While scoring has been down to begin the 2024 season, NFL football is still an offensive-centric sport.
In 2023, every team that ranked top 10 in offensive EPA per play made the playoffs. Twelve of the top 14 best offenses by EPA per snaps managed a postseason entry.
Compare that to the defensive side of the ball. Only seven of the top 10 defenses in EPA — and just eight of the top 14 — made the dance last year.
Who are the NFL’s best offenses in 2024? While we’ve tried not to overreact to the season’s first two weeks, live action has opened our eyes to a few offenses. Here’s how all 32 NFL offenses stack up.
2024 NFL Offense Rankings
1) San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers led the NFL in yards per play and EPA per snap in 2023 and, after working out contract extensions with WR Brandon Aiyuk and OT Trent Williams, brought back most of the same offensive core that nearly won the Super Bowl in February.
Kyle Shanahan is one of the most creative and influential play designers in league history, while Brock Purdy might’ve gone from overrated to underrated. While two of San Francisco’s best players — RB Christian McCaffrey and WR Deebo Samuel Sr. — are currently sidelined by injuries, the 49ers have more than enough talent to get by.
2) Kansas City Chiefs
Like the 49ers, the Chiefs are also battling injuries to some key offensive contributors.
Running back Isiah Pacheco is on injured reserve with a fractured fibula, and head coach Andy Reid suggested he could miss the rest of the season. Offseason addition Hollywood Brown has already been ruled out for the year after undergoing shoulder surgery.
But this is Patrick Mahomes we’re talking about. Kansas City still boasts a top-five offensive line, playmakers like Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Travis Kelce, and an NFL legend designing its offense.
3) Buffalo Bills
Despite the offseason departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, Josh Allen is still a superstar quarterback. Buffalo’s offense reached new heights once Joe Brady was named offensive coordinator before Week 11 last season.
The Bills averaged just 116.5 rushing yards per game through the first 10 weeks of the regular season. Following Brady’s promotion, the Bills averaged 149.6 rushing yards per game, led by the emergence of second-year running back James Cook.
Buffalo has leaned into heavy personnel and the run game again this season, and it’s worked. Allen and Co. have scored the NFL’s third-most points through two weeks.
4) Detroit Lions
Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s decision to return to Detroit despite ample head-coaching interest from rival teams might’ve been the most important event of the 2023 NFL offseason. With their play-calling whiz back in place, the Lions are set to build on their offensive success.
Detroit boasts the league’s best offensive line, a unit capable of allowing Jared Goff to work without pressure. With a successful rushing attack headlined by Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery and a play-action game featuring Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta underneath and Jameson Williams up top, the Lions can score on anyone.
5) Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud already looked like a seasoned vet in his first NFL campaign, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after passing for over 4,000 yards, tossing 23 touchdowns, and posting a league-low 1% interception rate.
Adding Stefon Diggs to a wideout corps that already included Nico Collins and Tank Dell seems almost unfair. Meanwhile, Joe Mixon has added a new element of toughness and tenacity to a Houston backfield that struggled to find much success in 2023.
6) Philadelphia Eagles
A.J. Brown’s absence and a defensive collapse put a damper on the Eagles’ Week 2. Still, Philadelphia has to be pleased with how offseason addition Saquon Barkley has fit to begin the season.
Barkley scored three times in the Eagles’ Week 1 win against the Packers and has rushed for at least 90 yards in both games in green. His third-down drop against the Falcons in Week 2 might haunt him for the rest of the year, but that play will be forgotten if Barkley keeps producing.
7) Green Bay Packers
The Packers made Jordan Love one of the NFL’s highest-paid quarterbacks over the summer before watching in horror as their franchise signal-caller suffered a Week 1 MCL injury. Fortunately, Love avoided a worst-case scenario and should return to the field soon to raise the bar for Green Bay’s offense.
Without Love in Week 2, head coach and offensive play-caller Matt LaFleur had to go deep into his bag to craft a game plan for QB2 Malik Willis. The Packers posted 53 rushing attempts, the second-most by any NFL team in a single game since 2018. But Willis also made the most of his 14 pass attempts, completing 12 at 8.7 yards per clip while taking zero sacks.
8) New Orleans Saints
The Saints’ offensive explosion is almost unprecedented. They’ve posted 0.30 EPA per play through two weeks, the third-highest mark for any offense through two weeks over the past decade, according to TruMedia. Only the 2015 Steelers (0.35) and 2019 Cowboys (0.32) were better.
First-year OC Klint Kubiak, who worked under Shanahan as the 49ers’ passing game coordinator in 2023, is pulling all the right levers. New Orleans used play-action on just 13% of dropbacks last season; they’re at 51% in 2024.
Derek Carr’s average depth of target (9.2 yards) ranks sixth in the league; he’s only posted an aDOT above 8.5 once in his 11-year career. Defenses are blitzing Carr at the NFL’s second-highest rate (40.5%), but Kubiak’s scheme has helped him account for those extra rushers. Carr ranks second in passing success rate and third in EPA per dropback when blitzed.
9) Arizona Cardinals
Arizona went 1-8 with Josh Dobbs and Clayton Tune under center last season. However, the club immediately improved after quarterback Kyler Murray (ACL) returned in November, ranking ninth in offensive EPA per play from Week 10 onward, per TruMedia.
The Cards haven’t slowed down in 2024. They scored 28 points in a Week 1 loss to the Bills before 41 in a Week 2 win over the Rams. OC Drew Petzing’s unit is second in EPA per play through two weeks. Murray, rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. (4-130-2), and tight end Trey McBride represent a lethal trifecta.
10) Cincinnati Bengals
While the Bengals couldn’t quite pull off a Week 2 upset against the Chiefs, Joe Burrow looked far more comfortable on Sunday than in Week 1. His performance against K.C. likely assuaged any concerns that Burrow’s 2023 wrist injury was still bothering him.
Burrow was more willing to rip downfield throws on Sunday. His average depth of target went from 5.9 yards (28th among all QBs) in Week 1 to 7.5 yards in Week 2 (18th). The difference was even more stark when Burrow was kept clean (4.5 in Week 1 vs. 8.0 in Week 2).
Cincinnati WR2 Tee Higgins (hamstring) is expected to return to action in Week 3, allowing WR1 Ja’Marr Chase to find more open looks. Add in the Bengals’ newfound commitment to 12 personnel, and this offense should look more productive as the season progresses.
11) Baltimore Ravens
While Lamar Jackson almost led the Ravens to a season-opening win against the Chiefs, Week 2 was an entirely different story.
Baltimore’s defense, which allowed Gardner Minshew II and the Raiders to stage a late-game comeback, was more of an issue than its offense. But Jackson didn’t look like the reigning MVP while posting a 53.0 QBR, 16th in the NFL in Week 2.
Blitzes have historically been an issue for Jackson, but he struggled in a clean pocket on Sunday. When Lamar wasn’t pressed against Las Vegas, he ranked just 23rd in EPA per dropback.
12) Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott was good-not-great in the Cowboys’ Week 1 win over the Browns and struggled in Dallas’ Week 2 defeat to the Saints.
Admittedly, Prescott was put in poor situations. Derek Carr and New Orleans’ offense boat-raced the Cowboys’ defense, scoring touchdowns on their first six possessions. Prescott was consistently asked to drop back in obvious passing situations, ultimately throwing two picks and taking three sacks.
Dallas’ offense could continue to get synced up as rookie offensive linemen Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe get up to speed.
13) Seattle Seahawks
In the span of two years, Smith has somehow gone from a journeyman backup to a weekly must-watch quarterback. After showing off his surprising wheels with a 34-yard touchdown run in Seattle’s Week 1 win against Denver, Smith faced new challenges against New England in Week 2.
Smith was especially productive when the Patriots sent extra pass rushers on Sunday. He went 12-of-15 for 167 yards (11.1 YPA) and one touchdown against the blitz in Week 2, consistently moving in the pocket to evade pressure before layering throws between defenders.
New Seahawks play-caller Ryan Grubb is giving 2023 first-round wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba more downfield routes in his second pro campaign. The Ohio State product responded with a career-best 12 catches of 16 targets for 117 yards against the Pats.
14) Minnesota Vikings
Kevin O’Connell trusts Sam Darnold. The Vikings rank third in pass rate over expectation through two games. In other words, O’Connell is letting Darnold throw even in situations where game factors like the score, box count, and down and distance would suggest a run.
While he wasn’t quite as efficient against San Francisco in Week 2 as in the season opener against the Giants, Darnold still averaged 10.3 yards per attempt and threw two touchdowns, including a 97-yard catch-and-run to Justin Jefferson.
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New Bucs OC Liam Coen has big shoes to fill after 2023 play-caller Dave Canales got the most out of Baker Mayfield and Co. Week 1 was an unmitigated success, as Mayfield thew four touchdowns and posted the second-best game of his career by total dropback EPA.
The Lions’ defense offered more resistance in Week 2 than the Commanders’ did in the season opener, but Mayfield still averaged 9.7 yards per attempt. Coen’s decision to move Chris Godwin back to the slot was inspired; his next task is solving Tampa Bay’s running game issues.
16) New York Jets
Week 3 gave us the Aaron Rodgers we all remember.
The 40-year-old looked like vintage Rodgers in the Jets’ Thursday night win against the Patriots, completing an array of incredibly accurate throws despite facing New England’s talented secondary. Rodgers’ connection with Garrett Wilson should open when New York faces less organized defenses.
17) Los Angeles Chargers
As expected, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman have committed to the run. Through two games, the Bolts rank fourth in rushing rate over expectations.
J.K. Dobbins looks reborn running behind Los Angeles’ elite offensive line. He leads the NFL with 266 rushing yards, ranks fifth in success rate (63%), and is the only running back averaging 5+ yards before contact and 4+ yards after contact, per TruMedia.
18) Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville’s two losses have come by a combined eight points, and Doug Pederson’s squad can’t blame anyone but itself. Self-inflicted errors were a problem for the Jags in 2023 when they lost more EPA off turnovers than all but four teams, per TruMedia. Inside the red zone, Jacksonville ranked just 26th in success rate and 29th in EPA per play.
It’s already happening again this season. In Week 1, RB Travis Etienne Jr.’s goal-line fumble gave an inch to the Miami Dolphins, who took a mile.
Facing the Browns on Sunday, the Jags scored one touchdown in four red-zone trips. Doug Pederson called for field goals on two 4th-and-goals, one from the seven-yard line and one from the four.
19) Atlanta Falcons
Which version of Kirk Cousins is real? The 37-year-old quarterback who could barely move in Week 1? Or the veteran who overcame his prime-time woes with an unbelievable last-second comeback in a Monday night win against the Eagles?
Cousins has a solid offensive line and three former first-round picks — RB Bijan Robinson, WR Drake London, and TE Kyle Pitts — at his disposal. The Falcons’ offense could come together as Cousins gets more familiar with his weapons and first-time play-caller Zac Robinson.
20) Los Angeles Rams
At full strength, the Rams should be a top-10 offense.
But no offense is further than full strength than Sean McVay’s unit entering Week 3. Wideout Puka Nacua is on IR and could miss more than the minimum of four games. Fellow pass catcher Cooper Kupp reportedly has a high-ankle sprain and will miss time. Starting lineman Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson, plus swing tackle Joe Noteboom, are also on injured reserve.
McVay, Matthew Stafford, and Kyren Williams still represent a formidable start. But how much can Stafford do with Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson, and Jordan Whittington as his top receivers?
21) Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have a dynamic second-year quarterback in Anthony Richardson, a top-notch play-caller in head coach Shane Steichen, and one of the NFL’s best offensive lines.
That’s the good news.
Indianapolis has the infrastructure in place for Richardson to succeed, but last year’s No. 4 overall pick’s wide variance has been on display through two weeks. Richardson made a few of the best throws you’ll ever see in the Colts’ season opener. But in Week 2, he completed just 50% of his passes and tossed three picks. Per TruMedia, Richardson’s 17.7% off-target rate leads the league.
22) Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa suffered his fourth known concussion in Week 2 and has since been placed on injured reserve. While Tagovailoa reportedly wants to continue his NFL career, he’ll be sidelined for at least four games before returning to action.
Skylar Thompson will take over under center for the time being, while the Dolphins also signed mobile QB Tyler Huntley from the Ravens’ practice squad. Neither option is overly inspiring, but play-caller Mike McDaniel plus weapons like RB De’Von Achane and WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle give Miami a chance.
23) Las Vegas Raiders
Gardner Minshew II can push the ball down the field and connect with his key weapons. In Week 2, he found WR Davante Adams and TE Brock Bowers for nine catches and 90+ yards each in the Raiders’ upset win over the Ravens.
But Las Vegas’ rushing attack has been the worst in the NFL through two weeks. The Raiders are dead last in yards per carry, success rate, and EPA per rush. The gap between Vegas’ EPA per rush (-0.63) and the No. 31-ranked Panthers (-0.25) equals the distance between Carolina and No. 5-ranked Cleveland.
24) Washington Commanders
Second-overall pick Jayden Daniels has looked comfortable through his first two NFL games. The pro game hasn’t been too overwhelming for the reigning Heisman winner, and he’s gained significant chunk yardage as a scrambler.
But first-year Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury isn’t giving Daniels a chance to push the ball.
Through two weeks, the No. 2 overall pick ranks 33rd of 35 qualifying QBs in air yards per attempt (5.0). On average, Daniels has thrown 5.2 yards short the first-down marker, which is the worst rate in the NFL. 37.9% of Washington’s WR targets have come behind the line of scrimmage; the league-average rate is 11%.
25) Tennessee Titans
Each of the Titans’ two losses has come by one score, which makes quarterback Will Levis’ back-breaking turnovers all the more frustrating. Just ask head coach and offensive play-caller Brian Callahan, who used a few choice words to address Levis after another mistake on Sunday.
In Week 1, Levis threw one of the worst pick-sixes you’ll ever see to effectively seal defeat against the Bears (in a game they once led 17-0). In Week 2, Levis lost the ball inside the Jets’ 10-yard line on an attempted lateral.
Levis is surrounded by weapons like Calvin Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tony Pollard. While Tennessee’s offensive line is a work in progress, Callahan needs to see more out of the second-year QB.
26) Pittsburgh Steelers
Justin Fields was pressured on an NFL-high 57.7% of his dropbacks in Week 2 but only took two sacks. Through two games, the former Bear has done just enough to put the Steelers’ offense in a position to support the club’s dominant defensive efforts.
Fields hasn’t committed a turnover and has absorbed only four sacks in 2024. He’s playing the idealized brand of run-heavy, defense-first football that Mike Tomlin probably imagined entering this season. Whether Fields can keep it up when Pittsburgh’s competition improves is anyone’s guess.
27) Cleveland Browns
Deshaun Watson’s Week 1 performance against the Cowboys was the worst game of his career by adjusted yards per attempt (AY/A). Week 2 wasn’t quite as bad, but it was still one of the 10 worst games of Watson’s NFL tenure by AY/A.
Although Watson led Cleveland to points on four of its first five drives against Jacksonville on Sunday, the Browns were shut out on their final four series. A victory against the Jags probably bought Watson more time under center, but Jameis Winston is waiting in the wings if Cleveland’s QB1 doesn’t improve.
28) Chicago Bears
It’s been a rough opening two weeks for the No. 1 overall pick.
Caleb Williams posted 174 passing yards in Monday night’s loss to the Texans, nearly doubling his meager 93-yard output from Week 1. But he still managed just 4.7 yards per pass attempt. By adjusted yards per attempt (which accounts for TDs and INTs), Williams was actually worse in Week 2.
The Bears’ passing offense hasn’t been consistent or able to generate chunk yardage. Williams ranks 29th in passing success rate, while his explosive play rate (4%) is dead last in the NFL.
29) New York Giants
The Giants spent all offseason attempting to replace Daniel Jones, while his contract details could force Brian Daboll to bench him later this season.
But while New York’s offense has struggled through two weeks, Jones has actually been decent. On third downs in Week 2, he completed five of seven passes for 72 yards and a pair of scores, giving his team a chance to win a game in which they held the ball for less than 23 minutes.
Jones is also looking for rookie standout WR Mailk Nabers on nearly every drop back. Nabers’ 38.5% team target share leads all NFL wideouts through two games.
30) New England Patriots
How long until the Patriots turn things over to No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye?
Maye relieved veteran Jacoby Brissett in the fourth quarter of New England’s Week 3 loss to the Jets. He took 16 snaps on the final drive and completed four of eight passes for 22 yards, adding two carries for 12 yards and taking two sacks.
The Patriots have the NFL’s toughest schedule and numerous problems along their offensive line, so it might be a while before Maye starts his first game.
31) Denver Broncos
On throws between 10-19 yards, Bo Nix is just 3-for-14 with 4.1 yards per attempt and two interceptions. He’s 2-for-8 with two more picks on throws over 20 yards. Still, Denver’s 0-2 record isn’t solely Nix’s fault. He’s been pressured on 43.2% of his dropbacks, fourth-most among all NFL quarterbacks.
The Broncos’ offensive line isn’t opening holes in the run game and ranks fourth-worst in adjusted line yards. But Denver’s RBs aren’t creating their own yardage, either; the Broncos rank 27th in yards after contact per attempt (2.32), per TruMedia.
32) Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young’s performance to begin the 2024 campaign was so poor that the Panthers made the nearly unprecedented decision to bench last year’s No. 1 overall pick. Veteran Andy Dalton will start for Carolina moving forward, and it’s hard to imagine the elder QB won’t operate the Panthers’ offense more efficiently than Young.
In Week 2, Young averaged just 3.8 yards per attempt in a 26-3 loss to the Chargers. His 17.2% passing success rate was the sixth-worst mark for a QB with at least 20 attempts in a game since 2020.