As we reach Week 11 of the 2024 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs continue to dominate, extending their undefeated streak with a win over the Denver Broncos. The Detroit Lions also made waves, overcoming a tough game where they threw five interceptions, yet still managed to beat the Houston Texans, moving their record to 8-1.
Week 10 kicked off on Thursday night with a thrilling contest between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals, where the Ravens held on for a hard-fought win. The Panthers and Saints also emerged victorious in their matchups, while the Washington Commanders fell short against the Pittsburgh Steelers. These outcomes set the stage for significant changes in the league’s rankings.
The rankings this week reflect how these results have shaped the standings, and there’s another interesting development to consider: the Arizona Cardinals, who have put together a remarkable four-game winning streak. As teams jockey for position in the playoff race, the Cardinals’ recent form raises questions about their standing and potential. The impact of Week 10’s drama is evident in the updated rankings, with some teams climbing and others falling as the midseason mark arrives.
In addition to analyzing the rankings, NFL Nation reporters were asked to choose non-quarterback MVPs for each team at the halfway point of the season. While quarterbacks often dominate the MVP conversation, this list focuses on the other standout players who have been instrumental in their teams’ success. From exceptional wide receivers and running backs to game-changing defenders, these players have made significant contributions and helped propel their teams forward. Their performances have been worthy of recognition, and as the season continues, their impact will only grow.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (9-0)
Week 10 result: Defeated the Broncos 16-14
Week 10 ranking: 1
Non-QB MVP: Defensive tackle Chris Jones
Despite having only three sacks, Jones’ impact is felt in many other ways. His pass rush win rate of 23.4% ranks sixth in the league, and first among interior linemen, even while facing double teams nearly 60% of the time. He leads the Chiefs with an 11.6% pressure rate.
2. Detroit Lions (8-1)
Week 10 result: Defeated the Texans 26-23
Week 10 ranking: 2
Non-QB MVP: Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown
Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson called St. Brown “possibly the most consistent player” he’s ever worked with, and his influence is clear on the team. The fourth-round pick from 2021 has continued his remarkable performance in Year 4, including a franchise-record seven-game streak with a receiving touchdown.
3. Baltimore Ravens (7-3)
Week 10 result: Defeated the Bengals 35-34
Week 10 ranking: 4
Non-QB MVP: Running back Derrick Henry
Henry’s exceptional season has been overshadowed by Lamar Jackson’s playmaking. In his first year with the Ravens, Henry leads the league with 1,120 rushing yards and is one of only five players since 1970 to score a touchdown in each of the first 10 games. Baltimore is undefeated when he rushes for over 90 yards.
4. Buffalo Bills (8-2)
Week 10 result: Defeated the Colts 30-20
Week 10 ranking: 3
Non-QB MVP: Nickel corner Taron Johnson
Since returning from injury in Week 6, Johnson has been a key part of the Bills’ defense, contributing to a dramatic improvement in their third-down conversion and red zone efficiency. His leadership and physical play make him indispensable.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2)
Week 10 result: Defeated the Commanders 28-27
Week 10 ranking: 7
Non-QB MVP: Linebacker T.J. Watt
Watt’s impact goes far beyond his 6.5 sacks, with four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. His timely pressure and clutch plays, such as a hit that forced a punt late in the game against the Commanders, make him a constant threat on defense.
6. Philadelphia Eagles (7-2)
Week 10 result: Defeated the Cowboys 34-6
Week 10 ranking: 9
Non-QB MVP: Running back Saquon Barkley
Barkley has been the driving force for the Eagles’ offense, ranking second in the NFL in rushing yards and per-game rushing yards. His impressive performances have earned him three Offensive Player of the Week awards, tying Michael Vick’s franchise record.
7. Washington Commanders (7-3)
Week 10 result: Lost to the Steelers 28-27
Week 10 ranking: 5
Non-QB MVP: Wide receiver Terry McLaurin
With quarterback Jayden Daniels now in the mix, McLaurin is having a career-best season with six touchdowns and 1,207 receiving yards projected. His red-zone effectiveness and multiple 100-yard games have made him a key asset for the Commanders.
8. Minnesota Vikings (7-2)
Week 10 result: Defeated the Jaguars 12-7
Week 10 ranking: 6
Non-QB MVP: Running back Aaron Jones
Though receiver Justin Jefferson is the team’s star, Jones has been instrumental in the Vikings’ success, ranking sixth in yards from scrimmage per game. His durability and high-touch volume have been key as the Vikings push for a playoff spot.
9. Green Bay Packers (6-3)
Week 10 result: Bye
Week 10 ranking: 8
Non-QB MVP: Safety Xavier McKinney
McKinney leads the NFL with seven takeaways and has been a pivotal player in transforming the Packers’ defense into one that thrives on turnovers. His addition has been crucial for Green Bay as they surpass their previous takeaway total for the season.
10. Arizona Cardinals (6-4)
Week 10 result: Defeated the Jets 31-6
Week 10 ranking: 12
Non-QB MVP: Kicker Chad Ryland
Signed in October, Ryland has made a significant impact, securing three game-winning field goals. His contributions, including a pivotal kick against the 49ers, have helped the Cardinals secure five wins in six weeks.
11. Los Angeles Chargers (6-3)
Week 10 result: Defeated the Titans 27-17
Week 10 ranking: 13
Non-QB MVP: Running back J.K. Dobbins
Dobbins, after recovering from an Achilles injury, has been a vital part of the Chargers’ offense. With 670 rushing yards and six touchdowns, he’s helped revitalize L.A.’s ground game. Coach Jim Harbaugh advocates for Dobbins to be named Comeback Player of the Year.
12. San Francisco 49ers (5-4)
Week 10 result: Defeated the Buccaneers 23-20
Week 10 ranking: 14
Non-QB MVP: Tight end George Kittle
Kittle continues to be one of the NFL’s top tight ends at 31, excelling both in blocking and receiving. He leads tight ends in receiving yards per game and ranks second in touchdown receptions, proving to be a consistent and reliable offensive weapon.
13. Houston Texans (6-4)
Week 10 result: Lost to the Lions 26-23
Week 10 ranking: 11
Non-QB MVP: Running back Joe Mixon
Mixon has been crucial to the Texans’ offense, especially in the absence of top wide receivers. He’s ranked third in rushing yards and is a top contender for the league’s rushing touchdowns leaderboard. As other key players return, Mixon’s production is expected to increase.
14. Atlanta Falcons (6-4)
Week 10 result: Lost to the Saints 20-17
Week 10 ranking: 10
Non-QB MVP: Running back Bijan Robinson
Robinson, in his second season, has become one of the most well-rounded backs in the league, ranking fourth in all-purpose yards and fifth in rushing yards. His contributions in the passing game make him a standout and a potential franchise player for the Falcons.
15. Denver Broncos (5-5)
Week 10 result: Lost to the Chiefs 16-14
Week 10 ranking: 17
Non-QB MVP: Cornerback Pat Surtain II
Surtain’s ability to shut down top wide receivers has been vital for the Broncos’ defense. His efforts have contributed significantly to their strong pass rush and league-leading pressure rate, with Denver allowing the fewest yards per dropback in the NFL.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)
Week 10 result: Lost to the 49ers 23-20
Week 10 ranking: 16
Non-QB MVP: Running back Bucky Irving
Irving, though not the team’s starting back, has had an impressive season, ranking among the NFL’s best in yards per carry and first downs per rush. His performance has been crucial with other key offensive players sidelined due to injuries.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (4-6)
Week 10 result: Lost to the Ravens 35-34
Week 10 ranking: 19
Non-QB MVP: Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase
Chase is having his best season yet, which is impressive considering he’s been a Pro Bowler in all three of his previous seasons. He leads the league in receiving yards (981), touchdowns (10), and yards after the catch (451). If he continues averaging 140.6 yards per game through the final seven games, he’ll break the NFL single-season record for receiving yards set by Calvin Johnson in 2012. The partnership between Chase and quarterback Joe Burrow is laying a strong foundation for the future of the team.
18. Los Angeles Rams (4-5)
Week 10 result: Lost to the Dolphins 23-15
Week 10 ranking: 15
Non-QB MVP: Running back Kyren Williams
With key receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua sidelined by injuries, Williams became the focal point of the Rams’ offense. In the first six games, he scored nine of the team’s 11 offensive touchdowns. Now that the team is healthier, quarterback Matthew Stafford has been distributing the ball more, but Williams has still managed to score 10 touchdowns (eight rushing, two receiving) so far this season.
19. Seattle Seahawks (4-5)
Week 10 result: Bye
Week 10 ranking: 18
Non-QB MVP: Running back Kenneth Walker III
Walker remains the team’s leading running back despite missing two games and Seattle’s struggles with rushing the ball. He averages 87.9 scrimmage yards per game, ranking 17th in the NFL, and has seven scrimmage touchdowns, tied for 10th. While wide receiver DK Metcalf also deserves attention, Walker’s additional four touchdowns in the same number of games give him the edge.
20. Indianapolis Colts (4-6)
Week 10 result: Lost to the Bills 30-20
Week 10 ranking: 21
Non-QB MVP: Nose tackle Grover Stewart
Although injuries have affected key players like DeForest Buckner and Jonathan Taylor, Stewart has been a reliable contributor. He leads the team with eight tackles for loss and has created more pass rush than in any previous season. Stewart is also tied for the team lead with 3.5 sacks and ranks 10th in run stop win rate (43%), which is an impressive feat for a nose tackle.
21. Miami Dolphins (3-6)
Week 10 result: Beat the Rams 23-15
Week 10 ranking: 23
Non-QB MVP: Running back De’Von Achane
In his second NFL season, Achane has taken on a bigger role, leading the team in total yards (774) and touches (147). He now accounts for 28% of Miami’s offensive yards, compared to 15% last year. As the Dolphins’ passing game continues to develop, Achane’s strong performance as a runner has helped support their ninth-ranked rushing attack (129.4 yards per game).
22. Chicago Bears (4-5)
Week 10 result: Lost to the Patriots 19-3
Week 10 ranking: 20
Non-QB MVP: Cornerback Jaylon Johnson
Johnson has been one of the top performers for Chicago this season, showing strong returns on the $76 million contract he signed in the offseason. He’s forced the lowest passer rating (38.0) and completion percentage over expected (-17.4%) when targeted and leads the team with two interceptions. He’s also second in tackles for loss (4).
23. Dallas Cowboys (3-6)
Week 10 result: Lost to the Eagles 34-6
Week 10 ranking: 22
Non-QB MVP: Kicker Brandon Aubrey
The fact that a kicker is being considered for MVP status highlights the struggles the Cowboys have faced, though it’s not a knock on Aubrey, who has been exceptional. He has made 22 of 24 field goals, including 9-of-10 from 50 yards or more. Aubrey has nailed five kicks from 55 yards or longer, with a career-long 65-yard field goal.
24. New York Jets (3-7)
Week 10 result: Lost to the Cardinals 31-6
Week 10 ranking: 24
Non-QB MVP: Wide receiver Garrett Wilson
Wilson ranks second in the league in receptions (65) and fourth in receiving yards (704). He also provided the highlight of the Jets’ season with a spectacular one-handed touchdown catch in a Week 9 win over the Texans. Wilson is one of the few bright spots for the Jets, emerging as a star, and the team will need to secure his long-term future.
25. New Orleans Saints (3-7)
Week 10 result: Beat the Falcons 20-17
Week 10 ranking: 29
Non-QB MVP: Running back Alvin Kamara
Kamara has been one of the most consistent players on the team despite dealing with injuries, such as rib and hand issues. He leads the team in rushing (715 yards), receiving (421 yards), and touchdowns (7). With 218 touches, he leads the NFL and is just 25 yards away from surpassing last season’s total.
26. New England Patriots (3-7)
Week 10 result: Beat the Bears 19-3
Week 10 ranking: 30
Non-QB MVP: Cornerback Christian Gonzalez
After recovering from a torn labrum, Gonzalez has returned to form in his second season. He’s played 98% of the defensive snaps and often shadows the opponent’s top receiver. With one interception, Gonzalez ranks among the top five in lowest completion percentage (50.9%) and fewest yards allowed per target (5.7).
27. Cleveland Browns (2-7)
Week 10 result: Bye
Week 10 ranking: 25
Non-QB MVP: Edge rusher Myles Garrett
Though the Browns’ defense has declined from last year’s elite level, Garrett has remained a dominant force. He’s on track for 13 sacks, one short of his 2023 total. Even when not recording a sack, Garrett draws double-teams, opening up chances for his teammates. He ranks third in pass rush win rate as an edge defender (25.8%), despite facing double-teams on 27% of plays, the highest in the league.
28. Carolina Panthers (3-7)
Week 10 result: Beat the Giants 20-17 (OT)
Week 10 ranking: 32
Non-QB MVP: Running back Chuba Hubbard
Hubbard is without a doubt the team’s MVP. He ranks third in the NFL with 818 rushing yards, including a career-high 153 yards in Week 10. The Panthers rewarded him with a four-year, $33 million extension, even with second-round pick Jonathon Brooks on the roster. Hubbard’s play has embodied the culture the team aims to build.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-8)
Week 10 result: Lost to the Vikings 12-7
Week 10 ranking: 26
Non-QB MVP: Edge rusher Travon Walker
Walker is one of the few Jaguars defensive players having a strong season. He’s on pace for a career-high 13 sacks and leads the team with 7.5 sacks and 10 quarterback hits. His fumble return touchdown in Week 9 added another highlight to his year.
30. Tennessee Titans (2-7)
Week 10 result: Lost to the Chargers 27-17
Week 10 ranking: 28
Non-QB MVP: Wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
Westbrook-Ikhine has been one of the few bright spots for the Titans, especially after not being targeted in the first four games of the season. Since then, he’s caught 13 of 19 passes thrown his way. He leads the team with four touchdown catches and has played more snaps than any other Titans receiver in the past three games.
31. New York Giants (2-8)
Week 10 result: Lost to the Panthers 20-17 (OT)
Week 10 ranking: 27
Non-QB MVP: Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II
Lawrence has been exceptional, ranking second in the NFL with 9.0 sacks despite playing most of his snaps at nose tackle. His disruptive presence, even when not registering a sack, has been crucial, as he faces double-teams on 74.2% of plays, the highest rate in the league. He would likely be a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year if he played for a better team.
32. Las Vegas Raiders (2-7)
Week 10 result: Bye
Week 10 ranking: 31
Non-QB MVP: Tight end Brock Bowers
Bowers, chosen 13th overall by the Raiders, has exceeded expectations. With 57 catches for 580 yards and two touchdowns, he’s become the team’s top receiver, especially in the absence of Davante Adams. Bowers has been the Raiders’ best overall player, offering more than just security for quarterbacks Gardner Minshew, Desmond Ridder, and Aidan O’Connell.
