With training camps opening across the NFL, the 2024 season is just around the corner. As of right now, all 32 teams are dreaming of standing under the confetti as Super Bowl champions in New Orleans come February. But there is a definite hierarchy in the NFL and this is how I would rate the runners and riders as we gallop towards the new campaign.
- San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Shanahan has overseen the NFL's most talented roster for the past four or five years and not delivering a Super Bowl victory during that run has built some pressure. After some painful near misses, San Francisco have the talent to climb to the top of the mountain this season.
- Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs seem to be as hungry as ever as they open their training camp, intent on becoming the first NFL team to win three Super Bowls in a row. There will be the same concerns about skill-position talent around Patrick Mahomes, but the superstar QB keeps this team in the mix.
- Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens were one of the NFL's most-raided teams in the offseason, but I still believe that John Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson can spearhead another Super Bowl challenge. The addition of Derrick Henry in the backfield could be a difference-maker in January and beyond.
- Detroit Lions
The narrative has been well and truly changed in Detroit and a team that has long been viewed as a laughing stock is now a genuine contender. And that means the Lions cannot surprise teams in 2024. Now we'll find out if they can handle the role of NFL big dog.
- Houston Texans
The Texans are primed to take another forward step in 2024 and if they do, Houston should be Super Bowl contenders. C.J. Stroud is the real deal at quarterback, DeMeco Ryans is an inspirational coach and the offseason additions have only heightened expectations.
- Cincinnati Bengals
The defense must improve, a lead back must be discovered and receivers need to be kept happy. But none of that matters if Joe Burrow is not fit and firing on all cylinders. If the star quarterback is back at the top of his game, the Bengals have to be considered contenders.
- Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love is in a contract dispute with the Packers as I pen these rankings, but I expect that to be sorted during camp. Green Bay were one of the hottest teams in the second half of last season and their quarterback was a major reason for an impressive run. His growth is key.
- Buffalo Bills
Much like the Bengals, Buffalo's success is very much tied to their quarterback in Josh Allen. There has been well-voiced concern over the lack of receiver options in Buffalo, but it was no different at the end of 2023 and the Bills ended as one of the hottest teams in the league.
- Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles suffered an historic fall from grace in 2023, losing six of their last seven contests. That slump is hard to ignore but, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia remain a very talented team. The addition of Saquon Barkley to the backfield is mouth-watering.
- Miami Dolphins
Will 2024 be the year that Miami are more than the Kings of September? This has to be time for the explosive Dolphins – and their quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa – to provide more substance, especially against quality opponents in the biggest games at the end of the year.
- Dallas Cowboys
Can the Cowboys cast off the shadows of a negative offseason? In order to do so, they will need to strike deals with their game-changing talent in quarterback Dak Prescott, receiver CeeDee Lamb and edge rusher Micah Parsons. Is that even possible in one fell swoop?
- Cleveland Browns
The Browns have a very good roster and could see their offense boosted by the return of running back Nick Chubb. The defense is talented, if not as good as their 2023 numbers might have suggested. But Deshaun Watson's health and form are going to be the biggest keys.
- Los Angeles Rams
After an embarrassing Super Bowl defence, the Rams were a nice surprise in 2023 as they returned to the playoffs. Superstar defender Aaron Donald has retired but there is a decent mix of talent on both sides of the ball and Matthew Stafford is still a high-end quarterback.
- Chicago Bears
It's amazing what an offseason of positivity can do for how a franchise is viewed. The Bears have undergone a massive transformation and appear ready to make a playoff push. Caleb Williams could be a franchise-changing QB and the talent around him is ready to explode.
- New York Jets
The 2023 season was an absolute disaster for the Jets as they lost Aaron Rodgers and rolled through a total of four starting quarterbacks. And yet they still won seven games. If Rodgers Take 2 is a success, this is a team with enough talent to make some AFC playoff noise.
- Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers always find a way to be competitive under Mike Tomlin and the head coach has been rewarded with a three-year extension. But it's going to take some production at quarterback to take this team to the next level. Will it be Russell Wilson or Justin Fields?
- Jacksonville Jaguars
The wheels came off in brutal fashion at the end of 2023 as the Jaguars lost five of their last six to narrowly miss the playoffs. But Trevor Lawrence – the new highest-paid player in NFL history – was very banged up. A competitive return from him and the team is expected.
- Atlanta Falcons
Hopes are high in Atlanta following the offseason signing of quarterback Kirk Cousins. Will he be the missing piece of the puzzle or will the Falcons quickly turn to Michael Penix Jr.? Either way, it feels like Raheem Morris' Atlanta team can make a run towards the NFC playoffs.
- Indianapolis Colts
Don't sleep on the Colts. Even working with reserve quarterback Gardner Minshew for much of 2023, Indy won nine games and narrowly missed the playoffs. There is much excitement surrounding returning quarterback Anthony Richardson, who started four games as a rookie.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield has been up and down during his NFL career to date. He enjoyed a career year in 2023. Now we need to see if he can be consistently good. The Bucs will lean heavily on him and receiver Mike Evans as they chase a fourth consecutive NFC South title.
- Minnesota Vikings
Rookie J.J. McCarthy could be a little raw at quarterback out of the gate and that could mean some early-season Sam Darnold sightings. Whoever gets the lion's share of snaps under center will be helped massively by Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. But the North is tough.
- Los Angeles Chargers
After a decade in the college football ranks, Jim Harbaugh is back and the NFL will be a more colourful and entertaining place due to his return. The Chargers should be a tougher team. But who will Justin Herbert throw the ball to after some key receiver departures.
- Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are a dangerous team who will fly under a lot of radars in the coming weeks and months. But Geno Smith can still get the job done at QB and he is surrounded by top-tier talent. Mike Macdonald and our very own Aden Durde will influence and tighten up the D.
- New Orleans Saints
The Saints are operating in relative obscurity at the moment. They're not good enough to make a serious title run, but they're also too competitive to grab our attention as a disaster class. New Orleans went 9-8 in 2023, highlighting their middle-of-the-pack status in the NFL.
- Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals struggled to just four wins in 2023 but Kyler Murray showed some promising signs late in the year. And now he has an elite target in rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and the attack should be balanced by a strong running game fronted by James Conner.
- Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have some difference-makers on each side of the ball in wide receiver Davante Adams and defensive linemen Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins. But this team will likely be held back by the fact that the only choice at QB is Gardner Minshew or Aidan O'Connell.
- Washington Commanders
The Dan Quinn era in Washington begins with the addition of some proven veterans who love the game in running back Austin Ekeler and linebacker Bobby Wagner. But how much can they shape a season? Washington will very quickly become Jayden Daniels' team. It has to be.
- Tennessee Titans
The Titans have improved their team through the offseason with an offensive line boost and the additions of receiver Calvin Ridley, running back Tony Pollard and cornerback L'Jarius Sneed. But this club still needs to find out if Will Levis is the long-term answer at quarterback.
- New York Giants
In an up-and-down offseason, Saquon Barkley is gone at running back but the positives are the arrivals of rookie WR Malik Nabers and pass rusher Brian Burns. But will Daniel Jones hold onto his QB job or is he going to fall to Drew Lock or Tommy DeVito?
- Denver Broncos
I wonder if Sean Payton knew how tough the sledding would be when he returned to the NFL?
Denver are clearly in rebuild mode after trading away receiver Jerry Jeudy and releasing safety Justin Simmons. The new project will rely on quick growth from rookie quarterback Bo Nix.
- New England Patriots
The Bill Belichick and Tom Brady-inspired era of dominance is officially over. Now, it's over to a pair of rookies in head coach Jerod Mayo and quarterback Drake Maye. Any re-birth may take some time and will be slowed by a team-wide lack of talent, especially on offense.
- Carolina Panthers
All eyes will be on sophomore quarterback Bryce Young to see if he can improve on a personal level and upgrade a team that won just two games in 2023. The offense has been spruced up through the addition of receivers Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette; and guard Robert Hunt.
