Week 17 gave us clarity at both ends of the NFL spectrum. Contenders jockeyed for playoff positioning, while the league’s worst teams continued battling for draft leverage. With one week remaining before the postseason, here is how the league stacks up heading into the final stretch.

32. New York Jets (3-13)

Weekly Change: Neutral

The Jets sadly did not look like an NFL franchise against the Patriots. It is a shame that a team this bad is unlikely to earn the number one pick in the draft.

31. Las Vegas Raiders (4-12)

Weekly Change: Neutral

Not far ahead of the Jets are the Raiders, who have successfully positioned themselves for a potential top pick. Holding onto it by losing to the Chiefs next week is crucial.

30. Arizona Cardinals (3-13)

Weekly Change: Neutral

Arizona looked horrific on both sides of the ball against the Bengals. Completely incompetent from top to bottom.

29. Washington Commanders (4-12)

Weekly Change: Down 4

Washington is poor at nearly every position. While the Christmas Day game against Dallas stayed close early, they were never truly threatening. Despite being just one year removed from a promising postseason, a severe overhaul is needed in D.C.

28. New York Giants (3-13)

Weekly Change: Up 1

The Giants technically won this week, but it came at the cost of draft position. Losing the top pick is a monumental error.

27. Kansas City Chiefs (6-10)

Weekly Change: Up 1

Kansas City was at least competitive against Denver on Christmas night. The playoffs will feel strange without the Chiefs involved.

26. Tennessee Titans (3-13)

Weekly Change: Up 1

Cam Ward has quietly put together several strong performances lately, including his best game of the season against New Orleans. That is big news for Tennessee’s future.

25. Cleveland Browns (4-12)

Weekly Change: Up 1

Cleveland earned a gritty win over Pittsburgh. Myles Garrett’s chase for the sack record continues next week.

24. Miami Dolphins (7-9)

Weekly Change: Neutral

Miami stole a close win against Tampa Bay in a game they probably should not have won. I still believe Mike McDaniel deserves to return next season.

23. New Orleans Saints (6-10)

Weekly Change: Down 2

Another win for New Orleans, with Tyler Shough continuing his strong stretch of play. The Saints’ future looks optimistic with Shough and head coach Kellen Moore.

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)

Weekly Change: Down 5

Tampa Bay’s collapse has been shocking. Earlier this season, this team sat at the top of these rankings. Todd Bowles’ job security may need to be questioned.

21. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)

Weekly Change: Up 1

Atlanta has found some late-season momentum. Raheem Morris may have saved his job as a result.

20. Minnesota Vikings (8-8)

Weekly Change: Up 3

Minnesota’s defense is legitimate. With even average quarterback play, this would be a dangerous playoff team.

19. Cincinnati Bengals (6-10)

Weekly Change: Up 1

Cincinnati cruised past Arizona. Joe Burrow continues to play at an elite level, which makes missing the playoffs even more frustrating.

18. Indianapolis Colts (8-8)

Weekly Change: Up 1

The Colts stayed competitive against Jacksonville but came up short. The Philip Rivers experiment was fun while it lasted.

17. Dallas Cowboys (7-8-1)

Weekly Change: Up 1

Dallas handled a poor Washington team, but at the end of the day it was a meaningless win in a boring game.

16. Carolina Panthers (8-8)

Weekly Change: Down 1

Carolina struggled against Seattle. A win-and-in scenario awaits next week.

15. Detroit Lions (8-8)

Weekly Change: Down 1

Detroit looked oddly disjointed against Minnesota. It is shocking that this team will miss the playoffs after recent seasons of contention.

14. Baltimore Ravens (8-8)

Weekly Change: Up 2

Baltimore kept its season alive with a win over Green Bay. A win-and-in showdown with Pittsburgh looms.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)

Weekly Change: Neutral

Pittsburgh had a chance to clinch against Cleveland and failed. Their matchup with Baltimore next week will be must watch.

12. Green Bay Packers (9-6-1)

Weekly Change: Neutral

Green Bay was run over by Baltimore in an embarrassing defensive showing.An early playoff exit for the Packers looks almost certain.

11. Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)

Weekly Change: Down 1

The Chargers lack the offensive line play to hold up against elite pass rushes. Saturday’s loss confirmed that concern.

10. Houston Texans (11-5)

Weekly Change: Down 1

Houston remains a defense-first team. That unit can carry them deep, but the offense still concerns me.

9. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)

Weekly Change: Down 1

Philadelphia can win games in any style. Despite an uneven season, that versatility, and the fact they are defending NFL champions, makes them dangerous.

8. Chicago Bears (11-5)

Weekly Change: Down 1

Chicago’s offense is coming into form at the right time. They will be one of the most interesting stories to watch once the playoffs start.

7. Denver Broncos (13-3)

Weekly Change: Down 1

Denver keeps finding ways to be one possession better than whoever lines up against them. It is rarely pretty, but it works.

6. San Francisco 49ers (12-4)

Weekly Change: Up 5

San Francisco has my full attention. This offense is absolutely legit and can keep them competitive with anyone. Defensive concerns remain, but they may not matter if this trend continues.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)

Weekly Change: Neutral

Jacksonville continues to be one of the league’s most consistent teams. Entering the playoffs this hot is a great sign for Jags fans.

4. Buffalo Bills (11-5)

Weekly Change: Down 1

Buffalo dropped an ugly one to Philadelphia after a questionable coaching decision, but I still believe this team is a serious threat in the playoffs.

3. New England Patriots (13-3)

Weekly Change: Up 1

New England dominated the Jets. Right now, they are my Super Bowl pick to represent the AFC.

2. Los Angeles Rams (11-5)

Weekly Change: Neutral

Despite the loss, I still trust the Rams as much as anyone once the playoffs begin.

1. Seattle Seahawks (13-3)

Weekly Change: Neutral

Seattle held onto the top spot by dominating Carolina. If they secure the NFC’s top seed next week, they will be the best bet to come out of the conference and reach the Super Bowl.

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