Fall is here and the NFL is back this week. Included in our 2024 NFL season preview are outlooks on all 32 teams, playoff and Super Bowl picks, and award predictions. Each team is clickable with links to the team previews completed over the summer. Check out Fantasy Consigliere for weekly fantasy rankings and more. The Fantasy Consigliere Podcast hits on your fantasy football needs in podcast form. The Wolf Sports Show is our general NFL podcast if you want a straight general NFL podcast without hot takes.
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AFC
AFC East
A mini revamp has some down on the Bills this season, but Sean McDermott always gets his defense to play well—and Josh Allen behind a strong offensive line is always going to be scary. The deep playoff upside for Buffalo might come down to Greg Rousseau taking another step into a top sack threat and/or a healthier Von Miller getting closer to the form he’s shown throughout his career versus top quarterbacks.
Miami is an interesting mix of veteran experience as one of the oldest rosters in the league—yet with supreme explosiveness on the offensive side of the ball Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane, rookie Jaylen Wright, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle as weapons at Tua Tagovailoa’s disposal. New defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is a key coach to watch.
The post-Bill Belichick era begins for New England, with first-year head coach Jerod Mayo taking the reins for a team that’s going to have to play elite defense to contend for a wild card spot. Overall, it’s tough to envision the Patriots have a ton of success unless the offensive line really surprises—and the big question is when No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye is inserted at quarterback.
Aside from the Haason Reddick holdout, which has no end in sight, I liked what the Jets did in the offseason by adding Mike Williams, Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses, and John Simpson—and a few rookies—to boost the offense with Aaron Rodgers returning from the torn Achilles. There’s both considerable upside and downside for New York.
AFC North
The Ravens lost a lot this offseason, but they added a big weapon that seems to be going under the radar a bit in superstar running back Derrick Henry. It’s going to be a headache trying to stop that offense, which will run more two-tight-end sets with Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, and the Baltimore defense led by Roquan Smith has pieces to take over games.
Joe Burrow is coming back from an uncommon wrist injury that ended his 2023 campaign, but the question at the time of this publication is what happens with his longtime teammate and star receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who wants a new contract with two years left on his rookie deal. Remember, Chase sat out his final season at LSU to prepare for the NFL, so there’s a precedent here for him to miss games. Cincy clearly has a much higher ceiling with Chase in the lineup, but I don’t blame the Bengals for wanting to stand firm; Chase’s friend Justin Jefferson played through to one year left on his deal before getting paid and never missed time.
Two-time NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski is going to put his team in position to have success, and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz had his unit flying around last season. But quarterback Deshaun Watson needs to show more if the Browns are going to push for a championship.
It was not an ideal preseason for the Steelers offense, which couldn’t find much of a rhythm with new quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Wilson gets the nod as the starter, and he must avoid taking sacks to play to a dangerous defense and keep Mike Tomlin’s squad in the postseason mix as usual.
AFC South
Assuming Stefon Diggs fits in well, the Texans had one of the best offseasons of any team in the league by adding him, Joe Mixon, and Danielle Hunter as three star players on a team that just won a playoff game last season. DeMeco Ryans’ defense will fly around, and C.J. Stroud can light you up.
Second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson’s play and the combination he’ll form with All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor is one of the biggest storylines of the 2024 NFL season. Richardson has not started many games, even dating back to high school, but the tools and naturally ability as a passer and runner are tantalizing. Defensively, rookie edge Laiatu Latu could’ve easily been a top-five pick in the draft and adds more juice to the pass rush.
The Jaguars ownership and front office is expecting a Super Bowl push, and the pieces they put around Trevor Lawrence this offseason—first-round rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and veteran signing Gabe Davis—are great matches with the quarterback’s skillset and also fit in nicely with Christian Kirk and Evan Engram. However, the other draft picks by Jacksonville over the past few years must step up, including former No. 1 pick Travon Walker continuing his emergence opposite Josh Hines-Allen.
After parting ways with head coach Mike Vrabel, the Titans hired former Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan with the intention of letting second-year quarterback Will Levis air it out. From a ton of signings to a couple of trades, Tennessee was shockingly aggressive in bringing in many veteran pieces. It’ll be interesting to see how (and if) they can gel and have success.
AFC West
Simply put, Bo Nix was highly disrespected as a draft prospect by the same people that don’t have much of a track record when it comes to scouting quarterbacks. I strongly believe that he and Sean Payton will be a dangerous leading partnership for the Broncos, and—while the roster might not be quite there yet—Denver sounds like a group determined to surpass outside expectations in 2024.
It’s intriguing that the Chiefs won back-to-back Super Bowls yet clearly intend to get back to their old ways of airing it out with Patrick Mahomes and a ton of speed on the outside (which was also highly successful). If the cornerback group continues to play well without L’Jarius Snead, it’s going to be tough to knock off Kansas City.
If you watched the Raiders last year, you saw clearly that head coach Antonio Pierce had his guys playing tough, fundamentally-sound football. They went with Gardner Minshew II at quarterback and will look to win like how they did under the then-interim Pierce last year behind a defense that added Christian Wilkins to join Maxx Crosby up front.
Justin Herbert has been practicing and looks ready to go for Week 1, but his foot might be a story all year after the plantar fascia injury this summer. It’s just a matter of time before the extremely successful Jim Harbaugh helps the Chargers become a contender, but he takes over a roster that was probably in rougher shape from the previous regime than people think.
NFC
NFC East
The CeeDee Lamb extension got done, but quarterback Dak Prescott and head coach Mike McCarthy are set to be lame ducks likely needing a tremendous year to prevent Jerry Jones from seriously considering going in another direction in 2025. The good news for the Cowboys is that they have an excellent roster, and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer should be able to help the Micah Parsons-led group continue to play at a high level.
Quarterback (in part due to health), offensive line, and the secondary—critical spots in today’s game—are areas of uncertainty for the Giants. But if they can get back closer to 2022 form, New York assembled a formidable pass rush led by Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Dexter Lawrence to close out games.
The Eagles reset at both coordinator spots this offseason, and the roster continues to get stronger (assuming the Jeff Stoutland-led offensive line remains elite without Jason Kelce, that is). They added Saquon Barkley from the Giants, and Jahan Dotson is an awesome third receiver behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Linebackers Devin White and Nakobe Dean bring energy to Vic Fangio’s defense, which’ll need the secondary to step up.
There’s much excitement surrounding Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels in Washington, with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury building the offense around his explosive skillset. He’s joined by a bunch of veteran additions meant to help both establish a culture and compete. However, Dan Quinn has a lot of work to do in getting the defense on track.
NFC North
The Bears finished last year strong and secured stud top pick Caleb Williams at quarterback in an offense that also added fellow top-ten pick Rome Odunze and veteran Keenan Allen at receiver. Williams’ talent allows him to escape and make plays on the move, but Chicago can really be a factor if the former Heisman winner is protected behind the offensive line in his transition to the NFL.
All the pieces are in place for the Lions to make another legitimate run to a Super Bowl after having the 49ers on the ropes in the NFC title game last January. General manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell just keep building, with the 2024 offseason including upgrades to the secondary in first- and second-round picks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.—with defensive tackle DJ Reader and cornerback Carlton Davis also joining that side of the ball. The NFC North is a challenge, but Detroit is a potential juggernaut.
The young Packers are going to attack with an offense that includes several different targets that can beat you in Matt LaFleur’s scheme, including the hard-running Josh Jacobs at running back after coming over from the Raiders. Jeff Hafley left the head coaching job at Boston College to command Green Bay’s defense, and we’ll be tracking how the more aggressive unit performs.
First-round rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy is unfortunately out for the year due to a torn meniscus, but Sam Darnold is in a good spot to have success under Kevin O’Connell. I think the offense will perform if Darnold stays healthy, while the defense enters Year 2 under coordinator Brian Flores—though Minnesota is another team that might not have hit on enough draft picks in recent years.
NFC South
The presence of Michael Penix Jr. waiting in the wings helps long-term, but the pressure is on for the 2024 version of the Falcons after adding a veteran quarterback in Kirk Cousins, creating high expectations in the NFC South. And, while Raheem Mostert can certainly do well in his second opportunity as a head coach, keep in mind that Atlanta passed on Bill Belichick.
Things can only go up from the situation No. 1 pick Bryce Young was in last year, and Dave Canales has gotten the most out of quarterbacks in recent stints with Seattle and Tampa Bay. The Panthers are projected to be among the worst teams in the league, but if the resources invested into the roster to improve the interior offensive line work out, they can build toward something promising.
The Saints have much of the same feel from last season roster-wise, but the hope is that the new scheme from Klint Kubiak is a perfect match for Derek Carr and the pieces on offense. Meanwhile, the defense still has veteran pieces and can have one of the top cornerback groups in football. And keep an eye on the versatile Taysom Hill being more involved each week, something that feels long overdue considering the success New Orleans has had with him on the field in recent years.
Somewhat quietly, likely because they’re .500 over the past two years, the Buccaneers have won the NFC South in each of the past three seasons and are the only team in the conference to make the postseason in each of the past four years. After losing Canales to Carolina, it appears Liam Coen was a strong replacement at offensive coordinator—and the early returns on the draft class including center Graham Barton and receiver Jalen McMillan sound promising.
NFC West
Jonathan Gannon got the Cardinals to play super hard in his first year at the helm, and the team is looking to build on that with a fully healthy Kyler Murray. Perhaps they are a year away from being undoubted threats in the conference, but first-round receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and second-round cornerback Max Melton can generate excitement and production quickly.
The Rams have the firepower to put up points, and I like that the backup quarterback situation is in a great spot with Jimmy Garoppolo behind Matthew Stafford (and Stetson Bennett as the third quarterback and the primary backup during Jimmy G’s two-game suspension). The LA defense added Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, and Kamren Kinchens on the first two days of the draft as they move forward following Aaron Donald’s retirement.
It’s pretty much Super Bowl or bust for the 49ers every year until they win one. The Brandon Aiyuk contract finally got done ahead of Week 1, but all-world left tackle Trent Williams being away from the team is a massive story. Williams is a legitimate weapon for San Francisco. Defensively, Leonard Floyd was a fantastic signing to play opposite Nick Bosa, as Floyd’s flexibility and athleticism will make it difficult for quarterbacks trying to escape the pressure the Niners bring.
Moving from the very successful Pete Carroll era, Seattle’s defense is still set to play with major energy led by emerging star cornerback Devon Witherspoon in new head coach Mike Macdonald’s scheme. The offense under coordinator Ryan Grubb should be more dynamic, with weapons in place for the accurate Geno Smith to distribute with extreme effectiveness.
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Playoff Picks
AFC
1. Kansas City Chiefs
2. Houston Texans
3. Buffalo Bills
4. Baltimore Ravens
5. Cincinnati Bengals
6. New York Jets
7. Denver Broncos
NFC
1. Detroit Lions
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. Philadelphia Eagles
4. Atlanta Falcons
5. Dallas Cowboys
6. Green Bay Packers
7. Los Angeles Rams
AFC Notes
The No. 6 and No. 7 seeds in the AFC were the most difficult picks this year. The Colts, Jaguars, Dolphins, and Steelers were four other teams strongly in consideration for the final two AFC wild card spots—for the Chargers, Justin Herbert’s foot and the roster give me pause. The Jets will potentially have an elite defense paired with Aaron Rodgers on offense. The Broncos hosting both Pittsburgh and Indy was somewhat of a tiebreaker for the final slot.
With additional motivation while seeking a three-peat—and following a disappointing 2023 regular season—I think the Chiefs have an outstanding few months to secure the top seed in the AFC playoffs, making it even more difficult for someone to knock them off at Arrowhead.
Again, I liked the Texans’ offseason and believe they can take a step toward the top-tier of teams. The Bills might have some growing pains with the re-tooled roster. And Baltimore and Cincinnati will be in plenty of battles with tough schedules in the AFC North, so I’ll predict they are the No. 4 and No. 5 seeds.
NFC Notes
Just one new playoff team from the NFC last year is very unlikely, and I’d think this will be a bit of a chalk pick with many people liking these teams and the Falcons to be the postseason field. All due respect to the Bucs as the most difficult team to leave out of the NFC considering the division, but Atlanta gets the nod after adding Kirk Cousins.
The Bears were another tough team to leave out because I am high on Caleb Williams, but who do you leave out? Matt LaFleur has been to the postseason in four of his five seasons leading the Packers and has a 56-27 career record, and Sean McVay’s Rams are rejuvenated after last year’s bounce back. Ultimately, I trust those proven teams more to grab a playoff spot.
Atop the conference, I believe it’ll again be San Francisco, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Dallas all battling for the top seed in the NFC. The Lions, playing just one dome game through Week 15, taking yet another step behind an elite roster and securing homefield advantage through the Super Bowl is my prediction.
Super Bowl LIX Pick
Chiefs over Lions
I’ll be honest, I’d rather see another team win instead of a Chiefs three-peat. But Andy Reid does not get nearly enough credit for the type of coach he is, building powerhouses in both Philadelphia (despite not winning a Super Bowl there) and Kansas City—and his group has the makings of one that can make history. It was very tempting to pick the Lions to take down the Chiefs as they did in the 2023 season opener, but things seem to go in Kansas City’s favor in January and February.
Award Picks
MVP: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes
As outlined, the Chiefs are expected to air it out more with Patrick Mahomes and company in 2024. They’re my pick for the top seed in the AFC, and Mahomes should put up better numbers while bouncing back from a down statistical campaign. Also, if it’s a close MVP race and Mahomes is in the mix, the media is likely to give him the nod.
Offensive Player of the Year: Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb
The Cowboys paid CeeDee Lamb, and they’re going to get their money’s worth. His 135/1,749/12 season last year was despite a slow start, so it’s crazy to think what type of numbers CeeDee can record in 2024.
Defensive Player of the Year: Texans DE Danielle Hunter
There are more obvious guys you can go with like Micah Parsons, T.J. Watt, and Nick Bosa. But my Defensive Player of the Year is an under-the-radar pick in new Texans pass rusher Danielle Hunter. The 29-year-old freak athlete has always been incredibly productive when on the field for the Vikings, and health was the only thing holding him back. Now playing for a contender in Houston, Hunter can approach and exceed his 16.5 sacks from 2023 while making an immense impact for his new squad.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Broncos QB Bo Nix
The Broncos were picked as a sleeper playoff team despite being projected at 5.5 wins, and Bo Nix is a huge part of that. Nix had the most college starts in history, he knows where to go with the football, and he has a lot more talent than the consensus gives him credit for. Perhaps the pieces around him aren’t quite as good, but he can have things dialed up like C.J. Stroud did with Bobby Slowik in Houston last year.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Colts DE Laiatu Latu
Laiatu Latu brings premier edge upside to Indy’s defense, and he can disrupt the game in more ways than just bringing down the quarterback. It’s a lofty comparison, but think T.J. Watt for similar tools and things the UCLA product can do.
Comeback Player of the Year: Bengals QB Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow, Aaron Rodgers, and Kirk Cousins should all have a good shot to win Comeback Player of the Year, but I’m most confident in Burrow’s Bengals having team success. It’ll help to get Ja’Marr Chase in the mix, but Burrow can put up big numbers in Zac Taylor’s offense regardless of who’s at receiver. Keep an eye on the red-zone connection between Burrow and tight end Mike Gesicki.
Coach of the Year: Lions HC Dan Campbell
Sean Payton will make a push for Coach of the Year if the Broncos make the postseason as I believe is a possibility, but the Lions as the No. 1 seed could get Dan Campbell a Coach of the Year that he easily could have gotten in 2023 while leading Detroit to a 12-5 mark. Campbell clearly has unbreakable trust from his entire locker room.