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For many NFL fans, this is the most wonderful time of the year. Their favorite team is undefeated, and their hopes haven’t been dashed by harsh reality. And they may even feel good about their fantasy football team. But how long can they maintain their optimism? For some it’s one week. So, to catch fans while they may still be in a good frame of mind, here’s a preview of each of the eight NFL divisions.
AFC East
1: Buffalo Bills: The Bills have undergone a transformation in their receiving corps. Actually, I’m not sure the loss of Stefon Diggs will be that much of a loss. Diggs has now talked his way out of Minnesota and Buffalo. The addition of Curtis Samuel should help mitigate the loss of Diggs.
2: Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins have the best WR duo in the NFL in Hill and Waddle. They also have a big play duo at running back in Mostert and Achane. That’s enough to make the playoffs as a wildcard.
3: New York Jets: Wherever Aaron Rodgers is at, he’s the story. I think Rodgers shows rust and age and despite an excellent defense, the Jets miss the playoffs.
4: New England Patriots: Obviously, the most compelling story coming out of New England is the development of rookie QB, Drake May. It’s going to be a long year in New England.
AFC North
1: Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens have added RB, Derrick Henry to an already potent running game. As always, QB Lamar Jackson is the key. Look for a division championship in Baltimore.
2: Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals have lost RB, Joe Mixon and WR Tyler Boyd. That may be a bigger loss than expected. TE, Mike Gesicki, could help take up some slack. Look for the Bengals to sneak into the playoffs as a wildcard.
3: Pittsburgh Steelers: The most compelling story revolving around the Steelers is the QB situation. Russell Wilson is the starter as of now, but Justin Fields is waiting in the wings. Whoever winds up as the QB probably won’t be enough for the team to reach the playoffs.
4: Cleveland Browns: Nick Chubb‘s return to the lineup is questionable in terms of timing, as well as effectiveness. Meanwhile, QB, DeShaun Watson will try to shake the label of being the most overpriced QB in terms of money and draft capital in NFL history. I don’t like his chances.
AFC South
1: Houston Texans: CJ Stroud is the key. If he plays at the same level as he did in his rookie season things should go well for the Texans. They’ve added experience in the form Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon but I’m not sure that’s an upgrade. Still, there’s enough there for the Texans to take this division.
2: Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Trevor Lawrence live up to the expectations that go with being a first overall draft choice? I doubt it. He will be throwing to a couple of new WRs in rookie Brian Thomas Jr. and free agent Gabe Davis. I still think the mix in Jacksonville will be good enough to snag a wildcard slot.
3: Indianapolis Colts: As with so many teams, the fortunes of the team are riding with their QB. In this case, the QB in question is Anthony Richardson. As of now, I’m not sure that Richardson isn’t Justin Fields 2.0. And right now, I’m not even sure of what Justin Fields 1.0 is.
4: Tennessee Titans: Like every other team in this division, the Titans face uncertainty at QB. In this case, the Titans are going with Will Levis. The biggest change in the Titans’ lineup will be at RB. Derrick Henry is gone, replaced by Tony Pollard and rookie Tyjae Spears. That may be an upgrade. Spears has some big play potential.
AFC West
1: Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs are the favorites to win the Super Bowl again, because of one man, Xavier Worthy. Actually, it’s Patrick Mahomes but I wanted to see if you were paying attention. Travis Kelce will probably slow down some more, but rookie WR, Xavier Worthy should give Mahomes a big play threat.
2: LA Chargers: We’ll get a chance to see just how good a coach Jim Harbaugh is. I think he’s good, but not good enough to get the Chargers into the playoffs. As a side point, is this the season Justin Herbert fulfills his potential?
3: Las Vegas Raiders: Well, Maxx Crosby is good. Beyond that it’s hard to find a lot to get thrilled about. DeVante Adams is also good, but finding a good QB to throw to him is problematic.
4: Denver Broncos: The Broncos are putting their fate in the hands of rookie QB, Bo Nix. Sean Payton has his work cut out for him.
NFC East
1: Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles will definitely feel the loss of Jason Kelce at center. The “tush push” won’t be the same. The acquisition of Saquon Barkley should help.
2: Dallas Cowboys: There are some concerns here. QB Dak Prescott always seems to disappoint, and Ezekiel Elliott seems to be somewhat over the hill and heading into the valley. That leaves CeeDee Lamb as the focal point of the offense. That’s not bad, just not enough to win the division. A wildcard slot, however, is likely.
3: Washington Commanders: While not likely playoff contenders, the Commanders should be much improved. Rookie QB, Jayden Daniels is the key. New head coach, Dan Quinn, should also help the situation.
4: New York Giants: The Giants enter the 2024 season with Daniel Jones as their QB. That’s not good news. The fact that the Giants lost Saquon Barkley to free agency is more bad news. Actually, outside of the Giants adding WR Malik Nabors in the draft, good news is hard to come by for Giants fans.
NFC North
1: Detroit Lions: The Lions were really close to going to the Super Bowl last season before collapsing in the second half of their playoff game against the 49ers. The playoffs and a division crown are well within their reach.
2: Chicago Bears: This is the most promising Bears’ season in years. Optimism is sky high in large measure to the drafting of Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze, coupled with an up-and-coming defense. More than most teams in the NFL, the Bears need to get off to a fast start. Look for the Bears to make the playoffs.
3: Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love had a fantastic season in his first year as the Packers starting QB. I’d like to see it again before I really buy into the Packers’ future. But I do think the Pack has enough to get into the playoffs.
4: Minnesota Vikings: The loss of rookie QB, JJ McCarthy sets the Vikings back a year. Sam Darnold gets another chance as a starting NFL QB, but that’s probably not a good thing for Vikings fans. They look to pull up the rear in a very tough division
NFC South
1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield may not be Tom Brady, but he is at least a functional starting NFL QB. He also has a steady group of WRs. In this weak division that could be enough.
2: New Orleans Saints: The Saints have some good skill players on offense, and the potential for a good defense, but Derek Carr is unlikely to provide enough punch at the QB position to get the team into the playoffs.
3: Atlanta Falcons: So much of the Falcons season depends on the play of QB, Kirk Cousins. Cousins is coming off an Achilles injury and at the age of 36, a full recovery is no guarantee. If he does come back, Bijan Robinson and WR, London Drake could make the Falcons dangerous. It’s interesting that the over/under for Falcons wins is 9.5. That seems high to me.
4: Carolina Panthers: The Panthers trading for the Bears’ first overall draft pick in the 2023 draft could haunt the franchise for years. Bryce Young still has an uphill climb in his struggle to be a good NFL QB. The Panthers look to be years away from contention.
NFC West
1: San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers are a good team in a weak division. They seem to have one of the easiest paths to the playoffs in the NFL. QB Purdy Brock may not be great, but he’s plenty good enough to get the 49ers into the playoffs and more.
2: LA Rams: The Rams are a tough team to figure. QB, Matt Stafford is 36. WR Cooper Kupp is 31. Of course, the Rams have younger weapons such as RB Kyren Williams. and WR Puca Nacua. I look for the Rams to get it together enough to get into the playoffs.
3: Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks seem to be stagnating. Their outstanding WR duo of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett could be staring on the downside of their career. That’s especially true of the soon to be 32-year-old Lockett. Geno Smith is just okay at QB. It’s just not good enough.
4: Arizona Cardinals: The combination of Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. should make the Cardinals exciting, just not necessarily good. The lowly regarded defense figures to put plenty of pressure on the offense.
