The 2024 NFL season is officially more than halfway complete with many teams still in the hunt for a coveted playoff appearance, while other teams are seeing their hopes dwindle with each loss they are picking up.
The second half of the season becomes even more important for teams looking to win their division or secure a wild-card playoff spot, but how do these teams rank across the league?
Week 11 Power Rankings by The Dallas Express have officially arrived.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (Previous Ranking: 1)
Kansas City just keeps winning. Many of their wins this season have not been pretty, but that does not matter to a team seeking their third straight Super Bowl victory. The Chiefs will likely be at the top of these power rankings for the rest of the season because having the best quarterback, head coach, and defense is the most clear path to success in the NFL.
2. Detroit Lions (Previous Ranking: 2)
Nearly everything went wrong for the Lions’ offense in Week 10 as Jared Goff threw five interceptions, yet they still managed to put up 26 points and beat a potential playoff team, the Houston Texans. Detroit has always been formidable because its offense can seemingly score whenever it wants, but adding a disruptive defense to this team has taken it over the top and made it the clear favorite in the NFC.
3. Baltimore Ravens (Previous Ranking: 3)
Many of the criticisms against the Ravens this season have come due to their struggles while playing from behind, but Lamar Jackson quickly ended those concerns with a comeback win against the Cincinnati Bengals. This win keeps Baltimore in the hunt for the AFC North division crown and further cements the Ravens as one of the top teams in the AFC and a contender for the Super Bowl.
4. Buffalo Bills (Previous Ranking: 4)
Josh Allen had one of his worst games of the season in a Week 10 win over the Indianapolis Colts, throwing zero touchdowns for the second time this season while also throwing a season-high two interceptions. However, the Bills still managed to walk out with a 30-20 road victory over the Colts. Head coach and defense are the two major concerns for this team, but the overall talent on the offense still makes the Bills a serious contender to win the Super Bowl.
5. Philadelphia Eagles (Previous Ranking: 6)
The Eagles have now won five straight games and are demonstrating why they should be considered the biggest threat to the Lions in the NFC. Philadelphia has one of the most loaded offenses in the league and the defense has begun to play to their potential, making them a dangerous team once the playoffs begin.
6. Green Bay Packers (Previous Ranking: 7)
The Packers are one of the most exciting teams in the league when they are playing at their best, but this has become a rare occurrence for a team that is one of the most penalized in the league before the snap. Green Bay was on a bye in Week 10 and likely did what it could to clean up some of these mistakes, but the youngest team in the league still has to learn to get out of its own way as the season continues.
7. Washington Commanders (Previous Ranking: 5)
Washington lost to the Steelers in Week 10 but was also playing without Brian Robinson Jr. and Marshon Lattimore, who will be major pieces of this team when they return from injuries. Washington could seemingly benefit from one more impactful player on both offense and defense, but the Commanders have already shown that they can compete with anyone in the league this season. Although the Commanders have a difficult schedule to finish the season, a playoff appearance is looking like a likely outcome for this young team.
8. Minnesota Vikings (Previous Ranking: 9)
Sam Darnold has become a major concern for the Vikings after throwing five interceptions and just three touchdowns over the last two weeks. The Vikings’ defense and offensive weapons are still near the top of the league and have bailed Darnold out multiple times this season, but having a concern at quarterback will be nerve-wracking when the playoffs begin and Minnesota has to match up against other top defenses.
9. San Francisco 49ers (Previous Ranking: 10)
The return of Christian McCaffrey will be vital for the 49ers as the season continues, as many other aspects of this team have been questionable through the first 10 weeks. The defense looks solid but not outstanding and the special teams have been a disaster since the start of the season. San Francisco still has one of the most loaded rosters in the league, but there could be significant issues if the offense does not begin to find its stride in the second half of the year.
10. Houston Texans (Previous Ranking: 8)
Week 10 was a devastating loss for the Texans after the defense forced five turnovers from Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Failing to score any points in the second half is a major indictment on the Texans after being one of the most explosive offenses in the league last season with many of the same pieces. Nico Collins’ return from the injured reserve should help open the passing game, but losing against Detroit is a demoralizing result for the Texans.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers (Previous Ranking: 12)
Russell Wilson has completely transformed the Steelers’ offense since taking over in Week 8 with Pittsburgh averaging over 30 points per game in his three starts. The addition of Preston Smith and Mike Williams at the trade deadline has already helped the Steelers pick up a win in Week 10, and this team continues to show that it can compete with any in the league when playing at its best.
12. Arizona Cardinals (Previous Ranking: 14)
The Cardinals currently sit atop the NFC West division and control their own destiny for the rest of the season. Arizona has an outlined path to the playoffs but has a difficult schedule to finish the year, including four more matchups against divisional opponents that will determine which teams make the postseason. The Cardinals’ offense has continually looked explosive this season and the defense has shown to be solid in certain points of the year.
13. Los Angeles Chargers (Previous Ranking: 16)
Head Coach Jim Harbaugh continues to win everywhere he goes with the Chargers now 6-3 on the season and firmly in the hunt for a playoff appearance. The pass catchers on this roster leave a lot to be desired, but the rushing attack and defense have each proven to be lethal through their first nine games. Los Angeles has a difficult schedule remaining this season, but the hot start should help to keep them in the postseason.
14. Atlanta Falcons (Previous Ranking: 11)
The biggest criticism of the Falcons to begin the season has been their tendency to play up or down to their opponents, which can be pointed to once again in the Week 10 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Although this matchup came against a divisional opponent, the Falcons could have kept themselves in the running for one of the top two playoff seeds in the NFC with a win but are now more likely to be fighting for the third or fourth seed.
15. Cincinnati Bengals (Previous Ranking: 13)
The Bengals can compete against any team in the NFL. The Bengals can also lose against any team in the NFL. Despite being just 4-6 and third in the AFC North, the Bengals have a reasonable path to the playoffs if the Denver Broncos begin to struggle. Cincinnati sits just one full game behind Denver for the final wild-card spot in the AFC playoffs, with a Week 17 matchup between these teams looking like a game that could determine who makes the playoffs.
16. Los Angeles Rams (Previous Ranking: 15)
Losing to the Dolphins in Week 10 was not ideal for the Rams as they look to compete for the top spot in the NFC West, but Los Angeles is still in the mix for the guaranteed playoff spot if they pick up wins in the second half of the season. Although the Rams are just 4-5 this season, they are still close behind the Cardinals for control of the division and could inch closer with a win over the New England Patriots in Week 11.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Previous Ranking: 17)
Tampa Bay has now lost five of its last six games and continues to deal with major injury concerns on both sides of the ball. Mike Evans is expected to return within the coming weeks after Tampa Bay’s Week 11 bye, but the Buccaneers will have to begin stacking wins if they want to make a run to the playoffs this year.
18. Denver Broncos (Previous Ranking: 19)
Moving up in the power rankings despite a loss is a rare occurrence, but the Broncos were incredibly close to taking down the Chiefs on the road. Certain aspects of this roster will need a lot of work during the offseason, but the impressive defensive performances and the calming factor of Head Coach Sean Payton will help this team compete with most teams in the league.
19. Seattle Seahawks (Previous Ranking: 21)
Despite being just 4-5 and currently in fourth place in the NFC West, the Seahawks have a legitimate path to winning the division and securing home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Four of Seattle’s eight remaining games are against divisional opponents, beginning with a Week 11 matchup against the 49ers that will play a major role in which of these teams makes the playoffs. The Seahawks still have issues on the offensive line and defense, but the plethora of offensive weapons could carry this team to enough wins to make the playoffs close out the year.
20. Chicago Bears (Previous Ranking: 18)
Chicago is a disaster. The Bears have officially parted ways with Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron after just nine games and multiple veterans have reportedly requested the benching of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Chicago has an important game in Week 11 against the Packers, as a loss to Green Bay would extend its 10-game losing streak while also likely ending the Bears’ hopes for a playoff push.
21. Miami Dolphins (Previous Ranking: 23)
Miami has the firepower to compete with the majority of teams in the league, but a brutal start to the season after Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion has nearly ended hope for a run to the playoffs. The Dolphins are currently trailing the Bills by more than five games for the divisional lead and will likely have to finish the season 7-1 to have a chance at making the playoffs as a wild-card team. Miami should begin researching offensive linemen and defensive players in the 2025 NFL Draft to determine who can make an impact for next season.
22. New York Jets (Previous Ranking: 20)
The 2024 NFL season is over for the Jets. New York is currently tied for last in its division and is just one game ahead of the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants for the worst record in the league. There are no answers this season for a team that had been talking about a run to the Super Bowl. The best hope now is that another full offseason could help the chemistry issues on both offense and defense. While this is possible, there is no guarantee Aaron Rodgers will even come back for another season with this team.
23. Dallas Cowboys (Previous Ranking: 22)
Micah Parsons made his return to the field in Week 10 and quickly made an impact, picking up two sacks and one tackle for loss. However, this Cowboys offense failed to score a single touchdown and there seems to be little room for improvement after losing Dak Prescott. Dallas’ defense could keep the team in some games throughout the rest of the season, but this team will not win anything meaningful this year.
24. New Orleans Saints (Previous Ranking: 27)
New Orleans secured a divisional win over the Falcons in Week 10, but the win will not do much for a team that is 3-7 on the season and already out of the playoff discussion. Injuries have derailed the season for the Saints and the salary cap situation will continue to get worse in the future. New Orleans must begin preparing for a painful offseason and the upcoming draft.
25. Cleveland Browns (Previous Ranking: 25)
The Browns do not have much to play for in the remaining eight games of the season, as they have a record of just 2-7 and are already out of playoff contention after making the postseason last year. Jameis Winston will continue throwing the ball all over the field, whether to Browns players or opponents, while the defense continues to play well behind Myles Garrett. Cleveland should spend the rest of the season determining which players need to be on the roster in the 2025 season to help this team compete at a higher level.
26. Indianapolis Colts (Previous Ranking: 24)
Although the Colts have claimed that Joe Flacco will give them the best chance to win and compete for the playoffs, Indianapolis could move back to Anthony Richardson within the coming weeks after two straight losses with Flacco. The Colts are not going to win a Super Bowl with either quarterback under center this season, which means the organization should commit to helping the younger player grow and develop while preparing for next year.
27. Carolina Panthers (Previous Ranking: 29)
A win over the New York Giants helped the Panthers secure their first winning streak since the 2022 season. Bryce Young has looked vastly improved since being benched earlier in the season and the defense looks better as the year continues. Carolina will not be competing for anything significant this season, but this team may not be as bad as previously expected.
28. New England Patriots (Previous Ranking: 31)
Drake Maye has looked impressive since taking over the starting role but the Patriots still lack talent with the offensive personnel. New England has shown that it can compete with some teams this season but improvements to the offensive line and pass-catching groups in the offseason should help it be an even more competitive team next season.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars (Previous Ranking: 26)
Jacksonville currently holds the worst record in the league and is on track to be selected first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, but this team still has the talent to compete in games for the rest of the season. This talent is unlikely to result in many wins due to holes on the roster, but the top of the roster should keep the Jaguars in games this season. Regardless, the Jaguars are just 2-8 with no hope of making the playoffs, meaning it is time to begin focusing on who should be selected with one of the top picks of the draft.
30. Tennessee Titans (Previous Ranking: 28)
A quarterback carousel between Mason Rudolph and Will Levis is unlikely to result in many wins, as the Titans fell to the Chargers in Week 10 with Levis playing under center. Tennessee has clear deficiencies on the roster, but the lack of quarterback play has plagued this team since the beginning of the season. The Titans’ front office is presumably already scouting quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft, which will hopefully provide stability in the future for this franchise.
31. Las Vegas Raiders (Previous Ranking: 30)
Las Vegas moved down during their bye week due to the success of teams that were previously ranked ahead of it. The Raiders still have a lot of questions that will have to be answered this offseason, but it is apparent that the offense will need a complete overhaul in the offseason. Luckily, the Raiders will be selecting near the top of the 2025 NFL Draft and should have their choice of prospects to add to their team.
32. New York Giants (Previous Ranking: 32)
The Giants are in a weird spot due to Daniel Jones’ contract. Jones has been the starting quarterback all season but has injury guarantees that could result in his benching. New York will now have two weeks to decide whether he will start for the remainder of the season or if Drew Lock will be the new starting quarterback as the Giants enter their bye week. However, neither player will lead this team to many wins to close the season.
