For more info you can find the archive of previous Power Rankings posts, including the initial offseason rankings that detail much of the methodology of coming up with the Week 1 rankings, which only carry roughly 2% weight at this point in the season.
TEAM OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE STRENGTH
*Downloadable power ratings/rankings available in the paid subscriber Google sheet.
I revamped this plot below to only factor in 2024 numbers. It’s a clearer delineation of how teams have performed so far this year, knowing that I also add in some 2023 priors and injury adjustments, primarily at quarterback.
A bit of a shakeup up at the top, with the Detroit Lions and their 52-point beatdown in Week 11 helping close the gap with the Baltimore Ravens in offensive efficiency, while maintaining a much better defense. The Ravens struggled in both phases of offense against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that’s still viewed somewhat skeptically by the adjusted efficiency numbers.
The Minnesota Vikings have emerged a clear tier above the rest of the NFL in defensive strength, which is combined with their solidly above-average offense to make them a formidable competitor for the Super Bowl - a statement I wouldn’t have considered possible pre-season.
The shakeup in the bottom-half of the top-tier teams has the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers joining the club, with the San Francisco 49ers possibly on their way out, thereby joining the fallen Washington Commanders.
