NFC POWER RANKINGS: A POST-DRAFT RECAP OF WHERE THE CONFERENCE STANDS

The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books and each team’s offseason programs are in full effect. With the bulk of the acquisition period over and done, this is a good time to go back and review the offseason that has been thus far. It’s been yet another exciting period of non-football activities and one that has seen plenty of changes.

In 2023 we saw similar changing of the guards happening as the offseason unfolded. Who will be this year’s surprise teams?

We’ll dive into all of that and more in our post-draft edition of NFC Power Rankings. As a reminder, all win totals are provided by DraftKings.

1. San Francisco 49ers (Over/Under Win Total: 11.5)

As the old saying goes, “To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best.” And in the case of the 49ers, they still run the NFC until proven otherwise. Say what you will about quarterback Brock Purdy, the dude just wins games. Sure, that’s helped out by an elite defense and plenty of offensive playmakers. But to not put him as one of the conference’s best quarterbacks is just not doing him justice.

San Francisco may not have had any big splashes in free agency this year, but they have continued to keep their core of players together. All of this, despite many rumors surrounding their top two receivers. Their biggest losses were Arik Armstead, who they cut, Chase Young, and backup quarterback Sam Darnold. There’s still plenty of talent on this roster, and the draft helped them get younger. For now, they stay in the top spot.

Biggest Acquisitions: DE Leonard Floyd, DL Malik Collins, WR Ricky Pearsall (No. 31 overall pick), CB Rock Ya-Sin, and CB Renardo Green (No. 64 overall).

Biggest Subtractions: DL Arik Armstead, DE Chase Young, QB Sam Darnold, DL Javon Kinlaw, and DL Sebastian Joseph-Day.

2. Detroit Lions (Over/Under Win Total: 10.5)

The defending NFC North champions will have a stronger division to hold off in 2024. We’ll get more into that in a few but let’s talk about the Lions for a minute. Their offseason acquisitions, especially in free agency, were modest. Defensive tackle D.J. Reader was their biggest signing, but they also added cornerback Carlton Davis in free agency. In total, they lost more than they gained in free agency but followed that up with a strong draft.

This offseason has been much more about what they kept, though. They spent big money on extending two of their own, with LT Penei Sewell and WR Amon-Ra St. Brown receiving lucrative contract extensions. They also retained star offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and in-demand defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. In total, this is a team that is poised to make a run for the second-straight division title, but it’ll all come down to quarterback play, with Jared Goff becoming the most tenured signal caller in the NFC North.

Biggest Acquisitions: DT D.J. Reader, CB Terrion Arnold (No. 24 overall), CB Carlton Davis, CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (No. 61 overall), and DE Marcus Davenport.

Biggest Subtractions: iOL Jonah Jackson, CB Cam Sutton, DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, WR Josh Reynolds, and S Tracy Walker.

3. Green Bay Packers (Over/Under Win Total: 10.5)

No. 3 on this list might come as a surprise to some, but for anyone who watched the Packers over the second half of last year, you’ll know just how dangerous this team looked down the stretch. All of the questions surrounding life without Aaron Rodgers were answered emphatically. Jordan Love not only appears to be the quarterback of the future but might already be one of the top signal-callers in the conference. Their young core of pass catchers impressed last season. Their defense should also be on the rise with a change at defensive coordinator and more talent added. 2024 will be an interesting time in the NFC North. Detroit appears to be around for the long haul, while Chicago hopes to be exiting its rebuild, and Minnesota turns a few more pages on their on-the-fly re-tool. If Love can maintain the same level of play, they’ll be right in the mix as of one the best teams in the NFC.

Biggest Acquisitions: RB Josh Jacobs, S Xavier McKinney, OT Jordan Morgan (No. 25 overall), LB Edgerrin Cooper (No. 45 overall), and K Greg Joseph.

Biggest Subtractions: OT David Bakhtiari, RB Aaron Jones, iOL Jon Runyan, DB Darnell Savage, and OT Yosh Nijman.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (Over/Under Win Total: 10.5)

Change was in the air in Philadelphia after a disastrous collapse cost them a divisional title and a first-round exit in the playoffs a year ago. Both coordinators were relieved of their duties and the roster saw quite the makeover. There’s no question that Howie Roseman is one of the league’s best general managers. He also wasn’t going to sit back and let things run their course for another season after their second-half nightmare. Instead, they were one of the more active teams this offseason and have plenty of changes to show for it.

The team saw a few important retirements, including center Jason Kelce and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox. They also handed out a bevy of market-setting extensions, including LT Jordan Mailata, guard Landon Dickerson, and receivers AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. On paper, this is still one of the more talented teams in the entire league. The bigger question now remains: Will it all gel together? If so, the NFC East is theirs for the taking.

Biggest Acquisitions: DE Bryce Huff, CB Quinyon Mitchell (No. 22 overall), DB Cooper DeJean (No. 40 overall), DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, and QB Kenny Pickett.

Biggest Subtractions: C Jason Kelce, DT Fletcher Cox, DE Hasaan Reddick, RB D’Andre Swift, and S Kevin Byard.

5. Dallas Cowboys (Over/Under Win Total: 10.5)

For as much as their divisional rivals gained in the spot above them, the Cowboys did a whole lot of losing this offseason. This was primarily based on cap constraints. The core of their team is still in place but the futures of key offensive players like quarterback Dak Prescott and Ceedee Lamb are in question after the 2024 season. Their offensive line will see even more change and their defense will have to adjust to a new coordinator for the first time since head coach Mike McCarthy took over. There were plenty of changes in Dallas, and some may argue they were needed, but this seems like a team that is one bad season away from the ship going down sinking. How will they respond?

Biggest Acquisitions: OT Tyler Guyton (No. 29 overall), DE Marshawn Kneeland (No. 54 overall), LB Eric Kendrick, RB Ezekiel Elliott, and iOL Cooper Beebe (No. 73 overall).

Biggest Subtractions: LT Tyron Smith, RB Tony Pollard, DE Dorance Armstrong Jr., C Tyler Biadasz, and DE Dante Fowler Jr.

6. Los Angeles Rams (Over/Under Win Total: 8.5)

The last few years for the Rams have been those of ups and downs. In 2021, they won the Super Bowl after trading for Matthew Stafford. 2022 was a disastrous year, marred by many injuries. Last year, they were able to get back into the playoffs as a Wild Card but their ceiling was limited. Now, they’ll be trying to contend without the best defensive player in the league. Aaron Donald called it quits after an impressive 10-year career. He’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer and will leave a considerable hole to fill in the Rams’ defense. The offense, under the guidance of head coach Sean McVay, should still be pretty good. But defensively, there are some questions due to health and the front seven. The NFC West is in a bit of a transition, so there’s room for the Rams to get into the playoffs but on paper, they do not stack up with the 49ers.

Biggest Acquisitions: iOL Jonah Jackson, S Kamren Curl, DE Jared Verse (No. 19 overall), CB Tre’Davious White, and DL Braden Fiske (No. 39 overall).

Biggest Subtractions: S Jordan Fuller and C Coleman Shelton.

7. Chicago Bears (Over/Under Win Total: 8.5)

There’s an argument to be made that on paper, no team improved more than the Bears this offseason. Sure, it’s on paper, and the Chicago faithful are familiar with teams not living up to expectations, but still… It appears that after a few tough years of a complete tear-down and rebuild, the Bears are finally on the right track. Of course, that’s completely dependent on their first overall selection. Quarterback has been a spot that has haunted this team for the better part of their century-old existence. Will Caleb Williams be the answer to the most important position in all of sports? That question will be answered over time but general manager Ryan Poles did his best to surround his rookie quarterback with a top-tier set of pass catchers. The NFC North appears to be a gauntlet and one that isn’t likely to get any easier in the near future. Is Chicago ready to take the next step and “take the North and never give it back.”? It all starts this season.

Biggest Acquisitions: QB Caleb Williams (No. 1 overall), WR Keenan Allen, RB D’Andre Swift, WR Rome Odunze (No. 9 overall), and S Kevin Byard.

Biggest Subtractions: QB Justin Fields, WR Darnell Mooney, DL Justin Jones, S Eddie Jackson, and iOL Cody Whitehair.

8. Seattle Seahawks (Over/Under Win Total: 7.5)

The season of change made its way to Seattle for the first time in a while, at least when it comes to their coaching staff. In early January, the organization and Pete Carroll “mutually” agreed to part ways. After a successful 14-year stint that led to a Super Bowl championship and two appearances, the 72-year-old appears to be headed toward retirement. In his place, stud defensive-minded head coach Mike Macdonald takes over. How different will things look in Seattle? Only time will tell but it will be hard to replicate the type of success Carroll had consistently over his 14 years with the organization. The offense remains largely unchanged but defensively, fans can expect a different philosophy. With all teams in the NFC West chasing the 49ers, how the new era of Seahawk football will be a fun storyline to monitor over the next few years.

Biggest Acquisitions: DL Byron Murphy III (No. 16 overall), LB Jerome Baker, DL Jonathan Hankins, iOL Christian Haynes (No. 81 overall), and QB Sam Howell.

Biggest Subtractions: iOL Damien Lewis, LB Jordyn Brooks, LB Bobby Wagner, TE Colby Parkinson, and QB Drew Lock.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Over/Under Win Total: 8.5)

For the second straight offseason, retaining key players took the headlines in Tampa Bay. Last year, they won a weak NFC South but also found some success in the playoffs. In 2024, the questions surrounding quarterback Baker Mayfield on a brand new contract will be at the forefront of many discussions. On paper, the Bucs might be the best team in the division. Atlanta could challenge them with a better quarterback, though. Defensively, their pass rush will be the biggest question. There’s no doubt this team still has plenty of talent but with a stronger division, it’ll be interesting to see if they can continue to stay at the top. A lot of that might hinge on how Mayfield follows his breakout 2023 campaign.

Biggest Acquisitions: iOL Graham Barton (No. 26 overall), S Jordan Whitehead, iOL Ben Bredeson, DE Chris Braswell (No. 57 overall), and S Tykee Smith (No. 89 overall).

Biggest Subtractions: DE Shaq Barrett, LB Devin White, CB Carlton Davis, iOL Aaron Stinnie, and WR Russell Gage.

10. Atlanta Falcons (Over/Under Win Total: 9.5)

Early in free agency, the Falcons were the talk of the NFL. All signs pointed to quarterback Kirk Cousins signing with the team well before free agency started. While the NFL is currently looking into tampering allegations, many around the league have turned their attention to the shocking decision to draft a 24-year-old Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback, just six weeks after giving Cousins a four-year, $160 million contract. On paper, Atlanta should be better. They’ve improved their pass catchers, brought in a new coaching staff, and added some defensive pieces. It’s just hard not to feel like they would have been better served taking the top defensive player at No. 8 overall. Only time will tell how that decision plays out.

Biggest Acquisitions: QB Kirk Cousins, WR Darnell Mooney, WR Rondale Moore, QB Michael Penix Jr. (No. 8 overall), and DL Ruke Ohorohoro (No. 35 overall).

Biggest Subtractions: DL Calais Campbell (Current FA), TE Jonnu Smith, QB Desmond Ridder, DE Bud Dupree (Current FA), and WR Mack Hollins.

11. Minnesota Vikings (Over/Under Win Total: 6.5)

Sensing a trend in the NFC so far? Changes and even more changes. Things were no different in Minnesota but that’s been the case since the team fired former general manager Rick Speilman and head coach Mike Zimmer following the 2021 regular season. Since that point, the Vikings have been re-tooling on the fly. Even when some thought they should tear it down and rebuild– Similar to what Chicago did– They’ve managed to stay competitive, while getting younger. The biggest change is at the quarterback position. Gone is Cousins and coming in will be Sam Darnold, and No. 10 overall selection JJ McCarthy. The offense has plenty of weapons. Defensively, there are some holes but defensive coordinator Brian Flores is one of the best out there. How competitive can Minnesota be in 2024? With a deficit in draft capital for 2025, fans better hope things come together by the end of this season.

Biggest Acquisitions: QB JJ McCarthy (No. 10 overall), DE Jonathan Greenard, QB Sam Darnold, DE Dallas Turner (No. 17 overall), and DE Andrew Van Ginkel.

Biggest Subtractions: QB Kirk Cousins, DE Danielle Hunter, DE Marcus Davenport, DE D.J. Wonnum, and WR K.J. Osbourn.

12. New Orleans Saints (Over/Under Win Total: 7.5)

The impressive, yet strange cap gymnastics for the Saints continued into the 2024 new league year. Despite no longer having Drew Brees behind center or Sean Payton as the head coach, New Orleans continues to tread water as if they are on the cusp of contending for a Super Bowl. Yet, their roster tells a different story. Could they win the NFC South? Sure. But then what? This is an offense without a long-term answer at quarterback and an offensive line with plenty of questions. This is also a defense that continues to age. At best, this is a nine, maybe 10-win team. More realistically, they are probably hovering right around a more mediocre point. At some point, the band-aid needs to be ripped off.

Biggest Acquisitions: DE Chase Young, OT Taliese Fuaga (No. 14 overall), LB Willie Gay, CB Kool Aid McKinstry (No. 41 overall), and WR Cedric Wilson.

Biggest Subtractions: QB Jameis Winston, LB Zack Baun, and CB Isaac Yiadom.

13. Arizona Cardinals (Over/Under Win Total: 6.5)

The fruits of Arizona’s tear-down are finally starting to show signs of improvement. Quarterback Kyler Murray appeared fully healthy by the end of last year and the team added a generation-type talent in receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. in the draft. There’s still plenty of work to be done on this roster but this shouldn’t be the same bad team as last year. Steady improvements should be expected and optimism about the future is warranted. The defense under second-year head coach Jonathan Gannon is starting to come together. The vision on the offensive line still appears clouded, but the offense should be more fun this year. This team is still a few years away but the vision of general manager Monti Ossenfort is starting to come into focus. Brighter days are ahead and improvement should be seen in 2024.

Biggest Acquisitions: WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (No. 4 overall), DL Darius Robinson (No. 27 overall), LT Jonah Williams, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, and DL Justin Jones

Biggest Subtractions: WR Marquise Brown, WR Rondale Moore, and CB Antonio Hamilton.

14. Washington Commanders (Over/Under Win Total: 6.5)

Changes have been needed in the Commanders’ organization for a while now and they’ve finally happened in total. First, it started with new ownership. Second, it started with a fresh new front office and coaching staff. While former head coach Ron Rivera had a good run in Carolina, his offensive approach was outdated and led to poor results. In the door comes new general manager Adam Peters and second-time head coach Dan Quinn. Their outdated approach at the quarterback position is a thing of the past and now second-overall selection Jayden Daniels will have a chance to build something special in Washington. In total, this is a roster that has seen plenty of turnover when zooming out over the past year. It’s clear they are in the midst of a full overhaul and that might take time. Did this new regime put enough pieces on the offensive line for a rookie quarterback to succeed? This question headlines many unknowns about a Commanders team who seems headed in the right direction, even if it might take time to get things right.

Biggest Acquisitions: QB Jayden Daniels (No. 2 overall), RB Austin Ekeler, DE Dorance Armstrong Jr., LB Frankie Luvu, and iOL Tyler Biadasz.

Biggest Subtractions: LT Charles Leno Jr., WR Curtis Samuel, S Kamren Curl, Kendall Fuller, and QB Sam Howell.

15. New York Giants (Over/Under Win Total: 6.5)

What a difference a year makes. Heading into 2023, many believed the Giants were a team on the rise. Under a new regime, they flipped the script from a (4-13) finish in 2022 to a surprise Wild Card appearance at (9-7-1) last season. They spent big money to retain quarterback Daniel Jones on a multi-year extension and franchise-tagged running back Saquon Barkley. The defense was headed in the right direction and all seemed to be going well under head coach Brian Daboll. Then, 2023 happened. Their (6-11) finish looked better on paper than how things played out during the season. Jones’ injury history became relevant again. Barkley wasn’t the same running back and wanted a new contract. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and Daboll had some heated exchanges, which ultimately led to a messy divorce. At the end of last season, things were a mess. Then came all the quarterback talk this offseason. Despite it being obvious they needed a better solution, they simply signed Lock and appear to be ready to move into a make-or-break year with Jones. Ultimately, the same could be said for Daboll and company. The NFC East isn’t going to be an easy division but with another finish without much promise, Big Blue could be once again facing sweeping changes.

Biggest Acquisitions: DE Brian Burns, WR Malik Nabers, QB Drew Lock, RB Devin Singletary, and iOL Jon Runyan Jr.

Biggest Subtractions: RB Saquon Barkley, S Xavier McKinney, DL A’Shawn Robinson, QB Tyrod Taylor, and iOL Ben Bredeson.

16. Carolina Panthers (Over/Under Win Total: 4.5)

One season after trading up to No. 1 overall for Bryce Young and subsequently giving Chicago the 2024 NFL Draft’s top pick, the Panthers will be looking to rebound out of a disastrous 2023. Former head coach Frank Reich and his staff didn’t even make it a full season. Ex-general manager Scott Fitterer was ousted after last year’s nightmare season. In their place steps a promotion to general manager in Dan Morgan, and an up-and-coming offensive-minded head coach in Dave Canales. The former Buccaneers offensive coordinator did wonders with Mayfield last season. He’ll be tasked with a similar reclamation project with Young. The only issue is that the two quarterbacks boast completely different skill sets. To help their second-year quarterback, they’ve re-made the offensive line and gave him more receiving weapons. While it’s far from perfect, it’s a step in the right direction. The defense took a step back, though. Admitting defeat and refusing to pay Brian Burns– A few years after turning down multiple first-round picks for him– Might prove to be a worse process than trading up for Young. Alas, a new regime will have to find its way. Unfortunately for them, their owner is notoriously impatient. Most importantly, Year 2 will be all-important for their young quarterback. Many things can be salvaged if Canales can find a way to get Young on track.

Biggest Acquisitions: iOL Damien Lewis, iOL Robert Hunt, WR Xavier Legette, DE Jadeveon Clowney, and WR Diontae Johnson.

Biggest Subtractions: DE Brian Burns, DB Jeremy Chin, LB Frankie Luvu, CB Donte Jackson, and DE Yetur Gross-Matos.

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