2024 NFL Draft Order Projections: Exciting Three-Team Battle for No. 1; Bengals Slip in Rankings

Discover how Week 12 of the 2024 NFL schedule affected the potential draft order.

To get an insight, check out Austin Mock’s projections. Mock utilizes his NFL betting model to project game scores, final team win percentages, and playoff chances. The model updates old data and uses up-to-date information as the season progresses. It simulates outcomes 100,000 times after each day of games to provide a projected top-10 draft order, along with win totals and playoff chances for each team.

Here are some observations on this week’s projections:

1. A Tight Three-Team Race

The Bears and Giants, both with four wins, are in contention alongside the Cardinals and Patriots for the top pick. Carolina has the lowest strength of schedule, giving them an edge in case of a tiebreaker.

2. NFC North Playoff Contenders

Minnesota and Green Bay are vying for playoff spots alongside other bubble teams as the playoff race heats up. The NFC North could potentially claim two or even three playoff berths.

3. Intriguing Trade Rumors

With the projected top two picks up for grabs, speculation about potential trades for elite QB prospects and other top talents is stirring up excitement for the 2024 draft.

4. Cincinnati’s Unexpected Fall

The Bengals, with star QB Joe Burrow out for the season, face the prospect of a last-place finish in the AFC North, with a top-10 draft pick potentially shaping their future turnaround.

5. Teams Just Outside the Top 10

Tampa Bay, the Chargers, Rams, Saints, and Vikings just missed making the top 10 in the latest projections. The Bills, currently at 6-6, face an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot with tough games ahead.

(Photo of Caleb Williams: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)