn’t and it received’t. After Jacoby Brissett performed effectively in Weeks 15 and 16, Howell was pressured again into the lineup Sunday due to Brissett’s hamstring harm. The end result was a 17-for-28 day with 169 yards, two interceptions and a landing. The Commanders could have a brand new coach and a brand new quarterback subsequent season.
Up subsequent: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
32. Carolina Panthers (2-14)
(Final week: 32)
Sunday: Misplaced to Jacksonville Jaguars 26-0
The lesson: The coach and QB usually are not the issue
Proprietor David Tepper seems to have been busted tossing a drink on a fan late in Sunday’s loss. The NFL is predicted to reply with some form of rebuke for the proprietor, however the greatest penalty for Tepper is that the incident confirms what everybody had anticipated — he’s the issue in Carolina. Hiring a coach simply obtained tougher and costlier for the NFL’s inheritor obvious to Daniel Snyder.
Up subsequent: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
(Prime photograph of Joe Flacco: Cooper Neill / Getty Pictures)
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