Should the Ravens be 10-point favorites over the Steelers? | First Things First
The Baltimore Ravens are 10-point favorites over their divisional rivals, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are on a 4-game losing streak. Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes ask if the Ravens deserve to be overwhelming favorites.
Just like that, the 2024 NFL season is finished.
There were plenty of surprises to go around. The Kansas City Chiefs won 15 games despite not being the most dominant team. The Minnesota Vikings nearly won the NFC North with Sam Darnold as the quarterback. Jayden Daniels emerged as a star. And the Buffalo Bills got better after trading one of the top wide receivers in the league.
Those were only some of the storylines around the NFL and that just scratches the surface.
The Detroit Lions are arguably the best team ahead of the playoffs and sit on top of the final NFL power rankings of the season.
How does the rest of it shake out?
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1. Detroit Lions (15-2)
Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs celebrates with teammates after he ran for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Sunday night proved that if the defense wants to, it can be dominant. Allowing just nine points to the Minnesota Vikings was a tremendous leap forward; the only worry is if the bye week will cool down what might just be the best offense in the league. But it’s difficult to believe that will happen.
Last week: 2
2. Kansas City Chiefs (15-2)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes watches from the sidelines during the Broncos game, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Let the (real) games begin for the Chiefs. They locked up the top seed in the AFC, despite at times looking like they weren't even trying, and appeared to peak on offense in the last month before running out their backups for a meaningless game against Denver. The three-peat dream is right in front of them, and they left no meat on the bone this season in giving themselves the best shot to make it come true.
Last week: 1
3. Buffalo Bills (13-4)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen smiles while sitting on the bench during the New England Patriots game, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The Bills enter the postseason with a lot of momentum. Despite finishing second in the AFC, many consider this team to be the most dangerous in the NFL. Again, though, everything hinges on postseason performance. A quick out in January could spell big changes in Buffalo.
Last week: 3
4. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley talks to reporters following the Dallas Cowboys game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The Eagles wisely rested their starters in Week 18, meaning Saquon Barkley did not break Eric Dickerson’s single-season record for most rushing yards in a season. The Eagles will take on the Packers at home, and the big question in Philadelphia is if/when quarterback Jalen Hurts will clear the concussion protocol. Hurts sustained the concussion in Week 16, and as of Monday had not yet cleared the protocol. The Eagles hope their star quarterback will be back in action come Sunday.
Last week: 5
5. Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
Ravens running back Derrick Henry is congratulated by Lamar Jackson after scoring against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
The Ravens put the finishing touches on their incredible season. Lamar Jackson is a favorite for MVP and Baltimore is a favorite to win the Super Bowl. It’s all about the postseason from here.
Last week: 6
6. Minnesota Vikings (14-3)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is sacked by Lions defensive end Za'Darius Smith, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)
Kudos to Sam Darnold for revitalizing his career, but it’s fair to say whether he can perform when the lights are the brightest. His offensive line didn’t help, but he did miss some throws early. They do get an indoor game to open up their playoffs, but they need to figure it all out quickly.
Last week: 4
7. Green Bay Packers (11-6)
Packers quarterback Jordan Love reacts as wide receiver Christian Watson is checked on during the Chicago Bears game, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
It’s hard to judge the Packers after a slew of players took the field against the Chicago Bears, but losing at home to them is not what you want. At the end of the day, they still have a superb run game with lots of weapons, and it shouldn’t surprise anyone if they take care of business against the Eagles.
Last week: 7
8. Washington Commanders (12-5)
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
The Commanders beat the Cowboys on a walk-off touchdown, and secured the No. 6 seed in the NFC, setting up a matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the playoffs. Their matchup is a rematch of Week 1, when the Bucs beat the Commanders 37-20. Regardless of how the playoffs go for Washington, this season is already a success. The Commanders have finally found their franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels and with a 12-5 record, they are finally headed in the right direction.
Last week: 8
9. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert celebrates with head coach Jim Harbaugh during the Raiders game in Las Vegas, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/John Locher)
The Jim Harbaugh era began last January for the Chargers, but this is the part where fans will really get to see just how different things are for the franchise. It was a positive yet familiar script in the regular season, finishing well behind the Chiefs in the division for a wild-card spot, with a hard ceiling on their ability to compete with elite teams. Now is their chance to flip the script in the playoffs, and the last few weeks have shown they have the ammunition to do it.
Last week: 9
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans smiles during a post-game news conference after the New Orleans Saints game, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
That's going to be a dangerous offense in the postseason.
Last week: 12
11. Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Inglewood, California. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The best thing that could’ve happened for the Rams was winning the division before Week 18 kicked off, as Sean McVay was able to give his offense, especially quarterback Matthew Stafford, some much-needed rest heading into a big wild-card round against the Minnesota Vikings. While the Vikings were a win away from earning the No. 1 seed in the NFC, Los Angeles had them at SoFi Stadium earlier this season, and they handled business on their home turf. This Monday night game could be a thriller given both offenses' ability to take the top off defenses and put points on the board.
Last week: 11
12. Denver Broncos (10-7)
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix greets fans after the Kansas City Chiefs game, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Broncos may have very well collapsed out of the playoff picture had the Chiefs not played their backups in Week 17, but a 10-win season is still a 10-win season. Sean Payton and Bo Nix delivered a shocking success story to Denver this year amid low expectations. But considering how they played in the final few weeks, they've earned plenty more cynicism regarding their ability to compete against Buffalo in the wild-card round.
Last week: 15
13. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson speaks during a news conference after losing to the Cincinnati Bengals in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
The Steelers’ defense is still formidable, but can Russell Wilson and his receivers get on the same page to make a postseason play?
Last week: 10
14. Houston Texans (10-7)
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Nashville. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
The Texans are heading to the playoffs rested and optimistic after a 23-14 win over the Titans on Sunday. Houston won the AFC South with a 10-7 record and move on to host the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card round on Saturday afternoon having rested most of their starters this weekend. Quarterback C.J. Stroud went 6-of-6 for 50 yards and a touchdown in the opening series and looks more than ready for the playoffs.
Last week: 13
15. Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow speaks during a news conference after beating the Steelers, 19-17, in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
In another life, Joe Burrow has the Bengals in the playoffs. But it was too little too late. Cincinnati will stay home.
Last week: 14
16. Seattle Seahawks (10-7)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf celebrates his touchdown catch with quarterback Geno Smith during the Los Angeles Rams game, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Inglewood, California. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
They might not have been heading to the postseason, but Geno Smith secured a big $2 million incentive with a win and passing for over 185 yards. The win for Seattle gave first-year head coach Mike Macdonald a 10-7 record, which is a great foundation to build on for next season. Seattle doesn’t need to rebuild this offseason given that record, but filling some key holes on the roster could elevate this squad to a playoff team next year if they continue clicking on the offensive end.
Last week: 16
17. Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. runs against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
They really had more talent than the record indicates, so a disappointment.
Last week: 17
18. Arizona Cardinals (8-9)
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray looks to pass against the San Francisco 49ers in Glendale, Arizona, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Jonathan Gannon’s group certainly showed improvement in his second season, and a lot of that had to do with a healthy Kyler Murray and James Conner leading the way on offense. Also, hats off to Trey McBride for solidifying himself as one of the best tight ends in the league, constantly giving Murray someone to throw to when he needed it. Doubling their win total from a year ago, the Cardinals will continue building, especially on the defensive side of the ball after seemingly adding the right offensive pieces.
Last week: 20
19. Miami Dolphins (8-9)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill speaks during a news conference after the Browns game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
The Dolphins had a chance to make the playoffs all the way up until the Broncos win in Week 18, yet the team is in complete disarray. Stars Tyreek Hill and Jalen Ramsey are both hinting that they want out of Miami, and that’s not a good sign for head coach Mike McDaniel.
Last week: 18
20. San Francisco 49ers (6-11)
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall celebrates his touchdown catch with quarterback Joshua Dobbs in Glendale, Arizona, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Health is all Kyle Shanahan will be preaching this offseason, as he hopes to have his group back to normal in 2025. Losing Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk and many others throughout the season wasn’t something the reigning NFC champs could fight through. One thing to watch this offseason is Brock Purdy’s contract situation, though, as the franchise could move to lock him in and continue building around "Mr. Irrelevant."
Last week: 19
21. Dallas Cowboys (7-10)
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy walks on the field after losing to the Washington Commanders, 23-29, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
The Cowboys finished the season 7-10 despite key injuries to star players, and now the focus in Dallas turns to the future of head coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy has been with the team for five seasons, and his contract has expired. The team fought hard for him down the stretch, and now Jerry Jones will decide whether the Cowboys bring him back or let him go.
Last week: 21
22. Indianapolis Colts (8-9)
Colts quarterback Joe Flacco passes against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Despite sliding late in the season and missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year, the Colts are sticking with general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen. But changes are still coming in Indy as the team announced Monday that it will be moving on from defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.
Last week: 22
23. Carolina Panthers (5-12)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young celebrates after scoring against the Falcons, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Bryce Young is your 2025 quarterback, as it should be.
Last week: 24
24. Chicago Bears (5-12)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams passes against the Packers, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
The Bears will not be heading into the offseason with a sour taste in their mouths. Maybe the Packers let up on the gas pedal a bit during the game, but giving your No. 1 pick a walk-off win with a field goal can swing some sort of momentum their way. Now, they need to hit big on their hires.
Last week: 23
25. New York Jets (5-12)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers reacts after scoring his second touchdown pass against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
The Jets did the most Jets thing ever and won their final game of the regular season to worsen their draft position in 2025. Add in the fact that Aaron Rodgers seems destined for retirement, and this is a franchise that must go into a complete rebuild. They need to find the right head coach, but how desirable is the job? Not very, quite frankly.
Last week: 27
26. New Orleans Saints (5-12)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler passes against the Buccaneers Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Onward to their coaching search.
Last week: 25
27. Las Vegas Raiders (4-13)
Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce reacts during the Los Angeles Chargers game in Las Vegas, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Four wins it is for Antonio Pierce in his first full season as a head coach. But the Raiders may have been the most competitive uncompetitive team in the league this year, as they kept plenty of games close despite one of the most incomplete rosters and hapless quarterback situation. They will be looking for a new coach.
Last week: 26
28. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13)
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson pauses during a news conference after losing to Colts in overtime, 26-23, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Doug Pederson is out and the Jaguars are wasting no time in looking for his replacement. On Tuesday, the team announced eight interviews, including one with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson – one of the most highly sought after coaches this offseason.
Last week: 28
29. New England Patriots (4-13)
New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo walks on the field before the Buffalo Bills game, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
So, the Patriots fired Jerod Mayo after he led the team to a Week 18 victory that bumped New England from the No. 1 overall pick in 2025 down to No. 4. With a roster as bleak as the one the Patriots currently have, they needed all the draft capital they could get. Like the Jets (and possibly the Dolphins), New England is an AFC East team that needs a head coach. But with Drake Maye at the helm, it’s a more desirable job than New York.
Last week: 30
30. New York Giants (3-14)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll walks the sidelines during the Eagles game on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
The Giants lost to the Eagles backups, securing the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft. John Mara is bringing back both general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll for a fourth season. The top priority for the Giants this offseason is to find a quarterback, whether that be through free agency, the draft, or maybe both. There is certainly an urgency in New York to turn things around next season, as Schoen and Daboll certainly head into next season on the hot seat.
Last week: 32
31. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis leaves the field after losing, 23-14, to the Houston Texans, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Nashville. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
The Titans will be looking for new leadership when they make the first pick of the 2025 NFL Draft after deciding to part ways with general manager Ran Carthon after just two years. Big spending couldn’t solve Tennessee’s issues last offseason. It’ll be interesting to see their approach this time around.
Last week: 29
32. Cleveland Browns (3-14)
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski watches from the sidelines during the Ravens game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
The Browns’ putrid season has finally ended.
Last week: 31
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The Fox News Digital Sports NFL power rankings were compiled by the Fox News Digital Sports staff and the OutKick.com staff.
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