Tier 1 (Super Bowl contenders)
Sep 6, 2024; Sao Paulo, BRA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scrambles against Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary (52) during the first half at Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
1. Kansas City Chiefs (1-0)
2. San Francisco 49ers (1-0)
3. Detroit Lions (1-0)
4. Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)
5. Dallas Cowboys (1-0)
6. Baltimore Ravens (0-1)
7. Houston Texans (1-0)
Philadelphia flew to Brazil and got a much-needed Week 1 win over Green Bay, while C.J. Stroud and the Texans put the NFL world on notice. Baltimore slips after their season-opening loss to the Chiefs, while Dallas looked like a legit Super Bowl contender in their blowout win over the Browns.
Tier 2 (Playoff Hopefuls)
Sep 8, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) celebrates with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) after scoring a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
8. Miami Dolphins (1-0)
9. Buffalo Bills (1-0)
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0)
11. New Orleans Saints (1-0)
12. Indianapolis Colts (0-1)
13. Los Angeles Rams (0-1)
14. Green Bay Packers (0-1)
Josh Allen started his MVP campaign with a dazzling performance against the Cardinals, while Tampa and New Orleans got off to a hot start. Miami overcame the Tyreek Hill arrest to hold on for a win, while the Rams and Packers are looking to return to winning ways.
Tier 3 — On the outside looking in
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
15. New York Jets (0-1)
16. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)
17. Cincinnati Bengals (0-1)
18. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)
19. Los Angeles Chargers (1-0)
20. Atlanta Falcons (0-1)
21. Seattle Seahawks (1-0)
22. Chicago Bears (1-0)
Caleb Williams is undefeated as a pro, but it was a rocky start for the Bears No. 1 overall pick, while Mike McDonald got his first win in Seattle. Justin Fields and the stout Steelers defense dismantled Kirk Cousins and the Falcons. Jim Harbaugh is building a physical winner in Los Angeles, while the Bengals and Jets are looking to avoid 0-2 starts.
Tier 4 –Start prepping for the NFL draft
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) hangs his head as he walks off the field during the first half of an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.
23. New England Patriots (1-0)
24. Minnesota Vikings (1-0)
25. Arizona Cardinals (0-1)
26. Cleveland Browns (0-1)
27. Tennessee Titans (0-1)
Jerod Mayo showed his coaching chops in a season-opening upset over the Bengals. Sam Darnold showed why he was a top pick, leading the Vikings to a Week 1 win, while Marvin Harrison was shut out in his debut with the Cardinals. Cleveland was the most disappointing team of the weekend after suffering a blowout loss to the Cowboys.
Tier 5 –Top 5 NFL draft pick
Sep 8, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) at the line against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
- Washington Commanders (0-1)
- Denver Broncos (0-1)
- Las Vegas Raiders (0-1)
- New York Giants (0-1)
- Carolina Panthers (0-1)
Carolina has to wonder if Bryce Young can be the guy, while Giants GM Joe Schoen has traded places with Ryan Poles, as he’ll spend this spring searching for an elite quarterback in the 2025 NFL draft. The Raiders are still consistent enough on offense, while rookies Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels have growing pains.
