We’re just about a quarter of the way through the 2024 NFL season, and already, there’s plenty of shakeup in the divisional standings. Some teams, like the Minnesota Vikings, are dominating surprisingly.
Others, like the winless Jacksonville Jaguars, are floundering more than anyone could have predicted. While it’s still early, some divisions are starting to separate themselves from the pack. Let’s look at NFL division rankings as we hit Week 5, breaking down how each team is faring.
8. AFC South
Houston Texans (3-1), Indianapolis Colts (2-2), Tennessee Titans (1-3), Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4)
The AFC South lands at the bottom of the NFL Division Rankings, with the Houston Texans barely keeping the division afloat. C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins have been a bright spot, helping the Texans to a 3-1 start. But even with their wins, Houston has struggled to pull off decisive victories. The Colts, battling injuries to key players like QB Anthony Richardson and RB Jonathan Taylor, have been inconsistent. Tennessee, under Will Levis, has shown reckless play, and the winless Jaguars have been a disaster. Despite Trevor Lawrence’s big contract, Jacksonville’s offense has been one of the most underwhelming units in the league.
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7. AFC East
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Buffalo Bills (3-1), New York Jets (2-2), New England Patriots (1-3), Miami Dolphins (1-3)
Buffalo remains the clear front-runner in the AFC East, despite some challenges on offense with an overhauled receiving corps. Josh Allen is playing at an MVP level again, keeping the Bills afloat even when things aren’t clicking perfectly. The Jets have shown flashes of life, but their success hinges heavily on whether Aaron Rodgers can stay healthy. If Rodgers is upright, the Jets might just make a playoff push, but it’s still a volatile situation.
The Patriots, meanwhile, are biding their time until rookie QB Drake Maye can take the reins. Their offense is in limbo, and the defense hasn’t been able to compensate. Miami, though loaded with talent, is riddled with injuries. Tua Tagovailoa’s health remains a key concern, and while the Dolphins could make a late-season push, things look shaky right now.
6. AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs (4-0), Los Angeles Chargers (2-2), Las Vegas Raiders (2-2), Denver Broncos (2-2)
The AFC West stays competitive in these NFL Division Rankings thanks to the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. Despite a shaky start with turnovers and injuries, the Chiefs are 4-0, once again proving why they remain the favorites in the AFC. Patrick Mahomes has been his usual self, and when the game is on the line, Andy Reid’s squad finds a way to win. Under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers have had their ups and downs but remain gritty. The Raiders are facing questions about Davante Adams’ future, while the Broncos have leaned too heavily on their defense to stay afloat. Denver will have a tough time climbing these rankings without more offensive production.
5. NFC East
Washington Commanders (3-1), Dallas Cowboys (2-2), Philadelphia Eagles (2-2), New York Giants (1-3)
The NFC East ranks in the middle of the NFL Division Rankings, with the Washington Commanders leading the way. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has been a revelation, keeping Washington in every game with his calm leadership and precise passing. The Cowboys, though talented, have struggled with depth issues, particularly on defense, but the Dak Prescott-CeeDee Lamb connection remains potent. The Eagles are inconsistent, struggling with injuries but hoping to get back on track with the return of star running back Saquon Barkley. The Giants, on the other hand, are still in a rebuild, with rookie QB Caleb Williams getting his feet wet in the NFL.
Also Read: Grading All 32 NFL Teams’ Head Coaches After Week 4 Games Of The 2024 Season
4. NFC West
Seattle Seahawks (3-1), San Francisco 49ers (2-2), Arizona Cardinals (1-3), Los Angeles Rams (1-3)
The NFC West continues to be one of the more intriguing divisions in the league, with the Seahawks taking charge early. Seattle’s defense has been top-notch under new head coach Mike Macdonald, and QB Geno Smith has continued to play well in clutch moments. The 49ers, though dealing with injuries to key players like Christian McCaffrey, are still a powerhouse. Brock Purdy has shown toughness, and the defense is relentless. The Cardinals remain erratic with Kyler Murray at quarterback, while the Rams are battling numerous injuries derailing their season.
3. NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1), Atlanta Falcons (2-2), New Orleans Saints (2-2), Carolina Panthers (1-3)
The Buccaneers lead the way in the NFC South, mainly due to Baker Mayfield’s rejuvenation and a top-10 defense crafted by Todd Bowles. Even with injuries, Tampa Bay has managed to stay on top, and Mayfield is playing some of the best football of his career. The Falcons are in every game but struggle when QB Kirk Cousins isn’t well-protected. Under new head coach Raheem Morris, they’ve shown fight, but consistency is lacking.
The Saints are similarly unpredictable but have had some explosive offensive performances, keeping them in the hunt. The Panthers, however, seem content to play spoiler this season. After benching Bryce Young, they’re already looking toward the future.
2. AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1), Baltimore Ravens (2-2), Cleveland Browns (1-3), Cincinnati Bengals (1-3)
The AFC North is a bruiser of a division, with the Steelers clinging to the top spot. Pittsburgh’s defense, under Mike Tomlin, has been rock solid, and Justin Fields’ improved play has helped them get off to a strong start. Baltimore has been hampered by injuries, but when Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are both healthy, they might be the most dangerous rushing duo in the league. Cleveland, meanwhile, is plagued by injuries and poor offensive line play, while Cincinnati is off to a rough start despite having Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. If the Bengals can find their rhythm, they could quickly move up the NFL Division Rankings.
1. NFC North
Minnesota Vikings (4-0), Detroit Lions (3-1), Green Bay Packers (2-2), Chicago Bears (2-2)
Surprisingly, the NFC North is the cream of the crop, with the Vikings emerging as the most complete team in the league so far. QB Sam Darnold has been playing at an MVP level, leading a well-balanced offense that includes the return of All-Pro WR Justin Jefferson. Defensively, Brian Flores has transformed the unit into a terrorizing force, making life difficult for even the league’s best quarterbacks.
The Lions are no slouches, either. With a potent offense led by RB David Montgomery and WR Jameson Williams, Detroit looks poised to push Minnesota for the division title. The Packers, now welcoming back QB Jordan Love after injury, have shown flashes but still need more consistency. The Bears, with rookie QB Caleb Williams still adjusting to the NFL, are a work in progress but have managed to stay competitive.
