We’ll finally see NFL teams in action for real with the season kicking off this week. While it takes some time for squads to find a groove, we should have a much better idea of how everyone stacks up after they hit the field. These five teams should have a shot to surpass expectations in 2024.
Indianapolis Colts
NFL odds Week 1 have the Colts as three-point underdogs at home against the division rival Texans, and then they’ll have to play at Green Bay, vs. Chicago, and vs. Pittsburgh to round out the first four games of the season. Indy is fully expected to be in at least the AFC wild card mix again this year after narrowly missing the postseason in 2023. However, a fast start for Anthony Richardson—Colts GM Chris Ballard says he expects some “roller-coaster moments”—and company could have the Colts squarely in the mix for the AFC South title and a high seed in the playoffs. Defensively, coordinator Gus Bradley is entering his third season running the unit, which added stellar rookie pass rusher Laiatu Latu in the first round this spring.
Denver Broncos
Projected to be one of the worst teams in the NFL, the Broncos are a great pick to blow past the oddsmakers’ expectations of just five wins in Year 2 under Sean Payton. After a slow start last season, Denver finished strong to end with an 8-9 record. Both sides of the ball should improve—rookie Bo Nix is a better fit for Payton at quarterback than Russell Wilson, and the Broncos defense came a long way after allowing 70 points to the Dolphins last September. Denver should come closer to a playoff spot than they are to getting the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
New York Giants
Expectations are also low for the Giants, and they profile as another team that can be in the wild card mix. Basically, it’s going to come down to the offensive line being much improved, protecting Daniel Jones to help him get back to the style of play that New York rode to the postseason a couple of seasons ago. The defense added pass rusher Brian Burns along with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence, so there’s clear upside to disrupt games up front—if the secondary can hold up.
Jacksonville Jaguars
It’s easy to forget that the Jaguars appeared to be an ascending team, following up a close postseason loss at Arrowhead a couple of Januarys ago with an 8-3 start in 2023. However, the wheels fell off with a 1-5 finish. Now, quarterback Trevor Lawrence is healthier, and Jacksonville’s inclusion here is just a reminder that if they get back on track they can push for another AFC South crown—and more—in 2024.
Seattle Seahawks
One preseason series was enough for Geno Smith and the starting offense to show that their attack under new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb can be scary given all the weapons—DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Tyler Lockett, Noah Fant, and Kenneth Walker III leading a stable of running backs—they can use to spread defenses out. If first-year head coach Mike Macdonald can get the Seattle defense—headlined by Defensive Player of the Year candidate Devon Witherspoon—to play at a high level, watch out.