NFL Analysis
9/3/24
16 min read
2024 NFL Week 1 Power Rankings: Texans Rise Into Top 5
The NFL season kicks off this week, and we are set to have a fantastic Week 1. So, to start off the new year, here is our latest set of NFL Power Rankings going into all of the action this weekend:
>> READ MORE: Latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft
NFL Week 1 Power Rankings
1. Kansas City Chiefs 
Previous Ranking: 1 
As long as Patrick Mahomes is healthy, it will be a while before anyone overtakes the Kansas City Chiefs at the No. 1 spot.
The offense should be much more dynamic this year, and the fact that Rashee Rice is likely to play the entire 2024 season will make it nearly impossible to stop them.
Next Game: Thursday, Sept. 5 vs. Ravens
>> READ MORE: The Chiefs Have a Secret Weapon
2. San Francisco 49ers
Previous Ranking: 2
The San Francisco 49ers (finally) agreed to a long-term deal with Brandon Aiyuk, and he is expected to be ready for Week 1.
The only question now is when Trent Williams will report. Otherwise, this team is ready to get back to the Super Bowl and finally win their sixth Lombardi Trophy.
Next Game: Monday, Sept. 9 vs. Jets
>> READ MORE: 49ers Top Our WR Power Rankings
3. Detroit Lions
Previous Ranking: 3
The Detroit Lions were just a few plays away from reaching the Super Bowl last year, and they made sure to retool their roster to give themselves an even better chance of taking down the 49ers.
The secondary has been completely rebuilt, and they are hoping Jack Campbell will take a step in Year 2. If Detroit’s defense can be respectable, the Lions should be right back in the NFC Championship Game again.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Rams
4. Baltimore Ravens
Previous Ranking: 4
It’s been a brutal offseason for the Baltimore Ravens, especially on the defensive side of the ball. They lost several key coaches and players, including Jadeveon Clowney and Patrick Queen in free agency.
However, as long as Lamar Jackson is healthy, they can be the No. 1 seed in any given year. This Baltimore team isn’t as talented as it has been, but Zay Flowers' emergence could be exactly what is needed to take them over the top.
Next Game: Thursday, Sept. 5 vs. Chiefs
5. Houston Texans
Previous Ranking: 6 
The Houston Texans move up in the power rankings after a successful preseason which saw Tank Dell get back on the field (and look pretty good!) with Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs.
C.J. Stroud looked fantastic, and the new addition of Danielle Hunter is already paying off. Houston is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball and appears to be a real threat in the AFC.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Colts
6. Green Bay Packers
Previous Ranking: 7
Was the second half of the 2023 season what’s to come for the Green Bay Packers? Or was it a fluke?
We are betting on Jordan Love, who already looks like one of the league's best quarterbacks. The offensive line is a bit of a question mark, but the Packers are legit contenders in the NFC.
Next Game: Friday, Sept. 6 vs. Eagles
>> READ MORE: Love Still Has More to Prove
7. Buffalo Bills
Previous Ranking: 5 
It was a rough training camp and preseason for the Buffalo Bills, as they are already banged up going into the 2024 season.
Pro Bowl LB Matt Milano will miss most of the year with a torn bicep, and there are multiple players in the secondary who are in jeopardy of missing Week 1. Buffalo has a really tough schedule this year, but look for Josh Allen to find a way to post double-digit wins again.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Cardinals
8. Philadelphia Eagles
Previous Ranking: 8
The Philadelphia Eagles might be the toughest team to rank. Their roster (on paper) suggests they should be a top-four team. However, the collapse at the end of the 2023 season is still hard to believe.
The loss of Jason Kelce will be tough for them to overcome, and the issues at linebacker haven’t been resolved. We are keeping the Eagles inside the top 10 due to their incredible talent, but the vibes coming out of Philadelphia seem a bit off.
Next Game: Friday, Sept. 6 vs. Packers
9. Dallas Cowboys
Previous Ranking: 10
It took too long, but the Dallas Cowboys finally signed CeeDee Lamb to a long-term deal, and he’ll be ready for Week 1. Time will tell regarding Dak Prescott’s contract, but the Cowboys are set to have another fantastic season on offense yet again.
The biggest question is how the offensive line will hold up with two rookie starters (Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe). If they struggle, Dallas could be more inconsistent on that side of the ball than in previous seasons.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Browns
10. Cleveland Browns
Previous Ranking: 9
Deshaun Watson did not play a single snap in the preseason as he continues to recover from major shoulder surgery, but the Cleveland Browns insist that he’ll be ready to go for Week 1 against the Cowboys.
However, one player who won’t be on the field is Nick Chubb (knee), who was placed on the PUP list. Cleveland’s defense should be more than fine, but the offense has a ton of question marks entering the season.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Cowboys
11. Cincinnati Bengals
Previous Ranking: 11
We still don’t have an update on Ja’Marr Chase, and it appears that he could miss Week 1. If that’s the case, the Cincinnati Bengals aren’t as scary as other teams in this range.
But he’ll eventually be back, and with a healthy Joe Burrow, they are as dangerous as any other team not named the Chiefs in the AFC.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Patriots
12. Los Angeles Rams
Previous Ranking: 12
The Los Angeles Rams lost Aaron Donald to retirement this offseason, and they traded away Ernest Jones for a late-round pick swap last week.
That was a puzzling move for a team that needed linebacker help, but the offense for the Rams is good enough to get them back to the postseason in 2024.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Lions
13. Miami Dolphins
Previous Ranking: 13
The Miami Dolphins are a fantastic regular-season team, and there is nothing wrong with that. They’ve been to the postseason in each of the last two seasons, but they haven’t made it out of the wild-card round yet.
How do they get past the hump in 2024? It starts on defense. If the defense can be more consistent, the Dolphins finally have a chance to do some damage in the postseason.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Jaguars
14. New York Jets
Previous Ranking: 14
The New York Jets are the betting favorite to win the AFC East, but four other teams have won the division more recently than New York (yes, that’s true).
The Jets are loaded on both sides of the ball, but Aaron Rodgers's health will determine their ceiling. If he can stay healthy for 15 or more games, the Jets will be in the playoffs. But counting on a 40-year-old quarterback to stay healthy is usually a bad bet.
Next Game: Monday, Sept. 9 vs. 49ers
15. Jacksonville Jaguars
Previous Ranking: 15
Are the Jacksonville Jaguars the most underrated team in the NFL right now? Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars were 8-3 before he got hurt, and the team never quite bounced back.
Lawrence is healthy now, and they’ve made some big additions on defense. Don’t assume the Texans will win the AFC South by multiple games; the Jaguars have talent on both sides of the ball.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Dolphins
16. Pittsburgh Steelers
Previous Ranking: 17
The Pittsburgh Steelers decided to go with Russell Wilson, but he certainly doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence. The fact that they couldn’t pull off the Brandon Aiyuk trade makes this offense one of the worst in the league.
Pittsburgh’s defense will keep them in a lot of games but don’t expect many shootouts.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Falcons
17. Atlanta Falcons
Previous Ranking: 18
The addition of Kirk Cousins has made the Atlanta Falcons the favorites in the NFC South. That’s not a huge surprise, as he is the most accomplished quarterback in the division and will play behind one of the league's best offensive lines.
The only real question for Atlanta is how quickly Raheem Morris can get the defense turned around. If he can, the Falcons could be a real threat in the NFC because of all of their offensive talent.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Steelers
>> READ MORE: Judon Will Have Big Impact on Falcons Defense
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Previous Ranking: 16
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the NFC South and a playoff game in the post-Tom Brady era. But can they repeat that success and build on it in 2024?
The band is back, as the Buccaneers re-signed Baker Mayfield and brought back Mike Evans. The defense should be solid again, but it’ll be up to Mayfield to put together another great season for the Buccaneers to keep the division's top spot.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Commanders
19. Indianapolis Colts
Previous Ranking: 21
You could make a case that the Indianapolis Colts have a top-10 roster in the NFL. They are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, but quarterback is a major question mark.
Anthony Richardson only started four games last year and left early in two. His accuracy is still a major question mark, but his size, athleticism, and arm strength are unmatched. If he can put it together in Year 2, the Colts could make a serious run in the AFC this season.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Texans
20. Chicago Bears
Previous Ranking: 19
There is excitement in the air for Chicago Bears fans, and it is fully justified. Caleb Williams, along with Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen, have brought new life into the franchise.
The overall talent is significantly better on both sides of the ball, but how quickly will it come together? Don’t be surprised if they have a similar rise as the 2023 Texans did with Stroud under center. The Bears are officially a sleeper in the NFC.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Titans
21. Seattle Seahawks
Previous Ranking: 20 
It was time for a change in Seattle, and Mike Macdonald gives the Seattle Seahawks a different type of energy. Seattle has everything in place to be a solid team this season, but it will be up to Macdonald to figure out the defense.
Seattle was 30th in yards allowed per game last season, and that won’t cut it in the NFC. If Macdonald can get the unit to play closer to average, the Seahawks could be a fringe playoff team again.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Broncos
22. Minnesota Vikings
Previous Ranking: 25 
It’s a real shame that the Minnesota Vikings won’t see J.J. McCarthy during the 2024 season after undergoing knee surgery. That pushes back the timeline of their rebuild, but it might make them a little bit more dangerous this season with Sam Darnold under center.
There is a good chance that Darnold would have played most of this year anyway, as McCarthy needed time to sit and watch. But the Vikings should still be competitive, especially on offense, with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison forming one of the league’s best-receiving duos.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Giants
23. Arizona Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 22
With Kyler Murray fully healthy, the Arizona Cardinals are a stealth wild-card team in the NFC.
They have a top-15 quarterback in the league and two incredible weapons in Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride. The defense is still a major question mark, but expect the Cardinals to be fantastic on offense.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Bills
24. Las Vegas Raiders
Previous Ranking: 23
Gardner Minshew is the starter in Las Vegas, but don’t expect the leash to be very long. If he can’t make plays down the field, Aidan O’Connell should get the call soon.
The Las Vegas Raiders have a fantastic defense and should be able to run the ball, but the quarterback situation might be the worst in the AFC.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Chargers
25. Los Angeles Chargers
Previous Ranking: 24
How quickly can Jim Harbaugh turn the Los Angeles Chargers into a physical team? That remains to be seen, but the status of Justin Herbert will determine their final outcome in 2024.
Herbert is dealing with a foot injury and probably won’t be 100 percent at any point this season. But if he can manage to stay on the field, the Chargers will always have a chance.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Raiders
26. Tennessee Titans
Previous Ranking: 26
Most believe the Tennessee Titans are the clear-cut fourth team in the AFC South, but they made some significant upgrades on offense this offseason.
It might take Brian Callahan a year or so to implement his offense, but his dad (Bill) should immediately improve the offensive line. That alone should make the Titans a tougher team to defend and could make them a real spoiler in the AFC.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Bears
>> READ MORE: Levis' Path To 2024 Breakout
27. New Orleans Saints
Previous Ranking: 27
Derek Carr is the starter in New Orleans, but Spencer Rattler showed enough in the preseason to provide fans with some hope in case things go haywire.
The New Orleans Saints should have a solid defense, but the offensive line continues to be the biggest issue. That unit could be the reason the Saints finish near the bottom of the NFC.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Panthers
28. Washington Commanders
Previous Ranking: 28
For the first time in a long time, the vibes are good in Washington.
Jayden Daniels is the future at quarterback, and Dan Quinn has installed a culture that will allow his players to play fast and loose. The defense is still a ways away from being competent, but Daniels and the rest of the offense should be a lot of fun to watch this year in Year 1 of the Quinn rebuild.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Buccaneers
29. Denver Broncos
Previous Ranking: 30
Bo Nix is the Denver Broncos' Week 1 starter, and he gives them some juice and excitement entering the year. The rest of the offense leaves a lot to be desired, but at least there is some buzz in Denver.
It’ll be fascinating to see what receivers step up with the Broncos moving on from Jerry Jeudy (trade) and Tim Patrick (release), but this offense should have a much different feel than the last two years under Russell Wilson.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Seahawks
>> READ MORE: Buy or Sell Bo Nix's Hype?
30. Carolina Panthers
Previous Ranking: 29
Bryce Young looked pretty good in the preseason, but we know that preseason performances don’t matter much, if at all. The Carolina Panthers will be judged on Young’s development this year and not the team’s win-loss record.
If Young can progress and look like a former No. 1 overall pick, it will be a successful season. If not, the Panthers could be searching for a new franchise quarterback in 2025.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Saints
31. New York Giants
Previous Ranking: 31 
The New York Giants have a lot of things going right for them, including their dominant defensive line and an emerging superstar in Malik Nabers. There might not be a receiver that is more fun to watch than Nabers this year, but the quarterback situation looms over this entire franchise.
At this point, it only seems like a matter of time before the Giants move on from Daniel Jones. Unless he has a breakout season in 2024, he’ll likely be the reason why the Giants are picking inside the top 10 again next year.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Vikings
32. New England Patriots
Previous Ranking: 32
The New England Patriots announced that Jacoby Brissett would be their Week 1 starter this year, and it had nothing to do with his play in the preseason.
Drake Maye outplayed him, but the offensive line is in such rough shape that they didn’t want to expose their rookie quarterback to unnecessary punishment. New England’s defense should be outstanding this year, but the offense is expected to be the worst in the league. That is until Maye eventually takes over.
Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 8 vs. Bengals
