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The NFL season is officially underway with the Ravens taking on the Chiefs last night! We have a back-to-back champion entering the season for the first time in 20 years, but there’s plenty of teams coming for the throne. Here’s how all 32 teams stack up against one another.
32. Carolina Panthers
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The Panthers are the odds-on favorite to finish with the worst record in football. Barring a massive turnaround for Bryce Young, Carolina sits in an unenviable position. 2023 could not have gone worse, and culminated with Chicago selecting a future franchise QB in Caleb Williams with the #1 overall pick (which Carolina sent to them in the trade for Bryce Young in 2022). Williams will be greeted by an elite group of WRs, including former Panthers wideout D.J. Moore. It’s hard to be a Panthers fan right now. Young will need to be stellar in Year 2 to instill any sort of hope within the fan base.
31. New York Giants
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The Giants are in no man’s land. That’s the sort of thing that happens when you sign a middling passer like Daniel Jones to a lucrative multi-year deal. Jones missed all but six games last year, but was terrible when he played (2 TDs and 6 INTs). Instead of drafting his replacement (which they reportedly unsuccessfully attempted to do), they selected WR Malik Nabers with the No. 6 pick. New York’s defensive line will be excellent, but how much can they carry a middling offense?
30. New England Patriots
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The Patriots enter the season with arguably the least talented offense on paper. Add in the fact that first-year HC Jerod Mayo announced Jacoby Brissett will get the start in Week 1, and it’s nearly impossible to envision New England putting up more than 17 points per game. The Patriots have lacked talented pass-catchers for years, dating back to the end of Tom Brady’s tenure. Giving rookie Drake Maye some more time before throwing him into the fire makes sense, but the defense is going to have to be elite if this team is going to win games. If any AFC team is going to end the season with the #1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, it’s the New England Patriots.
29. Tennessee Titans
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Tennessee’s offseason was spent building around its young QB in Will Levis. WR Calvin Ridley and RB Tony Pollard were added in free agency, and have been big-time contributors in the past. In the draft, the Titans spent the No. 7 pick on Alabama OT JC Latham. Levis should be improved in Year 2, but if he gets off to a rocky start, don’t be surprised if the Titans make a swift move. They signed former Steeler QB Mason Rudolph as a backup, and wouldn’t be afraid to make the switch quickly. It’s unclear how much leeway Levis will be given to get acclimated to this offense.
28. Denver Broncos
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Sean Payton feels like Bo Nix can lead the Denver Broncos back to the postseason. It’s been an eight-year playoff drought for the franchise since winning Super Bowl 50. Nix was extremely accurate as a passer at Oregon and is a good athlete who can extend plays with his legs. Following a strong preseason, Nix is ready to lead a Denver offense that may be lacking in big playmakers, but has enough talent to surprise this season.
27. Arizona Cardinals
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It’s put up or shut up time for Arizona QB Kyler Murray. The dynamic QB has been plagued by injuries the last two seasons. The last time we saw him in a big game was in the 2021 playoffs when the Rams’ defense completely shut down the Cardinals’ attack. That is the only playoff game Arizona has played during Murray’s tenure. Despite obvious flaws across the roster, Arizona opted to keep the #4 pick (instead of trading down and receiving multiple picks) and selected the top WR on the board in Marvin Harrison Jr. The Cardinals have the weapons, it will all come down to Murray’s ability to stay on the field and play at an elite level.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars
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The Jaguars were one of the league’s biggest disappointments in ’23. After starting the season 8-3, Jacksonville lost five of its last six games and missed out on the playoffs. Trevor Lawrence struggled mightily throughout the year. And, the team hasn’t always done the best job of surrounding him with a great supporting casts. They swapped out Calvin Ridley for Gabe Davis (downgrade) and added LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. in the draft. They hope their revamped receiver room will make more sense schematically, and will help Lawrence maintain consistency over the course of the season.
25. Washington Commanders
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Jayden Daniels is the next franchise QB in Washington as the Commanders look to return to relevancy. This is a team that has just one postseason appearance since 2016 and hasn’t won a playoff game in 20 years. Daniels is an electric passer who will find immediate success as a runner. He joins an offense that is a bit better than people are giving credit. Terry McLaurin is a legit No. 1 wideout, and the Austin Ekeler/Brian Robinson backfield is sneaky good. Will Daniels lead Washington to a playoff spot in Year 1? Unlikely, but the team will be significantly more entertaining on Sundays with the reigning Heisman Trophy winner under center.
24. New Orleans Saints
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The Saints have quietly had a solid offseason. Going from Pete Carmichael’s archaic offensive scheme to Klint Kubiak’s (San Francisco’s passing game coordinator last year) is a massive improvement. They added defensive depth in free agency, signing two guys who just started in the Super Bowl – DE Chase Young (49ers) and LB Willie Gay (Chiefs). With their first draft pick, they addressed the team’s biggest need with Oregon State OT Taliese Fuaga. The Saints never rebuild – only retool. They might not be Super Bowl contenders, but they had the third-best point differential in the NFC last year and should be better in 2024.
23. Atlanta Falcons
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NFL fans everywhere were left scratching their heads after the Falcons’ first-round pick was announced. Atlanta shockingly selected Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick. This came just weeks after the team inked veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year/$180 million deal. Penix Jr. will almost certainly sit behind Cousins on the depth chart for at least a year or two. Atlanta supporters were hoping the Falcons would use the pick to snag an elite defender. Instead, Atlanta traded for Matthew Judon and signed Justin Simmons to beef up that side of the ball. If Cousins is at least 80% of the QB he was in Minnesota, the Falcons are serious NFC South contenders.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
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Jim Harbaugh’s first draft with the Chargers went about as expected. Despite the fan base clamoring for a pass-catcher with LA’s first-round pick, Harbaugh and company opted for the draft’s top offensive lineman in Joe Alt. This should be the best offensive line QB Justin Herbert has played behind during his time in the league. In the second round, they drafted Herbert a wideout in Georgia’s Ladd McConkey. If McConkey can be an instant contributor, and former first-round pick Quentin Johnston can improve, this WR room won’t be as bad as it appears. LA still has a long way to go building the roster, but they’re on the right track in creating the type of hard-nosed squad we’re used to seeing Harbaugh employ.
21. Las Vegas Raiders
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Vegas’ roster is improved from last year. We’re talking about a team that went 8-9 and really flourished – especially defensively – under Antonio Pierce. In the offseason, first-year GM Tom Telesco (formerly with the Chargers) nabbed one of the league’s biggest free agents in DT Christian Wilkins and spent a first-round pick on a premier pass-catcher in TE Brock Bowers. However, the starting QB duel between sophomore Aidan O’Connell and journeyman veteran Gardner Minshew doesn’t instill much confidence. Minshew is ultimately getting the nod in Week 1, but he will need to play his best football if the Raiders are to compete in a conference filled with elite quarterbacks.
20. Minnesota Vikings
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The worst-kept secret leading up to the draft was Minnesota’s interest in Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings were able to nab their franchise signal-caller without having to trade up. Despite all of this, a season-ending injury to McCarthy means Sam Darnold will lead an offense with plenty of talent. Any QB would relish the opportunity to have WRs like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. With McCarthy expected to be ready for the 2025-2026 season, it’s safe to call this Darnold’s final chance to prove he’s worthy of being a starting QB in the NFL.
19. Seattle Seahawks
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Seattle enters 2024 in a difficult spot. Last year began with high expectations, but the team fell short of a playoff spot despite a winning record. They have two teams in the division — the 49ers and the Rams — which boast elite offenses. The Cardinals should be better, as well, with a healthy Kyler Murray and the additions they made in the offseason. Defense will be the name of the game for the Seahawks, and the group should be massively improved in 2024. They poached former Ravens DC Mike Macdonald to replace franchise stalwart Pete Carroll as head coach and spent four picks – including a first-rounder on Texas DT Byron Murphy II – to build up the defensive roster.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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No Brady, no problem for the Buccaneers. After three years with Tom Brady at quarterback, Tampa Bay turned to Baker Mayfield at QB for the 2023 campaign. In his first year with the Bucs, Mayfield effectively resurrected his career as a starter and led Tampa to its third-straight division title. They shocked the Eagles in the Wild Card round and came up just a couple of plays short of reaching the NFC title game. Mayfield earned a three-year, $100 million extension for his efforts. Can the former No. 1 pick lead them to another playoff appearance?
17. Indianapolis Colts
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The Colts fell just one game short of a division title in Shane Steichen’s first year as coach. There will be a new look to the offense in 2024. Anthony Richardson is returning after making just four appearances during his rookie year. Keeping their young quarterback healthy will be the key to success. It was also important for the front office to surround Richardson with plenty of talent. Texas WR Adonai Mitchell could end up being one of the steals of the draft, and he joins an offensive skill group that features former All-Pro RB Jonathan Taylor and the recently extended WR Michael Pittman Jr.
16. New York Jets
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Can Aaron Rodgers return to the action and come remotely close to his previous form? If so, the Jets are a playoff team. Even if he is 70 percent of himself, Rodgers should be able to lead New York to the postseason. The team has gone 7-10 two years in a row with the worst quarterback situation in the league. New York’s defense is stacked and Rodgers has a decent group on offense. Of course, it will be up to the new-look offensive line to keep No. 8 upright. Can they get it done?
15. Chicago Bears
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It is tough to rank the Bears without seeing Caleb Williams play at the NFL level. And while we still have questions about Chicago’s coaching situation, there is no doubt that the team is in a better place — on paper — entering the new season than it has been in years. Williams should be an immediate upgrade over Justin Fields, and he has a trio of talented receivers that ranks near the top of the league. Additionally, D’Andre Swift joined the Bears in the offseason and gives the offense yet another dynamic weapon. The NFC North may be one of the best divisions in football, but the Bears have the pieces to challenge for a playoff spot.
14. Buffalo Bills
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After a year’s worth of rumors surrounding Stefon Diggs’ future in Buffalo, the team traded Diggs to Houston in the offseason. Diggs was Josh Allen’s favorite target, so it will be interesting to see how the star quarterback performs without his best weapon. In April’s draft, the Bills selected former Florida State wideout Keon Coleman. Coleman has a ton of talent and is great at coming down with contested catches. However, it may take a while to develop chemistry with Allen.
13. Miami Dolphins
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Miami’s form at the end of the 2023 season fell off dramatically following a hot start. The Dolphins opened the year 9-3 behind an explosive offense. However, the team went 2-3 the rest of the way, lost its last two games of the regular season, and scored one touchdown in a 26-7 loss to the Chiefs in the playoffs. Miami was hit by several big injuries down the stretch, so there is hope that the team can respond this year with a healthier roster. The AFC East is up for grabs, but Miami may be the frontrunner at this point.
12. Los Angeles Rams
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The Rams were one of the most surprising teams last year. After entering the season with low expectations, Los Angeles reached the playoffs and gave Detroit all it could handle in a 24-23 loss in the Wild Card round. Aaron Donald’s retirement has left a huge hole along the defensive line, but the Rams drafted former Florida State standout Jared Verse to help boost the pass rush. The offense remains strong and we will not doubt Sean McVay’s ability to lead the team back to the playoffs.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
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Pittsburgh seemingly over-performs every season. Last year, Pittsburgh won 10 games with Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph all making starts at quarterback. The franchise revamped its quarterback room by signing veteran Russell Wilson and trading for Justin Fields. Wilson will be QB1 entering the season, but it will be interesting to see how long his leash is with a younger, more athletic QB waiting in the wings. Pittsburgh will likely rely on its defense and running game once again in 2024, but good QB play can elevate the team.
10. Cleveland Browns
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The Browns reached the postseason last year despite starting four different quarterbacks throughout the regular season. In the playoffs, Joe Flacco’s magic evaporated and Cleveland crashed out against Houston. However, the team is well-positioned to enter the new season. Myles Garrett is at the center of a stacked defense and Deshaun Watson will enter the year healthy. Cleveland is said to be taking a conservative approach as it pertains to Nick Chubb’s return to action (as it should). If Chubb can return to form, the Browns will be a tough out as the season progresses.
9. Philadelphia Eagles
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Perhaps no team enters the season with more to prove than the Philadelphia Eagles. Coming off a narrow Super Bowl loss at the end of the 2022 season, the Eagles began last year 10-1 and had just knocked off Buffalo and Kansas City back-to-back weeks. Then, the Eagles went 1-5 to end the regular season before losing in the Wild Card round — 32-9 — to Tampa Bay. Philadelphia’s roster is stacked (the addition of Saquon Barkley certainly helps) and it did well in the draft, but it will be interesting to see if the team solved whatever went wrong at the end of last season.
8. Cincinnati Bengals
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Despite losing Joe Burrow to a season-ending injury after 10 games, the Bengals finished last year with a 9-8 record and weren’t too far off from making the playoffs. With Burrow back under center and Ja’Marr Chase still lining up at receiver, the Bengals are a threat to win the AFC North. Joe Mixon is now in Houston, and Zack Moss is projected to take over as RB1. All four teams in the North are capable of winning the division — but Cincinnati enters the year knowing that it has one of the top two QBs alongside Lamar Jackson.
7. Dallas Cowboys
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As always, Dallas will be judged by its performance in the postseason. The Cowboys have won 12 games three years in a row and have claimed the NFC East crown twice. However, Dallas is 1-3 in the playoffs with two of the losses coming at home. Tony Pollard is no longer with the team, but Zeke Elliott is back in the fold — and he is not much of a factor at this stage of his career. The East figures to come down to Dallas and Philadelphia once again, but it remains to be seen whether Dallas did enough to improve its roster in the offseason to go back-to-back.
6. Houston Texans
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C.J. Stroud’s rise to stardom came quicker than anyone could have imagined. As a rookie last year, Stroud looked like an elite quarterback within the first few weeks of the season. In Year 2, Stroud will have the benefit of throwing to a stacked receiving corps thanks to the addition of Stefon Diggs — not to mention Joe Mixon joining the team as well, and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Houston also improved defensively by signing star edge rusher Danielle Hunter.
5. Green Bay Packers
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When Aaron Rodgers left for New York ahead of the 2023 season, everyone who isn’t a Packers fan hoped that Jordan Love wouldn’t immediately become a star. Well, he did. Love was fantastic in his first season as the starting quarterback and Green Bay returned to the postseason. Now, Love and a young receiving corps should only improve in Year 2 together. Additionally, former Vegas running back Josh Jacobs has joined the team and should be a slight upgrade over Aaron Jones.
4. Detroit Lions
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The Lions were agonizingly close to reaching the Super Bowl last year and there is no reason to believe they can’t compete for the NFC crown this season. Quarterback Jared Goff has a slew of weapons to work with — Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Sam LaPorta, and Jameson Williams — and a stacked offensive line to protect him. Detroit selected two cornerbacks with its first two picks of the draft to improve its weakest unit from last year, as well. If the Lions can take a step forward defensively, this team can win the Super Bowl.
3. Baltimore Ravens (0-1)
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There’s no shame in Baltimore’s Week 1 defeat to the defending Super Bowl champions. In fact, if Isaiah Likely’s shoe size was one size smaller, we might be talking about the Ravens entering Week 2 with a 1-0 record (they would’ve definitely gone for two). Baltimore’s only true concern emerging from this game is its offensive line. With some new pieces up front, Lamar was forced to improvise more than the Ravens would’ve liked. However, the unit will only improve as the season goes on, and the defense is never something you have to worry about with a John Harbaugh-led team. You get the feeling that this isn’t the only time we will see Chiefs-Ravens this season…
2. San Francisco 49ers
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The Niners have reached the NFC Championship four of the last five years, and have two Super Bowl appearances on their resume. Unfortunately, San Francisco is 0-2 in the Super Bowl — and arguably should have defeated Kansas City in both games. The Niners have the best roster in football, and after a long stand-off, have come to a contract agreement with star wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk. San Francisco added another receiver in the draft in Florida’s Ricky Pearsall, and boosted its secondary by selecting Renardo Green and Malik Mustapha. The return of safety Talanoa Hufanga will also help the team a ton — assuming Hufanga responds well to rehab for a torn ACL.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (1-0)
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Three Super Bowl victories in five years — was there ever a doubt who would be ranked No. 1 entering the season? Unlike last year’s Week 1 loss to the Detroit Lions, the Chiefs took care of business on “Ring Night” this year and knocked off the Baltimore Ravens. The victory essentially confirmed what people expected heading into the season. The defense is still going to be very stout despite the loss of L’Jarius Sneed, and the addition of rookie Xavier Worthy gives the Kansas City offense some much-needed speed. Patrick Mahomes is still Patrick Mahomes, which is all the NFL needs to know to confirm the Chiefs will fully be in contention for a third straight Super Bowl.
