Football is back!
That means it’s time for fans to stress over their fantasy football teams and doubt the Kansas City Chiefs only for them to stand atop the league in the end. Here’s how each team stacks up ahead of the 2024 season.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
As long as Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are at the helm, Chiefs Kingdom reigns supreme in the NFL.
2. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers fell short last season. But with a handful of key players returning on both sides of the ball, there’s a strong chance they will be in New Orleans in February.
3. Detroit Lions
The Lions are a prime example of drafting well. After bolstering the secondary with the additions of veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III, and rookies Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Detroit will remain a force to be reckoned with in the NFC.
4. Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are a dangerous combo. But there are still questions about Baltimore’s wide receivers and the offensive line, which will have three new starters. Still, there’s enough talent to keep the Ravens atop the AFC North.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles crashed out in the worst way in 2023, losing five of their last six games and getting steamrolled by Tampa Bay in the playoffs. That resulted in sweeping changes to the coaching staff, the hiring of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, and the signing of running back Saquon Barkley.
6. Houston Texans
All aboard the Houston hype train. C.J. Stroud, arguably a top-10 quarterback after one season, has a talented supporting cast that includes Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell, Joe Mixon and Nico Collins. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter coming off the edges should strike fear in opposing quarterbacks.
7. Buffalo Bills
The loss of receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis hurts. However, rookie Keon Coleman has the potential to be a special player. Expect quarterback Josh Allen to be in the MVP conversation.
8. Cincinnati Bengals
In a world where QB Joe Burrow stays healthy, the Bengals should make the race for the AFC North crown interesting.
9. Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love will strengthen his case as one of the league’s best quarterbacks while helping Green Bay compete for another postseason appearance and perhaps more.
10. Miami Dolphins
The addition of defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is intriguing. The speed surrounding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa should be enough to make them contenders once again.
11. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas has enough talent to be competitive. Will the Cowboys be Super Bowl contenders? Maybe not, and that may lead to things crashing down in Jerry World.
12. Cleveland Browns
The Browns’ defense is elite, but their success will ultimately be decided by how quarterback Deshaun Watson performs.
13. New York Jets
The return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers should restore postseason aspirations. Breece Hall and rookie Braelon Allen could be a dynamic running back duo.
14. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ depth at cornerback is questionable. But they have an intriguing pass-rush duo in Byron Young and rookie Jared Verse.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are solid defensively. But does Russell Wilson have enough in the tank to rejuvenate Pittsburgh’s offense?
16. Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams couldn’t ask for a better situation to walk into. The 2024 No. 1 pick will have an offense that consists of receivers DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze, as well as tight end Cole Kmet. The Bears should be fun.
17. Atlanta Falcons
The additions of Kirk Cousins, Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons are a sign the Falcons are trying to make a run now. In a weak NFC South, they have a shot.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The NFC South could come down to the Bucs and Falcons. Are Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans enough to put Tampa Bay over the top?
19. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags have a questionable wide receiver room, but rookie Brian Thomas could turn into a valuable piece. Their schedule is rough with Miami, Cleveland, Buffalo and Houston in the first four weeks.
20. Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson’s four starts before suffering a season-ending injury were encouraging. It’s just a matter of staying healthy. Laiatu Latu has a shot at Defensive Rookie of the Year.
21. Minnesota Vikings
Whether or not Sam Darnold is better than expected, receiver Justin Jefferson will still put up numbers. A sixth straight 1,000-yard season is loading.
22. Seattle Seahawks
New head coach Mike MacDonald should whip Seattle’s defense into shape, especially with the addition of rookie defensive lineman Byron Murphy II.
23. Washington Commanders
Not sure if quarterback Jayden Daniels is going to have the same effect Robert Griffin III once had as a rookie in Washington. But the Heisman Trophy winner will be fun to watch. Washington is moving in the right direction.
24. New Orleans Saints
Chase Young’s career has been plagued by injury. In New Orleans, he has a chance to prove he can still be a dominant pass rusher. Don’t be surprised if fans are calling for Spencer Rattler to replace Derek Carr at quarterback by the bye week.
25. Denver Broncos
With rookie Bo Nix at the helm, Denver’s young, hungry and ready to prove the doubters wrong.
26. Los Angeles Chargers
Joe Alt may be the next Joe Thomas, but that doesn’t hide the facts that Los Angeles is thin at wide receiver and Joey Bosa hasn’t played a full season since 2021.
27. Arizona Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr. will be in contention for Offensive Rookie of the Year. But it won’t be enough for the Cardinals to keep up with the rest of the NFC West.
28. Las Vegas Raiders
With Garner Minshew at quarterback, Raiders fans should just enjoy watching Maxx Crosby and hope the team is in a position to draft Shedeur Sanders in 2025.
29. Tennessee Titans
Even though Tennessee made changes on both sides of the ball, the Titans’ success will be dictated by Will Levis elevating his game in Year 2.
30. New York Giants
The Giants showed faith in Daniel Jones by passing on a QB in the first round and taking receiver Malik Nabers. It wouldn’t be surprising if New York is back to searching for a new quarterback after this season.
31. Carolina Panthers
Hope seems to die in Carolina. If quarterback Bryce Young shows improvement in Year 2, call that a win.
32. New England Patriots
The Pats appear to have found their quarterback of the future. The problem is they lack talent at offensive line and wide receiver.
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Originally Published: September 2, 2024 at 5:45 a.m.
