The San Francisco 49ers capped off an thrilling opening weekend for the 2024 NFL season with a win over the New York Jets on “Monday Night time Soccer.”
The Baltimore Ravens got here up a toe quick towards the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, and the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys earned large wins. So much has occurred since our Preseason Energy Rankings, so we have to restack all 32 groups forward of Week 2.
Along with our rankings, NFL Nation reporters named a newcomer — outlined as a rookie, new coach or offseason acquisition — who put up the most effective efficiency. From the New England Patriots’ Jerod Mayo and Seattle Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald grabbing their first profession wins as head coaches to rookie playmakers lighting it up, we picked 32 gamers and coaches who impressed of their debuts.
Let’s get proper into it with our No. 1-ranked group.
Our energy panel of greater than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities evaluates how NFL groups stack up towards each other, rating them from 1 to 32.
Earlier rankings: Preseason
Bounce to a group:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Preseason rating: 1
Finest newcomer efficiency: WR Xavier Worthy
Worthy had the influence the Chiefs have been hoping for once they drafted him within the first spherical. He delivered two performs of greater than 20 yards, the primary one a landing on an end-around the primary time he bought the ball and the opposite a landing catch within the fourth quarter. The Chiefs had three move performs of greater than 30 yards and three others of greater than 20. Worthy’s mere presence on the sector might need contributed even when it wasn’t him getting the ball. — Adam Teicher
Preseason rating: 3
Finest newcomer efficiency: DE Leonard Floyd
San Francisco signed Floyd in free company to be the down-to-down complement to DE Nick Bosa that it hasn’t had since Dee Ford in 2019. The early returns have been good Monday night time. Floyd completed with two tackles, one sack, one stuff and one stress that led to an interception vs. Jets QB Aaron Rodgers. — Nick Wagoner
Preseason rating: 4
Finest newcomer efficiency: DB Terrion Arnold
In his NFL debut, Arnold completed with eight whole tackles in Detroit’s time beyond regulation win over the Rams. The rookie took 97% of snaps and appeared up and down at instances whereas dealing with veteran QB Matthew Stafford, WR Cooper Kupp and a potent Rams offense. “It’s totally evident it isn’t too large for him,” coach Dan Campbell mentioned of Arnold on Monday. “He is bought so much to scrub up, however but man, it was very promising. He was in stride. He confirmed up for us, and he is solely gonna get higher and higher.” — Eric Woodyard
Preseason rating: 2
Finest newcomer efficiency: RB Derrick Henry
There weren’t plenty of choices as a result of the newcomers did not contribute a lot for Baltimore. Henry confirmed promise early, however the Ravens went away from the run recreation in attempting to play catch-up with QB Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. On the opening drive, Henry ran 5 instances for 17 yards, together with a 5-yard landing. He had eight carries for 29 yards the remainder of the sport. Henry may have extra alternatives in Week 2 when he faces a Raiders protection that gave up 176 speeding yards to the Chargers in Week 1. — Jamison Hensley
Preseason rating: 5
Finest newcomer efficiency: RB Saquon Barkley
Barkley stole the present in Brazil, speeding for over 100 yards and scoring 3 times towards the Packers — twice on the bottom and as soon as by means of the air. He turned the second participant in franchise historical past to attain three touchdowns in his first recreation, becoming a member of Terrell Owens, who did it in 2004. “We’re excited that he is on our group, and he begins the season off proper,” receiver A.J. Brown mentioned. — Tim McManus
1:05
Sal Pal: Saquon Barkley’s playmaking fueled Eagles’ win
Sal Paolantonio particulars how vital Saquon Barkley is to the Eagles’ offense.
Preseason rating: 6
Finest newcomer efficiency: RB Joe Mixon
Mixon’s debut was elite. He ran for 159 yards with a landing, his third-highest yardage in a recreation for his profession. It did not matter what entrance the Colts introduced: He ran for 88 yards towards a light-weight field, 34 towards a impartial field and 37 towards a stacked field. Mixon stored the Texans’ offense afloat as QB C.J. Stroud shook off the rust and threw for 234 yards, wanting his 274-yard common in 2023. — DJ Bien-Aime
Preseason rating: 11
Finest newcomer efficiency: LB DeMarvion Overshown
There have been a number of selections because of Dallas’ large win, however Overshown will get the nod. He sat out his rookie season due to a torn ACL in his left knee however was everywhere in the discipline towards the Browns. He completed with 9 tackles, a sack, a sort out for loss and two quarterback hits. His closing velocity was eye-opening on his sack of Browns QB Deshaun Watson since he beat Micah Parsons to the signal-caller. There is perhaps rising pains because the 12 months progresses, however he’s off to an amazing begin. — Todd Archer
Preseason rating: 7
Finest newcomer efficiency: DC Bobby Babich
This wasn’t a reasonably defensive effort, however changes by Babich in his first recreation as an NFL playcaller are price acknowledging, particularly after nickel nook Taron Johnson left the sport following a forearm damage on the primary drive. The Cardinals didn’t rating one other offensive landing after halftime and the Payments restricted QB Kyler Murray to 31 passing yards within the second half. “I felt Bobby and the defensive workers did an amazing job at halftime addressing [third-down issues] after which making some changes,” coach Sean McDermott mentioned. “I feel we got here out higher within the second half and performed just a little bit extra our type protection.” — Alaina Getzenberg
Preseason rating: 8
Finest newcomer efficiency: DC Anthony Weaver
The Dolphins’ defensive efficiency within the second half of Sunday’s win over the Jaguars ought to give them confidence shifting ahead. Miami held Jacksonville to 0-for-5 on third down, forcing three three-and-outs and a four-play turnover on downs in six whole sequence. The Dolphins’ protection pitched a second-half shutout in a comeback victory. Gamers raved about Weaver’s teaching type all through the offseason, and their play within the face of a two-score deficit Sunday validated their emotions. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Preseason rating: 13
Finest newcomer efficiency: LB Jared Verse
Verse had the primary sack of his NFL profession Sunday when he took down Lions QB Jared Goff to finish the primary half. The Rams’ first-round choose had a 33% move rush win charge at edge within the season opener, which was tied for sixth in Week 1 by means of Sunday night time, in response to NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Verse’s play is particularly key for a group attempting to interchange Aaron Donald’s manufacturing after the long run Corridor of Famer retired throughout the offseason. — Sarah Barshop
Preseason rating: 16
Finest newcomer efficiency: DB DeShon Elliott
Elliott, one in all a number of offseason defensive acquisitions who made a splash Sunday, bought the primary interception of the sport and had two passes defended. The choose got here within the first quarter as Falcons QB Kirk Cousins threw a ball over the center to WR Drake London. Elliott dove in entrance of London and snagged the move. It was such a well-timed, anticipatory play that fellow newcomer Donte Jackson began celebrating the interception earlier than Elliott even had the ball. The Steelers’ depth within the secondary remains to be skinny, however Elliott made the game-changing performs wanted to help a creating offense. — Brooke Pryor
Preseason rating: 10
Finest newcomer efficiency: S Xavier McKinney
There have been loads of miscues from the protection in new coordinator Jeff Hafley’s debut, however he bought what he wished from the security place: extra splash performs, because of McKinney. The $68 million free agent acquisition picked off Eagles QB Jalen Hurts within the first quarter of Friday’s loss in Brazil. The Packers had solely seven interceptions final season, however they bought two (Jaire Alexander had the opposite) and likewise recovered a fumble in Week 1. — Rob Demovsky
Preseason rating: 21
Finest newcomer efficiency: OC Liam Coen
The Bucs put up 37 factors in Coen’s Bucs debut — the second most in Week 1. Granted, it was towards a poor Commanders protection, however QB Baker Mayfield threw for 4 touchdowns and accomplished 80% of his passes. Tampa Bay punted solely as soon as, and final season’s league-worst speeding assault confirmed indicators of life, averaging 3.7 yards per rush. — Jenna Laine
0:25
Baker Mayfield connects with Chris Godwin to increase Buccaneers’ lead
Baker Mayfield hits Chris Godwin for a 3-yard landing to present the Buccaneers a 23-7 lead.
Preseason rating: 9
Finest newcomer efficiency: RB Zack Moss
There weren’t a ton of newcomers to select from in one of many extra befuddling Bengals losses in latest reminiscence. However Moss, a veteran who signed in free company to interchange Joe Mixon, scored the group’s solely landing. He had 9 carries for 44 yards and a rating that stored Cincinnati in putting distance all through the second half. OC Dan Pitcher referred to as Moss an all-around again, and his utilization advised that was the case. He performed 65% of the group’s offensive snaps and can proceed in a key function for a unit that should enhance going ahead. — Ben Child
Preseason rating: 15
Finest newcomer efficiency: QB Tyrod Taylor
What does it say concerning the Jets that their backup quarterback was the highest newcomer in Week 1? With the sport out of attain, Taylor changed Aaron Rodgers and led a 12-play, 70-yard landing drive, hitting Allen Lazard on a 3-yard landing move. Different key newcomers, specifically WR Mike Williams, OT Tyron Smith and OT Morgan Moses, did not distinguish themselves. — Wealthy Cimini
Preseason rating: 14
Finest newcomer efficiency: WR Brian Thomas Jr.
The rookie had 4 catches for 47 yards and a landing in his NFL debut, and it was the TD catch that created probably the most buzz. He ran a crossing route, bought behind Miami’s safeties and caught the 14-yard throw from QB Trevor Lawrence with each ft inbounds alongside the tip line. He additionally arrange the Jaguars’ first landing, a 1-yard run by Travis Etienne Jr., by drawing a 40-yard move interference penalty vs. CB Jalen Ramsey. — Michael DiRocco
Preseason rating: 20
Finest newcomer efficiency: RB J.Ok. Dobbins
Dobbins, who signed a one-year take care of Los Angeles this offseason, broke free for 2 lengthy runs (41 and 61 yards) that turned the sport round for the Chargers’ stalling offense. He completed with 135 yards and one landing, probably the most yards by a Chargers RB in a season opener. Dobbins in all probability would have had extra yards, however he was caught from behind and tackled by Raiders defenders on each large features. Dobbins was disenchanted about that postgame, saying he wanted to get in form. — Kris Rhim
Preseason rating: 17
Finest newcomer efficiency: S Jonathan Owens
The veteran security returned a blocked punt 21 yards for a landing — the primary of his seven-year profession. Owens’ rating was the spark the Bears desperately wanted (they have been down 17-3 within the third quarter on the time) and it ignited a 21-point scoring stretch for Chicago on a day when its offense failed to attain a landing. Owens signed with the Bears within the offseason as a backup security whose particular groups dependability was a serious draw. — Courtney Cronin
Preseason rating: 22
Finest newcomer efficiency: HC Mike Macdonald
The Seahawks bought Macdonald a win in his head-coaching debut, and it was the protection that led the way in which. Macdonald and new DC Aden Durde had a sound recreation plan towards Bo Nix, appropriately anticipating the rookie quarterback would favor beneath throws. The Seahawks have been prepared for Denver’s quick passing recreation and made Nix pay when he tried to push the ball downfield, intercepting two of his deeper throws. They held the Broncos’ offense to 231 yards and 16 factors, gave up solely 3.2 yards per carry to Denver’s operating backs and compelled three turnovers. — Brady Henderson
Preseason rating: 18
Finest newcomer efficiency: WR Adonai Mitchell
The Colts’ minimal roster turnover this season yielded few selections right here, however rookie Mitchell demonstrated his skill regardless of catching just one move for two yards. Two overthrows on deep balls from QB Anthony Richardson have been disappointing as a result of Mitchell had simply crushed his defender. On one, Mitchell’s route was so good that Houston CB Kamari Lassiter had no alternative however to seize Mitchell as he ran previous him, drawing an unlawful contact penalty. Search for Mitchell to have an effect within the coming weeks. — Stephen Holder
Preseason rating: 12
Finest newcomer efficiency: WR Jerry Jeudy
There have been few positives in a disappointing debut for the Browns’ revamped offense. However Jeudy, whom Cleveland traded for within the offseason, caught a landing move. Jeudy completed with three receptions for 25 yards and was the second-most-targeted receiver Sunday, behind solely fellow wideout Amari Cooper. There have been different alternatives for QB Deshaun Watson to attach with Jeudy, and it is one of many many issues the Browns will attempt to repair in Week 2. — Daniel Oyefusi
2:04
Rex Ryan slams Deshaun Watson, Browns in loss vs. Cowboys
Rex Ryan criticizes Deshaun Watson, Kevin Stefanski and the remainder of the Cleveland Browns for his or her poor efficiency towards the Cowboys.
Preseason rating: 23
Finest newcomer efficiency: QB Sam Darnold
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell gave out 5 recreation balls after Sunday’s 28-6 victory over the New York Giants, and 4 of them went to newcomers. However none have been extra impactful than Darnold, who accomplished 15 of his first 17 passes. His 80.3 QBR was top-of-the-line single-game marks of his profession, as was his completion share above expectation (CPOE) of 12.7%. No move carried extra future implications than the 44-yard rainbow he dropped into WR Justin Jefferson’s fingers towards double protection, a throw Jefferson urged him to make all through the offseason and one that implies Darnold has developed a excessive degree of belief within the Vikings’ greatest participant. — Kevin Seifert
Preseason rating: 25
Finest newcomer efficiency: S Will Harris
Harris, a free agent signing, set the tone instantly by selecting off Panthers QB Bryce Younger on his first move try. That led to a banner day for the group: The Saints’ protection held Carolina to solely 10 factors and had 5 QB hits and 4 sacks. Harris concluded Sunday with two tackles and one move defended. “Will has had an amazing spring. He is a wise participant. He is a participant that may actually play 4 or 5 positions,” security Tyrann Mathieu mentioned. — Katherine Terrell
Preseason rating: 30
Finest newcomer efficiency: HC Jerod Mayo
The primary-year head coach had his group able to play in Cincinnati after operating what nine-year veteran QB Jacoby Brissett mentioned was some of the difficult coaching camps he has skilled. Mayo famous that conditioning and controlling the road of scrimmage could be deciding elements in Week 1, and the gamers responded with a efficiency that included 39 speeding makes an attempt, two pressured fumbles and one fourth-down cease. Mayo obtained a Gatorade bathtub on the sideline courtesy of veteran DTs Davon Godchaux and Daniel Ekuale after which obtained a recreation ball from proprietor Robert Kraft within the locker room. — Mike Reiss
Preseason rating: 19
Finest newcomer efficiency: Edge Matthew Judon
Judon was a vibrant spot for a group whose protection performed surprisingly higher than its offense towards the Steelers. Judon had half a sack, two quarterback pressures and 5 tackles. That is not unhealthy for somebody who has been practising with the Falcons for under three weeks, to not point out a participant getting back from a torn bicep damage that ended his 2023 season. Atlanta hasn’t had a double-digit sack chief since Vic Beasley in 2016. Perhaps Judon would be the Falcons’ savior in that division. — Marc Raimondi
Preseason rating: 29
Finest newcomer efficiency: RB DeeJay Dallas
Dallas made NFL historical past together with his 96-yard kickoff return for a landing within the fourth quarter of Arizona’s loss to the Payments. It was the NFL’s first landing return within the new dynamic kickoff format. Dallas, who signed with Arizona this offseason as a free agent, had three returns for 123 yards and a landing. — Josh Weinfuss
Preseason rating: 24
Finest newcomer efficiency: DL T’Vondre Sweat
Sweat did not publish any stats within the field rating, however the large rookie had an influence. “[He] actually confirmed up for us each within the run and the move recreation,” Titans coach Brian Callahan mentioned. “He is been rising I feel ever since he is gotten right here.” Any issues about Sweat’s conditioning could be put to mattress, as he performed 67% of Tennessee’s defensive snaps. — Turron Davenport
Preseason rating: 27
Finest newcomer efficiency: TE Brock Bowers
The No. 13 draft choose had a stable efficiency within the Raiders’ loss to the Chargers. Although Bowers didn’t begin, he led Las Vegas in targets (eight) and catches (six) for 58 receiving yards. Bowers, who sat out observe the ultimate two weeks of the preseason nursing a foot damage, additionally performed 68% of snaps on offense. His numbers are certain to go up because the Raiders discover their footing going ahead. — Paul Gutierrez
Preseason rating: 28
Finest newcomer efficiency: QB Jayden Daniels
Make no mistake, there have been a few throws by Daniels that might have made for chunk performs, and he opted to both run or go elsewhere. With expertise, these throws will finally be made. However Daniels confirmed he can harm groups whereas creating due to his legs; he ran for 88 yards on 16 carries and threw for 184 yards. As he will get extra comfy dealing with NFL defenses, extra large performs together with his arm will comply with. — John Keim
1:50
Invoice Belichick laments rookie QB performances in Week 1
Invoice Belichick joins “The Pat McAfee Present” and critiques the dearth of manufacturing in passing from rookie QBs, together with Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams.
Preseason rating: 31
Finest newcomer efficiency: S Brandon Jones
Although the Broncos’ run protection light down the stretch within the loss to the Seahawks, Jones was energetic with six tackles. He’s half of a brand new security duo together with P.J. Locke, changing final season’s veteran pairing of Kareem Jackson and Justin Simmons. As their largest signing in free company this offseason, the Broncos are giving Jones what he says is the most important alternative of his profession. He’ll fill a extra versatile function than he did in 4 seasons with the Dolphins, and the Broncos will want Jones to play at or close to his peak usually. — Jeff Legwold
Preseason rating: 26
Finest newcomer efficiency: CB Dru Phillips
There weren’t plenty of selections contemplating the way in which Week 1 performed out for the Giants, however Phillips was one of many few vibrant spots. The third-round choose had 4 tackles, one for a loss, and a pressured fumble taking part in out of the slot in his first profession recreation. He produced that in solely 15 defensive snaps. The bodily nature the Giants favored from him popping out of Kentucky instantly confirmed. — Jordan Raanan
Preseason rating: 32
Finest newcomer efficiency: WR Xavier Legette
If there was a small vibrant spot in an embarrassing 47-10 loss at New Orleans, it was first-round choose Legette. After a coaching camp wherein he was at greatest the No. 4 large receiver, Legette had a team-leading 4 receptions. They have been for under 35 yards, however the Panthers had 161 whole yards passing. It is encouraging that Legette was getting open for QB Bryce Younger. — David Newton
