With the 2024 NFL common season across the nook, each group within the league is ready to make some robust choices, chopping down the roster to get 53 males who will begin the yr with Tremendous Bowl aspirations.
Nevertheless, with solely so many playoff spots to safe, each group will probably be combating to return out of their division as winners, or at the least earn a wild card spot.
FOX Sports activities’ Colin Cowherd gave his predictions for a way every division will shake out earlier than coaching camp started. Utilizing these rankings, here’s a breakdown of every group in every division, persevering with with the AFC West.
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Patrick Mahomes, #15 of the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, appears for an open receiver throughout the first quarter of a preseason sport in opposition to the Detroit Lions at GEHA Area at Arrowhead Stadium on Aug. 17, 2024 in Kansas Metropolis, Missouri. (David Eulitt/Getty Pictures)
1. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Colin says: “Kansas Metropolis till additional discover. They’ve received the division eight straight occasions. Greatest coach in soccer, greatest quarterback. They get it.”
The Chiefs are in a unique weight class within the division, and so they maintain punching down on their rivals after profitable the division for the eighth straight season final yr on their technique to back-to-back Tremendous Bowls.
Everybody will probably be speaking about whether or not this group can grow to be the primary in league historical past to win three straight Lombardi Trophies, not essentially if they are going to win the division as a result of they’ve been that good.
First issues first, although, will probably be 9 straight titles to make one other playoff run.
NFC WEST BREAKDOWN: HOW WILL THE DIVISION SHAKE OUT IN NFL SEASON?
KEY ADDITION: WRs XAVIER WORTHY & HOLLYWOOD BROWN
The Chiefs received the Tremendous Bowl, sure, however there was a time throughout the common season in 2023 when Patrick Mahomes’ receiving weapons had been extremely questioned, particularly at huge receiver.
Rashee Rice got here on late within the common season in his rookie yr, however gamers like Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney and Justin Watson simply weren’t getting the job performed. The Chiefs nonetheless discovered methods to win video games, however there was numerous head-scratching from head coach Andy Reid, Mahomes and Chiefs followers alike when dropped passes and mis-ran routes harm them in-game.
Extensive receiver Xavier Worthy, #1 of the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, participates in OTA offseason exercises at The College of Kansas Well being System Coaching Complicated on Might 22, 2024 in Kansas Metropolis, Missouri. (Jamie Squire/Getty Pictures)
Enter the speedy rookie Worthy and a dynamic receiver in Brown to hopefully give Mahomes higher choices this time round.
BIGGEST QUESTION: THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM?
Like we stated, it’s a matter of the Tremendous Bowl, not the division.
If the Chiefs miss the playoffs, it will be the NFL’s greatest shock, as a result of they’re higher roster-wise than they had been final season on their technique to profitable all of it.
Mahomes has been rewriting historical past since he entered the league in Kansas Metropolis, and that’s all they’ve their sights on this yr with the third straight Tremendous Bowl in thoughts.
WEEK 1: VS. BALTIMORE RAVENS (SEPT. 5 at 8:15 P.M.)
2. Los Angeles Chargers
Colin says: “I feel the Chargers have limitations on the perimeter…they may make a transfer, in my view. I’ll take them second.”
Now, as a result of Cowherd made these predictions earlier than the beginning of the common season, he believed the Chargers would make a push for San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk amid their contract dispute. With that solved, maybe Los Angeles will look elsewhere for receivers earlier than the commerce deadline.
Nevertheless, Jim Harbaugh’s return to the NFL is likely one of the greatest storylines of the yr, as he appears to show the tides for the Chargers after a putrid 5-12 season in 2023.
It’s a new look all over the place for the Chargers, however with beatable groups within the division outdoors the Chiefs, they’ve an opportunity to sneak into the playoffs if all goes effectively.
KEY ADDITION: WR LADD McCONKEY
Harbaugh is the large addition for certain, however when wanting on the roster, maybe no participant is extra vital than Ladd McConkey, the group’s second-round decide, within the receiving sport.
With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, Justin Herbert’s prime two choices in previous seasons on the perimeter, gone, somebody might want to step up at receiver. The Chargers had Joshua Palmer on the roster, and D.J. Chark got here in by way of free company, however McConkey is somebody who has been turning some heads at coaching camp.
The crops route runner had an excellent profession in Georgia, and now he may grow to be Herbert’s security blanket on this new offense underneath OC Greg Roman.
Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers on the podium earlier than an NFL soccer follow at Hoag Efficiency Middle on June 13, 2024 in Costa Mesa, California. (Ric Tapia/Getty Pictures)
BIGGEST QUESTION: IS HARBAUGH THE RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOB?
He’s coming off an undefeated, nationwide championship-winning season with the Michigan Wolverines and joins a roster with questions at a number of positions. Nevertheless, some imagine he has sufficient to make a run within the AFC Wild Card race.
First, Herbert is likely one of the most proficient quarterbacks within the NFL. Then, the addition of Gus Edwards and J.Okay. Dobbins suits effectively for a run-heavy group Harbaugh often likes. On protection, gamers like Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack and Derwin James Jr. make for a stable bunch to rally round.
Harbaugh is a pacesetter of males, which is effectively documented irrespective of the place he has coached. Can he rally the Chargers into a bunch that turns into formidable once more straight away, or will it take time? The Chargers signed him long-term, however he would like to see success sooner fairly than later.
NFC EAST BREAKDOWN: HOW WILL DIVISION SHAKE OUT IN 2024 NFL SEASON?
WEEK 1: VS. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (SEPT. 8 at 4:05 P.M.)
3. Denver Broncos
Colin says: “I just like the Broncos greater than Vegas, however [Pro Football Focus] says [the] worst roster within the league.”
Sean Payton had a full-blown quarterback battle this coaching camp, and the twelfth general decide, Bo Nix, proved worthy of his draft inventory as he received that battle.
Nevertheless, does Nix have sufficient round him to show round this Broncos offense? Is the roster as an entire sufficient to compete in 2024? The Broncos will probably be answering these questions quickly.
Bo Nix, #10 of the Denver Broncos, throws in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers throughout a preseason sport at Empower Area At Mile Excessive on Aug. 18, 2024 in Denver. (Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Pictures)
KEY ADDITION: QB BO NIX
The Russell Wilson period in Denver was short-lived, and the break-up was contentious, as Payton couldn’t transfer ahead with him underneath middle in his offense.
Enter Nix, who shined with Oregon in a season when he was lastly wholesome sufficient to place up some huge numbers. He impressed Payton as he battled in opposition to Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham for the beginning position, and the top coach believes he provides Denver one of the best probability to win in 2024.
Nix has proven a propensity to be correct all around the discipline, possessing the arm energy to suit balls into tight home windows and get them downfield when his man is open for the large play. Nix had a 76.7 completion charge (23-for-30) in his preseason work with 205 passing yards and two touchdowns thrown.
BIGGEST QUESTION: IS THERE ENOUGH ON THE ROSTER?
The offense has a stable working again in Javonte Williams, and Courtland Sutton is an effective prime receiver. Nevertheless, with a rookie quarterback and mediocre secondary choices within the go sport, there are usually not many who’re excessive on the Broncos’ offensive output in 2024.
On protection, Denver employs maybe one of the best cornerback within the league, Pat Surtain II, however will the Broncos have go rush? Can they maintain it down outdoors Surtain within the secondary?
The Broncos try to construct one thing to compete within the AFC, however it might not be this yr to appreciate their potential.
WEEK 1: @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (SEPT. 8 at 4:05 P.M.)
4. Las Vegas Raiders
Colin says: “Raiders fourth. They’ve acquired a rookie coach and quarterback points.”
The Raiders noticed a little bit of rejuvenated vitality when Josh McDaniels was relieved of his duties as head coach final season, and Antonio Pierce took over on an interm foundation.
Gardner Minshew, #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders, makes an attempt a go throughout the second quarter in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys throughout a preseason sport at Allegiant Stadium on Aug. 17, 2024 in Las Vegas. (Ian Maule/Getty Pictures)
Now, Pierce dropped the interim tag after being named full-time head coach after the Raiders’ teaching search, and so they need to maintain the vibes excessive.
Nevertheless, to Cowherd’s quarterback points, Gardner Minshew was named starter over second-year sign caller Aidan O’Connell, but some imagine Minshew is extra of an excellent backup than a real starter within the NFL. Can the Raiders, armed with Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, Brock Bowers and others, get the best manufacturing from him?
KEY ADDITION: TE Brock Bowers
The Raiders’ first-round decide shined at Georgia together with his skills as the fashionable tight finish – somebody who can pancake linebackers within the blocking sport, whereas making huge catches irrespective of the down.
What Las Vegas wants is playmakers outdoors Adams, and whereas gamers like working again Zamir White, who may have an elevated position this season, and Meyers have performed effectively to make huge performs final season, Brock Bowers may very well be somebody that shortly finds chemistry with Minshew on the quick and intermediate ranges to choose up first downs and rating.
On paper, Bowers has the measurable and spotlight reels that present he could make an instantaneous affect for the Raiders. In the event that they want to take a look at the playoffs, having stable manufacturing out of him will probably be very important.
BIGGEST QUESTION: CAN MINSHEW HOLD THE JOB?
One of many major issues for the Raiders final season was quarterback, to the purpose the place Adams admitted that, if Jimmy Garoppolo was not benched, he was not going to be a cheerful man.
The Raiders don’t wish to see the identical factor occur this season, so it’s as much as Minshew, who performed very effectively for the Indianapolis Colts when rookie Anthony Richardson went down for the yr with a shoulder harm, to carry on to that quarterback job.
The AFC West has been owned by the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, however a brand new season brings new alternatives for each squad. (Getty Pictures)
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Get the ball to Adams, who’s at all times open. Choose up these first downs and quick touchdowns together with your legs like we have noticed final season. Minshew has the expertise, however the consistency is what the Raiders actually need.
WEEK 1: @ LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (SEPT. 8 at 4:05 P.M.)
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