Offensive line play can often be overlooked when evaluating NFL offenses, but this season, we’ve seen prime examples of just how much a bad line can impact even a reasonably good offense. Most attention is paid to the skill-position players during the offseason, but the offensive line is often the deciding factor in a team’s success or failure.
Evaluating an offensive line is tough because it’s a cohesive group of five players that needs to be anchored with quality options and then surrounded by solid options. Unlike other positions, one star player cannot make all the difference, and equally, one bad player doesn’t immediately sink a unit.
The best offensive lines in the NFL are often above average across all five positions and boast the depth to deal with inevitable injuries in the trenches.
Our new offensive line metric (OL+) combines pressure and sack rate stats with time-to-throw data to build a profile of an offensive line’s performance in various situations. We then sprinkle in ESPN’s pass block (PBWR) and run block win rate (RBWR) stats to give a comprehensive overview of these units’ performance.
In judging all 32 units, we’ll look at their season-long performance, the data over the last four weeks, and the general trends from these respective units week by week. However, we are well aware that football is not played on a spreadsheet, so we’ve also watched these units throughout the season to observe their performances.
We also know that OL play is arguably more subjective than any other position on the football field. Therefore, we appreciate that how we rank these teams may not be how others rank them.
We never shy away from comments about our rankings, but please keep them respectful. Remember that we don’t hate your team; we’re just calling it as we see it and the numbers tell it.
1) Denver Broncos
Grade: 99.2 (A+)
The Denver Broncos’ offensive line has been excellent in 2024. They rank third in the league in sack rate (4.1%) and sixth in pressure rate (29.5%) despite having a quarterback who consistently holds onto the ball.
That is reflected in the fact that Denver’s unit leads the league in PBWR, has both tackles inside the top eight at the position, and all three interior players inside the top six.
The Broncos’ unit is also second in the NFL in RBWR, with both Garett Bolles and Ben Powers in the top 10 individually at the positions. However, they only rank 11th in RB yards before contact per touch per rush (RBYBC/rush; 0.98). Yet, none of their running backs have produced very well, so that’s not all on the offensive line.
The Broncos had been trending down some in recent weeks, but a sixth-placed ranking in Week 16 has arrested that decline. Prior to that, it had been three games since Denver’s last grade of a B- or above in an individual game.
2) Buffalo Bills
Grade: 95.3 (A)
The Buffalo Bills’ offensive line is trending upward the hardest right now, having ranked first in our metrics over the past four weeks. The line was excellent in each of their last four contests, posting two grades of A- or better in that stretch, with the other two weeks grading at a B and B+.
Buffalo has three A- or better-graded games this season, compared to just two games graded as a C- or below. That remarkable consistency has seen them sit inside the top two in the league as we enter the final weeks of the season.
The Bills’ offensive line has been superb when facing the blitz, allowing just a 29.9% pressure rate (second). They are certainly helped by having a mobile quarterback who can move around the field and escape from free rushers but is also good at getting rid of the ball quickly.
Intriguingly, the Bills actually allow a higher pressure rate when not blitzed (32.5%), which says a lot about the way this offense operates.
The run game numbers are a bit mixed. No one ranks higher in the NFL in terms of RBYBC/rush than the Bills (1.15), but they’re just 15th in RBWR. However, their RBWR number is over 70%, so it’s far from being a disaster for this offense.
3) Baltimore Ravens
Grade: 92.6 (A-)
The Baltimore Ravens’ OL has struggled in recent games, ranking 15th in the last four weeks. However, their overall numbers are good, thanks to relatively consistent performances throughout the season.
Baltimore is a top-five team in sack rate (5.1%), which is both helped and hindered by the quarterback, who holds the ball a long time but is elusive enough to get out of trouble.
The Ravens allow a high-pressure rate when not facing the blitz (35.3%), but no team has a longer time to throw in non-blitz situations (3.43). A good indicator of how comfortable Lamar Jackson feels both in his line and his own abilities is that even when facing the blitz, his time to throw is still 2.83 (fifth-highest in the NFL).
ESPN’s metrics have the Ravens’ line as a top-two unit in PBWR and RBWR. Ronnie Stanley and Tyler Linderbaum both rank high individually at their positions, while Roger Rosengarten ranks well in run blocking.
4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Grade: 89.2 (B+)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive line has undeniably been one of the most improved units in the NFL this season. That improvement continues, as they rank third over the past four weeks, with two B+ grades in that time.
Tampa Bay’s pressure rate (24.3%) is the lowest in the league, with impressive numbers whether facing the blitz or not. Its RBYBC/rush of 1.00 is inside the top 10.
Baker Mayfield is noted as being a quick quarterback to release the ball, which certainly helps. This offense is also predicated on getting the ball out quickly, but that doesn’t take away from what the Buccaneers’ line is doing.
They are ninth in ESPN’s PBWR and seventh in RBWR, both very impressive numbers given the struggles this unit had last season.
5) Kansas City Chiefs
Grade: 88.5 (B+)
The Kansas City Chiefs at five on this list doesn’t jive with what you’ve seen on the field in recent weeks. The offensive line has struggled mightily (especially on the left side) and currently ranks 24th over the last four weeks.
Yet, this group started the season strong and is anchored by arguably the best central trio of any team in the NFL.
Joe Thuney leads the interior pass blockers in win rate, Creed Humphrey in fifth is so good you would think there were two of him at times, and Trey Smith is just outside the top 20.
Smith is inside the top 10 interior OL, though, for RBWR. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor has also been doing his part, ranking 17th in PBWR.
The run game has been strong this season. The Chiefs rank fifth in RBYBC/rush (1.05) and eighth in RBWR. That’s a great indication of just how good the interior and the right side of the line, especially, have been this year.
However, if Kansas City doesn’t fix the LT spot soon, these numbers will only continue to drop.
6) Washington Commanders
Grade: 86.6 (B)
Another team trending down some over the last four weeks is the Washington Commanders, who rank 26th in that stretch.
Washington’s worst performance of the season in Week 15 held them back from closing out the New Orleans Saints, nearly costing them the game. They then struggled again in Week 16 but somehow managed to come back and beat the Philadelphia Eagles.
On the season as a whole, the Commanders’ offensive line does a good job in pass protection, given just how long Jayden Daniels holds the ball. Whether it’s in the face of the blitz or not, Daniels is in the top 10 for both in terms of time to throw (or be sacked). The pressure numbers, for that reason, do not look elite, but in the context of the time they are blocking, they’re respectable.
In the run game, the Commanders’ RBs are only averaging 0.87 YBC/rush, but ESPN ranks Washington’s line as the best in terms of RBWR.
7) Philadelphia Eagles
Grade: 85.3 (B)
The Eagles’ OL has been all over the map in recent weeks. Despite not grading well in their Week 13 game against Baltimore and getting a D+ in their two most recent games, an exceptional performance against the Carolina Panthers gives Philadelphia the 14th-best number in the last four weeks.
When you look at the Eagles’ pressure numbers, there’s no way to imagine them as a top-10 offense. Their 41.3% pressure rate is the worst in the NFL, but they’re asked to do MUCH more than other units.
Jalen Hurts holds the ball for an average of 3.25 seconds, which is the highest in the league this season.
That is where our combined stats and ESPN’s PBWR come in. By combining time to throw with pressure and sack rate numbers, we get a better view of the overall picture, and PBWR gives us another angle of that.
The Eagles rank fourth in PBWR this year. As a general pass-blocking unit, they’re relatively good, but the numbers don’t look pretty in isolation.
You cannot fault the run blocking, as Philadelphia’s OL clears the way for an average of 1.03 RBYBC/rush (seventh in the NFL). They also do an excellent job executing the Tush Push, which no other offensive team has mastered like this front has managed to.
8) Arizona Cardinals
Grade: 84.2 (B)
The Arizona Cardinals’ strong performances in the last two weeks have seen them jump up a few spots in these NFL OL rankings. They sit second over the past four weeks. They now have back-to-back games that have graded as an A- or better and just one game with a D+ or below.
Despite having a quarterback who loves to hold the ball against the blitz, the Cardinals’ pressure rate (41.0%; 14th) and sack rate (8.8%; 17th) stats are very respectable.
When facing just four or fewer rushers, Arizona’s line is excellent, ranking sixth in pressure rate (25.9%) and third in sack rate (4.0%). Additionally, they’ve done well in opening up holes for the backs, ranking ninth in RBYBC/rush (0.99).
9) Los Angeles Rams
Grade: 82.9 (B-)
It’s been a topsy-turvy year for the entire Los Angeles Rams offense when it comes to injuries, and the offensive line has felt it as well. Now seemingly back toward full strength and looking healthier, the Rams’ offensive line is trending in the right direction, having ranked fourth over the past four weeks.
Matthew Stafford is in the bottom four at the position when it comes to time to throw (2.64), which helps their pass blocking. But even in that context, they’re a solid unit.
The Rams’ OL also ranks second in the league in RBYBC/rush (1.09) and 10th in RBWR, both of which are highly respectable numbers.
10) Detroit Lions
Grade: 82.3 (B-)
The Detroit Lions offensive line has many impressive elements, and it certainly looks like a truly dominant unit at times on film. Yet, the metrics suggest that this isn’t the top-five unit that many consider it to be.
A big bounce-back performance against the Chicago Bears in Week 16 stopped a downward spiral that had seen Detroit post grades of a D+ or below in the previous two games.
Ranking ninth is certainly no slight on this unit; it’s very much respectable and part of a good team. The numbers just don’t blow you away, and when you get past the tricks and slick moves, there are some issues on film, as can be the case with any unit from time to time.
The Lions rank 10th and 16th in PBWR and RBWR, respectively, are 11th in pressure rate (32.6%), and third in RBYBC/rush (1.06).
11) Minnesota Vikings
Grade: 82.0 (B-)
The Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line is in limbo. They had posted some strong numbers before an injury to Christian Darrisaw. They’ve bounced around in recent weeks, with Cam Robinson trying to settle into the role after being traded to Minnesota.
The upshot is that they ranked 20th over the last four weeks but still sit just outside the top 10 as a whole.
The Vikings’ numbers against the blitz look a little worrisome (57.7% pressure rate), but Sam Darnold is holding the ball for nearly three seconds (highest in the NFL).
Minnesota’s OL is better when not facing the blitz, ranking just outside the top 20 in blitz rate — but again, with a quarterback who holds the ball as long as anyone.
In the run game, the Vikings rank 10th in RBYBC/rush (0.98) and 11th in RBWR. These are not exceptional numbers, but they’re more than good enough to foil what the rest of the team is doing.
12) Green Bay Packers
Grade: 82.0 (B-)
The play of the Green Bay Packers offensive line has been fairly inconsistent since its bye week, and it ranks 18th in the league over the past four weeks. The overall number doesn’t appear to be anything to worry about, and a strong showing up front against the Lions in Week 14 will have boosted their confidence.
Green Bay’s OL has been very impressive in the face of the blitz, ranking seventh in pressure rate (35.9%), which is much better than their 20th-placed ranking when not facing the blitz. The Packers’ run blocking will be somewhat concerning, as they rank 19th in RBYBC/rush (0.85) and 20th in RBWR.
13) Dallas Cowboys
Grade: 81.8 (B-)
The Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line has been somewhat forgotten at times with all the other chaos going on. However, they’ve largely been pretty good, even weathering the loss of Zack Martin in the last couple of weeks without really missing a stride.
Dallas ranks fifth in the NFL in pressure rate (28.0%) but is a unit helped by a quick-release passing game. That may have been introduced out of necessity, with PBWR ranking them 22nd, suggesting that the Cowboys’ offensive line can occasionally struggle to sustain blocks for a long period of time.
The Cowboys’ run game has struggled this season, and with mixed outputs so far, the OL metrics may indicate why. They rank 16th in RBYBC/rush (0.91) and fifth in RBWR.
14) Chicago Bears
Grade: 78.4 (C+)
The Bears’ offensive line was inconsistent in the first three weeks before stabilizing either side of its bye. Several fingers have been pointed at this unit for Caleb Williams’ struggles, but the rookie QB is holding onto the ball the fourth-most (3.09) and has to take the blame for his fair share of this offense’s 10.6% sack rate, which ranks last in the NFL.
Most of the metrics suggest that the pass blocking isn’t that bad. Chicago’s 34.1% pressure rate ranks 13th despite Williams holding onto the ball for so long. They also rank 15th in PBWR, which is more than respectable.
Similarly, the run-blocking numbers are fairly solid (0.92 RBYBC/rush; 14th), so it’s unfair to lay the complete failure of this season on the offensive line.
15) San Francisco 49ers
Grade: 77.9 (C+)
It has certainly been a tough few weeks for the San Francisco 49ers in all aspects, and having Trent Williams struggling with an injury has definitely not helped. They’ve posted four D+ or below performances in the last three weeks, having not been below a C- at any time before that.
Unlike the Chiefs, the 49ers don’t have the interior depth to stay at a good level when they are struggling at left tackle. Their pass-protection numbers aren’t bad, but they’re just kind of average.
The only real positive in San Francisco’s numbers has been in run blocking, ranking sixth in RBYBC/rush (1.04). Yet, they rank 24th in ESPN’s RBWR metric.
16) Atlanta Falcons
Grade: 76.7 (C)
Despite the turmoil of their passing offense in recent weeks, the Atlanta Falcons offensive line has been doing a more than respectable job over that period, ranking ninth. Their overall numbers are pretty good on the surface (5.6% sack rate; eighth) but are certainly helped by the fact this offense is getting the ball out quickly (2.57 time to throw).
The Falcons have been above average in run blocking this year. They rank fourth in the league in RBYBC/rush (1.06) and just below average in RBWR. Overall, that comes out to a solid number inside the top half when we look at this unit’s run-blocking performance.
17) Indianapolis Colts
Grade: 76.1 (C)
The Indianapolis Colts’ OL is no longer the elite unit it once was. It still has some good players, but it lacks the elite level across the board. Anthony Richardson is not as difficult to block for as some other quarterbacks (ranks around league average in time to throw).
The blitz is a real concern for Indianapolis’ offense, allowing a 52.1% pressure rate. Some of that is that Richardson tends to hold the ball longer relatively when facing the blitz. However, he’s also a big reason that the 52.1% pressure rate has only turned into a 5.3% sack rate.
When opponents don’t, this line is slightly above average, with a 28.7% pressure rate. The Colts rank down at 22nd in terms of RBYBC/rush (0.8) but are fourth when it comes to RBWR.
18) Jacksonville Jaguars
Grade: 72.2 (C-)
I’ve been quite impressed with the way that the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive line has adapted this year. Losing your left tackle to a mid-season trade and then having regular quarterback changes can be tough.
Nevertheless, Jacksonville’s pass-blocking numbers have been fairly good. The Jaguars rank fourth in pressure rate allowed (27.7%) but have been helped by the tendency toward a quick-release passing game.
Jacksonville’s pressure and sack rate numbers look strong, but the quick-release offense mitigates the impact of that.
The run game is certainly an issue, with just 0.80 RBYBC/rush and a 26th-placed ranking in RBWR. Not terrible numbers, but the run blocking is definitely the lesser part of this offensive line’s skill set.
19) Los Angeles Chargers
Grade: 71.8 (C-)
These middle-of-the-pack teams are hard to talk about much because they are, for the most part, pretty average.
The Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line has dealt with some injuries, but they have a solid tackle base in Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. The performances, though, are definitely taking a downturn, and this unit ranks dead last over the last four weeks.
The Chargers have a sack rate of 9.0%, which ranks 27th, while they rank 19th in pressure rate allowed (35.8%). Justin Herbert is in the upper third of quarterbacks for holding the ball, but there’s more that Los Angeles will need to figure out on that front before the playoffs.
This season, the Chargers have had seven games graded as a D+ or below. It’s impressive that this team is this competitive despite its offensive line. Unfortunately, this will likely hold LA back against the very best teams in the playoffs.
20) Carolina Panthers
Grade: 70.6 (C-)
It’s been a transitional year for the Panthers’ offense, but the offensive line is a solid unit to build around going forward.
A 20th-placed ranking is not that impressive (and ESPN’s PBWR has them ranked 31st), but that doesn’t paint the full picture. When you look at the situational stats and the pressure stats, this unit has been fine. They’re 17th in pressure rate (35.1%) and have perfectly adequate pressure stats, whether facing the blitz (39.2%; 11th) or facing just four rushers (33.3%; 21st).
The run game numbers are also solid, with a 13th-placed ranking in RBWR and 0.88 RBYBC/rush.
21) Cleveland Browns
Grade: 68.4 (D)
The Cleveland Browns’ OL has dealt with a lot of change behind them this season, and that doesn’t help a line with its consistency across the season. The biggest concern for this unit is a 37.3% pressure rate and a 9.8% sack rate. That comes despite the team ranking in the middle of the pack in time to throw.
A big part of that is Cleveland’s struggles when opponents don’t blitz. The Browns rank 27th in pressure rate in that scenario (35.8%) and 29th in sack rate (8.5%). They are also vulnerable to sacks against the blitz, ranking last (14.0%), but that has been less about giving up regular pressure and more about individual plays.
Intriguingly, the Browns are 11th in ESPN PBWR, which seems very high, given their pressure and time to throw statistics. The run-blocking statistics are in lockstep with each other, with the Browns ranking 22nd in RBWR and 22nd in RBYPC/rush (0.77).
22) New Orleans Saints
Grade: 67.9 (D+)
Injuries have absolutely decimated the Saints’ offensive line at times this year, and it has shown up in certain games. Every time you look up, it feels like New Orleans is changing something on the line, which can be hard to adapt and adjust to.
The Saints rank 30th over the past four weeks, largely thanks to a really tough outing against the New York Giants on the road.
Given the circumstances of their season, the Saints’ stats are fairly solid. It’s hard to be much more effusive in praising them than that, but credit is due for not completely crumbling.
New Orleans ranks 22nd in pressure rate (36.6%) and 20th in RBYBC/rush (0.83). They’re 29th in PBWR, but this is just one terrible ranking among a sea of league-average rankings or slightly below.
23) Miami Dolphins
Grade: 67.2 (D+)
The Miami Dolphins’ offensive line hasn’t had a great year, and things have fallen off the rails since losing Austin Jackson in Week 9.
It’s been a really weird stretch for the Dolphins in recent weeks. They had an F grade in Week 13 and followed that up with a D+ in Week 14, but they are coming off an A- in Week 16.
A pressure rate allowed of just 26.0% is good on the surface for the Dolphins, but given that they are the quickest team to release the ball, that negates many of the positive aspects of those pressure rate stats. The run blocking has arguably been worse, ranking 21st in RBYBC/rush (0.81) and 25th in RBWR.
24) New York Giants
Grade: 66.5 (D)
The Giants seem to have as many of these disastrous seasons as any other team in the NFL. Their offensive line has been a big part of the problem this year, and it’s now been an issue for a few seasons.
New York’s pressure rate against the blitz is 26th (47.0%), and the pressure rate against four rushers or less ranks 29th (36.3%). That is despite not having a particularly high time to throw numbers.
The run game hasn’t been too bad (0.93 RBYBC/rush), but the Giants have found themselves in such huge holes that they’ve had to throw much to try and keep up.
25) New York Jets
Grade: 66.4 (D)
The New York Jets have also shown some improvements in the last four weeks, ranking seventh in that time. That improvement actually dates back over the last couple of months. The start of the season was fairly abject, and while they’ve been recovering from it ever since, that poor start shows in their numbers.
The Jets’ pressure rate is exceptional (26.4%), but they are helped by Aaron Rodgers’ propensity to get the ball out of his hands quickly. When asked to block for longer, they’ve struggled, as demonstrated by a PBWR that ranks 18th.
New York is another unit that has struggled with the run game. The RBs average just 0.78 YBC/rush (ranks 24th), with an RBWR that is actually worse (29th).
26) Pittsburgh Steelers
Grade: 65.6 (D)
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ alarm bells are ringing. They rank 27th over the last four weeks, with four straight F-graded games.
Despite the Week 16 loss, the Steelers’ OL actually performed relatively well against the Ravens. Their B- grade was their best single-game grade of the season.
Pittsburgh’s pressure rate on the season is 39.0% (29th in the NFL). They’ve struggled regardless of whether they are facing the blitz (10.2% sack rate) or just four defenders or less (37.3% pressure rate).
The run game has also been an issue. The Steelers are averaging just 0.67 RBYPC/rush, which has made it hard to get any kind of consistency going on the ground.
When you look at how this line is performing, Pittsburgh’s 10-5 record seems even more impressive than it does without zeroing in on the OL play.
27) Las Vegas Raiders
Grade: 64.4 (D)
The numbers speak for themselves with the Las Vegas Raiders. Their pressure rate of 36.4% ranks 21st and is not even mitigated by a high time to throw. They have particularly struggled against the blitz, with a 48.0% pressure rate (28th), yet it has been a more solid group when just having to handle four or fewer pass rushers (31.8%; 13th).
The run game has been a bit of a disaster, ranking 26th in RBWR and 23rd in RBYBC/rush (0.75). The running backs the offensive line has had to work with haven’t helped the situation.
Still, outside of a couple of games, the line has struggled to open up holes.
The Raiders have looked a bit better in spells over the past six weeks, but after strong performances against the Broncos and Chiefs, they have fallen back a little.
28) Cincinnati Bengals
Grade: 60.7 (D-)
Joe Burrow hasn’t had much support this year, whether from his defense or his offensive line. It seems crazy to think that this line looks worse and that Burrow might actually have been mitigating this group’s damage by getting the ball out early when he could.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ 30th-placed ranking in PBWR is only beaten by their 31st-placed RBWR ranking. Most of their other metrics don’t shape up too badly, but they’ve been vulnerable to the blitz.
Despite Burrow ranking ninth in time to throw against the blitz, Cincinnati is 24th in pressure rate (44.5%) and 26th in sack rate (11.3%).
29) Tennessee Titans
Grade: 59.3 (F)
Some of the early-season tape for this Tennessee Titans’ offensive line was really poor. Things have gotten somewhat better as the season wore on, but this is still far from a league-average unit. That is concerning, given the level of resources that have been plowed into Tennessee’s offensive line.
Peter Skoronski has been a silver lining, ranking 18th among interior pass blockers in RBWR. However, the overall run blocking has been fairly bad, averaging just 0.64 RBYBC/rush (29th).
On the pass-blocking front, Tennessee is 20th in pressure allowed (36.4%) despite getting the ball out quickly and has suffered when trying to block against the blitz (44.1% pressure rate).
30) Seattle Seahawks
Grade: 55.7 (F)
The Seattle Seahawks’ offensive line has been second from last in the last four weeks, and it’s been evident on film.
On the season, Seattle’s unit is allowing a 40.0% pressure rate (31st) and an 8.3% sack rate (23rd). They’ve struggled whether opponents have blitzed or not, and their numbers all around leave much to be desired following plenty of investment in the line in recent years.
The run blocking hasn’t been better; in fact, it’s arguably been worse.
They rank last in RBYBC/rush (0.54) and 28th in RBWR. Based on these numbers, it’s not a huge surprise that we continue to see them struggle for a sustained playoff push consistently week over week.
31) Houston Texans
Grade: 54.8 (F)
It hasn’t been a great season for the Houston Texans’ offense, and the OL’s play is a big part of the reason. There haven’t been any truly disastrous games, but they’ve had six games graded as a D+ or worse and 10 games with a C- or worse. It’s hard to perform well consistently on offense with that level of line play.
C.J. Stroud’s propensity to hold the ball for a long time hasn’t helped, but an 11.6% sack rate in the face of the blitz is not simply down to him not getting the ball out fast enough. Houston also allows a 34.9% pressure rate against four or fewer pass rushers.
This line has also struggled with the run game. They rank 31st in RBYBC/rush (0.57) and 30th in RBWR. That makes some of Joe Mixon’s performances this season even more impressive than they first looked.
32) New England Patriots
Grade: 47.7 (F)
The New England Patriots offensive line always looked like it could be an issue in 2024. It lacks enough solid veteran players or high-upside young players to be a solid unit that can help elevate a team that is arguably the weakest in the league at WR and RB.
The line was likely a big part of the reason the Patriots chose to go with Jacoby Brissett to open the season. Yet, Drake Maye has come in and made light of the line at times with his elusive work within the pocket and getting out into the open field.
New England ranks last in PBWR and RBWR. They are 30th in pressure rate (39.4%) and 26th in sack rate (9.0%), despite being just 13th in time to throw.
The Patriots’ OL has struggled regardless of the number of pass rushers being sent their way and hasn’t been much better at opening holes in the run game.