As we head into Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, here are the power rankings (with previous ranks in parentheses):

1. Kansas City Chiefs (1): Fresh off a thrilling overtime victory to retain their title in February, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce are already eyeing a historic third consecutive Super Bowl win. With speedy new receivers like Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy, the Chiefs might be faster and more dynamic than ever. However, to achieve this unparalleled feat, they must address the loss of key defensive players, hope wide receiver Rashee Rice’s legal challenges don’t interfere, and ensure rookie left tackle Kingsley Suamataia can protect Mahomes effectively.

2. Detroit Lions (4): Keep in mind that wide receiver Jameson Williams was a near game-changer for the Lions during their playoff run against the 49ers last year. If he can emerge as a reliable playmaker for an entire season, this team could be unstoppable.

3. Green Bay Packers (5): Like their NFC North counterparts in Detroit, the Packers almost upset the 49ers in last year’s playoffs but fell short in the second half. If quarterback Jordan Love continues his development, and with the additions of free agents Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney, this defense could exceed expectations. They might have considerable potential for growth among top-tier teams in the league.

4. Baltimore Ravens (3): After finishing as the top seed in the AFC playoffs last season, the Ravens have added running back Derrick Henry, hoping his powerful style complements MVP Lamar Jackson’s elusive play. Nevertheless, they’ve lost significant defensive talent, including coordinator Mike Macdonald. The health of Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum and the disruption caused by the unexpected passing of long-time offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris could be troubling. Adversity can either inspire or derail a team.

5. San Francisco 49ers (2): As the reigning NFC champions, the 49ers have one of the most well-rounded rosters in the league. However, despite settling contract matters with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, financial concerns relating to left tackle Trent Williams—arguably their best player—remain. This, coupled with numerous injuries to key defensive players, indicates they may struggle to find rhythm as the season begins.

6. New York Jets (10): With a third-ranked defense, running back Breece Hall, and coach Robert Saleh at the helm, the Jets have managed to remain competitive despite significant challenges in 2023. For this talented squad to finally win a Super Bowl, quarterback Aaron Rodgers simply needs to stay healthy and steady, addressing the franchise’s long-standing struggles at the position.

7. Houston Texans (8): The Texans, who have never reached a conference title game, seem poised for a breakthrough this season, anchored by second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud. However, they shouldn’t take their AFC South title for granted as two other teams are also in the mix. Moreover, integrating several new additions may take time for this team.

8. Philadelphia Eagles (6): The Eagles have bolstered their roster further as general manager Howie Roseman has struck gold by acquiring new wide receiver Jahan Dotson. Despite a challenging stint in Washington, Dotson could shine in Philadelphia, often facing the opponent’s fourth-best cornerback.

9. Cincinnati Bengals (9): The Bengals are dealing with distractions, including wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s contract negotiations and the dissatisfaction of wide receiver Tee Higgins with his franchise tag. Nevertheless, the return of quarterback Joe Burrow, who has led them to the AFC title game in past seasons, should help eclipse these issues.

10. Los Angeles Rams (12): Adapting to life after Aaron Donald, the Rams face concerns with key players such as quarterback Matthew Stafford, running back Kyren Williams, and wide receiver Puka Nacua, all of whom have faced injuries. If they can regain full health, this team promises to deliver an exciting offensive experience.

11. Indianapolis Colts (14): Second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson is somewhat of a gamble after missing much of his rookie season due to shoulder surgery. Nonetheless, with a healthy lineup, including running back Jonathan Taylor and inventive play-calling from coach Shane Steichen, the Colts have the tools to challenge for a playoff spot.

12. Atlanta Falcons (19): With the recent additions of linebacker Matthew Judon and safety Justin Simmons, the Falcons have significantly improved and are now favorites in the NFC South following those moves.

13. Buffalo Bills (7): While the focus has largely been on wide receiver Stefon Diggs’ departure, the Bills have undergone considerable roster changes—on both offense and defense—since their devastating playoff defeat to Kansas City,

Is the loss of All-Pro LB Matt Milano (biceps) for an extended duration a significant setback for the Mafia’s ambitions? It looks like they might need to reassess their recent goals.

14. Jacksonville Jaguars (21): Owner Shad Khan quietly dished out hundreds of millions in guaranteed contracts during the offseason, highlighting the talent within a team that narrowly missed securing the AFC South title in 2023. The Jaguars could emerge as a formidable dark horse in an unexpectedly tough division.

15. Cleveland Browns (11): RB Nick Chubb is sidelined due to last season’s knee injury, prolonging his absence. This isn’t a great sign for a team struggling to leverage its talent (and investment) in QB Deshaun Watson, who is recovering from a shoulder injury this year. Additionally, the team parted ways with insurance policy Joe Flacco in the offseason.

16. Miami Dolphins (17): OLB Bradley Chubb will also miss time due to last season’s knee injury. This doesn’t bode well for a team that has struggled to deliver solid performances late in the season, despite a flashy start in the previous two years.

17. Chicago Bears (15): After showing promise late in last season thanks to a rising defense, the addition of rookie QB Caleb Williams could potentially lead the franchise to its first postseason win in 14 years.

18. Dallas Cowboys (18): With WR CeeDee Lamb successfully extended, the 2023 NFC East champions have accomplished a major goal, even as they are likely to be a diminished version of last year’s squad.

19. Los Angeles Chargers (16): With a new coach and new hopes, stars like QB Justin Herbert (foot) and OLB Joey Bosa (hand) are already contending with injuries. Change may bring opportunity, though both players appear set to play in Week 1, raising hopes that new HC Jim Harbaugh can reverse the Chargers’ fortunes.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (20): The team invested nearly $300 million in free agents this year, alongside finalizing a five-year, $140.6 million extension for Pro Bowl LT Tristan Wirfs. However, it’s a hefty sum for a club that has a mediocre record of 18-19 over the last two seasons.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers (13): In a close battle for the backup QB spot, Justin Fields came in second when he likely should have claimed it. The team also fell just short in acquiring Aiyuk, which always felt slightly unrealistic. This season seems to be defined by near misses.

22. Arizona Cardinals (22): WR Marvin Harrison Jr. is on track for a remarkable rookie season with the potential for 106 catches and nearly 1,500 receiving yards. These impressive stats seem reachable considering his immense talent.

23. Washington Commanders (26): While Arizona’s “Maserati Marv” is expected to contend for Offensive Rookie of the Year, the favorite might actually be No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels. Although Caleb Williams has great potential, Daniels may end up taking on a larger offensive role for the Commanders, giving him an edge in his first year.

24. Minnesota Vikings (23): It’s challenging to find a positive angle on rookie J.J. McCarthy’s season-ending knee injury. However, the team’s newfound quarterback certainty, along with the arrival of CB Stephon Gilmore and lowered expectations, may turn them into a more formidable contender than anticipated.

25. Seattle Seahawks (25): With extensive schematic changes, predicting outcomes for this team can be tricky. However, the quiet addition of C Connor Williams could play a crucial role in improving a running game that ranked 28th in 2023.

26. Denver Broncos (29): Yes, it’s preseason, but the efficiency that HC Sean Payton’s offense exhibited with rookie QB Bo Nix stood in stark contrast to last season’s performance under Russell Wilson.

27. New Orleans Saints (27): Is it plausible that rookie QB Spencer Rattler could take the starting role by the end of this season? It’s not unheard of for Derek Carr to face setbacks with a franchise eager to avoid triggering further contractual obligations.

28. Tennessee Titans (28): Parfum de Mayonnaise? This likely won’t define the Titans’ 2024 season, even if they may have prematurely splurged in free agency.

29. Las Vegas Raiders (24): All-Pro WR Davante Adams could significantly influence this organization’s future, provided he performs well enough to secure a substantial return before the trade deadline.

30. New England Patriots (30): With no Judon or Aiyuk in sight, despite apparent willingness to pay, does it matter? QB Jacoby Brissett boasts a .500 record with the Patriots from two rookie starts eight years ago.

31. Carolina Panthers (32): Things can hardly get worse, right? Improvement seems likely, especially if rookie HC Dave Canales’ track record with quarterbacks like Wilson, Geno Smith, and Baker Mayfield holds any relevance.

32. New York Giants (31): Any hope generated by the offseason “Hard Knocks” series quickly vanished as QB Daniel Jones reverted to his worst form during the preseason.

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