The 2024 NFL offseason has once again gotten off to a wild start. With the draft complete and free agency well in the rearview mirror, we have a much better idea of how all 32 teams will look when they take the field for real in September after OTAs, minicamps, and training camp.
What happened in Rounds 1-7 often doesn’t radically change fortunes for the following season, but plenty of teams improved or limited their chances for either a Super Bowl run, a jump into playoff contention, or a quick turnaround.
From the reigning champs to the rest, here’s the latest Sporting News check-in on the power rankings:
MORE 2024 NFL DRAFT: Full list of picks | Winners & losers | Draft grades for every team
NFL power rankings 2024: Post-draft edition
1. Kansas City Chiefs (previous early 2024 ranking: 1)
The Chiefs keep getting it done by retaining their most important pieces and knowing where they need to tweak, keeping Patrick Mahomes most in mind. Getting two speed wide receivers in Marquise Brown and first-round rookie Xavier Worthy is huge. They also addressed offensive line and worked again on restocking the defense and depth. Kansas City remains the team to beat.
MORE: Why did Buffalo help Kansas City land Xavier Worthy?
2. San Francisco 49ers (2)
The 49ers didn’t have the best draft, as they added to some deep positions and could have done more to address a few weaknesses. That said, the team remains rather loaded and got enough defensive reinforcements in free agency to maintain its status as the favorite to repeat in the NFC.
MORE: Why did the 49ers draft WR Ricky Pearsall?
3. Detroit Lions (4)
The Lions might have closed the already narrow gap in the NFC, as their goal is rightfully getting the No. 1 seed, paving a path for the NFC championship rematch to be played in Detroit, the outstanding home of the 2024 draft. The Lions may have finally solved their key corner problems with rookies Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
MORE: Eminem, Lions stars try to help Roger Goodell avoid boos at NFL Draft
4. Baltimore Ravens (3)
The Ravens also maintained their No. 2 status behind the Chiefs in the AFC by replenishing needs at defensive back, edge rusher, and wide receiver after losing quite a bit there in free agency. Lamar Jackson will be even more comfortable in another year of the offense, and the defense will keep up the pressure under DC Zach Orr.
MORE: Ravens RB depth chart after signing Derrick Henry
5. Philadelphia Eagles (6)
The Eagles solved their biggest issue by landing dynamic, playmaking cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the draft. They also added key pass-rushing and offensive skill depth. Howie Roseman’s work will keep them as the NFC East favorites and right up there with the 49ers and Lions as conference contenders.
MORE: Cooper DeJean asked odd question about being a ‘white cornerback’
6. Cincinnati Bengals (5)
The Bengals did fine things for Joe Burrow in the draft by upgrading his pass protection and adding to his weaponry again to fill voids at slot receiver and tight end. They also remembered to beef up the defensive front inside. A healthy Burrow will push them right back into AFC title contention.
MORE NFL DRAFT 2024: Best values | Biggest reaches | Biggest steals | Best UDFAs
7. Houston Texans (7)
The Texans also will be right there with the Bengals and Ravens in trying to push the Chiefs, and they figure to be better positioned with a clearer path to winning their division (again). They drafted more pop for C.J. Stroud beyond Stefon Diggs, and they also pleased DeMeco Ryans with rookie secondary help.
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8. Green Bay Packers (9)
The Packers worked right away to improve their pass protection, secondary playmaking, and overall offensive depth in the draft, following up a strong free-agency period with RB Josh Jacobs and S Xavier McKinney. They can make the Lions sweat more in the North.
MORE: Javon Bullard’s NSFW reaction to being drafted by Packers
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (12)
The AFC North will be the most competitive division with three worthy top-10 teams now. The Steelers do have the question of whether Russell Wilson or Justin Fields can actually solve QB, but they have loaded up all the help they could provide with an overhauled offensive line (set to have at least two rookie starters) and another receiving weapon (Roman Wilson). LB Payton Wilson is an unfair get for Mike Tomlin’s defense, too.
MORE: Steelers rookie Zach Frazier wows in HS wrestling videos
10. Buffalo Bills (8)
The Bills had to make some tough decisions to move on from veterans in free agency, most notably Stefon Diggs via trade. Although they did well to get Keon Coleman at wide receiver and made some solid defensive moves for Sean McDermott’s scheme, they moved backward compared to the other AFC contenders.
MORE: Bills WR depth chart after drafting Keon Coleman
11. Los Angeles Chargers (16)
Few will doubt Jim Harbaugh leading yet another turnaround, and there are some signs it can happen as early as this year. OT Joe Alt, WR Ladd McConkey, and LB Junior Colson are huge rookie additions, and the team also got some sneaky potential starters late.
MORE: Harbaugh lands two former Michigan players in draft
12. Miami Dolphins (11)
The Dolphins didn’t have much draft capital, and to focus on depth with an edge rusher, wide receiver, and running back seems odd. Good thing they are set up pretty well with their starters on both sides to stay in the thick of the division and wild-card hunt.
MORE: Why did the Dolphins draft RB Jaylen Wright?
13. New York Jets (15)
Aaron Rodgers’ injury kept the Jets from living up to their hype last season. Now with Rodgers coming off his torn Achilles, they have more key help for him in pass protection and at wide receiver, both of which met his approval on social media. They are right there in position to displace the Bills and Dolphins.
MORE: Why did the Jets draft QB Jordan Travis?
14. Dallas Cowboys (10)
The Cowboys and Jerry Jones declared an “all-in” on offense but were salary cap-strapped and somehow didn’t add a running back at a glaring position of need. Their hyper-focus on the offensive line cost them some needed early impact at wide receiver. This is looking like a tenuous season for the Dak Prescott-Mike McCarthy era.
MORE: One more ride in Dallas: Ezekiel Elliott contract details
15. Los Angeles Rams (14)
The Rams used the draft to their advantage for the first time in a while under Les Snead and wisely went defense-first up front with Florida State teammates Jared Verse and Braden Fiske. They have the depth there and on offense to better push the 49ers in the NFC West.
MORE: Why did RB Blake Corum fall to the Rams in the third round?
16. Atlanta Falcons (13)
The Falcons whiffed in the draft by taking QB Michael Penix Jr. instead of tapping into impact defensive talent to boost them as the new NFC South favorites. They tried to chase help for Raheem Morris later, but it’s clear they feel their offense was the biggest letdown in their 7-10 non-playoff purgatory.
FALCONS DRAFT MICHAEL PENIX:
Comparing ATL QB contracts | Why Falcons made pick | Cousins reaction | Blank-Fontenot video
17. Chicago Bears (20)
If the Bears weren’t in a more established, offense-heavy division with the Lions and Packers, they would be easy playoff favorites with Caleb Williams significantly upgrading their QB position. Williams, already loaded with weapons, got fellow first-rounder WR Rome Odunze and offensive tackle help later to boot. The Bears even had time to boost the edge rush for Matt Eberflus.
MORE: Williams promises 4th-round pick Tory Taylor a quiet season in draft-day text
18. Jacksonville Jaguars (18)
The Jaguars were smart to go after a great wide receiver value early in Brian Thomas Jr. for Trevor Lawrence ahead of the latter’s lucrative contract extension. The draft was overall meh, however, keeping them solidly behind the Texans in the AFC South.
MORE: Why was the son of Jacksonville’s owner wearing a neck brace during the draft?
19. Cleveland Browns (19)
The Browns didn’t have much draft capital and did their best to add key depth with six picks. That also keeps them right where they were post-free agency as a falling wild-card team, especially given the stronger states of the Ravens, Bengals, and Steelers.
MORE: Deshaun Watson trade completed during 2024 NFL Draft
20. Minnesota Vikings (23)
The Vikings can sympathize with the Browns, as they’re stuck in the loaded NFC North. QB J.J. McCarthy and edge Dallas Turner each have Rookie of the Year potential for Kevin O’Connell. It will be fun to see every game in this division, especially McCarthy vs. Williams.
MORE: Why did Dallas Turner fall to the Vikings at No. 17 overall?
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (17)
The Buccaneers did their best to address two notable deficiencies: offensive line and the defense as a whole. They did fall behind the Falcons, however, in the division race regardless.
MORE: Why did Ric Flair announce a Bucs draft pick?
22. Seattle Seahawks (22)
The Seahawks added some more key pieces for defensive-minded rookie coach Mike Macdonald, starting with impact tackle Byron Murphy. They also addressed offensive line, but like the Jaguars and Browns, they’re more treading water.
MORE: Get to know Seahawks’ new coach Mike Macdonald
23. New Orleans Saints (25)
The Saints came away with two critical impact players, offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga and active playmaking corner Kool-Aid McKinstry. They are a little better positioned to get back into the NFC South title contention.
MORE: Saints QB depth chart after drafting Spencer Rattler
24. Indianapolis Colts (21)
The Colts boosted their pass rush first but still ended up with a needed big-play wide receiver, Adonai Mitchell, for Anthony Richardson. Richardson’s health and second-year development will determine plenty.
MORE: Why did Adonai Mitchell fall to Colts in second round?
25. Arizona Cardinals (24)
Kyler Murray should be eager to take “Maserati Marv” for a spin. Marvin Harrison Jr. should follow in fellow Buckeyes C.J. Stroud’s and Garrett Wilson’s footsteps as the Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite. The Cardinals went nuts with seven picks on the first two days, mainly helping Jonathan Gannon’s defense beyond Harrison and RB Trey Benson.
MORE: Why fans can’t buy Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Cardinals jersey yet
26. Washington Commanders (27)
The Commanders closed the gap in their division to the point of sneaking into playoff contention. It comes down to what Jayden Daniels can deliver right away with a pretty good array of weapons that now includes rookie TE Ben Sinnott and WR Luke McCaffrey. Dan Quinn also had to be pleased with the defensive help he got from new GM Adam Peters.
MORE: Why did Commanders draft Jayden Daniels over Drake Maye & J.J. McCarthy?
27. Tennessee Titans (26)
The Titans had a so-so draft, getting more defensive-minded than expected after getting a key offensive tackle, J.C. Latham, for Will Levis under new coach Brian Callahan. Until they see Levis make the leap as the unquestioned starter, they are set up for last place.
MORE: Top 35 fantasy football rookie rankings
28. Las Vegas Raiders (28)
The Raiders will be trying to win with the defense and running game again for now full-time coach Antonio Pierce. TE Brock Bowers is a fine first-round talent; he was just not what they most needed. The line and weapons got some upgrades, but now they are stuck between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell at QB, which might make that moot.
MORE: Raiders WR depth chart after signing Michael Gallup
29. Denver Broncos (32)
The Broncos made the most of their seven picks, adding a new passing combination of Bo Nix to Troy Franklin to revamp Sean Payton’s offense while also upgrading the pass defense well with values for Vance Joseph.
MORE: Bo Nix and Troy Franklin’s stats together at Oregon
30. New York Giants (29)
The Giants ended up sticking with Daniel Jones and now need to hope he can maximize WR Malik Nabers. Safety Tyler Nubin will definitely help clean up for the defense. Status quo, however, will push them to last in the division.
MORE: Malik Nabers gives lukewarm response about working with ‘Janiel Dones’
31. New England Patriots (31)
The Patriots were well aware they had a shaky supporting cast for Drake Maye beyond Rhamondre Stevenson, Hunter Henry, and Mike Onwenu. That’s why they followed up Maye with two wide receivers, an offensive tackle, and a guard. It’s just unclear how that mix will come together at first for new OC Alex Van Pelt.
MORE: Why did Patriots draft QB Joe Milton III?
32. Carolina Panthers (30)
Speaking of knowing they needed to help their quarterback, the Panthers got aggressive trying to upgrade wide receiver, running back, and tight end for Bryce Young. But all three (WR Xavier Legette, RB Jonathon Brooks, WR Ja’Tavion Sanders) have some question marks, ranging from consistency to durability.
MORE: Jonathan Brooks almost the latest first RB taken in draft history
