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David Helman
NFL Reporter
This is the time of year for predictions, but let’s also take a moment to focus on the present.
It’s been a long hike from February to this moment, as every team in the NFL has had to restock its roster, search for improvements and (hopefully) nail a draft class. If that wasn’t enough, we’ve also spent the past six weeks assessing everyone’s health and performance during a lengthy, grueling preseason.
But we’re here. And before the Chiefs and Ravens kick off the 2024 season Thursday night, here’s one last set of preseason power rankings (with Super Bowl odds from FanDuel Sportsbook) — before Week 1 forces us to throw all our preconceived notions out the window.
Note: previous rankings are from the beginning of the preseason.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (no change)
Super Bowl odds: +550
What do we really need to say? The reigning champs went out and added some legit firepower to their offense. They might be better than the 2022 and 2023 Chiefs — and those two teams won the Super Bowl. This sounds crazy, but if I had to pick a Chiefs three-peat or the field, I’m rolling with Kansas City.
2. Detroit Lions (+1)
Super Bowl odds: +1200
No notes, Lions. Last season ended in heartbreak, but Detroit has responded in all the right ways to make another run at it. The offense might be the best in the league, and the defense looks improved. Even in one of the league’s most loaded divisions, the Lions might be the class of the NFC.
3. San Francisco 49ers (-1)
Super Bowl odds: +600
The drama in the Bay this summer is just enough to make me knock the 49ers down one spot. Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams are officially back, but I’ve got a close eye on how quickly they put it together after missing training camp. This is a very veteran team, and you start to worry about wear and tear after a certain point. This is still obviously one of the NFL’s truly elite teams, but there’s still room for some slight concern.
