NFL power rankings: Chiefs rule, but who's the bottom feeder?

The 2024 NFL season begins Thursday with the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Baltimore Ravens in a rematch of last season's AFC Championship Game.

Over the offseason, many teams made aggressive moves to improve their standing in the NFL hierarchy, while others took a more reserved approach in the hope that they still have enough talent to be competitive.

With that in mind, here's how each team stands in our pre-Week 1 power rankings. (Week 1 matchups are on Sunday unless noted. Last season's records are in parentheses.)

1. Kansas City Chiefs (11-6)

2023 marked the worst regular season of the Patrick Mahomes era for the Chiefs, yet they still won their eighth consecutive AFC West title and second straight Super Bowl title. Teams slowed Kansas City's offense last season, but that likely won't be the case this season. In the offseason, the Chiefs added explosive rookie WR Xavier Worthy and veteran WR Marquise Brown. Week 1: vs. Baltimore (Thursday at 8:20 p.m. ET | NBC)

2. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)

Having weathered a tumultuous offseason that included tense contract negotiations with LT Trent Williams and WR Brandon Aiyuk, the 49ers aim to avoid a Super Bowl hangover. They have a star-studded starting lineup, but their depth could prove to be problematic. In the offseason, the Niners lost several key defensive linemen, most notably DT Arik Armstead and edge-rusher Chase Young. Week 1: vs. Jets (Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN)

3. Baltimore Ravens (13-4)

Although the Ravens pummeled San Francisco 33-19 in Week 16 last season, it's difficult to rank them ahead of the reigning NFC champion because of their personnel turnover. Baltimore lost impactful contributors, including three starting offensive linemen, linebacker Patrick Queen and safety Geno Stone, though no departure is more significant than that of former DC Mike Macdonald. Week 1: at Kansas City (Thursday at 8:20 p.m. ET | NBC)

4. Detroit Lions (12-5)

Dating to the 2022 season, Detroit has won 21 of its 29 games , ranking third among teams in wins during that span. With the core of an offense that ranked fifth in scoring last season still intact, the Lions have every reason to believe they can make their first Super Bowl appearance. Week 1 matchup: vs. Rams (8:20 p.m. ET | NBC)

5. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)

Perhaps the biggest wild card in the NFL for 2024, Philadelphia collapsed in the second half of last season, losing six of its final seven games, including a 32-9 drubbing to Tampa Bay in the playoffs. However, having added a new offensive and defensive coordinator, along with RB Saquon Barkley and edge-rusher Bryce Huff, the Eagles have the potential to get back to the Super Bowl. Week 1: vs. Green Bay in Sao Paulo, Brazil (Friday at 8:15 p.m. ET | Peacock)

6. Houston Texans (10-7)

It has taken just two years for the Texans to transform from one of the NFL's worst teams to one of the most well-rounded rosters. WR Stefon Diggs and RB Joe Mixon are significant additions to what was already an explosive offense under QB C.J. Stroud, but Houston’s most impactful offseason upgrade came on defense (edge-rusher Danielle Hunter). Week 1: at Indianapolis (1 p.m. ET | CBS)

7. Green Bay Packers (9-8)

Youthful Green Bay was the biggest surprise in the NFC last season, reaching the divisional round largely due to the emergence of QB Jordan Love (4,159 passing yards, 32 TD passes). Assuming Love, now the highest-paid player in NFL history, replicates his 2023 second-half form, the Packers, who added RB Josh Jacobs and safety Xavier McKinney this offseason, have the pieces for a deep playoff run. Week 1: “at” Philadelphia in Sao Paulo, Brazil (Friday at 8:15 p.m. ET | Peacock)

8. Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)

The Bengals were decimated by injuries in 2023, and although they finished at the bottom of the AFC North, they finished with a winning record. With Pro Bowl QB Joe Burrow fully healthy and a last-place schedule, Cincinnati is positioned to bounce back in a big way. Week 1: vs. New England (1 p.m. ET | CBS)

9. Buffalo Bills (11-6)

The Bills cut ties with a number of key pieces this offseason due to salary-cap constraints, creating plenty of uncertainty surrounding the receiving corps and defense. However, if the offense continues to be the dominant rushing attack we saw once Joe Brady took over as OC, QB Josh Allen and Co. should still be considered the favorites to win the AFC East. Week 1: vs. Arizona  (1 p.m. ET | CBS)

10. New York Jets (7-10)

The first season of the Aaron Rodgers experiment ended after four snaps, prompting New York to overhaul its offensive line, bringing in OTs Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses and LG John Simpson. If Rodgers returns to Pro Bowl-caliber form and disgruntled edge-rusher Haason Reddick shows up, the Jets have more than enough talent to snap the longest active playoff drought in major North American pro sports (13 seasons). Week 1: at San Francisco (Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN)

11. Cleveland Browns (11-6)

This ranking might seem high because QB Deshaun Watson has been a massive disappointment since coming over from Houston in 2022. Nevertheless, the Browns showed last season that they can be a dominant, resilient team even without elite QB play, winning 11 games with four different starting QBs. Week 1: vs. Dallas (4:25 p.m. ET | Fox)

12. Dallas Cowboys (12-5)

With QB Dak Prescott entering a pivotal contract year, the offense should remain one of the better units in the league, but the team has several glaring holes that could result in a rocky start. Dallas' running back room is arguably the worst in the NFL, though the team's biggest concern is on defense, as 2023 interception leader DaRon Bland (foot) is beginning the season on injured reserve. Week 1: at Cleveland  (4:25 p.m. ET | Fox)

13. Miami Dolphins (11-6)

The Dolphins have as talented a group of skill-position players as any team in the NFL, though they must prove they're more than just perennial playoff pretenders after finishing 1-6 against winning teams in 2023. Miami could face difficulty trying to compensate for the departures of star DT Christian Wilkins, RG Robert Hunt and center Connor Williams, but a relatively easy first-half schedule should help ease the burden. Week 1: vs. Jacksonville (1 p.m. ET | CBS)

14. Los Angeles Rams (10-7)

Following the retirement of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald and the recent trade that sent linebacker Ernest Jones IV to Tennessee, Los Angeles' defense is a major concern. Nevertheless, with the best coach in the NFC, Sean McVay, calling plays and a healthy WR Cooper Kupp at his disposal, don't be surprised if the Rams threaten San Francisco for the division title. Week 1: at Detroit (8:20 p.m. ET | NBC)

15. Atlanta Falcons (7-10)

Atlanta, coming off three consecutive 7-10 seasons under former HC Arthur Smith, is poised to make one of the biggest leaps. QB Kirk Cousins should unlock the potential of Atlanta's young, dynamic playmakers and the defense will likely take a step forward following the high-profile acquisitions of edge-rusher Matthew Judon and safety Justin Simmons. Week 1: vs. Pittsburgh (1 p.m. ET | Fox)

16. Chicago Bears (7-10)

The hype is great for the Bears, who finished 5-4 over their final nine games with Justin Fields at QB last season before significantly upgrading their roster this offseason. No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams enters the best situation a rookie QB can ask for, and if his impressive preseason performance is any indication, Chicago should contend for a playoff spot. Week 1: vs. Tennessee  (1 p.m. ET | Fox)

17. Seattle Seahawks (9-8)

Mike Macdonald, the ex-Ravens DC, kicks off his first season as an NFL head coach with a relatively solid roster that underperformed under former HC Pete Carroll. Although Seattle doesn't have the same talent on defense as Baltimore did last season, the unit should drastically improve from its 30th-place ranking in terms of yardage. Week 1: vs. Denver (4:05 p.m. ET | CBS)

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8)

Considering the upgrades Atlanta made to its roster, the Buccaneers — winners of the past three NFC South titles — might not be the team to beat in the division. Without Dave Canales as offensive coordinator, it wouldn't be shocking if QB Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers offense regressed this season. Week 1: vs. Washington (4:25 p.m. ET | Fox)

19. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)

By now, you probably know that Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season as Steelers head coach, but could this finally be the year? The pairing of new starting QB Russell Wilson and OC Arthur Smith feels like a recipe for underwhelming results, especially since Pittsburgh lacks exciting weapons other than WR George Pickens. Week 1: at Atlanta (1 p.m. ET | Fox)

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8)

Jacksonville spent big this offseason trying to keep pace with its rapidly improving division rivals, signing in free agency DE Arik Armstead, WR Gabe Davis and center Mitch Morse. The additions might not be enough to culminate in a playoff berth, but if QB Trevor Lawrence rebounds from an injury-plagued 2023 season, the Jaguars have a chance to recapture the division title. Week 1: at Miami  (1 p.m. ET | CBS)

21. Tennessee Titans (6-11)

On paper, the Titans are one of the more improved teams entering the season, having added noteworthy names on both sides of the ball, including WR Calvin Ridley, CB L'Jarius Sneed and RB Tony Pollard. If QB Will Levis has a second-year breakout in new HC Brian Callahan's pass-happy system, Tennessee could be a team nobody wants to face, even if its final record suggests otherwise. Week 1: at Chicago (1 p.m. ET | Fox)

22. Indianapolis Colts (9-8)

Shane Steichen proved he is one of the top young coaches in the NFL last season, nearly guiding Indianapolis to the playoffs with Gardner Minshew II at quarterback. Even though the team returns most of last season's roster, playing in an improved AFC South could cost Indianapolis a few wins, particularly if QB Anthony Richardson endures growing pains. Week 1: vs. Houston (1 p.m. ET | CBS)

23. Los Angeles Chargers (5-12)

The Chargers should make strides in their first season under HC Jim Harbaugh, especially if star QB Justin Herbert's training camp foot injury doesn't hamper him early on. Even so, Los Angeles' run-first offensive approach might not yield the desired results, considering the passing attack will be far easier to game plan for after the team cut ties with WRs Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Week 1: vs. Las Vegas (4:05 p.m. ET | CBS)

24. New Orleans Saints (9-8)

The Saints finished with a winning record last season, but they struggled mightily against teams over .500, posting a 1-6 record. Nonetheless, QB Derek Carr hit his stride late in the season, throwing for 14 TDs over the final five games, and if he maintains that level of performance, New Orleans should contend for the NFC South crown. Week 1: vs. Carolina (1 p.m. ET | Fox)

25. Arizona Cardinals (4-13)

The underrated offense should be even more explosive this season with rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr., who had at least 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns in each of the past two seasons. The defense, though, should still be among the worst, as Arizona didn't do much to improve the unit, which ranked 31st in points allowed. Week 1: at Buffalo (1 p.m. ET | CBS)

26. Denver Broncos (8-9)

Denver's 2023 record was rather impressive given its disastrous 1-5 start while fielding a starting quarterback (Russell Wilson) who HC Sean Payton couldn't wait to dump. The offense has the potential to improve under rookie QB Bo Nix, but the defense will likely take a step back after the release of safety Justin Simmons. Week 1: at Seattle (4:05 p.m. ET | CBS)

27. Las Vegas Raiders (8-9)

Gardner Minshew, a free-agent signing, is taking over as the team's starting QB, but he might not have the same success he enjoyed in Indianapolis because Las Vegas' rushing attack pales in comparison to the Colts'. Las Vegas must rely on its formidable defense, which added DT Christian Wilkins this offseason. Week 1: at Chargers (4:05 p.m. ET | CBS)

28. Minnesota Vikings (7-10)

HC Kevin O'Connell's system has created opportunities for underwhelming QBs to be productive, a promising sign for a team that will have Sam Darnold at the helm this season. Darnold could enjoy the best season of his career throwing to superstar wideout Justin Jefferson, but it's hard to imagine the Vikings stacking many wins considering they finished 3-6 after Kirk Cousins went down last season. Week 1: at Giants (1 p.m. ET | Fox)

29. New York Giants (6-11)

Despite losing the focal point of their offense in RB Saquon Barkley, the Giants improved in several areas, albeit not enough to win many games in what will likely be Daniel Jones' final season with the team. Still, 2022 NFL Coach of the Year Brian Daboll won five games with journeyman Tyrod Taylor and UDFA Tommy DeVito at QB last season, providing optimism that New York could perform better than expected. Week 1: vs. Minnesota (1 p.m. ET | Fox)

30. Washington Commanders (4-13)

The new-look Commanders might have landed a franchise quarterback in No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels, who could emerge as a leading contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. However, with a shaky offensive, dismal secondary and lackluster weapons outside of WR Terry McLaurin, another last-place finish in the NFC East is possible. Week 1: at Tampa Bay (4:25 p.m. ET | Fox)

31. Carolina Panthers (2-15)

The Panthers set QB Bryce Young up for failure as a rookie, but they committed to rectifying the situation this offseason, revamping the interior offensive line and receiving corps and hiring Dave Canales as head coach. Young should be more productive passing, but Carolina has a long way to go before it can think about contending for anything. Week 1: at New Orleans (1 p.m. ET | Fox)

32. New England Patriots (4-13)

After trading LB Matthew Judon in August and recently announcing veteran Jacoby Brissett as their starting QB, the Patriots signaled they are committed to tanking for a high draft pick. Losing games is arguably in New England's best interest, but it must make sure it doesn't compromise the development of rookie QB Drake Maye the way it did with Mac Jones. Week 1: at Cincinnati  (1 p.m. ET | CBS)