Welcome to the 2024 Pro Football Network NFL Power Rankings!
I am Will Blackmon, a 12-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl champion. Starting with the preseason, I will team up with PFN to rank all NFL teams from 1 through 32 every single week.
You can find me on all social platforms at @willblackmon. Feel free to let me know which teams should be ranked higher or lower and why.
2024 NFL Post-Preseason Power Rankings
1) Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs, without a doubt, are our current NFL dynasty.
The Chiefs have an elite front office, championship play-callers in Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo, and arguably already have the second-greatest quarterback in NFL history in Patrick Mahomes. A three-peat is definitely not out of reach.
Every offseason, the Chiefs lose key players like Tyreek Hill in 2022 and La’Jarius Sneed this year, but they are still able to assemble a championship roster.
2023 All-Pro Trent McDuffie has clearly established himself as CB1. They drafted Xavier Worthy, signed Marquise Brown and Samaje Perine, and just brought JuJu Smith-Schuster back via free agency.
Even with the release of Kadarius Toney and the uncertainty of Rashee Rice’s legal troubles, the Chiefs should not miss a beat.
2) San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers, after playing in their fifth NFC Championship Game and second Super Bowl in five years, enter the 2024 season as still one of the hottest teams in the NFL.
Kyle Shanahan has now hired his fifth defensive coordinator, Nick Sorensen, who spent the majority of his time with the Seahawks but most recently as an assistant on the San Francisco’s staff.
The 49ers were able to re-sign Brandon Aiyuk to a contract extension, which was GM John Lynch’s top priority.
I love the pick of Ricky Pearsall and the signing of Leonard Floyd.
3) Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions, with their passionate coach and blue-collar mentality, are the new America’s Team.
After losing the NFC Championship Game to the 49ers in 2023, Dan Campbell expressed how that may have been the Lions’ “only shot,” as in they may never have that type of success again.
Fortunately for the Lions, they had zero key losses on the roster and staff, and they were able to extend Amon-Ra St. Brown and draft fan-favorite Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold.
2023 will not have been the Lions’ “only shot.”
4) Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles faced some adversity last season after starting the season off hot. I believe a big part of that was the departure of both coordinators, Shane Steichen and Jonathan Gannon.
GM Howie Roseman has always done a great job of adding talent to the Eagles’ roster, and he put that on display this offseason by making splashes, signing Saquon Barkley, and trading for Jahan Dotson.
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This time, Roseman was able to do the same with the staff by hiring new coordinators, Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio.
The Eagles are full of talent, but keeping the culture good will be difficult for them to compete for a title this year.
5) Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens still have two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and head coach John Harbaugh, so don’t expect them to be out of the top five.
Adding “King” Derrick Henry was a huge signing. Last season in the AFC Championship Game, the Ravens only ran the ball a mind-boggling six times with their running backs — surely that will never be the case again.
The big question for the Ravens will be on defense. They lost their coordinator Mike Macdonald, who became the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, and Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Queen to division rival Pittsburgh.
6) Green Bay Packers
The Packers’ quarterback fortune strikes again as they clearly have their guy in Jordan Love.
With Aaron Jones leaving in free agency and AJ Dillon out the season due to injury, the Packers’ offseason moves of signing Josh Jacobs and drafting Marshawn Lloyd look clutch.
Seeing how this defense gels with new coordinator Jeff Hafley will be interesting.
This team is full of youth, and now, with playoff experience, they are trending in the right direction.
7) Houston Texans
The Texans have boosted themselves up the AFC charts.
The Texans’ ability to keep offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik was key for C.J. Stroud’s growth. Stroud will continue to prove that he is “HIM.”
Adding Stefon Diggs will give him another fresh start, which should pay major dividends.
The AFC South could possibly be Houston’s to lose.
8) Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins return with one of the most explosive, if not the most explosive, offenses in the NFL.
Tua Tagovailoa got paid, so that is one thing he doesn’t have to worry about — he can just go out and play.
They added OBJ, who is still working to get back to full health. He will provide great depth in the receiver room. They also added veterans Jordan Poyer and Calais Campbell.
All eyes will be on defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver to see what he will cook up for the defense this season.
9) Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have Josh Allen. His ability alone will give the Bills a chance to win every game.
With additions to the receiving corps in Curtis Samuel and second-round draft pick Keon Coleman, this is a very underrated group.
The defense took a major hit with All-Pro Linebacker Matt Milano injuring his bicep, putting him out for the majority of the season.
10) Cleveland Browns
The Browns are a talented team but still remain a mystery.
Fans are holding on to their seats in hopes that Deshaun Watson will produce at a similar level to how he performed with Houston in 2020.
The run game is key in Kevin Stefanski’s offense, so with Nick Chubb continuing his recovery from a major knee injury, eyes will now all be on Jerome Ford, who averaged 4.0 yards a pop last season.
11) Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have Joe Burrow back healthy, and he’s rumored to have added 10 pounds of muscle to his frame.
Ja’Marr Chase is still holding out, but this shouldn’t be a concern because he is still training and is connected at the hip to Burrow.
With the departure of Joe Mixon, there are definitely questions about the running back position.
In the most competitive division, the Bengals can be a sleeper to steal back the AFC North crown.
12) Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys were able to sign one of their three superstars, CeeDee Lamb, which is a great thing. However, the ongoing discussion and potential distraction will be about re-signing Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons.
They brought back Zeke Elliott, which helps that he knows the system. However, we are not sure how much juice he has left.
On defense, Dallas lost coordinator Dan Quinn, who became the head coach of the Washington Commanders, but were able to replace him with Mike Zimmer.
The Cowboys also lost cornerback Stephone Gilmore to free agency. Trevon Diggs is back this year; however, All-Pro DaRon Bland is dealing with a foot injury, which will put him on the shelf for a month.
On a positive note, the defense will have some depth this year at linebacker with the addition of Eric Kendricks and the return of DeMarvion Overshown.
13) New York Jets
The Jets have Aaron Rodgers back, which is the best news ever. They’ve got Breece Hall back and made it a point to beef up the offensive line with veterans like Morgan Moses, John Simpson, and Tyron Smith.
If the offense can remain healthy and match the defense’s energy, the Jets will be a problem.
This has to be a big year for coach Robert Saleh.
14) Los Angeles Rams
The Rams surprised everyone but themselves by making the playoffs last season. They come back this season healthy and with some fresh talent.
Aaron Donald is forever irreplaceable, but drafting the Florida State defensive line duo and best friends Jared Verse (first round) and Braden Fiske (second round) should provide the much-needed help there.
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Cooper Kupp is back and motivated, which is great for Matthew Stafford as Kupp pairs up with Puka Nacua.
As long as Sean McVay is the head coach and Stafford is the quarterback, the Rams have a chance.
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers benefitted from flying under the radar last season and won the NFC South, which may continue this season with the Falcons being the most attractive pick in the division right now.
The Buccaneers made key re-signings in Baker Mayfield, Tristan Wirfs, Mike Evans, Lavonte David, and Antoine Winfield Jr. However, for Tampa Bay to repeat as division champions, the secondary will have to step up.
16) Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are coming off of two back-to-back 9-8 seasons. They started the 2023 season 6-2, picking up right where they left off in 2022. However, after the bye, they went 3-9, losing five of their last six games, which cost them a playoff berth.
The Jaguars must have a bounce-back year in 2024. Missing the playoffs again would send them trending in the wrong direction.
17) Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announced that Russell Wilson will be the starting quarterback for Week 1. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith loves to play a physical style of offense, being physical up front and playing-action, and that plays right into Wilson’s strengths.
Defensively, the Steelers are back to their ways by having a stud on all three levels with T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and new signing Patrick Queen.
If the offense is able to match the run with the passing game, the Steelers may open some eyes.
18) Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are technically officially in L.A. after spending the last eight seasons in Costa Mesa, and they announced in a very L.A. way: They hired Jim Harbaugh and moved into their new 150,000-square-foot facility called “The Bolt.”
Justin Herbert’s health is a concern. The Chargers recently acquired quarterback Taylor Heinicke via trade for insurance.
Harbaugh is a culture builder who loves to run the ball and play tough defense. Don’t expect monumental things from the Chargers, but also, don’t be shocked if they do.
19) Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have been waiting 103 years for quarterback Caleb Williams.
General manager Ryan Poles had a royal flush of draft picks over the last two seasons and was able to use them to give this offense a major facelift.
With all the buzz surrounding the Bears, head coach Matt Eberflus will be tasked with making the playoffs.
20) Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons had major issues last season with culture and the quarterback position. Say hello to culture builder, new head coach Raheem Morris, and quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr.
The Falcons recently acquired Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons, who will be huge parts of this defense.
If Cousins is fully healthy and this defense competes, watch out and Rise Up.
21) Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have their mutants back healthy this season in Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson, and staying healthy is going to be this team’s best hope.
The main concern will be whether Gus Bradley’s defense can limit explosive plays.
22) Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are starting a new regime and era. By hiring Mike Macdonald, they won the head coaching sweepstakes.
It will be interesting to see how this culture is built. The defense should see an immediate boost.
23) Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have announced Gardner Minshew is their starting quarterback, which could be feast or famine. That position has seemed to be in question for the Raiders for a long time.
Head coach Antonio Pierce has shown he can build a great culture, but winning in this league is hard without a competent quarterback.
24) Tennessee Titans
The Titans hired new general manager Ran Carthon, who spent the last seven seasons with the 49ers. He immediately got to work, signing free agents Calvin Ridley, Tony Pollard, and Chido Awuzie, and gave a big bag to cornerback L’Jarius Sneed after trading for him.
Will Levis has all the ability in the world and a ton of passion. If he can lead and have a great connection with his strong receiving core in Ridley, Hopkins, and Boyd, the Titans can be a sneaky team in the AFC South.
25) Washington Commanders
The Commanders have Dan Quinn as their new head coach, so there is no question they will play hard for him. They found their quarterback in Jayden Daniels and acquired Bobby Wagner and Austin Ekeler via free agency.
Washington will look to disrupt the top of the NFC East standings in 2024.
26) Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have Kyler Murray back, and they were able to provide him with a new weapon in Marvin Harrison Jr. and some bodyguards in Jonah Williams and Evan Brown. Murray is in the same category as Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, where he can make a lot of plays on his own.
The Cardinals are in an ultra-competitive NFC West, but having a healthy Murray back is everything for them.
27) Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings lost J.J. McCarthy for the season, so they are rolling with Sam Darnold, who spent last season as Brock Purdy’s backup.
The run game is a major concern, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores is going to have to get this defense going early.
28) New Orleans Saints
The Saints sort of sat back and watched everyone else improve their roster.
They signed Chase Young and will hope to maximize his ability on defense.
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They also hired Klint Kubiak in February, so offensively, you should see an improvement based on the scheme alone. Kubiak was the 49ers’ passing game coordinator last season. Texans OC Bobby Slowik held the same position prior to being hired by Houston.
29) Denver Broncos
Broncos head coach Sean Payton announced Bo Nix as the team’s starting quarterback. This alone is a much-needed fresh start for this franchise and, more specifically, what Payton wanted.
30) New York Giants
The Giants were able to add some elite talent in pass rusher Brian Burns and first-round receiver Malik Nabers. They also lost elite talent in Saquon Barkely and Xavier McKinney.
The Giants will need efficient play from Daniel Jones. They will also have to stay healthy and play sound, disciplined football in order to stay competitive.
31) Carolina Panthers
The Panthers hired a new general manager, Dan Morgan, and new head coach, Dave Canales.
Based on his work with Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield, Canales should help Bryce Young.
Despite being ranked near the bottom, the Panthers will surprise many people this season.
32) New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have a new head coach, a new culture, and, despite hiring in-house, no more “Patriot Way.”
Head coach Jerod Mayo announced Jacoby Brissett as the team’s starting quarterback. This was the smart thing to do because there are a ton of uncertainties surrounding the operation of the offense. It doesn’t make sense to put your future QB, Drake Maye, out there quite yet.