2024 NFL Power Rankings: Chiefs defend throne in three-peat bid
Tue Sep 3 12:17pm ET
Field Level Media
Kansas City begins the 2024 season where it wrapped last season: atop the NFL power rankings.
The Chiefs open defense of consecutive Super Bowls and a bid for an historic three-peat on Thursday at home, facing a team capable of knocking them from the cushioned perch in the AFC, the Baltimore Ravens.
Even-keeled Andy Reid and the Chiefs won't get too worked up over holding the top spot in subjective rankings in September, having proved that winning a Super Bowl doesn't mean being your best in the fall.
There are contenders new and old in the NFC, bidding to win the Lombardi Trophy in New Orleans in February. But can anyone beat Patrick Mahomes?
We asked our NFL writers to help rank-stack the field ahead of Week 1.
32. New England Patriots: Prepared to take lumps in a transition from Bill Belichick to Jerod Mayo, the Patriots need playmakers to take a step forward.
31. Minnesota Vikings: Not only will they miss Kirk Cousins, the Vikings are likely to be early sellers to make up for trading away many valuable draft picks. Minnesota has its first-rounder in 2025 (and two fifth-round choices), but will head coach Kevin O'Connell be around to coach next year's rookie class?
30. Las Vegas Raiders: A step up is possible for the Raiders' defense. Two steps back might be reality on the other side of the ball, where Gardner Minshew enters Week 1 as the starter.
29. New York Giants: When stacked against the rest of the NFC East, the Giants appear to have a Triple-A roster and too many holes to overcome.
28. Denver Broncos: Here comes a season of paying -- and paying for paying -- Russell Wilson.
27. Tennessee Titans: New identity in Nashville. It will take Brian Callahan a season or two for the roster to mesh with his plans.
26. New Orleans Saints: Barring the unexpected, head coach Dennis Allen's hot seat reaches full sizzle with a brutal schedule including the Cowboys, Eagles and Chiefs in the first five weeks.
25. Seattle Seahawks: We're sold on Mike Macdonald as a defensive mastermind, even if the personnel aren't up to par yet. And doubt persists about the viability of the offense with Geno Smith at the helm.
24. Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn takes over in Washington and the Commanders might've hit a home run with No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels, but the franchise's arrival as a contender is likely a year or two away.
23. Carolina Panthers: Inspired by yet another coaching change, Carolina treads water early in the season but no team can be eliminated from consideration in the NFC South
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert is being hit with durability doubts and proven crutches Keenan Allen (Bears) and Austin Ekeler (Commanders) were shown the door in what sets up as a .500-type finish for Jim Harbaugh's NFL return.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Injuries hit in preseason and Pittsburgh hitched to Russell Wilson. That might work with the Steelers' stacked LB corps if only head coach Mike Tomlin knew where the juice comes from on offense.
20. Atlanta Falcons: Paying a premium for Kirk Cousins puts Atlanta closer to the top of the division, but the Falcons' rise can only track higher if 2023 first-rounder Bijan Robinson and a rebuilt defense carry the day.
19. Arizona Cardinals: QB Kyler Murray, WR Marvin Harrison Jr., TE Trey McBride and rookie RB Trey Benson give the Cardinals the makings of a scary offense for years to come, but Arizona's defense lags sorely behind.
18. Chicago Bears: In a different division, the Bears might be a stronger play as a worst-to-first story coming off a 7-10 season with No. 1 pick Caleb Williams creating buzz in Chicago.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Credit GM Jason Licht for (somehow) getting the band back together in a spendy offseason to help maintain the Bucs' status as the team to beat in the NFC South.
16. Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott was MVP runner-up last season without much of a running game. Are the Cowboys being undersold as a legitimate contender?
15. Jacksonville Jaguars: Fading in December doesn't inspire confidence. If Doug Pederson can inspire a rebound, Jacksonville can be the team nobody wants to see coming after Christmas.
14. Los Angeles Rams: General manager Les Snead and Sean McVay went from chasing proven all-stars to build their roster to hammering gems in the draft the past few seasons.
13. New York Jets: A roster with blue-chip talent and a Hall of Fame quarterback might not be enough if depth becomes the proving ground again in 2024. Best of luck convincing Aaron Rodgers to lean into the strength of the team -- its defense.
12. Indianapolis Colts: Head coach Shane Steichen inspired confidence in his debut season, overcoming injuries to QB Anthony Richardson and RB Jonathan Taylor to steer the Colts into contention. With Richardson and Taylor back, a first-place finish in the AFC South isn't out of the question.
11. Miami Dolphins: A star-studded supporting cast eases some heat on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with a new contract in hand. Modest pass rush -- Bradley Chubb is out until October, as is No. 3 WR Odell Beckham Jr. -- might mandate shootouts for Miami until the reinforcements arrive.
10. Buffalo Bills: Rebuilding is a step too far, but frustration could push the Bills into a major remodel -- under a new coach -- in the offseason.
9. Cleveland Browns: Grimacing out of concern for the Browns' misfortune at quarterback. Deshaun Watson returns from shoulder surgery with a steady offensive line and is backed by a fearsome defense, but RB Nick Chubb starts the season the PUP list. Watson's guaranteed $46 million annual salary means he was paid $11.5 million per win to go 8-4 in his first two seasons with the Browns.
8. Houston Texans: Can Houston jump from good -- division winner, playoff win last season -- to great in the second year of DeMeco Ryans and C.J. Stroud's partnership? All the focus is on Stroud and his array of offensive weapons. Houston's defense has some serious clout, too.
7. Philadelphia Eagles: Change was a theme for the Eagles again in the offseason with new coordinators and playmakers in the fold. If head coach Nick Sirianni captains Philly to a slow start, he might be next out the door.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: With fingers crossed Ja'Marr Chase walks through the door before the Patriots land in Cincinnati for Week 1, the Bengals have proof they can hang with the AFC's best when Joe Burrow takes the field.
5. San Francisco 49ers: Trent Williams re-entered the team picture just in time for San Francisco to set sail into the 2024 regular season. A fortunate early schedule -- Jets, Vikings, Rams, Patriots, Cardinals -- should help Brock Purdy and Friends find their footing.
4. Detroit Lions: Watch out if the young defensive playmakers emerge ahead of schedule. If not, Detroit might not become a full-blown bully until next season.
3. Baltimore Ravens: Based on the regular season, Baltimore was the team to beat in the postseason. Then January happened, and John Harbaugh had months to wonder what the Ravens would've done with a workhorse running back. He found one, and Derrick Henry could well be the missing piece in 2024.
2. Green Bay Packers: Buying Jordan Love and the Green Bay defensive remodel and bumping the Packers ahead of the heavyweights in the NFC by the slimmest of margins.
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Complacency in check, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs take aim at history. A three-peat would put Mahomes and Andy Reid at four rings in six seasons.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Five Late-Round Gambles
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: The Weekly Bender: Late Round Picks for Your Late August Drafts
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Cutdown Day Fallout
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Auction Strategy
- 2024 NFL Power Rankings: Chiefs defend throne in three-peat bid
- Browns stadium renamed Huntington Bank Field
- 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (calf) to return to practice
- AFC West: 2024 Outlook, Preview, Predictions
- Holdout OT Trent Williams reports, new contract expected
- AFC South: 2024 Outlook, Preview, Predictions
- AFC East: 2024 Outlook, Preview, Predictions
- NFC North: 2024 Outlook, Preview, Predictions
- AFC North: 2024 Outlook, Preview, Predictions
- With season opener vs. Steelers looming, Raheem Morris excited to guide Falcons
- 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall out at least 4 games after being shot
- Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase day-to-day after not practicing
- QB Kirk Cousins among Falcons' team captains
- Trade offers for Broncos WR Courtland Sutton 'insignificant'
- QB Russell Wilson named one of four Steelers captains
- Buccaneers LB YaYa Diaby (ankle) returns to practice
- RB Leonard Fournette visiting Colts on Monday
- Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire out at least 4 games
- Cowboys' Cooper Rush remains QB2 ahead of Trey Lance
- Dolphins WRs Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle return to practice
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Debate: Dak Prescott
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL Futures Bets
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 1 | Don’t Miss Out On Rico Dowdle
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Rankings Updates: Last-Minute Risers and Fallers for 2024
- Fantasy Life: NFL Week 1 Early Betting Lines: Identifying Market Adjustments
- Fantasy Life: A Last-Minute Backfield Shakeup for Fantasy Football
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 1: Samaje Perine, MarShawn Lloyd, and more
- Fantasy Life: The Weird and Wonderful Differences of a Guillotine League Fantasy Football Draft
The Paur Report
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones is optimistic about having a standout season, crediting the team's training staff for potentially preparing him for the best year of his career. Jones noted that he feels the "I'm ready to have the best year of my career" heading into a new season, thanks in part to a 30-45 minute "prehab" routine given to him before practices. Despite his impressive durability in the previous four seasons, where he played 62 of 66 games, Jones missed six last season due to hamstring and knee injuries. Once he was healthy, he made a significant impact, surpassing 100 rushing yards in his final five games and helping the Packers nearly advance to the NFC Championship Game. During that stretch, Jones carried the ball 102 times for 584 yards, becoming a crucial part of the offense. While it's important not to overvalue Jones based on past performance alone, he remains a strong RB2 option in fantasy leagues if drafted at the right price. For added security, consider pairing him with his backup, Ty Chandler, in the later rounds of your draft.
From RotoBaller
Trent Williams, an 11-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle, and the San Francisco 49ers are working to finalize a deal. Williams returned to the Bay Area Monday night after an offseason absence from the team. While there are still a few details to address, the deal is expected to be completed this week, aiming for him to be ready for the Week 1 opener next Monday night against the New York Jets. In 2023, Williams was the top pass-blocking tackle in the NFL with a 95.8% pass-block win rate. The 49ers averaged 6.05 yards per carry when running to the left side behind Williams, compared to 4.45 yards per attempt on other runs. Last season, Williams missed two games, played through an injury in another, and had only 12 snaps in a meaningless Week 18 game against the Rams. The 49ers were 0-4 in those games but 12-1 otherwise. His presence is crucial for the 49ers' offense, particularly for running back Christian McCaffrey, the consensus top overall pick in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Pro Bowl running back Christian McCaffrey (calf), who has been sidelined with a strained calf for most of training camp, is anticipated to return to practice on Tuesday. Although the team won't release a detailed injury report on his participation until Thursday, his return to the field is a promising sign of his availability for the season opener. McCaffrey has been limited to side-field workouts in recent weeks, but it appears he can join team drills as the 49ers begin their Week 1 preparations. Injuries have been a concern for McCaffrey in the past; he played only ten games combined during the 2020 and 2021 seasons with the Carolina Panthers. However, he has rebounded strongly, playing all 17 games in 2022 and 16 games last season. In 2023, McCaffrey led the NFL with 1,459 rushing yards, added 564 receiving yards, and scored 21 total touchdowns, earning him the Offensive Player of the Year award. While McCaffrey seems on track to be ready for Week 1, it's wise to draft his backup, Jordan Mason, as a precaution. Mason will become a must-start running back if McCaffrey misses any time.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (illness) did not practice on Monday as he deals with an illness. This shouldn't be a major concern early in the week, but his status is worth monitoring when the team is required to release their first official injury report of the season on Wednesday. Clowney signed a two-year, $20 million contract to join the Panthers this offseason following a 9.5-sack season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft has had an up-and-down 10-year career with the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns, and Ravens, but he is productive at times and is tasked with helping replace Brian Burns, who was traded to the New York Giants.
New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye is expected to be named the starter at some point during the 2024 NFL season, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic. While Jacoby Brissett gets the nod Week 1, Howe expects that the Patriots will turn to the No. 3 overall pick at some point this year. He notes that "the variables between the team's record and the line's performance have made it a guess as to when that would happen." In other words, if the Patriots get off to a hot start, the Patriots may ride with Brissett. Similarly, if the offensive line can't do a good job in pass protection, the Patriots may play Brissett in order to preserve Maye's health. Once he does take over as the starter in New England, Maye will be a high-end fantasy QB2.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell impressed during the preseason and is trending toward being the team's primary slot receiver when the regular season kicks off this week, according to fantasy football analyst Jared Smola. Indianapolis spent a second-round pick on the Texas product, and it now appears he's poised to start in place of the injured Josh Downs (ankle). Even with a starting role, Mitchell might not be worth deploying right away in fantasy football. He's still behind Michael Pittman Jr. in the receiver room, and he'll also lose some opportunities to rushing threats Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis looked efficient during his first preseason in the NFL. Although the Kentucky product was held to just two yards in the first week, he bounced back with an impressive 58 yards on eight carries in the second week, good for an average of 7.3 yards per carry. He also caught three passes for 19 yards throughout the preseason. The Bills held Davis out of their final preseason game, a real indication that they have plans to use him down the stretch in 2024. He's not the fastest player, but there's a real chance that he can be more productive around the goal line than James Cook. With real touchdown upside, Davis should be viewed as a potential RB3/FLEX play with RB2 upside if Cook gets hurt.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers did not play any snaps alongside quarterback Gardner Minshew II during the preseason, according to fantasy football analyst Jacob Gibbs. This is significant because Minshew was named the Raiders' starting quarterback, and it would have been ideal for Bowers to get some game action with him before the regular season kicked off. That wasn't the case, but there's still time for them to establish a rapport during practice leading up to Week 1 and early in the regular season. Bowers is still a generational talent at tight end and should be treated as such. He's a first-round pick in dynasty leagues and a fringe top-12 fantasy tight end in redraft leagues.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze had plenty of opportunities to establish a connection with quarterback Caleb Williams during the preseason. According to fantasy football analyst Jacob Gibbs, Odunze was the Bears wide receiver who spent the most time on the field with Williams during the three preseason games even more than veterans DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. This bodes well for Odunze's stock in 2024 as he's already started to get on the same page with his quarterback, a fellow rookie. The No. 9 pick will still have to compete for targets with Moore and Allen, but he's trending in the right direction. Odunze should be drafted in all fantasy leagues and will open the year with low-end WR3/FLEX upside.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants CB Adoree' Jackson is a candidate to return punts if WR Gunner Olszewski doesn't play in Week 1, head coach Brian Daboll said on Monday, Sept. 2.
From TheHuddle
Updating a previous report, Free-agent RB Leonard Fournette (Bills) worked out for the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, Sept. 2.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers DE Joey Bosa (hand) was no longer wearing a club on his surgically repaired hand at practice Monday, Sept. 2.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers WR DJ Chark Jr. (undisclosed) was not on the field during the media access portion of practice Monday, Sept. 2.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent WR Phillip Dorsett (Broncos), WR Jahcour Pearson (XFL) WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (Panthers) and WR David Wallis (Patriots) recently worked out for the New Orleans Saints.
From TheHuddle
Cincinnati Bengals rookie offensive lineman Amarius Mims (pectoral) returned to practice on Monday. The Bengals' O-line has struggled in recent years, which led to Mims being drafted 18th overall in 2024. Mims is not currently listed as a starter, but he should be an important rotational piece. The Bengals still have the No. 21 PFF-ranked O-line in the NFL. Should Mims perform as expected, he will surely boost that ranking. With quarterback Joe Burrow having dealt with various injuries throughout his career, the health of Mims is something to monitor.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark (hip) was not seen at the period of practice on Monday that was open to the media. It's no concerning that Chark hasn't practiced at all for the last two weeks with the Chargers due to a hip injury. There's a chance Chark was limited in practice on Monday after reporters left, but we'll have a better idea of his status heading into the Week 1 regular-season opener this Sunday against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders when the Bolts post their first official injury report on Wednesday. When healthy, the 27-year-old is expected to start in three-wide sets in 2024 in his first year in LA alongside Joshua Palmer and rookie Ladd McConkey. Especially considering his injury, Chark has been going undrafted in standard 12-team leagues. If he's limited or out this Sunday, former first-rounder Quentin Johnston would enter the starting lineup against Vegas.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett (undisclosed) said he expects to play in the Week 1 game even though he missed some time during the preseason.
Fantasy Spin: Lockett should continue to see a good amount of targets in the passing game this season and could be a possible flex option in deeper leagues when he has a favorable matchup.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (foot) was in uniform on the practice field on Monday. Head coach Mike Macdonald noted during the preseason that he is optimistic that Fant will be available for the Seahawks' opener against the Denver Broncos. While Fant has not put up prolific numbers for the Seahawks over the past couple of seasons, he is still important to the offense. New offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb could also scheme more looks for Fant in 2024. With backup tight end Pharaoh Brown (foot) also banged up, the Seahawks can only hope that at least one of these players will be available this week.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (leg) expects to play in Sunday's opening game against the Denver Broncos. Lockett had been dealing with the injury throughout training camp and the preseason. He has been limited in practice during that time, however, it appears that it was all precautionary for the 31-year-old. Lockett is coming off a down year in which he caught 79 passes for 894 yards and five touchdowns. The Seahawks offense is expected to be more prolific and vertical with the addition of new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. While Lockett's best days may be behind him, he should still deliver consistent flex value and could produce a WR2 week on occasion. He is also a solid player to have on your bench should anything happen to wide receivers DK Metcalf or Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
From RotoBaller
The Seattle Seahawks added to the quarterback room by signing Jaren Hall to their practice squad on Monday. The 2023 fifth-round pick started two games for the Vikings in 2023. He threw for 168 yards and zero touchdowns to go along with one interception. Hall was waived last week to make room for Brett Rypien on the Vikings' roster. The Seahawks currently only carry quarterbacks Geno Smith and Sam Howell on their active roster. Hall could feasibly find himself on the active roster at some point should the team decide they need to carry three active quarterbacks. For now, this signing is inconsequential to the Seahawks offense.
From RotoBaller
