NFL Top 10 Ranking: Chiefs at the top; 49ers, Eagles and Cowboys close behind

The 2024 NFL season begins right where the 2023 season left off, with the Chiefs at the top of my top 10. But the competition is fierce. The Cowboys and Vikings scored dominant wins in Week 1, and the Texans, Eagles and Lions showed they just know how to win.

Here is my first top 10 of the 2024 season.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

The defending champions of the last two years remain atop the standings after dismantling the Baltimore Ravens in the season opener. Patrick Mahomes and Xavier Worthy showed instant chemistry, with the first-round receiver totaling 68 scrimmage yards and two scores. With Isiah Pacheco adding 45 yards on the ground and a score, the Chiefs showed the potential to terrorize opponents with a balanced approach that allows Andy Reid to win with power or finesse. As defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo continues to build a defensive superiority, led by All-Pros Chris Jones and Trent McDuffie, the Chiefs look like the best team in football.

2. San Francisco 49ers

The football world will soon find out if the 49ers can shake off the Super Bowl hangover. After a series of contract disputes involving a handful of stars (Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk), the team hopes to heal any hurt feelings and continue its title chase under Kyle Shanahan.

3. Philadelphia Eagles

Nick Sirianni seems to have hit the jackpot with his coordinator hires this cycle. Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio got their units going in a 34-29 win over the Packers on Friday. The offense looks to be an unstoppable force, with Saquon Barkley bringing his talents as a versatile weapon out of the backfield. The Eagles' new RB1 collected 132 scrimmage yards on 26 contacts (24 carries, 2 catches) with three scores against Green Bay. AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith combined for 12 catches, 203 receiving yards and one score.

4. Dallas Cowboys

After contentious contract negotiations with their franchise quarterback and star receiver, the Cowboys played masterful football in all three phases, beating the Browns 33-17. Although the offense faltered a bit as Dak Prescott found his rhythm, the veteran threw for 179 yards, tying with CeeDee Lamb (five catches, 61 yards) and Brandin Cooks (four catches, 40 yards and a score). On defense, Mike Zimmer delivered a masterpiece as Micah Parsons & Co. harassed Cleveland with a barrage of blitzes and bluffs (simulated pressure) that kept Deshaun Watson guessing for four quarters. KaVontae Turpin punted home to win the game, and the Cowboys pulled out a victory thanks to an impressive team effort that shook up the football world.

Tom Brady’s LFG Player of the Game: Cowboys LB Micah Parsons

5. Minnesota Vikings

The Sam Darnold experiment is off to a great start. The veteran is thriving under Kevin O'Connell's tutelage. In the 28-6 win over the Giants, the veteran completed 19 of 24 passes, scored two touchdowns and connected with eight different receivers. While the offense was firing on all cylinders, defensive coordinator Brian Flores was able to get a few hits and keep New York's offense dazed and confused for most of the game. If the Vikings continue to play high-quality complementary football with a resurgent quarterback at the helm, the “Purple People Eaters” could emerge as a surprise title contender in the NFC.

6. Houston Texans

The Super Bowl hype is high for the Texans, as evidenced by the team's impressive performance in Week 1, a 29-27 win over the Colts. The rookies (Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs) stepped up and showed what they could do as the offense managed over 400 yards, with the new RB1 totaling 159 rushing yards and a touchdown on 30 carries and the veteran pass catcher adding two short touchdowns. With Nico Collins putting up a 100-yard day to complement the impressive work of the rookies, the Texans offense looks like a runaway train rumbling down the tracks. If the defense can get a few stops each week, it will be hard to beat H-Town's favorite team down the stretch.

7. Detroit Lions

Dan Campbell's team earned a hard-fought victory over the combative Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. The Lions' toughness and resilience reflect the relentless personality of their head coach. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs led a running game that combined for 163 rushing yards on 31 carries. Jameson Williams proved to be a perfect complement on the perimeter, totaling 121 receiving yards on five catches with one touchdown. The defense allowed over 300 passing yards but was able to get a timely red zone interception and two sacks to thwart the Rams' offensive efforts.

Jared Goff and the Lions win back-and-forth duel with the Rams

8. Miami Dolphins

It wasn't pretty, but the Dolphins pulled out a narrow 20-17 comeback win over the Jaguars despite dealing with a myriad of pregame distractions that led to a sluggish start. Tua Tagovailoa managed a 300-yard game by throwing darts to players on the Dolphins' world-class track and field team with a mix of swings, blocks and deep throws that allowed their playmakers to move in open space. Tyreek Hill (seven catches, 130 receiving yards and one score) and Jaylen Waddle (five catches, 109 receiving yards) and De'Von Achane (seven catches, 76 receiving yards) set the tone on offense, and the Dolphins relied on their speed and explosiveness to overcome a 10-point deficit. As the defense settles in under the leadership of new coordinator Anthony Weaver, the Dolphins could become a nightmarish opponent for most teams in the AFC.

9. Baltimore Ravens

The opening night loss to the Chiefs overshadowed a brilliant performance from Lamar Jackson. The two-time league MVP managed nearly 400 yards of offense (273 passing yards, 122 rushing yards) and showed off the electrifying skills that make him the game's most feared quarterback. Although the Ravens need to diversify their approach and let the supporting cast make Jackson's job easier, his brilliant play makes it difficult to poke holes in the team's offensive strategy.

Lamar Jackson says Chiefs are not kryptonite after Ravens loss in Week 1

10. Los Angeles Chargers

Jim Harbaugh stuck to his guns and revealed his plan for the Chargers' turnaround. The team relied on a tough running game and a stout defense to pull off a 22-10 win over the Raiders in Week 1. JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards anchored a running game that produced 176 rushing yards on 27 attempts and brought Las Vegas to its knees in the second half. Although Justin Herbert did his part as a fill-in player (17 of 26 for 144 yards and a score), the Chargers' franchise quarterback will benefit from a less-is-more approach that takes some of the burden of carrying the offense off his shoulders. With a defense that seems to be becoming an ever-greater threat in the AFC, the Chargers' old-fashioned formula (running game + defense = wins) could lead to a playoff berth by the end of the season.

Bucky Brooks is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He also analyzes the game for NFL Network and co-hosts the podcast “Moving the Sticks.” Follow him on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.

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