ATLANTA FALCONS - 2024 Season Preview

ATLANTA FALCONS                                                                         

2023 Record - 7-10 

Head Coach - Raheem Morris 

Key Additions - Kirk Cousins (QB), Michael Penix (QB), Ray-Ray McCloud (WR/KR), Darnell Mooney (WR), Antonmio Hamilton (DB), Kevin King (DB)

Key Losses - Cordarrelle Patterson (RB/KR), Desmond Ridder (QB) Calais Campbell (DL), Bud Dupree (LB), Van Jefferson (WR), Jeff Odukah (DB), Jonnu Smith (TE), Scott Miller (WR)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Desmond Ridder (2,836 yards, 12 TD, 12 INT)

RUSHING - Bijan Robinson (976 yards, 4.6 ypc, 4 TD)

RECEIVING - Drake London (69 receptions, 905 yards, 2 TD)

SACKS - Calais Campbell (6 1/2), Bud Dupree (6 1/2), Arnold Ebiketie (6)

INTERCEPTIONS - Jesse Bates III (6)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 -The Falcons will have a new Head Coach as Raheem Morris takes over and the new quarterback will be veteran Kirk Cousins, who is coming off Achilles tendon surgery. Cousins comes over from the Minnesota Vikings and has consistently put up big numbers each season. His experience in the playoffs hasn't been as good, so it remains to be seen how things will shake out with his new team. Rookie QB Michael Penix (Washington) is also on board this season. 

The Falcons were in the middle of the pack last year on offense, averaging 334 YPG and averaged 18.7 points per game. Running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are a solid tandem as Atlanta was ninth best in the NFL running the football. Wideouts Drake London and Darnell Mooney and tight end Kyle Pitts will provide Cousins with the targets in the passing game. 

The Falcons defense was decent a year ago, ranking 11th overall (321 YPG allowed) and giving up 21.9 points per game while getting 42 sacks and eight picks. There is some turnover on personnel with defensive front men Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree leaving and corners Kevin King and Antonio Hamilton coming on board. The defense needs to generate more turnovers as the Falcons were a minus-12 in that area a year ago. 

This team could compete in the NFC South division as the Saints and Panthers look to improve while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to be the team to beat again this season. Six one-score losses made the difference as Atlanta finished two games behind the Bucs for the division crown a year ago. If the Falcons want to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017, Cousins and company will have to step it up on offense. The playoffs are a possibility, but it will likely be how this team does in divisional play that will determine the outcome.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Pittsburgh

Week Two - at Philadelphia 

Week Three - vs. Kansas City 

Week Four - vs. New Orleans 

Week Five - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Six - at Carolina 

Week Seven - vs. Seattle 

Week Eight - at Tampa Bay 

Week Nine - vs. Dallas 

Week Ten - at New Orleans 

Week Eleven - at Denver 

Week Twelve - BYE 

Week Thirteen - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Fourteen - at Minnesota 

Week Fifteen - at Las Vegas 

Week Sixteen - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Seventeen - at Washington 

Week Eighteen - vs. Carolina 

MIAMI DOLPHINS - 2024 Season Preview

MIAMI DOLPHINS                                                                         

2023 Record - 11-6 

Head Coach - Mike McDaniel 

Key Additions - Jordan Poyer (DB), Shaq Barrett (LB), Odell Beckham, Jr. (WR), Kendall Fuller (DB), Aaron Brewer (OL), Jordyn Brooks (LB), Anthony Walker (LB)

Key Losses - Christian Wilkins (DL), Xavien Howard (DB), DeShon Elliott (DB), Cedrick Wilson, Jr. (WR), Andrew Van Ginkel (LB)

 

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Tua Tagovailoa (4,624 yards, 29 TD, 14 INT)

RUSHING - Raheem Mostert (1,012 yards, 4.8 ypc, 18 TD)

RECEIVING - Tyreek Hill (119 receptions, 1,799 yards, 13 TD)

SACKS - Bradley Chubb (11)

INTERCEPTIONS - Jalen Ramsey (3)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - For all the fan fare and explosive offense the Dolphins put up last season, they went out rather quietly in the cold Kansas City air in mid January in the wild card round of the playoffs as they scored just one touchdown. Head Coach Mike McDaniel definitely wants that to change this year after the team was 9-3 and then limped home and finished second to Buffalo in the AFC East division. 

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa stayed healthy for the first time in three years and it showed as he and wide receiver Tyreek Hill were a two-man wrecking crew. The Dolphins led the league in offense, gaining 401 yards per game and averaged 29.2 PPG, which was second best in the regular season. Along with Jaylen Waddle (and Hill), Miami has perhaps the best wide receiver duo in  the NFL. Both wideouts topped 1,000 yards and combined for 17 touchdowns. Running back Raheem Mostert scored 18 times on the ground while averaging 4.8 yards per carry to balance out the offense. 

The defense was suspect at times in 2023, but still finished tenth overall, allowing 318 YPG and giving up 23 points per game, which ranked 22nd. The run defense is solid, but the pass defense gave up 221 YPG and allowed too many big plays. The Dolphins did get 15 interceptions and with Bradley Chubb leading the way, had 56 sacks, which was third best in the NFL. 

As long as they maintain health and protect the football, Miami has a legitimate shot at knocking Buffalo from the top spot in the divisional race and could make some noise in the playoffs. They have to be prepared to play better football on the road where they lost five times (including playoff loss) a year ago. The key thing will be getting off to another fast start as the schedule looks to be more favorable the first half this season. The final six games looks like a gauntlet and if Miami comes out of that stretch with three or more wins, the playoffs should be a lock.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Two - vs. Buffalo 

Week Three - at Seattle 

Week Four - vs. Tennessee 

Week Five - at New England 

Week Six - BYE 

Week Seven - at Indianapolis 

Week Eight - vs. Arizona 

Week Nine - at Buffalo 

Week Ten - at L.A. Rams 

Week Eleven - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Twelve - vs. New England 

Week Thirteen - at Green Bay 

Week Fourteen - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Fifteen - at Houston 

Week Sixteen - vs. San Francisco 

Week Seventeen - at Cleveland 

Week Eighteen - at N.Y. Jets 

 

PITTSBURGH STEELERS - 2024 Season Preview

PITTSBURGH STEELERS                                                  

2023 Record -10-7 

Head Coach - Mike Tomlin 

Key Additions - Russell Wilson (QB), Justin Fields (QB), Patrick Queen (LB), Van Jefferson (WR), Donte Jackson (DB), DeShon Elliott (DB), Cordarrelle Patterson (RB/KR)

Key Losses - Diontae Johnson (WR), Kenny Pickett (QB), Mason Cole (OL), Kwon Alexander (LB), Patrick Peterson (DB), Levi Wallace (DB)

 

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Kenny Pickett (2,070 yards, 6 TD, 4 INT)

RUSHING - Najee Harris (1,035 yards, 4.1 ypc, 8 TD)

RECEIVING - George Pickens (63 receptions, 1,140 yards, 5 TD)

SACKS - T.J. Watt (19)

INTERCEPTIONS -Damontae Kazee (2), Alex Highsmith (2)

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin is entering his 18th season with the team and last year he continued to defy the odds with yet another winning season and playoff appearance. Tomlin has never had a losing season since taking over in Steel Town in 2007. The Steelers play in the toughest division in the NFL (AFC North) and went 5-1 in division play last season. 

This year, it's a whole new look at quarterback with Russell Wilson (3,070 passing yards, 26 TD, 8 INT with Denver) and Justin Fields (2,562 passing yards, 16 TD, 9 INT and 657 rushing yards, 4 TD with Chicago) in camp to help improve the passing game, which ranked 25th overall (186 YPG) last year. The Steelers gained 304 yards per game (25th in NFL) while averaging just 17.9 points per game. Wilson has been around for 13 seasons now and if he can play like he did a year ago as opposed to 2022, the Steelers could be much improved on offense. 

The Steelers defense is led by linebacker T.J. Watt and he showed why he is perhaps the top defensive player in the NFL last year for a team that was 21st in total defense, allowing 342 yards per game. Pittsburgh was tough in the red zone as they allowed just 19 points per game while also getting 47 sacks and 16 interceptions. The secondary will feature some new faces via free agency and that should keep things flowing back there for a team ranked in the middle of the pack against the pass. 

If the Steelers want to repeat last year and make it back to the playoffs, then the offense must step up and deliver with Wilson (or Fields) at quarterback to score more points. The schedule this year is rough, especially on the back half with six division games and matches against Philadelphia and defending Super champion Kansas City on Christmas Day. The playoffs are a realistic goal for this team as they look to compete for the division title. Skeptics may scoff at that, but look at the track record Tomlin has and do not doubt the abilities of the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers.

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Atlanta 

Week Two - at Denver 

Week Three - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Four - at Indianapolis 

Week Five - vs. Dallas 

Week Six - at Las Vegas 

Week Seven - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Eight - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Nine - BYE 

Week Ten - at Washington 

Week Eleven - vs. Baltimore 

Week Twelve - at Cleveland 

Week Thirteen - at Cincinnati 

Week Fourteen - vs. Cleveland 

Week Fifteen - at Philadelphia 

Week Sixteen - at Baltimore 

Week Seventeen - vs. Kansas City 

Week Eighteen - vs. Cincinnati 

 

 

CAROLINA PANTHERS - 2024 Season Preview

CAROLINA PANTHERS                                                                                

2023 Record - 2-15 

Head Coach - Dave Canales 

Key Additions - Diontae Johnson (WR), Jadeveon Clowney (LB), Jordan Fuller (DB), Nick Scott (DB), D.J. Wonnum (LB), Robert Hunt (OL), A'Shawn Robinson (DL), Damien Lewis (OL)

Key Losses - Brian Burns (LB), Shaquill Griffin (DB), Hayden Hurst (TE), Jeremy Chinn (DB), Donte Jackson (DB), Vonn Bell (DB), DJ Chark (WR)

 

2023 STATS LINE

PASSING - Bryce Young (2,877 yards, 11 TD, 10 INT)

RUSHING - Chuba Hubbard (902 yards, 3.8 ypc, 5 TD)

RECEIVING - Adam Thielen (103 receptions, 1,014 yards, four TD)

SACKS - Brian Burns (8)

INTERCEPTIONS - Xavier Woods (2)

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - The Panthers are coming off one of their worst ever seasons and rookie quarterback Bryce Young was less than stellar. This season he will look to prove the doubters wrong as new Head Coach Dave Canales takes over. Carolina seems to have a long way to go, but the NFC South division isn't exactly a killer one and these days quick turnarounds seem to happen more than back in the day. 

Young struggled last season as the number one draft pick while the guy selected right after him (quarterback C.J. Stroud) set rookie records and led the lowly Houston Texans to the playoffs. The Panthers had the worst passing offense in pro football (161 YPG) last season and that has to improve if they want to move up at all. The offense gained just 265 yards per game a year ago (32nd in NFL) and 13.9 points per game scored isn't going to cut it at all. Plus the offensive line must improve after allowing 65 sacks. 

The defense was pretty good, ranking fourth overall (294 YPG allowed) and ranked third in the league against the pass, yielding only 172 yards per game. They allowed 24.5 points per game (29th in NFL) but improvement is needed in takeaways as they had only eight interceptions and just 27 sacks. That must improve to get this team heading in the right direction in the 2024 season. Jadeveon Clowney comes over from Baltimore and he had 9 1/2 sacks last year, so that should help improve the pass rush. 

The bottom line for this team is improving from last season's disaster. The Panthers should be able to win more than two games this time around, but a lot of that will hinge on whether Young makes a move upward as he will he have some new targets to pass to this year. If the team gets some breaks (they had six one score losses in 2023) this season and plays consistent football, they will improve and continue building toward a better future.

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One -  at New Orleans 

Week Two - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Three - at Las Vegas 

Week Four - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Five - at Chicago 

Week Six - vs. Atlanta 

Week Seven - at Washington 

Week Eight - at Denver 

Week Nine - vs. New Orleans 

Week Ten - vs. N.Y. Giants (Munich, Germany) 

Week Eleven - BYE 

Week Twelve - vs. Kansas City 

Week Thirteen - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Fourteen - at Philadelphia

Week Fifteen - vs. Dallas 

Week Sixteen - vs. Arizona 

Week Seventeen - at Tampa Bay 

Week Eighteen - at Atlanta

 

 

BUFFALO BILLS - 2024 Season Preview

BUFFALO BILLS                                                                                   

2023 Record - 11-6

Head Coach - Sean McDermott 

Key Additions - Curtis Samuel (WR), Will Clapp (OL), La'el Collins (OL), Nick Morrow (LB), Austin Johnson (DL), DeShawn Williams (DL)

Key Losses - Stefon Diggs (WR), Gabe Davis (WR), Mitch Morse (OL), Leonard Floyd (DL), Micah Hyde (DB), Jordan Poyer (DB), Tyrel Dodson (LB), Jordan Phillips (DL)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Josh Allen (4,306 yards, 29 TD, 18 INT)

RUSHING - James Cook (1,122 yards, 4.7 ypc, 2 TD)

RECEIVING - Stefon Diggs (107 receptions, 1,183 yards, 8 TD)

SACKS - Leonard Floyd (10 1/2)

INTERCEPTIONS - Rasul Douglas (5)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - After finishing fourth overall in the NFL in total offense last year, the Bills will be in transition with two new wideouts for the passing game after Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis departed this off-season. Quarterback Josh Allen is one the best in the NFL and he will have new faces on hand along with tight end Dalton Kincaid, who had 73 receptions a year ago. Wide receiver Curtis Samuel comes over from Washington and will be a big factor for the passing game.

James Cook leads the running game and Allen will also take off and get some yardage with his legs as well as the team ranked in the top ten in both areas. The Bills put up 26.5 points per game last season and will have to be able to equal that if they want to win another AFC East title. Both Miami and the New York Jets are getting big time hype to take down the Bills this time around. Buffalo averaged 375 yards per game last year and Allen will look to keep the team on a steady track to continue the winning this year.

The Buffalo defense took a hit last year when linebacker Matt Milano was injured, so getting him back healthy is a big time gain and edge rusher Von Miller will look to team with tackle Ed Oliver to cause chaos up front. The defense ranked ninth last year, allowing 307 YPG while also getting 18 interceptions and amassing 54 sacks. Opponents averaged 18.3 PPG against the Bills defense. 

The Bills should be right there in early January and Head Coach Sean McDermott will be looking for his team to make more noise in the playoffs as they narrowly missed getting to the AFC Championship Game a year ago. If the Bills are to make a deep push in January, they will have to figure out a way to beat Kansas City, which has been their nemesis the last few seasons.

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Arizona 

Week Two - at Miami 

Week Three - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Four - at Baltimore 

Week Five - at Houston 

Week Six - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Seven - vs. Tennessee 

Week Eight - at Seattle 

Week Nine - vs. Miami 

Week Ten - at Indianapolis 

Week Eleven - vs. Kansas City 

Week Twelve - BYE

Week Thirteen - vs. San Francisco 

Week Fourteen - at L.A. Rams 

Week Fifteen - at Detroit 

Week Sixteen - vs. New England 

Week Seventeen - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Eighteen - at New England 

CHICAGO BEARS - 2024 Season Preview

CHICAGO BEARS                                                                    

2023 Record - 7-10 

Head Coach - Matt Eberflus 

Key Additions - Keenan Allen (WR), D'Andre Swift (RB), Gerald Everett (TE), Kevin Byard (S), Jonathan Owens (S)

Key Losses - Dustin Jones (DL), Justin Fields (QB), Eddie Jackson (S), Cody Whitehair (OL), Yannick Ngakoue (DL)

 

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Justin Fields (2,562 yards, 16 TD, 9 INT)

RUSHING - Justin Fields (657 yards, 5.3 ypc, 4 TD); Khalil Herbert (611 yards, 4.6 ypc, 2 TD) 

RECEIVING - DJ Moore (96 receptions, 1,364 yards, 8 TD) 

SACKS - Montez Sweat (6)

INTERCEPTIONS - Jaylon Johnson (4); Tremaine Edmunds (4); Tyrique Stevenson (4)

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - The Bears finished strong last year, especially on defense and this season will look to get the offense up to par as they drafted quarterback Caleb Williams (USC) with the first pick in the NFL draft. The Bears offense ranked 20th overall in 2023, averaging 323 yards per game and they scored 21.2 points per game. The offensive line was an issue a year ago, allowing 50 sacks, so that is a priority to improve as they look to protect their new quarterback. 

Along with a new QB, Chicago brought in All-Pro wide receiver Keenan Allen (from L.A. Chargers) and he had 108 receptions for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns. Tight end Gerald Everett (also from Chargers) and running back D'Andre Swift (1,049 rushing yards, 4.6 ypc and five TD with Philadelphia) also came over in the off-season to give them multiple weapons. DJ Moore is the top dog in the Bears receiving corps and should be their main target again this season. Rookie first round pick wide receiver  Rome Odunze (Washington) will be in the mix as well.

The defense is led by a fierce pass rush, which was bolstered by defensive end Montez Sweat halfway through the 2023 season. The Bears had just 30 sacks, but their defense was 12th overall, allowing 324 YPG and allowed 22.3 PPG and they had the best run defense in the NFL. The secondary is superb, getting 22 interceptions last year (tied for first overall) and they have several ball hawks that can cause problems for opposing offenses. 

If Chicago can stay healthy and rookie QB Caleb Williams proves to be the real deal, this team should improve from 7-10 a year ago and could be a playoff team. Head Coach Matt Eberflus will be feeling the heat if the team doesn't compete with the big boys of the NFC North (Detroit and Green Bay) but in the topsy turvy world of the NFL, things can change quickly and that is what the Bears are counting on this season.

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Tennessee 

Week Two - at Houston 

Week Three - at Indianapolis

Week Four - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Five - vs. Carolina 

Week Six - vs. Jacksonville (London, England) 

Week Seven - BYE 

Week Eight - at Washington 

Week Nine - at Arizona 

Week Ten - vs. New England 

Week Eleven - vs. Green Bay 

Week Twelve - vs. Minnesota 

Week Thirteen - at Detroit 

Week Fourteen - at San Francisco 

Week Fifteen - at Minnesota 

Week Sixteen - vs. Detroit 

Week Seventeen - vs. Seattle 

Week Eighteen - at Green Bay 

 

 

 

 

DALLAS COWBOYS - 2024 Season Preview

DALLAS COWBOYS                                                                              

2023 Record - 12-5 

Head Coach - Mike McCarthy 

Key Additions - Eric Kendricks (LB), Martavis Bryant (WR), Ezekiel Elliott (RB)

Key Losses - Tyron Smith (LB), Stephon Gilmore (CB), Tony Pollard (RB), Michael Gallup (WR), Johnathan Hankins (DT)

2023 STATS LINE 

PASSING - Dak Prescott (4,516 yards, 36 TD, 9 INT)

RUSHING - Ezekiel Elliott (635 yards, 3.5 ypc, 3 TD) (with New England)

RECEIVING - CeeDee Lamb (135 receptions, 1,749 yards, 12 TD)

SACKS - Micah Parsons (14)

INTERCEPTIONS - DaRon Bland (9)

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - The Cowboys keep putting up good numbers each season, then go belly up in the playoffs. 

The heat is on Head Coach Mike McCarthy to get this team moving on in the post-season or it could be curtains for him this time around. The offense can score points in bunches and quarterback Dak Prescott needs to put up or shut up when the playoffs begin. He annually has impressive stats during the regular season, but in crunch time doesn't get it done. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is the featured target in the passing game and Ezekiel Elliott is back after one season with New England to lead the running game after Tony Pollard wasn't re-signed. The Cowboys averaged just under 30 points per game last year and ranked fifth in the NFL in total offense, averaging 372 yards per game.

The defense was decent last season and is led by linebacker/edge rusher Micah Parsons along with a strong secondary that features DaRon Bland, Travon Diggs (coming off knee surgery) and Malik Hooker. The Dallas defense had 46 sacks in 2023 and picked off 17 passes while allowing 18.5 PPG and was fifth in total defense in the NFL, allowing 300 yards per game.

Another playoff appearance should be in the cards, but they will have to fight it out with Philadelphia again to repeat as NFC East champions. No team has won back-to-back division titles in the NFC East in 20 years. The bottom line for this team in 2024 is making noise in the playoffs. That could happen if they keep their focus and avoid injuries to key players. Once again, a Super Bowl appearance is not likely to happen.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Cleveland 

Week Two - vs. New Orleans 

Week Three - vs. Baltimore 

Week Four - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Five - at Pittsburgh 

Week Six - vs. Detroit 

Week Seven - BYE 

Week Eight - at San Francisco 

Week Nine - at Atlanta 

Week Ten - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Eleven - vs. Houston 

Week Twelve - at Washington 

Week Thirteen - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Fourteen - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Fifteen - at Carolina 

Week Sixteen - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Seventeen - at Philadelphia 

Week Eighteen - vs. Washington