-
NFL Nation, ESPN
Welcome to Week 18 of the 2024 NFL season. Now we have made it to the ultimate Energy Rankings ballot of the 12 months.
The Minnesota Vikings outlasted the Inexperienced Bay Packers, the Baltimore Ravens blew out the Houston Texans on Christmas, and the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Denver Broncos to maintain their playoff hopes alive. All of those video games and extra induced a shake-up in our checklist.
Alongside our rankings, we requested our NFL Nation reporters to choose the largest contract state of affairs to look at this offseason for each group. Who is perhaps on the best way to an enormous contract? And who is perhaps on the transfer?
Let’s check out our final rating till after the Tremendous Bowl.
Our energy panel of greater than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities evaluates how NFL groups stack up in opposition to each other, rating them from 1 to 32.
Earlier rankings: Preseason | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10 | Week 11 | Week 12 | Week 13 | Week 14 | Week 15 | Week 16 | Week 17
Soar to a group:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Week 17 end result: Beat the Steelers 29-10
Week 17 rating: 1
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Broad receiver Hollywood Brown
The Chiefs subsequent 12 months at huge receiver can have Xavier Worthy heading into his second season and Rashee Rice coming back from a knee harm. Can they afford to spend money on Brown, notably contemplating their tight wage cap state of affairs and checklist of potential free brokers that additionally consists of security Justin Reid, linebacker Nick Bolton and guard Trey Smith? Brown missed most of this season with accidents however has 9 catches for 91 yards within the two video games since his return. — Adam Teicher
Week 17 end result: Beat the 49ers 40-34
Week 17 rating: 2
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Cornerback Carlton Davis III
Since being traded from the Buccaneers, Davis has all the time been open to a contract extension in Detroit. He’s within the ultimate 12 months of his contract and has been productive with 42 solo tackles, 11 passes defended, 2 interceptions and a pressured fumble. Like many different Lions gamers, he was positioned on the injured reserve checklist, with a jaw harm, in Week 15. Nonetheless, Detroit must resolve on his long-term future with the group after already agreeing to huge extensions for Jared Goff, David Montgomery, Amon-Ra St. Brown and others. This may not be a straightforward choice. — Eric Woodyard
Week 17 end result: Beat the Jets 40-14
Week 17 rating: 4
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Broad receiver Amari Cooper
There are massive selections to be made, together with with linebacker Von Miller and cornerback Rasul Douglas, however the huge receiver room might be intriguing. That is heightened by the success the group has had spreading the ball round. After buying and selling for Cooper midseason, he is set to change into a free agent. He has impacted the offense however has simply 20 receptions for 297 yards and two touchdowns and is taking part in the fewest snaps of his profession (45.9%). Will closely investing in a large receiver make sense for Buffalo with a participant like Cooper? Whether or not he takes on a much bigger position within the playoffs might be telling. — Alaina Getzenberg
Week 17 end result: Beat the Packers 27-25
Week 17 rating: 5
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Quarterback Sam Darnold
When the season started, nobody thought the fee to signal Darnold for 2025 can be a difficulty for the Vikings. The group signed him to a one-year, $10 million contract to function a short lived starter this season till whichever rookie Minnesota drafted was able to play. However after J.J. McCarthy’s season-ending knee harm, Darnold has performed so nicely — he ranks fourth within the NFL with 4,153 passing yards and fifth with 35 landing passes — that the Vikings are actually open-minded about bringing him again for 2025, sources advised ESPN. The best and most possible route is the franchise tag, which is more likely to be value about $40 million. — Kevin Seifert
Week 17 end result: Beat the Cowboys 41-7
Week 17 rating: 3
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Linebacker Zack Baun
The Eagles signed Baun to a one-year, $1.9 million deal in free company, pondering he can be a particular groups ace and rotational edge participant. As an alternative, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio moved him inside, and Baun developed into one of many key items on a high defensive unit. He’s third within the NFL in tackles (150) and has posted 3.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss, constructing a case for All-Professional consideration. With linebacker being a key place in Fangio’s scheme, Philadelphia will possible prioritize getting Baun underneath contract. — Tim McManus
Week 17 end result: Beat the Texans 31-2
Week 17 rating: 6
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Offensive deal with Ronnie Stanley
Stanley is scheduled to change into a free agent after a strong rebound season. He ranks twelfth in move block win price amongst tackles (92.8%), defending the blind facet of reigning MVP Lamar Jackson. He has proven he could be sturdy — that is the primary season of Stanley’s nine-year profession that he’ll play each recreation. After taking a pay minimize final offseason, he ought to get a rise from his $7.5 million payout in 2024. The query for the Ravens is whether or not they really feel the necessity to pay Stanley, contemplating Jackson’s elusiveness. — Jamison Hensley
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Vikings 27-25
Week 17 rating: 7
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Cornerback Jaire Alexander
Alexander has two extra years left on the four-year, $84 million contract extension he signed in 2022 that made him the highest-paid cornerback within the league. However how can the Packers proceed to pay him as such given how a lot time he has missed? He has performed in simply 14 regular-season video games over the previous two seasons due to numerous accidents and had a one-game suspension. Perhaps the Packers might ask him to take a pay minimize, or perhaps they’re going to simply transfer on from him. Regardless, it is onerous to think about them sticking to the established order with Alexander. — Rob Demovsky
Week 17 end result: Beat the Patriots 40-7
Week 17 rating: 11
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.
Samuel has been on injured reserve with a shoulder harm since Week 6, and the group is mum on a possible return this season. He seemed to be in line for a profitable extension this offseason, however the Chargers have had the league’s greatest scoring protection with him on the sideline. Rookie cornerbacks Tarheeb Nonetheless and Cam Hart have emerged as dependable outdoors cornerback choices with security Derwin James Jr. within the nickel. Hart’s and Nonetheless’s emergence might make the Chargers unwilling to pay Samuel when the group has extra urgent wants elsewhere. — Kris Rhim
Week 17 end result: Beat the Falcons 30-24 (OT)
Week 17 rating: 9
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Defensive deal with Jonathan Allen
Allen returned from injured reserve Sunday after lacking the earlier eight video games attributable to a torn left pectoral muscle. He is signed by means of 2025 with a cap hit of $23 million subsequent season. Washington might save $17 million if it launched him, or it might maybe add a 12 months or two to his deal and reduce the cap hit subsequent season. Allen has been a Washington stalwart — and two-time Professional Bowler — however turns 30 subsequent month. The Commanders nonetheless have Daron Payne and drafted Jer’Zhan Newton within the second spherical. — John Keim
1:26
How Jayden Daniels stayed centered throughout Commanders’ comeback
Washington QB Jayden Daniels sits down with Marty Smith to debate his spectacular efficiency in opposition to the Eagles.
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Chiefs 29-10
Week 17 rating: 8
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Quarterback Russell Wilson
Although Wilson jump-started the Steelers’ passing recreation when he took over the beginning job in Week 7, he has been uncharacteristically turnover-prone (4 since Week 15) and inefficient throughout Pittsburgh’s three-game dropping streak. As a result of the Steelers do not negotiate contracts in the course of the season, the ultimate two assured video games of the season will go an extended solution to dictating Wilson’s future in Pittsburgh — or elsewhere within the NFL. Wilson says he needs to play 5 to seven extra years, however the Steelers aren’t more likely to make a long-term dedication to a 36-year-old quarterback. — Brooke Pryor
Week 17 end result: Beat the Cardinals 13-9
Week 17 rating: 12
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Broad receiver Cooper Kupp
The longtime Rams receiver has two years remaining on the extension he signed in June 2022, however he has solely $5 million in assured cash left on that deal. Kupp’s cap hit is $29.8 million in 2025 and $27.3 million the next season. Whereas common supervisor Les Snead has referred to him as one of many Rams’ “weight-bearing partitions,” it appears unlikely the receiver might be again at that quantity subsequent season. Kupp, who received the receiving triple crown and was named Tremendous Bowl LVI MVP in 2021, has missed video games due to harm in every of the three seasons since. — Sarah Barshop
Week 17 end result: Beat the Broncos 30-24
Week 17 rating: 15
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Broad receiver Ja’Marr Chase
Final offseason featured probably the most contentious contract state of affairs in coach Zac Taylor’s six-year tenure. Chase did not report for any voluntary exercises and sat out coaching camp with a hold-in. Then, a few weeks into the season, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Chase felt “misled” throughout negotiations. He’s on the verge of successful the receiving triple crown, which ought to elevate the fee to signal him within the offseason. If the Bengals are prepared to pay that value and probably make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league historical past, it’ll make for a a lot smoother offseason in 2025. — Ben Child
Week 17 end result: Beat the Panthers 48-14
Week 17 rating: 18
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Broad receiver Chris Godwin
Godwin led the NFL with 50 catches previous to struggling a dislocated ankle in Week 7. The Bucs stood by him beforehand after harm, giving him a three-year, $60 million contract months after he tore his ACL and MCL in 2021. They most definitely need him again, and Jalen McMillan might be a possible substitute down the highway. And in the event that they wish to maximize their window with Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Tristan Wirfs and now Bucky Irving, they want Godwin, whereas additionally respecting they’re going to have simply $17.9 million in wage cap area in 2025, per Roster Administration System. — Jenna Laine
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Ravens 31-2
Week 17 rating: 10
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Broad receiver Stefon Diggs
Diggs proved his worth to the Texans on and off the sphere. By the primary eight weeks with him, quarterback C.J. Stroud had a QBR of 60.5 (tenth). However since Diggs tore his ACL in Week 8, Stroud has a QBR of 40.4 (twenty ninth) by means of Week 17. The Texans want solutions at wideout since Tank Dell (knee) will most definitely miss all of 2025, they usually cannot go into subsequent season with simply Nico Collins. That will increase Diggs’ worth, however he is additionally 31 coming off a significant knee harm. — DJ Bien-Aime
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Bengals 30-24
Week 17 rating: 13
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Exterior linebacker Nik Bonitto
Bonitto, a second-round decide in 2022, shouldn’t be slated to be an unrestricted free agent in March. However he’s, by far, probably the most intriguing contract state of affairs to look at for the Broncos. They locked up cornerback Pat Surtain II and guard Quinn Meinerz with long-term extensions lengthy earlier than they confronted a deadline. Denver will now face that prospect with Bonitto, who has been one of the productive move rushers within the league over the previous two seasons by way of stress charges. He has a career-best 11.5 sacks and has scored two touchdowns this season. — Jeff Legwold
0:45
Is Marvin Mims Jr. worthy retaining in dynasty leagues?
Subject Yates breaks down Marvin Mims Jr.’s spectacular Week 17 efficiency regardless of the Broncos’ loss.
Week 17 end result: Beat the Bears 6-3
Week 17 rating: 16
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Quarterback Geno Smith
Common supervisor John Schneider is in for a busy offseason, with roughly a dozen key gamers who might be both free brokers or eligible for extensions. Naturally, Smith’s would be the greatest. At 34 years previous with a 17-15 touchdown-interception ratio earlier than Week 18, he most likely will not be in place to command a long-term dedication that will put him inside the highest 10 by way of common per 12 months. He’s at the moment nineteenth at $25 million per 12 months and ranks sixteenth in QBR (58.7) over the previous three seasons. With an underwhelming quarterback draft class and no viable in-house substitute, giving him some type of elevate is perhaps Seattle’s solely actual selection. — Brady Henderson
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Commanders 30-24
Week 17 rating: 14
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Quarterback Kirk Cousins
The Falcons will owe Cousins, who was benched in Week 16 for rookie Michael Penix Jr., at the least $90 million. They may launch him earlier than March 17, when the quarterback has a $10 million roster bonus due. Another choice might be buying and selling him, although Atlanta must tackle a giant chunk of his wage to take action. Cousins might be more healthy in 2025, two years faraway from a torn Achilles, and nonetheless views himself as a QB1. It looks as if an extended shot he’d return and again up Penix, however he has been skilled in that position late this season. — Marc Raimondi
Week 17 end result: Beat the Browns 20-3
Week 17 rating: 17
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Security Jevon Holland
Each Holland and the Dolphins publicly expressed curiosity in an extension final offseason, however nothing materialized. Now taking part in on the ultimate 12 months of his rookie contract, Holland’s manufacturing has declined barely since his emergence as a possible star as a rookie; he hasn’t recorded an interception since final season, when he returned Tim Boyle’s move 99 yards for a landing in late November. The Dolphins have been prepared to let a number of homegrown gamers stroll in free company final season and will do the identical with Holland if he is on the lookout for a top-of-the-market contract. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Week 17 end result: Beat the Rams 13-9
Week 17 rating: 20
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Linebacker Kyzir White
Arizona took care of the three greatest contract questions this season: Budda Baker, James Conner and Zaven Collins. White is amongst a number of of the following tier of contracts the Cardinals must take a deeper have a look at, together with these of defensive lineman L.J. Collier and kicker Matt Prater. White is second on the group in tackles (127), a captain and an extension of coach Jonathan Gannon within the locker room — they frolicked collectively in Philadelphia. White earned $5 million in base wage this season and was simply $6.75 million in opposition to the cap, so it might be each cheap and essential for the Cardinals to maintain him. — Josh Weinfuss
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Lions 40-34
Week 17 rating: 22
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Quarterback Brock Purdy
There are a number of vital contract conditions to observe for the Niners, however how these play out will rely largely on what occurs with Purdy (and when). They’ve a powerful monitor document of getting offers accomplished with gamers they worth, however they’ve usually taken longer than both facet would favor. This time, count on the 49ers to attempt to work shortly to make sure Purdy’s deal is completed, so that they have value certainty heading into free company. Since Purdy took over as starter in 2022, he ranks among the many high seven in QBR, landing passes, passing yards and EPA/dropback, all of which positions him for the biggest elevate in NFL historical past. — Nick Wagoner
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Eagles 41-7
Week 17 rating: 19
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Defensive finish Micah Parsons
The Cowboys have Parsons underneath contract by means of 2025 along with his fifth-year choice value $21.4 million, however they want to get him signed long run. He has stated he doesn’t have to be the highest-paid defensive participant within the NFL and needs to assist the Cowboys “assault” free company. They haven’t been overly proactive in getting these offers accomplished recently (i.e. Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb), however they should enhance each side of their roster. A brand new deal for Parsons earlier than free company begins in March would give them the chance to be extra lively when the market opens. — Todd Archer
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Giants 45-33
Week 17 rating: 21
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Defensive finish Dayo Odeyingbo
Odeyingbo’s sharp decline in sack numbers from 8.0 final season to three.0 this season suggests he has been much less impactful. However he nonetheless leads Indianapolis with 32 pressures. He’s scheduled to achieve free company in March, and retaining him might be costly relying on market circumstances at his place. One of many variables in deciding what to do right here would be the Colts’ current investments of their line of defense. They signed DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart and Tyquan Lewis to extensions final offseason, drafted Laiatu Latu and exercised the fifth-year choice on Kwity Paye. — Stephen Holder
2:31
Pat McAfee is baffled by the Colts’ lack of accountability
Pat McAfee addresses his social media publish concerning the Colts after their devastating loss to the Giants in Week 17, which knocked them out of the playoffs.
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Seahawks 6-3
Week 17 rating: 25
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Broad receiver Keenan Allen
The Bears let the 32-year-old huge receiver play out the ultimate 12 months of his contract after buying and selling for him final March. His manufacturing is not the place it has been beforehand (two 1,100-yard seasons previously 4 years) attributable to a lingering foot harm and points inside the Bears’ offense, however he has been a security valve for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Allen has seen the second-most targets (118) and generated a team-high 41 first downs. Given his age, he will not make $23.1 million per 12 months on his subsequent deal, nevertheless it is perhaps value exploring whether or not the Bears can deliver him again on a team-friendly contract. — Courtney Cronin
Week 17 end result: Beat the Saints 25-10
Week 17 rating: 31
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Center linebacker Robert Spillane
Spillane has been greater than the chief of the Raiders’ protection; the center linebacker has been its most reliable and productive participant this season. Signed to a comparatively cheap two-year, $9 million contract in March 2023, Spillane is in line for a elevate, particularly if the Raiders wish to keep some semblance of continuity on the defensive facet of the ball. In two seasons of carrying the “inexperienced dot” for the Raiders, Spillane has 5 interceptions, 5.5 sacks and a fumble restoration in 33 video games. — Paul Gutierrez
Week 17 end result: Beat the Titans 20-13
Week 17 rating: 30
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Tight finish Evan Engram
Engram signed a three-year contract in 2023, and his state of affairs might be difficult by a possible regime change. His $14.75 million wage in 2025 turns into totally assured on the fifth day of the league 12 months, however chopping him would generate solely $6.25 million in cap financial savings. Second-year tight finish Brenton Unusual had 11 catches the primary recreation after Engram went on IR (Week 15), although he has had simply two catches the previous two video games. He’s averaging two yards extra per catch on 11 fewer catches than Engram. — Mike DiRocco
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Buccaneers 48-14
Week 17 rating: 24
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Cornerback Jaycee Horn
The Panthers picked up the fifth-year choice on Horn, so he is good for 2025, however they’d wish to lock down one in all their cornerstone gamers long run. The time to do this can be this offseason to cut back his $12,472,000 wage subsequent season and guarantee he is in Carolina for the foreseeable future. The associated fee to take action will solely go up in the event that they wait. — David Newton
Week 17 end result: Beat the Raiders 25-10
Week 17 rating: 23
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Quarterback Derek Carr
The Saints have a big amount of cash tied up in gamers with age, harm or manufacturing questions, however the greatest state of affairs is Carr’s. He’ll rely for $51 million in opposition to the wage cap if he performs on his present contract in 2025 and can save $1.3 million in opposition to the cap (however set off a $50 million useless cash cost) if launched as a standard minimize within the offseason. Carr’s $30 million base wage will totally assure on the third day of the 2025 league 12 months, so the Saints must decide earlier than that date. — Katherine Terrell
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Payments 40-14
Week 17 rating: 26
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers
This might be merchandise No. 1 on the brand new regime’s to-do checklist. Rodgers’ cap cost is a manageable $23.5 million, which features a $35 million choice bonus and $2.5 million in base pay — neither of which is assured. If the Jets launch him, there is a $49 million useless cost that may be unfold over 2025 and 2026. If they keep him, it could create a $60 million-plus useless cost in 2026. Rodgers has stated he is open to a pay minimize, which might assist issues if the Jets resolve to run it again. — Wealthy Cimini
1:08
Why Orlovsky says Jets want a ‘whole rebuild’
Dan Orlovsky explains why the Jets have to scrub home and begin from scratch with an entire rebuild this offseason.
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Dolphins 20-3
Week 17 rating: 28
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Defensive finish Myles Garrett
Garrett has two years remaining on the five-year extension he signed in 2020 however no extra assured wage. With one other 14-sack season on his résumé, it could look like the best time for a brand new deal that once more locations the reigning Defensive Participant of the 12 months because the highest-paid move rusher within the NFL. However in current weeks, Garrett has voiced his want to see the Browns’ offseason plans earlier than additional committing to the group. Can the 2 sides discover widespread floor, or is that this the start of a standoff with a franchise legend? — Daniel Oyefusi
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Chargers 40-7
Week 17 rating: 27
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Cornerback Jonathan Jones
One of many few gamers left on the roster from the group’s final Tremendous Bowl championships (2016, 2018), the 32-year-old Jones is a steadying locker room presence and nonetheless efficient on protection, notably within the slot. He’s scheduled for unrestricted free company and plans to play a tenth NFL season in 2025. Cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino refers to Jones, who has performed 66% of the defensive snaps this season, as one of many hardest gamers he has ever coached. — Mike Reiss
Week 17 end result: Beat the Colts 45-33
Week 17 rating: 32
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Broad receiver Darius Slayton
He’s one in all simply three full-time starters together with guard Greg Van Roten and security Jason Pinnock set to change into a free agent this offseason. Slayton received a beginning job over Jalin Hyatt this summer time, simply months after he was sad along with his contract and state of affairs. The veteran is averaging a team-high 14.7 yards per reception and might be thought of among the many high free agent receivers at 27 years previous. It appears unlikely he’ll return in New York if a big payday awaits. — Jordan Raanan
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Jaguars 20-13
Week 17 rating: 29
Greatest offseason contract state of affairs to look at: Broad receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
Westbrook-Ikhine emerged as a professional landing risk for the Titans after not getting any targets by means of the primary 4 video games. His career-high 9 receiving touchdowns is tied for the fifth most within the NFL. The fifth-year receiver signed a one-year, $2 million cope with the Titans earlier than final season. He might be an unrestricted free agent and will warrant curiosity on the open market. Calvin Ridley would be the solely confirmed receiver Tennessee has underneath contract this coming offseason. — Turron Davenport