NFL Power Rankings ahead of Week 18: Cowboys continue free fall

The NFL heads into its final week of the regular season. Where do the Dallas Cowboys stand in the latest NFL Power Rankings?
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The Dallas Cowboys will be finishing their regular season with a matchup against the Washington Commanders in Week 18.

It hasn't been the ideal season for the Cowboys, but where do they rank among the rest of the league?

Check the NFL Power Rankings heading into the last week of the regular season.

MORE: NFC East power rankings ahead of Week 18 of 2024 NFL season


32. Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titan
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The Tennessee Titans have been a nightmare all season. Unfortunately for Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, it may be his problem to solve in 2025. Luckily, Sanders is used to playing behind an awful offensive line.


31. New England Patriots

Drake May
David Butler II-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots have their future quarterback in Drake Maye, but this team is going to need a lot more to even sniff a six-win season in 2025.


30. New York Giants

New York Giant
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The New York Giants played themselves out of the number one overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft with a win in Week 17. However, the team forgot about the other 15 games before it,


29. Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Brown
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The factory of sadness will still be the moniker for the Cleveland Browns heading into 2025. The fanbase deserves better, but ownership has yet to get the memo.


28. Jacksonville Jaguars

Brian Thomas Jr.
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The Jacksonville Jaguars were supposed to be a threat to the AFC South throne this season. However, their underperforming season may mean that it is time for some changes in Jacksonville.


27. Carolina Panthers

Bryce Youn
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers may have overachieved with their 4-12 record this season. The Panthers almost pulled the plug on quarterback Bryce Young, but Young has proven that he deserves another year in Carolina.


26. New York Jets

Aaron Rodger
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The New York Jets had visions of a Super Bowl run in August. Now, the team will be looking for a new head coach and maybe a new quarterback before the 2025 season.


25. Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas Raider
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders are the odd team out in a stacked AFC West. It is going to take more than a new coach or a new quarterback to bring the Raiders out of the NFL basement.


24. Chicago Bears

Chicago Bear
Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears have dropped ten straight games and show no signs of picking up a win in Week 18. Turning to a young offensive mind to be the next head coach has to be the route the Bears take.


23. New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saint
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Another team starting a new era in 2025 will be the New Orleans Saints. The NFC South hasn't been a strong division in 2024, so maybe the road to the top can be a quick fix for the Saints.


22. Indianapolis Colts

Anthony Richardso
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One of the biggest disappointments of the 2024 season has been the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts are even being questioned by their biggest public supporter, Pat McAfee. The franchise could be facing a hard reset in 2025.


21. San Francisco 49ers

Brock Purd
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The San Francisco 49ers were plagued by injuries in 2024. However, if the team is at full health in 2025, then this could be the last ride for this core unit with Kyle Shanahan as their head coach.


20. Arizona Cardinals

Kyler Murra
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Arizona Cardinals were stuck in a strange purgatory of having good performances in 2024 but never a great performance. Where the Cardinals go next has yet to be determined.


19. Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboy
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You're beloved Cowboys just cracked the top 20. The Cowboys have their future locked up with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb; however, 2025 will be all about getting healthy.


18. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burro
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The Cincinnati Bengals' slow start to the 2024 season will more than likely cost them a postseason spot. However, with a few additions to their defense, the Bengals could be a force in 2025.


17. Miami Dolphins

Calais Campbel
Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

One team standing in the way of a Bengals postseason spot would be the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins need a few things to go their way in Week 18; however, the team could salvage this season with a playoff appearance.


16. Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcon
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

An earlier change to Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback may have changed the entire trajectory of the Atlanta Falcons season. However, if the team misses the postseason this season, they still can be happy about their future.


15. Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawk
Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

The Seattle Seahawks are eliminated from postseason contention, and the 2024 season hasn't been all that was expected. A quarterback change could be in store for the Seahawks next season.


14. Denver Broncos

Denver bronco
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Week 18 will be for all the marbles for the Denver Broncos. Choking away a playoff spot is a lot different than being a part of the big show.


13. Houston Texans

Houston Texan
Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Even with an AFC South crown, the Houston Texans did not take the step forward many expected this season. However, a strong postseason run could change all of that.


12. Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Charger
David Butler II-Imagn Images

It shouldn't be a surprise that the Los Angeles Chargers are postseason-bound. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has been a winner everywhere he has been. The future is bright in Los Angeles.


11. Los Angeles Rams

Los Angeles Ram
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Chargers are not the only team living it up in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Rams are playoff-bound, and no one wants to meet Matthew Stafford in the postseason.


10. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steeler
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers are having an ugly finish to their 2024 season. However, if the defense can get things figured out, the Steelers will be a tough matchup for anyone in the playoffs.


9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneer
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a win, and you are in scenario for Week 18. The Buccaneers have the defense and offensive firepower to make some noise in the postseason.


8. Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniel
Amber Searls-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders have been one of the biggest good surprises of the season. With a postseason berth and a star rookie quarterback in Jayden Daniels, the Commanders may be on the brink of being a threat to the NFC for years to come.


7. Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packer
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The Green Bay Packers can win 12 games this season and still be in last place in the NFC postseason. A great season that has been overshadowed by better seasons by others.


6. Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackso
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Will this finally be the season the Baltimore Ravens get over the hump in the AFC? The Ravens are playing their best football at the right time.


5. Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Viking
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The Minnesota Vikings are one win away from earning the number one overall seed in the NFC. The Vikings have been the greatest story this season, and their season rides on the shoulders of Sam Darnold.


4. Philadelphia Eagles

Saquon Barkle
Katie Stratman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Eagles know their place in the postseason race. Cowboys fans may want to look away; this Eagles team can play for a Super Bowl.


3. Detroit Lions

Jameson Williamso
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The plethora of injuries on the Detroit Lions defense has not stopped this team from competing at the highest level. But it may just stop them from winning the big one.


2. Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chief
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

If you come at the king, you best not miss. Yeah, the Kansas City Chiefs have not looked like their usual selves for most of 2024, but they will still strike fear into the hearts of anyone they play in the postseason.


1. Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bill
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A fanbase that is deserving of having their moment, the Buffalo Bills look every bit the part of a Super Bowl winner. Is it time to circle the wagons?

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Tyler Reed
TYLER REED

“ Tyler majored in communications at the University of Kentucky and has previously been a contributor with Busted Coverage and FanSided.”