All 32 NFL groups ranked by Tremendous Bowl possibilities to begin the season

The great thing about the Nationwide Soccer League is that after an offseason of hope for all 32 groups, all the pieces will get settled on the sector. Issues like preseason rankings play no function in figuring out which two groups sq. off on the finish of the yr, and who stays standing, holding the Lombardi Trophy aloft.

That doesn’t imply, after all, that preseason rankings don’t make for excellent content material.

Following a rigorous voting course of, with ballots submitted by a number of SB Nation’s NFL specialists, listed below are our rankings for all 32 groups, sorted by their likelihood at being that one workforce left standing on the finish of the season.

32. New York Giants

It’s exhausting to think about the Giants being again in mediocrity, however right here we’re. The first challenge with this workforce is that they really feel rudderless and directionless in Brian Daboll’s third season as head coach. It definitely helps that he’s taking on playcalling duties, however there’s no a part of Daniel Jones’ recreation that implies he can execute on a imaginative and prescient.

In the meantime there are some stable items on protection right here, notably within the move rush — however that doesn’t make this image a lot brighter.

31. New England Patriots

Photograph by Scott Taetsch/Getty Photos

The primary aim in New England this season?

Get to the tip of the yr believing that Drake Maye is the long-term reply at quarterback.

Every thing else is icing on the cake that appears to be an extended yr.

30. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers are firmly in the midst of a rework, and no person actually has any hopes they’ll truly win a Tremendous Bowl this yr. A modest purpose could be hitting .500 and perhaps pushing for a playoff spot from there — however they’re nonetheless a while off.

Every thing comes all the way down to new head coach Dave Canales. He labored his offensive magic in Tampa Bay to show Baker Mayfield right into a playoff quarterback, however the Carolina roster is considerably weaker top-to-bottom. It’ll be an attention-grabbing experiment to see how this all pans out.

29. Las Vegas Raiders

Gardner Minshew emerged victorious over Aidan O’Connell within the Las Vegas Raiders’ coaching camp quarterback battle.

What which means for the Las Vegas offense going ahead stays to be seen, nevertheless it additionally means we’re probably going to get extra unimaginable images of the most recent Raiders quarterback. Which is an efficient factor.

28. Denver Broncos

The pairing of Bo Nix and Sean Payton, on paper, appears to be the proper partnership between coach and quarterback. Nix seems like he was in-built a lab to play quarterback for Payton, and the skilled head coach is hoping he has in Nix a modernized model of Drew Brees: A quarterback that may run his offense, make the best selections with the soccer, resolve the surprising issues that come enjoying the place, and sprinkle in some athleticism alongside the best way.

It would take a while for this workforce to gel, however the arrow is trending up on the offensive aspect of the ball in Denver.

Protection, nonetheless, is one other query.

27. Washington Commanders

This can be a workforce dedicated to constructing, and to that finish this group has made some actually stable strikes. The core downside is that you just make a really particular determination in regards to the route of your offense if you rent Kliff Kingsbury, and it’s wild to have his offensive sensibilities paired with an old style defensive coach like Dan Quinn.

Kingsbury’s offense places immense stress on the quarterback, and that paired with a weight of expectations in Washington is so much for Jaylen Daniels to bear. Anticipating early success is a idiot’s errand right here, and so they’ll want a while to construct this the best manner.

26. New Orleans Saints

Does anybody actually know something in regards to the New Orleans Saints? This group appears to nonetheless be reeling from Sean Payton’s departure in 2021, and has no actual identification in his absence.

The Saints are roughly simply floating alongside below Dennis Allen, rearranging deck chairs whereas the ship takes on increasingly water. That is nonetheless a workforce that may win, however with key accidents, expertise misplaced to free company, and Derek Carr at QB it makes it troublesome to be bullish about New Orleans in 2024.

25. Arizona Cardinals

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The jury continues to be out on head coach Jonathan Gannon, and that can outline the Cardinals possibilities in 2024. It stays to be seen if Gannon is really the defensive genius who helped propel the Eagles to a Tremendous Bowl win, or whether or not he was a man in the best place on the proper time.

It’s too early to be that involved about Gannon, however Arizona have to be a rattling sight higher than thirty first within the NFL in factors allowed to be something near a contender. A wholesome Kyler Murray paired with Marvin Harrison Jr. ought to make the Cardinals thrilling to observe, and that in itself is progress.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers

The quarterback competitors in Pittsburgh got here all the way down to Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, two quarterbacks seen as castoffs by different organizations.

The protection will likely be good, of that there is no such thing as a doubt. Head coach Mike Tomlin received this workforce to the playoffs a season in the past with an amalgamation of Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph below heart. So they don’t seem to be to be ignored. However in a tricky division, and even more durable convention, the trail to a Tremendous Bowl for Pittsburgh appears arduous.

23. Minnesota Vikings

The deliberate “aggressive rebuild” of the Vikings went up in smoke. This workforce wanted a rework, and so they did it over the offseason. There’s nonetheless the basics of Vikings soccer: Nice receivers and a stable move rush, however in quite a lot of methods the secondary continues to be a large number because it has been for years in Minnesota.

It’s troublesome to see 2024 as way more than a punt for discipline place. This workforce is ready till J.J. McCarthy is able to develop into their franchise QB, and it’s troublesome to see them actually making a lot noise with Sam Darnold at QB. That mentioned, the Vikings could possibly be higher than lots of people are giving them credit score for.

22. Tennessee Titans

The Titans are an attention-grabbing workforce. Whereas they spent massive on free brokers akin to wideout Calvin Ridley and nook L’Jarius Sneed, the query marks nonetheless stay at sign caller. Second-year QB Will Levis has the instruments and talent place expertise round him to make the leap this yr, however has to iron out inconsistent ball placement and responses to stress. New head coach Brian Callahan ought to assist, although; he was instrumental in getting QB Jake Browning in control in Cincinnati.

This workforce has all of the makings of a playoff-caliber squad defensively, however till the quarterback exhibits indicators of enchancment, they’ll be caught right here.

21. Seattle Seahawks

Pete Carroll continues to be a mammoth determine contained in the Seahawks group, even when he’s stepped into an government function. The franchise made an excellent determination to rent Mike McDonald as head coach, however this additionally seems like a franchise content material to know their state of affairs proper now.

Seattle has a lot younger expertise, however they’re not making the error of dashing the method and operating headfirst into the Niners. They’ll bide their time, hope that window closes, and so they can strike out with a brand new long-term franchise QB after Geno Smith hangs it up. That’s a superb technique, however results in measured success in 2024.

20. Los Angeles Chargers

This season from the Los Angeles Chargers will go a great distance in the direction of answering this query: Is the operating recreation again in at the moment’s NFL? Jim Harbaugh’s return to the NFL, and the anticipated emphasis on the operating recreation in Los Angeles, will definitely put that query to the take a look at.

In spite of everything, certainly one of Harbaugh’s first massive selections this offseason? Drafting offensive sort out Joe Alt.

Our buddies at Bolts from the Blue described this as a possible “sea change” for the Chargers. Time will inform if it really works.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The destiny of the Buccaneers this season is tied to what their offense seems like. That is nonetheless a workforce with one of many league’s finest receiving tandems in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, however there’s a mammoth adjustment to be made with offensive coordinator Dave Canales heading to Carolina and taking WR Coach Brad Idzik with him.

Tampa Bay may nonetheless be the perfect all-around workforce within the NFC South, nevertheless it actually hinges on their teaching adjustments whether or not this yr generally is a success or not.

18. Chicago Bears

Photograph by Quinn Harris/Getty Photos

It’s been a very long time for the reason that vibes have been this good in Chicago. Caleb Williams has remodeled the temper round this workforce in a single day because the youth motion is totally underway for the Bears.

Early returns on Williams and fellow rookie Rome Odunze are astounding, however Bears followers ought to pump the brakes just a bit on instant success. The Texans turnaround in 2023 reshaped how fanbases anticipate speedy return — however they have been the exception, not the rule. The Bears are nonetheless a bit of methods off being true contenders, so this season needs to be about incremental enchancment and constructing.

17. Indianapolis Colts

Usually picked as a classy workforce to make the playoffs after lacking the playoffs by one recreation, the Colts are trending within the route of significant January soccer. GM Chris Ballard’s constant drafting of high tier athletes is beginning to repay, with the event path coming to the proper cease in 2024.

The vital key to their success is QB Anthony Richardson. Richardson made some strides final yr, displaying his huge potential earlier than lacking the remainder of the season because of damage. If his growth continues to be on the quick monitor, the Colts’ offense turns into extra dynamic with he and operating again Jonathan Taylor within the backfield. The ceiling for Indy is extremely excessive—however can they attain it this yr?

16. Atlanta Falcons

Probably the most unlikely workforce to smash the “win now” button, the Falcons have undergone a large transformation from the workforce they ended the season as. The group made an enormous splash in free company by signing Kirk Cousins to an enormous contract that screamed “we need to contend proper now,” and not less than on paper they’ve the roster to have the ability to contend within the NFC.

The issue: That is the Atlanta Falcons. For higher and worse they’re going to search out methods to shock you. When the mud settles this might both be a workforce within the NFC Championship recreation, or 5-12. Neither consequence could be stunning in any respect.

15. New York Jets

On paper, the New York Jets have sufficient expertise to be critical contenders within the AFC. With a rebuilt offensive line in entrance of Aaron Rodgers and playmakers in any respect ranges of the protection, in addition to within the offensive huddle subsequent to Rodgers, this could possibly be a really aggressive workforce.

Nevertheless, there may be additionally a non-zero likelihood the wheels fall off by Halloween.

14. Jacksonville Jaguars

After falling flat on their face to finish the 2023 season, the Jaguars are on a revenge tour in hopes of constructing the playoffs in 2024. All of it begins on offense, the place the Jaguars revamped their offense to throw the ball downfield much more. Including WR Gabe Davis from the Payments will give them a much bigger physique over the center, and drafting WR Brian Thomas Jr within the first spherical offers them a field-tilting velocity they haven’t had in a very long time. The query is that if they’ll defend QB Trevor Lawrence, nonetheless. The offensive line struggled final yr to get any push within the run recreation and safety within the passing recreation, however with vet heart Mitch Morse now holding down the pivot, the hope is the inside will get mounted.

DC Ryan Nielsen comes over from Atlanta and adjustments the Jaguars again to an attacking, four-down entrance. With the continued progress of EDGE Travon Walker, CB Tyson Campbell and S Andre Cisco, this protection could be prepared for the playoffs.

13. Los Angeles Rams

Sean McVay’s workforce resides on borrowed time. It’s unclear when the wheels will fall off Matthew Stafford, however the Rams are going to maintain operating it again till he’s actually performed. This season provides the mammoth problem of changing the irreplaceable after Aaron Donald retired from soccer.

This was a workforce that received a hoop, it achieved its aim. Now they’re simply enjoying all of it out till they should rebuild. McVay continues to be among the best coaches within the league although, so that they have quite a lot of latitude transferring ahead — nevertheless it’s troublesome to be bullish for a workforce sharing a division with the San Francisco 49ers.

12. Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins ought to once more have one of the crucial explosive offenses in all of soccer. With Tua Tagovailoa operating the present, Mike McDaniel drawing up the ideas, and the velocity this workforce has within the offensive huddle, scoring factors shouldn’t be an issue.

The most important concern we’ve got in regards to the Dolphins? Can they win when it counts. Final yr Miami received off to a 9-3 begin and was in management within the AFC East, solely to fumble the division away and finally lose on the highway in frigid Kansas Metropolis over Wild Card Weekend. Is that this the yr they lastly put an entire season collectively?

11. Cincinnati Bengals

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Getting a wholesome Joe Burrow again is clearly an enormous step ahead for the Cincinnati Bengals and their Tremendous Bowl aspirations. Bengals followers will hope to see Ja’Marr Chase alongside him right here in Week 1, however this seems to be a really proficient offense.

The questions linger on the defensive aspect of the soccer. Can they cease the run when they should? How will the brand new security duo maintain up?

And the way will the items all slot in a stout AFC North?

10. Cleveland Browns

The offensive line is likely one of the finest in soccer. The protection has playmakers in any respect three ranges and is led by Myles Garrett, one of the crucial feared defenders within the recreation.

All of it comes all the way down to Deshaun Watson. Is that this the yr he lastly delivers for the Cleveland Browns?

9. Dallas Cowboys

That is it. Every thing is on the road for the Cowboys in 2024, and if this goes belly-up there are some brutal selections down the highway. There’s by no means been a query about Dallas’ expertise on paper. This workforce has a High 10 QB (High 5 relying on who you ask), a legit game-breaking receiver, one of the crucial dominant move rushers within the recreation, and a stable offensive line as well.

The query is whether or not the Cowboys can get out of their very own manner. This group is snake bit in the case of getting over the hump and enjoying in a Tremendous Bowl. The query this season is whether or not everybody can rally collectively and make this complete factor work. Because it stands it is a workforce that would both be 13-4, or begin 0-5, hearth their coach, and rebuild the entire thing. These are the stakes at play.

8. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles needed to content material with so much in 2023. There was a really particular Tremendous Bowl hangover at work, however extra importantly this workforce regarded prefer it was by no means actually comfy transferring on from Shane Steichen and Jonathan Gannon.

That adjustments now. The Eagles have gone massive with names at offensive and defensive coordinator with Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio respectively, and their degree of expertise needs to be sufficient to push Philly again to being contenders, as a result of their roster is simply too rattling good. The one hesitation is whether or not Moore has the offensive creativity to finest make the most of Jalen Hurts, however it is a pretty small concern within the grand scheme of issues.

7. Inexperienced Bay Packers

It’s wild that this workforce has performed it once more. The Packers managed to seamlessly transition from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers, and now from Rodgers to Jordan Love.

Rumors of the Packers demise have been drastically exaggerated. In actual fact, Inexperienced Bay seems higher below Love that the tail finish of the Rodgers period, and the workforce is responding nicely. It’s unclear in the event that they’re fairly able to problem the Lions atop the NFC North, however they’re definitely adequate to get into the playoffs.

6. Buffalo Payments

Every thing begins with Josh Allen. So long as the Payments have #17 within the huddle, they’ve a shot.

They’ll have to get manufacturing from a reworked broad receiver room, and a few new faces must step up on the defensive aspect of the soccer. The damage to Matt Milano looms massive, particularly with among the offenses Buffalo will see this season.

But when nothing else, Allen can discover a method to will this workforce again to the playoffs.

5. Houston Texans

Houston is doing precisely what you must do when you already know you’ve got a very good rookie QB on a rookie deal. After CJ Stroud lit up the NFL en path to an Offensive Rookie of the Yr trophy and a run to the divisional spherical of the playoffs, Houston masses up on either side of the ball to develop into a critical menace within the AFC. EDGE Danielle Hunter is available in to pair with reigning Defensive Rookie of the Yr Will Anderson to kind a fearsome EDGE duo. WR Stefon Diggs was traded to Houston from Buffalo to present Stroud yet one more weapon within the passing recreation. RB Joe Mixon helps together with his continuity within the broad zone offense.

There are questions, nonetheless. Largely regression from the offense. Stroud led the NFL in TD/INT ratio as a rookie, so there’s sure to be some regression…proper? Proper? Can the offense run the ball successfully this yr, when at instances final yr they couldn’t transfer the ball on the bottom?

It may not matter, particularly if the protection performs so much higher. This workforce is seeking to make a Tremendous Bowl run, and so they could be headed that manner.

4. Baltimore Ravens

On paper, the Baltimore Ravens look imposing as soon as once more. Two-time MVP winner Lamar Jackson paired with Derrick Henry within the offensive backfield? That may give defensive coordinators so much to fret about every week.

There are questions, after all. How will the protection fare with Mike Macdonald in Seattle? How will this reworked offensive line carry out in entrance of that duo within the backfield? Can Baltimore get sufficient out of the passing recreation once they want it?

Nonetheless, it is a very, superb soccer workforce.

3. Detroit Lions

The Lions’ window is broad open and so they’re seeking to take the subsequent step into successful the NFC. That path goes by the Niners, which makes it troublesome — however there’s so much to love about Detroit as an entire soccer workforce. Offensively the workforce is elite, defensively they’re adequate — and quite a lot of the latest drafts have led to creating quite a few stars across the roster.

At this level it’s merely about having the mentality and perception that transforms a very good workforce right into a perennial contender. Dan Campbell has the mentality to maintain this workforce so as and aim oriented, so we merely wait to see how they reply.

2. San Francisco 49ers

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The 49ers are operating out of excuses — or, extra aptly, Kyle Shanahan is. This franchise continues to be among the best groups in all the NFL, however in some unspecified time in the future endlessly knocking on the Tremendous Bowl door with out stepping by goes to wear down its welcome.

The workforce has performed a very good job holding its window open for so long as doable, however so much in 2024 relies on whether or not Brock Purdy is admittedly “the man” at quarterback, or whether or not this workforce nonetheless has sufficient oomph for one more run. Regardless, the Niners are dominant and may issue once more.

1. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs

No workforce has ever gained three-straight Tremendous Bowl titles.

Can the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs develop into the primary to perform this feat? They’ve the sport’s finest quarterback in Patrick Mahomes, a stout offensive line, a protection that held up their finish of the cut price final season, and maybe even some … let’s say karma … on their aspect.

Will it’s sufficient?