The first time I evaluated the offensive lines in the NFL (based on PFFs grades) it was at the conclusion of the preseason, which obviously gave me a very small sample size to work with. 4 weeks of football have now been completed, so I thought it was time to make the same ranking again, with the same method: the PFF run-blocking grade for each starting member of every teams offensive line is averaged to give each team a score.

1: Detroit Lions (72,06. Preseason rank: 1)

It was a big surprise to most people when the Lions ranked 1st at the end of the preseason, and it seemed like it might be a statistical anomaly based on a small sample size and the uncertainty of preseason play. But now after 4 full weeks of football, the Lions are number 1 again. C Frank Ragnow and RG Graham Glasgow have been their top performers, while LT Taylor Decker as also played at a good level.

Unfortunately, this has not led to elite production from RB Kerryon Johnson who has only rushed for 3.4 yards per carry and a single TD. Johnson should remain a very good option for fantasy owners, having averaged 23 carries a game after the Lions released CJ Anderson after week 2 (Johnson averaged 14 carries a game with Anderson on the team). Johnson showed as a rookie that he can be much more efficient than he has so far in 2019, so I think what we have seen from him so far is his floor and his fantasy stock is due to go up in the coming weeks.

2: Philadelphia Eagles (70,18. Preseason rank: 20)

Generally considered one of the top offensive lines in the league, it’s no big surprise to see the Eagles greatly improve on their preseason grade. Very strong from RT to C, the lines only weakness is LG Isaac Seumalo who has only earned a 53,2 run-block grade through 4 weeks.

Miles Sanders was a rookie that big parts of the fantasy community were very high on going into the season, but so far he has split the load with veteran Jordan Howard (Sanders has 44 carries, Howard has 40) with the latter increasing his number of carries each week. I think it’s likely Sanders will play a larger role the longer the season progresses, but for now my expectations are tampered.

3: Dallas Cowboys (69,62. Preseason rank: 8)

RT La’el Collins earned the highest run-blocking grade of any starting offensive lineman through 4 weeks (88,3) and is the main reason the Cowboys are ranked this highly. Big-name teammates Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin have only earned average level grades so far, so Collins has been the clear standout in the run-game so far.

After he signed his big $90 million extension in the off-season, there has been no doubt that Zeke is the featured back for Dallas. As he has been his whole career, he remains a top 5 fantasy option at RB and if he should go down, Tony Pollard could also put up top 10 RB production (a very strong 100+ yards performance against the Dolphins proved this).

4: Indianapolis Colts (68,88. Preseason rank: 29)

As a much improved unit in 2018, it was a surprise to see the Colts’ offensive line being one of the worst this preseason. With the loss of Andrew Luck to retirement it could have been another big blow to the team if the offensive line could not keep up it’s high level from 2018, but through the first month of the season they have not disappointed. The top performers have been LT Anthony Castonzo and LG Quenton Nelson with the rest of the line playing at a respectable level.

Marlon Mack remains the clear lead back with 72 of the teams 104 carries in the first 4 games. Mack has failed to make much of an impact in the passing game with only 4 receptions for 26 yards so far. Nyheim Hines leads the backfield with 11 receptions, but is only relevant (barring injuries) in very deep leagues.

5: Baltimore Ravens (67,92. Preseason rank: 21)

When Lamar Jackson became the starting quarterback in 2018 the Baltimore Ravens became the most run-heavy offense in the NFL and they did it with great success. The offensive line was, and remains, and huge part of that. There are no standouts on the line in terms of run-blocking, but former 6th overall pick Ronnie Stanley and RG Marshal Yanda are studs in the passing game.

Mark Ingram has been a fantasy since joining in free agency and is currently ranked as the 5th (depending on scoring) highest scoring fantasy RB and has the 6th most rushing yards in the league. He is also tied for the league lead in rushing TDs with 5 scores. QB Lamar Jackson is even ranked 15th in the league in rushing. Backup RB Gus Edwards remains one of the best fantasy handcuffs IMO in spite of rookie Justice Hill getting most of the off season hype. Hill is still more valuable in dynasty formats though.

6: Oakland Raiders (66,74. Preseason rank: 6)

7: Washington Redskins (66,14. Preseason rank: 23)

8: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (65,56. Preseason rank: 22)

9: New Orleans Saints (65,52. Preseason rank: 11)

10: Green Bay Packers (64,56. Preseason rank: 15)

11: Tennessee Titans (64,32. Preseason rank: 7)

12: Cleveland Browns (63,34. Preseason rank: 31)

13: Pittsburgh Steelers (62,90. Preseason rank: 12)

14: Buffalo Bills (62,50. Preseason rank: 13)

15: New England Patriots (60,16. Preseason rank: 16)

16: Seattle Seahawks (59,80. Preseason rank: 18)

17: San Francisco 49ers (57,82. Preseason rank: 2)

18: Minnesota Vikings (57,62. Preseason rank: 30)

19: Houston Texans (56,58. Preseason rank: 19)

20: Kansas City Chiefs (56,04. Preseason rank: 10)

21: Miami Dolphins (55,40. Preseason rank: 25)

22: Los Angeles Chargers (55,32. Preseason rank: 28)

23: New York Jets (54,20. Preseason rank: 17)

24: Carolina Panthers (53,62. Preseason rank: 27)

25: New York Giants (53,18. Preseason rank: 3)

26: Cincinnati Bengals (53,02. Preseason rank: 26)

27: Jacksonville Jaguars (53,00. Preseason rank: 4)

28: Atlanta Falcons (51,72. Preseason rank: 9)

29: Denver Broncos (51,54. Preseason rank: 5)

30: Chicago Bears (50,30. Preseason rank: 14)

31: Arizona Cardinals (47,78. Preseason rank: 24)

32. Los Angeles Rams (44,84. Preseason rank: N/A)