Four groups have clinched a playoff spot to this point, however not all of them are on the prime of my rankings. While the Lions, Eagles and Chiefs took care of enterprise in Week 14, the Bills confirmed some weaknesses, giving up 44 factors in a loss to the Rams.
As a end result, Buffalo falls whereas the Eagles, Chiefs, Vikings and Steelers rise. The Lions have gained an NFL-record 11 straight video games, nevertheless it’s the Eagles, who’ve gained 9 in a row, who appear like probably the most full staff within the league proper now. The Chiefs proceed to give you new methods to get the W, whereas the Vikings and Steelers proceed to wrestle slightly below the radar.
Here are my prime 10 for Week 14 of the 2024 season.
The Eagles are inching nearer to the highest spot within the desk with a nine-game profitable streak that demonstrates their regular progress as a contender. As probably the most full staff in soccer, the Eagles can depend on their offense or protection to subdue their opponents. With Nick Sirianni displaying progress and maturity as a frontrunner, the Eagles have the mandatory items to a championship puzzle.
Defending champions proceed to search out numerous methods to defeat prime opponents. Whether it is a subject aim with 0:00 on the clock or an unlikely rebound going their method, the Chiefs’ good luck and very good execution have produced a 15-game profitable streak in one-score video games. Given the fast-paced nature of playoff video games, the Chiefs’ late-game mastery offers them an opportunity to finish the three-peat.
Kevin O’Connell labored wonders with Sam Darnold as QB1 for the Vikings. The former No. 1 choose. 3 total lastly seems just like the franchise participant some envisioned when he entered the league from USC. While the Vikings’ stellar supporting solid makes it look simple for the reporter, Darnold’s emergence as a high-end playmaker makes the Vikings a viable contender within the NFC.
The Steelers proceed to wrestle behind a stingy protection and an opportunistic offense rallying behind Russell Wilson. It’s not at all times fairly with the AFC North leaders, nevertheless it’s onerous to disregard their success taking part in old-school soccer suited to the postseason.
Just when the Bills have been in line to take the No. 1 seed from the defending champions, the staff dropped a tricky recreation by the wayside. The loss uncovered among the Bills’ weaknesses (run protection), nevertheless it additionally showcased Josh Allen’s magical playmaking skills. In a single-elimination match usually determined by quarterback play, the Bills have an opportunity to strike with No. 17 within the lineup.
Despite a few shut losses to the No. 1 staff within the league, the Packers have the potential to go the space. If Jordan Love can recapture his mojo come 2023, Green Bay’s offense may create issues for opponents who do not have the depth and expertise to match the Packers’ dynamic playmakers on the perimeter and within the backfield.
Sean Payton may win Coach of the Year for his work this season. The former Super Bowl champion has turned an overachieving group right into a playoff contender behind sensational rookie quarterback Bo Nix and a suffocating protection.
After taking per week off to relaxation and get well, the Ravens ought to re-emerge as among the finest groups within the AFC. John Harbaugh’s staff has championship-caliber personnel, however Baltimore must play with extra consistency to maximise its potential as a title contender.
Mike Macdonald has the Seahawks taking part in their greatest soccer down the stretch. The opportunistic protection is arising with well timed stops and takeaways to arrange an offense that’s changing into one of the crucial explosive within the league. If Geno Smith continues to care for the soccer, the Seahawks may very well be robust within the postseason.
Bucky Brooks is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He additionally analyzes the sport for NFL Network and as co-host of the “Moving the Sticks” podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.
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