As the 2024 NFL season unfolds, the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. In the interim, it is a fitting time to evaluate the performances of all teams during the regular season. Grades are assigned based on win-loss records, statistical rankings, and trends of progression or regression, taking into account playoff performances where applicable. Teams that did not qualify for the playoffs will not receive a grade higher than a C-plus, while postseason participants will be graded no lower than a B-minus. A select few teams achieved an A for surpassing or meeting expectations based on their rosters and offseason projections, while others suffered due to poor performance, stagnant development, or a win-loss record that contradicted their talent roster. Below, each of the 32 teams is reviewed with an analytical lens.

The Arizona Cardinals ended the season with a sub-.500 record and missed the playoffs; however, there are indicators of progress. The team is expected to seek a couple of veteran defensive playmakers and require enhanced performance from quarterback Kyler Murray. The Cardinals managed to double their wins from the previous season. Noteworthy improvements were made on both offense and defense, with offensive scoring improving from ranked 24th to 12th and defensive scoring rising from 31st to 15th. Tight end Trey McBride made a mark by earning his first Pro Bowl nod. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing will need to focus on strengthening the rapport between Murray and rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who posted a subpar catch rate of 53.4 percent. Murray completed the season with 3,851 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, while also contributing 572 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Nevertheless, the Cardinals will need him to produce decisive plays in crucial moments.

2024 Record: 8-9, Grade: C+

The Atlanta Falcons entered the season with optimism, which gradually dwindled due to a slow decision to bench their high-priced quarterback and unaddressed defensive vulnerabilities. Kirk Cousins, signed to a four-year, $180 million contract, struggled significantly early in the season due to a previous Achilles injury, showcasing an alarming number of turnovers, tied for a league-high 16 interceptions. Cousins' statistics were notably lacking compared to his counterpart, Baker Mayfield, with nearly 1,000 fewer passing yards and 23 fewer touchdowns. Between Weeks 10 and 13, Cousins notably threw eight interceptions without a touchdown. Despite taking Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 draft, the Falcons stuck with Cousins longer than advisable, while their defense ranked 23rd, failing to bolster an offense that faced extended periods of stagnation.

2024 Record: 8-9, Grade: C

The Baltimore Ravens emerged atop the AFC North, featuring the league's second-leading rusher, Derrick Henry, and a potential MVP campaign for quarterback Lamar Jackson. Despite their achievements, the team grappled with underperformance relative to their talent. After advancing to the AFC Championship Game the previous year, the Ravens secured Henry in free agency. Jackson recorded career highs in passing yards (4,172) and touchdowns (41), achieving a league-best QBR tied with Josh Allen at 77.3 and leading the league in passer rating at 119.6. While wide receiver Rashod Bateman enjoyed his most prolific season with 45 receptions for 756 yards and nine touchdowns, the defensive unit faced lapses in coverage, particularly against the Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns, resulting in odd losses. The Ravens trailed primarily the Buffalo Bills throughout the postseason, capturing the AFC North title largely due to a late-season surge amidst the Pittsburgh Steelers' collapse.

2024 Record: 12-5, Grade: B+

Although the Buffalo Bills might consider their 2024 season a failure due to a fourth playoff defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs in five years, they still showcased a commendable season. Quarterback Josh Allen maintained an MVP-caliber performance despite the absence of a primary wide receiver, tying for the league-leading QBR at 77.3. Running back James Cook tied with Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry for the most rushing touchdowns (16). The Bills extended their AFC East title streak to five seasons, finishing five victories clear of second place in the division. Despite head coach Sean McDermott's defensive acumen, the Bills finished outside the top 10 in scoring and total yards allowed for the first time since 2020, with 24th in passing yards allowed being particularly concerning. While Allen's ability to perform without a superstar supporting cast is notable, the offseason may necessitate the addition of a reliable receiver or a defensive revamp to advance past the Chiefs.

2024 Record: 13-4, Grade: A-

The Carolina Panthers faced a rocky start to their 2024 campaign, highlighted by a lack of talent across the roster. Despite the challenges, there are glimmers of hope for the team's future. First-year head coach Dave Canales benched quarterback Bryce Young early in the season, raising questions about the organization’s commitment to his development. Young eventually regained his starting position due to injury to veteran Andy Dalton, seizing the moment by throwing seven touchdowns without an interception over the last three games. Continual improvement is needed from Young to meet the expectations of a first overall pick. The Panthers must also fortify their defense, which was subpar, yielding the most points and yards per game across the league.

2024 Record: 5-12, Grade: D+

The Chicago Bears fell short of expectations, given the support around rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the continuity in other areas. Despite having a strong receiving corps consisting of D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and rookie Rome Odunze, Williams concluded his season with fewer passing yards (3,558) and touchdowns (20) than fellow rookie signal-callers Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix, who had less support. The Bears’ offensive line struggled notably, allowing Williams to be sacked a league-high 68 times. Following issues with clock management led to the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus, the defensive unit collapsed, permitting an average of 34 points in the subsequent three games. New head coach Ben Johnson will need to prioritize rebuilding the offensive line, while defensive coordinator Dennis Allen seeks to revitalize a struggling unit.

2024 Record: 5-12, Grade: D

The Cincinnati Bengals mirrored last season's win total with a healthy Joe Burrow. He led the league in passing yards per game (289.3) and touchdowns (43), but the team primarily relied on high-scoring shootouts for victories, managing only a 4-4 record when scoring over 30 points. Addressing its defensive issues, the Bengals dismissed coordinator Lou Anarumo, whose units had often ranked near the bottom in scoring and total yards. The Bengals boasted one of the most potent offenses galivanizing their playoff hopes, yet their defense could not match the effort, culminating in a disappointing season for a projected playoff team.

2024 Record: 9-8, Grade: C

The Cleveland Browns faced struggles from the outset of the season, which were compounded by quarterback Deshaun Watson’s inconsistencies and Nick Chubb's recovery from injury. Watson's performance deteriorated, while Chubb's return yielded a career-low 3.3 rushing yards per carry. A lack of stability on the offensive line due to injuries exacerbated their situation. While Jameis Winston brought some excitement with his play style, his turnover tendency remained high, leading to a quick loss of the starting role. The Browns finished last in offensive output and couldn't emulate the success of their previous defensive season, ultimately resulting in a lost year.

2024 Record: 3-14, Grade: F

The Dallas Cowboys struggled in managing the running back position, particularly after quarterback Dak Prescott's season-ending hamstring injury. Letting Tony Pollard leave in free agency and re-signing a worn-down Ezekiel Elliott, who averaged a career-low 3.1 yards per carry, proved detrimental. The management's refusal to fully utilize Rico Dowdle, who was more efficient in his opportunities, compounded the issues. The Cowboys faced defensive challenges as well, culminating in a disappointing season marred by injuries and poor decisions in roster management.

2024 Record: 7-10, Grade: C-

The Denver Broncos exceeded expectations under rookie quarterback Bo Nix, considering the franchise’s prior cap limitations. Although no running back surpassed 513 rushing yards and only one pass-catcher obtained over 503 receiving yards, Nix managed to throw for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, showcasing his potential with a 66.3% completion rate. Denver secured a playoff berth, a remarkable achievement given the preceding expectations, demonstrating a positive outlook for the future despite a loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild-Card Round.

2024 Record: 10-7, Grade: B+

The Detroit Lions transitioned from being the underdog to a team with high expectations after a run to the NFC Championship Game. While Detroit led the league in scoring and secured the NFC's No. 1 seed, they suffered a disappointing playoff exit. Their offense failed to perform against a rookie quarterback in the postseason, indicating that despite a successful regular season, the Lions must regroup to capitalize in future playoff endeavors.

2024 Record: 15-2, Grade: A-

The Green Bay Packers exhibited inconsistency due to quarterback Jordan Love’s performance fluctuations during the 2024 season. Play-caller Jeff Hafley improved a previously underwhelming defensive unit. Love, after struggling early in the season, received a reduced workload as the offense shifted toward running back Josh Jacobs in the latter stages of the term. With a significant contract extension given to Love,it is crucial for him to elevate the team to new heights and consistently perform at a starter’s level moving forward.

2024 Record: 11-6, Grade: B

The Houston Texans failed to capitalize on an encouraging 2023 season, with quarterback C.J. Stroud displaying a decline from his previous Offensive Rookie of the Year form. While the defensive lineup features standout players, the overall unit finished 14th in scoring. Stroud’s chemistry with receivers faltered, especially following the loss of Stefon Diggs due to injury. Stroud's substantial sack total also raised concerns about the offensive line. Given this stagnation, changes may be anticipated, particularly with a new offensive coordinator potentially brought in to assist in the team's overall offensive revamp.

2024 Record: 10-7, Grade: B-

The Indianapolis Colts showcased deficiencies in their offensive strategy, culminating in ineffective results. The organization must consider its approach with quarterback Anthony Richardson, who faced inconsistent playing time. After being benched midseason, Richardson returned to the starting lineup and struggled with a low completion rate. Running back Jonathan Taylor emerged with impressive numbers, yet the Colts must solidify their quarterback situation to advance beyond mediocrity in the upcoming seasons.

2024 Record: 8-9, Grade: C-

After a promising start, the Jacksonville Jaguars experienced a sharp decline, notably after quarterback Trevor Lawrence's injuries hindered his performance. The team reeled from five consecutive losses and received limited contributions from the backfield. Emerging rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. led the team with significant receiving numbers, but his impact was not enough to prevent the team's dismal finish. Head coach Doug Pederson's position may be further evaluated given the disappointing trajectory of the season.

2024 Record: 4-13, Grade: D-

The Kansas City Chiefs continued to showcase their championship pedigree as reigning back-to-back champions, ultimately clinching the AFC’s No. 1 seed. The team remained poised while pursuing a rare three-peat opportunity in Super Bowl LIX. Despite not boasting overwhelming statistics, the Chiefs showcased grit in competitive situations, demonstrating their potential for postseason success.

2024 Record: 15-2, Grade: A

The Las Vegas Raiders faced challenges in properly managing their coaching hires, especially regarding the quarterback situation. While Antonio Pierce maintained a competitive spirit early in the year, issues surrounding player motivation and accountability ultimately led to his replacement. Despite these challenges, the Raiders' rookie class showed promise, featuring standout performances from tight end Brock Bowers and promising offensive linemen. Their draft class provides a semblance of hope amidst the turmoil.

2024 Record: 4-13, Grade: D

Under the direction of head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Los Angeles Chargers found new life by achieving their best record since 2018. Emphasizing a balanced offensive approach, the team demonstrated resilience on both sides of the ball, with running back J.K. Dobbins reviving his career. The Chargers showcased a strong defensive presence, but they must further develop their playoff strategies after a quick exit.

2024 Record: 11-6, Grade: B

The Los Angeles Rams mirrored their previous season’s success yet encountered a mixed bag of injuries in the roster, particularly at wide receiver. However, under head coach Sean McVay, the Rams demonstrated their capability to adapt and perform at a high level, finishing strong and proving competitive through the regular season.

2024 Record: 10-7, Grade: B

The Miami Dolphins grappled with significant challenges, notably quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s injury rate, which once again undermined the team's potential. Thus, the offense faltered in his absence, indicating a need for better depth in critical positions. Despite the struggles, the Dolphins need to enhance their performance against strong contenders moving forward.

2024 Record: 8-9, Grade: C

The Minnesota Vikings surprised many by exceeding expectations, driven by quarterback Sam Darnold's career-best performance. Notably, despite a first-round playoff exit, the team's success and improvement open a pathway for constructing a potent roster moving forward, with key players showing significant growth.

2024 Record: 14-3, Grade: A-

The New England Patriots underwent a rebuilding year, highlighted by rookie quarterback Drake Maye’s development. While inconsistencies plagued the team, Maye exhibited potential that could mark a promising trajectory for the organization, provided they strengthen the supporting cast surrounding him.

2024 Record: 4-13, Grade: D-

In a season marked by injuries, the New Orleans Saints struggled under pressure, ultimately leading to a disappointing finish. Significant injuries to their star players hampered the offense's effectiveness, while a declining defense prompted management changes midway through the campaign.

2024 Record: 5-12, Grade: D

The New York Giants' season was tumultuous, prompting the departure of quarterback Daniel Jones and cycling through multiple starters. Their struggles ran deeper than just the quarterback position, as they faced performance issues nearly across the board. Despite the lows, standout performances from rookies indicated hope for future improvement.

2024 Record: 3-14, Grade: D

The New York Jets, despite a roster with high-caliber talent, fell significantly short of expectations, leading to midseason staff changes. Although the collective talent on hand was substantial, an unsuccessful season ultimately spells questions regarding their future direction.

2024 Record: 5-12, Grade: F

The Philadelphia Eagles faced midseason scrutiny regarding their head coach yet solidified their status as a powerhouse by securing a spot in Super Bowl LIX. The acquisition of Saquon Barkley paid dividends as he led the league in rushing, bolstering the team’s balanced dominance on both sides of the ball.

2024 Record: 14-3, Grade: A

Despite early promise, the Pittsburgh Steelers suffered late-season struggles, leading to a collapse that soured their playoff hopes. The team exhibited potential throughout the season but faltered in critical moments, highlighting a need for a strengthened postseason strategy moving forward.

2024 Record: 10-7, Grade: B-

The San Francisco 49ers encountered a challenging season filled with setbacks while dealing with key injuries. Although quarterback Brock Purdy showed resilience, the team struggled to maintain efficiency and registered unsatisfactory results compared to previous successful campaigns.

2024 Record: 6-11, Grade: D

The Seattle Seahawks underperformed despite a solid record and an impressive roster, leaving them outside the playoff picture. A necessary recalibration in offensive strategies will be required to optimize their talent moving forward.

2024 Record: 10-7, Grade: C+

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers exhibited inconsistency but still managed to finish strong in a lackluster division, despite significant defensive shortcomings that hindered their postseason efforts. A review of both coaching and player strategies for the upcoming season will be essential.

2024 Record: 10-7, Grade: B-

The Tennessee Titans struggled significantly following a troubled start to the season, raising questions regarding their personnel decisions, particularly at quarterback. Addressing turnover issues will be essential as the team seeks to revitalize their prospects moving forward.

2024 Record: 3-14, Grade: D-

The Washington Commanders completed a remarkable turnaround from a dismal 2023 season, achieving their best record in decades. Led by head coach Dan Quinn and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, their performance showcased a promising future for the franchise.