Dustin Baker’s 2024 NFL Power Rankings

Oct 23, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Francisco 49ers working again Christian McCaffrey (23) earlier than the sport towards the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports activities.

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The NFL common season begins in 5 days, with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs internet hosting the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night time Soccer.

Dustin Baker’s 2024 NFL Power Rankings

The Chiefs are favored to hoist the Lombardi Trophy for a 3rd consecutive time, whereas oddsmakers consider the San Francisco 49ers or Baltimore Ravens might stand of their method.

And with the NFL so shut you style it, these are present energy rankings. Groups are ranked from worst to first.

Please observe: The principal standards for any workforce forward of one other is “Would Team X defeat Team Y on a neutral field?”

32. New England Patriots

Aug 15, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (13) waits for the snap towards the Philadelphia Eagles in the course of the first half at Gillette Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports activities.

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New England’s offensive line and offensive weaponry gained’t assist out Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye this season. They’ll must instrument up in the course of the 2025 offseason.

31. Carolina Panthers

Carolina could also be a lot increased on lists like these by midseason or so, however that every one will depend on Bryce Younger’s growth. If it’s a sequel to 2023, the Panthers will bottom-feed this season.

30. Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas was scrappy and hungry down the stretch of 2023, and its protection will carry out nicely in 2024, virtually it doesn’t matter what. Nevertheless, trusting Garner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell with the QB1 baton is at present probably the most blah quarterback answer within the sport.

29. New York Giants

Oct 22, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; A younger fan cheers earlier than the sport between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports activities.

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Brian Daboll will probably be on the recent seat in 2024 — if he isn’t already — so he’ll hope Malik Nabers and Devin Singletary do the trick as playmaker additions. After all, their season will depend on Daniel Jones and his well being.

28. Denver Broncos

Bo Nix and his intermediate throwing attributes may very well be enjoyable, and if anybody could make that work, it’s Sean Payton. That’s what New Orleans Saints soccer was for 12+ years with Drew Brees. The percentages of Nix blowing everybody away in 2024, although, are slim.

27. Tennessee Titans

We nonetheless don’t perceive why Mike Vrabel acquired fired. Out of befuddlement, the Titans stay within the NFL’s bottom-six bowl.

26. Chicago Bears

If Caleb Williams performs like C.J. Stroud from 2023, the Bears can rocket into the Prime 10 or 12 in energy rankings. However, you understand, Williams has to really play that nicely first. Matt Eberflus, like Daboll above, is one other coach on the recent seat.

25. Washington Commanders

Nearly secretly, Washington had a unbelievable draft and carried out a productive free company. We’ll belief Dan Quinn to show that factor round shortly within the nation’s capital. Jayden Daniels appeared marvelous this summer time. Regulate him for Offensive Rookie of the 12 months.

24. Indianapolis Colts

Anthony Richardson is the keymaster right here, and if his well being is undamaged, the Colts can contend for the AFC North as early as now. The remainder of the roster is satisfactory, and Garnder Minshew’s Colts from 2023 proved as such.

23. Arizona Cardinals

Nov 19, 2022; School Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive again Deonte Banks (3) breaks up a go for Ohio State Buckeyes huge receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) in the course of the first half at SECU Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports activities.

” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bankslikely.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=619,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bankslikely.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” alt=”” class=”wp-image-104360″/> Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports.

The Cardinals lived close to the cellar of everybody’s 2023 energy rankings, however when Kyler Murray returned final season, they weren’t too unhealthy. Arizona will end between 6-11 and 10-7 this yr.

22. New Orleans Saints

New Orleans will quickly understand that Derek Carr isn’t the savior — in all probability after a 7-10 or 8-9 season — and take a look at Spencer Rattler on for measurement or a rookie from subsequent yr. Their protection is a Prime 8 or Prime 10 unit, although. Rattler might take the baton midseason.

21. Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota is ready for a transformational season, eyeing a 7-10 or 8-9 marketing campaign if Sam Darnold begins all the time. The NFC North is just too brutal after being slightly awful in 2022, for instance. There’s all the time an opportunity that Darnold scripts a Baker Mayfield story from 2023, however these are best-case eventualities. A candy protection guides the Vikings towards the NFL’s equator.

20. Seattle Seahawks

The offensive and defensive personnel are fairly marvelous for Seattle, however how far can Geno Smith take them? Let’s be reasonable. Sam Howell might get a glance by the point 2024 is all stated and finished. Additionally keep in mind the Pete Carroll, a beacon of stability, is gone.

19. Pittsburgh Steelers

Dec 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Tennessee Titans offensive deal with David Quessenberry (72) towards Pittsburgh Steelers exterior linebacker T.J. Watt (90) in the course of the third quarter at Heinz Discipline. Obligatory Credit score: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports activities

” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/USATSI_17404003.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=752,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/USATSI_17404003.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” alt=”” class=”wp-image-119593″/> Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields working issues, we all know for sure that the Steelers can end no worse than 9-8. Ergo, they’ll end 9-8, and that’s that. Just like the NFC North, the AFC North is extremely aggressive.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

We’re not counting out the Buccaneers once more; we gained’t make that mistake twice. Tampa Bay, on paper, shouldn’t be considerably worse than final yr. They dwell close to the center of the league per energy rankings.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars

What a yr on faucet for Trevor Lawrence. He’ll determine if he’s a Prime 12 passer or a Sam Bradford sort who by no means totally launched. Doug Pederson will get the very best from this group, probably within the neighborhood of 9-8.

16. Atlanta Falcons

Feb 5, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and normal supervisor Terry Fontenot pose for the media after Morris was launched as the top coach of the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports activities.

” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/USATSI_22451339.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=866,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/USATSI_22451339.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” alt=”kirk cousins” class=”wp-image-126476″/> John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports.

Kirk Cousins will unlock the Falcons’ offense, and Atlanta can win the NFC South. However Cousins’ new workforce doesn’t have the juice on protection to tunnel deep into the NFC playoff image. Cousins may even must peek over his shoulder on a regular basis at Michael Penix Jr.

15. Los Angeles Chargers

We belief Jim Harbaugh to make the Chargers related once more, even when the playmaking corps is form of suspect. It’ll take a yr for Harbaugh and Herbert to mesh totally, however this season appears to have 9 wins scribbled on it.

14. Cleveland Browns

Cleveland’s protection was the stuff of goals in 2023, a lot in order that it hoodwinked the nationwide media into believing Joe Flacco was a stud. Negatory — that was the Browns’ defensive group carrying the enterprise. Browns followers hope Deshaun Watson will lastly return to 2019-2020 kind this season, however the one downside? That was about 5 years in the past.

13. Los Angeles Rams

Down the stretch of Matthew Stafford’s profession, the Rams have a pair extra hurrahs, and in 2024, their offense and protection have the expertise to complete round 9-8 or 10-7.

12. Miami Dolphins

Jan 7, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) tosses the soccer to working again De’Von Achane (28) towards the Buffalo Payments in the course of the second quarter at Laborious Rock Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports activities.

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Miami will do the identical factor yearly till it will get scrappier and meaner: produce an honest common season, get of us’ hopes up, and die on the street within the postseason. But, within the common season, it’s acquired the offensive firepower to complete with a successful report if Tua Tagovailoa stays wholesome.

11. Dallas Cowboys

Everyone knows how the Cowboys’ subsequent chapter will finish. They’ll carry out nicely within the common season and lose earlier than the NFC Championship. It’s a practice. The workforce remains to be fairly formidable, nevertheless.

10. New York Jets

The Jets actually had been “a quarterback away” from every thing final season; it was felony that Aaron Rodgers fell out of the image so swiftly. Now, we wait to see if Rodgers performs like Rodgers — or a soon-to-be 41-year-old dude.

9. Inexperienced Bay Packers

Inexperienced Bay was purported to encounter a transformational yr in 2023 however reached the postseason Divisional Spherical as a substitute. Accordingly, it’s a Prime 10 squad heading into 2024.

8. Buffalo Payments

Josh Allen and associates will begin the post-Diggs period in September with pass-catchers like Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, and Dalton Kincaid. Is that sufficient?

Oct 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive finish Josh Sweat (94), defensive deal with Jalen Carter (98) and defensive deal with Fletcher Cox (91) on area towards the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Monetary Discipline. Obligatory Credit score: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports activities.

” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/USATSI_21589114.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/USATSI_21589114.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” alt=”” class=”wp-image-125358″/> Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.

7. Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia completely melted down the stretch of 2023, and all eyes will probably be on them to find out if the hunch is longstanding. Regardless of how one dices it, although, the Eagles’ roster is sturdy. It’s all on the teaching.

6. Detroit Lions

Dan Campbell stated it himself after the mind-numbing collapse to the San Francisco 49ers within the 2023 NFC Championship. It’ll by no means be as simple as 2023 as a result of the Lions now have a goal on their backs. That doesn’t imply they’ll wrestle, although. They simply gained’t fly below the radar anymore, neither is Detroit an underdog story.

5. Houston Texans

Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Houston Texans defensive finish Danielle Hunter (55) celebrates after sacking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) in the course of the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports activities.

” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/USATSI_23960605.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/USATSI_23960605.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” alt=”” class=”wp-image-132073″/> Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports.

Houston is each workforce’s blueprint for finishing a rebuild very quickly. Get the fitting head coach, draft the game-ready quarterback, and spend the free-agent piggybank. The Texans are a bit just like the Lions in that they’ve a goal on them, however C.J. Stroud is a extra gifted quarterback than Jared Goff.

4. Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore severely disillusioned everybody however Missouri natives within the 2023 AFC Championship, however it will likely be hungry to rebound in 2024. Lamar Jackson in all probability has about three seasons to get it proper and win a chip earlier than his physique exhibits indicators of utmost put on and tear like Cam Newton in 2016 and 2017.

3. Cincinnati Bengals

Everyone knows how this story will go. The Bengals will begin about 2-3 or so after which activate the jets in October by January. Cincinnati ought to not less than attain Spherical 2 of the postseason this yr. They’re that good. Joe Burrow is because of keep wholesome.

2. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs

The world champions solely place at No. 2 as a result of it’s a foregone conclusion that they’ll coast by the common season. They did so in 2023, and it one way or the other labored. Why change a great factor? The Chiefs will end 12-5 or so, look pedestrian at occasions, and press the ON button in January.

1. San Francisco 49ers

Dec 19, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers huge receiver Deebo Samuel (19) reacts in the course of the third quarter towards the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports activities.

” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/deebsf.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=667,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/deebsf.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” alt=”” class=”wp-image-129701″ /> Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports.

The 49ers are a finely tuned machine that simply wants somebody competent to throw the ball. Considered one of these years, they’ll face a non-Mahomes workforce within the Tremendous Bowl and convey dwelling a title. They in all probability have a silent countdown that aligns with Christian McCaffrey’s inner clock to win the large one. It helps that Brandon Aiyuk returned this week after some drama.

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the College of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his each day YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The present options visitors, evaluation, and opinion on all issues associated to the purple workforce, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates again to 1996. Listed responsible pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doorways (the band). He follows the NBA as carefully because the NFL. 

All statistics offered by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual info offered by OverTheCap.com.