With rookie and mandatory minicamp sessions in the books, the focus for all 32 NFL teams shifts over to training camp in mid-July. Before we know it, pre-season will be here.
So, let’s not waste any time here and get right into our 2024 pre-training camp edition of the 2024 NFL power rankings.
Which NFL teams are heading into the 2024 season with high rankings?
32. Carolina Panthers (32)
The Panthers made a notable free agent signing following the NFL Draft, picking up running back Rashaad Penny on a one-year deal.
So Carolina’s backfield now consists of Chubba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, rookie Jonathan Brooks, and Penny. That’s one of the more intriguing offseason position battles to follow.
31. Denver Broncos (31)
With the Broncos entering a rebuilding phase, the only notable positional battle here is the QB room. Will Sean Payton go with rookie Bo Nix, veteran Jarrett Stidham or ex-New York Jet Zach Wilson?
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We’re also keeping our eyes on potential trades involving All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II and wide receiver Courtland Sutton.
30. New England Patriots (29)
Like the Broncos, expectations are awfully low for a rebuilding Patriots team as they enter year one of the post-Bill Belichick era.
The most enticing training camp battle is quarterback, a two-way race between veteran Jacoby Brissett and third overall pick Drake Maye. Between Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and KJ Osborn, it’ll also be interesting to see who wins out the jobs for the No. 1, 2 and 3 receivers.
29. Tennessee Titans (30)
The Titans made another big signing after the draft, bringing in ex-Cincinnati Bengals star Tyler Boyd. That now gives Will Levis three capable 1,000-yard receivers in Boyd, DeAndre Hopkins, and Calvin Ridley.
But we still don’t know what the Titans have in Levis. The o-line is still a big question mark with a rookie, JC Latham, at left tackle. And there’s still not much to like about the depth of defense after L’Jarius Sneed, Jeffery Simmons, and Harold Landry, which is why their NFL ranking remains low.
28. New York Giants (28)
Daniel Jones is the Week 1 starting quarterback, but you gotta think the sixth-year pro will be on a short leash this time around.
There’s not much reason for optimism in Giants land this year. Such is life when you give one of the league’s worst starting QBs a sixth year to prove himself — not to mention they lost their offensive MVP in Saquon Barkley.
At least Malik Nabers will be worth watching — and the Giants should be in a good position to draft a top QB prospect next year.
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27. Washington Commanders (26)
Barring any surprises, No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels will be the man behind center when Washington opens its 2024 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Like the teams below them here, the playoffs are a mega longshot for Washington. All fans need to see is a sign that Daniels will be the real deal and that they got it right with Dan Quinn as their new head coach.
26. Arizona Cardinals (27)
No significant position battles to really follow here. For Arizona, a successful year comes down to Kyler Murray staying healthy and reminding the front office that he is the answer at quarterback.
That will be a lot easier with can’t-miss rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. stepping in as Murray’s new favorite target. The Redbirds may not be playoff contenders in 2024, but Murray and Harrison Jr. will make them worth watching.
25. Minnesota Vikings (23)
The Vikings drop two spots because Kevin O’Connell recently said that Sam Darnold has the inside track on the starting job.
The Vikings have to do what they think is right for JJ McCarthy’s development, but it’s hard to be excited about this team if Darnold is going to be the starting QB. On the bright side, getting a $140 million extension done with Justin Jefferson was a mega win.
24. Las Vegas Raiders (25)
Sophomore Aidan O’Connell and free agent signing Gardner Minshew II are duking it out for the Raiders’ QB1 job. The winner will have the fortune of throwing to Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and prized rookie tight end Brock Bowers.
The vibes seem a lot better in Sin City, with Antonio Pierce getting the head gig after a stellar performance as the interim coach last season. But if the Raiders are to surprise this year, they’ll need above-average QB play from O’Connell or Minshew to complement the receivers and Maxx Crosby-led defense.
23. Seattle Seahawks (24)
The Seahawks are relying on youngsters Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Charles Cross, Boye Mafe, and Devon Witherspoon to take big steps forward. And, of course, it wouldn’t hurt if Geno Smith could return to his star-like form from 2022.
The Seahawks are in a transition year with new head coach Mike Macdonald. But if the young guns can take that next step, Seattle could surprise as a wild card team like they did two years ago.
22. New Orleans Saints (21)
The Saints are mostly running it back with the same group as last year, plus Chase Young and rookie Taliese Fuaga.
New Orleans won’t make any noise in the NFC South if Derek Carr doesn’t have a bounce-back year. The defense is still elite, and there’s enough weaponry for Carr to succeed and improve their NFL ranking. It’s just hard to know what you’ll get from a 33-year-old QB whose play has always been up and down.
21. Los Angeles Chargers (22)
Ex-Baltimore Ravens running backs Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins are duking it out for Jim Harbaugh’s RB1 position.
At wideout, 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston and rookie Ladd McConkey will compete with Josh Palmer for the WR1 role. It’s imperative that at least one of those guys steps up for Justin Herbert if the Bolts are to hang around in the playoff race this year.
20. Indianapolis Colts (20)
Second-year QB Anthony Richardson says he’s nearly back to 100 percent health following season-ending shoulder surgery — a promising piece of news for Colts fans.
With Michael Pittman Jr. getting his contract extension, the mood in Indy right now seems very good. They won nine games last year with backup QB Gardner Minshew taking the most snaps, so a healthy Richardson can absolutely take this team to the playoffs.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (18)
The Bucs bolstered their wide receiver depth by signing ex-Giant Sterling Shepard to a two-year deal. With a pair of 700-yard seasons on his resume, Shepard should get every opportunity to compete for the No. 3 receiver behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
The Bucs are also giving 2022 fifth-rounder Zyon McCollum the chance to start alongside Jamel Dean following the Carlton Davis trade. Another notable change is at center, where rookie Graham Barton slots in to replace the retired Ryan Jensen.
18. Chicago Bears (17)
The Bears don’t have any significant positional battles to speak of. All eyes are on the rookie quarterback and 2024 first-overall pick Caleb Williams — who will have every chance to succeed with Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and D’Andre Swift as his main weapons.
Their success, or lack thereof, in 2024 comes down to how the rookie plays.
17. Los Angeles Rams (19)
Matthew Stafford’s bounce-back season from 2023 means there’s no quarterback competition this year. The Rams practically have the same offensive unit but several new faces on defense — namely rookie Jared Verse and veterans Tre’Davious White, Kamren Curl, and old friend Darious Williams.
And if 2023 rookie stalwarts Puka Nacua, Byron Young, and Kobie Turner prove that last year wasn’t beginner’s luck, these Rams could return to Super Bowl contention in 2024 and improve their NFL ranking in the process.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars (15)
Veterans Ronald Darby and Darnell Savage are vying for a starting cornerback job to help Tyson Campbell. The other intriguing battle is the No. 2 pass-catcher behind Christian Kirk.
Will it be rookie Brian Thomas Jr., Gabe Davis, or Evan Engram? Throw in the presence of Travis Etienne Jr., and there are no excuses for Trevor Lawrence not to bounce back from a mediocre 2023 season.
15. Atlanta Falcons (16)
All eyes are on quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was handed a $180 million deal — including $100 million guaranteed — to end this team’s misery behind center.
With a soft schedule and the luxury of playing in football’s worst division, the Falcons have to make the playoffs if 2024 is to be a success. Surely, that won’t be a problem with all that offensive firepower…right?
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (13)
Russell Wilson is the starting quarterback, and that is very clear.
The real question, though, is if the Steelers have a blockbuster trade up their sleeves. They’ve been linked to star wideouts Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and DK Metcalf. Can GM Omar Khan pull a move-off before Week 1?
Hey, it would go a long way in closing the gap with the AFC heavyweights.
13. Miami Dolphins (14)
With Robert Hunt leaving for Carolina in free agency, the Dolphins are gonna see if 25-year-old Robert Jones can emerge as a starting-caliber guard. They also signed ex-Patriot Isaiah Wynn to fill the other vacancy at guard. So keep an eye on the interior o-line during training camp and preseason.
Having a healthy All-Pro corner, Jalen Ramsey, for a full season can only bolster the secondary, too.
As always, the offense should light up the scoreboard. But as always, the question is whether or not the offense will show up in the postseason. What say you, Tua Tagovailoa?
12. Buffalo Bills (12)
The Bills have made some notable signings post-draft, including two-time Super Bowl champion and deep threat Marquez Valdes-Scantling, ex-Steeler Chase Claypool, and former Bucs safety Dee Delaney.
Gone are Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Can Josh Allen make it work with MVS, rookie Keon Coleman, and veteran newcomer Curtis Samuel? That’s the million-dollar question in Orchard Park.
11. New York Jets (11)
Only the Jets would make unnecessary headlines. Aaron Rodgers and Haason Reddick were both absent from the mandatory minicamp, though head coach Robert Saleh stressed that Rodgers’ absence isn’t a concern.
If the Jets get back to focusing on football, they look like the team to beat in the AFC East, and their NFL ranking would be higher. Rodgers will change everything offensively, and the defense won’t have to carry a giant boulder again if the offense is actually moving the ball.
10. Dallas Cowboys (9)
It’s been five months since Jerry Jones made the “all-in comments.” Here we are in June…still waiting for Dallas to make their first big splash in trade or free agency.
It’s also odd that Jones has yet to extend all three of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons.
At any rate, the Cowboys still have enough star power and depth on defense to win double-digit games and make the playoffs. It’s just hard to imagine 2024 being the year they finally break through in the postseason…especially since Jones isn’t actually “all-in.”
9. Green Bay Packers (10)
The Packers are coming off a surprise nine-win season and a trip to the Divisional Round. And yet, this young group hasn’t hit its full ceiling.
Jordan Love is only going to improve after a breakout 2023 year. Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Jayden Reed stand to be even better, too. Is Josh Jacobs leading that backfield? Sign us up.
It’s time for the Cheeseheads to go from playoff contender to bonafide Super Bowl player in 2024.
8. Cleveland Browns (7)
A possible extension for star wide receiver Amari Cooper bears watching. The last thing Cleveland needs is a holdout or trade demand from their best pass-catcher.
But most eyes here are on Deshaun Watson. If he’s not gonna put it together in year three as their starting QB, the Browns may have to think about a future without the $230 million man. I mean, we saw this offense perform well with Joe Flacco, of all guys, last year…
7. Houston Texans (6)
The Texans look poised to make the jump to AFC heavyweight in 2024 following a near-perfect offseason from GM Nick Caserio.
Veterans Stefon Diggs, Joe Mixon, Danielle Hunter, and Denico Autry join a star-studded young core led by CJ Stroud, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Will Anderson Jr., and Derek Stingley Jr.
The time is now for this franchise to reach the AFC title game for the first time in franchise history, which is why their NFL ranking is inside the top ten.
6. Cincinnati Bengals (8)
The good news for Cincy is that Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson seem fine playing under their current contracts despite previously requesting trades.
The Bengals don’t have the deepest roster on paper. But as we keep saying, they’ve gone to one Super Bowl and two AFC Championships with a healthy Joe Burrow. If he’s healthy, the Bengals are a legitimate threat for the Lombardi Trophy.
5. Baltimore Ravens (5)
With John Simpson, Morgan Moses, and Kevin Zeitler all leaving, the Ravens are in the midst of a massive offensive line overhaul. So pressure immediately falls on rookie Roger Rosengarten and 2023 seventh-rounder Andrew Vorhees to fill those voids.
Otherwise, Baltimore is set at every other position. As long as they got Lamar Jackson behind center, they’re by far the Chiefs’ biggest threat in the AFC.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (4)
All eyes are on Cam Jurgens, who now attempts to fill the shoes left behind by all-time great Jason Kelce. No pressure, kid.
Rookie Cooper DeJean and 2023 first-rounder Nolan Smith are also vying for playing time. It’s a good problem to have if you’re Nick Sirianni: Too much depth across the board on the defensive side of the ball.
With DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown signing well-deserved extensions in April, things are certainly going well in Philly and their current NFL ranking. Let’s see how they respond to last year’s humiliating late-season collapse.
3. Detroit Lions (3)
Less than a month after giving Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell lucrative extensions, the Lions also locked up quarterback Jared Goff on a mammoth $212 million extension over four years.
So it’s been a great offseason for the Lions, who shored up their secondary with the Carlton Davis trade and the first-round pick of Terrion Arnold. It’s officially Super Bowl-or-bust territory for Dan Campbell’s squad.
2. San Francisco 49ers (2)
As trade rumors on Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel ramp up, the 49ers took care of another franchise pillar in Christian McCaffrey — who signed a two-year extension that keeps him under contract through 2027.
Another tidy piece of work by GM John Lynch. But the sooner the reigning NFC champs figure out their situations with Samuel and Aiyuk, the better. Don’t need season-long distractions involving your two best receivers when you have Super Bowl aspirations.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (1)
Business as usual for the defending champions. They’re fully locked in and committed to winning a championship, not allowing off-the-field stuff like Rashee Rice’s legal troubles or the media coverage of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift to distract them.
We still can’t believe how the Chiefs added both Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown and Xavier Worthy. Their receiving corps was a problem last year. Now it’s going to be football’s best. Just how are you gonna stop the team aiming for a three-peat?
Once again, Kansas City is the team to beat.
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