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.
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.
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+.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
