## NFL Power Rankings, Week 18: Vikings Get Bump Ahead of Showdown with Lions; Bucs Trending Up
**Published:** January 7, 2023
**By:** [Author’s Name]
The NFL regular season is winding down, and the playoff picture is coming into focus. With just one week remaining, the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are making a late push up the power rankings.
### Vikings Surge Ahead
After a surprising loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 17, the Vikings rebounded with a convincing 31-17 victory over the Chicago Bears. The win, coupled with the Packers’ loss to the Detroit Lions, has moved Minnesota into the No. 2 seed in the NFC.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins has been playing at a high level for the Vikings, completing 66.3% of his passes for 4,547 yards and 33 touchdowns. Running back Dalvin Cook has also been a force, rushing for 1,173 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The Vikings’ defense has been solid, ranking eighth in the NFL in points allowed (20.6 per game). Linebacker Za’Darius Smith has been a key part of that success, recording 10 sacks and 30 quarterback hits.
Minnesota faces a tough test in Week 18 when they travel to Detroit to face the Lions. A win would secure the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs.
### Buccaneers Trending Up
The Buccaneers have won four of their last five games and are now in position to make a run in the playoffs. Quarterback Tom Brady has been playing well, completing 67.2% of his passes for 4,694 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Running back Leonard Fournette has been a key contributor, rushing for 1,016 yards and nine touchdowns. Wide receiver Mike Evans has also been a reliable target, catching 1,049 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Buccaneers’ defense has been improving, ranking 12th in the NFL in points allowed (21.5 per game). Linebacker Devin White has been a standout performer, recording 108 tackles and 19 quarterback hits.
Tampa Bay faces a tough test in Week 18 when they host the Atlanta Falcons. A win would secure the No. 4 seed in the NFC and a home game in the Wild Card Round.
### Other Notable Movers
* **Baltimore Ravens (No. 3):** The Ravens clinched the AFC North division title with a 16-13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Quarterback Lamar Jackson has been playing through an injury but is expected to be ready for the playoffs.
* **Cincinnati Bengals (No. 4):** The Bengals lost to the Ravens but still have a chance to win the AFC North if Baltimore loses in Week 18. Quarterback Joe Burrow has been a breakout star this season, throwing for 4,611 yards and 34 touchdowns.
* **Kansas City Chiefs (No. 5):** The Chiefs clinched the AFC West division title with a 27-24 win over the Denver Broncos. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been his usual self, throwing for 5,250 yards and 41 touchdowns.
* **Buffalo Bills (No. 6):** The Bills clinched the AFC East division title with a 35-23 win over the New England Patriots. Quarterback Josh Allen has been playing at an MVP level, throwing for 4,407 yards and 35 touchdowns.
### Playoff Picture Taking Shape
With just one week remaining in the regular season, the playoff picture is starting to take shape. The top seeds in each conference are set, but the Wild Card Round matchups are still up for grabs.
In the AFC, the Chiefs, Bills, Bengals, and Ravens have all clinched playoff spots. The Jaguars, Titans, and Jets are all in contention for the final Wild Card berth.
In the NFC, the Eagles, Vikings, 49ers, and Buccaneers have all clinched playoff spots. The Cowboys, Giants, and Lions are all in contention for the final Wild Card berth.
The NFL regular season will conclude on Sunday, January 8th. The playoffs will begin the following weekend with the Wild Card Round.