2024 NFL Preview and Team Outlook
The NFL is finally back, just proving once again why September is one of the best months of the year. The return of college football is electric but it doesn’t become truly heavenly until both CFB and NFL are in full swing. A majority of my free time until February will be used watching, writing, and thinking about football. I am completely invested in the season before it starts. I am also ready to feel both pure joy and pain, depending on how my favorite teams and fantasy teams do.
As the season is kicking off, I wanted to run through each team with a brief overview. This includes my list of best players, reasons for optimism/worry, and my 2024 outlook for that team. I would have loved to go through and put record predictions for each team, but your boy works a 9-5 job so I have to choose my battles. However, each division is listed in order of how I think the teams will finish. It will be from top to bottom (1st to 4th) in case anyone is wondering. Predicting before the season starts is kind of like shooting a blind free throw at times, but we just have to try our best.
This was a lot of fun to go through and I feel like it really helped me mentally prepare for a new season. There are so many trades, draft picks, free agency signings, etc. that you can forget some of the moves that happened. No matter the national media outlook, each team has reasons to worry and be excited heading into the season. Please enjoy and use this opportunity as a way to briefly catch up on the NFL before the season kicks off.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Offensive Stars: Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Mark Andrews
Defensive Stars: Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton, and Justin Madubuike
Reasons for Optimism:
Adding Derrick Henry in the offseason
Lamar’s progression as a passer
Elite defense
Reasons for Worry:
Can Lamar win in the playoffs?
Lack of clear cut WR1
Loss of Mike MacDonald as defensive coordinator
My 2024 Ravens Outlook: I am very high on both Baltimore and their addition of Derrick Henry this year. The threat of Lamar’s rushing ability will open up lanes for King Henry. In turn, the former Titan’s running prowess will improve the play action game for the Ravens this season. Kyle Hamilton and Roquan will lead the talented defense as two of the best players at their position. I expect Baltimore to dominate through the run and with their defense in the regular season. The real question marks will come in the postseason.
Cincinnati Bengals
Offensive Stars: Joe Burrow, Jamar Chase, and Tee Higgins
Defensive Stars: Trey Hendrickson, Logan Wilson, and Sam Hubbard
Reasons for Optimism
Return of Joe Burrow
Lou Anarumo remains the defensive coordinator
Pass Rush
Reasons for Worry
Can Burrow stay healthy for a full season?
Offensive line play
My 2024 Bengals Outlook: I’m not going to lie, this division is loaded. With that being said, I give the Bengals a slight edge over the Steelers and Browns heading into 2024. I am nervous about Joe Burrow’s injury and the Jamar Chase holdout. I am betting on Burrow to be healthy and spread the ball around to his weapons. Additionally, Lou Anarumo leads a destructive defense that should make this Bengals team balanced in 2024. Similar to years past, although they might not look pretty in the regular season I wouldn’t want to play Cincinnati come playoff time.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Offensive Stars: George Pickens, Najee Harris, and Pat Freiermuth
Defensive Stars: TJ Watt, Minkah Fizpatrick, and Cameron Heyward
Reasons for Optimism
Improved through free agency (QB, LB, OL)
Mike Tomlin never goes below .500
Playmakers at all 3 levels on defense
Reasons for Worry
Quarterback play
Unproven offensive line
My 2024 Steelers Outlook: Similar to the Browns, the big question mark is the offense. The Steelers defense is flooded with talented players and will be top tier along with TJ Watt being a candidate for DPOY. While I think the Fields/Wilson combo is an improvement over Kenny Pickett, there are still some major question marks there. In this stacked division, the games will be close and anything is on the table. I expect this team to hover around .500 due to Tomlin’s coaching prowess. However the question is, when will a 9/10 win season not be enough?
Cleveland Browns
Offensive Stars: Amari Cooper, Joel Bitonio, and Nick Chubb
Defensive Stars: Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, and Jeremiah Owusu-Kormoah
Reasons for Optimism
Elite defense
Strong offensive line play
Improved group of pass catchers
Reasons for Worry
Nick Chubb injury
Can Deshaun Watson return to his Houston form?
My 2024 Browns Outlook: Cleveland possesses one of the best defenses in the NFL. They not only possess playmakers at all 3 levels, but those playmakers are also among the best at their position. The problem is their offense, All-World running back Nick Chubb is recovering from a devastating injury and will miss at least the first four games of the season. Deshaun Watson has been disappointing so far during his tenure with the Browns and I don’t see the Browns turning it around unless Watson can return to his Houston form.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Offensive Stars: Josh Allen, James Cook, and Dion Dawkins
Defensive Stars: Greg Rousseau, Ed Oliver, and Von Miller
Reasons for Optimism
Josh Allen
Improvement of the running game in 2023
Top tier pass rush
Reasons for Worry
Inexperienced pass catchers
Replacing a majority of 2023 secondary production
My 2024 Bills Outlook: The Bills are a talented team with massive questions marks for 2024. They bring back Josh Allen and have a great front seven on defense. The secondary and wide receivers group are big questions. The losses of Stefon Diggs, Tre’Davious White, Jordan Poyer, and Micah Hyde loom large heading into the regular season. Thankfully Josh Allen is a quarterback with the ability to do more with less and has young, talented pass catchers that are looking to come up big in 2024. The Bills will do enough to make the playoffs but the question is similar to Baltimore’s. Can the Bills get over the hump in the postseason?
New York Jets
Offensive Stars: Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and Aaron Rodgers
Defensive Stars: Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams, and CJ Mosley
Reasons for Optimism
Massive improvements to the offensive line
Defense led team to 7-10 in 2023 with one of the league worst offenses
Reasons for Worry
Age and health of Aaron Rodgers
My 2024 Jets Outlook: The health of Aaron Rodgers will ultimately be what this season comes down to for the Jets. They have a stifling defense and an exciting duo of weapons in Wilson and Hall. This team should improve from last season even if Rodgers can be mediocre. If he can get to above average, the Jets will be a tough team to beat.
Miami Dolphins
Offensive Stars: Tyreek Hill, Tua Tagovailoa, and Jaylen Waddle
Defensive Stars: Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, and Jalen Ramsey
Reasons for Optimism
Speed on Offense
Defensive pass rush
Mike McDaniel’s offensive scheme
Reasons for Worry
Can Tua take the next step this season?
Offensive line depth and quality of play
My 2024 Dolphins Outlook: The one thing I’m sure of with the Dolphins is that they’ll be fun to watch this season. The Mike McDaniel offense is always entertaining and will put up points. This is made easier when they have their world class 4x1 team of Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Raheem Mostert, and De’Von Achane. The pivotal areas will be their offensive line play and Tua’s ability to make plays off-schedule. This will be the 3rd season where Miami is an exciting team, now we’ll see if they can go from fun to great.
New England Patriots
Offensive Stars: Rhamondre Stevenson, Drake Maye, and Hunter Henry
Defensive Stars: Christian Barrmore, Christian Gonzalez, and Kyle Dugger
Reasons for Optimism
Organizational refresh with a new coaching staff
Drake Maye Hype Train
Reasons for Worry
Lack of experience and past production from receiving corps
Christian Barrmore injury
Lack of explosiveness on offense
My 2024 Patriots Outlook: The Patriots look like they’re already building towards the 2025 team. This roster doesn’t contain a ton of players that pop off the screen or the page. I do think new head coach Jerod Mayo can provide a spark for the team as the Patriots head into a new era. The Patriots may not be competing for the playoffs this season but they are developing young talent. Most importantly getting experience for #3 overall pick Drake Maye and seeing which young receivers he can build rapport with.
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs
Offensive Stars: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Creed Humphrey
Defensive Stars: Chris Jones, Nick Bolton, and Trent McDuffie
Reasons for Optimism:
Patrick Mahomes
Andy Reid’s genius level offensive mind
Improved wide receiver group for Mahomes
Reasons for Worry:
None, back to back champs returning a majority of their key contributors
My 2024 Chiefs Outlook: The Chiefs look to three-peat as Super Bowl Champions, which has never been done before. To be completely honest, there is no reason they can’t become the first team to do so. They return the dominant trio of Mahomes, Kelce, and Reid while bringing back Chris Jones and a majority of their top contributors on defense. The Chiefs had a woeful group of receivers last year, but now have a promising young group to complement Travis Kelce. The Chiefs should continue to run the AFC West and ease their way into the playoffs. From there, it will be hard to knock off Patrick Mahomes as they try to complete their quest for a third Superbowl win.
Los Angeles Chargers
Offensive Stars: Justin Herbert, Rashawn Slater, and Joe Alt
Defensive Stars: Derwin James, Khalil Mack, and Joey Bosa
Reasons for Optimism:
Improved coaching and culture under Jim Harbaugh
Two young, talented offensive tackles
Reasons for Worry:
Underwhelming wide receiver group
Can Justin Herbert stay healthy?
My 2024 Chargers Outlook: The culture change from Staley to Harbaugh must almost be a shock to some of the Chargers players. The glaring issue here is their lack of receivers. It’s not pretty, but I think Herbert is elite enough to spread the love to his receivers. Additionally, I think Josh Palmer and another young Chargers receiver will step up. The defense remains star-studded but the real opportunity for growth here will be for the lesser known names to make a jump this season. Khalil Mack is coming off a dominant season and will provide pressure all year, leading to more opportunities for other players. Creating turnovers and playing smart offense will make the Chargers a sneaky playoff contender.
Oakland Raiders
Offensive Stars: Davante Adams, Brock Bowers, and Jakobi Meyers
Defensive Stars: Maxx Crosby, Christian Wilkins, and Nate Hobbs
Reasons for Optimism:
The team’s performance/improvement under Antonio Pierce
Underrated group of pass catchers
Elite defensive line
Reasons for Worry:
Major question mark at quarterback
Top heavy roster
A lot of talent at the top but massive question marks after the stars
My 2024 Raiders Outlook: I am not crazy high on the Raiders this season. There is clearly some talent at the top of the roster with Adams, Bowers, Crosby, and Wilkins. However, there is a steep fall off with the majority of their roster after that. I am a massive fan of Antonio Pierce and believe he brings an amazing culture to an organization that really needed a reset. Unfortunately, I think the raiders will struggle this season but they’ll expand on some of their young building blocks for 2025.
Denver Broncos
Offensive Stars: Courtland Sutton, Javonte Williams, and Garett Bolles
Defensive Stars: Patrick Surtain II, John Franklin-Myers, and Jonathon Cooper
Reasons for Optimism:
Bo Nix impresses in Pre-season
#2 spot in division is wide open behind Kansas City
Reasons for Worry:
Not an incredibly talented roster
Team was up and down defensively in 2023
My 2024 Broncos Outlook: I could almost copy and paste my outlook for the Raiders for what I expect from the Broncos. The Broncos don’t quite have the star power that we see from the Raiders but they do have a rookie quarterback and a proven coach in Sean Payton. I expect Denver to see what they have with Bo Nix and the rest of their young players. There is a possibility for this team to be a little frisky, but not sure they have it in them this year to make any real noise.
AFC South
Houston Texans
Offensive Stars: CJ Stroud, Laremy Tunsil, and Nico Collins
Defensive Stars: Danielle Hunter, Derek Stingley Jr., and Will Anderson Jr.
Reasons for Optimism:
Key additions in the offseason (Diggs, Hunter, Mixon, and Lassiter)
Retention of Offensive Coordinator
Mix of experienced veterans with young franchise cornerstones
Reasons for Worry:
Will Stroud experience a Sophomore slump?
Is the offseason hype too much?
My 2024 Texans Outlook: The surprise team of the 2023 season that improved during the offseason will be a scary proposition for the rest of the NFL. CJ Stroud took the league by storm his rookie year and now has a trio of elite wide receivers. The Texans improved through the draft and free agency and have a lot of hype heading into the season. They’re are some question marks about their defense, but outside of that the only other question is will there be any form of regression or Sophomore slump for the Texans. I expect Houston to not miss a beat in 2024 and contend for a Super Bowl this year and beyond.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Offensive Stars: Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne Jr., and Evan Engram
Defensive Stars: Josh Hines-Allen, Foye Oluokon, and Tyson Campbell
Reasons for Optimism:
Healthy Trevor Lawrence
Brian Thomas Jr. preseason performance
Addition of Arik Armstead to solidify pass rush
Reasons for Worry:
Trevor Lawrence’s turnover issues
Struggles of the offensive line
My 2024 Jaguars Outlook: I expect Jacksonville to take a jump in 2024 after a disappointing 2023 season. Trevor Lawrence was banged up for a majority of the season and it caused him to turn it over more than the Jaguars were hoping for. I think the pass rush will be dominant this season and will hopefully help the Jags defense create more turnovers this season. I think the offense for Jacksonville will return to being dynamic. The addition of rookie Brian Thomas Jr. will be a downfield threat that will hopefully open up running lanes for both Etienne and Lawrence. Their offense will be pivotal to a Jaguars playoff berth this season.
Indianapolis Colts
Offensive Stars: Jonathan Taylor, Quenton Nelson, and Michael Pittman Jr.
Defensive Stars: Zaire Franklin, Deforest Buckner, and Kenny Moore II
Reasons for Optimism:
Healthy Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor
Year 2 with Shane Steichen
Elite defensive front 7
Reasons for Worry:
Anthony Richardson unproven as a passer in the NFL
Lackluster secondary besides Kenny Moore II
My 2024 Colts Outlook: The Colts look to improve on a mediocre 2023 season but are hoping to have their young quarterback, Anthony Richardson, healthy for the entire season. Richardson is an unproven prospect but has the potential to truly be elite as a quarterback. He has the athleticism only comparable to Cam Newton and has the pure arm strength of Josh Allen. The Colts season will ride on Richardson’s growth. To help ease his responsibility, Indianapolis has a great back in Jonathan Taylor, an incredible defensive front seven, and an experienced offensive line to protect their young QB. They’ll be fun to watch in a competitive AFC South.
Tennessee Titans
Offensive Stars: Deandre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, and Tony Pollard
Defensive Stars: Jeffrey Simmons, L’Jarius Sneed, and Harold Landry III
Reasons for Optimism:
Talented duo at wide receiver
Experienced defense at all three levels
Addition of key contributors on defense
Reasons for Worry:
Loss of Derrick Henry
Massive question marks at quarterback, offensive line, and running back
Improved AFC South division
My 2024 Titans Outlook: I think the Titans defense is being greatly overlooked heading into the season. Jeffrey Simmons is a one man wrecking crew on the interior and the addition of T’Vondre Sweat via the draft will only beef up that defensive line. L’Jarius Sneed is a lockdown corner and Awuzie is complete a dynamic duo on the other side. The offense brings up questions due to iffy play from their offensive line and Will Levis returning as their starting quarterback. The Titans no longer have Derrick Henry to rely on. The Titan’s defense can keep them in some games but Levis will need to prove he is the guy for Tennessee moving forward.
NFC North
Detroit Lions
Offensive Stars: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, and Sam LaPorta
Defensive Stars: Alim McNeill, Aidan Hutchinson, and Brian Branch
Reasons for Optimism:
Coming off best season in decades
Improved defensive secondary (Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold, and Amik Robertson)
Possibly the best offensive line in football
Reasons for Worry:
Has the offseason hype been too much?
Will Jared Goff play well enough in the playoffs to win a Super Bowl?
My 2024 Lions Outlook: I truly think the Lions have the ability to win their first Super Bowl this season. If anyone said that just a few years ago, they would’ve been laughed out of the building. This Lions team has few weaknesses, if any. Last year, the glaring issue was the secondary which is now flushed with both veteran talent and youthful prospects. Jared Goff is a big question mark left but he has showed improvement during his tenure in Detroit. Most importantly the Lions have the ability to be dominant on both the offensive and defensive lines. Skill position players are incredibly important to winning, but a ton of football games are won and lost in the trenches.
Chicago Bears
Offensive Stars: DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Caleb Williams
Defensive Stars: Jaylon Johnson, Montez Sweat, and TJ Edwards
Reasons for Optimism:
Defensive leap after Montez Sweat trade in 2023
Improved weapons (Allen, Odunze, Swift, and Everett)
Caleb Williams hype
Reasons for Worry:
How much production can you bet on from a rookie quarterback in their first season?
Offensive line questions
My 2024 Bears Outlook: There is a lot of hype for the Chicago Bears entering 2024. Part of the hype revolves around a team, and more specifically a defense, that took a major leap in the second half of 2023. This defense has playmakers at every level and young players like Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon that look to make jumps early in their young career. Of course the other part of this hype is around Heisman winner and #1 draft pick Caleb Williams. He is uber talented and enters one of the best situations a #1 pick has entered in recent memory. Williams can make all the throws to his talented weapons, but we’ll have to see if the Bears offensive line improved this offseason. I believe Chicago will compete for the playoffs, but it really depends on how Caleb will play as a rookie. There are other factors, but will he have a CJ Stroud-like rookie season or will he play more like your average rookie starter?
Green Bay Packers
Offensive Stars: Josh Jacobs, Jordan Love, and Jayden Reed
Defensive Stars: Rashan Gary, Kenny Clark, and Xavier McKinney
Reasons for Optimism:
2023 Playoff run
The development of Jordan Love and the young pass catchers
Adding Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney through free agency
Reasons for Worry:
Can the defense make a jump after a few down years?
Offensive line play
Is Love worth that huge contract?
My 2024 Packers Outlook: The Packers are a very intriguing team heading into the season. I’m not quite as high on Green Bay as others. I think the league will have more film on Jordan Love as opposed to last season and their defense is still a massive question mark. With that being said, I think the Packers will 100% be competing for a playoff spot. Even though I think the league will have more of a game plan for Jordan Love in his second year as a starter, he still has an elite pocket presence to accompany his growing connection with his young pass catchers. The addition of Josh Jacobs as the bell cow running back will help fill the void of losing Aaron Jones. My Green Bay prediction might not be as sunshine and rainbows as others, but they cannot be overlooked in the NFC this season.
Minnesota Vikings
Offensive Stars: Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones, and Jordan Addison
Defensive Stars: Jonathan Greenard, Harrison Smith, and Dallas Turner
Reasons for Optimism:
A healthy Justin Jefferson
Upgrade at running back with Aaron Jones
Reasons for Worry:
The losses of Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter
Major question marks at QB
My 2024 Vikings Outlook: I think the Vikings have the ability to surprise some people in 2024, but winning the division and making noise in the playoffs are far-fetched for this season. Minnesota does have a sneakily underrated defense that should be able to both put pressure on the quarterback and make plays in the back half. The biggest question revolves around the quarterback position. With JJ McCarthy out for the season, the starting quarterback title lands with journeyman Sam Darnold. He is surrounded by playmakers but also has a history of making bad decisions. I expect Darnold and the Vikings to be frisky and volatile in terms of their play from week to week.
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles
Offensive Stars: Saquon Barkley, AJ Brown, and Jalen Hurts
Defensive Stars: Darius Slay, Jalen Carter, and Josh Sweat
Reasons for Optimism:
Addition of Saquon Barkley
Improving secondary (CJ Gardner-Johnson and Quinyon Mitchell)
Elite offensive weapons and offensive line
Reasons for Worry:
Will the tush push and offense falter without Jason Kelce
2023 debacle during the second half of the season
Potential locker room drama with HC Nick Siriani
My 2024 Eagles Outlook: The Eagles really stumbled during the back half of the 2023 season. There were also rumors of issues between Jalen Hurts and Nick Siriani. With all that being said, they have solidified the secondary and bolstered their running game with the addition of Saquon Barkley. Philadelphia does not need Hurts to be an MVP, but they do need him to play complementary football with their elite weapons. No team has won the NFC East back to back years since 2004, so I’m going to stick with that trend and pick the Eagles to win the division. I’m not sure if they’ll return to 2022 form but I think there will be a bounce back from the team this season. Feed Barkley, Smith, and Brown and you’ll find your way into the playoffs.
Dallas Cowboys
Offensive Stars: Ceedee Lamb, Dak Prescott, and Zach Martin
Defensive Stars: Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and Demarcus Lawrence
Reasons for Optimism:
New contracts for Ceedee and Dak
Dominant pass rush and opportunistic defensive backs
Upside with linebackers (Overshown back from injury and Eric Kendricks)
Reasons for Worry:
Relying on rookie offensive lineman
Subpar running back room
Mike McCarthy on hot seat
My 2024 Cowboys Outlook: I think we know what to expect from the Dallas Cowboys. They will dominate some mediocre teams but also get blown out by some of the elite teams in the league. I do like Dak and think the Cowboys offense will be able to put up points even without a clear RB1. Defensively, they will be able to rush the passer with the best of them allowing Diggs and Bland (when he returns from injury) to jump passes. The linebackers are a question mark but I think they’ll be able to make some big plays. The Cowboys could break the NFC East curse of no team winning the division back to back years since 2004. I am not a believer in Mike McCarthy, but I am confident they’ll be in playoff contention this season.
Washington Commanders
Offensive Stars: Terry McLaurin, Jayden Daniels, and Sam Cosmi
Defensive Stars: Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen, and Bobby Wagner
Reasons for Optimism:
New head coach and quarterback
New faces on defense
Reasons for Worry:
Who is WR2/TE?
Not much improvement to struggling secondary
Pass rush at the defensive end position
My 2024 Commanders Outlook: The Commanders will be exciting to watch this season, that is not up for debate. Jayden Daniels will bring his electric style of play to Washington in hopes to jump start a hibernating Commanders franchise. I am looking forward to seeing the Daniels Scary Terry connection over the coming years. The downside is the defense for this team. They did spend both cap space and draft capital on the defensive side of the ball. The additions of Frankie Luvu, Bobby Wagner, and Jer’Zhan Newton will help the defense, but there are still massive gaps in the secondary which opposing teams will look to expose. Enjoy Jayden Daniels rookie season and build towards their future.
New York Giants
Offensive Stars: Malik Nabers, Andrew Thomas, and Devin Singletary
Defensive Stars: Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, and Bobby Okereke
Reasons for Optimism:
Defensive line and pass rush
Best WR prospect in Malik Nabers since Odell
Reasons for Worry:
Daniel Jones as quarterback
OL struggles
Lack of RB/WR depth
My 2024 Giants Outlook: The 2024 outlook for the Giants is bleak to say the least. Their defense, primarily the front seven, has the ability to be a solid unit. They have a great pass rush heading into the season to go along with some young players in the secondary that show some promise. Offensively, it’s a completely different story. Malik Nabers is one of the sole bright spots heading into the season. Unfortunately, they have no clear RB1 and the rest of their pass catchers are unproven in their careers. Daniel Jones has not proven to be the answer in New York and his struggles carried into the preseason. It’ll be interesting to see how this year goes for the Giants. I hope they prove me wrong, but my expectations aren’t high.
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers
Offensive Stars: Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, and George Kittle
Defensive Stars: Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Javon Hargrave
Reasons for Optimism:
Potentially the most talented top to bottom roster in NFL
Signed Leonard Floyd to rush the passer opposite Nick Bosa
Returning a majority of key contributors from 2023
Reasons for Worry:
McCaffrey, Williams, and Aiyuk missing time in preseason for injury/contract issues
Can Brock Purdy win the big game?
My 2024 49ers Outlook: If everyone stays healthy and all goes according to plan, the 49ers should be in the Super Bowl for the second consecutive year. This roster is absolutely loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. Players like Warner, Bosa, McCaffrey, Williams, and Kittle all are within the Top 3 at their respective positions. They added to both the offensive and defensive lines this season to help improve what has already been a strength. I could go on and on about the talent on this roster. The roster construction has been incredible, but none of it really matters if they can’t win the big one. Part of that comes down to quarterback Brock Purdy. Purdy has one of the best stories in recent drafts going from Mr. Irrelevant to Super Bowl starter. It really will come down to Purdy’s play in the postseason, the health of their stars, and the potential Super Bowl hangover for San Francisco. I fully expect the 49ers to be in title contention, we’ll just have to see if they can win the big one this year.
Los Angeles Rams
Offensive Stars: Cooper Kupp, Kyren Williams, and Puka Nacua
Defensive Stars: Kobie Turner, John Johnson III, and Jared Verse
Reasons for Optimism:
Cooper Kupp entering the season healthy
Investing recent draft picks in the defense
Loaded skill position players
Reasons for Worry:
Offensive line injuries
Filling the Aaron Donald void
My 2024 Rams Outlook: We can expect a competitive Rams team in 2024 especially due to the offense and Sean McVay. Matthew Stafford enters this season with some of the best weapons of his career (Kupp, Williams, and Nacua). They will put up points and McVay will use his expertise to make the offense hard to stop. Their defense has young talented players but does not have big names after Aaron Donald retired. In order for Los Angeles to really compete they will need Kobie Turner to continue his solid start from 2023 and players like Jared Verse to step up big time. The offense will do its job but the defense will need to keep up.
Seattle Seahawks
Offensive Stars: D.K. Metcalf, Kenneth Walker, and Geno Smith
Defensive Stars: Devon Witherspoon, Leonard Williams, and Riq Woolen
Reasons for Optimism:
New coach and offensive coordinator
Drafting Byron Murphy to beef up defensive line
Improved secondary
Reasons for Worry:
Unproven linebackers
Loaded division
My 2024 Seahawks Outlook: Seattle has the opportunity to make some noise this season. Their new HC and OC will provide both defensive integrity and a new scheme to freshen their offense. Pete Carroll was a great coach, but sometimes a new regime can be a breathe of fresh air. Geno Smith is an above average quarterback with an amazing trio of wide receivers for him to throw to. The defense is questionable, but I think Kevin McDonald will bring over his system from Baltimore to help sure up that side of the ball. This division might be stacked, but Seattle will still compete and bring across a new era for the Seahawks.
Arizona Cardinals
Offensive Stars: Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Trey McBride
Defensive Stars: Budda Baker, Kyzir White, and Sean Murphy-Bunting
Reasons for Optimism:
A healthy Kyler Murray
Revamped weapons, MHJ and rising star Trey McBride
Sneaky secondary play
Reasons for Worry:
Struggling defense
Primarily defensive line and linebackers
Offensive line question marks
Paris Johnson showing promise
Heavily competitive division
My 2024 Cardinals Outlook: The Cardinals had what might have been the most popular pick in the draft by taking Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick. This Cardinals offense will likely put up points and keep them in games where the defense lets them down. Kyler Murray enters the season healthy and will spread the ball to developing stars in Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride. An underrated performer on this team is James Conner, who runs the ball with authority every time he touches it. Conner has quickly become an underrated performer due to his DAWG mentality. Add the Cardinals to the list frisky teams that will be competitive but not elite this season.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Offensive Stars: Bijan Robinson, Chris Lindstrom, and Kirk Cousins
Defensive Stars: AJ Terrell, Matthew Judon, and Justin Simmons
Reasons for Optimism:
Addition of Kirk Cousins
Young skill position players on offense
Experienced secondary
Reasons for Worry:
Offensive Line question marks
Cousins coming back from serious injury
My 2024 Falcons Outlook: The Falcons are the popular pick, as well as my personal pick, to win the NFC South this season. The addition of Kirk Cousins will hopefully help develop young first round picks (Robinson, Pitts, and London) that have quite frankly been hibernating early in their Falcons career. The additions of Judon and Simmons will help Atlanta sturdy their defense. The real pivotal area will be their offense. The Falcons will need their offensive line to step up and to open holes for the talented Bijan Robinson. If Kirk Cousins can help re-route an underperforming Atlanta offense, they’ll be in position to reclaim the NFC South.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Offensive Stars: Mike Evans, Tristian Wirfs, and Baker Mayfield
Defensive Stars: Vita Vea, Antoine Winfield Jr., and Lavonte David
Reasons for Optimism:
Baker Mayfield resurgence in 2024
Solidifying the center position with their first round pick
No clear favorite in the division
Reasons for Worry:
Which version of Baker Mayfield are we getting?
Pass rush question marks
Uncertainty in the interior of the offensive line
My 2024 Buccaneers Outlook: The Buccaneers took advantage of a questionable division and became one of the surprise teams of the 2023 season. The Bucs locked Baker Mayfield up to a three year extension as the Bucs offense looks to be potent again this season. The offensive and defensive lines are uncertainties for this season. Vita Vea will be a force but Tampa Bay will be lacking proven pass rushers on the outside. Similarly on offense Wirfs is elite but some of the other spots, primarily the interior, are question marks. These question marks caused a talented running back in Rachaad White to be one of the least efficient rushers of last season. On the bright side, Mike Evans returns hoping to add to another 1,000 yard season to his impressive resume. Tampa Bay will compete for the division this year again and look for their 5th consecutive playoff appearance.
New Orleans Saints
Offensive Stars: Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and Derek Carr
Defensive Stars: Demario Davis, Cameron Jordan, and Marshon Lattimore
Reasons for Optimism:
Consistent Top 10 defense
Alvin Kamara healthier entering 2024
No clear favorite in the division
Reasons for Worry:
Aging defensive stars
How far can Dereck Carr take you?
Offensive line question marks
My 2024 Saints Outlook: The Saints are one of those teams that is both frustrating to root for and root against. In previous years, they’ve struggled to reach their top form but also you can’t overlook them in any week if you play them. As a head coach, Dennis Allen has struggled to find success and as a team most of New Orleans players are aging. The Saints defense has been great for several years and I expect that to remain consistent. They’re one of those teams with playmakers at all 3 levels of the defense that help put the offense in a position to succeed. On offense Carr will need to get the ball to Olave, Kamara, and the emerging Rashid Shaheed for the offense to be successful. They might look mediocre on paper but do not overlook the Saints heading into this year.
Carolina Panthers
Offensive Stars: Diontae Johnson, Ikem Ekwonu, and Bryce Young
Defensive Stars: Derrick Brown, Jaycee Horn, and Jadeveon Clowney
Reasons for Optimism:
Improved weapons on offense
New coaching staff, fresh start
Reasons for Worry:
Will Bryce Young take the next step?
One of the oldest rosters in the NFL
Who are the legitimate star players on this team?
Underwhelming roster on paper
My 2024 Panthers Outlook: Carolina is another team that I don’t have much hope in heading into 2024. I refuse to give up on Bryce Young after just one year, but there unfortunately were not a ton of positive signs. Thankfully for Young, they traded for Diontae Johnson and drafted Xavier Legette to add options for the second year passer. There are some young prospects to hopefully build upon but the Panthers surprisingly have one of the oldest rosters in the NFL. Which begs the question, what is the purpose for the roster construction of this team? Thankfully for Carolina they do have their first round pick this season as they look to rebuild and retool their franchise.
Thankfully for all of my fellows fanatics, degenerates, and psychopaths, football is back. We live for this and our year is split up into two parts. The first part is the endless void of no football. We go through our day to day in a monotonous haze just waiting to see players compete on the gridiron. Then, the second part of the year comes around, and that is thankfully football season. We have waited so long that even the most basic halfback dive is enough to bring a smile to our faces once the season starts back up again.
I hope this preview was enough to get you excited for the season ahead and refresh your memory on what to look out for this season. Whether you read this before Week 1 or somewhere in the middle of the season, I think there are things to gain for everyone. Most importantly, enjoy the season my friends because it will be over before we know it. Watch every second and don’t take a single snap for granted.