2024 Mid-Season Power Rankings

In this edition of the Power Rankings, we recap each team’s performance so far while also taking a look towards the trade deadline.

1. Maryland 7-1 (3)

A late stat correction away from being undefeated, this year’s team has proven it is more than just the KC duo. Maryland has been no stranger to trading away picks to get the most of this current core of players. That should not change this year. Looking to shore up RB2 with someone like Swift or add another depth WR such as Watson or Wicks would fit the mold of season past.

2. Hawaii 6-2 (5)

After watching their division-mates in the championship last year, Hawaii has shown that the road to the division goes through them this season. Owners of multiple 1st round picks in the upcoming draft, Hawaii has the ammo to go out and make themselves the favorites for the crown. At a minimum, getting a player such as Goedert or Ridley would add valuable depth for the stretch run

3. Washington 6-2 (8)

Washington finds themselves in quite the predicament. A strong start to the season has themselves in position to win the division for the first time and maybe even a bye. However, they have been rocked by injuries in recent weeks leaving many positions thin. QB and TE need reinforcements. Washington must go out and find a WR at the trade deadline after losing 2 of their top 4 to torn ACLs. All signs point to a deal between them and VIR in the coming weeks as Smith, Adams, Allen, and/or Njoku present affordable options.

4. South Dakota 6-2 (2)

South Dakota has been steadily collecting wins, but has yet to really breakout. They have a roster full of dependable options but the home run hitters have been missing. This is most noticeable at RB. The Bighorns have the best future cap flexibility in the league. Pairing that with their collection of trade assets presents the opportunity to make a major move. The question is will they be willing to go all in.

5. California 4-4 (6)

A solid season with 3 division games left has California in the heat of the playoff race. QB play has proven to be much stronger than was speculated before the season. However, injuries in DC and Tampa might have the Pansies big game hunting at the trade deadline. Might the Packers fan go decide to go after Love or maybe even Allen.

6. Arizona 3-5 (1)

An 0-5 start paired trading away their own picks in the upcoming draft is not usually a wise combination. Arizona is all on in on the race for the SWC. They have used most of their trade capital to be a buyer in the trade market. However, this likely won’t stop them from trying to make more moves before deadline as the Albatross have proven to always be chasing trades. Might there be a trade from the WR room to help shore up their IDP.

7. Minnesota 6-2 (7)

Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. A 6-2 record while being 2-6 against the median has put Minnesota in the driver’s seat to yet another division title. Don’t let McCaffery returning and the division lead fool you from thinking this team doesn’t need any moves. Upgrading the WR room would be a welcome addition in the push for the ACL championship.

8. Wisconsin 3-5 (10)

While team performance is right on par with Minnesota’s, Wisconsin has not had similar luck. An uphill battle is ahead, but without their own 1st round pick their options are forward only. Ultimately, the biggest addition they can make is waiting on their taxi squad in Brian Thomas Jr. This paired with a move for a TE such as Engram or Hockenson could put the Gamecocks in a spot to make a run.

9. Virginia 3-5 (4)

Virginia found themselves behind the 8-ball in both the division and wild card races. With the clock ticking on many of their big-name players, the Heifers decided to get an early start and collect as much future capital as possible. Already a couple trades in, the fire sale looks to continue as it seems like half of their roster is on the trading block. This team will look very different next season.

10. Ohio 3-5 (11)

Ohio won a division game. Small steps forward as the rebuild progresses. The Good Sirs are in a tricky spot at QB. Cousins is built for the ACL but father time is ticking and Richardson looks like a bust. This trade deadline might be the spot where they pivot on the future at QB either directly through a trade or by adding draft capital. Maybe they get a jump on a QB like Murray or Herbert before they reach free agency.

11. Vermont 1-7 (9)

A sneaky preseason sleeper, the clock has already struck midnight on the season. This team will benefit from an offseason with lots of cap space and some potentially high draft picks. White and Hopkins appear to be likely targets at a cheap price for a contender looking for depth while deepening Vermont’s chest of picks.

12. Iowa 0-8 (12)

A nightmare season for Iowa so far, they seem destined for the best odds in the lottery and a chance for back-to-back #1 overall picks. The tradeline presents the opportunity to gain some additional draft capital and build around Marvin Harrison Jr. Tua, Walker, and Reed all present options that could bring hefty returns that better fit Iowa’s timeline.