The NFL offseason, the longest in major professional sports, is coming to an end this week. Five NFL teams have already started training camp, with twenty-three more set to begin on Tuesday and the remaining four kicking off on Wednesday. The Hall of Fame Game between the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears is less than 10 days away.
The excitement is palpable as the NFL returns, and the power rankings reflect this sentiment. The preseason rankings begin where last season’s rankings left off, with the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers at the top. However, there have been some notable changes further down the list. The teams participating in the Hall of Fame Game have seen significant improvements, thanks in part to the emergence of young quarterbacks who have already made their mark or are expected to do so soon.
Let’s dive into the rankings:
Last season: 11-6 in regular season, Super Bowl champions
The Kansas City Chiefs have been a dominant force in the NFL, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes leading the charge. Since 2017, Mahomes has been a key player in the team’s success, reaching the AFC Championship Game consistently. At 28 years old, Mahomes has a promising future ahead that could see him achieve remarkable career milestones.
Last season: 12-5, lost Super Bowl
The San Francisco 49ers have defied conventional narratives, reaching two Super Bowls and NFC title games with quarterbacks like Brock Purdy and Jimmy Garoppolo. Despite recent changes, including drafting Trey Lance, the team continues to perform at a high level under the guidance of coach Kyle Shanahan.
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Last season: 12-5, lost NFC Championship Game
The Detroit Lions have shown significant improvement, winning more games in recent years and building a strong offensive lineup. With key players like quarterback Jared Goff, offensive lineman Penei Sewell, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions are poised for a successful season.
Amon-Ra St. Brown and the Lions have fans excited about the possibilities in 2024. (Nic Antaya / Getty Images)
Last season: 10-7, lost in AFC divisional round
The Houston Texans, led by C.J. Stroud, have shown impressive offensive prowess and are set to have a standout season. With the addition of key players like Dalton Schultz, Stefon Diggs, and Joe Mixon, the team is looking to build on its success from last season.
Last season: 13-4, lost AFC Championship Game
The Baltimore Ravens, with the addition of Derrick Henry, face some challenges after losing key players and undergoing changes. Despite this, quarterback Lamar Jackson’s talent and the team’s resilience give hope for a successful season.
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…and so on for the rest of the teams listed.
(Top photo of C.J. Stroud: Carmen Mandato / Getty Images)