While we can’t split the season exactly in fourths anymore, we are as close as we can get to the quarter-point of the 2024 NFL season. Here are all 32 teams ranked worst to first.
Getty Image / Patrick McDermott
We are essentially at the quarter-mark of the NFL season, and we can start drawing some real conclusions about all 32 teams. Some of these teams are close to where they were ranked to start the year, while others have moved significantly, for better or worse.
Here are all 32 teams ranked worst to first.
32. New England Patriots (1-3)
Last Week: 30-13 (L @ 49ers)
This Week: @ Dolphins
Remember the Patriots’ season-opening win against the Cincinnati Bengals? That seems like it was a different season at this point. The Patriots return to where they started the season in the 32nd spot due to an offense that doesn’t scare anyone, a beat-up defense, and a subpar first four games for first-year head coach Jerod Mayo. It’s time to play Drake Maye, as Jacoby Brissett is not going to elevate this team to wins.
31. Miami Dolphins (1-3)
Last Week: 31-12 (L @ Titans)
This Week: Vs. Patriots
The fun, flashy, and explosive Miami Dolphins of 2024 are long gone. Instead, with Tua Tagovailoa sidelined with what could be a career-ending concussion, the offense continues to be terrible Mike McDaniel went with Tyler Huntley at quarterback on Monday night. But, once again, the Dolphins didn’t lead for a single second. They’re the only team in the lead not to lead during a game all year, only winning on a walk-off field goal against the Jaguars in Week 1.
30. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4)
Last Week: 24-20 (L vs. Texans)
This Week: Vs. Colts
After getting embarrassed against Buffalo last week, The Jaguars were much more competitive against the Texans. But, as they have for nine of their last ten games, they found a way to lose. Doug Pedersen might have the hottest seat in the league, and it comes down to the fact that Trevor Lawrence simply has stagnated in his development.
29. Carolina Panthers (1-3)
Last Week: 34-24 (L vs. Bengals)
This Week: Vs. Bears
A week after beating the Raiders, the Panthers were once again much more competitive with Andy Dalton under center after making the change from Bryce Young. Ultimately, they’re still going to lose a lot of games, but Dalton is at least making them watchable and playing at a level allowing their young wide receivers the chance to develop.
28. Tennessee Titans (1-3)
Last Week: 31-12 (W vs. Dolphins)
This Week: Bye
Will Levis turned the ball over once again, and it looked early on like it could be another game sabotaged by terrible quarterback play. But, he left with an injury, and veteran Mason Rudolph took care of the football the rest of the way. Turns out, that’s all this team needed to get in the win column. They have a choice to make now: develop Will Levis and punt this year, or try to win some games with Mason Rudolph.
27. New York Giants (1-3)
Last Week: 20-15 (L @ Cowboys)
This Week: @ Seahawks
The Giants are improved from last season, though that’s clearing a low bar. Daniel Jones missed most of last year due to injuries, but he was terrible when he did play last year. This year, he’s been at least mediocre, and his connection with rookie star Malik Nabers is keeping them in games. Ultimately, this is a team in the middle of a rebuild, but they will play some competitive games.
26. Arizona Cardinals (1-3)
Last Week: 42-14 (L @ Commanders)
This Week: @ 49ers
After a close loss to the Bills and a blowout win over the Rams the first two weeks, it would’ve been fair to assume the Cardinals were heading in the right direction. After a close loss to the Lions in Week 3, Week 4’s blowout loss to the Commanders was a big step back for Arizona. We’ve seen Kyler Murray start hot and fade before. He needs to avoid that this year.
25. Denver Broncos (2-2)
Last Week: 10-9 (W vs. Jets)
This Week: vs. Raiders
There may not be a stranger win all year than the one the Broncos had against the Jets. Bo Nix threw for negative yards in the first half, the never really moved the ball all day, and won anyway. The conditions at MetLife Stadium were awful, and while the Broncos couldn’t move the ball, their defense picked them up in a big way. Ultimately, this is a very limited team that’s playing hard for Sean Payton.
24. Cleveland Browns (1-3)
Last Week: 20-16 (L @ Raiders)
This Week: @ Commanders
It’s not Deshaun Watson was particularly bad on Sunday. But, it’s clear that a talented Browns team is not rallying around him. If they want to try to save their season, it may be time to swap Watson out for Jameis Winston.
23. Los Angeles Rams (1-3)
Last Week: 24-18 (L @ Bears)
This Week: @ Packers
The Bears offense had looked downright awful through the first three weeks. But, the Rams defense made them look competent. That’s quite the indictment for one of the worst units in the league, and Matthew Stafford’s weapons aren’t healthy enough for him to consistently overcome that.
22. Las Vegas Raiders (2-2)
Last Week: 20-16 (W vs. Browns)
This Week: @ Broncos
Sunday’s game against the Browns felt like a must-win, and they did indeed find a way to win. After being mostly ineffective the first three weeks, Las Vegas got production out of their run game. The defense played their most complete game, as well. A big chance to go to 3-2 awaits.
21. Indianapolis Colts (2-2)
Last Week: 27-24 (W vs. Steelers)
This Week: @ Jaguars
Anthony Richardson missed 13 games in his rookie year last year due to injury, and he’s hurt again, suffering a hip pointer after a fast start on Sunday. But, if you’re not worried about his development, Joe Flacco is probably an upgrade. He played great against a stingy Pittsburgh defense. The defense got a stop when they needed to in the two-minute drill, but it was concerning that Justin Fields was so effective in the second-half.
20. Chicago Bears (2-2)
Last Week: 24-18 (W vs. Rams)
This Week: Vs. Panthers
The Bears were finally able to run the ball, and that helped Caleb Williams to his best game as a pro so far. Given their top-ten defense, if they can run the ball, they’re going to be a dangerous team given the weapons that Caleb Williams has at his disposal. But, we need to see them run the ball well twice before we should truly believe in the Bears.
19. Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)
Last Week: 17-10 (L vs. Chiefs)
This Week: Bye
The Chargers had the Chiefs down 10-0 early, but their lack of offensive firepower showed in the game’s final three quarters. Ultimately, there’s no shame in playing Kansas City close and losing. But, injuries are already piling up. The Bye Week is coming at the right time, because this is a team that doesn’t have the depths to survive the key injuries they have right now.
18. New York Jets (2-2)
Last Week: 10-9 (L @ Broncos)
This Week: @ Vikings
How do you lose a game in which the opposing quarterback throws for -7 yards in the first half? That’s a question Jets fans are asking this week, as they let a golden opportunity to get to 3-1 slip away. More troubling is Aaron Rodgers’ physical condition. The quarterback was hobbling quite a bit at the end of the game on a wet field.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (1-3)
Last Week: 34-24 (W @ Panthers)
This Week: Vs. Ravens
Joe Burrow has proved that he’s still elite, and the offense hummed for the second-straight game. That should give Cincinnati fans hope, but the fact that the defense is giving up a ton of yards and points right now is a real cause for concern.
16, New Orleans Saints (2-2)
Last Week: 26-24 (L @ Falcons)
This Week: Bye
The Saints absolutely outplayed the Falcons on Sunday. They kept the Falcons offense out of the end zone, and moved the ball consistently all day. But, a muffed punt that rolled into the end zone and a pick-six doomed the Saints. That’s a game that a team with below-average talent has to win to make the playoffs.
15. Dallas Cowboys (2-2)
Last Week: 20-15 (W vs. Giants)
This Week: @ Steelers
After giving up a ton of rushing yards through the first three weeks, the Cowboys did much better in that facet against the Giants. But, their own running game is nonexistent, making things tough for Dak Prescott and the rest of the offense. Now, it looks like Micah Parsons will join Demarcus Lawrence in missing significant time. The season could get away from Dallas.
14. Atlanta Falcons (2-2)
Last Week: 26-24 (W vs. Saints)
This Week: @ Buccaneers
After playing a great game in Week 3 against the Chiefs and falling short, the Falcons played a much worse game but beat the Saints. Sitting at 2-2 is great, all things considered, but the fact that Kyle Pitts is a complete non-factor in the offense is really concerning.
13. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
Last Week: 33-16 (L @ Buccaneers)
This Week: Bye
The Eagles held out a bunch of injured players and quickly fell behind 21-0 on Sunday. That proved to be too big of a hole to dig out of. The Bye Week is coming at a good time given their injuries. But, the total lack of pass rush is a huge concern going forward.
12. Washington Commanders (3-1)
Last Week: 42-14 (W vs. Cardinals)
This Week: Vs. Browns
I try not to talk about quarterbacks too much in this column, since I do a separate quarterback rankings during the week, as well. But, this team is 3-1 because rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels looks like he is already among the league’s best signal callers. As long as that continues to be the case, this season is a massive success, playoff berth or not.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)
Last Week: 33-16 (W vs. Eagles)
This Week: Vs. Falcons
That Week 3 blowout loss to the Denver Broncos seems like a huge outlier. The Buccaneers hummed on both sides of the ball against Philadelphia on Sunday. Most notably, that passing game that has the potential to be as good as any in the league dominated the Eagles for four quarters.
10. Green Bay Packers (2-2)
Last Week: 31-29 (L vs. Vikings)
This Week: Vs. Rams
Yes, the Packers lost to the Vikings. But, it was really encouraging the way they fought back from a 28-0 deficit. Jordan Love came back from injury and didn’t look 100%, especially early. But, he got better as the game went on, and the Packers showed why they are one of the most dangerous teams in the league. Right now, the biggest question is the secondary, which needs to improve. A healthy Jaire Alexander would go a long way.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)
Last Week: 27-24 (L @ Colts)
This Week: Vs. Cowboys
The Steelers defense that was incredible through three weeks really struggled against the Colts for most of the game until playing better late. It was encouraging to see Justin Fields play well while trailing and make a real run at a comeback victory. Russell Wilson may not ever make a start in Pittsburgh.
8. Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
Last Week: 42-29 (L @ Lions)
This Week: Vs. Giants
The Seattle Seahawks couldn’t force a single incompletion from Jared Goff on Monday night, and ultimately a poor defensive performance was the difference. But, Geno Smith and the offense showed that they weren’t just a product of a weak schedule the first few weeks of the season. That’s one of the top units in the league.
7. Houston Texans (3-1)
Last Week: 24-20 (W vs. Jaguars)
This Week: @ Bills
The Texans got back in the win column against the lowly Jaguars on a last-second CJ Stroud touchdown pass. Ultimately, the game never should’ve been that close, as the Texans outplayed the Jags and outgained them by well over 100 yards. We will learn about more about Houston against Buffalo this weekend.
6. San Francisco 49ers (2-2)
Last Week: 30-13 (W vs. Patriots)
This Week: vs. Cardinals
There’s not much to glean from a win over arguably the worst team in the league in a matchup with a huge talent disparity. But, while the award has been dominated by pass-rushers recently, Fred Warner is making a real case for NFL Defensive Player of the Year early in the season. His pick-six was the highlight.
5. Baltimore Ravens (2-2)
Last Week: 35-10 (W vs. Bills)
This Week: @ Bengals
That Week 2 loss to the Raiders to fall to 0-2 seems like ancient history now. Baltimore dominated last week’s number-one team, mostly due to standout running by Derrick Henry. The future Hall-of-Famer tallied 199 yards on the ground, including 87 on his first carry of the game. This team has found an identity on offense, and that’s a scary thought for everyone else.
4. Buffalo Bills (3-1)
Last Week: 35-10 (L @ Ravens)
This Week: Vs. Texans
The Bills had been dominant since the second half of their Week 1 game began. But, poor run defense and some really bad coaching decisions by Sean McDermott put Buffalo behind the 8-ball early and ultimately resulted in a blowout. Were they a product of a soft schedule, or are they a true contender? Week 5’s game against Houston will give us a big hint.
3. Detroit Lions (3-1)
Last Week: 42-29 (W vs. Seahawks)
This Week: Bye
The defense gave up 516 yards and 38 first downs, which is almost never going to be good enough to win. But, when Jared Goff doesn’t throw a single incompletion and the Lions offense is an efficiency monster, that will keep you in games no matter how poorly the defense plays. Of course, Goff wouldn’t be so effective on play-action if his offensive line wasn’t consistently opening up holes in the run game for David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. The defense has to improve, but the offense put on a show.
2. Minnesota Vikings (4-0)
Getty Image / Patrick McDermott
Last Week: 31-29 (W @ Packers)
This Week: Vs. Jets
If you’re not on the bandwagon, it’s time to hop on. Not only are the Vikings 4-0, but they have three wins against top ten teams in these rankings in the 49ers, Texans, and now the Packers. Sam Darnold continued his steady play, and the defense dominated in the first half. While they almost blew a 28-0, this is a team that has played high-level football on both sides more consistently than any team in the National Football League. In fact, if the two-time defending Super Bowl champions weren’t undefeated, the Vikings would be at the top of the list.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)
Last Week: 17-10 (W @ Chargers)
This Week: Vs. Saints
Patrick Mahomes turned the ball over once again, Rashee Rice might be lost for the season after colliding with Mahomes after an interception, and they fell behind 10-0. None of those things could stop the Chiefs from winning their tenth-straight game dating back to last year. The defense was lights-out following a so-so start to the game, and Mahomes finally got back in the groove with Travis Kelce. Eventually, they’re going to lose one of these close games, but the kings are still the kings.