They had been at the bottom of the Power Rankings for several weeks. The Cardinals are finally back in the rankings after a notable victory against the reigning NFC champions: the Eagles. Everything is not perfect and the road is still long towards the Top 10 for example, but Arizona (+7) might be on the right track.
With them, the Saints (+7) show the best progress this week, unlike the Buccaneers (-7) and Seahawks (-4) which break at the worst time.
As a reminder, this hierarchy is not only based on the number of successes, but also on current form. If two teams are close and haven't played each other recently, one wonders which one would win if the match were played today. Beating the strongest is not going to propel you to the top in the blink of an eye. Losing to one of the dunces won't plunge you into the abyss either. One can win and tumble, bow and climb. This is the merciless law of Power Ranking…
1. Baltimore Ravens (13-3)
Lamar Jackson certainly won the MVP title.
Week 18: reception of Steelers.
2. San Francisco 49ers (12-4) +1
They gave themselves two weeks of vacation.
Week 18: reception of Rams.
3. Buffalo Bills (10-6) +1
The Bills won't get points for style, but these are the style points you need to take to avoid the pitfalls.
Week 18: trip to the Dolphins.
4. Miami Dolphins (11-5) -2
The Dolphins went under in Baltimore
Week 18: reception of Bills.
5. Dallas Cowboys (11-5) +1
They are now the favorites to win the NFC East.
Week 18: trip to the Commanders.
6. Detroit Lions (11-5) -1
Two points, two measures…
Week 18: reception of Vikings.
7. Cleveland Browns (11-5) +1
This team could annoy more than one franchise during the playoffs.
Week 18: trip to the Bengals.
8. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) +2
This attack needs a Pacheco in great shape if it wants to have a chance going forward.
Week 18: trip to the Chargers.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) -2
After this setback against the Cardinals, they are now on a series of 4 defeats in 5 games. Worrying.
Week 18: trip to the Giants.
10. Los Angeles Rams (9-7) +1
The Rams are officially qualified for the playoffs, which they believed at the start of the season.
Week 18: trip to the 49ers.
11. Houston Texans (9-7) +1
Their playoffs start next week.
Week 18: trip to the Colts.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) +3
Mike Tomlin still won't have a negative season with the Steelers.
Week 18: trip to the Ravens.
13. Denver Broncos (8-8)
We won't see Russell Wilson in a Broncos jersey again, but will we see him in another jersey?
Week 18: trip to the Raiders.
14. Green Bay Packers (8-8) +3
Jordan Love continues to progress and the future looks bright for this team.
Week 18: reception of Bears.
15. New Orleans Saints (8-8) +7
Whatever happens this weekend, the Saints will likely keep Allen. And live in the Dennis?
Week 18: reception of Falcons.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8) -7
It was written that this division would be played in the last week.
Week 18: trip to the Panthers.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7) +1
They have finally broken the negative spiral.
Week 18: trip to the Titans.
18. Seattle Seahawks (8-8) -4
The run defense is costing them the playoffs.
Week 18: trip to the Cardinals.
19. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) -3
There may be a lot of changes this offseason for the Bengals.
Week 18: reception of Browns.
20. Indianapolis Colts (9-7) +1
When the offensive line plays at this level, the Colts are very solid.
Week 18: reception of Texans.
21. Chicago Bears (7-9) +2
Justin Field is progressing and what's more, they have just officially had the first pick in the next draft.
Week 18: trip to the Packers.
22. Las Vegas Raiders (7-9) -3
Has Antonio Pierce done enough to stay?
Week 18: reception of Broncos.
23. Arizona Cardinals (4-12) +7
A prestigious victory to launch a great end to the Cardinals’ season?
Week 18: reception of Seahawks.
24. Atlanta Falcons (7-9) -4
Seeing them in the playoffs would almost be a miracle.
Week 18: trip to the Saints.
25. Minnesota Vikings (7-9) -1
Without Kirk Cousins, the step was too high.
Week 18: trip to the Lions.
26. New York Jets (6-10) -1
They had not allowed a quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards in 33 games. Flacco almost did it in one half. Even the defense gave up.
Week 18: trip to the Patriots.
27. New York Giants (5-11)
Tyrod Taylor had done the job, but the kicker did not follow.
Week 18: reception of Eagles.
28. Tennessee Titans (5-11) -2
We may have to ask ourselves the question of keeping Mike Vrabel or not.
Week 18: reception of Jaguars.
29. New England Patriots (4-12)
This weekend may mark Bill Belichick's final game as coach of the Pats in Foxborough.
Week 18: reception of Jets.
30. Los Angeles Chargers (5-11) -2
Even with Justin Herbert, we wonder who will want this position.
Week 18: reception of Chiefs.
31. Washington Commanders (4-12) +1
The big cleaning will soon begin.
Week 18: reception of Cowboys.
32. Carolina Panthers (2-14) -1
With 7 first downs, the Panthers couldn't go far.
Week 18: reception of Buccaneers.
