Football is officially back! As summer begins to fade and fall begins, the start of football is among us. The 105th season of the NFL begins this Thursday with the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs taking on the Baltimore Ravens. The Chiefs look to repeat winning the Super Bowl for the third time in a row, which would be the first time in NFL history. Without further ado, here are the rankings to start the NFL season!
32. Carolina Panthers
Week one Opponent: At New Orleans
The Dave Canales era has officially begun in Carolina. Canales was poached this offseason from Tampa Bay to come in and try and revive Bryce Young after the first overall pick struggled in his rookie season. Step one that Dave Canales and GM Dan Morgan needed to do was to secure the offensive line and get some weapons for Bryce Young. The Panther splashed in the offseason, signing Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis to multi-year deals. They also were able to acquire Diontae Johnson from Pittsburgh in hopes of reviving his career and getting Bryce Young a weapon. Jadeveon Clowney signed to secure up a defense that will be without Bryan Burns. The Panthers are most likely going to struggle this season. It depends on whether the young head coach can get the best out of Bryce Young and how he develops.
31. New England Patriots
Week one Opponent: At Cincinnati
For the first time since 2000, the Patriots will be without Bill Belichick as the head coach on the sidelines. The hoodie and the Patriots decided to part ways with Jerod Mayo, replaced this offseason, and the head coaching opening. Mayo was a player for Belichick and has been his right-hand man for the last five years, so it didn't come as a shock that he was named the new head coach. The Patriots selected highly talented quarterback Drake Maye as the third overall pick in the 2024 draft. Maye is not expected to come in and start right away. A transition guy in Jacoby Brissett takes that. With Brissett named the starter, I expect New England to struggle in the first year under Mayo this year. Life has been hard since Tom Brady has left. Since Brady left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, the Patriots have had just a 29-38 record since the departure of Brady. Mac Jones failed miserably and was shipped off to Jacksonville for a low draft pick, and now it is the Drake Maye era in New England. With Belichick and Brady gone, it is a new era in New England.
30. New York Giants
Week one opponent: Home vs Minnesota
It is year three of Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen's tenure in New York. After finishing 9-7 in their first year and a playoff berth, expectations were high for 2023. The Giants took a huge step back in 2023, finishing with a 6-11 record with a 2-8 start. The big question for the Giants is what version of Daniel Jones they will get. Jones had an above average 2022 and was rewarded with a four-year, $160 million dollar contract before the 2023 season. Jones only appeared in six games last year after suffering a torn ACL. It is now or never for Daniel Jones. He was rewarded like a top QB in the NFL, and this year, he has to prove it. He will have a new weapon to throw at Malik Nabers. The rookie out of LSU is expected to come in and contribute right away for an offense looking for a superstar after the departure of Saquon Barkley. The time is now for Daniel Jones to try and become a franchise quarterback.
29. Denver Broncos
Week one opponent: At Seattle
Year two of the Sean Payton era and year two of the Bo Nix era for the Denver Broncos. It will no longer be Russell Wilson as Denver's quarterback. The Broncos finished 8-9 last year and were hunting for a playoff spot. Denver decided to take a flier on the 24-year old out of Oregon from Bo Nix. Nix is coming in and is expected to start immediately for the Broncos. Sean Payton fell in love with Bo Nix and his college career through the draft process. The Broncos roster is not ready to compete in year one with Bo Nix. They traded away Jerry Jeudy to Cleveland, so weapons for the rookie quarterback could be limited. Development for Bo Nix is critical for Denver this year as they are in the midst of a rebuild.
28. Arizona Cardinals
Week one opponent: At Bills
In year two of the Jonathan Gannon head coaching tenure, Kyler Murray is finally back and healthy for the Arizona team. Murray is coming off a torn ACL and is finally back for Arizona. He will be throwing to Marvin Harrison Jr this time around. Harrison is a highly talented prospect out of Ohio State and seems to be the top target for Murray on the offensive side of the ball. I see this to be an evaluation year for Arizona. They must find out if Kyler Murray is the answer at the quarterback position. Arizona is not expected to be very good, but this could be a tough team to play against, with Gannon being a defensive-minded coach.
27. Las Vegas Raiders
Week one opponent: Chargers
Antonio Pierce is now the head coach of the Raiders and promises to bring the Raiders way back to Las Vegas. After an impressive stint at the interim head coaching position, the Raiders promoted him to head coach. The Raiders will be a tough team on the field to play against. A big free agent signing for the Raiders is defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. He will be a perfect pair with defensive end Maxx Crosby. On offense, the Raiders will go by committee at the quarterback position. Gardner Minshew is expected to be the starter for the Raiders, and the talented rookie out of Georgia Brock Bowers joins him. This team will play hard for Antonio Pierce and possibly sneak into a playoff spot.
26. Washington Commanders
Week one opponent: At Tampa Bay
It is finally time for the Jayden Daniels era in Washington. The highly talented rookie out of LSU comes to Washington with Dan Quinn to try and turn around the Commander franchise. Everything is expected to be new in Washington. A new owner, GM, coach, and quarterback will lead the Commanders team. The Commanders have a sway of veterans to try and make the process easier for Jayden Daniels. Austin Ekeler and Zach Ertz are some big names offensively that Washington signed in the offseason. Jayden Daniels is expected to be good, but it is year one of the Dan Quinn regime, and they have to take it slow. The Commanders haven't had a true starting quarterback since Kirk Cousins and Robert Griffin III. Daniels has the talent to change an organization in the NFL. It is all about putting the pieces together, which has to be priority number one for Dan Quinn.
25. New Orleans Saints
Week one opponent: Home Vs Carolina
The New Orleans Saints have continued to look for a competent offense since the departure of Sean Payton. The Saints are in a weird spot. Some may think they have an above-average quarterback in Derek Carr, yet they still seem to struggle with consistency every year. Klint Kubiak was brought in to become the offensive coordinator, and the Saints hope that he will be able to turn it around after a couple of lackluster seasons. I see the Saint's defense keeping them in many games this season, and with no true team separating themselves in the NFC South, the Saints could be in the mix for winning the division.
24. Minnesota Vikings
Week one opponent: At Giants
This will be the first year since 2018 that the Vikings will be without Kirk Cousins as their quarterback. JJ Mccarthy, the first-round draft pick out of Michigan, is now hurt and expected to be out for the season for the Minnesota Vikings. It is now the Sam Darnold show in Minnesota. After struggling as a starter for the Jets and the Panthers, he spent a year as a backup in San Francisco and is now expected to be the starter for Minnesota. He will have one of the best wide receivers in the league to throw to, as the Vikings locked up star receiver Justin Jefferson on a long-term contract. Minnesota will need everything to go perfect to try and sneak into a playoff spot.
23. Tennessee Titans
Week one opponent: At Chicago
I don't think a team had a busier offseason than the Tennessee Titans. From firing longtime coach Mike Vrabel to trading for Calvin Ridley and Lajarius Sneed, the Titans are looking to compete in year one of the Brian Callahan era. The departure of Derrick Henry will hurt offensively, but their additions will give second-year quarterback Will Levis more than enough weapons to work with this year. If Tennessee is going to compete in a crowded AFC, it will all rely on the development of Will Levis and how he performs in his sophomore season. I am high on Tennessee this season. They have talent all over the defensive side and will be in the playoff conversation as we trend toward the end of the season.
22. Seattle Seahawks
Week one opponent: Home Vs Broncos
The Pete Carroll era is officially over in Seattle. Caroll is now replaced by youngster Mike Macdonald to try and turn things around for the Seahawks. Macdonald brings a defensive background to Seattle to try and reach a different level. An overhaul of defense is what Seattle needed, and it is what they got. The question is if they can get the job done with Geno Smith. He is in the second season as the true quarterback, and results must come.
21. Atlanta Falcons
Week one opponent: Home Vs Steelers
I don't think a team in the NFL has had an exciting offseason other than the Atlanta Falcons. It all started when they fired Arthur Smith and brought Raheem Morris to run the show. They weren't done just yet. Kirk Cousins was signed to a four-year contract to secure the quarterback position for Atlanta, where they haven't found the true answer since Matt Ryan. On top of that, Atlanta selected Michael Penix Jr in the 2024 draft in hopes he would be the next-best quarterback. I don't understand the vision Atlanta might have, but they went from having no good quarterbacks on their roster to two.
20. Los Angeles Chargers
Week one opponent: Home Vs Chargers
Introducing the Michigan Chargers! No, but seriously, it is an exact replica of what we saw from the reigning national champs. There was no question that Jim Harbaugh wanted to get back in the NFL to win a Super Bowl, and he entered a team with already one of the best quarterbacks in the league, Justin Herbert. The defense should be fine as Harbaugh is bringing his young defensive coordinator Jesse Minter with him, a head coach in waiting. Minter will implement the same system they have used in Michigan and the same one John Harbaugh and the Ravens have used in the last 10 years. The question now comes to who will be catching passes from Justin Herbert. With the departures of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles will need guys to step up big-time this season.
19. Chicago Bears
Week one opponent: Home Vs Titans
About 40 years ago, a Chicago athlete was drafted, which changed the entire trajectory of a sports franchise. His name was Michael Jordan. Now, the Bears will rely on Caleb Williams to do just that for the Bears. The number one overall pick out of Southern California enters a team that is a quarterback away from being a contender. Williams was given lots of weapons to throw to in his rookie year. Keenan Allen was acquired in the offseason via trade, and Rome Odunze was drafted number nine overall. A steady defense returns that got better and better last year. Chicago has the pieces to be a playoff team. They are just a quarterback away. The plan is for Caleb Williams to take that realm.
18. Indianapolis Colts
Week one opponent: Home Vs Texans
Many people forget about the Indianapolis Colts and their first-round pick, Anthony Richardson, returning from injury. Shane Steichen enters the season in his second year as the coach after an injury riddled first season at the helm. When he played, Richardson played well and showed potential to be the franchise quarterback. Indianapolis needs to keep Richardson on the field to be successful. The Colts might be one of the least talked about teams in football, and they could take that to their advantage.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Week one opponent: At Falcons
General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin promised changes this offseason. By the looks of it, Pittsburgh has an entirely new quarterback room. Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky go out, and Russell Wilson and Justin Fields enter. Pittsburgh stumbled into the playoffs last year with bad quarterback play, and now they hope for either Wilson or Fields to be the answer for Pittsburgh to win their first playoff game since 2016. Pittsburgh has a good defense to do it with. Patrick Queen will give the Steelers a true upgrade at the linebacker since the Ryan Shazier days, and TJ Watt is still one of the best in the league, but it all relies on the offense. A new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, comes in to try to work with what he has in Pittsburgh. With George Pickens as their true number-one receiver, I expect this team to lean a lot on the running backs and the offensive line. Pittsburgh needs one of their two quarterbacks to play above average to succeed.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
Week one opponent: At Dolphins
After a collapse last year, which caused them to miss the playoffs, Jacksonville comes back now in the fourth year of Trevor Lawrence and third with Doug Pederson at the helm. Lawrence was rewarded handsomely for his work, given a five-year contract to be the face of the Jaguars franchise. Now, Jacksonville needs to see some results. An injury-riddled Lawrence was a big part of the collapse last year, and he is healthy now. The defense has to be better for Jacksonville. If they can secure up the defense and Lawrence returns to form, they will be in the playoff hunt in the AFC.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week one opponent: Home Vs Commanders
After a surprising playoff berth because of a struggling division, the Bucs are bringing the crew back for a second go around in Tampa Bay. The Bucs needed to keep Baker Mayfield this season after an impressive year last year, and they did just that by locking him up to a four year contract. Mike Evans is also back after a short stint in the open market. This team has talent everywhere, especially on the defensive side. If they can keep their defense high and Baker takes steps offensively, the Bucs would be a clear favorite to repeat as champs in the NFC South.
14. Los Angeles Rams
Week one opponent: At Detroit
You don't replace a guy like Aaron Donald. You can only hope you do. That is the big challenge Sean McVay and the Rams will have coming into this year. McVay did a heck of a coaching job last year with an injury riddled team to get them into the playoffs. Now, the team is healthy, but there is no Aaron Donald. Tre'davious White will be a good stopgap at the corner position, but it all depends on how well Matthew Stafford can play. If he can find his 2021 form, the Rams are almost certainly a lock to make the playoffs in the NFC.
13. Cleveland Browns
Week one opponent: Home Vs Cowboys
It is put up or shut up time for the Cleveland Browns. It is year three of the Deshaun Watson era, and they must get results to see if he is the future. The Browns have one of the best put-together rosters in the league talent-wise, but the inconsistencies on the offensive side of the ball have held them back from truly making a run. Jerry Jeudy will give Watson another weapon, but it is easy to note that the Browns will be without Nick Chubb for at least the first four games of the season. The defense is at a Super Bowl level; it all relies on the quarterback's play for Cleveland.
12. New York Jets
Week one opponent: At San Francisco
I don't think there has been more frustration in the last couple of years for fans than New York Jets fans. From going from awful quarterback play in 2022 to thinking you have the answer in Aaron Rodgers to him getting hurt just a few plays into 2023. Well, Rodgers is back, and the Jets have made significant moves to try and improve around him. He will have two new tackles blocking for him and a substantial, comprehensive receiver threat down the field in Mike Williams. Similar to Cleveland, it is now or never for the New York Jets.
11. Houston Texans
Week one opponent: At Colts
What a true quarterback can do to a sports franchise is truly remarkable. At this time last year, no one thought that the Houston Texans would be the year's surprise team to shock the world and make the playoffs. That's precisely what happened from one offseason to their rebuilding to now, with the Texans being all in and trying to win with CJ Stroud's rookie contract. Houston made huge moves in the offseason to try and contend. Bringing in Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon will be a big boost offensively and will give Stroud an actual number one target. Tank Dell returns from injury and will be back. Danielle Hunter was brought in to be the defensive anchor for the defense. Barring a sophomore slump from Stroud or injuries to the team, Houston will be in the playoff picture.
10. Green Bay Packers
Week one opponent: Vs Eagles in Brazil
Jordan Love took a significant step in last year's second half of the season. He was rewarded with a new contract to keep him in Green Bay for that play. Green Bay was also an attraction for free agency, signing one of the best running backs in the league, Josh Jacobs. Green Bay has a good mix of veterans and a good mix of young guys on this roster. This is a deep and talented roster. Quarterback play will be the big thing if they want to take another step up in the league.
9. Miami Dolphins
Week one opponent: Home Vs Jaguars
The one thing Miami needs to do this season is stay healthy. After a flurry of injuries last season, the Dolphins limped into the playoffs and ended up losing to the superbowl champion Chiefs. Though they perform well in the regular season, Miami has not won a playoff game since 2000. Mike McDaniel was recently extended, and so was Tua Tagovailoa. Some question the style of play Miami plays and whether it can transform into playoff football. They have the talent to win a lot of football games. They have to stay healthy and try to piece that talent together.
8. Buffalo Bills
Week one opponent: Home Vs Cardinals
The Buffalo Bills will have a new look roster on hand in 2024. Most of the veteran players that we have seen in the past are now gone. However, one person who has not changed is Josh Allen. And when you have a guy like Josh Allen, you will always be a threat to make the playoffs. There will be a lot of young guys playing this year. With Stefon Diggs now gone, Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid will be asked for expanded roles in the offense this year. The defense, especially the secondary, has gone through lots of turmoil and will have new faces. Josh Allen is still here, and there is talent on this roster.
7. Dallas Cowboys
Week one opponent: At Cleveland
I don't think any coach enters the league more on the hot seat than Mike McCarthy. After a lackluster year last year with a playoff loss to Green Bay, many thought they would part ways with the Super Bowl-winning coach. At last, McCarthy is back for another go-around to try to win his second Super Bowl. Dak Prescott is now in the final year of his contract and will be playing without a new contract. This is a big year for the Cowboys. Ceedee Lamb was extended and will be a big target for the offense. Next will be Micah Parsons. A lot of pressure has to be on the shoulders of Mike McCarthy and Dak Prescott for Dallas this season.
6. Philadelphia Eagles
Week one opponent: Vs Packers in Brazil
I don't think I've seen such a team give up like the Eagles did last year. It was a brutal end to the 2023 season for Philadelphia, and many thought Nick Sirianni would lose his job because of it. He is back, and he brought a whole new coaching staff with him. Kellen Moore is now here to ease the tension with Hurts and Sirianni, and Vic Fangio is here to try and take this defense to another level. Another bad season this year, and it could be the final straw for Nick Sirianni as the Eagles coach. They must contend this year.
5. Cincinnati Bengals
Week one opponent: Home Vs Patriots
If Joe Burrow can stay healthy, the Cincinnati Bengals are a Super Bowl contender. A season-ending wrist injury held out Burrow last year and cost Cincinnati the playoffs. For the Bengals to be good, they will need Ja'Marr Chase to be back and playing. Chase has been holding out for a new contract for all training camps. The defense for Cincinnati is iffy, but they are getting Joe Burrow back, and this team can make a deep run in the playoffs.
4. Baltimore Ravens
Week one opponent: Away Vs Chiefs
The Ravens, year in and year out continue to have one of the best rosters in football. Lamar Jackson is coming off of an MVP season, but he has struggled in the playoffs as of late. Adding Derrick Henry in free agency will be a big move for Baltimore, as it gives them a true running back. The defense lost a few pieces, but it should be solid again. The offensive line has some issues, but Lamar Jackson can fix a lot of that. The Ravens have to get over the hump.
3. Detroit Lions
Week one opponent: Home Vs Rams
After a surprising upward year last year, Detroit is now one of the more exciting teams in football. Dan Campbell is in year four of the rebuild, and the results of his and Brad Holmes's work are showing. An NFC Championship berth and a few plays away from making it to the Super Bowl was Detroit. Detroit returns mostly all starters, with new contracts given to Jared Goff, Penei Sewell, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. The defense needs to be more consistent this go around, as Detroit was struggling on all ends of the field toward the end of the season. All in all, Campbell's army will have his troops ready to go this season.
2. San Francisco 49ers
Week one opponent: Home Vs Jets
There are no more excuses for Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers. It is super bowl or bust. Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams were extended, so the Niners will bring back one of the best offenses in the league. Defensively, they will be elite once again. This might be the last year to contend for the 49ers. Brock Purdy is going to demand a new contract soon, and with the money already given out, this may be the last year with the core to try and win a Lombardi—Super Bowl or bust.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Week one opponent: Home Vs. Ravens
It has to be Kansas City, Right? Until they lose the Super Bowl, I can't put them as the best team in the league. The team this year will be a lot like the team last year. Mahomes is back looking to three-peat, and the receiving core has gotten better. Speed was added on the outside, and the defense should be as advertised, with Chris Jones signing an extension this offseason. Until someone beats him, the crown will remain with Mahomes.
Playoff Predictions
AFC:
Chiefs
Bengals
Bills
Texans
Ravens
Dolphins
Jets
NFC:
Niners
Lions
Cowboys
Bucs
Packers
Rams
Eagles
From September to February, there will be football each week. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Happy football watching, friends.
HN's NFL Power Rankings: Week 2
The Hoosier Network's AFC Preview
