The Detroit Lions upset the Kansas City Chiefs in the season opener. Aaron Rodgers’ season ended just four snaps into his Jets debut. It was clear that the 2023-24 season wouldn’t be what we expected.
From Week 1 to Week 18, USA TODAY’s power rankings track the ups and downs of the NFL’s 32 teams. As the final week of season opens Saturday, it’s interesting to look back at how the landscape has shifted since September.
How each NFL team’s power ranking has changed this season
The lines in the chart below show USA TODAY’s highest and lowest power rankings for each team this season.
Which teams surprised and which didn’t
On average, each team’s power ranking swung about 14 spots this season. Our opinions of a couple top teams were little changed after the first 16 games, while a handful of others swung wildly.
Teams that changed the least: The San Francisco 49ers shifted just four slots on their way to a 12-4 record and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Chiefs haven’t been as dominant this season. But they fell just a few slots and claimed the AFC West again with 10 wins.
Teams that changed the most: Quarterback injuries toppled expectations for both the Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals. Our rankings put them among the top six as the season opened. Both are in the bottom third now. That’s where rookie QB C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans started the season. They’re now eighth in our rankings with a 9-7 record and in the hunt this weekend for a playoff berth.
Which teams had the wildest rides
The highs and lows of some teams’ seasons can be better appreciated by looking at their actual ups and downs. The Los Angeles Rams maybe the best example. Expectations were low for the Rams after they struggled last season. This season, they found a winding path up our power rankings on their way to a 9-7 record and another playoff run.
When Week 18’s games are scheduled
Compare NFL power rankings for Week 18 and rest of 2023 season
Click on a logo below to see the changes in a single team’s power ranking this season. Click on additional logos to see how they compare.