2024 NFL Power Rankings

Tony Mario Last Updated: January 18, 2025.

1. Tennessee Titans 3-14-0
   
   
   Tennessee has some good core players on sides of the ball. Having one of the leagues bottom five quarterbacks and a bottom two left tackle in JC Latham who finished fifty ninth out of sixty offensive tackles on Pro Football Focus is a big reason why the Tennessee Titans are 0-3. Tennessee fired GM Ran Carthon. Tennessee looks like they will continue to be in a rebuild, but at least Tennessee gets to draft a quarterback first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
   
   
   Previously Ranked: 31st
   
   
   
   
   
2. New York Giants 3-14-0
   
   
   The New York Giants pick third in the 2025 NFL Draft. New York is keeping their GM and head coach. New York does need a quarterback in the worst way possible.
   
   
   Previously Ranked: 30th
   
   
   
   
   
3. New England Patriots 4-13-0
   
   
   New England's offensive line is putrid to the point where Drake Maye the third pick in the 2024 NFL Draft could become injury prone with this offensive line, but to Drake Maye's credit he's gone 8 consecutive games with a touchdown pass with a a one star offense. There's no sack artist now that Matthew Judon is gone. New England has seen Drake Maye throw a passing touchdown in eight consecutive games. Even with a perfect offseason, New England may end up going 7-10 next year and having to build through the draft again in 2026 before contending if they stick with the current coaching staff. Losing in week 18 means New England would pick first in the 2025 NFL Draft. New England gets the AFC North with Cleveland as well as Pittsburgh as their home opponents along with the NFC South in 2025. New England gets the AFC West and NFC North in 2026 with the Chiefs, Chargers, Lions, and Bears as their road opponents. New England's toughest road opponents in 2027 are Buffalo, Philadelphia, and Houston. If New England remains patient with Drake Maye by 2027 this could be a playoff team once New England puts more of an identity around Drake Maye by drafting well in 2025 as well as 2026 only time will tell. Drake Maye was my QB1 in the 2024 NFL Draft and I think he turns it around. New England could win 7-9 games in 2025 if you get a good left tackle in Free Agency along with Travis Hunter in the 2025 NFL Draft, New England could win 7-10 games in 2026 even with their tough schedule in 2026, and 9-11 games in 2027 maybe getting in as a wild card. That projects really well for Drake Maye long-term as long as long as Elliott Wolf drafts well and doesn't fuck things up for Drake Maye in New England moving forward. New England won the final game of the year against Joe Milton to avoid picking first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Even with Mike Vrabel as the new head coach this is still a bottom three team until the New England Patriots fix left tackle, 3-4 right outside linebacker while moving Anfernee Jennings to 3-4 left outside linebacker, a boundary cornerback, and a number one flanker wide receiver to build around Drake Maye. You also got the most cap space of any team in the league and a new offensive coordinator to hire as well.
   
   
   Previously Ranked: 32nd
   
   
   
   
   
4. Jacksonville Jaguars 4-13-0
   
   
   Jacksonville was the last team to win a game. Jacksonville barely beat an Indianapolis Colts team that didn't have Anthony Richardson or Jonathan Taylor. They defeated New England in London. Jacksonville's other two wins came against the Tennessee Titans without starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Jacksonville is a bottom four team based on the quality of their wins even though Jacksonville has the talent to be competitive when healthy. The coaching has been poor this year and Jacksonville feels like a team with little to no morale. Jacksonville has some building blocks with Trevor Lawrence at quarterback, Walker Little at left tackle, Anton Harrison at right tackle, Josh Hines-Allen at 4-3 right end, Travon Walker at 4-3 left end, Arik Armstead at 4-3 defensive tackle, DaVon Hamilton at 4-3 defensive tackle, Tyson Campbell at field cornerback, and Brian Thomas Jr. at flanker wide receiver. There's a lot to work with in Jacksonville if everyone is healthy next year, but Jacksonville is looking for a new head coach and keeping their GM Trent Baalke which will limit Jacksonville's ability to attract a good head coach.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Las Vegas Raiders 4-13-0
   
   
   Las Vegas will not pick until six in the 2025 NFL Draft. They are going to have a new head coach and will probably be stuck with Aidan O'Connell next year and will not be picking high enough to draft a quarterback. Las Vegas will either have to give up more than they would like to trade up or bring in a Free Agent to compete with Aidan O'Connell assuming they buy out Gardner Minshew II.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Cleveland Browns 3-14-0
   
   
   The Cleveland Browns are the only NFL team to score under 20 points a game, but their roster was depleted with injuries to start the year. Cleveland will need a new quarterback as Deshaun Watson retore his ACL. Cleveland's defense is better than advertised, but the Cleveland Browns need to fix the offense. Cleveland needs a quarterback and a left tackle. They may need more if Joel Bitonio retires or Nick Chubb leaves. Cleveland picks second in the 2025 NFL Draft.
   
   
   Previously Ranked: 25th
   
   
   
   
   
7. New Orleans Saints 5-12-0
   
   
   New Orleans is over the salary cap for a third year in a row. It is getting ridiculous to the point where New Orleans needs to be stripped of a draft pick.
   
   
   Previously Ranked: 24th
   
   
   
   
   
8. New York Jets 5-12-0
   
   
   The New York Jets won their regular season finale. I think Aaron Rodgers is going to retire, but he could end up coming back. Olu Fashanu looked good enough to be the blindside long-term at left tackle in the week 18 win over the Miami Dolphins.
   
   
   Previously Ranked: 27th
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
9. Chicago Bears 5-12-0
   
   
   Caleb Williams defeated the Green Bay Packers in Lambeau Field. Now Chicago needs to hire a competent head coach to build around Caleb Williams.
   
   
   Previously Ranked: 26th
   
   
   
   
   
10. San Francisco 49ers 6-11-0
    
    
    San Francisco had a lot of injuries this year. San Francisco could easily rebound next season if they hire the right defensive coordinator and everyone stays healthy in 2025. The San Francisco 49ers have one more year before they have to pay Brock Purdy with his eventual extension kicking in when 2026 begins assuming Brock Purdy gets paid this offseason.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 22nd
    
    
    
    
    
11. Carolina Panthers 5-12-0
    
    
    Bryce Young looked inexperienced as a rookie. Carolina's offensive line went from thirty second in pass protection in 2023 to fifth in 2024. Bryce Young looked so bad with a much better offensive line, that former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales benched Bryce Young. Andy Dalton will start in week 3. Carolina's defense is horrible Shaq Thompson is now out for the year along with Derrick Brown and Bryce Young got benched. Josey Jewell is also injured at 3-4 middle linebacker. Austin Corbett is injured at center and taylor Moton at right tackle. Carolina is on pace to break the 1981 Indianapolis Colts record for most points allowed in a season. Carolina has their quarterback of the future in Bryce Young and running back of the future in Chuba Hubbard. Dave Canales got better as a head coach as the season progressed. Fixing the defense will be the next big step for Carolina in 2025. Carolina pushed Kansas City, Philadelphia, and Tampa Bay to the limit in their three home games at Bank Of America Stadium against three of the leagues top eleven teams and you have to be extremely encouraged by that with Dave Canales as a first year head coach with Bryce Young outplaying C.J. Stroud in the second half of this season. Bryce Young led Carolina to a week 18 overtime win over Atlanta.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 23rd
    
    
    
    
    
12. Dallas Cowboys 7-10-0
    
    
    Dallas did well against Cleveland in week 1. Dallas laid an egg at home in weeks 2 and 3. Dallas defeated the New York Giants on the road in week 4. Dallas will not have Micah Parsons or Demarcus Lawrence at defensive end for multiple weeks now. That will hinder the Dallas Cowboys ability to get pressure on the opposing quarterback. Dallas has defeated some playoff teams since Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, Da'Ron Bland, and Brandin Cooks returned form injuries without quarterback Dak Prescott. CeeDee Lamb is out for the year now too. Dallas ends the year as the final team outside of the top 20.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
13. Miami Dolphins 8-9-0
    
    
    Tua Tagovailoa missed the early part of the season. Miami still cannot win the cold. Tyreek Hill was upset with the team after week 18, but it sounds like he will stay. I'll put Miami at 20 for now and if Tyreek stays this team could move up in 2025 and if Tyreek gets traded then Miami probably drops out of the top 20.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 18th
    
    
    
    
    
14. Atlanta Falcons 8-9-0
    
    
    Atlanta went 1-2 after benching Kirk Cousins for Michael Penix Jr. Michael Penix Jr. went 1-2 as a starter. Atlanta has a good supporting cast on offense, but needs a 3-4 right outside linebacker as Atlanta is closer than people realize.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 17th
    
    
    
    
    
15. Indianapolis Colts 8-9-0
    
    
    Indianapolis benched Anthony Richardson. They benched Joe Flacco for Anthony Richardson. Anthony Richardson defeated Aaron Rodgers and had over 300 total yards. Anthony Richardson got injured and the Indianapolis Colts lost to the New York Giants on the road with Drew Lock. That loss alone bumps the Indianapolis Colts down to 20. Indainapolis won their regular season finale without Anthony Richardson.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 20th
    
    
    
    
    
16. Arizona Cardinals 8-9-0
    
    
    Arizona has the offense to be competitive as Kelvin Beachum and Christian Jones can both start at right tackle even without Jonah Williams in this lineup. Arizona will struggle defensively since they do not have an edge rusher with B.J. Ojulari out for the year. The secondary with Max Melton, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Garrett Williams, Budda Baker, and Jalen Thompson will be the key for the Arizona Cardinals defense. Arizona is 5-0 when James Conner exceeds 100 total yards this season. Arizona won a game thanks to Kyler Murray despite both of their 3-4 right outside linebackers being out for the year. Arizona had 6 sacks against Chicago in week 9. Arizona started 6-4, but went 1-5 in their last six games. The sad thing is this franchise has the offensive talent to be a playoff team. The defense was riddled with injuries on the front 7 and Arizona's cornerbacks are not great. Arizona has the right coaches some star players on offense, but the defense needs to be fixed in the offseason.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 19th
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
17. Cincinnati Bengals 9-8-0
    
    
    Cincinnati had the leader in passing yards, receiving yards, and sacks while still missing the playoffs. Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson make Cincinnati a threat for Super Bowl 60. Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims looked great at offensive tackle. Re-signing both wide receivers and hiringa good defnesive coordinator will be the challenge for the Cincinnati Bengals.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 15th
    
    
    
    
    
18. Seattle Seahawks 10-7-0
    
    
    Seattle went 10-7 and missed the playoffs. Seattle could push for the NFC West next year if Geno Smith comes back.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 14th
    
    
    
    
    
19. Denver Broncos 10-7-0
    
    
    Bo Nix looked the worst of the three rookie quarterbacks in week 1. Denver has a good supporting cast around Bo Nix with a good offensive line. I do not trust anyone on this offense outside of Courtland Sutton at wide receiver, but Troy Franklin could end up complimenting Sutton in year two after getting a receiving touchdown against the Buffalo BIlls in the wild card game. Denver went 2-7 on the year against the 15 teams I ranked ahead of Denver with the lone win against a a top fifteen team coming in week 3 when Baker Mayfeld had a bad day against a good Denver defense and Bo Nix managed the game effectively against a Tampa Bay defense that had everyone on their defensive line and secondary injured and the other win coming against Kansas City's second team and third team in a week 18 game where the Chiefs rested their starters.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 16th
    
    
    
    
    
20. Los Angeles Chargers 11-6-0
    
    
    The Los Angeles Chargers were the worst team to make the playoffs. They got Justin Herbert, good offensive tackles, good pass rushers, good cornerbacks, but only one good wide receiver in Ladd McConkey. The Chargers need to fix their interior offensive line outside of Zion Johnson. Getting more weapons to buld around Justin herbert is gonna be key for Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman as they enter year two at head coach and offensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Chargers. The Los Angeles Chargers will have a two year window to win a Super Bowl in 2026 and 2027. Right now the Chargers need to regroup and focus on getting their first playoff win to build the teams confidence.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 12th
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10-7-0
    
    
    Tampa Bay won the NFC West. Baker Mayfield is back. The offensive line is back except for left guard. Mike Evans will be back. Chris Godwin will be franchise tagged if he cannot be re-signed. Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer, Cade Otton, Payne Durham, and Bucky Irving will all be on rookie deals. Tampa Bay could be a dark horse to reach the NFC Championship. If they could fix the defense at linebacker as well as the cornerback play, and get a better head coach than Vance Joseph I'd pick Tampa Bay to reach Super Bowl 60 as a dark horse.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 11th
    
    
    
    
    
22. Pittsburgh Steelers 10-7-0
    
    
    Pittsburgh started 10-3 only to lose five in a row to end the year. Pittsburgh needs to figure out who their quarterback will be. Pittsburgh is good enough to be ranked at 11, but with both quarterbacks set to be Free Agents, I am not confident enough to put Pittsburgh in the top 10.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 10th
    
    
    
    
    
23. Green Bay Packers 11-6-0
    
    
    Without Christian Watson or Jaire Alexander, Green Bay cannot get out of the wild card round. It sounds like Jaire Alexander is gone along with Eric Stokes. Green Bay has the quarterback and defensive line to make a Super Bowl run, but they need to retool at wide receiver and cornerback. Rasheed Walker did well in his third year and enters the final year of his rookie deal next season.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 8th
    
    
    
    
    
24. Minnesota Vikings 14-3-0
    
    
    Minnesota was the best team to lose in the wild card. Minnesota went 0-4 versus Los Angeles and Detroit and 14-0 versus everyone else.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 4th
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
25. Houston Texans 10-7-0
    
    
    Houston has a ton of injuries at wie receiver. Houston also has injuries in the secondary. Houston wasn't even supposed to get past the wild card round, but C.J. Stroud is now 2-0 in the wild card round in his career.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 13th
    
    
    
    
    
26. Los Angeles Rams 11-6-0
    
    
    The Rams have a ton of guys injured at the beginning of the year. Once the Rams got healthy they ran away with a really weak NFC West Division that is probably the weakest division in the NFL outside of the AFC South, NFC South, and AFC East. Los Angeles went 2-0 against a fourteen win team.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 9th
    
    
    
    
    
27. Washington Commanders 11-6-0
    
    
    Jayden Daniels led Washington to a wild card win over Tampa Bay. Washington may have a slump next year, but they are positioned well in both 2026 and 2027. Jayden Daniels is the one quarterback that looks like he's guaranteed an extension after his rookie deal ends.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 7th
    
    
    
    
    
28. Baltimore Ravens 12-5-0
    
    
    Baltimore is fully healthy. Most of the staff members at Draft Utopia have this team winning Super Bowl 59. Baltimore lost to Cleveland, but they only move down two spots due to a head-to-head win over Buffalo. Baltimore whopped Denver. Baltimore lost to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Baltimore feels like one of the three teams that could win the AFC. I got six Super Bowl contenders, but Baltimore appears weaker than the other two AFC teams because one of those two teams is the two time Super Bowl Champions with the one seed locked up and the other team with the two seed locked up beat the top AFC and NFC teams head-to-head in Buffalo. Detroit is the number one NFC team, Minnesota is 14-2 with their only losses coming to Detroit in addition to a Thursday Night Game on the west coast in Los Angeles on a short week as Minnesota hasn't lost since October 24th with Minnesota having the leagues longest winning streak. Philadelphia beat Baltimore head-to-head. I'm admitting Baltimore is a Super Bowl contender among the super six teams that I mentioned. I'm also acknowledging that on paper, they appear to be the weakest of these six teams despite playing much better since their bye week. Chris said the Ravens would struggle defensively and fix their defensive miscues during the bye week and the Ravens accomplished that. Baltimore still looks like the fifth best team when comparing them to the other top two seeds in the AFC and the NFC.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 6th
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
29. Philadelphia Eagles 14-3-0
    
    
    Philadelphia has the two seed. Philadelphia probably reaches the NFC Championship, but without Nakobe Dean, I'm not sure how the Eagles stop Sonic and Knuckles now that David Montgomery is back.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 5th
    
    
    
    
    
30. Kansas City Chiefs 15-2-0
    
    
    Kansas City has been dealing with a lot of injuries. Kansas City is 15-0 as a favorite this year and 0-2 as an underdog. Both of the two teams ranked ahead of Kansas City beat the Kansas City Chiefs head-to-head last time they played the Chiefs in the regular season.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 2nd
    
    
    
    
    
31. Buffalo Bills 13-4-0
    
    
    Buffalo's offense is fully healthy. Buffalo's defense was fully healthy against San Francisco and then it was fully healthy against the New York Jets and Buffalo held both of those defenses to under 20 points. Buffalo lost some cornerbacks to injuries in the wild card, but their cornerbacks were healthy enough to practice leading up to the divisional round. Buffalo might make the Super Bowl, but their playmakers aren't as experienced as Detroit's playmakers. Buffalo won the regular season meeting, but Detroit could get even in the rematch.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 1st
    
    
    
    
    
32. Detroit Lions 14-2-0
    
    
    Detroit gets David Montgomery back for the divisonal round. Aidan Hutchinson will be back for Super Bowl 59. Detroit is the favorite to win Super Bowl 59 and is my pick to win it all this season despite the injuries.
    
    
    Previously Ranked: 3rd