Dec 4, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
As the 2023 NFL season heads into its penultimate week, the battle for supremacy intensifies. Week Seventeen unveils a fascinating landscape of power shifts and playoff potentials, from the dominant Baltimore Ravens securing their top spot to the unexpected rise of teams like the Detroit Lions. In our latest JetNation NFL Power Rankings, we delve into the performances that have reshaped the league’s hierarchy as teams jostle for postseason glory. Let’s dive into the rankings to see where your favorite teams stand, including a closer look at our New York Jets as they navigate the season’s final hurdles.
1. Baltimore Ravens (13-3)
Last Week 1
The Ravens showed the Dolphins exactly how far in front Baltimore is in the AFC. The playoffs now go through Baltimore, and it’s hard to imagine anyone winning on the road against the Ravens.
2. San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
Last Week: 2
The Niners handled the Commanders easily in Washington. San Francisco gets a look at the surging Rams this week. It may be a preview of the NFC Championship.
3. Buffalo Bills (10-6)
Last Week: 5
The Bills have won four straight and now have a shot at the division. That was unthinkable just a few weeks ago. Buffalo needs to play much better on both sides of the ball than they did against the Patriots to win in Miami.
4. Dallas Cowboys (11-5)
Last Week: 7
The Cowboys managed an escape worthy of a Las Vegas sideshow at home against the Lions. A win in Washington means a division title, but nobody expects much of Dallas come playoff time.
5. Cleveland Browns (11-5)
Last Week: 8
The Browns are rolling into January. They have as good a chance as any team of representing the wide-open AFC.
6. Miami Dolphins (11-5)
Last Week: 3
The Dolphins need all their toys to win. If everyone is not on the field and healthy, Miami will be one-and-done in the playoffs.
7. Detroit Lions (11-5)
Last Week: 4
The Lions got robbed Sunday. It was a key loss as the other NFC powers have been falling back. Even without home field, Detroit is talented enough to make a huge run. The Lions can be the team of destiny if they use their anger to fuel their play on the field.
8. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)
Last Week: 9
The Chiefs are just not the Chiefs of recent years. Everything points to this not being their year.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
Last Week: 6
The Eagles have issues on both sides of the ball. The larger issue is with their defense. Philadelphia allowed the Cards 221 yards rushing and a season-high 35 points on Sunday.
10. Los Angeles Rams (9-7)
Last Week: 10
The Rams have won three straight and they locked in a postseason berth. Los Angeles may be the second-best team in the NFC right now.
———————————————————————–
29. New York Jets (6-9)
Last Week: 28
The Jets barely showed up for the game in Cleveland. There’s not much reason to watch Sunday’s game in New England unless you think Bill Belichick is coaching his last game for the Pats. The curtain on the 2023 season can’t drop quick enough for the Jets.