All 32 NFL teams fought for position in the league throughout the regular season. However, 20 of them failed to meet the necessary criteria to forge playoff berths.Following Wild Card Weekend, four more teams joined the ranks of Super Bowl-ineligible squads, leaving only eight in contention.This scenario leads to two questions surrounding the league's hierarchy.First, what is the true pecking order of the 24 teams currently out of the playoff picture' Second, which of the eight remaining teams tops the league's standings and is likeliest to come away with a win in Super Bowl XLIX'League-wide power rankings will be necessary to answer both of those inquiries. So, before the divisional round of the playoffs kicks off, and these rankings shift again, here's a look at how all 32 NFL teams stack up.32. Tampa Bay BuccaneersThe Buccaneers received the first pick in the 2015 NFL draft, and they're going to need it. This team lacks any kind of a viable signal-caller and needs to take a long look at Oregon's Marcus Mariota. If Tampa Bay doesn't address the quarterback position during the offseason, the talents of Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson will continue going to waste.31. Tennessee TitansTennessee has some uncertainty on the offensive side of the ball. This team still doesn't know what it has in Zach Mettenberger, Bishop Sankey's rookie season was disappointing and wide receiver play has been inconsistent. Unfortunately, things are even worse on defense, and the Titans should strongly consider adding a pass-rusher in free agency or the draft.30. Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville is simply a young team looking to improve. However, quarterback Blake Bortles and his wide receivers won't progress without better blocking from the offensive line and a viable running game. These two areas must be considered priorities by the Jaguars.29. Oakland RaidersIt took the Raiders a while to win a game in 2014, but they showed signs of improvement late in the season. Derek Carr played well, and Latavius Murray appears to have a bright future. Adding a wide receiver, preferably Alabama's Amari Cooper, via the draft would add a much-needed playmaker on the outside in Oakland.28. Washington RedskinsThe first thing Washington must do over the offseason is decide if Robert Griffin III is the future of the team at the quarterback position. If he isn't, the longer the team sticks with him under center, the longer it will take to turn things around. Perhaps taking a look at a second-round quarterback like UCLA's Brett Hundley will be worthwhile.27. New York JetsSpeaking of quarterback-needy teams, the Jets must know Geno Smith isn't the answer by now. With the No. 6 pick in the draft, this team could make a run at Jameis Winston. Yes, the Florida State product has seen his share of off-the-field issues, but his stature (6'4"), arm strength and ability to progress through his reads are intriguing traits.26. Chicago BearsChicago began the 2014 season looking like a potential contender, but that went out the window quickly. Now, this team lacks a head coach, must decide what to do with its overpaid quarterback and has plenty of holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball. There may not be a quick fix in store here.25. Cleveland BrownsLuckily for Cleveland, it has two first-round selections this year. This team must add some talent at wide receiver to help out a shaky quarterback position. On the other side of the ball, the Browns need to add a pass-rusher capable of generating pressure on opposing AFC North signal-callers.24. Atlanta FalconsAtlanta may need a new head coach, but things aren't terrible within the organization. There's still plenty of talent on the offensive side of the ball. The Falcons simply need to get healthy and find some consistency. Adding a pass-rusher through the draft would certainly help things along as well.23. New Orleans SaintsThe Saints appear to be a team in disarray. It's almost difficult to figure out how this team fared so poorly in 2014 due to the immense level of talent it boasts. Drew Brees must regain his consistency and confidence, and the New Orleans defense must get things turned around. If those things don't happen in 2015, we could see a major overhaul.22. New York GiantsOdell Beckham Jr. should probably win Rookie of the Year. He was one of the most exciting players to watch down the final stretch of the season, and he'll be even more dangerous when paired with Victor Cruz. If New York can shore up the offensive line and keep its defensive line intact, it could make a run next season.21. St. Louis RamsSt. Louis began to play better in the latter part of 2014. While the defense finally began to jell, the offense remained sluggish at times. The quarterback position was the main culprit for that. If the Rams can find a capable signal-caller, they could become a contender. If they can't, another sub-.500 season could be in store.20. Minnesota VikingsTeddy Bridgewater showed flashes of being a capable NFL quarterback in 2014, and some of the team's younger offensive playmakers began to step up. Since Mike Zimmer has the defense headed in the right direction, the ongoing progress of the team's quarterback and his weapons will dictate how far Minnesota will go next season.19. San Francisco 49ersJim Harbaugh left a pretty coveted job behind. The 49ers are still one of the league's best defensive teams. They just need some creativity, and a few more weapons, on the offensive side of the ball to regain their status as one of the league's elite. Selecting one of the draft's talented wide receivers would be a great start.18. Miami DolphinsMiami is a rather tricky team to figure out. The Dolphins don't do anything extremely well, but they're also not terrible in any phase of the game. This team has a budding offense, and to help it along in the immediate future, the offensive line should be addressed once again, as Miami could use a complement to 2014 first-round pick Ja'Wuan James.17. San Diego ChargersThe Chargers weren't able to defeat a Kansas City Chiefs team led by backup quarterback Chase Daniel to get into the playoffs. That stings. To get back into the postseason next year, San Diego needs to focus on upgrades at offensive line and in the defensive secondary. Aside from that, this team just needs to get healthy.16. Buffalo BillsBuffalo appeared to be headed in the right direction in 2014. However, head coach Doug Marrone left the team in the dust, opting out of his contract. The Bills still have one of the best defenses in the league, but the quarterback position really needs to be addressed if this team is to compete in a very strong AFC East.15. Houston TexansHouston has a big decision to make this offseason. This team must decide if Ryan Mallett can be the quarterback of the future. After all, the Texans do have playmakers on both sides of the ball. They just need a field general to put it all together. A change at quarterback could be the difference between nine and 11 wins next season.14. Kansas City ChiefsThe Chiefs were impressive throughout most of the 2014 season. However, they weren't complete enough to reach the playoffs. A few positions need to be addressed over the offseason, but the biggest is at wide receiver. Going through an entire season without a single wide receiver scoring a touchdown is a huge problem.13.Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia just barely missed out on the playoffs, and there were two big reasons for that:Mark Sanchez and the defensive secondary. The Eagles may not have their quarterback of the future currently on their roster, and they desperately need some help at the cornerback position. We'll see what Chip Kelly does over the offseason.12. Arizona CardinalsThe Cardinals were battered by injuries throughout the season, and an early playoff exit was the end result. While this team is talented when healthy, it has the looming question marks surrounding Larry Fitzgerald and his lucrative contract as well as Carson Palmer's return from a season-ending injury to deal with.11. Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati made some strides in 2014. However, it couldn't overcome a rash of injuries suffered before the Wild Card Round and lost yet another playoff game, extending its postseason winning drought to 25 years. The Bengals are a very good team when healthy, but they do need some major help along the defensive line.10. Detroit LionsDetroit's defense was the catalyst that propelled this team into the playoffs, and that's strange considering the massive amount of talent residing on the offensive side of the ball. Whether it's personnel adjustments or a change in schemes or philosophies, the Lions need to find more consistency before next season begins.9. Pittsburgh SteelersUnfortunately, the Steelers were without star running back Le'Veon Bell for their Wild Card Game, but he wasn't the reason the team lost. Pittsburgh needs upgrades, and a youth injection, in its secondary, as its defense struggled to get off the field on third down. Focusing on improving against the pass is a must heading into the offseason.8. Carolina PanthersCarolina's defense has been spectacular of late, holding opponents to 17 or fewer points in each of its last five games and keeping opposing offenses under 300 yards in each of its last four. The concern for the Panthers going forward is Cam Newton's accuracy. He's been sailing balls high and wide of late, and keeping up that trend won't get it done in Seattle.7. Baltimore RavensJoe Flacco put together a fine performance against the Steelers, and Terrell Suggs played a great game. In fact, the Ravens put on a performance similar to their Wild Card Game showing in early 2013, when they eventually went on to win the Super Bowl. This team has its hands full with a meeting against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots next on the slate, but we've seen what can happen when this team gets hot in the playoffs.6. Denver BroncosThe Broncos finished the season on a high notealbeit against the Raiders. Peyton Manning hasn't looked as dynamic down the final stretch of the season, and the team's secondary is concerning with a very strong Indianapolis Colts passing attack coming to town. Still, the future Hall of Famer is a master of adjustments and will have something up his sleeve for the divisional round.5. Indianapolis ColtsAndrew Luck was very impressive on Sunday, and the Indianapolis offense began to click once again. However, the most impressive aspect of this team was its overall defensive performance. Bengals wide receivers couldn't get open, and the Colts kept the dangerous Jeremy Hill in check. This will be a formidable unit going forward.4. Green Bay PackersAaron Rodgers has been unstoppable at home this season, throwing 25 touchdown passes and zero interceptions. There should be some concern over his health, as his strained calf may be healed enough to play, but it could act up in the cold weather at Lambeau Field. According to AccuWeather.com,temperatures aren't looking favorable for the quarterback so far.3. Dallas CowboysTony Romo put on a great showing Sunday, passing for 293 yards and two touchdowns. DeMarco Murray rushed for 75 yards and a score. Terrance Williams lit it up for 93 yards and two trips to pay dirt. These numbers would be good against any team, but they came against Detroit's second-ranked defense. The Dallas offense is a force to be reckoned with.2. New England PatriotsThe Patriots are well-rested and await the Ravens for a divisional round clash. Brady has been phenomenal this season, but the big reason why New England fared so well has been improved defensive play. Darrelle Revis leads a very dangerous secondary, and if any unit is talented enough to stop the attack led by Flacco, it's this one.1. Seattle SeahawksIt's difficult to bet against the Seahawks considering their tremendous advantage playing at CenturyLink Field and their fantastic late-season run. Not only is this team extremely well-rounded, featuring a versatile offense led by Russell Wilson and the league's best defense, but it's riding a huge wave of momentum into the playoffs. We could very well see repeat Super Bowl champions in 2015.
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