by It’s that time of the year again folks, football season. Last weekend featured collegiate matchups all over the country, but tonight, the NFL season will kick off.
With the NFL starting up of course comes “NFL Sunday Ticket,” the only way to watch every NFL game on a Sunday. But what games should you watch? What teams are worth viewing? If your favorite team doesn’t play until 4 PM, who should you watch at 1 PM? I mean you could always do something else other than watch football.
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On second thought, here’s a comprehensive guide to watching every NFL team this year. Ranked least to most watchable. From the can’t miss offensive powerhouses, to the “Are we sure this isn’t a UFL team?”
32: New England Patriots
With Jacoby Brissett being named the starter over rookie quarterback Drake Maye, there isn’t a lot to watch for on the Patriots. They recently traded Matthew Judon to the Falcons, who was always a highlight for their defense. At least rookie wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk has been getting buzz out of training camp so that is a good sign. I guess the argument to view them would be if you’re curious how new head coach Jerod Mayo can carry the torch in New England, but I’d check back in next year, as it seems this year might be mostly retooling.
Player to Watch For: Ja’Lynn Polk
31: Denver Broncos
The Broncos believe that Bo Nix is their franchise quarterback! Good for them. I am not sold. Now granted, I could be completely wrong and he’s awesome and this team is fun. But beings as they’re in a division which features 3 teams that on paper all look significantly better than them, I would not recommend watching the Broncos for entertainment. You might end up seeing them a lot as you watch teams near the top of this ranking tear them up, but as far as tuning in for the Broncos themselves… I just can’t get myself excited for that. If you’re the mother of Bo Nix I get it though. Be proud and excited.
Player to Watch For: Courtland Sutton (Quietly really good)
30: Carolina Panthers
The Panthers actually did make a lot of changes this offseason. A new head coach in Dave Canales, new wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette, and a potential new starting running back when rookie Jonathon Brooks returns from injury. But that doesn’t fix the problem. The Bryce Young problem. Now, if you told me that this season Bryce Young will transform back into his college self, then this Panthers team could be absolutely electric. A young new regime ready to rock a southern division of the NFL with their phenomenal new franchise QB, except, we don’t know if we will ever see that Bryce Young again. And that hot young team isn’t Carolina, it’s Houston. This team is not the NFC’s version of the Texans. If they were, they would be ranked WAY higher.
Player to Watch For: Bryce Young (If there is a redemption tour somehow)
29: New Orleans Saints
I want to clarify that the Saints are not the worst team in the NFL. They went 9-8 last year and didn’t really get worse anywhere. But that doesn’t change the fact that there are few reasons to tune in. Outside of the consistently great Chris Olave, you’re mostly just hoping that Alvin Kamara will have one of those “how is he doing this?” games we used to see all the time about 5 years ago, but now happen about once a year. I don’t believe too many people are tuning into this team because they just can’t get enough of watching Derek Carr run an offense. I have heard some chatter that this defense could be elite this year and if that is case maybe they can get bumped up into the mid 20s of these rankings. But as it stands, I just don’t have too many great reasons to choose to watch this team. I’ll put it to you like this, can you even name their WR2?
Player to Watch For: Chris Olave
28: New York Giants
This team might be the worst in the NFL this year. But they have Malik Nabers.
Star to Watch For: Malik Nabers
27: Minnesota Vikings
With a healthy JJ McCarthy, I could find myself being quite interested in watching this team. But due to his potentially season ending injury, the Vikings have named Sam Darnold the starter, a quarterback about as entertaining as watching Netflix with no internet connection. The obvious reasons to tune in are the receivers. Justin Jefferson is arguably the best in the league and Jordan Addison had some games last year that made many people turn their heads. The defense will most likely not be great. But if they’re in a close game, or you have one of their receivers in fantasy, then I could see a quick pop in viewing.
Player to Watch For: Justin Jefferson
26: Washington Commanders
Whether he is their franchise quarterback or not, Jayden Daniels will be entertaining this year. For those of you about to watch, he is going to run. He’ll throw too, but he is going to run. With a potential Justin Fields 2.0 on their hands, I think Washington is at least an intriguing “oh let me pop over to them” team on Sunday. Another team where the defense most likely will not be the strongest, but I’m sure Terry McLaurin will make some plays this year where you go “Woah I forgot how he’s quietly really good.” Yes, you did. We all forget that.
Player to Watch For: Jayden Daniels
25: Tennessee Titans
The Titans were a hard team to rank for this. They do have a team that could potentially win some games this year, but the downside is that they’re most likely the worst in their division. They do have a young quarterback they’re hoping is their franchise guy, but the downside is that he could very well be benched halfway through the year and by next year they have a new guy at QB. The defense isn’t especially fun, their coach isn’t particularly interesting, and none of their receivers or backs are elite. So how are they this high? Not that 25 is high but over Minnesota? What are you doing Ryan? Well, first off, I appreciate the concern. Secondly, Will Levis has the chance to be very fun. The entire NFL audience has a very odd but personal connection to him. We had draft night drama with him when he fell to the second round. His famous ex-girlfriend posts when he makes big plays. He has his own cologne that is mayonnaise scented. (Yes, that is real.) All wild things that make him significantly more interesting than most other NFL QBs. In the words of Oscar Wilde “There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” And Will Levis makes himself something to talk about. The Titans are ranked here purely out of my own curiosity for what Mr. Levis will do next. His off-the-field antics are entertaining, can his play be equally as much?
Player to Watch For: Will Levis
24: Dallas Cowboys
Like or not, you’ll end up watching the Dallas Cowboys this season. With 6 prime-time games (tied for most in the NFL with the Jets and 49ers) the self-proclaimed “America’s Team” is bound to be talked about on every morning sports talk show just like always. But when it comes time to find a reason to watch them, it’s a bit of a struggle. Dak Prescott was second in MVP voting last season. Passing for over 4500 yards and a league best 36 touchdowns. But I have yet to encounter a non-Cowboys fan who loves his game. On the other hand, there’s CeeDee Lamb. The newly paid receiver that virtually everyone agrees is elite. But the big problem here is the running back situation. Dallas brought in Dalvin Cook and brought back Ezekiel Elliott to bolster the backfield. The one problem? It is 2024, not 2018. The defense was uber fun last year until the playoffs where Jordan Love ate them up like chocolate snack packs in the 5th grade cafeteria. At least Micah Parsons is undeniably one of the best defensive players in the NFL. To summarize, Dallas’ logo is one big star. Dallas’ team is 3 big stars.
Player to Watch For: CeeDee Lamb
23: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
You remember me quoting Oscar Wilde? Of course you do it was only 2 paragraphs ago. That’s Baker Mayfield. Like him or not, Mayfield always finds a way to keep the people talking about him, and pairing him with Mike Evans, a man who has been a top 5 receiver for 10 straight years, made for a super fun “whoa maybe I should watch this game” team last season. I expect the Bucs to once again be an underrated watch this year. Who knows if they can surprise everyone and win the division again, but they most likely will still be around .500. Regardless of record, the Mayfield-Evans combo will be entertainment. If you tune in be prepared for an Evans catch that makes your jaw drop, followed by the camera cutting to Baker jumping up and down with excitement because he is just as impressed as you are.
Player to Watch For: Mike Evans
Personality to Watch For: Baker Mayfield
22: Las Vegas Raiders
There will eventually come a day the Raiders are really good and they’re one of the most popular teams in America. They have arguably the best jerseys in the league, a jaw-dropping stadium in a unique city, and a diehard fanbase. Mark my words, within the next 50 years there will be a Raiders team that is “America’s Team.” Kind of how the Detroit Lions are so popular nationally at the moment, that will be the Raiders one day. But now is not that day. They have some players that will be exciting to watch this year in wide receiver Davante Adams, tight end Brock Bowers, and potentially- I’m saying potentially- running back Zamir White. But with a coaching situation that could get shaky real fast, and a quarterback who is known for being “just good enough” to get you to 8-9ish wins, the Raiders hurt their watchability. They’ll be a great RedZone team, with at least a few good highlights each game from Minshew slinging it. But as far as watching an entire game? No. I wouldn’t recommend. The best way to take this team in will be through their defensive end Maxx Crosby’s highlights on TikTok.
Player to Watch For: Maxx Crosby
21: Seattle Seahawks
DK Metcalf is fun. He just is. Kenneth Walker III is also a very popular pick in a lot of fantasy football leagues this year. Tyler Lockett is consistently great and Jaxson Smith-Njigba is a very solid choice for a sophomore year surge. This Seahawks offense is loaded. They’re a loaded gun with… Geno Smith firing it. Not that Geno can’t be fun, his “they wrote me off” quote is iconic, but I would love to see this Seahawks offensive unit unleashed with a more dynamic QB. It will be interesting to see how year 1 post- Pete Carroll goes for his squad. The secondary is among the most fun in the league with Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon but the quarterback is what holds this team back from being a truly great “oh let’s watch them” team.
Player to Watch For: Kenneth Walker III
20: Jacksonville Jaguars
Does anyone really know how to feel about Trevor Lawrence? After being insanely hyped up in college he had a rough rookie year, but okay, whatever he was a rookie. The next year he went to the playoffs, won in the Wild Card, and lost to the eventual champions, the Chiefs, in a game that shouldn’t have been as close as it was. So naturally, last year, Lawrence’s third season, expectations were high. He was even a popular dark horse pick for MVP, but fast forward to now, and it seems like all that hype around this team and Lawrence has been transferred over to the Texans and CJ Stroud. I just think this team, and Lawrence, are in a weird spot. I put them at 20 because there is a clear vision of how fun this team could be. Travis Etienne Jr could lead the league in rushing yards, Brian Thomas Jr could be the next great LSU receiver, and Lawrence could blossom into a quarterback on the level of Allen, Burrow, and Jackson that tier below Mahomes. The defense could be super nasty as I have a friend in my life who keeps telling me how underrated Travon Walker is. But then there’s the other side. This team could continue it’s descent into mediocrity that it started last year, and get bypassed by both the Texans AND the Colts in both success and entertainment value. With all that being said, my best guess is more towards the latter. You’ll watch them twice and go, “oh cool,” and then never think about them again as they go 8-9.
Player to Watch For: Brian Thomas Jr
19: Pittsburgh Steelers
The Russell Wilson-Justin Fields QB room may not result in a lot of wins for the Steel City squad, but it will have drama. The camera cutting to the sidelines as Wilson sails a pass out of bounds, the faces of Mike Tomlin and Justin Fields both scowling in disappointment as Wilson jogs away. It writes itself. The defense will most likely continue its trend of being a top 5 unit in the NFL and the TJ Watt stomp celebration always seems to pop off the TV, with some fans even hitting it in their living room. (Yes, I‘ve seen grown men hit the TJ Watt celly.) Being in the AFC North also helps the watchability of the Steelers as there are no gross “I don’t want to have to watch them” teams in that division. It also helps that George Pickens seems determined to create a highlight on every catch he makes. This Steelers team is the most interesting they’ve put out since the Le’veon Bell- Antonio Brown era. Not in terms of talent, this team isn’t even close to that, but as far as things to watch for. Pittsburgh is actually taking some risks at quarterback. They also added Patrick Queen to the defense so that’ll be fun to watch too. Basically what I’m saying is, this team needs its own “Hard Knocks” style show called “Defense and Drama.”
Player to Watch For: George Pickens
18: Cleveland Browns
With a different quarterback, I would put this team top 5. I’m not joking. Their defense was the best in the NFL last year, and Myles Garrett is my favorite edge rusher to watch. He’s the closest thing we will ever see to the Incredible Hulk playing football. I also think Nick Chubb is one of the most likeable guys in the NFL, and my favorite running back to watch. Chubb is the master of the “I’m about to get tackled, but I can get 1 more yard.” If Chubb comes back from his injury even slightly close to his old form, this offense will hum. But as it stands today, the only thing I know for sure offensively is that Amari Cooper will continue his yearly tradition of no one really talking about him on the national level, but if you watch him every game you go “my goodness this guy is like a top 5 receiver right? Right?” As far as quarterback goes, unless Watson reverts into his 2019 self I don’t see how I can rank them any higher. Yes, he had a good record last year, but his play contained very few jaw dropping moments. If we were ranking teams in terms of talent the Browns are much higher, but for Sunday Ticket rankings they sit at 18. Having arguably the most disliked player in the NFL hurts their watchability.
Player to Watch For: Amari Cooper
17: Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are very much a “What If” team. What if Jonathan Taylor is the best running back in the NFL this year? What if Anthony Richardson is as good as we all believe he can be? What if pairing rookie receiver Adonai Mitchell with Michael Pittman Jr results in an elite duo? I have no answers to these. No know does. We will know in 18 weeks. But it will be fun to watch these questions get answered. You’re watching this team for the offense, their offensive “what-ifs” that is.
Player to Watch For: Anthony Richardson
16: Cincinnati Bengals
The Burrow-Chase connection automatically put this team in the top half of the league. But why are they exactly halfway? Well, outside of those two, I can’t say I’m too excited to see their Joe Mixon-less running attack, or their defense which is clearly carried by Trey Hendrickson. Tee Higgins may be in his last year in Cincy, so it will be important to soak in these last good times of watching him and Chase as the electric duo they are. Until they figure out the rushing attack and the defense, the argument to watch the Bengals is so heavily carried by Slim Shady Joe Burrow aura and the 1-2 punch of Chase and Higgins.
Player to Watch For: Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase (It’s like PB&J I had to put them together)
15: Philadelphia Eagles
Okay Pittsburgh’s reality show is just going to have to cover both PA teams and include the Eagles. If there was a way to wager on which NFL team will headline the most episodes of “First Take” I would hammer Philly’s money line. Even though they were NFC Champions less than 2 years ago, it seems that Nick Sirianni’s seat is getting quite hot. The Eagles made some big moves this offseason, acquiring wide receiver Jahan Dotson, defensive end Bryce Huff, and running back Saquon Barkley. There is a world where this team is super duper fun to watch, with Hurts having what feels like endless options to work with in his offense. But as it stands, the drama behind the scenes with coaching brings this team down. The drama with Pittsburgh and their QBs is fun. It’s like reality TV. It’s trashy, over the top, and if you ask anyone about it who doesn’t watch they’ll say it sounds dumb. But the drama in Philly is not fun. It’s like watching 60 Minutes. Except that clock ticking is on Sirianni’s job security.
Player to Watch For: AJ Brown
14: Atlanta Falcons
It’s something we all love, and it starts with a K. Kyle Pitts. Anyone who plays fantasy football knows about the disappointment of Kyle Pitts. To be honest I think even he’s aware. But with a new coach, and one of the most likable QBs in the NFL at the helm, this Falcons team should be super fun to watch. Not the best when it comes to defense, but the offense is basically built for Madden games. If Kyle Pitts can become the tight end we all desperately want him to, alongside Drake London’s continuous improvement and Bijan Robinson’s sophomore year? Yeah, this will be fun to watch. Regardless of record, if you see this team is on offense, tune in.
Player to Watch For: Bijan Robinson
13: San Francisco 49ers
When healthy, there is no better running back than Christian McCaffery. It also doesn’t hurt that he is super fun to watch. Brock Purdy will always be a fun talking point as some will always seem to undermine him despite his success. Aiyuk resigned, which is huge since he is easily their best receiver. The Niners are also fun because you just never know what head coach Kyle Shanahan is going to pull out of his playbook of tricks. Yes, I know the defense is going to be hard hitting and exciting to watch too. So now you’re asking yourself, how is this team 13th? Well, we’re starting to get to the most watchable teams. The elite Sunday Ticket choices. The “I might just watch these two teams play at 4pm and I’m a fan of neither team but dang it this is quality football” teams. The niners are just less interesting than those teams because we’ve seen all this before. It works. It’s good. It’s old reliable. It’s just not the most electric.
Player to Watch For: Christian McCaffery
12: Buffalo Bills
The Bills watchability is the only one I found where the fanbase plays a large role. It’s just fun seeing the Bills Mafia tailgate and bust through tables. Plus, it also feels like the networks get in their bag and always try to showcase cool foods and landmarks more than usual when Buffalo plays. Also having the best red, white, and blue uniforms in the NFL gives the Bills an extra boost. Disregarding all that, what about the actual team itself is fun to watch. Perfect I’m glad you asked. Josh Allen. Is there more? I mean, James Cook is a super solid running back, the defense is good, but not super fun to watch, and rookie receiver Keon Coleman seems to have fun personality. But no, mostly just like, Josh Allen. Watch for Josh Allen. Every dad in America wishes their team had Josh Allen. He is the official quarterback for dads. That’s why he’s in Gilette razor ads. Also, I don’t care if he throws 15 interceptions this year and neither do you because neither of us vote on the NFL Awards. We are watching to be entertained, and Josh Allen might be the most entertaining QB in the world.
Player to Watch For: Josh Allen
11: Chicago Bears
Wow. I know. The Bears at 11? I’m surprised too for what it’s worth. But I’m buying into the offseason hype around this squad. First off, whichever team is featured on Hard Knocks always gets a boost in watchability because you have an extra attachment to them. Second off, it’s just fun to see hype around the Bears. The NFL is more fun when the Bears are fun. Third off, this roster is SO much better than it was last year. They still have an underrated defense carrying over from last season, along with a trio of receivers that has the potential to be a top 5 unit in the league. But let’s be real. The Bears are this high because of Caleb Williams. The hype around him is massive, and if he can hit his stride within the first few weeks of the season, this team could quickly become one of the most explosive in the NFL.
Player to Watch For: Caleb Williams
10: Los Angeles Chargers
There isn’t a single team on this list that’s watchability has been more affected by their head coach. As soon as Jim Harbaugh took the job for the Chargers, they became must see. Love him or hate him, you know Harbaugh is going to make this team unique. He’s going to have some crazy quote he says or some wild story about a “mental test” he did during practice will come out. No matter what, the Chargers will be talked about this year. The offense is going to look wildly different. To me, this team is a must watch purely out of curiosity. I don’t really know what to expect. As far as players go, they’re on the older side defensively, and they lack a real “star” on offense besides their quarterback. But their quarterback is Justin Herbert so that does sound pretty fun.
Player to Watch For: Justin Herbert
9: Arizona Cardinals
You’re watching this team for Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. Who cares what their record will be? You’re watching for that duo. Harrison is the highest drafted rookie receiver ever in fantasy football for a reason, fans cannot wait to see him play. I’m one of those fans. I will be tuning into the Cardinals to watch him make spectacular plays just like he did in college. It’s a simple sell, but an effective one on why to watch this squad.
Player to Watch For: Marvin Harrison Jr
8: Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson alone should be enough reason to turn on a Ravens game this season. The two-time MVP is one of the best dual threat quarterbacks we have ever seen. Combine that with Derrick Henry, yes I know he’s aging but still, a running back who has consistently been one of the most entertaining human freight trains of the last few years, and you have an offense that I cannot wait to see. It’ll be intriguing if wide receiver Zay Flowers can ascend to the next level this year, and you know Kyle Hamilton will be one of the most electrifying secondary players in the league. On both sides of the ball the Ravens will be dynamic and multi-dimensional, a super fun watch for any NFL fan.
Player to Watch For: Lamar Jackson
7: Los Angeles Rams
No matter what, Sean McVay will have the Rams dropping your jaw. Last year, elite wide receiver Cooper Kupp gets injured, no worries rookie wideout Puka Nacua will just break the rookie receiving yards record. Now the Rams suffered a massive loss this offseason with Aaron Donald retiring, but I have full faith that McVay and company will find a way to make sure this defense still packs a punch. This squad has a chance to play a lot like the 2021 team that won the Super Bowl, and that team was a top 3 Sunday Ticket team that year. I fully trust McVay to bring his signature high powered offense. For that alone they deserve to be top 10.
Player to Watch For: Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp (Whichever one Stafford is throwing to more)
6: Miami Dolphins
WARNING: This ranking is only valid until mid-November. After that, this team drops by 10 spots. The Dolphins started super-hot last year and were arguably the most fun team to watch in the NFL, and then halfway through the season they fell apart. It seems like colder weather genuinely does hurt this team. When it’s warm though, they’re basically the NFL equivalent of the Harlem Globetrotters. They are most likely the fastest team in NFL history between De’Von Achane, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle. Tua Tagovailoa may not be in that upper tier of QBs, but when head coach Mike McDaniel can get him in rhythm, he can ignite fireworks with this offense. They might not have the best record, but they’ll be entertaining. Just be sure to enjoy this delicious meal before its expiration date.
Player to Watch For: Tyreek Hill
5: Green Bay Packers
If you watched Jordan Love against the Cowboys last January, then you know why Green Bay is ranked here. It seems like everyone is high on the Packers this offseason and 90% of it is because of Jordan Love. He’s just an incredibly entertaining quarterback to watch. It also doesn’t hurt that it feels like he has unlimited quality receivers to throw to. I’m not exactly sure if the defense will be very fun and I have to wait and see how good newly acquired running back Josh Jacobs can be on this team, but I know one thing for sure, I can’t wait to watch this team throw the ball downfield.
Player to Watch For: Jordan Love
4: New York Jets
QB Aaron Rodgers. CB Sauce Gardner. WR Garrett Wilson. RB Breece Hall. You know why this team is here. If healthy, they could be the most jaw dropping team in the NFL, on both sides.
Player to Watch For: (See Above)
3: Kansas City Chiefs
I have to be honest, if I did this at the beginning of the season last year, I don’t think I would have put them top 5, but this year? I got to admit I’m super excited to see them. They added Hollywood Brown and dropped Kadarius Toney, for those two moves alone they should be top 5. Tack on the fact they got the fastest wide receiver in college football with Xavier Worthy, so I’m super intrigued to see how Andy Reid uses him. The defense was quietly elite last season and will most likely continue that this year. Oh, and by the way they have the best quarterback since Brady and the best tight end since Gronk. I mean who am I kidding, it’s the Chiefs. You’re going to watch the Chiefs. They play on every day of the week this season except Tuesday. That is real look it up. You’ll have many opportunities to see this team and I’m sure you’ll be impressed. And if you like Taylor Swift, bingo, there’s a bonus for you.
Player to Watch For: Patrick Mahomes
2: Houston Texans
Everyone is excited to watch CJ Stroud this year. After what is possibly the best ever season for a rookie quarterback, the expectations are super high. The defense got better. (Namely Danielle Hunter) The offense got better. (Namely Stefon Diggs) What more could you ask? Nothing. Like I’m being serious this top 3 is pretty much all personal preference this team is going to be so much fun to watch. I think even the biggest Texans hater out there will quietly enjoy watching this team they’re going to be awesome to see.
Player to Watch For: CJ Stroud
1: Detroit Lions
Everyone loves a good underdog story. It’s hard to not fall in love with this Lions team. There’s no holes on either side of the roster, and the head coach has one of the best personalities in the NFL. I mean have you seen his new Applebee’s’ commercial? Look it up. You most likely have a Lions player on your fantasy squad. You are probably going to root for them this week on Sunday Night Football. I plan to watch them every week this year, and they’re not my favorite team. It’s a squad full of talent and good vibes. Jared Goff has had a wild ride of an NFL career, and it seems like mostly everyone wants to see him succeed. The Lions are my pick for the top NFL Sunday Ticket team. If you don’t have a game to watch, find the Lions and see what they’re up to. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
Player to Watch For: Amon-Ra St. Brown
