The 2024 NFL season has several loaded teams vying for key playoff positions, but it also features a lot of teams with two wins, creating a big divide between haves and have-nots.
Some of the league's best Super Bowl 59 contenders flexed in Week 9, while some middle-of-the-pack hopefuls took a big hit to their chances.
Here's Sporting News' latest look at the hierarchy, from 1-32.
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NFL Power Rankings Week 10
1. Kansas City Chiefs 8-0 (previous ranking: 1)
The Chiefs just keep getting the job done with a lot of clutch offense and defense. Patrick Mahomes is also starting to heat up his passing at the right time to believe the reigning two-time champs can run the table.
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2. Detroit Lions 7-1 (2)
The Lions made an NFC North statement and then some by going into Lambeau Field and coming up with an all-around pounding of the Packers. They remain the team to beat in the conference.
MORE: Explaining Brian Branch's controversial ejection | Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrates TD with viral headstand
3. Buffalo Bills 7-2 (3)
The Bills are digging deep to use all their key weapons around Josh Allen. They need to keep leaning on their loaded offense to offset their massive problems in stopping running backs in any which way.
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4. Pittsburgh Steelers 6-2 (4)
The Steelers are sitting pretty in the AFC North during their bye with the QB plan between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson working to a tee to better support the running game and defense. They will get to attack their entire six-game division slate down the stretch.
5. Washington Commanders 7-2 (7)
The Commanders once again flexed on both fronts against the Giants with their rushing attack and pass rush. Jayden Daniels is locked in again after the hiccup tied to the injury to his ribs, looking again like the runaway OROY.
6. Philadelphia Eagles 6-2 (8)
The Eagles didn't need to sweat much with their red-hot offense to blast through old friend Doug Pederson's Jaguars, despite some late mistakes. They can provide the knockout punch to Mike McCarthy's Cowboys in Week 10.
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7. Baltimore Ravens 6-3 (10)
Lamar Jackson posted a perfect passer rating to keep reminding everyone why's a strong candidate to win his third MVP. He is running the offense so well that he's also helped Derrick Henry get into the MVP conversation.
MORE: Jackson ties record for most perfect passer ratings
8. Minnesota Vikings 6-2 (9)
The Vikings rebounded from their two-game skid by ripping into the Colts at home with their swarming defense and Sam Darnold overcoming a rough night with clutch pass plays.
9. Green Bay Packers 6-3 (5)
The Packers' issues with turnovers and overall offensive inconsistency cost them big time vs. the Lions, despite their best defensive efforts to stay in the game.
MORE: Matt LaFleur appears to have NSFW message for Dan Campbell and the Lions
10. Atlanta Falcons 6-3 (12)
Kirk Cousins didn't miss a beat with his suddenly deep receiving corps, responding well without Drake London and also getting great balance from Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. The defense also was better at bending without breaking vs. Dallas.
MORE: Drake London injury update | Drake London celebrates TD with viral headstand
11. Houston Texans 6-3 (6)
The Texans were exposed with their wide receiver injuries and pass protection issues vs. the Jets. Houston is seeing its pass defense break down, too, with the pass rush now worrying about the health of Will Anderson Jr.
MORE: Will Anderson Jr. injury update
12. San Francisco 49ers 4-4 (11)
The 49ers need to get a whole lot healthier during the bye, with Christian McCaffrey's potential return vs. the Buccaneers in Week 10 being most key. They are capable of sizzling through the second half to still push for the top NFC seed.
13. Los Angeles Chargers 5-3 (15)
The Chargers are still playing strong defense and have their running game rolling. The real dangerous element is how they've figured out to get the downfield passing game red-hot with Justin Herbert healthy and on point.
MORE: NFL playoff picture through Week 9
14. Denver Broncos 5-4 (13)
Bo Nix was game for the battle for Lamar Jackson but didn't have the same blocking, skill support, or experience. The Broncos' defense also crashed to earth when facing one of the better offenses. Whatever their final AFC position, it has been a positive reboot with Sean Payton.
15. Arizona Cardinals 5-4 (16)
The Cardinals are winning plenty with the running game and defense clicking for Jonathan Gannon, taking major pressure off Kyler Murray. They have been a pleasant first-place surprise, but it might be tricky to maintain in a tougher second half of division play.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-5 (17)
The Buccaneers are trying to stay game offensively with Baker Mayfield's fearless passing and a deep backfield, but they are not positioned well to make up for their major defensive limitations. The Chiefs on the road were a tough Monday night draw.
17. Los Angeles Rams 4-4 (19)
The Rams are hanging in there with an improving young defense and plenty of offensive depth for Sean McVay. They are trying to stay hot for another second-half surge after getting to .500 with two big wins.
MORE: Puka Nacua shocked over ejection for throwing punch vs. Seahawks
18. Chicago Bears 4-4 (14)
The Bears are facing additional growing pains with Caleb Williams leading to some winless road woes. The pass defense has been an asset, but they're breaking down vs. the run too much.
MORE: Is Matt Eberflus on the hot seat?
19. Cincinnati Bengals 4-5 (22)
Joe Burrow is rolling at a high level passing all over the field, even when Ja'Marr Chase is quiet and Tee Higgins is not available. Given the shaky state of the AFC at the bottom of the playoff picture, the Bengals have a real chance because of their QB.
20. Seattle Seahawks 4-5 (18)
Geno Smith can look great at times throwing downfield in the new offense, but if the running game sputters and protection breaks down, he can be in real trouble. The Seahawks need to stick with him, but he must cut down on turnovers.
MORE: Is Geno Smith in danger of being benched?
21. Dallas Cowboys 3-5 (20)
The Cowboys got into desperation mode with trick plays that didn't work and plenty of defensive frustration in Atlanta. Dak Prescott could only do so much before getting hamstrung. Injuries, coaching, and poor execution have led to this dysfunctional disaster.
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22. Indianapolis Colts 4-5 (21)
The Colts made a hasty decision to sit Anthony Richardson because they need to be a run-heavy team with him and Jonathan Taylor to be most complementary to the defense. Joe Flacco's chuck-and-duck routine isn't right for this team.
MORE: Shane Steichen commits to Joe Flacco as starting QB despite lifeless outing vs. Vikings
23. New York Jets 3-6 (30)
The Jets dug deep with desperation and made all the big plays needed for Aaron Rodgers with their dynamic receiving duo finally living up to expectations. Their defense also had its best game in a while vs. Houston, but it all might be already too late.
MORE: Garrett Wilson's incredible one-handed catch | Malachi Corley channels DeSean Jackson with goal-line fumble
24. Tennessee Titans 2-6 (31)
The Titans are still fighting hard for rookie coach Brian Callahan, as they've gotten an injury-related spark from Mason Rudolph. Their defense has been surprisingly ahead of the offense in their rebuild.
25. Miami Dolphins 2-6 (23)
Tua Tagovailoa has returned, but the passing game isn't as dangerous and De'Von Achane's running has become their best shot at winning games with offense. The aging defense is a bigger liability, too.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars 2-7 (24)
The Jaguars did their best to get Doug Pederson an improbable comeback victory in Philadelphia, but they didn't give Trevor Lawrence enough support and the defense gave up more than it could deliver in the way of big plays again.
MORE: Why Travon Walker's controversial return TD wasn't overturned by replay
27. New York Giants 2-7 (26)
Daniel Jones and the offense continue to fight hard despite some limitations beyond rookies Malik Nabers and Tyrone Tracy Jr., but it doesn't mean much when the defense is giving up too many big plays from wilting against the run.
28. Cleveland Browns 2-7 (25)
The Browns got a short-term spark from Jameis Winston, only to follow up the Ravens home win by having a major letdown with the Chargers sapping all the energy from the Dawg Pound. The clock is now ticking until they can draft their franchise QB.
29. Carolina Panthers 2-7 (32)
The Panthers have needed to turn back to Bryce Young at QB, and he's showing some flashes in the offense with their young weapons. They might have a rather positive second half.
30. New Orleans Saints 2-7 (27)
The Saints have gone into total freefall, as the offensive injuries and defensive lapses keep costing them during a seven-game losing streak. They are at least getting into better position to draft Derek Carr's long-term replacement.
MORE: Chris Olave injury update | Michael Thomas rips Derek Carr for pass leading to Olave injury
31. Las Vegas Raiders 2-7 (28)
Gardner Minshew has proved to be a bridge to nowhere, as he's been benched twice for Aidan O'Connell and Desmond Ridder. The Raiders are running out of positives besides some decent starts to games.
32. New England Patriots 2-7 (29)
The Patriots look like they have a keeper at quarterback in Drake Maye, as his big plays with his arm and legs are bound to outweigh his tough mistakes in not too long.
