Chiefs remain league class | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Football is back!

That means it’s time for fans to start stressing out about their fantasy football teams and doubting the Kansas City Chiefs will finally stand atop the league. Here’s how each team stacks up ahead of the 2024 season.

1. KANSAS CITY BOSSES

As long as Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid remain at the helm, the Chiefs Kingdom will reign supreme in the NFL.

2. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

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

3.Detroit Lions

The Lions are a prime example of a good draft pick. After bolstering their defense with the additions of 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 Ravens

Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are a dangerous combination. But there are still questions about Baltimore’s wide receivers and an offensive line that will have three new starters. Still, there’s enough talent to keep the Ravens atop the AFC North.

5. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles suffered their worst slump in 2023, losing five of their last six games and getting swept by Tampa Bay in the playoffs. That prompted sweeping coaching staff changes, the hiring of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and the signing of running back Saquon Barkley.

6. HOUSTON TEXANS

All aboard the Houston hype train. C.J. Stroud, a likely 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 coming off the edge should strike fear into opposing quarterbacks.

7. BUFFALO BILLS

The losses of receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis hurt. But rookie Keon Coleman has the potential to be a special player. Expect quarterback Josh Allen to be in the MVP conversation.

8. CINCINNATIS BENGALS

If quarterback Joe Burrow stays healthy, the Bengals should make the AFC North title race interesting.

9. GREEN BAY PACKERS

Jordan Love will solidify his place as one of the league’s top quarterbacks, helping Green Bay compete for another postseason appearance and perhaps something 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 contenders again.

11. DALLAS COWBOYS

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

12. CLEVELAND BROWNS

The Browns defense is elite, but their success will ultimately depend on how quarterback Deshaun Watson performs.

13. NEW YORK JETS

The return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers should revive postseason aspirations. Breece Hall and rookie Braelon Allen could be a dynamic duo at running back.

14. LOS ANGELES RAMS

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

15. PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The Steelers are solid defensively. But does Russell Wilson have what it takes to rejuvenate 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, as well as tight end Cole Kmet. The Bears should be pretty cool.

17. ATLANTA FALCONS

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

18. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

NFC South Could Come Down to Bucs and Falcons. Will Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans Be Enough for Tampa Bay to Win?

19. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

The Jags have a questionable wide receiver roster, but rookie Brian Thomas could become a valuable piece. Their schedule is tough 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 win Defensive Rookie of the Year.

21. MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Whether Sam Darnold is better than expected or not, receiver Justin Jefferson will continue to produce. His sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season is loading up.

22. SEATTLE HAWKS

New coach Mike MacDonald should put a stop to Seattle’s defense, especially with the addition of rookie defensive lineman Byron Murphy II.

23. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

I’m not sure if 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 headed in the right direction.

24. SAINTS FROM NEW ORLEANS

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

25. DENVER BRONCOS

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

26. LOS ANGELES CHARGER

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

27. ARIZONA CARDINALS

Marvin Harrison Jr. will compete for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. But that won’t be enough to keep the Cardinals in step with the rest of the NFC West.

28. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

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

29. TENNESSEE TITANS

While Tennessee has made changes on both ends of the field, the Titans’ success will hinge on Will Levis improving his play in Year 2.

30. NEW YORK GIANTS

The Giants showed faith in Daniel Jones by giving up a QB in the first round and taking receiver Malik Nabers. It wouldn’t be surprising if New York went back to searching for a new quarterback after this season.

31. PANTHERS FROM THE CAROLINAS

Hope seems to be dying in Carolina. If quarterback Bryce Young shows improvement in Year 2, let’s call it a win.

32. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

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