Heading into today’s games, playoff races are heating up, and there are some must-win situations for teams. The Packers and Lions played on Thursday, and with the Lions win, they will remain the top seed in the NFC no matter what the Eagles do against the Panthers (expected to win). The Packers loss could make it hard for them to be higher than the 6th seed in the NFC, but their playoff spot is still pretty secure. Here are the top 10 teams heading into Sunday.
1. Detroit Lions
They just keep on winning and inch closer and closer to getting the number one seed in the NFC. If they can hold onto it, you have to like their chances to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. The Eagles will challenge them for it, but getting a bye and playing their games at home is a huge advantage for this team.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
They could be the best team in the NFL after their win last week against the Ravens. Still, the Lions have the best record in the conference, though, and seem unbeatable at home. Unless the Eagles can get home-field in the NFC, they are stuck behind the Lions in these rankings.
3. Buffalo Bills
They are playing like the best team in the AFC, and they have an opportunity to win out and get the number one seed if the Chiefs lose even one game. Josh Allen is playing fantastic football, James Cook has taken the next step, and the defense is playing as well as it has all year.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs keep finding ways to win, but how long will it last? They easily could have lost each of their past 4 games, not to mention a handful of others earlier in the season. Patrick Mahomes is turning the ball over far too often, the offensive line is lacking, and although we know they can turn it on at any time, their lackluster play cannot be ignored.
5. Minnesota Vikings
This could be the Vikings or the Packers. They are both good teams, but are they great? It is yet to be determined; however, right now, they have a better record than the Packers, so it is only fair to put them ahead. Their pass defense could be a weakness, but their run defense is excellent, and they find ways to win with QB Sam Darnold.
6. Green Packers
They played the Lions tough on TNF this week but ultimately came up short. They put up a ton of points, but they were also facing a Lions team that is decimated by injuries on the defensive side. They gave up far too many points, though, and their defense certainly doesn’t look championship-caliber right now.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers offense looked as good as it has all season in week 13, and if they want to hold onto their division lead, they will need that to continue. They have an excellent defense, and if their offense can play at a high level, they can make a run to the Super Bowl.
8. Baltimore Ravens
They lost a tough one against a really good Eagles team, and the most surprising thing was how bad the offense looked. Perhaps this bye week will help get them back on track as they look to lock down a wild card spot and make a run at the top spot in the AFC North too.
9. Denver Broncos
Their defense struggled on MNF against the Browns, but they are headed on a much-needed bye. The good news is that their offense put up more than 40 points, and they still found a way to win. They are getting excellent QB play from rookie Bo Nix and have a real shot at a playoff spot if he continues to play this well.
10. Los Angeles Chargers
Big road win for them in Atlanta last week, and they have an even bigger game this week against the Chiefs. A win would definitely prove that they belong in the top 10 and could even move them onto the top 6-7.