Last week's ranking in parentheses.
1. Patriots 13-3 (1): Coordinators Josh McDaniels and Matt Patricia could leave for head coaching jobs. First, Pats will make a run at a sixth title under Bill Belichick.
2. Steelers 13-3 (2): Focus has to be on whether WR Antonio Brown can bounce back from a calf injury.
3. Saints 11-5 (3): Long considered one of the league's most accurate passers, Drew Brees set a single-season record with a completion percentage of 72.0.
4. Vikings 13-3 (4): Bye week is critical to heal injuries on the offensive line as well as TE Kyle Rudolph, who was playing on a sprained right ankle.
5. Rams 11-5 (5): Todd Gurley scored eight touchdowns in the last three games and leads the Rams storming into the postseason.
6. Chiefs 10-6 (8): The playoffs could be the final run for Alex Smith in Kansas City.
7. Panthers 11-5 (6): Cam Newton has a 3-3 record and 83.9 passer rating in the playoffs. He'll need to be much better to win in New Orleans on Sunday.
8. Eagles 13-3 (7): Coach Doug Pederson reiterated his faith in QB Nick Foles entering the playoffs, but things look shaky.
9. Falcons 10-6 (10): Tied for seventh all-time last season by scoring 540 points. They fell to 353 this season, 15th in the league at 22.1 per game.
10. Jaguars 10-6 (9): Doug Marrone leads the Jags into the playoffs against the Bills, the team he coached before opting out of his contract three years ago in a stunning maneuver.
11. 49ers 6-10 (14): Few teams can say they acquired a franchise quarterback during the season, but that's positively what John Lynch did.
12. Chargers 9-7 (13): Coach Anthony Lynn will try to retain defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. The belief is things are pointing up after an 0-4 start.
13. Titans 9-7 (16): They found their way into the playoffs, but the season as a whole still seems a little disappointing given expectations and Marcus Mariota's play.
14. Bills 9-7 (17): They're still delirious in Buffalo after the Bengals' last-minute TD put the Bills in the playoffs for the first time since after the 1999 season.
15. Seahawks 9-7 (11): The defense isn't the intimidating force it once was, but with Russell Wilson a quick rebound is possible for Pete Carroll's crew.
16. Lions 9-7 (20): Odds are GM Bob Quinn follows his roots back to New England for the next Lions coach.
17. Ravens 9-7 (12): Brutal home loss to Bengals with a playoff berth on the line. They will have to replace longtime defensive coordinator Dean Pees, who retired.
18. Cowboys 9-7 (15): There is going to be some staff shakeup but Jason Garrett remains safe. Might see Steelers play-caller Todd Haley surface here.
19. Cardinals 8-8 (19): Would Bruce Arians head into retirement if he had a young quarterback? After Carson Palmer's retirement Tuesday, they have zero QBs under contract for 2018.
20. Packers 7-9 (21): They are searching for a new general manager. It's arguably the No. 1 job in the NFL, as there are no meddling owners.
21. Redskins 7-9 (18): As fast as things shift in D.C., the biggest offseason story for the third consecutive year will be what happens with Kirk Cousins.
22. Bengals 7-9 (26): Reports of Marvin Lewis' demise were premature. He's back with a two-year contract.
23. Raiders 6-10 (22): This was the job Jack Del Rio always wanted and he was pure class to the end, announcing his own firing at a postgame press conference.
24. Dolphins 6-10 (23): TE Anthony Fasano said the team struggled handling distractions. You'd put losing QB Ryan Tannehill for the season in training camp at the top of that list.
25. Buccaneers 5-11 (28): Dirk Koetter gets a third season, which was not afforded his predecessor, Lovie Smith, and he'll be under pressure to win.
26. Bears 5-11 (25): Those in charge at Halas Hall think a coaching change and another offseason of moves will produce results. They're 4-20 vs. the NFC North since 2014.
27. Broncos 5-11 (24): Vance Joseph kept his job but he's making major staff changes.
28. Jets 5-11 (27): The Bears weren't the only team to hand out extensions after five wins. In this instance, GM Mike Maccagnan and coach Todd Bowles received new contracts.
29. Texans 4-12 (29): It looked like Bill O'Brien could be headed out, but GM Rick Smith took an extended leave of absence and now will be replaced.
30. Colts 4-12 (30): Owner Jim Irsay pledges Andrew Luck will return with a "107-degree fever" to succeed.
31. Giants 3-13 (31): There are some pieces in place for new GM Dave Gettleman, but they need a quarterback and the offensive line must be retooled.
32. Browns 0-16 (32): They have the first and fourth picks in the draft. Hue Jackson will return with a 1-31 record after two seasons.
