As the 2024 NFL season crosses its halfway point, the postseason picture begins to take shape. A few teams remain commanding in the league and set themselves up for a deep playoff run, while others fight for survival to keep their postseason aspirations alive. From surprising contenders to struggling franchises, this week’s power rankings break down how all 32 teams stack up after Week 8.
Midseason Power Rankings
32. Carolina Panthers (1-7)
They are still last in the NFL. At times, rookie quarterback Bryce Young has flashed potential, but as a whole, the offense hasn’t clicked. With a porous offensive line and a defense unable to stop big plays, it’s been very hard for Carolina to be competitive. They have been blown out in several games up to this point and have a long way to go before they can turn things around.
31. Tennessee Titans (1-6)
The Titans simply can’t find a rhythm on offense this season. The quarterback transition to Will Levis has been somewhat bumpy, and with him now injured, Mason Rudolph was given the starting job. Defensively, the team has had its highs and lows, failing to keep games close at times. They were just blown out by the Lions in week 8, 52-14. The bottom line is that there simply isn’t much firepower on offense, and all signs point toward a rebuild coming very soon.
30. New York Jets (2-6)
Coming into this season, the Jets had high hopes, and it has been thus far a disappointment. Aaron Rodgers’s inconsistent play has hindered the offense, and that defense, supposedly a strength, has failed when up against Tier-A offenses. On offense, the lone bright star has been Breece Hall, and that hasn’t been enough to win games. With several close losses now, the Jets will need to figure things out fast if they want to salvage their season.
29. New England Patriots (2-6)
The season has been a disappointment for the Patriots. Drake Maye hasn’t found his rhythm while battling injuries, and the offense has been anemic. The once-dominant defense has been riddled with injury upon injury. Without any firepower, they just can’t hang with the juggernauts in the AFC, and soon enough, fans will begin to question where this franchise is going.
28. Las Vegas Raiders (2-6)
This has been a tough season for the Raiders, with quarterback issues leading the way. Desmond Ridder was meant to bring a spark that hasn’t quite happened, and with star receiver Davante Adams gone from the team, the offense has gotten worse. They were able to keep it competitive with the Chiefs in week 8, but again fell short. The defense has also been well below average, and the Raiders haven’t been able to find a way to close out games.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)
26. New York Giants (2-5)
It has been an injury-riddled year thus far for the Giants. For one, the offense of the team has sputtered along without Saquon Barkley who signed with the division rival, Eagles in the off-season. Daniel Jones has been inconsistent, and the team’s defense was unable to carry the load. Their one bright spot this year has been rookie sensation, wide receiver, Malik Nabers. The promising start to the season quickly unwound for the Giants, and they are now one of the bottom teams in the NFC.
25. Cleveland Browns (2-6)
This season, other than Jameis Winston‘s great debut with 334 passing yards and three touchdowns in the emotional victory over the Ravens, the Browns have underperformed more times than not. Their defense, normally a source of strength, has had some uncharacteristic lapses. Offensively, they’ve yet to find a consistent rhythm. However, the Week 8 victory was definitely a high point of the season, especially considering how the Browns paid homage to Jim Donovan, their iconic play-by-play announcer who died after a long battle with cancer.
24. New Orleans Saints (2-6)
The thing is, the Saints just have been one of those teams that can’t seem to get anything going on offense. Derek Carr has his moments of brilliance, but for the most part, he’s been pretty inconsistent. The defense has been good enough, but once again, not enough to overcome the woes of the offense. The weak NFC South still has New Orleans in the hunt, but they are going to need more from Carr and the rest of that offense if they are going to make any sort of push.
23. Miami Dolphins (2-5)
The high-powered offense of the Dolphins has been spotty this season as Tua Tagovailoa has fought through injuries. The weapons remain explosive with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but the defense has not held up its end in several key games. Miami’s chances of competing in the AFC East have greatly evaporated, and unless the defense gets it together, they are in store for a rough second half of the season.
22. Indianapolis Colts (4-4)
Yeah, they’ve been surprisingly competitive even after losing rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson a few different games due to injury. Joe Flacco has stepped in admirably, and Jonathan Taylor’s return has given the offense a much-needed boost. The defense has been up and down, but the Colts are in the thick of things in the AFC South.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (3-5)
The Bengals haven’t found consistency this season from one of the more talented rosters in football, as Joe Burrow has battled through lingering injuries from last year, failing to show the same explosiveness as last year. Their offense, led by Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, can make big plays but haven’t strung wins together. The defense has had its moments but remains inconsistent.
20. Los Angeles Rams (3-4)
The Rams season has been up-and-down, with Matthew Stafford flashing brilliance but battling some injuries, as well. The return of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua provided an immediate boost to the offense, but the defense just has not held up. They have competed in most, but just not able to close out several tough matchups.
19. Dallas Cowboys (3-3)
The Cowboys have underperformed to this point, considering the amount of talent they have on both sides of the ball. Dak Prescott has been careless with the football at times, and the offense has been hot and cold. Defensively, the Cowboys started off hot but have given up more big plays than expected as of late. With the NFC East being extremely competitive, Dallas will have to put together a strong second half if they want to stay in the playoff picture.
18. Arizona Cardinals (4-4)
The Cardinals have shown promise under Kyler Murray, but they’ve been inconsistent at best. Murray’s dual-threat ability and standout receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride, gives the Cardinals a chance in every game, but their defense has been a weak spot. The offense can be explosive if clicking, but they have struggled against top defenses. Arizona is still in the mix for a wild card but will need to find more consistency.
17. Seattle Seahawks (4-4)
It’s been a rollercoaster season for the Seahawks, who flash moments of brilliance before frustrating losses. Geno Smith has been solid but hasn’t replicated his breakout 2023 season. The defense has often been good but vulnerable to big plays at times. The Seahawks are very much in playoff contention but will have to tidy up both sides of the ball for that consistency to show through.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4)
The competitive Buccaneers have been led by Baker Mayfield this year, but inconsistency continues to plague the team. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are a good receiving tandem, but have been plagued by injuries, while the turnovers by Mayfield have really hurt their chances in key moments. The defense has been up and down, too, making it tough for them to string together wins. Still, in a weak NFC South, they remain contenders for the division crown.
15. Los Angeles Chargers (4-3)
The Chargers have had a nice season so far under Justin Herbert, but inconsistency and close losses have avoided seeing them higher in the standings. Justin Herbert is playing at an elite level, but their defense has let them down at critical moments. The offense has the firepower to compete with anyone, but they’ll need to actually finish out some games if they want to stay in this playoff race.
14. Chicago Bears (4-3)
The Bears have been one of the surprise teams this year, with the dynamic play from rookie standout Caleb Williams leading the charge. The trio-threat receivers of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze as well as newcomer running back D’Andre Swift has kept Chicago in games, and their defense has been much better than initially thought. Inconsistency on offense, especially in the passing game, has hindered them. With Williams getting better by the week, though, they’re in the mix for a wild card.
13. San Francisco 49ers (3-4)
It hasn’t gone the way the season was expected to for the 49ers, with a rash of injuries to big-time starters like Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk. Sometimes, Brock Purdy has struggled, but a strong defense led by Nick Bosa has kept San Francisco in games. Players returning to health might mean the 49ers could still make a push, but they will need to get back to full strength quickly.
12. Atlanta Falcons (5-3)
The Falcons are quietly having a good year behind their veteran QB, potent running game, starring Bijan Robinson, and a much-improved defense. Captain Kirk has dialed back the clock and put together one of his best seasons thus far in his career. Atlanta is in a good position to make a run for the top of the NFC South.
11. Denver Broncos (5-3)
Bo Nix has rejuvenated the offense for the Broncos, and their defense is one of the best in the league. Now that Nix has taken over the starting spot, this has become a much more dynamic offense that managed to scrape by to win close games. Their defense still keeps many opponents off balance, and if the offense continues to improve, Denver has a chance to be that surprise playoff team.
10. Minnesota Vikings (5-2)
The Vikings have quietly pieced together a strong season behind Sam Darnold, who is playing some of the best football of his career. The offense, starring Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, has been extremely explosive, usually putting up points in big helpings. Defensively, the Vikings have been better than initially projected, especially in the pass rush. They must still shore up their run defense if they want to make a deep playoff run.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
The Steelers have relied heavily upon their defense this season, which has been among the best in the league. T.J. Watt is building an excellent case for Defensive Player of the Year. The Steelers’ capability to make turnovers has given them the possibility of staying close in games. Russell Wilson is not producing a compelling number, but he has managed the offense decently so far, complementing their elite defense. But it will have to get better if the Steelers are going to go deep into the postseason.
8. Baltimore Ravens (5-3)
The Ravens have been one of the more dominating teams this year, as Lamar Jackson has continued to show that he is a dual threat. Still one of the more balanced teams in football, Baltimore boasts a stingy defense and an offense that can take teams down in multiple ways. The Ravens do need to clean up some inconsistencies-particularly in the passing game-but they remain one of the top contenders in the AFC.
7. Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)
The Eagles are one of the more complete teams in the league, headlined by an MVP frontrunner in Jalen Hurts. A win during Week 8 against the Bengals really highlighted Hurts’ historic rushing afternoon, but this team is capable of taking over games on either side of the ball. The pass rush has been outstanding through the defense, and their O-line is still among the best in football.
6. Green Bay Packers (6-2)
The Packers were one of the surprise teams going into this season, with Jordan Love in the mix after Aaron Rodgers’ departure. Dominant is the Green Bay defense, and such has been their strong running game, controlling the time of possession. It is a continuing story of the development of Love, and if he can maintain this level of play, then surely the Packers will be a force to reckon with in the NFC.
5. Washington Commanders (6-2)
Since that wild Hail Mary finish in Week 8 over the Bears, Jayden Daniels has been somewhat of a revelation for the Commanders. The rookie quarterback seems to show poise well beyond his years thus far. Backed by one of the more disruptive defenses around the NFL, the Commanders are slowly but surely becoming one of the more dangerous teams in the NFC, with an offense capable of scoring in the blink of an eye and a defense that can make life tough on opponents.
4. Buffalo Bills (6-2)
The Bills remain one of the best teams in the league thanks to Josh Allen’s MVP caliber of play. The offense is electric, and remains one of the best in the league. The defense has been solid, although the injuries have started to mount. If the Bills can stay healthy, they are one of the most complete teams in the NFL.
3. Houston Texans (6-2)
The Texans have been one of the biggest surprises this season, with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud outplaying expectations. That play from Stroud, accompanied by a stout defense, has Houston in the running for the AFC South title. Well-coached, their young talent on both sides of the ball is beginning to flower. If he continues to develop, Houston could be a dark horse in the playoffs.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (7-0)
The Chiefs remain undefeated and continue to be the team to beat in the NFL, with Patrick Mahomes playing at an MVP level and as attached to Travis Kelce as ever. A great surprise has been the defense of Kansas City, which has balanced out this high-powered offense. Once again, with Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs are Super Bowl favorites.
1. Detroit Lions (6-1)
Jared Goff has been efficient with his plays, bolstered by a strong running game, as the Lions have come out as one of the most dominant teams in the league. The Detroit defense has gone all out, allowing it to control games from start to finish. Being able to outscore opponents by wide margins, combined with their stingy defense, has made the Lions one of the more well-rounded teams in the NFL.
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