KANSAS CITY CHIEFS - 2024 Season Preview

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS                                              

2023 Record - 11-6 

Head Coach - Andy Reid 

Key Additions - Marquise Brown (WR), Carson Wentz (QB), JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR), Irv Smith, Jr. (TE), Isaiah Buggs (DL)

Key Losses - L'Jarius Sneed (DB), Willie Gay (LB), Donovan Smith (OL), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR), Mecole Hardman (WR/KR), Jerrick McKinnon (RB)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Patrick Mahomes (4,183 yards, 27 TD, 14 INT)

RUSHING - Isiah Pacheco (935 yards, 4.6 ypc, 7 TD)

RECEIVING - Travis Kelce (93 receptions, 984 yards, 5 TD), Rashee Rice (79, 938, 7 TD)

SACKS - Chris Jones (10 1/2), George Karlaftis (10 1/2) 

INTERCEPTIONS - L'Jarius Sneed (2)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - How about those Chiefs? Head Coach Andy Reid leads the team in that chant every time they win a game and last season the Kansas City Chiefs repeated as Super Bowl champions. This season, they return the core of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce and running back Isiah Pacheco along with a strong defense led by Chris Jones. 

Mahomes might not have had the statistics of prior years, but he still got it done when it mattered most (in the playoffs) and he is back for his seventh season as the Chiefs starting quarterback and along with Kelce and Pacheco and wide receivers Rashee Rice, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquise "Hollywood" Brown coming over this season (from Arizona), Kansas City should continue to hum along on offense. In 2023, the Chiefs were ninth in total offense (351 yards per game) and averaged 21.5 points per game. But the O-Line does a great job of protecting Mahomes as he was sacked only 28 times last year. The offense showed some balance as well last season, with the running game averaging 105 YPG and the passing attack gaining 246 yards. 

The defense was tremendous in 2023, ranking second in the NFL (allowing 290 YPG) while also finishing second best in scoring defense, allowing just 17.3 PPG. The Chiefs allowed 113 yards rushing (17th) and 177 passing yards per game, which ranked fourth in the league. Defensive tackle Chris Jones leads the way up front along with end George Karlaftis and linebacker Nick Bolton was a force in the post-season, totaling 40 tackles in the Chiefs run to the Super Bowl title. Kansas City was second in the NFL with 57 QB sacks last year. The secondary had eight interceptions and safety Justin Reed teams with corners Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to stymie enemy passing attacks. 

The Chiefs are primed for a "three-peat" run to the Super Bowl, which has NEVER happened in the Super Bowl era. In fact, Kansas City was the first team to win back-to-back titles since the 2003 and 2004 New England Patriots. However, nothing comes easy in the NFL and the Chiefs saw that last year before getting it right in the playoffs. They will have a huge target on their backs in 2024 and the AFC continues to be a juggernaut of talented teams once again entering the season. As long as Mahomes is around, the Chiefs cannot be counted out, but it will not be easy once again and don't be surprised if they don't get back to defend their Super Bowl crowns. Then again, don't bet against them either . . . Stay tuned.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Baltimore 

Week Two - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Three - at Atlanta 

Week Four - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Five - vs. New Orleans 

Week Six - BYE 

Week Seven - at San Francisco 

Week Eight - at Las Vegas 

Week Nine - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Ten - vs. Denver 

Week Eleven - at Buffalo 

Week Twelve - at Carolina 

Week Thirteen - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Fourteen - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Fifteen - at Cleveland 

Week Sixteen - vs. Houston 

Week Seventeen - at Pittsburgh 

Week Eighteen - at Denver 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers - 2024 Season Preview

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers                                    

                 

2023 Record - 12-5

Head Coach - Kyle Shanahan 

Key Additions - Leonard Floyd (DL), De'Vondre Campbell (LB), Maliek Collins (DL), Joshua Dobbs (QB), Jordan Elliott (DL)

Key Losses - Chase Young (DL), Arik Armstead (DL), Clelin Ferrell (DL), Tashaun Gipson (DB), Ray-Ray McCloud (WR/KR), Sam Darnold (QB), Sebastian Joseph-Day (DL)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Brock Purdy (4,280 yards, 31 TD, 11 INT)

RUSHING - Christian McCaffrey (1,459 yards, 5.4 ypc, 14 TD)

RECEIVING - Brandon Aiyuk (75 receptions, 1,342yards, 7 TD), George Kittle (65, 1,020, 6 TD)

SACKS - Nick Bosa (10 1/2)

INTERCEPTIONS - Charvarius Ward (5)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - The San Francisco 49ers are one of the most talented teams in pro football and nearly won the Super Bowl last season, falling just short by three points to the Kansas City Chiefs. This year, Head Coach Kyle Shanahan wants to see the team seal the deal and raise the Vince Lombardi trophy for the first time since the 1994 season. 

Quarterback Brock Purdy continued to confound his doubters last season by passing for over 4,000 yards and had 31 touchdown passes while spreading it around with three different receivers (Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and running back Christian McCaffrey) catching seven TD passes. Tight end George Kittle hauled in six scoring passes.The 49ers had the second best offense in the NFL, averaging 398 yards per game, with a scoring average of 28.9 points per game (3rd in  NFL). They passed for 258 YPG and rushed for 140 YPG as McCaffrey led the league in rushing yardage and scored 21 touchdowns. Wide reciever Brandon Aiyuk has been fuming all off-season about his contract situation, so that could be a fly in the ointment, but along with Samuel and Kittle, the 49ers have a trio that are among the best in the NFL.

The defense was solid, ranking eighth overall (304 YPG allowed) with the run defense allowing only 90 YPG (3rd) and the pass defense ranked 14th, giving up 214 yards per game while they allowed 17.5 points per game, which was third stingiest in the league. They 'Niners had 22 interceptions to tie for the league lead and they had 48 sacks. Edge rusher Nick Bosa leads the way and will be joined by free agent Leonard Floyd (10 1/2 sacks with Buffalo last season) to create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The linebacking and secondary is in good hands as well and Charvarius Ward picked off five passes to help the ball hawking unit while linebacker Fred Warner had four picks and led the team with 132 tackles. 

It will be Super Bowl or bust once again for the 49ers this year as they should win the NFC West division. The Los Angeles Rams closed in last year, finishing two games behind and did give them fits while splitting the two games. However, the 'Niners should go far in the playoffs (barring injuries to any major players) and could very well win it all this time around. Football is a game of inches and if the breaks go the 49ers way in the 2024 regular season and beyond, San Francisco fans could be celebrating with a victory parade in February.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Two - at Minnesota 

Week Three- at L.A. Rams 

Week Four - vs. New England 

Week Five - vs. Arizona 

Week Six - at Seattle 

Week Seven - vs. Kansas City 

Week Eight - vs. Dallas 

Week Nine - BYE 

Week Ten - at Tampa Bay 

Week Eleven - vs. Seattle 

Week Twelve - at Green Bay 

Week Thirteen - at Buffalo 

Week Fourteen - vs. Chicago 

Week Fifteen - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Sixteen - at Miami 

Week Seventeen - vs. Detroit 

Week Eighteen - at Arizona 

DETROIT LIONS - 2024 Season Preview

DETROIT LIONS                                                 

                                         

2023 Record - 12-5 

Head Coeach - Dan Campbell 

Key Additions - Carlton Davis III (DB), Kevin Zeitler (OL), Amik Robertson (DB), D.J. Reader (DL)

Key Losses - Josh Reynolds (WR), Jerry Jacobs (DB), Cameron Sutton (DB), Jonah Jackson (OL), Benito Jones (DL), C.J. Gardner-Johnson (DB)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Jared Goff (4,575 yards, 30 TD, 12 INT)

RUSHING - David Montgomery (1,015 yards, 4.6 ypc, 13 TD)

RECEIVING - Amon-Ra St. Brown (119 receptions, 1,515 yards, 10 TD), Sam LaPorta (86, 889, 10 TD)

SACKS - Aidan Hutchinson (11 1/2)

INTERCEPTIONS - Kerby Joseph (4)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - The Detroit Lions did indeed "Restore The Roar" last season, but came up just short of reaching their first ever Super Bowl when they squandered a 17-point lead against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, eventually losing, 34-31 which ended their dream 2023 season. Head Coach Dan Campbell is a fiery leader and knows his team can do more this year, so there is much anticipated excitement in the Motor City once again as the Lions look to go one more step and reach the Super Bowl. 

The offense was great a a year ago, averaging 395 yards per game with good balance (259 passing yards- 2nd in NFL and 136 rushing YPG, which was 5th overall) that was ranked number three in pro football. The Lions scored 27 points per game last season, which was fifth best in the league. Quarterback Jared Goff had perhaps his best ever regular season and he has plenty of targets with wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and tight end Sam LaPorta, who had 86 grabs for 889 yards and ten touchdowns. The running game has a solid duo with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs (5.2 ypc average) as both reached double digits in rushing touchdowns a year ago. 

The defense was great against the run, allowing 89 YPG (2nd in NFL) but struggled against the pass as the Lions allowed 247 yards per game, which ranked 27th. Overall, Detroit allowed 336 YPG (19th) and gave up 23.2 points per game. Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson continued to be a monster in his second season, leading the team in sacks and linebacker Alex Anzalone led the Lions in total tackles and combines with Jack Campbell and newcomers up front (free agents) Marcus Davenport and D.J. Reader to form a stellar front seven. The secondary is looking to free agent signee Carlton Davis III to help out along with safety Kerby Joseph and corners Brian Branch and Terrion Arnold to improve against opposing passing attacks. 

The Lions have the potential to reach the Super Bowl as they showed last year, but the defense must step up in clutch situations and finish the job if they want to make it to their goal. As long as they stay hungry and continue to handle the teams within their division, the Lions should win another NFC North title and perhaps knock off San Francisco (the pre-season favorites in the NFC to reach another Super Bowl) this time around. It won't be easy as they now have a huge target on their backs after the success they had a year ago. Green Bay is solid and the Chicago Bears look to be much improved as well, so the Lions will have a tough task ahead of them. Expect them to be right there at the end of this season and perhaps go a little further in January this time around.

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Two - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Three - at Arizona 

Week Four - vs. Seattle 

Week Five - BYE 

Week Six - at Dallas 

Week Seven - at Minnesota 

Week Eight - vs. Tennessee 

Week Nine - at Green Bay 

Week Ten - at Houston 

Week Eleven - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Twelve - at Indianapolis 

Week Thirteen - vs. Chicago 

Week Fourteen - vs. Green Bay 

Week Fifteen - vs. Buffalo 

Week Sixteen - at Chicago 

Week Seventeen - at San Francisco 

Week Eighteen - vs. Minnesota 

 

 

BALTIMORE RAVENS - 2024 Season Preview

BALTIMORE RAVENS                                                           

2023 Record - 13-4

Head Coach - John Harbaugh 

Key Additions - Derrick Henry (RB), Chris Board (LB), Josh Jones (OL)

Key Losses - Patrick Queen (LB), Jadeveon Clowney (LB), Gus Edwards (RB), J.K. Dobbins (RB), Odell Beckham, Jr. (WR), Tyler Huntley (QB), Geno Stone (DB), Ronald Darby (DB), Morgan Moses (OL), John Simpson (OL), Kevin Zeitler (OL)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Lamar Jackson (3,678 yards, 24 TD, 7 INT)

RUSHING - Lamar Jackson (821 yards, 5.6 ypc, 5 TD), Derrick Henry (1,167 yards, 4.2 ypc, 12 TD) (with Tennessee)

RECEIVING - Zay Flowers (77 receptions, 858 yards, 5 TD)

SACKS - Justin Madubulke (13)

INTERCEPTIONS - Geno Stone (7), Kyle Hamilton (4)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - The Baltimore Ravens are getting tired of having to say "Wait 'til next year" when it comes to their Super Bowl hopes. Head Coach John Harbaugh is hoping a revamped roster of sorts could be the difference in the 2024 season. The defending AFC North champions are looking to get past Kansas City or any other AFC team and reach the Super Bowl. 

The offense begins with quarterback and NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson. The seventh year QB had another great regular season, but then had some issues in the post-season, but still led the league's number six offense. The Ravens averaged 370 yards per game and 28.4 points per game. They had the top rushing offense in the NFL (Jackson led the team in rushing) in 2023 (157 YPG) and this year they add Derrick Henry, who rushed for 1,167 yards and scored 12 touchdowns with Tennessee last year. The running duo of Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins is now with the L.A. Chargers, so Henry will be the man in Charm City toting the ball. The wide receivers are Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. 

The defense was tremendous again in 2023, ranking 6th overall (301 YPG allowed) and the Ravens were the stingiest defense in the NFL as they allowed just 16.5 points per game. They also led the league with 60 sacks and had 18 interceptions, which aided the best turnover ratio (tied for first in NFL) with a plus-12 last year. Jadeveon Clowney is gone (free agent) this season, but defensive tackle Justin Madubuike anchors the front line along with nose tackle Michael Pierce. Roquan Smith and Kyle Van Noy are solid linebackers and the secondary features safeties Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams along with top notch cornerback Marlon Humphrey. 

The Ravens can once again win the AFC North (which is considered the best division in the NFL) as long as the defense keeps up the stellar play and Jackson does his thing with the offense. He likely won't have to do as much with his legs as in past seasons with Henry now in the backfield. The problem for Baltimore (since Jackson took over as the starting QB in 2018) has been in the playoffs. They did advance to the AFC Championship game last year and had the home field "advantage" against the Kansas City Chiefs, but the offense went belly up in a 17-10 loss and then had to watch the Chiefs celebrate a second consecutive Super Bowl title two weeks later. In 2024, the Super Bowl is a real possibility for this team, but they have to make it happen on the playing field.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Kansas City 

Week Two - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Three - at Dallas 

Week Four - vs. Buffalo 

Week Five - at Cincinnati 

Week Six - vs. Washington 

Week Seven - at Tampa Bay 

Week Eight - at Cleveland 

Week Nine - vs. Denver 

Week Ten - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Eleven - at Pittsburgh 

Week Twelve - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Thirteen - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Fourteen - BYE 

Week Fifteen - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Sixteen - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Seventeen - at Houston 

Week Eighteen - vs. Cleveland 

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES - 2024 Season Preview

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES                         

2023 Record - 11-6

Head Coach - Nick Sirianni

Key Additions - Saquon Barkley (RB), C.J. Gardner-Johnson (DB), Mekhi Becton (OL), DeVante Parker (WR), Kenny Pickett (QB), Devin White (LB)

Key Losses - Jason Kelce (OL), D'Andre Swift (RB), Kevin Byard (DB), Zach Cunningham (LB), Fletcher Cox (DL), Haason Reddick (DL), Nicholas Morrow (LB)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Jalen Hurts (3,858 yards, 23 TD, 15 INT)

RUSHING - D'Andre Swift (1,049 yards, 4.6 ypc, 5 TD)

RECEIVING - A.J. Brown (106 receptions, 1,456 yards, 7 TD), DeVonta Smith (81, 1,066, 7 TD)

SACKS - Haason Reddick (11)

INTERCEPTIONS - Reed Blankenship (3)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - The Eagles imploded big time last season as they dropped five of the last six regular season games and finished in second place in the NFC East and then were blown out, 32-9 against Tampa Bay in the NFC Wild Card round. Head Coach Nick Sirianni will be feeling the heat from the passionate Philadelphia fan base if they don't rebound in the 2024 season. 

The Eagles offense ranked eighth overall in the NFL last year, averaging 354 yards per game and they scored 25.5 points per game. The rushing game was solid (129 YPG - 8th in NFL) and will have a new face in the backfield as Saquon Barkley takes over for D'Andre Swift, who signed with the Chicago Bears in the off-season. Barkley gained 962 rushing yards last year (3.9 ypc) and scored six touchdowns with the New York Giants. Quarterback Jalen Hurts dropped off from the 2022 season as he threw 15 interceptions and the Eagles had a minus-10 in the turnover category. With wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in tow, the Eagles have a solid passing game and should score a lot of points once again. 

The defense wasn't real good in 2023, allowing 25.2 points per game and 356 YPG, which ranked 26th in the league. The run defense was decent (103 YPG - 10th), but the pass defense was terrible, finishing 31st in the NFL, allowing 253 yards per game. The Eagles registered 43 sacks and had nine interceptions. Leading pass rusher Haason Reddick left for the New York Jets and the team will have Josh Sweat (6 1/2 sacks) and Jalen Carter (six sacks) leading the way up front. The secondary features safety Reed Blankenship and the return of C.J. Gardner-Johnson as well along with corners Avonte Maddox , Darius Slay (two picks) and Quinyon Mitchell. 

Philadelphia will definitely be a front runner to win the NFC East division and will likely battle it out with the Dallas Cowboys once again. The Eagles split the two games with Dallas last season and were 4-2 in divisional play. They open the 2024 season against Green Bay in Brazil on a Friday, the day after the Thursday night season kickoff game in Kansas City. As long as Hurts stays healthy and keeps the turnovers to a minimum and the defense gets back on track to the level of 2022, the Eagles should soar again this season. How far they can go in January will likely determine the future of Sirianni as the head coach as well. Stay tuned.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE

Week One - vs. Green Bay (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

Week Two - vs. Atlanta 

Week Three - at New Orleans 

Week Four - at Tampa Bay 

Week Five - BYE 

Week Six - vs. Cleveland 

Week Seven - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Eight - at Cincinnati 

Week Nine - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Ten - at Dallas 

Week Eleven - vs. Washington 

Week Twelve - at L.A. Rams 

Week Thirteen - at Baltimore 

Week Fourteen - vs. Carolina 

Week Fifteen - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Sixteen - at Washington 

Week Seventeen - vs. Dallas 

Week Eighteen - vs. N.Y. Giants

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS - 2024 Season Preview

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS                                                          

2023 Record - 9-8 

Head Coach - Doug Pederson 

Key Additions - Arik Armstead (DL), Ronald Darby (DB), Gabriel Davis (WR), Mac Jones (QB), Darnell Savage (DB), Mitch Morse (OL)

Key Losses - Calvin Ridley (WR), Jamal Agnew (WR/KR), Rayshawn Jenkins (DB), Darious Williams (DB), Brandon McManus (K), Foley Fatukasi (OL)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Trevor Lawrence (4,016 yards, 21 TD, 14 INT)

RUSHING - Travis Etienne (1,008 yards, 3.8 ypc, 11 TD)

RECEIVING - Evan Engram (114 receptions, 963 yards, 4 TD), Calvin Ridley (76, 1,016, 8 TD)

SACKS - Josh Allen (17 1/2)

INTERCEPTIONS - Andre Cisco (4), Darious Williams (4)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - Two years ago, the Jacksonville Jaguars got hot down the stretch and nearly turned that into an AFC Championship Game appearance. Last season was the opposite as they staggered through the second half of the season, going 1-5 over the final six games and they missed the playoffs. Jags Head Coach Doug Pederson would like to see that be a one-time thing as his team looks to recapture the AFC South division title. 

The offense is led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence and he has wide receivers Christian Kirk and Gabriel Davis, who had seven touchdown receptions last season with Buffalo. Rookie Brian Thomas, Jr. (LSU) will look to make an impact and tight end Evan Engram led the team in receptions last season. Travis Etienne leads the running game and he scored twelve touchdowns last season while breaking the 1,000-yard plateau and catching 58 passes. The Jacksonville offense ranked 13th in the NFL (340 YPG) and averaged 22.2 points per game. Passing was efficient (243 YPG), ranking 9th overall, but the rushing attack could use a boost this season, averaging 97 yards per game, which was 24th overall. 

The defense was solid against the run (103 YPG allowed), but the passing defense suffered by allowing 240 yards per game while getting 16 interceptions and 40 sacks. Overall, Jacksonville allowed 343 yards per game (22nd overall) and gave up 21.8 points per game. Defensive ends Josh Allen and Travon Walker lead the charge up front, accumulating 27 1/2 sacks between them last season. In the secondary, safety Andre Cisco is back in the fold and corners Ronald Darby and Darnell Savage come along as free agents this season to try to improve the pass defense. 

All in all, the Jaguars are legitimate contenders to make the AFC playoffs this season as long as they stay healthy and minimize mistakes. Lawrence was picked off 14 times last season and the Jaguars were a minus-three in the turnovers category. The Indianapolis Colts and reigning AFC South champion Houston Texans should be right there all season long, battling the Jags for the playoff spots. More of the fierce finish of 2022 would be welcome in Jacksonville as opposed to last season's collapse. A scheduling quirk this season will see the Jaguars (always a staple in the London, England game) play two weeks in a row over seas in October sandwiched in between two home games. That means they will not have a true road game for five weeks. The first six games are a rough looking stretch (on paper) and a quick start would do wonders for the Jaguars in the divisional race. The bottom line is this team should be playing post-season football come January.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Miami 

Week Two - vs. Cleveland 

Week Three - at Buffalo 

Week Four - at Houston 

Week Five - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Six - vs. Chicago (London, England)

Week Seven - at New England (London, England) 

Week Eight - vs. Green Bay 

Week Nine - at Philadelphia 

Week Ten - vs. Minnesota 

Week Eleven - at Detroit 

Week Twelve - BYE 

Week Thirteen - vs. Houston 

Week Fourteen - at Tennessee 

Week Fifteen - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Sixteen - at Las Vegas 

Week Seventeen - vs. Tennessee

Week Eighteen - at Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS - 2024 Season Preview

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS                                                  

2023 Record - 9-8

Head Coach - Shane Steichen 

Key Additions - Laiatu Latu (DL), Joe Flacco (QB), Raekwon Davis (DL), Eric Tomlinson (TE), Arlington Hambright (OL)

Key Losses - Zack Moss (RB), Gardner Minshew (QB), Isaiah McKenzie (WR/KR), Henry Black (DB), Jake Martin (LB)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Gardner Minshew (3,305 yards, 15 TD, 9 INT), Anthony Richardson (577 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT)

RUSHING - Zack Moss (794 yards, 4.3 ypc, 5 TD), Jonathan Taylor (741 yards, 4.4 ypc, 7 TD)

RECEIVING - Michael Pittman (109 receptions, 1,152 yards, 4 TD)

SACKS - Samson Ebukam (9 1/2)

INTERCEPTIONS - Julian Blackmon (4)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - Last season, the Colts were like two different teams . . . The first four games were played with rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, but he suffered a season ending shoulder injury in the fourth game and then Gardner Minshew (since moved on to the Las Vegas Raiders) took over. This year, Colts head coach Shane Steichen is looking forward to having Richardson on the field for the entire season. 

Indianapolis finished 15th overall in total offense (337 YPG) with a rushing offense (121.1 yards per game) that was in the top ten in the NFL. The Colts scored 23.3 points per game and will have both Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor in tow this year. Taylor had injury issues a year ago and rushed for 741 yards (4.4 ypc) and scored seven touchdowns. He will be a big part of the offense once again as long as he stays healthy. The wide receivers are led by Michael Pittman, who had a career season with 109 catches. Adonai Mitchell, Josh Downs and tight ends Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox will be counted on in the passing game as well. 

The Colts defense will look to be better in the red zone in 2024 after allowing 24.4 points per game last season (28th in the NFL) even though they had 51 quarterback sacks and 15 interceptions. They allowed 350 yards per game (24th overall) and were weak against the run, giving up 124 YPG. Samson Ebukam and DeForest Buckner (8 sacks) lead the front line and edge rushers Kwity Paye (8 1/2 sacks) and Dayo Odeyingbo (8 sacks) add to the pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Rookie defensive end Laiatu Latu (UCLA) will also look to make an impact. The secondary has cornerback Kenny Moore II (three INT) and safety Julian Blackmon leading the way. 

The AFC South is an interesting division heading into this season as the Colts, Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars are all in the mix to finish in first place. One game separated the three teams a year ago in the final standings, so anything is possible. The Colts went 3-3 in division play last year and as long as Richardson is the dual threat he showed early in the season running and passing, the offense should move the ball with consistency. Taylor will be counted on heavily for the rushing game and the wideouts will look to share the wealth in receptions after Pittman seemed to be the main target as last season went on. The defense has to do better in the red zone and picking up the slack getting turnovers (plus-2 last year) would definitely help Indy toward a playoff push this season.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Houston 

Week Two - at Green Bay 

Week Three - vs. Chicago 

Week Four - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Five - at Jacksonville 

Week Six - at Tennessee 

Week Seven - vs. Miami 

Week Eight - at Houston 

Week Nine - at Minnesota 

Week Ten - vs. Buffalo 

Week Eleven - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Twelve - vs. Detroit 

Week Thirteen - at New England 

Week Fourteen - BYE 

Week Fifteen - at Denver 

Week Sixteen - vs. Tennessee 

Week Seventeen - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Eighteen - vs. Jacksonville 

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS - 2024 Season Preview

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS                                            

2023 Record - 5-12 

Head Coach - Jim Harbaugh 

Key Additions - Gus Edwards (RB), Will Dissly (TE), J.K. Dobbins (RB), Hayden Hurst (TE), Joe Alt (OL), Denzel Perryman (LB), Kristian Fulton (DB), DJ Chark (WR)

Key Losses - Keenan Allen (WR), Austin Ekeler (RB), Michael Davis (DB), Will Clapp (OL), Austin Johnson (DL), Eric Kendricks (LB), Mike Williams (WR), Gerald Everett (TE), Kenneth Murray, Jr. (DB)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Justin Herbert (3,134 yards, 20 TD, 7 INT)

RUSHING - Austin Ekeler (628 yards, 3.5 ypc, 5 TD)

RECEIVING - Keenan Allen (108 receptions, 1,243 yards, 7 TD)

SACKS - Khalil Mack (17)

INTERCEPTIONS - Asante Samuel, Jr. (2), Alohi Gilman (2)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - Who knows what to expect from the 2024 Los Angeles Chargers? This team has been revamped on both sides of the football, but mostly on offense as new Head Coach Jim Harbaugh takes over after a disastrous 2023 season. 

The Chargers have one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL with Justin Herbert, but he missed multiple games last year with a broken finger. When healthy, he can sling it with the best of them, but his main targets in recent seasons are gone (Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Gerald Everett and Austin Ekeler) and coming on board for 2024 are two former Baltimore Ravens running backs, Gus Edwards (810 yards, 4.1 ypc, 13 TD) and J.K. Dobbins, who missed last season with a knee injury. Replacing Allen and Williams will be Josh Palmer (38, 581, 2 TD), Quentin Johnson (38, 431, 2 TD) and DJ Chark. The tight ends are Hayden Hurst and Will Dissly, both off-season acquisitions. The Chargers offense dropped off last year, finishing 18th overall (329 YPG) and averaged 20.4 PPG, which was 21st in the NFL. 

The Chargers defense didn't measure up in 2023 as they allowed 363 yards per game (28th overall) while the pass defense ranked 30th, allowing 250 yards per game and the 'Bolts gave up 23.4 points per game. They did get 48 sacks (7th in NFL) and picked off nine passes. The leaders for the defensive unit are linebackers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and also safety Derwin James. Asante Samuel, Jr. has shown flashes at the cornerback position, but overall this team needs a much better effort from the defense this year. 

Jim Harbaugh has had success everywhere he has been a head coach (Stanford and Michigan at collegiate level and the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL) and he brings a fire and passion with him that could rub off on this team. The Chargers definitely need a jolt of enthusiasm after former coach Brandon Staley was fired during last season, which included an embarrassing 63-21 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on a Thursday night national telecast. If the Chargers want to get back to the playoffs, they will need for Herbert to stay on the field and the new components of the offense to mesh rather quickly. The defense must improve big time, especially against the pass. The best they can hope for is enough improvement to compete for a wild card spot, because the (two-time defending) Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs appear to be miles ahead of the rest of the AFC West division.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Two - at Carolina 

Week Three - at Pittsburgh 

Week Four - vs. Kansas City 

Week Five - BYE 

Week Six - at Denver 

Week Seven - at Arizona 

Week Eight - vs. New Orleans 

Week Nine - at Cleveland 

Week Ten - vs. Tennessee

Week Eleven - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Twelve - vs. Baltimore 

Week Thirteen - at Atlanta 

Week Fourteen - at Kansas City 

Week Fifteen - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Sixteen - vs. Denver 

Week Seventeen - at New England 

Week Eighteen - at Las Vegas

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS - 2024 Season Preview

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS                                      

2023 Record - 9-8 

Head Coach - Todd Bowles 

Key Additions - Jordan Whitehead (DB), Bryce Hall (DB), Ben Bredeson (OL), Randy Gregory (LB)

Key Losses - Carlton Davis III (DB), Shaq Barrett (LB), Ryan Neal (DB), Devin White (LB), Matt Feiler (OL)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Baker Mayfield (4,044 yards, 28 TD, 10 INT)

RUSHING - Rachaad White (990 yards, 3.6 ypc, 6 TD)

RECEIVING - Mike Evans (79 receptions, 1,255 yards, 13 TD); Chris Godwin (83 receptions, 1,024 yards, 2 TD)

SACKS - Yaya Diaby (7 1/2)

INTERCEPTIONS - Antoine Winfield, Jr. (3)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will looking to get to the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season as they have been dominant in the NFC South in recent years. Head Coach Todd Bowles knows what the defense can do, so he will look for quarterback Baker Mayfield to continue where he left off last year. 

Mayfield had a career season in 2023 and the Bucs averaged 20.5 points per game while finishing 23rd in the NFL in total offense, averaging 313 YPG. The running game has to step it up (89 YPG) as Tampa Bay was 31st in the league in that area. Rachaad White is the primary back and he also caught 64 passes out of the backfield a year ago with three scores. The wideouts are two of the best in the NFL with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin continuing to do their thing. Tight end Cade Otton gives them another target and he is a good red zone presence. 

The defense seemed to be a bend but don't break type last season as the Buccaneers ranked 23rd overall (344 YPG allowed) but rated sixth in the NFL in scoring defense, giving up 19.1 points per game. The run defense was strong, allowing 95 yards per game, but opponents threw the ball all over the field against Tampa Bay, averaging 249 yards per game. The Bucs did get 48 sacks and picked off 13 passes as well. Nose tackle Vita Vea (5 1/2 sacks) and defensive end William Gholston form quite a run stuffing combo and linebacker Yaya Diaby led the team in sacks. In the secondary, Antoine Winfield, Jr. leads the way with ball hawking skills and he had 122 tackles while linebacker Lavonte David led the team with 134 tackles. In addition, Cornerback Bryce Hall and safety Jerome Whitehead (four INT with NY Jets last year) are on board to improve the pass defense.

If the Buccaneers are to win another NFC South title, they will have to hold off the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints as they split the two games with both of them in 2023. The Falcons have really loaded up on both sides of the football and the Bucs will definitely have to equal the (2023 season) 4-2 mark in divisional play. The key for this team will be balance on offense as Mayfield would do well to repeat the tremendous effort he showed last season after emerging from the scrap heap pile he came from after playing on three different teams in the 2022 season. With consistent offense and steady play from their defense, the Buccaneers will likely be right there in the division race and could once again make some noise in the playoffs. The Super Bowl is a reach, but in today's NFL, one never knows.

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Washington 

Week Two - at Detroit 

Week Three - vs. Denver 

Week Four - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Five - at Atlanta 

Week Six - at New Orleans 

Week Seven - vs. Baltimore 

Week Eight - vs. Atlanta 

Week Nine - at Kansas City 

Week Ten - vs. San Francisco 

Week Eleven - BYE 

Week Twelve - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Thirteen - at Carolina 

Week Fourteen - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Fifteen - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Sixteen - at Dallas

Week Seventeen - vs. Carolina 

Week Eighteen - vs. New Orleans 

 

 

CINCINNATI BENGALS - 2024 Season Preview

CINCINNATI BENGALS                                                      

                                       

2023 Record - 9-8

Head Coach - Zac Taylor 

Key Additions - Geno Stone (DB), Zack Moss (RB), Vonn Bell (DB), Sheldon Rankins (DL), Mike Gesicki (TE)

Key Losses - D.J. Reader (DL), Tyler Boyd (WR), Joe Mixon (RB), Nick Scott (DB), Jonah Williams (OT), Chidobe Awuzie (DB)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Joe Burrow (2,309 yards, 15 TD, 6 INT)

RUSHING - Joe Mixon (1,034 yards, 4.0 ypc, 9 TD)

RECEIVING - Ja'Marr Chase (100 receptions, 1,216 yards, 7 TD)

SACKS - Trey Hendrickson (17 1/2)

INTERCEPTIONS - Cam Taylor-Britt (4), Logan Wilson (4)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - The team will be hopeful that quarterback Joe Burrow is 100 percent healthy this season. The fifth year QB missed significant time last year with calf and wrist injuries and that definitely cost the Bengals a return trip to the AFC playoffs. Head Coach Zac Taylor knows the team will be much better suited for a run in January with Burrow calling the signals. 

The Bengals offense will have some new names in 2024, running back Joe Mixon is now with Houston and in place of him will be Zack Moss (794 yards, 4.3 ypc, 5 TD with Indianapolis) as Cincinnati looks to ramp up a weak rushing attack from a year ago. They averaged a meager 90 yards per game (31st in NFL) and scored 21.5 PPG. The passing game was mediocre (229 YPG, which was 15th overall) and Bengals passers were sacked 50 times. That must improve as well. Wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has been chirping about contract money and if he isn't in sync with Tee Higgins, it could mean rookie Jermaine Burton (Alabama) will be in the mix as a primary target. 

The defense was abysmal last year, ranking 31st in the league, allowing 375 yards per game and 22.6 points per game as well. The Bengals did have 17 interceptions and 44 sacks, so that was a plus, but the secondary too often was torched for big gains by opponents. Cincinnati allowed 248 YPG in passing and the run defense was gashed for 126 YPG. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson will look to have another big year after leading the team in sacks and along with linebacker Logan Wilson (team high 135 tackles and four INT) and DT Sheldon Rankins (six sacks with Houston) attempt to solidify the leaks in the defense. Veteran safety Geno Stone (seven interceptions in 2023) comes over from Baltimore to aid the effort in the secondary.

If Cincinnati is going to win the AFC North title, they have to be much better on defense and definitely will have to beat the teams in their division, which is considered by many to be the best in pro football. Cincy was 1-5 against division foes last season while finishing in last place with a winning record as Baltimore, Cleveland and Pittsburgh all made the playoffs. Having Burrow back healthy will make a big difference in scoring for the team, which should get the Bengals to double digits in victories this year. After back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances (and the Super Bowl three years ago), the Bengals do have their work cut out for them. A return to the playoffs is a good possibility, but they must win more division games this season for that to happen.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. New England 

Week Two - at Kansas City 

Week Three - vs. Washington 

Week Four - at Carolina 

Week Five - vs. Baltimore 

Week Six - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Seven - at Cleveland 

Week Eight - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Nine - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Ten - at Baltimore 

Week Eleven - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Twelve - BYE 

Week Thirteen - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Fourteen - at Dallas 

Week Fifteen - at Tennessee 

Week Sixteen - vs. Cleveland 

Week Seventeen - vs. Denver 

Week Eighteen - at Pittsburgh 

GREEN BAY PACKERS - 2024 Season Preview

GREEN BAY PACKERS               

                                    

2023 Record - 9-8

Head Coach - Matt LaFleur

Key Additions - Josh Jacobs (RB), Xavier McKinney (DB), Andre Dillard (OL), Greg Joseph (K)

Key Losses - Aaron Jones (RB), Jon Runyan (OL), Rudy Ford (DB), Jonathan Owens (DB), De'Vondre Campbell (LB), Josh Nijman (OL)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Jordan Love (4,159 yards, 32 TD, 11 INT)

RUSHING - Aaron Jones (656 yards, 4.6 ypc, 2 TD, A.J. Dillon 613 yards, 3.4 ypc, 2 TD)

RECEIVING - Jayden Reed (64 receptions, 793 yards, 8 TD)

SACKS - Rashan Gary (9)

INTERCEPTIONS - Rudy Ford (2)

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - The Packers stormed back last season, going 6-2 as well as 3-0 down the  stretch to make the NFC playoffs as quarterback Jordan Love emerged from the shadow of former Packers great Aaron Rodgers and head coach Matt LaFleur would like to see a repeat performance from the fifth year player. 

Love is capable of doing more great things and is flanked by a trio of very good wide receivers (Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed and Christian Watson) and tight end Luke Musgrave. The three Green Bay wideouts combined for 21 touchdown receptions last season. The Packers were 11th in the NFL in total offense last year, gaining 346 yards per game and scored 22.5 PPG. The running game will look to feature Josh Jacobs (805 yards, 3.5 ypc, 6 TD with Las Vegas last season) and A.J. Dillon this year. 

Defensively it was a mixed bag for Green Bay. They were 17th overall (335 YPG allowed) with a solid pass defense (207 YPG allowed) but struggled against the run, giving up 128 yards per game while yielding an average of 20.6 points per game. Rashan Gary is their top pass rusher and the secondary has Xavier McKinney coming over from the New York Giants, where he picked off three passes from the safety position. Defensive end Preston Smith (8 sacks) and DT Kenny Clark (7 1/2 sacks) help bolster the pass rush. Green Bay totaled 45 sacks last season and had seven interceptions. 

The feeling in Packer Land is this team can compete with the Detroit Lions for the NFC North title. To do that, the Packers must equal or better their 4-2 mark in divisional play from a year ago. The Chicago Bears have been the whipping boys for the Packers in recent seasons, but even they appear to be much improved so it will be a battle for sure. If the offense continues to hum along as they showed late last year and in the playoffs, Green Bay should do well. The defense must remain consistent as well. There's a chance this team can make it far in January, but it will hinge on more steady play from Jordan Love. 

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Philadelphia (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

Week Two - vs. Indianapolis

Week Three - at Tennessee 

Week Four - vs. Minnesota 

Week Five - at L.A. Rams 

Week Six - vs. Arizona 

Week Seven - vs. Houston 

Week Eight - at Jacksonville 

Week Nine - vs. Detroit 

Week Ten - BYE 

Week Eleven - at Chicago 

Week Twelve - vs. San Francisco 

Week Thirteen - vs. Miami 

Week Fourteen - at Detroit 

Week Fifteen - at Seattle 

Week Sixteen - vs. New Orleans 

Week Seventeen - at Minnesota 

Week Eighteen - vs. Chicago

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - 2024 Season Preview

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS                     

                                      

2023 Record - 4-13 

Head Coach - Jerod Mayo 

Key Additions - Drake Maye (QB), Jacoby Brissett (QB), Antonio Gibson (RB), K.J. Osborn (WR), Austin Hooper (TE), Joey Slye (K)

Key Losses - Matthew Judon (LB), Myles Bryant (DB), Mike Gesicki (TE), Mac Jones (QB), DeVante Parker (WR), JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR), Lawrence Guy (DL), J.C. Jackson (DB)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Mac Jones (2,120 yards, 10 TD, 12 INT)

RUSHING - Ezekiel Elliott (642 yards, 3.5 ypc, 3 TD), Rhamondre Stevenson (619 yards, 4.0 ypc, 4 TD)

RECEIVING - Demario Douglas (49 receptions, 561 yards)

SACKS - Christian Barmore (8 1/2)

INTERCEPTIONS - Kyle Dugger (2), Jabrill Peppers (2), Jahlani Tavai (2)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - After a 24-year glorious run, the Bill Belichick era is over in New England. The Patriots parted ways with the future Hall-of-Fame head coach and Jerod Mayo is the new man on the sidelines this year. 

The Patriots offense will likely have veteran journeyman quarterback Jacoby Brissett as the starter until first round draft pick Drake Maye (North Carolina) is ready. Rhamondre Stevenson is the top running back and wide receivers include Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, K.J. Osborn (48 receptions, 540 yards, 3 TD with Minnesota Vikings), rookie Ja'Lynn Polk (Washington) and tight end Hunter Henry will be the primary targets in the passing game. New England finished 30th in the NFL in total offense (276 YPG) last season and averaged a paltry 13.9 points per game.

The defense was solid in 2023, allowing 302 YPG (7th in NFL) with the run defense excelling (93 YPG allowed) and the pass defense giving up 209 yards per game. The Patriots had 36 sacks and intercepted ten passes. Linebacker Matthew Judon was recently traded to the Atlanta Falcons, so the team will look to 2023 sacks leader Christian Barmore (defensive tackle), linebacker Jahlani Tavai and Davon Godchaux (DT) to step up in the leadership role. The secondary features Kyle Dugger (safety) along with corner Jonathan Jones and safety Jabril Peppers.

The New England Patriots are currently the door mat team in the AFC East, where the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins loom large. The Patriots had a terrible 2023 season and if they want to improve on just four wins, they must score more often. It is definitely a rebuilding year and it will likely be a painful one at that this season.

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Cincinnati 

Week Two - vs. Seattle 

Week Three - at N. Y. Jets 

Week Four - at San Francisco 

Week Five - vs. Miami 

Week Six - vs. Houston 

Week Seven - vs. Jacksonville (London, England) 

Week Eight - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Nine - at Tennessee 

Week Ten - at Chicago 

Week Eleven - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Twelve - at Miami 

Week Thirteen - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Fourteen - BYE 

Week Fifteen - at Arizona 

Week Sixteen - at Buffalo 

Week Seventeen - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Eighteen - vs. Buffalo 

 

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS - 2024 Season Preview

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS                    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

2023 Record - 9-8 

Head Coach - Dennis Allen 

Key Additions - Chase Young (DL), Willie Gay (LB), James Robinson (RB), Equanimeous St. Brown (WR), Cedrick Wilson, Jr. (WR)

Key Losses - James Hurst (OL), Jameis Winston (QB), Andrus Peat (OL), Michael Thomas (WR), Zack Baun (LB)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Derek Carr (3,878 yards, 25 TD, 8 INT)

RUSHING - Alvin Kamara (694 yards, 3.9 ypc, 5 TD) 

RECEIVING - Chris Olave (87 receptions, 1,123 yards, 5 TD)

SACKS - Carl Granderson (8 1/2) 

INTERCEPTIONS - Tyrann Mathieu (4) 

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - The Saints almost went marching in (to the playoffs) last year, but fell short and Head Coach Dennis Allen will be feeling the heat if they don't compete this season. Playing in the NFC South won't be easy as Tampa Bay has been dominating in recent seasons and the Atlanta Falcons have retooled their team and loaded up with big names on both sides of the football. 

The offense will once again be led by quarterback Derek Carr, who had a decent season last year. The running backs include Alvin Kamara, who has slowed in production in recent years, and James Robinson and Jamaal Williams. Wide receivers include Chris Olave, Taysom Hill (who also can play situational QB), Rashid Shaheed, Equan St. Brown and Cedrick Wilson, Jr., who comes over from Miami and was a big time red zone threat, scoring five touchdowns on just 22 receptions a year ago. The Saints averaged 23.6 PPG in 2023 and finished 14th in total offense, averaging 337 yards per game. 

The defense was adequate, allowing 327 yards per game (13th in NFL) with a top ten pass defense and also in scoring defense, finishing 8th overall, allowing only 19.2 PPG. Chase Young (defensive end) comes on board and he has been working his way back from injuries after a huge rookie year with Washington four years ago. Linebackers Demario Davis and Pete Werner will be joined by Willie Gay this season and Carl Granderson leads the troops up front. The "Honey Badger" is back again in the secondary, Tyrann Mathieu led the team with four picks last season. 

The key for New Orleans will be competing with Atlanta and Tampa Bay within divisional play. They split the four games a year ago and would do well to repeat that effort in 2024. This team can win the division, but they have to be more consistent on offense, where too many drives stalled last year. With some new faces in camp this year, perhaps that can help battle the complacency issues that have hounded the team since the Sean Payton and Drew Brees era ended. The Saints face five playoff teams (from last season) in their first eleven games, so getting off to a fast start would boost confidence when they play the teams they must beat down the stretch to get the division crown. It won't be easy in The Big Easy this season, but with some breaks and good health, this team could get back to the playoffs.

TEAM SCHEDULE

Week One - vs. Carolina 

Week Two - at Dallas

Week Three - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Four - at Atlanta 

Week Five - at Kansas City 

Week Six - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Seven - vs. Denver 

Week Eight - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Nine - at Carolina 

Week Ten - vs. Atlanta 

Week Eleven - vs. Cleveland 

Week Twelve - BYE 

Week Thirteen - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Fourteen - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Fifteen - vs. Washington 

Week Sixteen - at Green Bay

Week Seventeen - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Eighteen - at Tampa Bay 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

DENVER BRONCOS - 2024 Season Preview

DENVER BRONCOS                                                                         

2023 Record - 8-9 

Head Coach - Sean Payton 

Key Additions - Bo Nix (QB), Josh Reynolds (WR), Levi Wallace (CB), Zach Wilson (QB), Cody Barton (LB), John Franklin-Myers (DL)

Key Losses - Russell Wilson (QB), Justin Simmons (DB), Jerry Jeudy (WR), Josey Jewell (LB), Mike Purcell (DL), Fabian Moreau (DB)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Russell Wilson (3,070 yards, 26 TD, 8 INT)

RUSHING - Javonte Williams (774 yards, 3.6 ypc, 3 TD) 

RECEIVING - Courtland Sutton (59 receptions, 772 yards, 10 TD) 

SACKS - Jonathan Cooper (8 1/2) 

INTERCEPTIONS - Justin Simmons (3) 

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - Denver made a vast improvement from the 2022 season as first year Head Coach Sean Payton saw his team get it going after a slow start, that included a record setting 70-20 loss to Miami in the third game. The Broncos will look to crack the .500 mark this year and perhaps challenge for a wild card playoff spot. 

The offense will be with a new quarterback as Russell Wilson is now with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rookie first round draft pick Bo Nix (Oregon) will get a look to be the starting QB as will Jarrett Stidham (496 yards, two TD, one INT in backup role in 2023) and perhaps Zach Wilson, the much maligned QB with the New York Jets the last three years. The Broncos offense ranked 26th a year ago, averaging 298 YPG and they scored 21 points per game. The passing offense must improve and receivers include Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds, Marvin Mims, Jr. and tight end Adam Trautman. 

The defense was subpar by Broncos standards last season, finishing 29th in the NFL (371 YPG allowed) and they gave up 24.3 points per game. The rushing defense was terrible (30th overall) as they allowed 137 yards per game and the pass defense gave up 234 YPG. Linebackers Jonathan Cooper (8 1/2 sacks) and Nik Bonitto (8 sacks) lead the defense and the secondary will be without standout Justin Simmons (signed with Atlanta Falcons) this season, but Patrick Surtain II and newcomer Levi Wallace will be the corners looking to shut down enemy passing attacks. 

The Broncos played better football as the season went along, buying into what Payton was selling them and it showed as they improved from the disaster of the 2022 season. Playing in the AFC West, they (along with Las Vegas and the L.A. Chargers) are looking up at the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, so a wild card spot in the post-season would be a more realistic goal. If they can get the defense straightened out, that would be a big plus and the quarterback position will be the big challenge, especially with a rookie perhaps calling the plays. Each week will be an adventure in the Mile High City this season.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Seattle 

Week Two - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Three - at Tampa Bay 

Week Four - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Five - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Six - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Seven - at New Orleans 

Week Eight - vs. Carolina 

Week Nine - at Baltimore 

Week Ten - at Kansas City 

Week Eleven - vs. Atlanta 

Week Twelve - at Las Vegas 

Week Thirteen - vs. Cleveland

Week Fourteen - BYE 

Week Fifteen - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Sixteen - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Seventeen - at Cincinnati 

Week Eighteen - vs. Kansas City

LOS ANGELES RAMS - 2024 Season Preview

LOS ANGELES RAMS                                                                                    

                                                                           

2023 Record - 10-7

Head Coach - Sean McVay 

Key Additions - Jared Verse (LB), Darious Williams (DB), Boston Scott (RB), Jimmy Garoppolo (QB), Kamren Curl (DB), Jonah Jackson (OL)

Key Losses - Aaron Donald (DL), Jordan Fuller (DB), Jonah Williams (DL), Coleman Shelton (OL), Akhello Witherspoon (CB)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Matthew Stafford (3,965 yards, 24 TD, 11 INT)

RUSHING - Kyren Williams (1,144 yards, 5.0 ypc, 12 TD)

RECEIVING -Puka Nacua (105 receptions, 1,486 yards, 6 TD)

SACKS - Kobie Turner (9)

INTERCEPTIONS - Jordan Fuller (3), Ahkello Witherspoon (3)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - The Rams came on strong last season and made the playoffs and gave the Detroit Lions quite a battle in the wild card round. Head Coach Sean McVay is looking forward to seeing the team get back to the playoffs again and perhaps go further. Just three years ago, the Rams won it all. 

Quarterback Matthew Stafford leads the offense and he has two capable wideouts in Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, who set rookie records last season, catching more than 100 passes and gaining over 1,400 receiving yards. The running game has Kyren Williams, who enjoyed his best season as a pro and he averaged five yards per carry as well. The Rams averaged 23.8 PPG (8th in NFL) and finished seventh in total offense, gaining 359 yards per game. 

The defense will be without Aaron Donald, as the future Hall-of-Fame player retired and now it is Kobie Turner, the teams sack leader in 2023, who will become the man up front. Los Angeles totaled 41 sacks a year ago and picked off ten passes while allowing 22.2 PPG, which was 19th in the league. The Rams need to get more turnovers as they went minus-3 in that area. There are five rookies in camp this year, so the team is emphasizing getting stronger there. 

If the Rams want to challenge the mighty San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West this season, it is imperative to get off to a good start. They cannot fall behind in the standings and look to win four close games down the stretch and seven of their final eight as they did last year. They did split with the 49ers in 2023 and went 5-1 in divisional play and a repeat performance there could help them unseat San Francisco for the NFC West title. The playoffs are a real possibility again and as long 16-year veteran Stafford can continue to deliver, the offense should hum along again. The defense will be the key as to how far the Rams can go in January.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE

Week One - at Detroit 

Week Two - at Arizona 

Week Three - vs. San Francisco 

Week Four - at Chicago 

Week Five - vs. Green Bay 

Week Six - BYE 

Week Seven - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Eight - vs. Minnesota 

Week Nine - at Seattle 

Week Ten - vs. Miami 

Week Eleven - at New England 

Week Twelve - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Thirteen - at New Orleans 

Week Fourteen - vs. Buffalo 

Week Fifteen - at San Francisco 

Week Sixteen - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Seventeen - vs. Arizona 

Week Eighteen - vs. Seattle 

CLEVELAND BROWNS - 2024 Season Preview

CLEVELAND BROWNS                                                                               

                                                                            

2023 Record - 11-6

Head Coach - Kevin Stefanski 

Key Additions - Jerry Jeudy (WR), Jordan Hicks (LB), Quinton Jefferson (DL), Jameis Winston (QB), Devin Bush (LB), Germain Ifedi (OL)

Key Losses - Joe Flacco (QB), Jordan Elliott (DL), Anthony Walker (LB), Geron Christian (OL), Kareem Hunt (RB)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Joe Flacco (1,616 yards, 13 TD, 8 INT; Deshaun Watson 1,115 yards, 7 TD, 4 INT)

RUSHING - Jerome Ford (813 yards, 4.0 ypc, 4 TD)

RECEIVING - Amari Cooper (72 receptions, 1,250 yards, 5 TD)

SACKS - Myles Garrett (14)

INTERCEPTIONS - Martin Emerson, Jr. (4)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - The Browns had a big run last season and made the playoffs, where they were manhandled and blown out by the upstart Houston Texans in the wild card round. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski will be expecting more from this team this season. 

On offense, quarterback Deshaun Watson is making his way back from injuries as is All-Pro running back Nick Chubb, who went down in the second game last year with a knee injury. Getting both of them back healthy and playing well would be huge for a team that averaged 23.3 points per game with Joe Flacco taking over at quarterback in mid-November and leading the charge to the playoffs. But Flacco is gone this year and Watson must step up and get it going in the right direction for the Browns, who were middle of the pack on offense (336 YPG), but turned the football over too much. 

The defense is among the best in pro football and is led by Myles Garrett, who had another great year in Cleveland. The Browns were tops overall on defense, giving up just 270 yards per game while allowing 21.3 PPG. The pass defense was number one, allowing only 164.7 YPG and the run defense gave up 105.5 YPG, which ranked eleventh in the NFL. Cleveland had 49 sacks and intercepted 18 passes last season, which helped lead to an outstanding performance. 

If this team wants to have continued success, the offense has to do more to support the strong defense the Browns have. Watson will be instrumental to that effort and he has a plethora of players to pass to. Getting Chubb back this year will definitely help and Jerome Ford (nine TD overall in 2023) showed he can do the job running the football as well as catching 44 passes out of the backfield. As long as the defense maintains their level, the Browns will likely be in most every game they play. Challenging Baltimore and Cincinnati and perhaps even Pittsburgh for the division title is a realistic goal and if they catch fire in January . . . watch out. A Super Bowl appearance is in the cards if things fall into place.

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Dallas 

Week Two - at Jacksonville 

Week Three - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Four - at Las Vegas 

Week Five - at Washington 

Week Six - at Philadelphia 

Week Seven - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Eight - vs. Baltimore 

Week Nine - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Ten - BYE 

Week Eleven - at New Orleans 

Week Twelve - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Thirteen - at Denver 

Week Fourteen - at Pittsburgh 

Week Fifteen - vs. Kansas City 

Week Sixteen - at Cincinnati 

Week Seventeen - vs. Miami 

Week Eighteen - at Baltimore 

TENNESSEE TITANS - 2024 Season Preview

TENNESSEE TITANS                                                                      

2023 Record - 6-11

Head Coach - Brian Callahan

Key Additions - Calvin Ridley (WR), Tony Pollard (RB), Chidobe Awuzie (DB), Mason Rudolph (QB), Sebastian Joseph-Day (DL), Kenneth Murray, Jr. (DB), L'Jarius Sneed (DB)

Key Losses - Derrick Henry (RB), Ryan Tannehill (QB), Denico Autry (DL), Aaron Brewer (OL), Sean Murphy-Bunting (DB), K'Von Wallace (DB), Azeez Al-Shaair (LB)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Will Levis (1,808 yards, 8 TD, 4 INT)

RUSHING - Tony Pollard (1,005 yards, 4.0 ypc, 6 TD) (with Dallas)

RECEIVING - DeAndre Hopkins (75 receptions, 1,057 yards, 7 TD)

SACKS - Harold Landry III (10 1/2)

INTERCEPTIONS - L'Jarius Sneed (2) (with Kansas City)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - The Titans are another team with a new head coach heading into this season as Brian Callahan takes over a team that finished in last place in the AFC South last year. They also shipped out All-Pro running back Derrick Henry along with quarterback Ryan Tannehill and head coach Mike Vrabel this off-season and the division is much improved from a year ago after Houston came out of nowhere to win the division crown.

The offense was weak a year ago, except for the running game and Henry is gone to Baltimore in 2024, leaving Tyjae Spears (4.5 ypc and 453 yards a year ago) and Tony Pollard to carry the load. The quarterback is Will Levis, who has shown some good things and will need to step it up this season. The wide receivers include DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley (coming over from Jacksonville), where he caught 76 passes for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago. Tennessee averaged only 17.9 PPG last season (27th in NFL) and finished 28th in total offense, gaining just 289 yards per game.

Defensively, the Titans were average, giving up 335 yards per game (17th) and allowed 21.6 PPG. They did have 45 sacks in the 2023 season while intercepting only six passes. Both the pass defense and run defense were adequate, but forcing more turnovers would go a long way to showing progress for the defense as they were a minus-6 in that area last season.

The 2024 season will be a rebuilding one of sorts as Tennessee has multiple new players on board this year and no less than 23 players were sent packing to other teams. With so many changes on a roster, it usually takes time for the adjustments and throw in a new system and coaching staff and expect the Titans to have some struggles this year. The AFC South is a rugged division with Houston, Jacksonville and Indianapolis all in the mix to win the crown. But the Titans have been there before and with a steady defensive effort and progress on offense as the season goes along, they could be a surprising team if opponents take them lightly.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Chicago 

Week Two - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Three - vs. Green Bay 

Week Four - at Miami 

Week Five - BYE 

Week Six - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Seven - at Buffalo 

Week Eight - at Detroit 

Week Nine - vs. New England 

Week Ten - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Eleven - vs. Minnesota 

Week Twelve - at Houston 

Week Thirteen - at Washington 

Week Fourteen - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Fifteen - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Sixteen - at Indianapolis

Week Seventeen - at Jacksonville 

Week Eighteen - vs. Houston

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS - 2024 Season Preview

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS                                                      

2023 Record - 4-13

Head Coach - Dan Quinn 

Key Additions - Austin Ekeler (RB), Jayden Daniels (QB), Bobby Wagner (LB), Michael Davis (DB), Jeremy Chinn (DB), Frankie Luvu (LB), Marcus Mariota (QB), Clelin Ferrell (DL)

Key Losses - Curtis Samuel (WR), Cody Barton (LB), Sam Howell (QB), Logan Thomas (TE), Kendall Fuller (DB), Charles Leno, Jr. (OL)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Sam Howell (3,946 yards, 21TD, 21 INT)

RUSHING - Brian Robinson (733 yards, 4.1 ypc, 5 TD)

RECEIVING - Terry McLaurin (79 receptions, 1,002 yards, 4 TD)

SACKS - Johnathan Allen (5 1/2)

INTERCEPTIONS - Quan Martin (2)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - The Commanders have a new head coach with Dan Quinn taking over this season and their new quarterback looks to be first round rookie pick Jayden Daniels (LSU) with perhaps journeyman QB Marcus Mariota backing him up. A shakeup was needed for sure in D.C. and this year could be much different than the lackluster 2023 season. 

Daniels will look to Brian Robinson, Jr. and Austin Ekeler (coming over from the L.A. Chargers) at running back and Ekeler has been very adept as a receiver out of the backfield throughout his career. The wide receivers include Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson along with tight ends Zach Ertz and John Bates. Washington averaged 19.4 points per game a year ago and finished 24th in total offense, averaging 313 YPG, but only gaining 93.6 YPG on the ground. 

The defense was terrible, allowing the most points in pro football (30.5 PPG) and allowed 389 yards per game, which was also last in the NFL. The pass defense (32nd in NFL) gave up many big plays and the run defense was gashed for 127 yards per game, which ranked 27th overall. A mid-season trade of Chase Young and Montez Sweat contributed to the abysmal numbers, so this year the team brought in ten new players to try and shore things up on the defensive side. 

The NFC East looks to be a two team race between Dallas and Philadelphia, but one never knows what each season will bring regarding injuries so there is nothing guaranteed. The Commanders will have a fresh approach with Quinn (the former Dallas defensive coordinator and also head coach in Atlanta) taking over and trying to instill new life into that poor defense. If Daniels can adjust to the speed of the pro game, he could be a pleasant surprise (look what C.J. Stroud did with Houston a year ago as a rookie quarterback) and help the offense keep the team in games. Washington lost six games by one score, but were handled rather easily in their other seven losses. That has to change if they want to be competitive in the NFC. It will take some time in all likelihood, but they have new players this year to help speed up the change.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Tampa Bay 

Week Two - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Three - at Cincinnati 

Week Four - at Arizona 

Week Five - vs. Cleveland 

Week Six - at Baltimore 

Week Seven - vs. Carolina 

Week Eight - vs. Chicago 

Week Nine - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Ten - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Eleven - at Philadelphia 

Week Twelve - vs. Dallas 

Week Thirteen - vs. Tennessee 

Week Fourteen - BYE 

Week Fifteen - at New Orleans 

Week Sixteen - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Seventeen - vs. Atlanta 

Week Eighteen - at Dallas

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS - 2024 Season Preview

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS                                                                           

2023 Record - 8-9

Head Coach - Antonio Pierce 

Key Additions - Christian Wilkins (DL), Alexander Mattison (RB), Michael Gallup (WR), Gardner Minshew (QB), Cody Whitehair (OL)

Key Losses - Josh Jacobs (RB), Jimmy Garoppolo (QB), Jermaine Eluemunor (OL), Amik Robertson (DB), Hunter Renfrow (WR), Bilal Nichols (DL), Austin Hooper (TE)

 

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Aidan O' Connell (2,218 yards, 12 TD, 7 INT)

RUSHING - Josh Jacobs (805 yards, 3.5 ypc, 6 TD)

RECEIVING - Davante Adams (103 receptions, 1,144 yards, 8 TD)

SACKS - Maxx Crosby (14 1/2)

INTERCEPTIONS - Robert Spillane (3), Tre'von Moehrig, Jr. (3)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - The Raiders got things going under Antonio Pierce after he took over as head coach last season and will have some new faces on both sides of the football this season. Aidan O' Connell will be the quarterback and Gardner Minshew comes in this season in place of Jimmy Garoppolo as the backup. 

The Vegas offense struggled a year ago, averaging just 19.5 PPG (23rd in NFL) and was 27th overall, gaining 290 yards per game, including just 90 YPG rushing, which was 30th in the league. Zamir White (451 yards, 4.3 ypc in 2023) will have his shot at leading the rushing game and Alexander Mattison comes over from Minnesota to bolster the running attack after he averaged just under four yards per carry last season. Davante Adams is the top wide receiver and along with Jakobi Meyers and Michael Gallup, O' Connell should have a chance to put up some decent numbers this season. 

The defense was pretty solid, finishing 15th overall (331 YPG allowed) and gave up 19.5 points per game while getting 46 sacks and picking off 13 passes. Maxx Crosby is the main man for this squad and along with Malcolm Koonce (eight sacks) keeps pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Raiders also added defensive tackle Christian Wilkins up front (nine sacks with Miami last year) and he should add to the assault this season. 

If the Raiders can keep some of the momentum from last year after Pierce took over as head coach, they could be competitive in the AFC West division. After all, they topped the Kansas City Chiefs late in the season on the road and went 4-2 in divisional play. Cutting down on the turnovers will go a long way to helping them make a run to a possible playoff spot. The team lost five one-score games, so it will be up to the offense to do its part to possibly getting them to the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. It won't be easy, but the potential is there.

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Two - at Baltimore  

Week Three - vs. Carolina 

Week Four - vs. Cleveland 

Week Five - at Denver 

Week Six - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Seven - at L.A. Rams 

Week Eight - vs. Kansas City 

Week Nine - at Cincinnati 

Week Ten - BYE 

Week Eleven - at Miami 

Week Twelve - vs. Denver 

Week Thirteen - at Kansas City 

Week Fourteen - at Tampa Bay 

Week Fifteen - vs. Atlanta 

Week Sixteen - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Seventeen - at New Orleans 

Week Eighteen - vs. L.A. Chargers