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Ravens Insider: Way-too-early NFL power rankings: Ravens enter 2024 back in Super Bowl contention


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With the Kansas City Chiefs’ 25-22 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 58 on Sunday, the 2023 NFL season is officially over. Now it’s time to turn the page to 2024.

But before we turn our full attention to the draft and free agency, here’s a way-too-early look at where the Ravens and the NFL’s 31 other teams stack up entering next season. Regular-season unit rankings (as rated by FTN Fantasy’s DVOA) and notable pending unrestricted free agents are included.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

How 2023 ended: 11-6 regular season, Super Bowl champions

Unit rankings: No. 8 offense, No. 7 defense

Notable free agents: DT Chris Jones, CB L’Jarius Sneed, LT Donovan Smith, LB Willie Gay Jr., S Mike Edwards, LB Drue Tranquill, DE Mike Danna

Patrick Mahomes just completed the most impressive five-year run of any quarterback in NFL history, and it sounds like tight end Travis Kelce and coach Andy Reid are coming back. With that trio and an ascending defense, Kansas City has a good chance to become the first team in the Super Bowl era to win three straight titles. There are some big questions to answer this offseason, including the looming free agency of defensive linchpins Jones and Sneed and the lack of reliable receivers around Kelce and Rashee Rice, but Mahomes just proved that he and the Chiefs should never be considered underdogs.

2. San Francisco 49ers

How 2023 ended: 12-5, Super Bowl loss

Unit rankings: No. 1 offense, No. 4 defense

Notable free agents: DE Chase Young, DT Javon Kinlaw, LB Oren Burks, S Tashaun Gipson Sr., G Jon Feliciano

This Super Bowl loss will sting for a long time, but the 49ers have built a strong foundation under coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch that should continue competing for championships. Quarterback Brock Purdy proved that he’s capable of playing at a high level across a full season and into the playoffs, and he’s on an incredibly team-friendly contract. Star linebacker Dre Greenlaw faces a long road to recovery after suffering an Achilles tendon injury Sunday, but the defense returns nearly all of its top players as well as coordinator Steve Wilks. San Francisco will once again have one of the league’s best rosters next season, and it feels like only a matter of time before it breaks through.

3. Ravens

How 2023 ended: 13-4, AFC championship game loss

Unit rankings: No. 4 offense, No. 1 defense

Notable free agents: DT Justin Madubuike, LB Patrick Queen, OLB/DE Jadeveon Clowney, G Kevin Zeitler, WR Odell Beckham Jr., RB J.K. Dobbins, S Geno Stone, OLB Kyle Van Noy, G John Simpson

With plenty of turnover among the coaching staff and the potential departure of some key players, getting back to the conference title game is not going to be easy. Fortunately, the Ravens have a rock-solid foundation led by two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and coach John Harbaugh, who together have gone 58-19 during the regular season when Jackson starts. Another year in offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s system should only benefit Jackson, who will continue to face criticism for his playoff failures until finding a way to break through in the loaded AFC. How newly promoted coordinator Zach Orr and his assistants fare in rebuilding the league’s best defense will determine whether this team is once again championship-caliber.

4. Detroit Lions

How 2023 ended: 12-5, NFC championship game loss

Unit rankings: No. 5 offense, No. 13 defense

Notable free agents: S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, G Graham Glasgow, G Jonah Jackson, WR Josh Reynolds, DE Romeo Okwara

The Lions proved they can win in the postseason with quarterback Jared Goff, who’s due for a huge contract extension after leading one of the league’s best offenses. A masterful draft headlined by running back Jahmyr Gibbs, tight end Sam LaPorta and defensive back Brian Branch and the steady hand of coach Dan Campbell have laid the groundwork for a long window of contention in a city that has been starved for success, though the NFC North is shaping up to be much better next season. The key will be improving a pass rush and a secondary that struggled at times and failed in the playoffs.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) reacts to a teammates dropped pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Brett Carlsen)
Brett Carlsen/AP
Will Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs return for another season in Buffalo? (Brett Carlsen/AP)

5. Buffalo Bills

How 2023 ended: 11-6, AFC divisional round loss

Unit rankings: No. 3 offense, No. 12 defense

Notable free agents: S Micah Hyde, DE Leonard Floyd, WR Gabe Davis, DT DaQuan Jones, DE A.J. Epenesa, LB Tyrel Dodson

For as dominant as the Bills have been over the past five seasons with coach Sean McDermott and quarterback Josh Allen, playoff success has been elusive. That can wear on an organization over time, and there’s a feeling that perhaps Buffalo needs a shake-up to finally get over the hump. Maybe that means trading star wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who said he isn’t sure if he’ll be back next season. The Bills also need to rebuild a defense that could be losing several veterans, most notably Hyde, who is reportedly considering retirement. It’s going to be a tricky offseason for McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane.

6. Cincinnati Bengals

How 2023 ended: 9-8

Unit rankings: No. 11 offense, No. 23 defense

Notable free agents: WR Tee Higgins, DT DJ Reader, CB Chidobe Awuzie, RT Jonah Williams, WR Tyler Boyd

The return of quarterback Joe Burrow vaults the Bengals back into the league’s top tier, but there are big questions to answer before considering a return to the Super Bowl. Most importantly, what happens with Higgins, who is set to hit the open market but could return on the franchise tag. The Bengals have the salary cap space to spend in free agency, but there’s also the looming extension for star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase to consider. Reader and Awuzie have been crucial pieces on defense, and Williams’ likely departure creates a hole at right tackle. Burrow is good enough to keep this team in contention, but there’s plenty of work to do to reshape the roster around him.

7. Green Bay Packers

How 2023 ended: 9-8, NFC divisional round loss

Unit rankings: No. 6 offense, No. 27 defense

Notable free agents: RB AJ Dillon, CB Keisean Nixon, S Darnell Savage, G Jon Runyan

As the league’s youngest team, the Packers entered the postseason with house money and nearly cashed in with a trip to the NFC title game. The rise of quarterback Jordan Love and the emergence of a versatile, skilled group of pass catchers around him create plenty of excitement, but the defense, now under the direction of former Boston College coach Jeff Hafley, needs to dramatically improve for Green Bay to meet much higher expectations.

8. Dallas Cowboys

How 2023 ended: 12-5, NFC wild-card-round loss

Unit rankings: No. 9 offense, No. 5 defense

Notable free agents: LT Tyron Smith, CB Stephon Gilmore, RB Tony Pollard, C Tyler Biadasz, DE Dorance Armstrong

The Cowboys are sticking with coach Mike McCarthy despite another playoff disappointment, and that’s probably the smart move for the team’s 2024 outlook. Quarterback Dak Prescott played at an MVP level, and CeeDee Lamb emerged as an All-Pro receiver, but the offense stalled out again in the postseason. There’s a glaring need for a bonafide No. 2 receiver and a bigger, more powerful running back. The defense, meanwhile, needs a new voice after Dan Quinn left to coach Washington and took secondary coach Joe Whitt Jr. with him.

9. Los Angeles Rams

How 2023 ended: 10-7, NFC wild-card-round loss

Unit rankings: No. 7 offense, No. 22 defense

Notable free agents: G Kevin Dotson, C Coleman Shelton, S Jordan Fuller, WR Demarcus Robinson, CB Ahkello Witherspoon

An outstanding draft highlighted by star wide receiver Puka Nacua and another exceptional season from quarterback Matthew Stafford helped the Rams exceed expectations and nearly knock off the Lions in the wild-card round. The loss of defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will sting, and there are several starting spots on both sides of the ball that will need to be addressed, but the Rams have cap flexibility and draft picks in the first two rounds for the first time since 2015 to augment an already solid roster. In a league driven by coach-quarterback combos, Sean McVay and Stafford still rank among the best.

10. Miami Dolphins

How 2023 ended: 11-6, AFC wild-card-round loss

Unit rankings: No. 2 offense, No. 19 defense

Notable free agents: DT Christian Wilkins, OLB Andrew Van Ginkel, C Connor Williams, OLB Jerome Baker, DT Raekwon Davis, S DeShon Elliott

After a healthy, productive season, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is likely headed for a big contract extension, and rightfully so. He’s worked well with coach Mike McDaniel, and there’s no guarantee Miami would be able to find a better replacement. It would be foolish to overreact to Tagovailoa’s poor playoff debut in sub-zero temperatures. The Dolphins also have a long list of pending free agents to address, particularly on defense. As the new defensive coordinator, former Ravens defensive line coach Anthony Weaver faces the challenging task of reshaping a unit that slipped below league average during an injury-riddled season.

11. Houston Texans

How 2023 ended: 10-7, AFC divisional round loss

Unit rankings: No. 14 offense, No. 16 defense

Notable free agents: DE Jonathan Greenard, CB Steven Nelson, DT Sheldon Rankins, LB Blake Cashman, DE Derek Barnett, TE Dalton Schultz, RB Devin Singletary, RT George Fant

C.J. Stroud played like a top-10 quarterback as a rookie, which makes the Texans a serious contender while he’s still on a cheap contract. They have the cap space and the draft capital to upgrade the roster, which already boasts some of the most promising young talent in the league. The return of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is huge for Stroud’s development and should help the offense continue to climb.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts runs with the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Quarterback Jalen Hurts will face some pressure after the way the Eagles collapsed in 2023. (Lindsey Wasson/AP)

12. Philadelphia Eagles

How 2023 ended: 11-6, NFC wild-card-round loss

Unit rankings: No. 10 offense, No. 29 defense

Notable free agents: C Jason Kelce, RB D’Andre Swift, DT Fletcher Cox, DE Brandon Graham, WR Quez Watkins

A disastrous finish to the season, in which the Eagles slipped from 10-1 to being laughed out of the playoffs by the Buccaneers, raises serious questions about the future of coach Nick Sirianni and a defense that woefully underperformed. The hiring of coordinators Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio to lead the offense and defense, respectively, provides some confidence that Philadelphia can return to being a Super Bowl contender, but the pressure will be immense. The relationship between Moore, quarterback Jalen Hurts and star wide receiver A.J. Brown is worth watching.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers

How 2023 ended: 10-7, AFC wild-card-round loss

Unit rankings: No. 15 offense, No. 6 defense

Notable free agents: QB Mason Rudolph, S Miles Killebrew, CB Levi Wallace, CB Chandon Sullivan, OLB Markus Golden

For a team facing so much uncertainty about its quarterback, there’s a lot to be optimistic about. Kenny Pickett struggled in his second season, but the hiring of former Falcons coach Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator likely shifts the focus more toward running the ball and putting Pickett — or whoever plays quarterback — in a better position to succeed. The Steelers’ rushing attack was a true strength toward the end of the season behind Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, and the defense should remain elite as long as outside linebacker T.J. Watt and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward are healthy. This could be a surprise contender.

14. Seattle Seahawks

How 2023 ended: 9-8

Unit rankings: No. 12 offense, No. 28 defense

Notable free agents: DE Leonard Williams, LB Jordyn Brooks, LB Bobby Wagner, TE Noah Fant, G Damien Lewis, C Evan Brown, QB Drew Lock

What better way to fix one of the league’s worst defenses than hiring the coordinator of the league’s best? The arrival of coach Mike Macdonald from the Ravens provides hope that Seattle can get the most out of its talented players, namely rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon. There are plenty of holes to fill on that side of the ball, particularly up the middle, but Macdonald was able to coax career seasons out of undervalued players such as Jadeveon Clowney, Kyle Van Noy and Arthur Maulet. If he can fix the defense and have quarterback Geno Smith continue to thrive under former Washington Huskies offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, the Seahawks have the potential to be a very good team.

15. Cleveland Browns

How 2023 ended: 11-6, AFC wild-card-round loss

Unit rankings: No. 28 offense, No. 2 defense

Notable free agents: DE Za’Darius Smith, DT Maurice Hurst, DT Shelby Harris, QB Joe Flacco, RB Kareem Hunt, LB Sione Takitaki, LB Anthony Walker Jr.

That magical Flacco run was a great way to end the season, but the Browns can’t count on the 39-year-old quarterback to keep that up. This is Deshaun Watson’s team, for better or worse, and he at least showed flashes of being a competent quarterback during a 5-1 run as the starter before getting hurt again. The return of running back Nick Chubb as the engine of the offense will help, but a lack of dynamic receiving talent outside of Amari Cooper — who turns 30 in June — and tight end David Njoku raises questions. A defense that looked historically good at times during coordinator Jim Schwartz’s first season provides a high floor, though it will be challenging to replicate that success given the potential turnover in free agency.

Jim Harbaugh speaks during a press conference introducing him as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers NFL football team, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The arrival of coach Jim Harbaugh, fresh off a national championship at Michigan, is a much-needed shot in the arm for the Chargers. (Ashley Landis/AP)

16. Los Angeles Chargers

How 2023 ended: 5-12

Unit rankings: No. 16 offense, No. 26 defense

Notable free agents: RB Austin Ekeler, TE Gerald Everett, S Alohi Gilman, LB Kenneth Murray

The arrival of coach Jim Harbaugh, fresh off a national championship at Michigan, is a much-needed shot in the arm for a franchise fighting for relevance not only in its home city, but the league at large. Harbaugh will certainly bring attention, but also a toughness and competitive attitude that should help the Chargers gain ground in a crowded playoff race. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is an inspired choice, but offensive coordinator Greg Roman has a lot to prove after his passing game floundered in Baltimore. Time will tell if he’s learned to adapt and can put talented quarterback Justin Herbert in the best position to succeed.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars

How 2023 ended: 9-8

Unit rankings: No. 18 offense, No. 10 defense

Notable free agents: DE Josh Allen, WR Calvin Ridley, G Ezra Cleveland, CB Tre Herndon

It feels like a long time ago, but the Jaguars were once 8-3 and poised to claim the top seed in the AFC before quarterback Trevor Lawrence injured his ankle in a deflating loss to backup Jake Browning and the Bengals. Then they collapsed down the stretch and missed the playoffs, leading to the firing of defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell. There is still plenty of talent on this team, and Lawrence still has another level or two to reach in his development, but there will be more pressure than ever on him and coach Doug Pederson.

18. Minnesota Vikings

How 2023 ended: 7-10

Unit rankings: No. 23 offense, No. 11 defense

Notable free agents: QB Kirk Cousins, DE Danielle Hunter, G Dalton Risner, LB Jordan Hicks, DE Marcus Davenport, DE D.J. Wonnum, WR K.J. Osborn

The Vikings’ outlook for next season depends on what happens with Cousins, who is once again poised for a big payday. But all signs point to a reunion in Minnesota, which looked formidable before Cousins went down with a torn Achilles tendon in Week 8. There are holes to fill on defense, which improved dramatically under blitz-heavy coordinator Brian Flores, but a full season of Cousins, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson should produce one of the league’s best offenses.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

How 2023 ended: 9-8, NFC divisional round loss

Unit rankings: No. 20 offense, No. 14 defense

Notable free agents: QB Baker Mayfield, WR Mike Evans, S Antoine Winfield Jr., LB Lavonte David, LB Devin White, G Aaron Stinnie

Mayfield and the Buccaneers exceeded expectations in 2023, winning the NFC South, eliminating the defending conference champions and nearly taking down Detroit in the divisional round. If Mayfield returns, Tampa Bay should remain in the mix to repeat as division champs, though some big names are hitting free agency. Don’t overlook the departure of offensive coordinator Dave Canales, who helped revive Mayfield’s career before taking over in Carolina.

20. Indianapolis Colts

How 2023 ended: 9-8

Unit rankings: No. 13 offense, No. 20 defense

Notable free agents: WR Michael Pittman Jr., CB Kenny Moore II, S Julian Blackmon, DT Grover Stewart, QB Gardner Minshew, RB Zack Moss, DE Tyquan Lewis

In just 173 snaps, rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson flashed the potential that made him such an intriguing prospect. His dual-threat ability paired with running back Jonathan Taylor and coach Shane Steichen gives the Colts a chance to compete with the many star-studded rosters in the AFC, though Richardson must prove he can stay healthy long enough to get Indianapolis to the playoffs. He’ll need plenty of help, which makes bringing back Pittman and adding another receiver or two a top priority.

21. New York Jets

How 2023 ended: 7-10

Unit rankings: No. 32 offense, No. 3 defense

Notable free agents: DE Bryce Huff, LT Mekhi Becton, S Jordan Whitehead, DE Carl Lawson, S Chuck Clark, DT Quinton Jefferson

The Jets are all-in on 40-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is coming off a torn Achilles tendon suffered on the opening drive of his team debut. It would be easy to suggest that the four-time MVP will immediately make the Jets contenders, but that would overlook reported dysfunction behind the scenes and a lack of talent at both wide receiver and the offensive line. As good as Rodgers has been, we haven’t seen him play a full NFL game in over a year. Even if the defense remains elite, it’s asking a lot of Rodgers to lead this team back to the playoffs for the first time since 2010.

22. New Orleans Saints

How 2023 ended: 9-8

Unit rankings: No. 17 offense, No. 15 defense

Notable free agents: WR Michael Thomas, LT Andrus Peat, G/T James Hurst, CB Isaac Yiadom, DE/OLB Zack Baun, QB Jameis Winston

A late-season surge was not enough to lift the Saints to a playoff spot, and they’re once again facing a bloated cap sheet while several key contributors hit free agency. Recent draft misses, notably left tackle Trevor Penning, have left the roster in desperate need of young talent. Quarterback Derek Carr provides a solid enough level of play to keep the team in the playoff mix, but it’s hard to envision anything better than a wild-card appearance in 2024 unless the draft provides an immediate impact.

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) plays against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)
It seems unlikely that Justin Fields will be the Bears quarterback in 2024. (David Banks/AP)

23. Chicago Bears

How 2023 ended: 7-10

Unit rankings: No. 22 offense, No. 17 defense

Notable free agents: CB Jaylon Johnson, WR Darnell Mooney, DE Yannick Ngakoue, RB D’Onta Foreman

The Bears are expected to trade Justin Fields and draft a quarterback — likely USC’s Caleb Williams — at No. 1 overall in April, starting a new era for a franchise that has struggled for decades to find a reliable starter at the sport’s most important position. Time will tell whether the decision to keep coach Matt Eberflus and hire a new offensive coordinator in Shane Waldron was the right move, but the huge strides made on defense after the trade for defensive end Montez Sweat provide hope that Eberflus is the right man for the job.

24. Las Vegas Raiders

How 2023 ended: 8-9

Unit rankings: No. 27 offense, No. 8 defense

Notable free agents: RB Josh Jacobs, C Andre James, RT Jermaine Eluemunor, G Greg Van Roten, TE Austin Hooper, CB Amik Robertson

The Raiders decided to stick with the hot hand and hire Antonio Pierce as the full-time coach after a successful stint as the interim to end the season. It’s a smart move for a franchise that has lacked stability since reaching the Super Bowl in 2002, though Pierce has plenty of work ahead of him to find a franchise quarterback and maintain a defense that took a major step forward under coordinator Patrick Graham. How aggressive the Raiders are in the draft and free agency will be interesting.

25. New England Patriots

How 2023 ended: 4-13

Unit rankings: No. 29 offense, No. 9 defense

Notable free agents: LT Trent Brown, RT Mike Onwenu, S Kyle Dugger, CB Myles Bryant, DE Josh Uche, TE Hunter Henry, WR Kendrick Bourne, TE Mike Gesicki, DE Anfernee Jennings, RB Ezekiel Elliott

The Patriots enter a new era without Bill Belichick, who leaves after winning six Super Bowl titles over 24 years as coach. Jerod Mayo inherits a team desperate for quarterback help, which could come in the form of the No. 3 overall pick. The bones of a potentially elite defense are there, especially with defensive end Matthew Judon and cornerback Christian Gonzalez set to return from injury. Even with a rookie quarterback, it would not be shocking to see New England compete for a playoff spot in Mayo’s first season.

26. Arizona Cardinals

How 2023 ended: 4-13

Unit rankings: No. 21 offense, No. 32 defense

Notable free agents: WR Marquise Brown

The Cardinals went 3-5 down the stretch after quarterback Kyle Murray returned from a knee injury, including wins over the Steelers and Eagles. While coach Jonathan Gannon’s defense still has a long way to go, the offense should take a significant step forward behind Murray, running back James Conner and perhaps rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who is widely projected to be picked fourth overall in April. Another strong draft could push Arizona back toward competing for a playoff spot.

27. Atlanta Falcons

How 2023 ended: 7-10

Unit rankings: No. 24 offense, No. 24 defense

Notable free agents: DT Calais Campbell, DE Bud Dupree, CB Jeff Okudah, RB Cordarrelle Patterson, WR Van Jefferson

After the Falcons surprisingly moved on from Arthur Smith, coach Raheem Morris inherits a team that has plenty of talent and the cap space and draft capital to add more. The biggest question is at quarterback after Desmond Ridder struggled during his second season. Perhaps a trade for Georgia native Justin Fields, who showed signs of progress at the end of the year in Chicago, would make Atlanta a contender in the wide-open NFC South.

Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson gets up after being sacked during Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood, California.
RJ Sangosti, DP
A split from quarterback Russell Wilson looks inevitable for the Broncos. (RJ Sangosti)

28. Denver Broncos

How 2023 ended: 8-9

Unit rankings: No. 19 offense, No. 30 defense

Notable free agents: C Lloyd Cushenberry III, LB Josey Jewell, TE Adam Trautman, CB Fabian Moreau, OT Cam Fleming

A split from quarterback Russell Wilson looks inevitable after he was benched at the end of the season. How coach Sean Payton addresses that position will be fascinating, since there are few enticing options likely to be available in free agency or with the No. 12 overall pick. The defense also needs plenty of work after ranking near the bottom of the league. Unfortunately, after spending big last offseason and still missing the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year, the Broncos don’t have much financial flexibility.

29. Tennessee Titans

How 2023 ended: 6-11

Unit rankings: No. 25 offense, No. 18 defense

Notable free agents: RB Derrick Henry, QB Ryan Tannehill, DE Denico Autry, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, C Aaron Brewer, DT Teair Tart, RT Chris Hubbard, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR Chris Moore

It’s the end of an era for the Titans, who parted ways with coach Mike Vrabel and are likely saying goodbye to Henry and Tannehill after missing the playoffs for the second straight season. New coach Brian Callahan faces an exodus of veteran talent across the board, but opportunity knocks to breathe some new life into one of the league’s oldest rosters. The development of quarterback Will Levis will be key for Callahan and general manager Ran Carthon to determine the length and scope of this rebuild.

30. New York Giants

How 2023 ended: 6-11

Unit rankings: No. 30 offense, No. 21 defense

Notable free agents: RB Saquon Barkley, S Xavier McKinney, CB Adoree’ Jackson, LB Isaiah Simmons, DT A’Shawn Robinson

Next season will likely be quarterback Daniel Jones’ last in New York unless he can prove he’s ready to take the next step while coming off a torn ACL. The problem is, he might not be put in the best position to succeed considering the uncertainty over who’s calling plays between offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and coach Brian Daboll. An overhauled coaching staff and a roster that could be losing two of its most important players in Barkley and McKinney does not inspire confidence that the Giants can bounce back and return to the playoffs.

31. Washington Commanders

How 2023 ended: 4-13

Unit rankings: No. 26 offense, No. 31 defense

Notable free agents: CB Kendall Fuller, S Kam Curl, WR Curtis Samuel, RB Antonio Gibson, QB Jacoby Brissett, LB Khaleke Hudson

With a new owner, front office and coaching staff, hope springs eternal for Washington to escape its long walk on the treadmill of mediocrity. How Josh Harris, Adam Peters and Dan Quinn work together to reshape the roster, starting with a big decision at quarterback, will determine just how quickly this team can return to playoff contention. With a league-leading $73 million in cap space and a treasure trove of draft picks (including No. 2 overall), it might be faster than you think.

32. Carolina Panthers

How 2023 ended: 2-15

Unit rankings: No. 31 offense, No. 25 defense

Notable free agents: DE Brian Burns, LB Frankie Luvu, S Jeremy Chinn, CB Shaquill Griffin, DE Yetur Gross-Matos, WR DJ Chark Jr., WR Laviska Shenault Jr.

After helping revive Mayfield’s career in Tampa Bay, Canales is tasked with getting another former No. 1 overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner back on track. How Bryce Young recovers from a disastrous rookie season is the most important question in Carolina, which must be aggressive in adding talent around its franchise quarterback or risk another year of stunted growth.

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