Ranking the NFL’s Bottom 10 Teams: 2024 Edition

The Atlanta Falcons hired Raheem Morris as their next head coach this offseason and made a massive splash by signing free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins. At his best, Cousins is a top-10 quarterback in the NFL. But he is 35 years old and recovering from a torn Achilles. If Cousins can return to form, the Falcons should be able to fight for a playoff spot in a weak NFC South. However, their roster is weak on the defensive side of the ball, which could hold them back form truly competing.

The New Orleans Saints finished the 2023-24 season with a winning record (9-8) in an uncompetitive NFC South. They almost snuck their way into the playoffs thanks to the fact that they play in the worst division in the NFL, but the Saints’ roster is still in rebuild-mode. They are sure to have a quarterback controversy this season as well with rookie Spencer Rattler nipping at the heals of veteran Derek Carr. This roster has some top-end talent but will go as far as its quarterback(s) will take it.

The Las Vegas Raiders are entering their first full season with head coach Antonio Pierce at the helm. He won the job after an impressive interim stint last season. The Raiders’ roster is weak, but has some standout players like WR DaVante Adams and EDGE Maxx Crosby on both sides of the ball. Their biggest weakness, however, is under center, with career-backup QB Gardner Minshew expected to start. It will be interesting to see how Pierce, the ultimate player’s coach, can lead this team.

The Washington Commanders are one of the NFL’s most-improved teams this offseason. They added talent on both sides of the ball, hired a seasoned veteran head coach in Dan Quinn, and brightened their future with the selection of Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels as the No. 2 overall pick in the draft. Daniels has a strong supporting cast around him. This Washington team has a chance to surprise some people this offseason, but they will go as far as their rookie quarterback can take them.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon is entering a pivotal second season as the team’s head coach. He coached one of the worst rosters in the NFL last season to a 4-13 record, missing his star quarterback Kyler Murray for much of the campaign. But Murray is healthy going into this season, has a new weapon in rookie first-rounder Marvin Harrison Jr., and an improved roster on both sides of the ball. The Cardinals’ roster still has room for improvement, but could be on the come-up this season.

The New York Giants brought in an exciting rookie wideout in Malik Nabers this offseason, but outside of that, there is not a ton to be excited about with this team. Sure, they have some key pieces on the defensive side of the ball, but this team will only go as far as its quarterback takes it. And Daniel Jones is coming off a putrid 2023-24 campaign that ended prematurely due to an ACL tear. If Jones can bounce back, the Giants might be a competitive team. But if he continues to struggle, they will surely be picking in the top-10 once again.

The Denver Broncos admitted defeat on the blockbuster Russell Wilson trade that they made two offseason ago, letting the veteran quarterback go after a contract dispute and selecting rookie QB Bo Nix in the first round of this year’s draft. Nix will usher in a new era under head coach Sean Payton as the Broncos look to bounce back from an 8-9 season. But Denver did little to improve their roster this offseason and could actually suffer further regression during Nix’s rookie season.

The Tennessee Titans cleaned out their coaching staff this offseason after finishing the 2023-24 season with a 6-11 record. Quarterback Will Levis flashed his potential last season, but the former second-round pick will need to take a big step forward in his upcoming second season to make the Titans a competitive team. This roster is missing a number of key pieces and let some of their biggest stars walk away in free agency this offseason. New head coach Brian Callahan will have his work cut out for him.

The New England Patriots went 4-13 last season, resulting in the firing of legendary head coach Bill Belichick. It’s a new era in Foxborough with rookie head coach Jerod Mayo taking over. The Pats spent the No. 3 overall pick in the draft on QB Drake Maye and, while his potential is sky-high, this roster has more holes than a sponge. It might take some time before this team becomes competitive again.

The success of the Carolina Panthers this season rests on the shoulders of second-year quarterback Bryce Young. The No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft had a rookie season to forget, throwing for just 2,877 yards and 11 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. But with a new coaching staff and supporting cast around him, perhaps Young can heave a second-season breakout. That could lead the Panthers to find more success this season, but after finishing with the league’s worst record last season (2-15), it is evident that Carolina has a long road ahead of them before they can become a competitive team.