Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
With Week 1 of the NFL season in the books and us heading into Week 2, let’s look at all 32 teams and see how they stack up on the offensive side of the ball. Here are the league’s best offenses, ranked from worst to first.
32. Carolina Panthers
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Time is ticking on Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers. Much of Young’s first-year woes were credited to a weak supporting cast and an inept coaching staff. The Panthers overhauled the offense and brought in Dave Canales — formerly OC of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — to be head coach. It’s still early, but the early results are not encouraging. Young looked completely out of sorts against the Saints and threw a pair of awful interceptions. If things don’t turn around fast, we could see even more change in Carolina.
31. New York Giants
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
New York’s offense looks a bit different than we’ve seen in years past. Saquon Barkley is gone, and Devin Singletary replaced him. Darren Waller retired, and rookie Malik Nabers now leads a young receiving corps. Daniel Jones missed almost all of last season but hasn’t looked the part after signing a massive extension following the Giants’ playoff appearance in 2022. In Week 1, the Giants managed just six points in an embarrassing home showing versus the Vikings. Jones threw two picks and managed just 186 yards on 42 attempts. As long as he’s under center, the Giants will boast one of the worst offenses in the league.
30. New England Patriots
Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Life after Tom Brady hasn’t been fun for the Patriots or their fans. Under a first-year coach in 2024, we don’t have high expectations for New England or its offense. As Drake Maye acclimates to life in the NFL, Jacoby Brissett should spend most of the season as the starting quarterback. Unfortunately for the veteran, he won’t be surrounded by a lot of talent. Rhamondre Stevenson is a solid running back but isn’t a star by any means. Kendrick Bourne is returning from injury and leads a receiving corps that includes a rookie (Ja’Lynn Polk) and a handful of mediocre options. New England averaged a league-worst 13.9 PPG in 2023 and scored just 16 points in Week 1 — albeit, in a win.
29. Denver Broncos
Sep Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
With offensive guru Sean Payton leading the team for the first time last season, the Broncos averaged a pedestrian 21.0 PPG. Following the disappointing season, Payton and the Broncos moved on from Russell Wilson and shipped receiver Jerry Jeudy to Cleveland. Payton turned to rookie Bo Nix to lead the offense. In his NFL debut, Nix was shaky but showed some toughness as a runner. With a mediocre supporting cast, Nix will have to improvise to keep the offense afloat. The most experienced collegiate QB of all time, Nix will be under the microscope as he learns Payton’s scheme.
28. Tennessee Titans
Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
The Titans have a whole, new look to them this season. Longtime star running back Derrick Henry joined the Baltimore Ravens, and the franchise replaced Mike Vrabel — a defensive-minded head coach — with Brian Callahan. Callahan was previously Cincinnati’s offensive coordinator from 2019-2023. Tennessee added to the receiving corps which now includes veterans Calvin Ridley, Tyler Boyd, and DeAndre Hopkins, and also acquired running back Tony Pollard from Dallas. If anything is going to hold this group back, it’s the erratic play from QB Will Levis. Levis showed flashes last season but is prone to major mistakes. He essentially cost Tennessee their Week 1 matchup against the Bears, turning the ball over three times in a game that the Titans defense played lights out.
27. Washington Commanders
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The Commanders scored less than 20 PPG (19.4) last season, but there is a reason why fans are already excited for 2024 and beyond. Washington’s new quarterback — reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. It may take him some time to adjust to the NFL, but Daniels has a strong arm and is very dangerous out of the pocket. Daniels has a good group of weapons around him, as well. Terry McLaurin has topped 1,000 yards four years in a row. In the backfield, Washington has two capable backs in Brian Robinson Jr. and former Charger star Austin Ekeler. Daniels is the type of player who can be an offense all by himself. Defenses have to respect his ability to run, as he showcased rushing for 88 yards in his debut.
26. Las Vegas Raiders
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Can the Raiders contend for a Wild Card spot in the AFC? If they want to, their offense will need to take a major step forward throughout the season. Davante Adams remains one of the NFL’s top receivers and Jakobi Meyers is vastly underrated as a WR2. The Raiders may have found the NFL’s next star tight end in Georgia’s Brock Bowers, as well. Baltimore’s Isaiah Likely was the only TE with more receiving yards than Bowers in Week 1. Two factors that could ultimately hold this team back are quarterback play and play-calling. Gardner Minshew turned the ball over twice in his Raider debut versus the Chargers, and OC Luke Getsy cost the team points in crucial situations.
25. Cleveland Browns
eff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK
It’s safe to say that Deshaun Watson’s time as a starting NFL quarterback is approaching an end. He’s no longer the same player we saw in Houston. Watson does not do anything particularly well on a football field anymore. He fails to sense pressure, holds onto the ball too long, isn’t overly accurate, and is loose with the football. Watson dropped back to pass 51 times in Week 1 and managed 137 net passing yards. His QBR was 9.3 which ranked dead-last among quarterbacks. It might be time for Jameis Winston to take over the reins.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Steelers have been hampered by average to poor quarterback play for a handful of years. It seemed like Russell Wilson was going to lead the team in ’24, but an early injury has led to Justin Fields taking over under center. Fields’ scrambling ability at least gives Pittsburgh another dimension that defenses have to worry about. At running back, Pittsburgh can lean on both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. George Pickens is a freak, but the rest of the receiving corps is lacking. As always, the Steelers have a strong offensive line. The Steelers failed to reach the end zone in their Week 1 win as kicker Chris Boswell nailed six field goals.
23. Los Angeles Chargers
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
If not for Justin Herbert, the Chargers would rank even lower than No. 23. Herbert is one of the best quarterbacks in football and we envision him having more success with a good head coach finally leading the team. However, the talent around Herbert isn’t great. While he will be protected by one of the top offensive tackle duos in the league — Rashawn Slater and rookie Joe Alt — Herbert’s receiving targets are uninspiring. Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston, and rookie Ladd McConkey fill out the starting group. The backfield consists of two former Ravens, with Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. Dobbins looked far more explosive in the team’s Week 1 win (10 carries for 135 yards) and could see a ton of usage given Harbaugh’s run-first mentality.
22. Atlanta Falcons
Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Just one game in, and we’re already getting worried about this Falcons offense. The consensus around NFL circles was that Atlanta’s skill group was stacked, and all they needed was a QB to bring it all together. The front office took that advice to heart and went out and added two quarterbacks to the roster. Kirk Cousins made his Falcons debut last week, and it was not pretty. The 36-year-old — who is coming off an Achilles tear — was floating passes left and right. Cousins didn’t have the arm strength to push the ball downfield, and it severely limited Atlanta’s options. He’s always been immobile, but it was even more evident against a strong Steelers defense. Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts are all talented, but Cousins needs to show he can still spin it before we anoint this group again.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars
USA TODAY Sports
Talent isn’t lacking in Jacksonville. The Jaguars are overflowing with skilled players. Travis Etienne Jr., Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, and Evan Engram are established players in the league. Brian Thomas Jr. flashed in his NFL debut and even caught a touchdown pass. Tank Bigsby looks to be one of the best backup running backs in the league. Trevor Lawrence can make every throw on the field, is a quick processor, and is a great athlete. All that amounted to 17 points in a gutting Week 1 loss to Miami. Maybe it’s a play-calling issue? Head coach Doug Pederson has flirted with the idea of taking play-calling duties away from OC Press Taylor. We’re not sure either of them is a great answer to fix this offense.
20. Arizona Cardinals
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona averaged 19.4 PPG in 2023 but it should have more success this season. Kyler Murray looks healthy after appearing in just eight games last year. The former Heisman winner was running around just fine against Buffalo. Additionally, the Cardinals drafted Marvin Harrison Jr. with the No. 4 pick to give Murray a true No. 1 wideout. Harrison’s nightmare debut (1 catch for 4 yards) will not be the norm for his career. Trey McBride has a chance to lead all TEs in receiving yards. Though, the Cardinals will need to lean on the run game as much as possible. James Conner is a workhorse back, and Arizona leaned on him as they built an early lead against the Bills. Look for rookie Trey Benson to be featured more as the season wears on.
19. New Orleans Saints
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The Saints are another offense that isn’t lacking in talent. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are legitimate deep threats who can make contested catches. Alvin Kamara remains a strong all-around back who can contribute in multiple ways. They have one of the deeper TE rooms in football with Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, and Swiss-army knife Taysom Hill. Derek Carr, at worst, is a league-average quarterback who played much better over the second half of last season. It’s been a structure that has been lacking in New Orleans, and they may finally get some with new OC Klint Kubiak. The Saints were lights out in Week 1 against the Panthers with an offense similar to the one that Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay have made popular. Modernizing the playbook could do wonders for this group.
18. New York Jets
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
After twelve months, Aaron Rodgers made his much-anticipated return to the field and…looked decent. Well, as decent as a 40-year-old can after tearing their Achilles. Rodgers didn’t seem to lose any velocity on his throws and moved well enough to extend some plays and find his receivers. The issue with the Jets’ offense will be depth. Rodgers will have to lean on WR Garrett Wilson and RB Breece Hall a bit too much. Having a healthy Mike Williams engaged will certainly help matters, but the depth chart gets bleak after that. If this offensive line can gel throughout the season, the ceiling of this group will rise exponentially.
17. Chicago Bears
Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Chicago’s offensive depth chart is loaded from top-to-bottom. The No. 1 pick Caleb Williams entered a desirable situation for a rookie QB. He has three gifted receivers who can line up all over the field between DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and fellow rookie Rome Odunze. D’Andre Swift adds another dimension as both a runner and pass catcher. You could do a whole lot worse than Cole Kmet at TE. But, we cannot overlook the fact that Williams is still just a 22-year-old rookie with plenty left to learn. We saw some of those growing pains in his debut, but Chicago’s defense was able to carry them to a win. Williams will have better days ahead as he gains confidence in his offense.
16. Minnesota Vikings
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings were dealt with some awful luck to begin the season. First-round pick J.J. McCarthy was lost for the year in the preseason. Jordan Addison suffered an injury during practice. T.J. Hockenson is out until December healing from an ACL tear. However, after just one week, it’s clear this offense will not bottom out as long as Kevin O’Connell is calling plays and Justin Jefferson is catching passes. QB Sam Darnold was excellent in his Minnesota debut, completing his first 12 passes en route to dominating the New York Giants. Can the former No. 3 overall pick keep it up?
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Tampa Bay’s offense only averaged 20.5 PPG in 2023 but it turned it up down the stretch. From Week 14 through their loss in the Divisional Round, the Buccaneers scored 23 or more points five times and topped 28 points on four occasions. On the heels of the best season of his career (4,044 yards, 28 TDs) Baker Mayfield signed an extension. And, he’s ready to prove he’s worth every penny. Mayfield showed out in his ’24 debut, tossing four touchdowns in a blowout victory over Washington. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin appear ready to regain their status as one of the top WR duos in football. And, Tampa Bay could have one of the better running back duos, as well, with pass-catching specialist Rachaad White and Oregon rookie Bucky Irving.
14. Indianapolis Colts
Grace Hollars/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
The Colts finished 10th in scoring last season, averaging 23.3 points per game. Rookie QB Anthony Richardson started and finished just two games, while Jonathan Taylor missed nearly half the season. Head coach Shane Steichen was able to generate a top-10 offense without his two most important players for the majority of the year. Most of the offensive roster consists of young players in or approaching their prime — Richardson (22), Taylor (25), Michael Pittman Jr. (27), Josh Downs (23), Alec Pierce (24), and Adonai Mitchell (22). Plus, a powerful offensive line that should be among the league’s best. Richardson had a couple of jaw-dropping throws in Week 1, and still left a ton of yards on the field. When this offense starts to click it’s going to be a lot of fun to watch.
13. Seattle Seahawks
Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Seattle took a step back in ’23, but we have reason to be optimistic about this group heading into the year. This remains a dynamic offense when QB Geno Smith is protected. Smith did the best he could with a leaky offensive line and continued to be one of the best deep-ball passers in the league. WRs Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf complement each other perfectly, and we can expect more targets as the season progresses for second-year wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Seattle started slowly in Week 1 but got into a groove in the second half versus Denver. When they can run the ball with Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet, this offense is far more imposing.
12. Cincinnati Bengals
Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
Given their expectations, the Bengals had the most disappointing offensive performance across the league in Week 1. Managing just 10 points was a troubling result. Of course, New England’s defense is no slouch, but that’s no excuse for an offense led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. Burrow was seen stretching his surgically repaired wrist on several occasions. We could have ranked them even lower after that opening performance. However, we still have faith that this group can turn it around quickly. Chase was missing for most of camp, and the team wasn’t even sure if he was going to play. Tee Higgins getting back on the field will help alleviate some pressure. Burrow’s wrist is a concern, but we expect him to play better. A big performance against the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 will silence any concerns.
11. Green Bay Packers
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Ranking Green Bay’s offense is a difficult exercise. For most of their Week 1 game, the Packers looked like a top-10 outfit as QB Jordan Love was spraying passes around to his deep group of receivers. However, Love was injured on the final drive and will be out for some time. While he won’t return for Week 2, Love might not be on the mend for an extended period. While he’s gone, we have a ton of faith in HC Matt LaFleur patching things together. If anybody can create a competent game plan around Malik Willis’ strengths, it’s LaFleur.
10. Dallas Cowboys
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas will again have one of the more formidable passing games during the regular season. CeeDee Lamb exploded for 1,749 receiving yards last year and has asserted himself as a top-5 wideout in the league. The continuously underrated Brandin Cooks is a solid No. 2 option. Losing Tyron Smith is a hit to the offensive line, though the hope is adding younger players like 2024 first-round pick Tyler Guyton will help mitigate the loss of a franchise stalwart. Dallas cruised to a dominant win in Week 1 over an elite Cleveland defense. They’ll be tested again in Week 2 versus a New Orleans defense that features one of the league’s better secondaries.
9. Philadelphia Eagles
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles collapsed down the stretch of last season, leading to the team adding a pair of new coordinators in the offseason. Kellen Moore was hired as offensive coordinator and is taking over a massively talented roster. Adding Saquon Barkley is already paying dividends. Barkley has never played in an offense this talented. The former Giant showed out in his debut, collecting three touchdowns and gaining 132 yards. If Barkley is healthy, there isn’t any sort of way to match up with this group. A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert create problems for every secondary. It’ll just be up to Jalen Hurts to stay consistent throughout the season.
8. Buffalo Bills
Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
As long as Josh Allen is under center, the Bills will remain in the top 10 of these rankings. Allen is an offense all by himself. The receiver room was revamped in the offseason and will rely on guys like Dalton Kincaid, Khalil Shakir, and Keon Coleman now that Stefon Diggs is in Houston. James Cook was the x-factor during Buffalo’s late-season rally and finished with over 1,500 scrimmage yards as a sophomore. In Week 1, Allen was nearly perfect. He completed 18-of-23 passes, threw for 232 yards, and accounted for four total touchdowns. He did lose a fumble on the game’s opening drive, but turnovers are just something that Buffalo will have to accept. Allen’s positive plays will almost always outweigh the negatives.
7. Los Angeles Rams
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Rams have a Super Bowl-winning offense. That much is for certain. We’ve already seen a group led by Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and coach Sean McVay pull off the ultimate victory once before. After an injury-riddled ’22, Stafford was elite last year finishing eight in MVP voting and earning just his second Pro Bowl nod. Now healthy, Kupp looks to return to the player who was named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in ’21. Losing Puka Nacua in Week 1 hurts, but we saw this team do just fine without Kupp for a stretch last season. With Nacua out, we could see TE Colby Parkinson or speedy WR Tyler Johnson emerge as one of Stafford’s favored targets.
6. Miami Dolphins
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Miami’s offense sputtered down the stretch of ’23, but let’s not forget how devastating they were throughout major parts of the season. Tua Tagovailoa led the entire NFL in passing yards (4,624) while Tyreek Hill finished with a league-leading 1,799 receiving yards. And, that’s just one facet of the attack. The Dolphins’ run game was exceptional, especially when rookie De’Von Achane was healthy. Achane and Raheem Mostert combined for 1,800 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns (Mostert led the league with 18). If Jaylen Waddle can bounce back after a quiet year, Miami will once again light up scoreboards in ’24. Health has always been a theme for this team. It was great to see Tagovailoa start and finish last season, though injuries have hampered him throughout his career. Entering Week 2, Miami already has injuries to its two top backs.
5. Houston Texans
Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
CJ Stroud surpassed any expectations even his biggest supporters could have had for him. As a rookie, Stroud exhibited poise and polish well beyond his years. Houston added reinforcements in the offseason, acquiring RB Joe Mixon (1,410 scrimmage yards in ’23) and two-time All-Pro WR Stefon Diggs (who has made four straight Pro Bowls). In Week 1, Mixon ran for 159 yards and Diggs scored twice. The rich just keep getting richer. Nico Collins added 117 yards receiving and Tank Dell looked solid in his return after missing the last six games of ’23. There is nowhere for this group to go but up from here.
4. Baltimore Ravens
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
How does any team approach game-planning for a backfield that includes two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and two-time rushing leader Derrick Henry? Good luck trying to stop Baltimore’s run game. Jackson was already difficult enough to handle. Add in a punishing back like Derrick Henry who can wear on defenses throughout a game, and you have a dynamic duo ready to rule the AFC. The skill players have come under fire in recent years, but this is probably the best group in Jackson’s tenure. Zay Flowers is coming off a strong rookie season, and the TE pair of Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely offers versatility. Baltimore was a toe away from shocking the defending champs at home. We expect the Ravens to lean on the Jackson-Henry duo more as they face inferior opponents.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
2023 featured the Chiefs’ worst offense since Patrick Mahomes took over at quarterback. They finished 15th in points per game and struggled to maintain balance throughout the year. Of course, it ultimately didn’t matter as Kansas City ended the season hoisting its third Lombardi Trophy in five years. We don’t expect them to suddenly become the No. 1 offense again, but they will find it easier to move the ball consistently in ’23. The receiver room added speed in Hollywood Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy. When teams start shading over the top, Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce will feast underneath. The interior of the offensive line is arguably the best in the game, though tackle Jawann Taylor remains a major question mark. The Chiefs made it look easy on a few drives against Baltimore, and will only get better as Mahomes establishes a groove.
2. Detroit Lions
Detroit Free Press/USA TODAY Network
Detroit’s offense is absolutely loaded. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are arguably the best 1-2 running back punch in the league. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta are reliable targets who each hauled in 10 TD passes. Jameson Williams exploded in Week 1 versus the Rams and adds a speed element that defenses must honor. The offensive line is massive and led by one of the game’s best tackles Penei Sewell. QB Jared Goff silenced a ton of doubters last year and has now led four top-5 offenses throughout his eight-year career. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was tagged as a potential head coaching candidate but opted to return. Not hard to see why Johnson would want to come back and engineer a top offense for a third straight year.
1. San Francisco 49ers
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
San Francisco finished third in scoring a season ago, but just about every other metric pointed to them having the best offense in the league. They finished first in yards per game, points per drive, and yards per play. Additionally, they finished first in rushing touchdowns and second in passing touchdowns. It was one of the most explosive offenses the league has seen in years. That sorta thing happens when you have All-Pro talent at every level. For head coach Kyle Shanahan and the rest of this group, it’s all about capturing that elusive Super Bowl trophy. But, we know they’re going to put up points in bunches regardless of the final result. In Week 1, the 49ers didn’t have Christian McCaffrey and still dominated an elite Jets defense.
