Green Bay Packers refused to stay stagnant nor retrogress on the NFL Week 18 Power ranking table. While Packers claimed the 16th position, Cowboys replaced Eagles in top five, Dolphins slip as playoffs loom.
NFL WEEK 18 POWER RANKING:
1. Baltimore Ravens (13-3)
Perhaps the Browns, headed by Joe Flacco, or the Bills could visit Baltimore and emerge victorious in the postseason. After all, Gardner Minshew has already won at home against the Browns, where the Ravens have already lost. However, the way this team is playing makes me think of the Texas Rangers or Denver Nuggets when they’re hot right before winning the NBA or MLB titles. If there is an urgent concern, it is of secondary importance.
2. San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
Similar to the Ravens, the 49ers needed to secure the top seed early, and getting a first-round bye because of their declining health. This meant that they would basically had to allow themselves one more week to get things right. They’ve been playing defense a little too much on fumes, and Christian McCaffrey could use a relaxing day at the spa. With a calf injury, he exited Sunday’s victory over Washington. His recovery, along with that of a few other important players, will be the main priority in order to qualify for the postseason. Are the Niners able to return to their winning ways? Yes, I ‘d say.
3. Dallas Cowboys (11-5)
Even though it came down to a contentious two-point conversion, they generally played a strong game against the Lions, which was noteworthy. The Cowboys allowed things to start slipping away late on Saturday; they didn’t look quite as unbeatable at home as they had for the majority of games at AT&T Stadium the previous several years. After the Eagles’ defeat to the Cardinals the next day, things definitely swung around, with Dallas emerging as the overwhelming favorite to win the NFC East in Week 18.
4. Miami Dolphins (10-6)
The Dolphins were demolished by the Ravens. So why did I move Miami down only one spot? There are some people out there who firmly believe this is a paper tiger of a team, having tallied roughly as many bad losses as impressive wins in December. NFL’s top tier consists of two teams, the Ravens and 49ers, and then there’s a drop-off to Tier 2.
5. Detroit Lions (11-5)
After the much-discussed two-point play, the Lions are nursing their wounds and wondering what could have been. They would have had the opportunity to compete for the NFC’s top spot in Week 18 if they had defeated the Cowboys. The loss to Dallas hurts a lot, but they still have a shot at at least the third spot and a home playoff game. This group’s fortitude will be put to the test once more. There is a lot to be optimistic about the Lions because they have persevered through many difficulties this season and will be a formidable opponent in the postseason, particularly in Detroit.
6. Buffalo Bills (10-6)
7. Cleveland Browns (11-5)
8. Kansas City Chief (10-6)
9. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
10. Los Angeles Rams (9-7)
11. Houston Texans (9-7)
12. Jackson Jaguar (9-7)
13. Indianapolis colts (9-7)
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneer (8-8)
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
16. Green Bay Packers (8-8)
17. New Orleans Saints (8-8)
18. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
19. Seattle Sea Hawks (8-8)
20. Chicago Bears (7-9)