Offseason review & Predictions
2024 Off-season report and predictions
Since the confetti fell on the Kansas City Chiefs in Las Vegas back in February we have gone though free agency, the combine, the draft, and now even the schedule release. The exciting days of the NFL off-season have come to a close and outside of a few moves that will be made here or there, and some OTA’s you can pretty much take a breath for the next couple of weeks before training camp commences.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals (2023 Record: 4-13)
The Cardinals were never supposed to be a contender in 2023, and well… they lived up to the hype. A new GM that became famous for moving down, up, and all around and a new head coach fresh of a Super Bowl appearance they had a pretty stress free season. A year with no franchise QB led to a rough season. 2023 opened with some close games and even a surprise upset win over the Dallas Cowboys, but eventually the cream rose to the top and that did not include the Cardinals. The season ended up finishing just about how people expected. Once the offseason hit some additions were made including loading up on third round picks.
Key Losses: Marquise Brown- Chiefs
Rondale Moore- Falcons
Key Additions: Zay Jones- WR
Jonah Williams- LT
Justin Jones- IDL
Sean Murphy-Bunting- CB
Draft (rounds 1-3): Marvin Harrison- WR
Darius Robinson- EDGE
Max Melton- CB
Trey Benson- RB
Isiah Adams- OT
Tip Reiman- TE
Elijah Jones- CB
2024 Season Prediction: 7-10
Los Angeles Rams (2023 Record: 10-7, Lost in Wild Card Round)
Like their divisional foe, Arizona, I don’t think many people had the Rams getting a playoff win in 2023. It felt as though the magic was just running out. Rumors were swirling during the off-season of a McVay retirement along with several other players from the team. However; by the time late November rolled around the Rams were ready to prove the doubters wrong. A one point divisional win over the Seattle Seahawks began what would be a 7-1 record to close out the regular season and spot in the Wild Card round against Matthew Stafford’s old team the Detroit Lions. A one point began their late season push and a one point loss ended it, in one of the more anticipated playoff matchups in recent years.
Key Losses: Aaron Donald- Retirement
Coleman Shelton- Bears
Jordan Fuller- Panthers
Key Additions: Darious Williams- CB
Kam Curl- S
Colby Parkinson- TE
Draft (rounds 1-3): Jared Verse- EDGE
Braden Fiske- DT
Blake Corum- RB
Kam Kitchens- S
2024 Season Prediction: 9-8, Wild Card Birth
San Francisco 49ers (2023 Record: 12-5, Lost in Super Bowl)
It’s starting to feel as though the 49ers are annually fulfilling ticket requests for family and friends that want to go to the Super Bowl. The problem is… those family and friends keep leaving very disappointed. They might have the most complete roster in the NFL. The problem is… the window is beginning to close. The roster is ready to win, but Purdy will need paid very soon, and most likely one of either Samuel or Aiyuk will be gone after this season. This team has everything they need, it’s just time to do it. No more excuses.
Key Losses: Chase Young - Saints
Randy Gregory- Bears
Sebastian Joseph-Day - Titans
Key Additions: Malek Collins- IDL
Leonard Floyd- EDGE
Yetur Gross-Matos - EDGE
Draft (rounds 1-3): Ricky Pearsall- WR
Renardo Green- CB
Dominick Puni- OT
2024 Season Prediction: 12-5, Super Bowl Champions
Seattle Seahawks (2023 Record: 9-8)
The Seattle Seahawks might be one of the most interesting teams in the league. I have thought about them over the last couple of days and just have no idea what this team is. A new coaching staff, a new era, and yet it feels like they could go on a run. The old saying is of “If you have two quarterbacks you have zero.” is certainly in play with this team. They made the off-season trade for Sam Howell, and yet Geno Smith seems to show signs of a solid QB just a couple of seasons ago. They will be playing in a division where it feels like everybody got better except them, certainly time will tell, but the 2024 season could be one that the 12th man might want to forget when it’s all said and done.
Key Losses: Will Dissly- Chargers
Evan Brown- Cardinals
Damien Lewis- Panthers
Key Additions: Sam Howell- QB
Laken Tomlinson- LG
Rayshawn Jenkins- S
Draft (rounds 1-3): Byron Murphy- DT
Christian Haynes- OG
2024 Season Prediction: 7-10
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys (2023 Record: 12-5, lost in Wild Card Round)
The Dallas Cowboys are the regular season bullies of the NFL. The trend continued last year of beating up on bad teams, losing a shocker randomly, blowing out some other teams, and then failing in the playoffs. I don’t understand this team at all. It’s so noisy and loud all the time. Jerry Jones has once again botched contracts with two of his star players and very well could pay for it later (no pun intended). Their window just might be closed after the 2024 season. It’s time to make a run.
Key Losses: Tony Pollard- Titans
Tyler Biadasz- Commanders
Michael Gallup- Raiders
Key Additions: Eric Kendricks- LB
Ezekiel Elliott- RB
Royce Freeman- RB
Draft (rounds 1-3): Tyler Guyton- OT
Marshawn Kneeland- EDGE
Cooper Beebe- OG
Marist Liufau- LB
2024 Season Prediction: 9-8; Wild Card Birth
Philadelphia Eagles (2023 Record: 11-6, lost in Wild Card Round)
The age old saying of “It’s not how you start, but how you finish” should be the title of the 2023 Eagles movie. This team looked absolutely unstoppable until December. Insert the 49ers. Whatever happened during that game broke Philly and well the rest is history just like their season. They would gone to lose six of their last seven including a Wild Card round exit against the Bucs.
Key Losses: D’Andre Swift- Bears
Jason Kelce- Retirement
Haason Reddick- Jets
Key Additions: Saquon Barkley- RB
Devin White- LB
Bryce Huff- EDGE
Draft (rounds 1-3): Quinyon Mitchell- CB
Cooper DeJean- CB
Jalyx Hunt- EDGE
2024 Season Prediction: 10-7; NFC East Winner
New York Giants (2023 Record: 6-11)
The Giants had the perfect opportunity to be “the team” in New York Last year. Spoiler alert…they missed it. What a mess. You know it’s bad when the best story from the season is guy named Tommy DeVito.
Key Losses: Saquon Barkley- Eagles
Xavier McKinney- Packers
A'Shawn Robinson- Panthers
Key Additions: Allen Robinson- WR
Brian Burns- EDGE
Jermaine Eluemunor- RT
Draft (rounds 1-3): Malik Nabers- WR
Tyler Nubin- S
Andru Phillips- CB
2024 Season Prediction: 4-13
Washington Commanders (2023 Record: 4-13)
Washington just really seemed outmatched last year. Riverboat Ron finally made his last gamble, but it wasn’t for lack of trying. Players seemed to enjoy playing for him, but he just seemed to be a step behind. There seems to be life in the nation’s capital once again. A fresh voice, franchise QB, and new ownership just might be what this team needs.
Key Losses: Kendall Fuller- Dolphins
Logan Thomas- 49ers
Cody Barton- Broncos
Key Additions: Michael Davis- CB
Frankie Luvu- EDGE
Michael Deiter- LG
Draft (rounds 1-3): Jayden Daniels- QB
Jer’Zhan Newton- DT
Mike Sainristil- CB
Ben Sinnott- TE
Brandon Coleman- OG
Luke McCaffrey- WR
2024 Season Prediction: 6-11
NFC North
Detroit Lions (2023 Record: 12-5, Lost in Conference Championship)
These aren’t you same old Lions. What a year they had. The thought of biting knee caps, has certainly resonated throughout the Motor City. They were perhaps one decision away from a Super Bowl birth, but mark it down they don’t seem to be going away anytime soon.
Key Losses: Cam Sutton- Steelers
Josh Reynolds- Broncos
Jonah Jackson- Rams
Key Additions: Carlton Davis- CB
DJ Reader- IDL
Kevin Zeitler- RG
Draft (rounds 1-3): Terrion Arnold- CB
Ennis Rakestraw- CB
2024 Season Prediction: 12-5, NFC North Winner
Chicago Bears (2023 Record: 7-10)
This has to be one of the more exciting “rebuilds” in recent memory. Ryan Poles pulled of a masterclass in the last calendar year. Making the trade out of the number one pick and only to land the following year, through Carolina, to draft what many believe is a generational talent in Caleb Williams. Last year honestly wasn’t that bad, all things considered, but at the same time it just “feels” like a very big season for the coaching staff and team. Oh, and by the way we will get to see it up close and personal through the lens of Hard Knocks.
Key Losses: Cody Whitehair- Raiders
Justin Jones- Cardinals
Justin Fields- Steelers
Key Additions: Kennan Allen- WR
Kevin Byard- S
D’Andre Swift- RB
Draft (rounds 1-3): Caleb Williams- QB
Rome Odunze- WR
Kiran Amegadjie- OT
2024 Season Prediction: 9-8
Green Bay Packers (2023 Record 9-8, Lost in Divisional Round)
What a year for the Packers. I will never understand how team can be so good a draft quarterbacks, but look no further than Green Bay because it looks like they have nailed their last three. Jordan Love hit his stride last year and looks to be poised to breakout in 2024. Watch out for this team, they hungry and with a great offensive minded head coach they could be dangerous.
Key Losses: Aaron Jones- Vikings
Jon Runyan- Giants
Darnell Savage Jr.- Jaguars
Key Additions: Josh Jacobs- RB
Xavier McKinney- S
Andre Dillard- LT
Draft (rounds 1-3): Jordan Morgan- OT
Edgerrin Cooper- LB
Javon Bullard- S
MarShawn Lloyd- RB
Ty’Ron Hooper- LB
2024 Season Prediction: 11-6, Wild Card Birth
Minnesota Vikings (2023 Record, 7-10)
You couldn’t fault the Minnesota Vikings for not trying in 2023. The fact that they stayed competitive with quarterback carousel that they had is pretty impressive. However, the steadiness of Kirk Cousins is now gone. Can “JJ x2” carry the load for this team in a very strong division? Only time will tell.
Key Losses: Kirk Cousins- Atlanta
Jordan Hicks- Browns
Danielle Hunter- Texans
Key Additions: Aaron Jones- RB
Andrew Van Ginkel- EDGE
Jonathan Greenard- EDGE
Draft (rounds 1-3): JJ McCarthy- QB
Dallas Turner- EDGE
2024 Season Predictions: 8-9
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons (2023 Record: 7-10)
2023 had to of been tough for Falcons fans. The team just never seemed to get going. The offense at times was stagnant, but yet they had a chance down the stretch to make the playoffs in the weak NFC South. A bizarre first round draft pick in April only leads to more questions about this team, and yet you can look at them and see a path to a good season. This will be a fun story to watch unfold.
Key Losses: Jonnu Smith- Dolphins
Bud Dupree- Chargers
Calais Campbell- Dolphins
Key Additions: Kirk Cousins- QB
Rondale Moore- WR
Antonio Hamilton- CB
Draft (rounds 1-3): Michael Penix- QB
Ruke Orhorhoro- DT
Bralen Trice- EDGE
2024 Season Prediction: 9-8, NFC South Winners
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2023 Record: 9-8, Lost in Divisional Round)
What year for the Bucs. A team that I don’t think a lot of people had pegged to make a splash did exactly that in 2023. Baker Mayfield returned to form and led a team that played well down the stretch, and even scarred the Lions a bit at home.
Key Losses: Shaq Barrett- Dolphins
Carlton Davis- Lions
Devin White- Eagles
Key Additions: Jordan Whitehead- S
Sterling Shephard- WR
Ben Bredeson- LG
Draft (rounds 1-3): Graham Barton- OG
Chris Braswell- EDGE
Tykee Smith- S
Jalen McMillan- WR
2024 Season Prediction: 7-10
Carolina Panthers (2023 Record: 2-15)
Well, there’s not much to say other than it was bad. Very, very bad. This team was a mess in 2023, but who knows, maybe a new voice will help. The good news is they can only go up.
Key Losses: Brian Burns- Giants
Donte Jackson- Steelers
Bradley Bozeman- Chargers
Key Additions: Dionte Johnson- WR
Josey Jewell- LB
K'Lavon Chaisson- EDGE
Draft (rounds 1-3): Xavier Legette- WR
Jonathan Brooks- RB
Trevin Wallace- LB
2024 Season Prediction: 4-13
New Orleans Saints (2023 Record: 9-8)
The Saints were a team last year that seemed to always leave you scratching your head. The coaching was mediocre and so was the play on the field, and yet they finished with a chance to win the division. They are once again up against the cap, but in my opinion I just feel this team will finally run out of gas in 2024 after kicking the can down the road the last few years.
Key Losses: Marcus Maye- Dolphins
Andrus Peat- Raiders
Isaac Yiadom- 49ers
Key Additions: Chase Young- EDGE
Lucas Patrick- C
Willie Gay, Jr.- LB
Draft (rounds 1-3): Taliese Fuaga- OT
Kool-Aid Mckinstry- CB
2024 Season Prediction: 6-11
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills (2023 Record: 11-6, Lost in Divisional Round)
What a bizarre season Buffalo had last year. The entire season just seemed like a chaotic mess, but yet in the end they found themselves in the playoffs. The inconsistency of the season was evident until right around thanksgiving something just clicked in a close loss to Philadelphia in the foggy rain. When the dust settled they had rattled off six straight wins and a home playoff game. The Steelers rolled into Buffalo and well, thats about all they did as the Bills took care of business. With that win the match-up was set up for another re-match against the Kansas City Chiefs. This time, unlike previous years, it was in front of Bills Mafia, unfortunately it ended the same way. Another loss that ended the Bills season. The 2024 version Buffalo Bills will look much different.
Key Losses: Stefon Diggs- Texans
Mitch Morse- Jaguars
Jordan Poyer- Dolphins
Key Additions: Curtis Samuel- WR
Will Clapp- C
Mike Edwards- S
Draft (rounds 1-3): Keon Coleman- WR
Cole Bishop- S
Dewayne Carter- DT
2024 Season Prediction: 10-7, Wild Card Birth
New York Jets (2023 Record: 7-10)
The Jets season held so much promise. They were featured on Hard knocks. They had stacked couple of good drafts together. Their new QB was ready to take the team to the next level. Then week one came… that pretty much sums up their season.
Key Losses: Laken Tomlinson- Seahawks
Jordan Whitehead- Bucs
Mekhi Beckton- Eagles
Key Additions: Mike WIlliams- WR
Haason Reddick- EDGE
Tyron Smith- LT
Draft (rounds 1-3): Olu Fashanu- OT
Malachi Corley- WR
2024 Season Prediction 11-6, AFC East Winner
Miami Dolphins (2023 Record: 11-6, Lost in Wild Card Round)
The 2023 Dolphins might be the team in the NFL that most represents their city. Flashy, fast, and not good in the cold. This team seemed to really perform well when everything was in their favor. The speed is unreal, the roster is good, their coach is a genius, but until they learn to win the “ugly” games, I just don’t see where they go from here. Tua is mystery and they lost some pieces this off-season.
Key Losses: Jerome Baker- Seahawks
Christian Wilkins- Raiders
Robert Hunt- Panthers
Key Additions: Shaq Barrett- EDGE
Calais Campbell- IDL
Jordyn Brooks- LB
2024 Season Prediction: 9-8
New England Patriots (2023 Record: 4-13)
The end of an era. That pretty sums up the Patriots last season. A tough team to watch each week. The offense was stuck in neutral and it just seemed like the team was constantly frustrated. “Coach Bill” is no longer and the hopes of a franchise QB are here. Time will tell, but this season could be one to forget as they have a lot of work to do.
Key Losses: Myles Bryant- Texans
Trent Brown- Bengals
Ezekiel Elliot- Cowboys
Key Additions: Chukwuma Okorafor- RT
Sione Takitaki- LB
Jacoby Brissett- QB
Draft (rounds 1-3): Drake Maye- QB
Ja’lyn Polk- WR
Caedan Wallace- OT
2024 Season Prediction: 5-12
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs (2023 Record: 11-6, Super Bowl Champions)
What else can you say. This was the year to “get” the Chiefs. Turmoil during the season, had to go on the road during the playoffs, and even some baked in distractions. The result was another ring for Mahomes & Co. The quest for 3-peat will be on everyones mind.
Key Losses: Marquez Valdes-Scantling- Bills
Tommy Townsend- Texans
L'Jarius Sneed- Titans
Key Additions: Marquise Brown- WR
Irv Smith Jr.- TE
Carson Wentz- QB
Draft (rounds 1-3): Xavier Worthy- WR
Kingsley Suamataia
2024 Season Prediction: 10-7, AFC West Division Winner
Los Angeles Chargers (2023 Record: 5-12)
Defense? What Defense? That’s what comes to mind when I think of the 2023 Chargers. I will never understand how bad a defensive minded coach, could coach so bad at defense. Nonetheless he’s gone now, and insert the Harbaugh Era. This team is coming, but I think it could get worse before it gets better.
Key Losses: Keenan Allen- Bears
Kenneth Murray- Titans
Austin Ekeler- Commanders
Key Additions: Bradley Bozeman- C
Bud Dupree- Edge
Will Dissly- TE
Draft (rounds 1-3): Joe Alt- OT
Ladd McConkey- WR
Junior Colson- LB
2024 Season Prediction: 8-9
Las Vegas Raiders (2023 Record: 8-9)
They Black and Silver were a feel good story last year. After bringing joy back to there locker room something really seemed to click for them. They valiant finish ended short of their goal, but this year maybe with some stability there could be some early wins. QB is still a question, but it seems like the coaching is not.
Key Losses: Josh Jacobs- Packers
Jermaine Eluemunor- Giants
Amik Robertson- Lions
Key Additions: Michael Gallup- WR
Christian Wilkins- IDL
Gardner Minshew- QB
Draft (rounds 1-3): Brock Bowers- TE
Jackson Powers-Johnson- C
Delmar Glaze- OT
2024 Season Prediction: 6-11
Denver Broncos (2023 Record: 8-9)
Woof…what was that? I don’t know how to really correctly encapsulate the 2023 Denver Broncos, but one thing I do know is that if I was a fan of the team I would hope to never see something like that again. Sean Payton…the floor is yours. You have the control that you’ve longed for.
Key Losses: Russell Wilson- Steelers
Josey Jewell- Panthers
Lloyd Cushenberry- Titans
Key Additions: John Franklin-Myers- EDGE
Cody Barton- LB
Josh Reynolds- WR
Draft (rounds 1-3): Bo Nix- QB
Jonah Eliss- EDGE
2024 Season Prediction: 6-11
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens (2023 Record 13-4, Lost in AFC Championship)
The Ravens were a team last year that just looked like they were ready to win. The way that beat people and in particular beat up people was a sight to see. They have everything they need to compete for a title and now they have added “The King.” Get the crab cakes ready!
Key Losses: Morgan Moses- Jets
Patrick Queen- Steelers
Josh Simpson- Jets
Key Additions: Derrick Henry- RB
Deonte Harty- WR
Josh Jones- LT
Draft (rounds 1-3): Nate Wiggins- CB
Roger Rosengarten- OT
Adisa Isaac- LB
2024 Season Prediction: 11-6, Wild Card Birth
Cincinnati Bengals (2023 Record: 9-8)
It was an up and down season of emotions for the Bengals. Most people thought that when Joe Burrow went down the season was lost, but then came Jake Browning. He played very well, but in the end the injuries were just too much for the Bengals. The excitement is high in Southern Ohio for 2024.
Key Losses: Tyler Boyd- Titans
Chidobe Awuzie- Titans
Joe Mixon- Texans
Key Additions: Sheldon Rankins- IDL
Trent Brown- RT
Geno Stone- S
Draft (rounds 1-3): Amarius Mims- OT
Kris Jenkins- DT
Jermaine Burton- WR
2024 Season Prediction: 12-5, AFC North Winner
Cleveland Browns (2023 Record: 11-6, Lost in Wild Card round)
Is there a chance that best QB on the Browns roster played when he came off his couch? The Browns need to make a run this year. The noise of potentially the worst trade/contract in NFL history is getting louder and louder. Watson has barley played football and the roster has changed a bit. The Dawg Pound is ready to bark!
Key Losses: Sione Takitaki- Patriots
Joe Flacco- Colts
Anthony Walker Jr.- Dolphins
Key Additions: Jerry Jeudy- WR
Jordan Hicks- LB
Cade York- K
Draft (rounds 1-3): Michael Hall Jr.- DT
Zak Zinter- OG
2024 Season Prediction: 9-8
Pittsburgh Steelers (2023 Record: 10-7, Lost in Wild Card Round)
Tomlin continues to do Tomlin things. It’s amazing the fight the steelers showed last year. They were dead about three or four times last season, and yet they found away into the playoffs. This season has been nothing short of loud, but here we go. Get your popcorn ready!
Key Losses: Allen Robinson- Giants
Diontae Johnson- Panthers
Chukwuma Okorafor- Patriots
Key Additions: Russell Wilson- QB
Cameron Sutton- CB
Patrick Queen- LB
Draft (rounds 1-3): Troy Fautanu- OG
Zach Frazier- C
Roman Wilson- WR
Payton Wilson- LB
2024 Season Prediction: 8-9
AFC South
Houston Texans (2023 Record: 10-7; Lost in Divisional Round)
The new shiny toy of the NFL did not disappoint last year. The coach and quarterback combo literally changed the course of this franchise. CJ Stroud is the real deal, but so our sophomore slumps. The window has been vaulted wide-open, now it’s time to see how long it stays there.
Key Losses: Maliek Collins- 49ers
Sheldon Rankins- Bengals
George Fant- Seahawks
Key Additions: Denico Autry- EDGE
Stefon Diggs- WR
Danielle Hunter- EDGE
Draft (rounds 1-3): Kamari Lassiter- CB
Blake Fisher- OT
Calen Bullock- S
2024 Season Prediction: 12-5; AFC South Winner)
Jacksonville Jaguars (2023 Record: 9-8)
Ok, so let me ask the question just because everyone currently is. Is Trevor Lawrence a “generational” talent? Ok, let’s move on. This team is just simply too talented to not be competing. The coaching staff, but start getting after it because that seat is warming up.
Key Losses: Rayshawn Jenkins- Seahawks
Zay Jones- Cardinals
Calvin Ridley- Titans
Key Additions: Arik Armstead- IDL
Mitch Morse- C
Darnell Savage Jr.
Draft (rounds 1-3): Brian Thomas Jr.- WR
Maason Smith- DT
Jarrian Jones- CB
2024 Season Prediction 10-7, AFC Wild Card Birth
Indianapolis Colts (2023 Record: 9-8)
The Colts never died last season. Their franchise QB lasted four games before going down, and yet they were a catch or two away from making it to the playoffs with Gardner Minshew. Shane Steichen is the mad professor, and to be honest all the hype is there for 2024.
Key Losses: Zack Moss- Bengals
Gardner Minshew- Raiders
Isaiah McKenzie- Giants
Key Additions: Raekwon Davis- IDL
Joe Flacco- QB
Draft (rounds 1-3): Laiatu Latu- EDGE
Adonai Mitchell- WR
Matt Goncalves- OT
2024 Season Prediction: 10-7
Tennessee Titans (2023 Record: 6-11)
A new regime has begun in Tennessee, and brings plenty of questions. Who is Will Levis? Can this roster gel together? Will the offensive line get on the same page quickly? Will the age of the players have a roll? What is their new identity? Thats just to name a few.
Key Losses: Derrick Henry- Ravens
Denico Autry- Texans
Azeez Al-Shaair- Texans
Key Additions: Calvin Ridley- WR
Tony Pollard- RB
Kenneth Murray- LB
Draft (rounds 1-3): JC Latham- OT
T’Vondre Sweat- DT
2024 Season Prediction: 8-9
