2024-2025 NFL Season Predictions

2024-2025 NFL Season Predictions

As the preseason concludes and NFL teams begin to shape for the upcoming season, let’s take a look at some key information for each team and predict the fates of all 32 NFL franchises for the 2024-2025 NFL season.

AFC North

*BALTIMORE RAVENS:

2023 record: 13-4

Projected 2024 record: 11-6

Notable additions: RB Derrick Henry, S Eddie Jackson, CB Nate Wiggins, OL Josh Jones

Notable departures: RB Gus Edwards, EDGE Jadeveon Clowney, WR Odell Beckham Jr., LB Patrick Queen, OL Kevin Zeitler, S Geno Stone, WR Devin Duvernay, OL John Simpson

The Ravens are coming off of a fantastic season that unfortunately did not culminate in a Super Bowl. Lamar Jackson captured his second MVP award and the team appeared to be firing on all cylinders until it all blew up in the AFC Championship against the Super Bowl-winning Chiefs. The team managed to retain key defensive lineman Justin Madubuike but lost multiple playmakers across the team. Derrick Henry will add serious star talent to an already strong run game. The defense figures to still be a strong unit despite the losses across it, but Ravens fans should not expect the incredible production, especially from the front seven, that characterized the group. Overall, the Ravens will continue to be a top team in the AFC.

^CINCINNATI BENGALS:

2023 record: 9-8

Projected 2024 record: 11-6

Notable additions: RB Zack Moss, S Geno Stone, OT Amarius Mims, DT Sheldon Rankins, S Vonn Bell, TE Mike Gesicki, OT Trent Brown

Notable departures : RB Joe Mixon, WR Tyler Boyd, CB Chidobe Awuzie, OT Jonah Williams, DT D.J. Reader, TE Irv Smith Jr.

An inconsistent, injury-plagued year for QB Joe Burrow was a key reason for the Bengals’ decline during the 2023 season. Should Burrow stay healthy, the Bengals should return to being a contender in the AFC. Longtime Bengal Joe Mixon was traded to the Houston Texans, signifying the team’s faith in 2023 Colts breakout Zack Moss and second year RB Chase Brown. The offensive line has nowhere to go but up after another subpar year, an issue that has plagued the team for years. The defense is filled with second- and third-year players with potential breakout seasons in front of them, such as Dax Hill, Myles Murphy, and DJ Turner, which could point to a resurgence for a unit that was weaker last year than the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

CLEVELAND BROWNS:

2023 record: 11-6

Projected 2024 record: 10-7

Notable additions: WR Jerry Jeudy, LB Jordan Hicks, LB Devin Bush, DT Quinton Jefferson, RB D’Onta Foreman, QB Jameis Winston

Notable departures: QB Joe Flacco, LB Anthony Walker Jr., LB Sione Takitaki

The Deshaun Watson era in Cleveland has been a strange one so far. Despite sub-par performances and statistics, Watson led the Browns to a 5-1 record before his season ended due to injuries. After a couple spins of the QB carousel, veteran Joe Flacco was signed, leading the Browns through the end of the season with a 4-1 record before losing to the Texans in the wild card round. The team around Watson has improved in some areas – Jerry Jeudy now slots in as Watson’s WR2 alongside veteran Amari Cooper, and second year WR Cedric Tillman has shown progress that suggests he could be a difference maker in Cleveland this year. Watson’s performances could make or break the offense’s performance. The defense figures to continue its dominance from last season. Cleveland’s defense headlined by DPOY Myles Garrett ranked highly in many areas among all 32 teams and shows no signs of slowing down.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS:

2023 record: 10-7

Projected 2024 record: 9-8

Notable additions: QB Russell Wilson, QB Justin Fields, LB Patrick Queen, CB Donte Jackson, OL Troy Fautanu, S DeShon Elliott

Notable departures: QB Kenny Pickett, WR Diontae Johnson, CB Patrick Peterson, WR Allen Robinson, OL Chukwuma Okorafor Kenny Pickett didn’t work out in Pittsburgh. Despite leading the Steelers to a 14-10 record under center, failure to score and an uninspiring offense led to the third year QB’s trade to Philadelphia. The Steelers aggressively reshaped their QB position, adding exiled Bronco Russell Wilson for veteran minimum due to his massive payout from the Broncos – a lucky break for the Steelers’ cap space. They also traded for former Bear Justin Fields, who was replaced by first overall pick Caleb Williams this offseason. The receiver room is shaky outside of George Pickens, with Van Jefferson currently slotting in as WR2. Fans should watch out for rookie Roman Wilson to make some noise in a very open battle for a starting spot. The offensive line has a handful of glaring issues, but the pieces are there to improve, with young talent on each end of the line. The linebacker corps remains a nightmare for offenses, with edge rushers TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith creating fear for any opposing QB. Mike Tomlin’s Steelers can never truly be counted out, and I expect them to have a winning record, yet narrowly miss the playoffs in a packed AFC North.

NFC North

*+DETROIT LIONS:

2023 record: 12-5

Projected 2024 record: 12-5

Notable additions: DT D.J. Reader, OL Kevin Zeitler, CB Carlton Davis, CB Terrion Arnold, CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., DE Marcus Davenport

Notable departures: OL Jonah Jackson, DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson, WR Josh Reynolds, CB Cam Sutton, S Tracy Walker

After many difficult years in Detroit, the Lions finally made it to the playoffs last season, reaching the NFC Championship before falling to the 49ers. This year’s Lions team has managed to retain the majority of the talent that kept them competitive while also completely revamping their secondary, the only true weakness of the team last season. Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery should continue to be a deadly duo and word out of Lions camp is that thirdyear Jameson Williams figures to reach the sky-high potential that the Lions envisioned when drafting him. All signs point to the Lions being one of the best teams in the NFC and the league overall. I see them being a serious Super Bowl contender this year.

^GREEN BAY PACKERS:

2023 record: 9-8

Projected 2024 record: 11-6

Notable additions : RB Josh Jacobs, S Xavier McKinney, OL Jordan Morgan, S Javon Bullard

Notable departures: RB Aaron Jones, LB De’Vondre Campbell, OL David Bakhtiari, S Jonathan Owens, S Darnell Savage

Jordan Love’s first season as Green Bay’s starter was a great one –the young QB led his team to a convincing playoff win against Dallas and got paid handsomely in the offseason. The Packers went after two of the top players at their respective positions during the offseason in Jacobs and McKinney to provide an injection of serious star power on both sides of the ball. The team is filled with young talent, with the four top receivers entering their second or third season and five rookies drafted in the top 100 expected to make an early impact. Expect Jordan Love to continue his progress from last season and the Packers to be a legit contender in the NFC.

CHICAGO BEARS:

2023 record: 7-10

Projected 2024 record: 8-9

Notable additions: QB Caleb Williams, WR Rome Odunze, WR Keenan Allen, RB D’Andre Swift, S Kevin Byard, S Jonathan Owens, TE Gerald Everett

Notable departures: QB Justin Fields, S Eddie Jackson, WR Darnell Mooney, OL Cody Whitehair

The Bears have entered a new era with the drafting of first overall pick Caleb Williams to hopefully bring success to their historically lacking QB situation. The team aggressively put pieces around Williams by drafting Odunze in the first round, trading for Allen, and making Swift the first player signed in the offseason. I have concerns about corners not named Jaylon Johnson on the depth chart. Edge rusher Montez Sweat should be in store for a solid year, but the depth around him is somewhat questionable. Overall, the Bears are going to make a bigger jump than their predicted record would suggest. Teams led by rookie QBs typically get to a slow start (unless said rookie is CJ Stroud) but I expect the Bears to be serious contenders in a couple years as Williams progresses.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS:

2023 record: 7-10

Projected 2024 record: 5-12

Notable additions: CB Stephon Gilmore, RB Aaron Jones, EDGE Dallas Turner, EDGE Jonathan Greenard, LB Andrew Van Ginkel, LB Blake Cashman, QB Sam Darnold

Notable departures: QB Kirk Cousins, EDGE Danielle Hunter, LB Jordan Hicks, EDGE DJ Wonnum, WR KJ Osborn, RB Alexander Mattison It has been a tough offseason in Minnesota. Rookie QB JJ McCarthy is out for the season, multiple starting DBs went down for the year, and Sam Darnold is the team’s starting QB. The linebackers and edge rushers are impressive, with the team prioritizing the position during free agency and the draft. I’m a fan of the RB duo of Jones and Ty Chandler and the WR duo of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Other than that, this team doesn’t inspire too much confidence. Minnesota will endure a tough first season post-Kirk Cousins, reload in the draft, and look towards 2025.

AFC south

*HOUSTON TEXANS:

2023 record: 10-7

Projected 2024 record: 10-7

Notable additions: WR Stefon Diggs, RB Joe Mixon, EDGE Danielle Hunter, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, DL Denico Autry, CB Jeff Okudah, CB Kamari Lassiter, DL Foley Fatukasi

Notable departures: EDGE Jonathan Greenard, DT Sheldon Rankins, LB Blake Cashman, RB Devin Singletary, CB Steven Nelson, LB Denzel Perryman, OL George Fant

The Texans made the jump from worst to first in the AFC South last season spearheaded by QB CJ Stroud and head coach DeMeco Ryans. I expect this success to continue. The Texans’ offense looks lethal with the addition of Mixon and the receiver trio of Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and Diggs. I don’t expect Diggs to have the massive impact that some anticipate, but he should be a valuable piece of the offense. The defense had a couple key losses, but Ryans can be trusted to get the most out of his players. Expect another big year from Stroud and the rest of this Texans team.

^JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS:

2023 record: 9-8

Projected 2024 record: 10-7

Notable additions: DL Arik Armstead, WR Gabe Davis, WR Brian Thomas Jr., S Darnell Savage, OL Mitch Morse, CB Ronald Darby, WR Devin Duvernay, S Tashaun Gipson, QB Mac Jones

Notable departures: WR Calvin Ridley, WR Zay Jones, CB Darious Williams, S Rayshawn Jenkins, DL Foley Fatukasi, DL Dawuane Smoot, WR Jamal Agnew

After narrowly missing the playoffs last season, the Jaguars made major improvements across the board. Trevor Lawrence got a massive extension (five years, 275 million dollars) to make him the highest paid NFL player (tied with the Bengals’ Joe Burrow and the Packers’ Jordan Love). The team also extended and re-signed other star players – Josh Hines-Allen, Tyson Campbell, and Foye Oluokun among others, while also adding and reloading at other key positions. The inconsistent Ridley is now Tennessee’s problem, and the Jaguars are appearing to have found a hit in Thomas in addition to the deep threat capabilities of Davis to replace Ridley and Zay Jones’ production. Armstead will complete a fearsome pass-rushing duo with Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. There are some concerns with the corner depth outside of Campbell, but with many young players waiting in the wings, it’s likely that at least one will develop into a capable starter. The Jags, while projected to have the same record as the Texans, are still a couple steps behind their AFC South rival. Despite that, expect a bounce-back in Duval.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS:

2023 record: 9-8

Projected 2024 record: 9-8

Notable additions: EDGE Laiatu Latu, WR Adonai Mitchell, DT Raekwon Davis, QB Joe Flacco

Notable departures: QB Gardner Minshew II, RB Zack Moss

This offseason for the Colts was solid. Chris Ballard kept it simple, re-signing the majority of the team’s free agents, staying quiet on the open market, and adding the last few positions of need through the draft. This season will rely on the health and development of QB Anthony Richardson. Thankfully for the Colts, their small dose of Minshew Magic was enough to keep them competitive in the AFC South until the very end. This year, they have signed Joe Flacco to back up Richardson, the man who brought his own magic to Cleveland last season. Similar to last season, I expect the Colts to just barely miss the playoffs. Although Indy will be competitive once again, the AFC South has improved around them enough to keep them out of the offseason.

TENNESSEE TITANS:

2023 record: 6-11

Projected 2024 record: 6-11

Notable additions: CB L’Jarius Sneed, CB Chidobe Awuzie, RB Tony Pollard, WR Calvin Ridley, WR Tyler Boyd, OL JC Latham, S Quandre Diggs, S Jamal Adams, OL Lloyd Cushenberry, LB Kenneth Murray Jr. Notable departures: RB Derrick Henry, DL Denico Autry, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, OL Aaron Brewer, CB Sean-Murphy Bunting, QB Ryan Tannehill, CB Kristian Fulton

The Titans’ roster has had some serious turnover, yet it doesn’t seem to really be moving forward very much. The biggest mistake of the Titans’ offseason was firing Mike Vrabel and replacing him with former Bengals OC Brian Callahan. Vrabel consistently squeezed talent out of injured, depleted Titans rosters and kept his teams competitive (besides last season). The Titans signed a concerning amount of past-their-prime players this offseason. The players they lost were key contributors, most notably Henry, the focal point of the Titans offense for years. This season will determine whether Will Levis becomes the future of the Titans or whether they will be looking for their next signal-caller in the draft. At least they got L’Jarius Sneed.

nFC south

*ATLANTA FALCONS:

2023 record: 7-10

Projected 2024 record: 11-6

Notable additions: QB Kirk Cousins, EDGE Matthew Judon, S Justin Simmons, WR Darnell Mooney, TE Charlie Woerner, QB Michael Penix Jr.

Notable departures: DL Calais Campbell, TE Jonnu Smith, CB Jeff Okudah, WR/RB/RS Cordarrelle Patterson, QB Desmond Ridder

The Falcons made a big splash early in free agency by bringing in the veteran QB Cousins to provide stability to a position that has been a carousel since the exit of Falcons legend Matt Ryan. The defense is looking fantastic this year. Jessie Bates and Justin Simmons is a dream safety duo, and adding Judon to the defensive line should help add the sack production that it lacked last year. The corner depth is concerning behind AJ Terrell and the WR room drops off after Drake London and Mooney. The run game with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier will continue to be a major strength of the team and the offensive line remains fully intact from last season. The Falcons are back.

^TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS:

2023 record: 9-8

Projected 2024 record: 9-8

Notable additions: OL Graham Barton, OL Ben Bredeson, S Jordan Whitehead, WR Jalen McMillan

Notable departures: CB Carlton Davis, EDGE Shaq Barrett, C Ryan Jensen, LB Devin White

The Buccaneers were faced with a tough task last season: replace the greatest player in the history of the NFL. They did just fine. QB Baker Mayfield saw a complete career resurgence in Tampa, earning himself a lucrative three-year extension. The Bucs managed to keep many other key players in need of extensions and new contracts around, and their core players remain with the team. The offensive line looks great, with rookie center Graham Barton adding juice to the unit. Provided Mayfield continues what he was doing last season and the young players throughout this roster make the steps expected of them, I anticipate the Bucs will return to the postseason.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS:

2023 record: 9-8

Projected 2024 record: 6-11

Notable additions: OL Taliese Fuaga, DL Chase Young, LB Willie Gay, WR Cedrick Wilson, OL Lucas Patrick

Notable departures: OL James Hurst, OL Andrus Peat, OT Ryan Ramczyk (out for season), WR Michael Thomas, LB Zack Baun, S Marcus Maye

The Saints have put together an uninspiring team for the 2024 season. Their free agency was uneventful besides the signing of Chase Young, which was unfortunate for a team in need of a spark after a mediocre 2023. Derek Carr is a decent QB with a below average offensive line and solid weapons. The defense still has many of its starters from last season, but some key players are getting up there in years and other positions are filled by inconsistent or inexperienced players. This team should be good for a handful of division wins and will scrape through some other low-scoring contests, but don’t expect much in New Orleans this season.

CAROLINA PANTHERS:

2023 record: 2-15

Projected 2024 record: 5-12

Notable additions: WR Diontae Johnson, OL Robert Hunt, OL Damien Lewis, LB Josey Jewell, EDGE DJ Wonnum, WR Xavier Legette, DL A’Shawn Robinson, S Jordan Fuller, EDGE Jadeveon Clowney

Notable departures: EDGE Brian Burns, LB Frankie Luvu, CB Donte Jackson, OL Bradley Bozeman, TE Hayden Hurst, WR DJ Chark, S Vonn Bell, EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos, S Jeremy Chinn

The Panthers were dismal in 2023, and to make matters worse, they didn’t get to use the first overall pick due to trading it to Chicago in the Bryce Young deal. This roster underwent a complete overhaul during the offseason. HC Dave Canales was brought in to hopefully fix Bryce Young’s issues the way he did Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield in Seattle and Tampa Bay respectively. The Panthers aggressively upgraded the offensive line, adding Hunt and Lewis to give Young a chance to stay upright longer than two seconds. That said, the team’s best two defensive players (Burns and Luvu) are gone, and this roster is still full of hole. Things are trending up for the Panthers, but they’ll have to endure another tough season. Maybe they should hang onto their first rounder this time.

AFC east

*NEW YORK JETS:

2023 record : 7-10

Projected 2024 record: 11-6

Notable additions: OL Tyron Smith, WR Mike Williams, EDGE Haason Reddick (?), OL Morgan Moses, DL Javon Kinlaw, OL John Simpson, OL Olu Fashanu, QB Tyrod Taylor

Notable departures: EDGE Bryce Huff, S Jordan Whitehead, QB Zach Wilson, OL Mekhi Becton

An Achilles tear four snaps into the season to future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers ended the Jets’ bid for the playoffs in 2023. This offseason, the Jets did everything in their power to avoid Rodgers suffering the same fate this year, investing heavily into the offensive line in both free agency and the draft. The defense will continue to be elite, with stars across every level of the unit. Unfortunately for the Jets, the offseason has been marred by the contract situation with trade acquisition Haason Reddick, who has held out in a quest for an extension. Rodgers’ weapons are looking better than ever as well, with third-year running back Breece Hall poised for a big year and the receiver corps getting a boost with former Charger Mike Williams signing on in free agency. Even if Rodgers is not still an MVP-level player following the injury, it’s doubtful he’ll play worse than any of the guys the Jets sent out last year. This year, the Jets will finally make it to the postseason.

^MIAMI DOLPHINS:

2023 record: 11-6

Projected 2024 record: 10-7

Notable additions: S Jordan Poyer, TE Jonnu Smith, DL Calais Campbell, LB Jordyn Brooks, CB Kendall Fuller, OL Aaron Brewer, EDGE Chop Robinson, LB Anthony Walker Jr, WR Odell Beckham Jr, S Marcus Maye

Notable departures : DL Christian Wilkins, OL Robert Hunt, LB Andrew Van Ginkel, CB Xavien Howard, LB Jerome Baker, S Brandon Jones, DT Raekwon Davis, S DeShon Elliott, OL Connor Williams, WR Cedrick Wilson

This 2024 Dolphins team is going to look a lot different from last year. Tua Tagovailoa got his big extension this offseason, keeping him in Miami for the next five seasons. The skill positions look great, with the duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle headlining the receiving corps. Raheem Mostert is returning, featuring alongside the highly efficient De’Von Achane. Jonnu Smith is a great addition at TE, and his usage in preseason indicates a big year could be incoming for the veteran. The offensive line continues to be an issue. The defense is still looking good despite the many changes across it. Despite the major loss of Christian Wilkins, the defensive line should remain solid, with Jaguars legend and Miami hometown hero Calais Campbell signing on in free agency to bolster the unit. The secondary looks nice with a great safety duo in Poyer and Jevon Holland and perennial Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey locking it down. It’s likely the Dolphins could lose a step with the major changes from last season, but expect another trip to the postseason in Miami.

BUFFALO BILLS:

2023 record: 11-6

Projected 2024 record: 9-8

Notable additions: WR Curtis Samuel, WR Keon Coleman, WR Mack Hollins, LB Nicholas Morrow, DL Dawuane Smoot, S Mike Edwards

Notable departures: WR Stefon Diggs, WR Gabe Davis, CB Tre’Davious White, S Jordan Poyer, EDGE Leonard Floyd, S Siran Neal, C Mitch Morse, S Micah Hyde, CB Dane Jackson

The Bills got into a cap situation this offseason and had to make a lot of difficult moves. The WR room took a sizeable hit, but WR1 Khalil Shakir has proven that he can lead this group after leading all receivers in catch percentage last season. Additionally, the Bills’ TE room is headlined by the duo of Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox, which can make up for the lack of depth at WR. The Bills will lean into the run game more than they previously did, and fans can expect a big year from James Cook, who will also be very involved in the passing attack. It’s tough to doubt the Bills’ gunslinging QB Josh Allen, who will be able to find ways to succeed on the ground despite the pass-catching situation. The defense could prove to be an issue, with many starters gone and inexperienced players filling in for them. Bills fans should be prepared for a season without playoffs, but never count Buffalo out.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS:

2023 record: 4-13

Projected 2024 record: 4-13

Notable additions: QB Drake Maye, QB Jacoby Brissett, WR KJ Osborn, WR Ja’Lynn Polk, RB Antonio Gibson, OL Chukwuma Okorafor, LB Sione Takitaki, TE Austin Hooper

Notable departures : HC Bill Belichick, EDGE Matthew Judon, QB Mac Jones, WR DeVante Parker, LB Mack Wilson, TE Mike Gesicki, DB Jalen Mills, OL Trent Brown, DB Myles Bryant, DL Lawrence Guy

The Bill Belichick era is over in New England, with his pupil and former Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo taking over as head coach. First round rookie QB Drake Maye will compete with the veteran Brissett for the starting job in the Patriots’ offense. The entire roster doesn’t inspire much hope and it’s clear that the rebuild will not be a one year fix. Matthew Judon’s trade to Atlanta is a significant loss to a defense that lacks major playmakers. There is hope for the unit, with younger players such as Christian Gonzalez and Keion White getting a chance to make some noise this year. Overall, it’s going to be another tough year in Foxborough.

nFC east

*PHILADELPHIA EAGLES:

2023 record: 11-6

Projected 2024 record: 11-6

Notable additions: RB Saquon Barkley, EDGE Bryce Huff, LB Devin White, WR Jahan Dotson, S CJ Gardner-Johnson, CB Quinyon Mitchell, WR Parris Campbell, LB Zack Baun, OL Mekhi Becton

Notable departures: C Jason Kelce, DL Fletcher Cox, EDGE Haason

Reddick, S Kevin Byard, RB D’Andre Swift, LB Nicholas Morrow

Last season, the Eagles followed up their Super Bowl appearance by going 3-6 after the bye week and losing in the wild card round. After being plagued by issues in the secondary, the team aggressively tried to fix the unit, investing high draft picks at the corner position and bringing back CJ Gardner-Johnson in free agency. The offensive line will continue to be one of the best in football, but the loss of Jason Kelce will likely be felt. A Jalen Hurts-Saquon Barkley backfield will feed families in Philadelphia, but prior years indicate that the system allows for “plug-and-play” running backs with the success of D’Andre Swift and Miles Sanders. Philly’s starting receivers are looking very nice with the addition of Dotson, rounding out an overall fantastic group of skill position players. I have doubts about the inside linebackers, as a duo of Devin White and Zack Baun doesn’t inspire much confidence. That said, I prefer what Philadelphia has done this offseason over what Dallas has done (and the NFC East hasn’t had repeat champs since 2004), so Philly takes the division.

DALLAS COWBOYS:

2023 record: 12-5

Projected 2024 record: 9-8

Notable additions : OL Tyler Guyton, RB Ezekiel Elliott, LB Eric Kendricks, DL Carl Lawson, OL Cooper Beebe

Notable departures: OL Tyron Smith, RB Tony Pollard, CB Stephon Gilmore, DL Dorance Armstrong, OL Tyler Biadasz, DL Dante Fowler, DL Johnathan Hankins, LB Leighton Vander Esch, WR Michael Gallup Jerry Jones claimed the Cowboys would be “All-in!” before losing multiple key free agents on both sides of the ball and having the most noteworthy move of the offseason be a reunion with Ezekiel Elliott. Despite all these departures, the Cowboys still don’t have a contract extension ready for CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons, or Dak Prescott. Rico Dowdle is a potential breakout in an otherwise disappointing RB room. Prescott’s top receiving option (Lamb) is refusing to report to training camp and the depth behind him is weak, leaving a door open for a competition for the WR3/4 spots between players such as Ryan Flournoy, Jalen Tolbert, and KaVontae Turpin. Multiple star players remain on the defense, but the loss of talent will be felt and there is a lot of pressure on rookies and second year players to perform. This year is not the Cowboys’ year.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS:

2023 record: 4-13

Projected 2024 record: 6-11

Notable additions: QB Jayden Daniels, LB Frankie Luvu, OL Tyler Biadasz, LB Bobby Wagner, RB Austin Ekeler, S Jeremy Chinn, DL Dorance Armstrong, DL Dante Fowler, TE Zach Ertz, CB Michael Davis

Notable departures: QB Sam Howell, S Kamren Curl, WR Jahan Dotson, WR Curtis Samuel, CB Kendall Fuller, QB Jacoby Brissett, RB Antonio Gibson

A new era has begun in DC as the Sam Howell experiment failed, landing the Commanders the second overall pick in the draft and former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels. New head coach Dan Quinn brought his old Dallas and Seattle buddies along to hopefully bring Washington back to relevancy. Like Dallas, the wide receiver room besides Terry McLaurin lacks true playmakers, with players like Luke McCaffrey, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Dyami Brown competing for starting spots. The offensive line is a mess, and the Commanders should be very glad that their new QB’s mobility is a major strength. The defense should be noticeably improved from last season, with Quinn bringing in notable players on all three levels to bolster the unit. The Commanders are still in a rebuild, but it’s clear that progress has been made.

NEW YORK GIANTS:

2023 record: 6-11

Projected 2024 record: 4-13

Notable additions: EDGE Brian Burns, WR Malik Nabers, RB Devin Singletary, OL Jon Runyan, OL Jermaine Eluemunor, QB Drew Lock, S Tyler Nubin

Notable departures: RB Saquon Barkley, S Xavier McKinney, DL A’Shawn Robinson, QB Tyrod Taylor, WR Parris Campbell, EDGE Jihad Ward, CB Adoree’ Jackson, OL Ben Bredeson

The Daniel Jones contract is looking worse by the day. Who would’ve guessed that giving a low-level starter 40 million a year would be a bad choice? Saquon Barkley jumped ship to the rival Eagles after failed contract negotiations this offseason, leaving the Giants without their top playmaker on offense. Devin Singletary is a fine replacement and Tyrone Tracy is looking to be a great RB2, but neither is a game-changer like Barkley. Rookie Malik Nabers will be in for a rude awakening in the NFL after going from the Heisman-winner at QB to Jones, but he should have a nice season as the clear-cut first option and the future of Giants football. The offensive line is somewhat of a safety hazard for whichever quarterback gets thrown out to “lead” this team. The defense has solid players interspersed within the group, but it won’t be enough to allow them to rely on the unit. I am a fan of the Burns-Thibodeaux-Lawrence trio, and I believe Bobby Okereke and Jason Pinnock are in for big seasons, but it’s an otherwise below-average defense. Carson Beck, welcome to New York (well, New Jersey)!

AFC west

*+KANSAS CITY CHIEFS:

2023 record: 11-6

Projected 2024 record: 12-5

Notable additions: WR Marquise Brown, WR Xavier Worthy, OL Kingsley Suamataia

Notable departures: CB L’Jarius Sneed, LB Willie Gay, S Mike Edwards, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs captured another Lombardi trophy last season in a close one against San Francisco. The Chiefs had a major need at wideout, with inconsistencies leading to close games being lost due to drop problems (most from a certain former Giants firstround pick). First-round pick Worthy has had a nice preseason, and Brown will provide a needed boost to the team after returning from his injury sustained this offseason. The rest of the offense remains about the same aside from a change at left tackle to the rookie Suamataia. The Chiefs’ defense has become a major strength for them as GM Brett Veach manages to consistently find studs late in the draft. Despite losing Sneed in a tag-and-trade to the Titans, the secondary looks solid, with All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie in for a big year. The linebacker corps is fantastic with Nick Bolton leading the group and the defensive line remains intact after the team signed Chris Jones to a massive extension. It’s likely we see Kansas City back in the Super Bowl this year.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS:

2023 record: 8-9

Projected 2024 record: 7-10

Notable additions: DL Christian Wilkins, TE Brock Bowers, QB Gardner Minshew II, TE Harrison Bryant, RB Alexander Mattison, OL Cody Whitehair

Notable departures: RB Josh Jacobs, DL Bilal Nichols, OL Jermaine Eluemunor, CB Amik Robertson, TE Austin Hooper, WR Hunter Renfrow, DL Jerry Tillery, QB Jimmy Garoppolo

The Raiders scraped wins out last season after head coach Josh McDaniels was fired and Jimmy Garoppolo was benched, leading to a better record to end the season than most anticipated. It’s unlikely this same success continues. The QB situation has not looked good in preseason, but if anyone could outperform expectations, it’s Gardner Minshew. Zamir White showed breakout potential last season, but it remains to be seen if he is capable of being a workhorse. The offensive line is below average, but the Raiders’ WR duo of Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers will be crucial to the success of the offense. Rookie TE Brock Bowers figures to be a major part of the offense as well after featuring all around the field this preseason. The defense looks as good as it did last season, and the duo of Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins on the D-line should be elite. The secondary is a concern, as the Raiders didn’t do much to improve it this offseason despite being filled with lower-tier starters. Expect a decent season for the silver and black, but one that doesn’t involve a trip to the postseason.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS:

2023 record: 5-12

Projected 2024 record: 6-11

Notable additions: OL Joe Alt, WR Ladd McConkey, WR DJ Chark, RB Gus Edwards, RB JK Dobbins, CB Kristian Fulton, LB Denzel Perryman, OL Bradley Bozeman, DL Poona Ford, TE Hayden Hurst, TE Will Dissly,

Notable departures : WR Mike Williams, WR Keenan Allen, LB Eric Kendricks, RB Austin Ekeler, CB Michael Davis, LB Kenneth Murray, TE Gerald Everett

After the 2023 season went completely down the drain for the Chargers due to injuries and a horrible passing defense, the Chargers cleaned out the coaching staff, opting for Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh to right the ship in LA. Justin Herbert’s weapons are completely different from last season – Allen and Williams were released to get the Chargers out of salary cap issues and Ekeler was allowed to walk after a disappointing, inefficient season. Joe Alt will provide a much-needed boost to the offensive line, providing Herbert with elite bookends to the line with Rashawn Slater opposite him at left tackle. The defense looks better than last season, but the development of younger players across all levels will determine whether the unit progresses from last year. The Chargers will be slightly better than last year despite my projection for them to have the same record, but it’s clear the team still hasn’t fully recovered from the 2022 AFC Wild Card game.

DENVER BRONCOS:

2023 record: 8-9

Projected 2024 record: 5-12

Notable additions: QB Bo Nix, S Brandon Jones, WR Josh Reynolds, DL Malcolm Roach, LB Cody Barton

Notable departures: QB Russell Wilson, S Justin Simmons, WR Jerry Jeudy, OL Lloyd Cushenberry, LB Josey Jewell

The Broncos are paying Russell Wilson 39 million dollars this year to not play for them, cementing the trade for the former Seahawk as one of the most lopsided trades in NFL history. This Broncos team already seems like one of the weakest rosters this season, and should not be expected to make any noise. The biggest strength is the offensive line, which should still be solid despite the loss of Cushenberry. The skill positions are some of the worst units in the league, and despite rookie Bo Nix showing flashes of brilliance this preseason, it will be hard to succeed with the team around him. The defense is one of the worst in the league, with its issues likely to become increasingly glaring with the loss of Simmons and Jewell. Patrick Surtain is the lone bright spot in the group, but he cannot carry the rest of this middling unit to success. The Broncos’ rebuild will take time, and the effects of the Wilson trade will be felt for years.

nFC west

*SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS:

2023 record: 12-5

Projected 2024 record: 12-5

Notable additions: DL Leonard Floyd, LB De’Vondre Campbell, DL Maliek Collins, EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos, DL Jordan Elliott, CB Rock Ya-Sin, WR Ricky Pearsall

Notable departures: DL Arik Armstead, DL Chase Young, DL Javon Kinlaw, TE Charlie Woerner, CB Isaiah Oliver, S Tashaun Gipson

In Brock Purdy’s first full season as the 49ers’ starting QB, “Mr. Relevant” led San Francisco to the Super Bowl, coming up short against the Kansas City Chiefs. This offseason has been marred with controversy over Brandon Aiyuk’s extension status, as the wideout has been thrown around in trade rumors for months. At the time of writing this article, Aiyuk remains a 49er, which is likely to remain the case. Purdy’s weapons remain among the best in the league, including reigning OPOY Christian McCaffrey (who some believe had a case for MVP) and the beloved George Kittle. The offensive line remains unchanged from last season despite being a below-average unit outside of mauler Trent Williams. The defense is still mostly intact besides some notable losses across the defensive line, which the 49ers mostly addressed in the offseason. It’s likely that star LB Dre Greenlaw will not be able to start the season, but De’Vondre Campbell is a capable replacement for him. The 49ers should be seen as a Super Bowl contender once again.

^LOS ANGELES RAMS:

2023 record: 10-7

Projected 2024 record: 10-7

Notable additions : S Kamren Curl, OL Jonah Jackson, CB Tre’Davious White, CB Darious Williams, EDGE Jared Verse

Notable departures : DL Aaron Donald, CB Ahkello Witherspoon, CB Jordan Fuller

Opposing offensive lines, quarterbacks, and running backs can rejoice now that Aaron Donald has called it a career, walking away from the NFL after 10 unstoppable seasons. The Rams beefed up the offensive line in free agency, bringing in former Lion Jonah Jackson to pair with 2023 breakout Kevin Dotson on the interior. The duo of late round steal Puka Nacua and former All-Pro Cooper Kupp will be a dangerous WR duo when the two are on the field together. In the second most shocking moment of the Rams offseason, the team used a first round pick (their first since selecting Jared Goff in 2016) on Verse, adding strength to the pass rush, a unit that will need a new leader with the loss of Donald. The secondary is much improved, with the Kamren Curl signing is one of my favorite moves of the offseason and Darious Williams returning to pick up where he left off in LA. The Rams are in for another good year.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS:

2023 record: 9-8

Projected 2024 record: 8-9

Notable additions : S Rayshawn Jenkins, DL Byron Murphy II, LB Jerome Baker, OL Connor Williams, LB Tyrel Dodson, QB Sam Howell, OL Laken Tomlinson, OL George Fant

Notable departures: LB Bobby Wagner, OL Damien Lewis, S Quandre Diggs, LB Jordyn Brooks, S Jamal Adams, RB DeeJay Dallas, TE Will Dissly, LB Devin Bush

Pete Carroll decided to call it a career this offseason after 14 years with Seattle, leading the Seahawks to hire former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and subsequently cleaning house on defense. The linebacker corps is completely reshaped, with former Dolphins standout Jerome Baker now leading the group alongside 2023 Bills breakout Tyrel Dodson. Second year corner Devon Witherspoon is coming off a fantastic rookie year and should continue to develop alongside Riq Woolen, who hopes to return to his 2022 form. The offense is very similar to last year’s aside from some major changes on the offensive line, which looks noticeably worse than the 2023 unit and could be an issue. Seattle is in for another decent year, albeit behind other NFC teams.

ARIZONA CARDINALS:

2023 record: 4-13

Projected 2024 record: 6-11

Notable additions: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., WR Zay Jones, DL Bilal Nichols, DL Justin Jones, LB Mack Wilson, DL Darius Robinson, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, OL Jonah Williams, OL Evan Brown, QB Desmond Ridder

Notable departures: WR Marquise Brown, OL DJ Humphries, WR Rondale Moore, DL Leki Fotu

The Cardinals had a relatively low-risk offseason, bringing in an array of veterans to fill the major holes on defense. The offense got a major boost with rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. instantly slotting in as Kyler Murray’s number one option. The offensive line has received some help but remains a below-average unit. The defense looks better across the board, and if Jonathan Gannon is truly worthy of being a head coach, he should be able to squeeze talent out of the unit. The corner room will rely on rookie Max Melton and second year Garrett Williams to be impact players, but the safety duo of Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson should continue to be successful and possibly minimize the growing pains of the corners. Despite improvement, the Cardinals are still clearly rebuilding, and their record reflects that.