As the dust settles on the free agency frenzy and the NFL Draft, it’s time to unveil our way-too-early top ten Super Bowl contenders for the 2024 season. After assessing each team’s moves in free agency, evaluating the returning personnel, and considering the impact of the draft, we’ve identified five teams from each conference that we believe have the potential to make it to New Orleans next February to battle it out for the Lombardi Trophy. These rankings are not just based on past performance but also consider the strategic moves made by each team to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season. Now, let’s dive into our early predictions for the top contenders in the NFL.
AFC
Kansas City Chiefs: The Kansas City Chiefs continue to be a dominant force in the NFL, thanks in large part to the incredible talent of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. With Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs are always a threat to win it all. However, their success isn’t solely reliant on Mahomes’ arm; a strong defense also bolsters it. One of the most significant moves of the offseason was securing the services of defensive tackle Chris Jones. By re-signing Jones to a lucrative five-year, $158.75 million deal, the Chiefs solidified their defensive line and ensured continuity on the defensive front. With Mahomes leading the offense and Jones anchoring the defense, the Chiefs are poised to make another deep playoff run and contend for another Super Bowl title.
Baltimore Ravens: The Baltimore Ravens enter the 2024 season with high hopes, led by the dynamic playmaker Lamar Jackson. Coming off his second MVP award, Jackson continues to elevate his game and lead the Ravens’ offense with his dual-threat ability. With another year under his belt in the team’s new offensive scheme, Jackson’s command of the playbook and chemistry with his teammates are expected to be even stronger.
Despite their regular-season success, highlighted by a 13-4 record and home-field advantage in the playoffs, the Ravens fell short in the AFC title game against the Chiefs. One of the critical factors in their defeat was the team’s reluctance to rely more on their rushing attack, a strategy that has been a cornerstone of their success in previous seasons.
As they look ahead to the upcoming season, the Ravens will aim to strike a better balance on offense and utilize their ground game more effectively, particularly in crucial matchups. With Jackson leading the charge and a renewed focus on their rushing attack, the Ravens are poised to contend for a Super Bowl berth again in 2024.
Bills: The Buffalo Bills are undergoing significant changes heading into the 2024 season, with notable departures and adjustments to their roster. Despite these shifts, one constant remains: quarterback Josh Allen. As the cornerstone of their offense, Allen’s presence ensures that the Bills remain formidable contenders in the AFC East.
While the Bills have traded away star receiver Stefon Diggs and made other personnel changes, these transitions highlight the true test of a quarterback’s mettle. Elite quarterbacks like Allen demonstrate their value through their talent and ability to adapt and elevate their team amidst roster changes.
These situations provide grounds for quarterbacks to showcase their leadership and resilience. Despite changes to the supporting cast, Allen’s capacity to continue leading the Bills effectively underscores his status as one of the league’s premier signal-callers. As the Bills embark on a new season, Allen’s presence instills confidence that they can overcome challenges and remain competitive in the AFC landscape.
Bengals: The Cincinnati Bengals are eyeing a return to the top of the AFC North, banking on the health of their star quarterback, Joe Burrow. Burrow’s presence on the field is crucial to the Bengals’ success, as evidenced by their two consecutive AFC North titles before his injury in 2023. Unfortunately, Burrow’s season was cut short due to a torn ligament in his right wrist, derailing the Bengals’ playoff aspirations.
As the Bengals look ahead to the 2024 season, the key to their Super Bowl contention lies in Burrow’s ability to stay healthy and lead the team on the field. With his exceptional talent and leadership, Burrow has the potential to elevate the Bengals’ offense and propel them back into contention for the division title and beyond.
Texans: Quarterback CJ Stroud emerged as a catalyst for the Houston Texans’ resurgence, leading them to their first postseason appearance since 2019 and clinching the AFC South title in an impressive rookie campaign. Building on this momentum, the Texans have proactively bolstered their roster during the offseason.
One notable move was the acquisition of former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs, adding a dynamic playmaker to their offensive arsenal. Additionally, the Texans fortified their defense with crucial signings, including Danielle Hunter, Denico Autry, and Azeez Al-Shaair, enhancing their ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
With a potent mix of talent and experience and Stroud’s leadership under center, the Texans are poised to build upon their recent success and establish themselves as contenders in the AFC. As they prepare for the 2024 season, expectations are high in Houston as they aim to solidify their standing in the competitive AFC South division.
NFC
49ers: As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a familiar position: poised to contend for the NFC crown once again. With the core of their Super Bowl runner-up team from the previous season largely intact, the 49ers boast a formidable lineup that positions them as favorites in the NFC.
Despite falling short in their quest for a championship, the 49ers have retained key pieces of their roster, ensuring continuity and stability as they pursue postseason success. At the heart of their aspirations lies quarterback Brock Purdy, who has emerged as a pivotal figure in the team’s quest for glory.
As Purdy continues to develop and excel on his rookie contract, the 49ers recognize the importance of maximizing their opportunities to contend while he remains on favorable financial terms. With Purdy poised to become the focal point of their franchise and potentially sign a lucrative contract in the future, the 49ers understand the urgency of capitalizing on their current contention window.
Lions: The Detroit Lions emerged as formidable contenders last season, showcasing their prowess with a remarkable run that saw them on the cusp of Super Bowl glory. However, as they bask in the glow of newfound success, they must now navigate the challenges of being the team to beat. Securing their first division title since 1993 and making their inaugural appearance in the NFC title game since 1992, the Lions have elevated themselves to a new echelon of competitiveness. With a dynamic core comprising talents like Jared Goff, Amon Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions have high expectations to sustain their dominance in the NFC. As they embark on this journey, they face the daunting task of maintaining their momentum and overcoming the heightened scrutiny of being a hunted team.
Packers: The Green Bay Packers enter the 2024 season with renewed confidence in their future under center, thanks to the promising performances of Jordan Love. Love seized the spotlight during last season’s playoff push, demonstrating his potential as the next elite passer in the history of the Packers. Despite a one-year audition, Love showcased his ability to lead the team. He guided them to a postseason berth highlighted by a thrilling upset victory over the top-seeded Dallas Cowboys in the wildcard round. With a talented array of receivers at his disposal, including Christian Watson and emerging stars, the Packers’ offense is primed to light up the scoreboard. Additionally, the defense undergoes a makeover, poised to emerge as a more robust unit.
Rams: The Los Angeles Rams approach the 2024 season with optimism following a successful draft, yet they face the daunting task of adjusting to the absence of a defensive stalwart in Aaron Donald. The retirement of the legendary Donald leaves a significant void in the heart of their defense, one that will undoubtedly be felt. However, under the guidance of head coach Sean McVay, the Rams are poised to remain formidable contenders in the NFC West. Despite initial expectations of a rebuilding phase, the Rams defied the odds last season, exceeding all expectations by clinching a playoff berth for the first time since their Super Bowl appearance in 2021. As they gear up for another campaign, the Rams are determined to continue their upward trajectory and challenge the San Francisco 49ers for divisional supremacy.
Eagles: The Philadelphia Eagles are poised for a resurgence in the 2024 NFL season after experiencing a setback following their Super Bowl run in 2022. Determined to return to their winning ways, the Eagles have made significant moves to address their roster and coaching staff.
With a focus on shoring up their secondary, the Eagles had a successful draft, adding two much-needed defensive backs to bolster their defense. Additionally, the team has undergone a coaching overhaul, bringing in new coordinators Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio to lead the offense and defense, respectively.
To inject dynamism into their offensive arsenal, the Eagles made a splash in free agency by signing former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley’s arrival promises to add a new dimension to the Eagles’ ground game and provide a spark on offense.
With these key additions and changes, the Eagles are primed to shake off their Super Bowl hangover and mount a serious challenge in the NFC. The pressure is on this talented group to bounce back and reclaim their status as contenders, and they are determined to rise to the occasion in the upcoming season.
