Newsweek has released their first official NFL Power Rankings for the 2024-25 season, following the recent NFL Draft. The Kansas City Chiefs sit at the top of the rankings, coming off back-to-back Super Bowl wins. Despite not having the most talented roster, the combination of Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid positions them as top contenders. The San Francisco 49ers, who have yet to beat the Chiefs in a Super Bowl, are ranked second and have questions surrounding their defense under new coordinator Nick Sorenson.
The Baltimore Ravens, despite not making big moves in the draft, still rank among the league’s best with a solid roster. The Detroit Lions, coming off their first NFC Championship appearance in three decades, have bolstered their secondary with rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold. The Houston Texans were the Cinderella team of 2023, led by star rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, and have made significant improvements on both offense and defense. The Bears, with first overall pick Caleb Williams, are hoping their rookie class will propel them to new heights in 2024.
The Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, and Dallas Cowboys are teams facing questions and challenges in the upcoming season. The Philadelphia Eagles have made additions to their cornerback position but face questions about their offense following a late-season collapse in 2023. The Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, and Los Angeles Chargers are teams to watch, with strong rosters and potential for success. The Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Rams, and Atlanta Falcons are teams rebuilding and aiming to improve upon their previous seasons.
The Chicago Bears, with rookie Caleb Williams at quarterback and additions to both offense and defense, are expected to be a competitive team in 2024. The New York Jets are relying on veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to lead them to success, while the Indianapolis Colts have upgraded their defensive line and have potential for improvement. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Minnesota Vikings, and Jacksonville Jaguars are teams with varying outlooks for the upcoming season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Commanders, and Arizona Cardinals are teams with uncertainties heading into the season. The Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, New York Giants, and New Orleans Saints have challenges to overcome in order to improve. The Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, and Carolina Panthers are among the teams at the bottom of the rankings, facing uphill battles to climb the ranks in the upcoming season.
