As fall settles in and the weather starts to cool, the 2024 NFL season is heating up. Each week, teams are battling through the shifting elements—some thriving, others struggling to find their footing. Without further ado, here are the rankings.
32. New England Patriots
Last week's ranking: 29
Week five result: 15-10 loss vs Dolphins
Week six opponent: Home vs Texans
To say this team is offensively challenged is an understatement. Jerod Mayo announced on Tuesday that Drake Maye will be the starter. The Patriots could have a solid defense to keep them in many games this season, but the lousy offense will ultimately hold them back. To make things worse, star defensive player and team captain Jabrill Peppers was arrested on assault charges. Not a good week for New England.
31. Carolina Panthers
Last week's ranking: 31
Week five result: 36-10 loss vs Bears
Week six opponent: Home vs Falcons
While the offense looks significantly better with Andy Dalton at the helm, the Panthers defense has its fair share of problems. Carolina has allowed 165 points this season, which is the most in the NFL. It is a rebuilding year for the Panthers, as they will need to look for their franchise quarterback in the offseason, but you would think the defense would be solid after a good year last year. It is going to be a long year for Dave Canales.
30. Tennessee Titans
Last week's ranking: 28
Week five result: Bye
Week six opponent: Home vs Colts
We could very well see a quarterback competition going on in Tennessee this season. With Will Levis injuring his shoulder against the Dolphins, Mason Rudolph came in and did a good job commanding the offense. The one thing that Mason Rudolph does that Will Levis does is turn the ball over. Tennessee has a decent core group of players and a solid defense, but inconsistent quarterback play has held this team back this season. If the Titans continue to play Levis and see if he is the guy for the future, they will likely end the year with a top pick in the draft. A big decision looms in Tennessee.
29. Cleveland Browns
Last week's ranking: 27
Week five result: 34-13 loss vs Commanders
Week six opponent: At Eagles
Kevin Stefanski is going to start losing the locker room if a quarterback change is not made. There is no doubt that quarterback play is holding this team back. When Deshaun Watson was hurt all last year, Joe Flacco led this team to the playoffs. Deshaun Waston is just not an NFL quarterback anymore. The offensive line around him is terrible, the defense has taken a significant step back, and the Browns are 1-4 and in last place in the AFC North. What do they have to lose? See what Jameis Winston can do and try to turn your season around. If Stefanksi decides to stick with Watson, that decision could cost him his job at the end of the day.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars
Last week's ranking: 32
Week five result: 37-34 win vs Colts
Week six opponent: Away vs Bears (London)
Even though they tried to blow it in the fourth quarter, Jacksonville escaped and ultimately saved their season with a win over the Colts. The offense had a recent resurgence, with Trevor Lawrence playing some good football. The question now is whether Jacksonville can build on this. They've dug themselves a big hole starting 0-4, so they will have to play merely perfect for the rest of the season to have any chance. With the offense taking a step forward, the defense took a big step back, allowing 447 yards to a Colts team without Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor. Baby steps for the Jaguars.
27. Miami Dolphins
Last week's ranking: 30
Week five result: 15-10 win vs Patriots
Week six opponent: Bye
They found a way to win against the New England Patriots to keep themselves within a game of Buffalo in the AFC East. Without a doubt, this team is going nowhere without Tua Tagovailoa as their quarterback. Miami has only scored 60 points in just five games this season. That is a big problem. The Dolphins lucked out having their bye this week and will have the Colts in week seven. With Tua Tagovailoa expected to be back this season, even at 2-4, the Dolphins could still be in the playoff hunt. It will all depend on the health of Tua Tagovailoa. They go as far as he goes.
26. Las Vegas Raiders
Last week's ranking: 23
Week five result: 34-18 loss vs Broncos
Week six opponent: Home vs Steelers
The Gardner Minshew era for the Raiders might be coming to an end. He was benched on Sunday in favor of Aidan O'Connell. Maybe a change at the quarterback position would jumpstart this offense, but without Davante Adams, they lack an actual threat on offense. This team seems lucky to be 2-3 on the season. Their defense has its ups and downs, but they still have talent. If O'Connell can play consistently and make a few plays, they have a chance to do something.
25. Los Angeles Rams
Last week's ranking: 24
Week five result: 24-19 loss vs Packers
Week six opponent: Bye
The Rams are one improbable comeback against the 49ers to being 0-5 this season. Funny enough, the Rams are in all of these games. They aren't as healthy as they need to be, and their offense is missing their superstars. With that, Matthew Stafford has struggled this season so far. It is expected with his guys out on offense, but he is turning the ball over at a rate we haven't seen him do with Sean McVay. Something tells me the Rams won't be out of it, though. After their bye week, they have the Raiders, Seahawks, Dolphins, and Patriots in four of the next five weeks. That's a chance to string together some wins, and they should be getting healthier at that time, too.
24. New York Giants
Last week's ranking: 26
Week five result: 29-20 win vs Seahawks
Week six opponent: Home vs Bengals
Against all odds, their star rookie is out on offense, and they travel to Seattle to face a 3-1 Seahawk team; the Giants get the biggest win in the Brian Dabboll era. They dominated this game and even had a turnover at the one yard line, where the Seahawks returned it for a touchdown. Without Devin Singletary, rookie Tryone Tracy Jr. had a heck of a performance replacing him and was a significant factor in the win. The defense was flying around all day for New York, which is a good sign. With the Giants steadying the ship at 2-3, this team might be better than people give them credit for.
23. Cincinnati Bengals
Last week's ranking: 20
Week five result: 41-38 loss vs Ravens
Week six opponent: Away vs Giants
What a brutal season it has been for the Cincinnati Bengals. The offense is playing very high, with Joe Burrow looking like an MVP candidate. The defense has been a mess for the Bengals this season. As Joe Burrow said, this is not a current championship team. The Bengals offense played a heck of a game on Sunday, but a late interception thrown by Joe Burrow was costly as Baltimore snuck out of Cincinnati with a win. With the season they are having and the hole that they built, the knack for mistakes is getting very thin for the Bengals. They don't have a straightforward fix defensively, so they are just going to have to work with what they have.
22. Arizona Cardinals
Last week's ranking: 25
Week five result: 24-23 win vs 49ers
Week six opponent: At Packers
With the NFC West being such a lousy division this year, this was a massive win for the Arizona Cardinals. They came from behind on the road against a niners team to get their record back to 2-3. With getting blown out by the Commanders last week, this was an impressive response from the Cardinals. They didn't outplay the 49ers, but they made the necessary plays that needed to be made to get the win. A step in the right direction for Jonathan Gannon and the Arizona Cardinals.
21. Indianapolis Colts
Last week's ranking: 17
Week five result: 37-34 loss vs Jaguars
Week six opponent: At Titans
While Joe Flacco made his second start for the Colts, he made some impressive plays, but this loss ultimately came down to the defense and their inability to make a play vs the Jaguars. Shane Steichen said that Anthony Richardson would be the team's starting quarterback when he was healthy, and even though he said he was healthy enough to play this week, they elected to go with veteran Flacco. No matter who the quarterback is or how well they play, it won't matter if the Colts cannot stop anyone on defense. They rank dead last in total defense and 24th in scoring defense. They have allowed more than 1,000 yards in passing yards in their last three games. You aren't going to win a lot of football games with that.
20. New York Jets
Last week's ranking: 15
Week five result: 23-17
Week six opponent: Home vs Bills
What an entertaining week it has been for the New York Jets. From losing to Minnesota in London after Aaron Rodgers threw three interceptions, to the surprise firing of head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday, the Jets are a complete mess right now. Jeff Ulbrich will be the interim head coach and will take over a team that could be destined to take off. I don't get why the Jets made the move to fire Saleh so early. Aaron Rodgers said he had a good relationship with Saleh and nothing to do with his firing, but I have doubts. The Jets haven't had a competent quarterback since Joe Namath, and now they have one in Aaron Rodgers. They are going to choose Aaron Rodgers over their head coach every single time. Whether it is, the right thing to do is another case. Saleh was reportedly ushered out of the building by security. Give me a break. Robert Saleh wasn't a great coach, but he did get screwed by the Jets and Aaron Rodgers.
19. Los Angeles Chargers
Last week's ranking: 19
Week five result: Bye
Week six opponent: Away vs Broncos
The Chargers bye week came at a really good time. They have been dealing with many injuries this season, including an ankle injury to quarterback Justin Herbert. At 2-2, Los Angeles is in the playoff picture and will have a big game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday. With Denver's defense flying around and taking a significant step in the last couple of weeks, it will be crucial if Rashawn Slater and rookie Joe Alt are healthy enough to play. A big game in the AFC West looms on Sunday.
18. Denver Broncos
Last week's ranking: 22
Week five result: 34-18 win vs Raiders
Week six opponent: Home vs Chargers
After starting 0-2 and having questions surrounding Bo Nix and Sean Payton, Denver has rattled off three straight wins and has put itself in a good spot in the AFC. It has all been about the Broncos defense. They have been playing very high, and the offense has done just enough with Bo Nix. A big reason for the development of Nix is the turnovers. Bo Nix hasn't turned the ball over since week two. That is significant. For a team that has a rookie quarterback, they have surrounded him with a good defense, and he is improving every week. This week is a big game at home against the Chargers, and if they win, we will view Denver as a severe threat in the AFC.
17. Chicago Bears
Last week's ranking: 21
Week five result: 36-10 win vs Panthers
Week six opponent: Home vs Jaguars (London)
Caleb Williams looks better every week, and the Bears are playing good football. This offense has taken a significant step with Keenan Allen back in the lineup. Caleb Williams is improving weekly, and the defense is one of the best in the league. Williams seems to be ahead of schedule in his development of becoming an NFL quarterback. There is reason to have optimism in Chicago. If Williams can continue to get better every week and do just enough to put up some points, the smothering Bears defense will take care of the rest. A big challenge in London awaits as the Jaguars play for their lives. If you told Chicago they would be 3-2 going into London, they would take that every time.
16. New Orleans Saints
Last week's ranking: 14
Week five result: 26-13 loss vs Chiefs
Week six opponent: Home vs Bucs
After such an explosive offensive at the beginning of the season, the Saints have taken a significant step back since their hot start. Additionally, quarterback Derek Carr suffered an oblique injury and is expected to miss a few weeks. When Carr went down, the Saints could do nothing on offense. Spencer Rattler was named the starter for week six in a big division game against the Bucs. This is a massive game for both teams. The question now becomes where New Orleans will look to get their offense. Defensively, they are still in good shape. This team has allowed just six touchdowns in five games and has a point differential of +44. A big game at home this week against Tampa Bay.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last week's ranking: 7
Week five result: 36-30 loss vs Falcons
Week six opponent: At Saints
The Bucs have to be beating themselves up after a game like that. They were in control for most of the game, but a late fumble and a late game collapse caused them to lose this game. The offense was efficient, as Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans connected for two scores via the air. The defense did not show up at all tonight. They had big-time trouble with Atlanta's passing attack and did little to no adjusting throughout the game. I still think the Bucs are in good shape, and they are a good football team, but to see a game slip away like this when you had it in the bag and gave it away has to hurt. If this game tells us anything, we severely underestimated the NFC South. This is a lot better of a division than people give credit for.
14. Seattle Seahawks
Last week's ranking: 12
Week five result: 29-20 loss vs Giants
Week six opponent: Home vs 49ers
This was a brutal loss for Seattle. The defense is dealing with some injuries, but they did not do an excellent job against the Giants without Malik Nabers. Seattle does not have a lot of balance on offense. They cannot run the ball and rely too much on the passing attack. Smith has been playing well, but the lack of a run game has ultimately cost Seattle from having a balanced offense. With an angry San Francisco coming to Seattle on Thursday night football, there has to be a sense of urgency for Mike Macdonald and the Seahawks. After starting 3-0, two back to back losses have quickly changed things for the Seahawks. They need to get back to the basics.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers
Last week's ranking: 11
Week five result: 20-17 loss vs Cowboys
Week six opponent: At Raiders
The offense has just been too inconsistent to be considered elite. While they were dealing with some injuries, so were the Cowboys, and the Steelers could only put up three points in the first half. Will we see a quarterback change coming for the Steelers? Russell Wilson should be healthy enough to play against the Raiders, but Mike Tomlin will likely give Fields one more week. The defense was also not very good for Pittsburgh. In the last two games, there has been a ton of miscommunication, bad tackling, and unnecessary penalties for Pittsburgh. They are dealing with some injuries from a pass-rushing point, and they will likely be without Nick Hebrig and Alex Highsmith this week against Las Vegas. It will all come down to how TJ Watt plays and if the offense can find any consistency.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Last week's ranking: 16
Week five result: 20-17 win vs Steelers
Week six opponent: Home vs Lions
This was a big-time victory for Mike McCarthy and the Dallas Cowboys. It wasn't pretty, as they had three turnovers in the game and mainly stalled in the red zone, but a big drive late from Dak Prescott, topped off by a game-winning throw to Jalen Tolbert, gave the Cowboys a big victory. Dallas was without two of their superstars on defense, Mi, Cah Parsons, and Demarcus Lawrence, but they did just enough on defense to win a big win over Pittsburgh. There are still concerns about this Cowboys team, but they got a big-time drive from their quarterback, for which they had just paid a lot of money before the season. That's why you pay him.
11. Philadelphia Eagles
Last week's ranking: 13
Week five result: Bye
Week six opponent: Home vs Browns
If the Eagles somehow lose at home against the struggling Cleveland Browns, the seat will get hotter for Nick Sirianni, and a loss could cost him his job. The bye week was big to get many of their weapons healthy on offense, as the offense has taken a step back after their absence. The next four games are for the Eagles vs. Browns, Giants, Bengals, and Jaguars. Those are four winnable games right there that Philadelphia needs to have. It all depends on the health of the offense, but if they want to compete for the playoffs in a tough NFC East, they have to win these types of games. Jalen Hurts needs to play a lot better as well.
10. San Francisco 49ers
Last week's ranking: 10
Week five result: 24-23 loss vs Cardinals
Week six opponent: At Seahawks
Though they dominated this game and should have one, the late-game collapse concerns the 49ers. While it didn't help that kicker Jake Moody went down with an injury, it forced San Francisco to go for it instead of settling for three. This is a game that the Niners should've won. The offense is relatively healthy besides McCaffrey, and it has not played at the level we have seen in the past. That is worrisome. On top of that, the defense has not looked the same as in years past, and they have some holes that they have to fill. You still have to feel optimistic for the niners, as when they play their best football, they are one of the best in the league, but at 2-3, they need to figure things out quickly.
9. Atlanta Falcons
Last week's ranking: 18
Week five result: 36-30 win vs Bucs
Week six opponent: Away vs Panthers
What a win this was for Raheem Morris and the Atlanta Falcons. They were down and out in this game, and they battled back and made some plays, but they were able to win it in overtime. This is why Atlanta paid all that money to get Kirk Cousins. To win these types of games. You must come from behind when your team needs you in a two-minute drill to get a field goal and then drive the team down the field in overtime for the win. A true veteran quarterback. Though the Falcons didn't play their best game on the defensive side of the ball and there are questions about the usage of Bijan Robinson, this was a big division win for Raheem Morris, as they are now 3-2 and right back in the race for the NFC South.
8. Green Bay Packers
Last week's ranking: 10
Week five result: 24-19 win vs Rams
Week six opponent: Home vs Cardinals
This 3-2 team just got back their starting quarterback, and he has not gotten back to the form we have seen him, but they are still winning football games. That is a good sign. Love is still recovering from a knee injury, and you can tell he is still bothered by it, but he is getting healthier each week. The defense has been the story of the season for the Packers. The acquisition of Xavier McKinney has paid off so far this season, as he has had five interceptions through five games. The offense is a work in progress as Love begins to get healthy, but I trust they will figure it out. It is a good sign that the Green Bay defense picks the offense up. That is a sign of a good football team.
7. Buffalo Bills
Last week's ranking: 5
Week five result: 23-20 loss vs Texans
Week six opponent: At Jets
A slow start hindered the Bills in this game, but they returned and made it a game. I have a problem with Sean McDermott's late-game clock management. Tied at 20 and inside his own 10-yard line, McDermott decided to throw the ball three times and then punt it back to the Texans right around midfield. This was a mistake, as the Texans got the game-winning field goal as time expired. Just awful clock management from a coach that cost his team the game. The Bills should be in good shape. Losses to Houston and Baltimore are looking better, as those are two of the powerhouses in the AFC, but it all depends on how Buffalo will respond against the Jets this week. A win from New York will put the Jets in first place in the AFC East.
6. Houston Texans
Last week's ranking: 4
Week five result: 23-20 win vs Bills
Week six opponent: Away vs Patriots
A hot start in this game offensively provided the win against the Bills. The concern now comes to Niko Collins's health. After he went down, the offense was not good after that. They are winning close games, a sign of a great team. They haven't played their best football but have done just enough in games to win. From last year, we have seen a big step from C.J. Stroud. He looks much calmer and more mature this year, which has helped the Texans this season. This is one of the NFL's best teams, and they haven't even played up to their potential just yet.
5. Washington Commanders
Last week's ranking: 8
Week five result: 34-13 win vs Browns
Week six opponent: At Ravens
I have fully bought into the Washington Commanders. Jayden Daniels is playing at an MVP level, and the Dan Quinn-led defense is getting better each week. A big test looms in Baltimore this Sunday, but if Washington can win that game, they will be considered a true contender. That has become an actual prove-it game for the Commanders. This team can do something special, given the remarkable play of a rookie quarterback. Sunday in Baltimore will be Washington's biggest game in the last couple of years.
4. Baltimore Ravens
Last week's ranking: 6
Week five result: 41-38 win vs Bengals
Week six opponent: Home vs Commanders
A win is a win, but there are some issues on this Ravens team. For one, the defense doesn't look the same as years past, as they gave up 38 points to Joe Burrow and the Bengals. The offense for Baltimore is why I am so high on this team. The rushing attack of Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson is lethal, and teams cannot do many things to stop it. If you try to stop the run, they throw it over your head deep to Zay Flowers. Baltimore has so many weapons on offense, and Lamar Jackson played as well in the second half, as I have seen versus Cincinnati. This is going to be an excellent team this season.
3. Detroit Lions
Last week's ranking: 3
Week five result: Bye
Week six opponent: At Cowboys
After a bye week where the Lions can get healthy, a big game in Dallas looms as we will find out what the Lions will look like in the next couple of weeks. After they travel to Dallas, they will play against in-division rival Minnesota in week seven. The Lions have a team that can play with anybody, but the questions now become on their defense. The secondary has struggled this season and will be tested against the Cowboys this weekend.
2. Minnesota Vikings
Last week's ranking: 2
Week five result: 23-17 win vs Jets
Week six opponent: Bye
What a start to the season it has been for the Minnesota Vikings. Besides the Chiefs, no team has looked more complete this season than the Vikings. The offense has been doing just enough with Sam Darnold at the quarterback position, but the key has been the Minnesota defense. Brian Flores has this group flying around and making impact plays, forcing three turnovers on Sunday against Aaron Rodgers and the Jets. This is a dangerous team, and if they stay healthy, I have no doubt they will be in the mix for a playoff spot. They are playing some outstanding football.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Last week's ranking: 1
Week five result: 26-13 win vs Saints
Week six opponent: Bye
Another week, another win for the Chiefs where they made it look easy. I wouldn't say the Chiefs were impressed on Monday night versus the Saints, but they will still be the team to beat in the AFC. After a slow start to the season, Travis Kelce looks to be back, and he has been critical to the offense for the past couple of games. The defense is as advertised, and they know what they need to do to win football games. Kareem Hunt looks like he is back to his 2018 form. That's just what Kansas City does. Until they lose, it will continue to be them.
