Students across BPHS couldn’t be more invested in this year’s NFL season. Upsets, injuries, and surprising contenders have all sprouted throughout the season every Monday, Thursday, and Sunday making it a must-see product every week. In 2024 alone, the NFL has averaged 44.2 million viewers throughout all its broadcasts during the week. Taking everything previously into account, a question that’s constantly been reoccurring in the minds of fans this season is Who is the best team in the NFL? When given the opportunity, BPHS narrowed it down to this.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)
To start this list, it’s hard to find much that has gone well for the Jacksonville Jaguars this year. The team had an injury-plagued season piled on top of poor performances from top stars; that has now led them to where they are now. With a rough schedule ahead of them, it doesn’t look like things are going to get much better for Jacksonville.
31. Las Vegas Raiders (2-9)
Not coming as a surprise to many, the Las Vegas Raiders are towards the beginning of this list. Starting the season off decent with a victory over the Ravens and Browns to kick off with a 2-2 record, they would go on to lose their next seven games. One can’t forget as well the loss of their star receiver Davante Adams has led to a rough year for the team.
30. New York Giants (2-9)
Barely beating out the Raiders is the New York Giants. With the same record as Las Vegas, what has put them over is that they’re seemingly in the middle of a team rebuild with a youthful offense in Malik Nabers, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Wan’Dale Robinson and the recent release of their quarterback Daniel Jones. Heading into the 2025 NFL season, it looks to potentially be a new era for New York.
29. Tenenssee Titans (3-8)
To say it’s been a rough year for the Titans would be an understatement. With the failure of their quarterback Will Levis and the loss of star receiver DeAndre Hopkins, it wouldn’t be questioned if they received a top draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. As of Nov. 24, they have secured a victory over the Texans, so there is hope for the team that’s hopefully redeeming their rough first half.
28. New England Patriots (3-8)
It’s certainly been an up-and-down year for the New England Patriots. On the upside, the franchise is in a better spot now than in the years following the departure of Tom Brady as they’ve found their potential franchise quarterback in Drake Maye. What has been an issue for the team during the season has been a lack of talent in the offensive department. With a high draft pick on the horizon, hopefully, New England can find the new face of the franchise.
27. Carolina Panthers (3-8)
It’s safe to say that this is a higher spot than most expected for this team, but seemingly over the past few weeks, the Carolina Panthers have gained momentum. The team still has major issues and will continue to have some for a long time; it seems as if their biggest issue is their quarterback may be going away soon. After weeks of being benched, it looks like the 2023 first-overall draft pick Bryce Young is back and better than ever.
26. New Orleans Saints (4-7)
The New Orleans Saints had a hot start to the season with the term Superbowl Contender being thrown around. It looks as if they’ve cooled off heading into the back end of the season. Just like many other teams, injuries have certainly hurt them during the season, but many issues and questions are still up in the air surrounding the New Orleans team.
25. Cleveland Browns (3-8)
If you were to say that the Cleveland Browns weren’t a Fan Favorite heading into the 2024 NFL season, you wouldn’t find too many that would disagree with you. While they have picked up big victories over division rivals the Ravens and Steelers, their talent hasn’t produced anything of note. Now with an injury to their quarterback Deshaun Watson, will there be a change in Cleveland, or will they spiral down to the first pick of the 2025 NFL Draft?
24. Indianapolis Colts (5-7)
There were a lot of high hopes for the Indianapolis Colts going into the 2024 NFL season. The fan consensus was that the starting quarterback Anthony Richardson would make the all-star jump this season. Unfortunately, those plans went south due to injuries to starting running back Johnathan Taylor’s and Richardson’s performances not matching the standard of the head coaches. All hope isn’t lost in Indianapolis, as they have picked up five wins so far but a Superbowl ring is not soon.
23. New York Jets (3-8)
The New York Jets have the unfortunate distinction of being the biggest disappointment this season. With a roster consisting of Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, Breece Hall, Sauce Gardener, and Garrett Wilson, it seemed like they’d be a certain playoff contender. It could be a player-coach disconnection or a lack of conditioning but the Jets walk into week thirteen with a disappointing 3-8 record. The question on everyone’s mind is will the Jets come together next season or will there be a rebuild in New York?
22. Dallas Cowboys (4-7)
Just like many teams already mentioned on this list, the Dallas Cowboys season has been riddled with injuries and poor performances. With an uneventful off-season, many fans speculated that Dallas had a plan. Unfortunately, now America’s Team stands at 4-7 with only one win over a team with a winning record. Especially with an injury to star quarterback Dak Prescott, many fans and journalists are expecting a rebuild to be on the horizon.
21. Chicago Bears (4-7)
At the start of the season, it looked to be the dawn of a new era for the Chicago Bears with their first overall draft pick Caleb Williams set to be the star of it surrounded by talents such as DJ Moore and DeAndre Swift. Now heading into week thirteen, they walk into their Thursday Night Football match against division rivals the Lions with a losing record. While being last in the NFC North, it seems unlikely a playoff spot is ahead for them, but the future seems brighter for Chicago compared to other teams.
20. Miami Dolphins (5-6)
It will be hard to find a team that’s in a similar situation as the Miami Dolphins. They kicked off the season in week one with a dominant victory over the Jaguars but have only gone for Miami since. Injuries to top players Tua Tagovailoa and De’Von Achane surely haven’t helped, but with an all-star roster consisting of some of the league’s fastest, next season will surely be a bounce-back year.
19. Los Angeles Rams (5-6)
To say the Los Angeles Rams didn’t get off to the best start this season would be fair to say. They ate back-to-back losses to the Lions and Cardinals in the first two weeks but have seemingly gotten back on the right track. While having some sad losses, they’ve also picked up wins against top teams such as the 49ers, Vikings, and Seahawks. With a great mix of veterans and rookies, the Rams are certain to finish off the year strong.
18. San Francisco 49ers (5-6)
Coming off a Superbowl loss in February, it seemed like the San Francisco 49ers were surely a choice for best in the NFC. Now heading into Week 13, it’d certainly be considered a hot take to say the team is the monster they were last season. With a down year for quarterback Brock Purdy and injuries to Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffery, it seems unlikely for now that there will be another San Francisco Superbowl appearance.
17. Seattle Seahawks (6-5)
There weren’t many expectations for the Seattle Seahawks heading into the season, but that could be taken in multiple ways. Seattle has not disappointed anybody thus far into the season, but it would be unlikely for anyone to call them a Superbowl Contender heading into the playoffs.
16. Tampa Bay Bucanners (5-6)
Most fans would say it’s sad to see where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have ended up on this list. Many people believed they were a top option to represent the NFC in the Superbowl, but now many people are asking if they’ll even make it to the Superbowl. The redemption of quarterback Baker Mayfield gave many people hope, but seemingly every other top player in Tampa Bay has caught the injury bug riddling their season. There is still hope for Tampa Bay though, as if healthy many fans still believe as the top contender they once were.
15. Cincinatti Bengals (4-7)
Many people would have been shocked two months ago to see the Cincinnati Bengals this low on the ranking, but following many devasting losses, it’d be hard to find many who’d argue. With one of the most talented offenses in the league, the underperformance of the defense has left Cincinnati battered and bruised heading into their Week 13 showdown against division rival the Steelers. All hope isn’t lost for Cincinnati, because with one defensive-focused draft, they could be right on track to another Superbowl appearance.
14. Atlanta Falcons (6-5)
Entering the season with a brand-new starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, fans of the Atlanta Falcons were mixed. It must have been a pleasant surprise then for Atlanta because Cousins has silenced all doubters. With a playoff spot about to be locked in for Atlanta, many fans are hoping for a solid playoff run.
13. Arizona Cardinals (6-5)
If fans three months ago were able to see that the Arizona Cardinals would be leading the NFC West, surprise would be an understatement when describing their reaction. With expectations not high for Arizona, they’ve surely exceeded the expectations of many. With a combination of veterans in Kyler Murray and James Connor, and rookies such as Marvin Harrison Jr., the future is bright for Arizona.
12. Denver Broncos (7-5)
While a Superbowl ring may not be in the near future for the Denver Broncos, the team has found themselves in a better spot compared to past years. A main part of this resurgence in Denver was finding their new franchise quarterback in Bo Nix, but also it looks like the offense and defense are coming together. In a few years, it wouldn’t be crazy to discuss a Denver Superbowl victory.
11. Houston Texans (7-5)
The Houston Texans have found themselves in a rough spot in the second half of the season. They haven’t disappointed fans, but they certainly haven’t exceeded expectations, with many believing this year they would be a top team in the AFC. With quarterback CJ Stroud suffering from a sophomore slump and multiple receivers going down to injury, circumstances haven’t been preferable for Houston. Against all odds, they are still a top team for the future.
10. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)
The Los Angeles Chargers have surpassed many expectations set for them at the start of the season. Quarterback Justin Herbert took the all-star jump this year carrying his team to seven wins thus far. Many fans have gotten behind Los Angeles, but will they be able to continue their wave of momentum heading into the Superbowl?
9. Green Bay Packers (8-3)
Not a surprise to many, the Green Bay Packers have ranked on the higher end of this list. Many questions arose following the departure of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers a few years ago, but Jordan Love has certainly risen to the occasion. Entering the playoffs with a young roster and a rough schedule ahead of them, many fans are wondering if Green Bay will be able to represent the NFC at the Superbowl.
8. Washington Commanders (7-5)
Coming off a very rough season last year, not too many fans believed in the Washington Commanders. Now entering Week 13 though, they’ve certainly silenced all of their doubters. They had a busy off-season by replacing the plethora of quarterbacks they had last year with Jayden Daniels and surrounding him with superstars like Terry McLaurin, Austin Eckler, and Brian Robinson Jr. The question on everyone’s mind is whether will they continue to defy the odds and claw their way to the Superbowl.
7. Minnesota Vikings (9-2)
Certainly not a team people were talking about three months ago, the Minnesota Vikings are another team on a list of many to defy the odds. Fans were worried about Kirk Cousins’s replacement in Sam Darnold but he has risen to the occasion. Now surrounded by a top-five wide receiver in the league in Justin Jefferson, there’s an argument to make for a Vikings playoff run.
6. Baltimore Ravens (8-4)
The Baltimore Ravens may be the first team on this list to be discussed as a Superbowl Contender. With potential MVP candidates in Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson, they’ve gained a lot of backers heading into the playoffs. At some point, the talent hasn’t produced the results they would have wanted, but they are certainly a top pick for the Superbowl.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)
With an injury to new quarterback Russel Wilson before the season even started, it didn’t look good for the Pittsburgh Steelers. 13 weeks later they now lead the AFC North with an all-star-filled defense. The question surrounding the team following an upset loss to division rival the Browns is, will their offense be able to perform heading into the playoffs? Taking everything into account, the Steelers have certainly earned the right to be discussed as the next Superbowl champions.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (9-2)
If one were to talk about the most star-studded roster in the NFL today, that conversation would end once you bring up the Philadelphia Eagles. A Superbowl victory has been made very possible with talents such as Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown, Saquon Barkley, and many more. A bad start has been followed with some dominant wins, but can Philadelphia right the wrongs of 2023 and win their second Superbowl?
3. Kansas City Chiefs (10-1)
After going back-to-back in Superbowl victories coming into this year’s season, many have soured on the Kansas City Chiefs. What is undeniable is the success they’ve had throughout the season, only sustaining their first week eleven to the Buffalo Bills. What’s on everyone’s minds now is will Kansas City become the first time to earn the illustrious Superbowl three-peat.
2. Buffalo Bills (9-2)
Coming into the 2024 NFL Season, many had soured on the Buffalo Bills following the loss of wide receiver Stephon Diggs to the Texans. To the shock of many, quarterback Josh Allen has risen above all the hate to take his team from undesirable to undeniable. There are questions surrounding the defense of the team, but with the surprisingly dominant offense will Buffalo be able to bring the Superbowl home to Buffalo for the first time?
1. Detriot Lions (10-1)
To the surprise of no one, the Detroit Lions rank the highest. Having all the hype surrounding them heading into the season this year, they have left nothing on the table. After what many fans called a robbery last year after losing in the NFC Conference Championship to the 49ers, it seems as if Detriot is on the path to finishing their story.
