NFL power rankings entering Week 15 of the 2024 season (previous rank in parentheses):
1. Detroit Lions (1): Their positioning at the top of the heap feels fairly unassailable – the NFC leaders tied for the league’s best record (12-1), consecutive playoff berths in hand for the first time in 29 years and with the NFL’s largest point differential (+183). And yet there are the mounting defensive injuries, the potential double-edged sword borne of HC Dan Campbell’s fearless decision making, to say nothing of the fact that Minnesota (11-2) just will not go away – regardless of how overshadowed the Vikings tend to be. Said more succinctly, the Lions are – currently – the best team, but they’re operating in an environment where a hard left turn seems increasingly possible.
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5. Minnesota Vikings (9): They’re 11-2. Seriously, they’re 11-2 and have just as good a shot as the Eagles of stealing home-field advantage from Detroit. Coming off a career performance Sunday (347 yards, 5 TDs passing), the future of QB Sam Darnold, who’s on an expiring contract, is going to be one of the offseason’s most fascinating topics.
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28. New York Jets (28): When constantly falling short of the playoffs, you get associated with the likes of the Buffalo Sabres and Los Angeles Angels. But rejoice, Jets fans – even if QB Aaron Rodgers won’t be around much longer to let you down, new Mets OF Juan Soto allegedly will be breaking your hearts for the next 15 years.
29. Las Vegas Raiders (29): Brock Bowers’ record-setting season – almost surely destined to be the greatest ever by a rookie tight end – is so much more impressive given the general limitations of this offense.
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Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter, @ByNateDavis.