Curt Popejoy
July 1, 2024 5:30 am ET
In less than a month, all 32 NFL teams will begin training camp and the start of the regular season will be there before we know it. Every team feels like they won the offseason and they are now Super Bowl contenders but we all know better. Some teams took huge strides toward the season and others did not.
As for the Pittsburgh Steelers, they had a second-straight huge offseason both in free agency and the NFL draft. They are set to start eight new players this season including a new starting quarterback in Russell Wilson. Head coach Mike Tomlin is hoping to continue his streak of seasons finishing at .500 or better and extend it to an 18th season. Fans are hoping the team did enough to break their playoff losing streak that goes all the way back to 2016.
Here are our pre-training camp power rankings for all 32 NFL teams.
1
Kansas City Chiefs
Dec 26, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) rolls out to throw against Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
The Chiefs stay the best until someone beats them after winning two straight Super Bowls.
2
San Francisco 49ers
Sep 10, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) scrambles with the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) chases during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The best all-around team in the NFC and the best competition for the Chiefs.
3
Baltimore Ravens
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 08: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens attempts a pass while pressured by Cole Holcomb #55 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
The Ravens are knocking on the door in the AFC and have the talent to win it all.
4
Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scrambles against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Feb. 12, 2023.
Nfl Super Bowl Lvii Kansas City Chiefs Vs Philadelphia Eagles
A great team got better in the offseason and should push the Niners hard for the title.
5
Detroit Lions
Oct 3, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) looks to pass the ball after the pressure from Chicago Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman (91) in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports
The Lions were so close last season, we want to see how they rebound.
6
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) scrambles out of the pocket under pressure from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) in the third quarter of of the NFL Week 11 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. The Bengals won 37-30.
Cincinnati Bengals At Pittsburgh Steelers Week 11
If Joe Burrow stays healthy all season, they can beat any team any week.
7
Buffalo Bills
Jan 15, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) looks the play th ball pressured by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) in the first quarter in a 2024 AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
You can never count out Josh Allen and the Bills.
8
Green Bay Packers
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 12: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers attempts a pass while being tackled by Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Jordan Love is the real deal and this team keeps getting better.
9
Houston Texans
Aug 27, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) scrambles out the pocket against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
C.J. Stroud took the NFL by storm last season and they are just getting better.
10
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 11: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to throw a pass in the direction of David Perales #40 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The Bucs are one of our sleeper teams in the NFC who can upset the Niners.
11
Miami Dolphins
Oct 23, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) catches the football over Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Arthur Maulet (35) during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
The Dolphins didn’t do enough at offensive line to contend this season.
12
Chicago Bears
NFL Draft prospect Caleb Williams walks the red carpet for NFL Draft day at the Fox Theatre in Detroit on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
The talent is very young and inexperienced but they could be special.
13
Pittsburgh Steelers
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 6: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers works out during the Pittsburgh Steelers OTA offseason workout at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on June 6 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
The Steelers got a new quarterback in hopes of getting a playoff win.
14
Los Angeles Rams15
Cleveland Browns
CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 19: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns sacks Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The Browns are the classic underachievers of the NFL.
16
Los Angeles Chargers
Nov 21, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) runs for a first down before he is stopped by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward (97) in the second half the game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The Chargers could well outplay this ranking if Jim Harbaugh is as good as advertised.
17
Dallas Cowboys
CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 06: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 6, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Sorry if we don’t buy the Cowboys being all in for the season even if it is the last one for Dak Prescott.
18
Indianapolis Colts
Aug 24, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) in action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
If Anthony Richardson stays healthy all year and can play his style of football, this team will finish much higher.
19
Jacksonville Jaguars
Oct 29, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws a touchdown pass while under pressure from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Trevor Lawrence got his huge contact, now he has to play like he deserves it.
20
Atlanta Falcons
Sep 17, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The Falcons will be better with Kirk Cousins but we don’t see enough around him or on defense.
21
Seattle Seahawks
Aug 13, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Henry Mondeaux (99) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Seahawks are a tough group to rank because we don’t see the big improvements.
22
New York Jets
Oct 1, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) pre game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
We are not at all convinced the Jets will be any better than last season even if Aaron Rodgers is healthy.
23
Washington Commanders
Jun 5, 2024; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) stands on the field during OTA workouts at Commanders Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
We have the Commanders higher than most because we are that high on Jayden Daniels.
24
Minnesota Vikings
Nov 8, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions defensive back Jeff Okudah (30) tackles Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
If J.J. McCarthy can just be pretty good, this team will outplay this ranking.
25
Tennessee Titans
Nov 2, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) passes against pressure from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
No Derrick Henry and Will Levis as the starting quarterback doesn’t inspire confidence.
26
Denver Broncos
May 23, 2024; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) and quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) during organized team activities at Centura Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
This is a team on the rebuild and Bo Nix is going to need time.
27
Las Vegas Raiders
Sep 24, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
This team has a ton of talent everywhere but quarterback. That’s a problem.
28
New Orleans Saints
Green Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary (52) and linebacker Quay Walker (7) sack New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) during their football game Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Saints 18-17.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
We can’t see where the Saints got any better in the offseason in any areas that matter.
29
New York Giants
Sep 14, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) pursues during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The Giants are another team that seems to have taken a step back.
30
Arizona Cardinals
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 03: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled by Kyron Johnson #53 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
We are not convinced this team can ever win with Kyler Murray at quarterback.
31
New England Patriots
Jun 12, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) and quarterback Jacob y Brissett (14) throw passes at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Drake Maye has a bright future but there’s work to be done.
32
Carolina Panthers
Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Time is already running out for Bryce Young to win some games.
