Chiefs remain class of league | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Football is back!

That means it’s time for fans to worry about their fantasy football teams and doubt the Kansas City Chiefs to finally end up atop the league. Here’s how each team stands ahead of the 2024 season.

1. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

As long as Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are in charge, the Chiefs Kingdom will reign supreme in the NFL.

2. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

The 49ers fell short last season. But with a handful of key players returning on both ends of the ball, there’s a good chance they’ll be in New Orleans come February.

3. DETROIT LIONS

The Lions are a perfect example of a successful draft. After bolstering the defense with veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III and rookies Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Detroit will remain a force to be reckoned with in the NFC.

4. THE BALTIMORE CROWS

Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are a dangerous duo. But questions remain about Baltimore’s receivers and the offensive line, which will feature three new starters. Still, there’s enough talent to keep the Ravens atop the AFC North.

5. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The Eagles had their worst losing record in 2023, losing five of their last six games and getting crushed by Tampa Bay in the playoffs. That led to drastic changes to the coaching staff, the hiring of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, and the signing of running back Saquon Barkley.

6. HOUSTON TEXANS

Hop on the Houston hype train. CJ Stroud, arguably a top-10 quarterback after one season, has a talented supporting cast that includes Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell, Joe Mixon and Nico Collins. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, who are coming up front, should strike fear into opposing quarterbacks.

7. BUFFALO BILL

The loss of receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis hurts. However, rookie Keon Coleman has the potential to be a special player. Expect quarterback Josh Allen to be in the running for MVP.

8. CINCINNATI BENGALS

In a world where QB Joe Burrow remains healthy, the Bengals should make the race for the AFC North crown interesting.

9. GREEN BAY PACKERS

Jordan Love will solidify his position as one of the league’s best quarterbacks while helping Green Bay compete for another playoff appearance and possibly more.

10. MIAMI DOLPHINS

The addition of defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is intriguing. The speed surrounding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa should be enough to make them title contenders once again.

11. The Dallas Cowboys

Dallas has enough talent to be competitive. Will the Cowboys be Super Bowl contenders? Maybe not, and that could lead to a Jerry World collapse.

12. THE CLEVELAND BROWNS

The Browns’ defense is elite, but their success will ultimately depend on the performance of quarterback Deshaun Watson.

13. NEW YORK JETS

The return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers should restore postseason hopes. Breece Hall and rookie Braelon Allen could form a dynamic running back duo.

14. LOS ANGELES RAMS

The Rams’ depth at cornerback is questionable. But they have an interesting pass-rush duo in Byron Young and rookie Jared Verse.

15. PITTSBURGH STEEL

The Steelers are solid on defense. But does Russell Wilson have enough resources to revive Pittsburgh’s offense?

16. CHICAGO BEARS

Caleb Williams couldn’t have asked for a better situation. The 2024 first-round pick will have an offense that includes receivers DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze, along with tight end Cole Kmet. The Bears should be fun.

17. ATLANTA FALCONS

The additions of Kirk Cousins, Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons are a sign that the Falcons are trying to make a breakthrough. In a weak NFC South, they have a chance.

18. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

The NFC South could come down to the Bucs and Falcons. Will Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans be enough to give Tampa Bay the edge?

19. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

The Jaguars have questionable receiver space, but rookie Brian Thomas could become a valuable piece. Their schedule is loaded with Miami, Cleveland, Buffalo and Houston in the first four weeks.

20. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Anthony Richardson’s four starts before his season-ending injury were encouraging. It’s just a matter of staying healthy. Laiatu Latu has a chance to be Defensive Rookie of the Year.

21. MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Whether Sam Darnold is better than expected or not, receiver Justin Jefferson will continue to put up numbers. A sixth straight 1,000-yard season looks promising.

22. THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

New head coach Mike MacDonald is expected to turn Seattle’s defense around, including the addition of rookie defensive lineman Byron Murphy II.

23. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

I’m not sure quarterback Jayden Daniels will have the same impact that Robert Griffin III had as a rookie in Washington. But the Heisman Trophy winner will be fun to watch. Washington is moving in the right direction.

24. SAINTS OF NEW ORLEANS

Chase Young’s career has been marred by injuries. In New Orleans, he has a chance to prove he can still be a dominant passer. Don’t be surprised if fans clamor for Spencer Rattler to replace Derek Carr at quarterback by the bye week.

25. DENVER BRONCOS

With rookie Bo Nix at the helm, Denver is young, hungry and ready to prove the doubters wrong.

26. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Joe Alt may be the next Joe Thomas, but that doesn’t hide the fact that Los Angeles is short on receivers and Joey Bosa hasn’t played a full season since 2021.

27. ARIZONA CARDINALS

Marvin Harrison Jr. will be in the running for Offensive Rookie of the Year. But it won’t be enough to allow the Cardinals to compete with the rest of the NFC West.

28. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

With Garner Minshew at quarterback, Raiders fans should just enjoy watching Maxx Crosby and hope the team is able to draft Shedeur Sanders in 2025.

29. TENNESSEE TITANS

Even though Tennessee made changes on both sides of the ball, the Titans’ success will be dictated by Will Levis’ ability to elevate his game in Year 2.

30. NEW YORK GIANTS

The Giants showed faith in Daniel Jones by giving up a QB in the first round and selecting receiver Malik Nabers. It wouldn’t be surprising if New York is looking for a new quarterback again after this season.

31. CAROLINA PANTHERS

Hope seems to be fading in Carolina. If quarterback Bryce Young shows signs of improvement in Year 2, it’s a win.

32. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The Patriots appear to have found their quarterback of the future. The problem is they lack talent on the offensive line and at receiver.