Welcome to Week 9 of the 2024 NFL season. Surprising wins from two groups on the backside of final week’s Energy Rankings — the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots — and surprising losses to Week 8 top-10 groups — the Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings — shook up this week’s rankings.
The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs stay undefeated and within the high spot, however who’s after them? Beneath, we have up to date the rankings.
We additionally requested NFL Nation reporters to call the very best offseason addition for every workforce. This is usually a rookie or a veteran who has began the season off taking part in properly for his new workforce.
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 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8
Leap to a workforce:
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
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Raiders 27-20
Week 8 rating: 1
Finest offseason addition: Huge receiver Xavier Worthy
Worthy, the Chiefs’ first-round draft decide, leads the workforce in touchdowns with 5. He has delivered some large performs when the Chiefs wanted them, and his deep velocity has helped open up some targets for different receivers. He hasn’t been a high-volume receiver, with 19 catches in seven video games, but it surely’s doable that a part of his sport will include improvement, as he is nonetheless solely 21. — Adam Teicher
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Titans 52-14
Week 8 rating: 2
Finest offseason addition: Kicker Jake Bates
Bates signed as a free agent with the Lions in June after one season within the UFL and a short stint with the Texans in 2023. He was named the NFC Particular Groups Participant of the Week for Week 7 after nailing the game-winning 44-yard discipline purpose with 15 seconds remaining to assist Detroit safe a victory at Minnesota. Bates is 11-for-11 on discipline targets and 27-for-28 on additional factors this season. — Eric Woodyard
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Seahawks 31-10
Week 8 rating: 3
Finest offseason addition: Huge receiver Keon Coleman
In Week 7, Coleman had his first 100-yard receiving sport. He adopted that up with 5 catches for 70 yards and a landing — together with a formidable one-handed seize to attain — towards the Seahawks. After Sunday’s win, coach Sean McDermott famous how the addition of established veteran Amari Cooper to the broad receiver room will assist Coleman and the remainder of the receivers. — Alaina Getzenberg
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Jaguars 30-27
Week 8 rating: 5
Finest offseason addition: Security Xavier McKinney
This was an in depth name contemplating the contributions the Packers have gotten from working again Josh Jacobs, quarterback Malik Willis and rookie defenders Javon Bullard, Evan Williams and Edgerrin Cooper. However McKinney helped rework the mindset of this takeaway-centric protection with a league-leading six interceptions, and the Packers have already got pressured extra turnovers (19) in eight video games than they did all of final season. — Rob Demovsky
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Colts 23-20
Week 8 rating: 7
Finest offseason addition: Working again Joe Mixon
Mixon is averaging 100.6 dashing yards per sport, which is third finest within the NFL. He offers the offense a jolt when the Texans’ passing sport struggles, maintaining quarterback C.J. Stroud out of unfavorable third-and-long conditions. The offense averages 26.8 factors when Mixon performs in contrast with 18.0 when he missed three video games with an ankle harm. The opposite offseason additions in wideout Stefon Diggs and defensive finish Danielle Hunter have been productive, however Mixon has contributed barely extra to profitable. — DJ Bien-Aime
0:34
Why Tyler Fulghum is siding with the Jets vs. Texans
Tyler Fulghum is betting on the Jets’ cash line and likes New York to win vs. the Texans on Thursday evening.
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Browns 29-24
Week 8 rating: 4
Finest offseason addition: Working again Derrick Henry
There have been questions on what kind of playmaker the Ravens have been getting with a 30-year-old working again, however Henry has proved to be one of many greatest steals of free company. He is main the league with 946 yards dashing and 11 touchdowns, reaching the tip zone in every of Baltimore’s first eight video games and exhibiting off his velocity with an NFL-best 13 runs of 15 or extra yards. The one Ravens participant to have extra dashing yards within the first eight video games of a season was Jamal Lewis when he totaled 977 dashing yards in 2003 because the franchise’s solely 2,000-yard rusher. — Jamison Hensley
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Bears 18-15
Week 8 rating: 9
Finest offseason addition: Quarterback Jayden Daniels
Daniels, the No. 2 decide and the early favourite to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the 12 months, has made clever and spotlight performs — not simply the Hail Mary to beat Chicago. And he has offered hope for a franchise that has sought a solution at quarterback for many years. He has thrown for 1,736 yards and 7 touchdowns and rushed for 424 yards and 4 scores. Daniels’ 72.7 QBR ranks fifth within the NFL — Washington’s cumulative QBR was 40.3 from 2018 to 2023. — John Keim
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Giants 26-18
Week 8 rating: 8
Finest offseason addition: Security DeShon Elliott
With additions corresponding to quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields and linebacker Patrick Queen, Elliott received considerably missed within the Steelers’ free company cycle. However he has been exhausting to overlook for the reason that first regular-season sport. Elliott grabbed an interception in Week 1 towards the Falcons, and he had a fumble restoration towards the Raiders in Week 6. He additionally leads the workforce in solo tackles (38) and mixed tackles (58). — Brooke Pryor
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Rams 30-20
Week 8 rating: 6
Finest offseason addition: LB Andrew Van Ginkel
The Vikings’ entrance workplace produced a stellar free agent class, and the workforce wouldn’t be 5-2 with out contributions from working again Aaron Jones, nook Stephon Gilmore and linebackers Jonathan Greenard and Blake Cashman, amongst others. However none has been as impactful as Van Ginkel, who will not be solely tied for the workforce lead with 5 sacks however has additionally used a singular understanding of the short-range passing sport to return two interceptions for touchdowns. He’s a legit candidate for NFL Defensive Participant of the 12 months. — Kevin Seifert
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Bengals 37-17
Week 8 rating: 11
Finest offseason addition: Working again Saquon Barkley
Barkley has been sensational. He’s second to solely the Ravens’ Derrick Henry in dashing yards (766) and dashing yards per sport (109.4). Barkley has posted 100-plus scrimmage yards in six of the primary seven video games, changing into simply the third Eagle ever to take action. Philadelphia has shifted to extra of a run-heavy id on account of his success, serving to it rip off three straight wins. — Tim McManus
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Buccaneers 31-26
Week 8 rating: 16
Finest offseason addition: Quarterback Kirk Cousins
The Falcons have struggled with quarterback play for the reason that Matt Ryan period. Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract in March, has stepped in and been a savior on the place. Cousins has the third-most passing yards (2,106), is tied for the fourth-most landing passes (14) and is tied for tenth with a 61.2 QBR. Final season for Atlanta, quarterbacks Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke threw for a mixed 17 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. — Marc Raimondi
0:39
Discipline Yates shouts out Kirk Cousins for fantasy play vs. Bucs
Discipline Yates breaks down Falcons QB Kirk Cousins’ spectacular video games vs. the Buccaneers this season.
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Cowboys 30-24
Week 8 rating: 13
Finest offseason addition: Guard Dominick Puni
The third-round decide has been precisely what the Niners wanted at a place that has been troublesome for a lot of the coach Kyle Shanahan/GM John Lynch period. Accidents opened a chance for Puni throughout coaching camp, and he seized the job. His 94.1% move block win charge ranks twelfth amongst guards, and his run block win charge of 74.5% is 14th amongst gamers who’ve performed not less than 100 snaps at guard. — Nick Wagoner
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Falcons 31-26
Week 8 rating: 10
Finest offseason addition: Working again Bucky Irving
The Bucs’ fourth-round draft decide is not even the workforce’s lead again (but) however is averaging 5.2 yards per keep on 76 dashing makes an attempt — eighth finest within the league. His 27 first downs are second solely to broad receiver Chris Godwin (34) among the many workforce’s talent gamers. And his 559 web yards are additionally second to Godwin, who’s now out for the yr with an ankle harm. — Jenna Laine
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Payments 31-10
Week 8 rating: 12
Finest offseason addition: Defensive deal with Byron Murphy II
The rookie first-round decide will get the nod within the absence of any apparent Seahawks candidate. Murphy missed three video games with a hamstring harm and has but to ship a breakout efficiency, however he has proven flashes of the game-wrecking expertise that made him the sixteenth choice. In 5 video games, Murphy has a half sack, two tackles for loss and a stress that led to a Kirk Cousins interception in a Week 7 win over Atlanta. — Brady Henderson
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Commanders 18-15
Week 8 rating: 14
Finest offseason addition: Quarterback Caleb Williams
Suffice to say that the Bears would not have had an opportunity at a win in Washington had it not been for Williams. The quarterback orchestrated a 10-play, 62-yard drive the place he transformed a important third-down throw to receiver Rome Odunze that led to a go-ahead landing earlier than Washington’s Hail Mary. The No. 1 decide has elevated the Bears’ offense in ways in which have not often — if ever — been seen by a quarterback in Chicago. His regular progress from week to week retains proving that the Bears made the suitable selection. — Courtney Cronin
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Panthers 28-14
Week 8 rating: 17
Finest offseason addition: Defensive finish John Franklin-Myers
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix is exhibiting progress, however the jury continues to be out on whether or not Russell Wilson or Jarrett Stidham would have fared simply as properly with the Broncos’ dominant protection. Franklin-Myers, acquired in a draft weekend commerce with the Jets, has allowed others alongside the defensive entrance to modify to assignments that go well with them higher. Zach Allen, having an All-Professional-worthy season at defensive finish, has credited Franklin-Myers’ arrival as facilitating an enormous a part of his personal affect. The Broncos have 12 gamers with not less than half of a sack and the best pass-rush win charge within the league (55.8%). — Jeff Legwold
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Can Bo Nix proceed high quality fantasy numbers shifting ahead?
Discipline Yates breaks down if Bo Nix can nonetheless be a top quality fantasy choice when the Broncos schedule will get more durable.
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Saints 26-8
Week 8 rating: 18
Finest offseason addition: Working again J.Ok. Dobbins
After the Chargers’ win over the Saints, coach Jim Harbaugh used his information convention to marketing campaign for Dobbins because the NFL Comeback Participant of the 12 months. “If I’m the primary to appoint him, then so be it,” Harbaugh mentioned. After an Achilles tear ended Dobbins’ season in Week 1 final yr, he has been one of many league’s finest working backs. He’s sixth within the NFL in dashing yards per sport (76.4) and is tied for sixth in rushes of 10-plus yards (14). — Kris Rhim
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Dolphins 28-27
Week 8 rating: 21
Finest offseason addition: Huge receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Cardinals’ first-round decide is coming off his second-best sport of the season. He went by means of a gradual stretch the place he did not have greater than 64 yards in 5 video games, however Harrison continued to affect Arizona’s offense by drawing defensive coverages his option to open up the sector for the remainder of the talent gamers. Sunday in Miami confirmed simply how harmful Harrison may be. He completed with 111 yards and a landing on six catches off seven targets. — Josh Weinfuss
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Vikings 30-20
Week 8 rating: 23
Finest offseason addition: Linebacker Jared Verse
Verse, the Rams’ first first-round decide since 2016, has impressed early in his rookie season. By seven video games, he leads all rookies in quarterback hits (12) and has six greater than the next-closest defender (Buccaneers linebacker Chris Braswell). The Rams knew one participant would not have the ability to change Aaron Donald’s manufacturing, however Verse has made an affect up to now, together with 1.5 sacks on Thursday evening towards the Vikings. — Sarah Barshop
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the 49ers 30-24
Week 8 rating: 15
Finest offseason addition: Linebacker Eric Kendricks
There aren’t many choices, contemplating how the Cowboys approached the offseason. Kendricks is the Cowboys’ main tackler, and he has missed a sport, which could say one thing about how the protection has performed. When he was out, the Cowboys have been misaligned far too many occasions in a 38-point loss to the Lions. He’s the protection’s quarterback and has been as dependable as any defender Dallas has. — Todd Archer
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Texans 23-20
Week 8 rating: 20
Finest offseason addition: Defensive finish Laiatu Latu
Indianapolis had as quiet an offseason as any workforce within the NFL, so newcomers have been scarce. However first-round draft selection Latu is exhibiting flashes of being a staple for the Colts. He is third amongst rookies with 11 pressures and is second amongst first-year gamers with 17 move rush wins. In keeping with ESPN monitoring, Latu’s stress has created three sacks although he has confronted double-teams on 20.3% of his move rush snaps. — Stephen Holder
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McAfee on Anthony Richardson tapping out: ‘I’ve by no means seen it earlier than’
Pat McAfee reacts to Colts QB Anthony Richardson asking out of a play as a result of he was drained.
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Eagles 37-17
Week 8 rating: 19
Finest offseason addition: Proper deal with Amarius Mims
Whereas Mims’ blocking numbers aren’t nice — third-worst move block win charge amongst rookies (81.7%) — he has been a really succesful starter at proper deal with. In keeping with ESPN Analysis, Mims has surrendered solely three sacks, which is tied for the fourth-fewest amongst his fellow rookies. His presence has been highlighted, particularly with the shortage of depth at that place because of accidents. — Ben Child
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Cardinals 28-27
Week 8 rating: 25
Finest offseason addition: Defensive lineman Calais Campbell
Campbell joined the workforce late within the offseason, however the 17-year veteran has been one of many Dolphins’ finest gamers this season. The 38-year-old leads the workforce in sacks (two), quarterback hits (5) and tackles for a loss (seven), and he ranks fifth within the NFL in move rush win charge as an inside defender (13.3%). His 41% run cease win charge is tied for eight-best finest within the league for any place and would signify the third-best mark of his profession (if it holds) since 2017. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Chargers 26-8
Week 8 rating: 22
Finest offseason addition: Left deal with Taliese Fuaga
Fuaga has been the starter at left deal with since day one and has not missed a sport regardless of accidents to your complete inside of the offensive line. Fuaga has performed nearly each snap this season and has proved he’ll seemingly be one of many Saints’ beginning tackles, both on the suitable facet or the left facet, for a number of years to come back. — Katherine Terrell
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Chiefs 31-29
Week 8 rating: 28
Finest offseason addition: Tight finish Brock Bowers
The No. 13 draft decide has been the whole lot Las Vegas had hoped for and extra. After Week 8, the rookie is main the NFL with 52 catches. “He is in a league of his personal, I believe,” mentioned receiver Jakobi Meyers when requested how Bowers stacks as much as different tight ends. “That is a distinct type of cat.” Certainly, Bowers’ 535 receiving yards additionally lead all NFL tight ends. — Paul Gutierrez
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Ravens 29-24
Week 8 rating: 30
Finest offseason addition: Linebacker Jordan Hicks
Hicks and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah have offered the Browns with a linebacker duo that is not often misplaced or misses tackles. Hicks has referred to as defensive performs on the sector and ranked third in tackles (19) by means of Week 4 earlier than accidents pressured him to overlook three of the previous 4 video games. “Jordan brings loads to us,” defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz mentioned. “He is an amazing communicator, he is performed bodily, he is made performs for us … offers us a variety of power on the sector.” — Daniel Oyefusi
0:48
Dopp: Jameis Winston unlocked the Browns offense
Daniel Dopp reacts to Jameis Winston fantasy efficiency for the Browns.
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Patriots 25-22
Week 8 rating: 24
Finest offseason addition: Working again Braelon Allen
None of their veteran additions are taking part in as much as expectations, so let’s go together with the rookie. Allen, a fourth-round decide, has been a pleasant complement to Breece Corridor within the backfield. He has three touchdowns (two dashing and one receiving), taking part in about 15-20 snaps per sport. He is averaging solely 3.8 yards per rush, however that is misleading as a result of he is utilized in short-yardage conditions. The 240-pound Allen has introduced a bodily edge to the dashing assault. — Wealthy Cimini
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Steelers 26-18
Week 8 rating: 26
Finest offseason addition: Huge receiver Malik Nabers
The Giants’ first-round decide missed a few video games with a concussion and nonetheless leads the workforce with 498 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He has been so good in such a restricted pattern measurement that there’s little doubt he is a real No. 1 receiver. It is on full show each day, even at follow. Simply final week, in his first rep of one-on-one drills, Nabers made a sensational catch after he jumped over the again of Deonte Banks and secured the ball by means of the cornerback’s physique. That is regular for Nabers. He has proved he will be particular. — Jordan Raanan
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Jets 25-22
Week 8 rating: 31
Finest offseason addition: Quarterback Drake Maye
No have to overcomplicate it — Maye has injected life into the Patriots’ offense since being elevated to the beginning lineup in Week 6. The No. 3 decide is at the moment in concussion protocol after taking a success to the helmet late within the first quarter of Sunday’s win. Earlier than he left the sport, his working potential complemented his passing prowess with three scrambles for 46 yards. That kind of twin risk has reworked the workforce’s offense. — Mike Reiss
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Packers 30-27
Week 8 rating: 27
Finest offseason addition: Huge receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
Thomas leads the Jaguars in catches (33), receiving yards (573) and receiving touchdowns (5). He is on tempo to interrupt the franchise rookie receiving information set by Justin Blackmon (64 catches, 865 yards in 2012) and Allen Hurns (six TD catches in 2014). He suffered a chest/rib harm towards Inexperienced Bay, and that may affect his probabilities relying on how a lot time he has to overlook. Thomas averages 17.4 yards per catch and has introduced a downfield component that the Jaguars have been lacking since Allen Robinson (2014-17). — Michael DiRocco
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Lions 52-14
Week 8 rating: 29
Finest offseason addition: Working again Tony Pollard
Pollard has been the one constant participant on offense for the Titans. Tennessee averages 119.7 dashing yards per sport, and Pollard accounts for 70.6 of them. His three touchdowns tie him with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine for the workforce lead. Pollard additionally leads the workforce with 494 dashing yards. Coach Brian Callahan has talked about him as one of many leaders on the Titans’ offense and named him the sixth captain for his or her Week 6 matchup with the Colts. — Turron Davenport
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Broncos 28-14
Week 8 rating: 32
Finest offseason addition: Guard Robert Hunt
Hunt and fellow G Damien Lewis have been signed to improve the center of the offensive line that gave up 35 sacks final season. That has labored out properly for the Panthers. Carolina gave up 65 sacks as a workforce in 2023 however has allowed solely 16 in 2024, tied for ninth within the NFL. Hunt has additionally been integral to an improved run sport — his 75.3% run block win charge ranks second amongst linemen. — David Newton
