Dallas Cowboys

2023 record: 12-5

Division: First

Playoffs: Defeated in wildcard round to Green Bay Packers

First game of 2024: away to Cleveland Browns

Key players: Dak Prescott (quarterback), CeeDee Lamb (wide receiver), Micah Parsons (defensive end), DaRon Bland (cornerback)

America’s team, playing America’s game, has suffered through close to three decades of heartache.

Dallas had their eye on glory in 2023, going 12-5 in the regular season to win the NFC East.

There was high expectation that the Cowboys would make their first NFC Championship game since 1995, but a home playoff loss in the wildcard round ended those dreams.

It was the same old Dallas when the less fancied Green Bay Packers blew them out of the water, ending another Cowboys season without a championship game played.

Expectations are again high — but then again, everything is bigger in Texas.

Dak Prescott at quarterback has led his team to 12 wins in each of the last three seasons, but he and the other leaders of this team will be judged on their playoff performances, assuming they live up to that hype.

Off the field, many will be interested in seeing the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

The popular Netflix series, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, graced screens around the world during the NFL offseason.

An institution of the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders will be at every home game to support the famous team. 

No doubt many new fans to the cheer squad will be tuning into Dallas home games to try and see some of their favourites from the television series. 

The first home game for the Cowboys will be against the New Orleans Saints, on Monday, September 16 at 3am AEST.

New York Giants

2023 record: 6-11

Division: Third

Playoffs: Missed

First game of 2024: home to Minnesota Vikings

Key players: Daniel Jones (quarterback), Malik Nabers (wide receiver), Brian Burns (defensive end), Dexter Lawrence II (defensive tackle)

The New York Giants will be hoping 2024, its 100th in the NFL, is a big improvement on last season.

After making the playoffs in 2022, the Giants failed to meet expectations in 2023 with a 6-11 record which was not helped by injuries at key positions.

The G-men ended last season on a high with a win over arch-rivals Philadelphia, but it will take a lot more wins than six for the fans of this famous club to be happy.

They enter the new season without running back Saquon Barkley who has departed for Philadelphia, but have high expectations for defensive end Brian Burns who they traded for during the off-season. A fit and healthy Daniel Jones at quarterback will be better than last season, which Jones spent mostly watching from the sideline.

Can the Giants make it back to the playoffs? Maybe. But the organisation will want to see signs of success or jobs may be in jeopardy.

Philadelphia Eagles

2023 record: 11-6

Division: Second

Playoffs: Defeated in wildcard round to Tampa Bay Buccaneers

First game of 2024: against Green Bay Packers in São Paulo, Brazil

Key players: Jalen Hurts (quarterback), A.J. Brown (wide receiver), Lane Johnson (tackle), Brandon Graham (defensive end)

At the end of week 12 in 2023, the Philadelphia Eagles had eyes on Super Bowl glory.

After losing a nail-biting decider the year before to the Chiefs, the Eagles were 10-1 and on their way to clinching the number one seed in the NFC.

But the wheels on the Eagles bus came off spectacularly. They lost five of their final six regular season games, before crashing out in the wildcard round to Tampa Bay.

In 2024 the simple question for Philadelphia is this: Are they a Super Bowl contender or have they well and truly fallen off the cliff?

The Eagles have brought in well-respected coach Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator, a sign the team did not want another season of leaking points like a sieve.

The Eagles have an explosive offence, with quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown one of the league’s most threatening duos.

The loss of Jason Kelce at centre means the offensive line will be relying on stalwart Lane Johnson, and Aussie Jordan Mailata to protect Hurts and star running back signing Saquon Barkley.

Washington Commanders

2023 record: 4-13

Division: Fourth

Playoffs: Missed

First game of 2024: away to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Key players: Jayden Daniels (quarterback), Zach Ertz (tight end), Bobby Wagner (linebacker), Frankie Luvu (linebacker)

The Washington Commanders have made wholesale changes for 2024.

They have the lowest number of players returning from the previous season and have signed 26 players through free agency.

Last year’s quarterback Sam Howell is gone and is expected to be replaced by Jayden Daniels, who was selected by the Commanders as the second pick in this year’s draft.

Daniels will have a reliable target to throw too, with tight end Zach Ertz being acquired, as well as the steady hand of Austin Ekeler at running back.

On the defensive side of the ball, linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu have been brought in to improve a defence that was poor last season.

Chicago Bears

2023 record: 7-10

Division: Fourth

Playoffs: Missed

First game of 2024: home to Tennessee Titans

Key players: Caleb Williams (quarterback), Keenan Allen (wide receiver), Jaylon Johnson (cornerback), Kevin Byard (safety)

Is 2024 the start of something beautiful, or another false dawn for the historic club?

The Chicago Bears had the first and ninth pick in this year’s draft, taking Caleb Williams (quarterback) and Rome Odunze (wide receiver). 

Grabbing Williams was something the Bears could hardly have dreamed of. The year prior they had the first round pick, but gave it up in a trade with the Carolina Panthers.

Among the mammoth amount of compensation the Bears received for trading their first pick in 2023, was getting the Panthers’ first pick in 2024. The Panthers had the worst record in the NFL last season, so their draft spot, which now belonged to Chicago, was first overall. 

What does this all mean for 2024? Hopefully, a crack at the playoffs, although they are in a competitive division.

The Bears added experience with the signings of Keenan Allen (wide receiver) and Kevin Byard (free safety), instantly adding quality on both sides of the ball.

The Bears also enjoy the fourth easiest schedule, based off last season’s statistics. 

Detroit Lions

2023 record: 12-5

Division: First

Playoffs: Defeated in NFC Championship game to San Francisco 49ers

First game of 2024: home to Los Angeles Rams

Key players: Jared Goff (quarterback) Amon-Ra St. Brown (wide receiver), Penei Sewell (right tackle), Frank Ragnow (centre)

The Detroit Lions are genuine Super Bowl contenders.

A franchise that had spent so long in the doldrums is now a force to be reckoned with.

They won a playoff game last season, their first in 32 years. The team came within a whisker of winning the NFC Championship and going to the Super Bowl. The Lions also recorded a win over the Chiefs, at Kansas City.

They have a potent offence with quarterback Jared Goff getting to throw to All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, while being protected by Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow who are two of the best offensive linemen in football.

The Lions will want to sure up their defence, which was lacking at times in 2023. They were 23rd in the league in sacks, all the more reason to sign edge rusher Marcus Davenport.

The Lions should be fun to watch in 2024.

Green Bay Packers

2023 record: 9-8

Division: Second

Playoffs: Defeated in divisional round to San Francisco 49ers

First game of 2024: against Philadelphia in São Paulo, Brazil

Key players: Jordan Love (quarterback), Josh Jacobs (running back), Rashan Gary (defensive end) Jaire Alexander (cornerback) 

The Green Bay Packers come into 2024 with plenty of belief, after making it to the division round of the playoffs last season. 

Smashing the Cowboys in Dallas during the wildcard round was the highlight of the season, as Jordan Love had his first year as the Packers starting QB.

Running back Aaron Jones has left the team, but the Packers signed Josh Jacobs who was terrific for the Las Vegas Raiders in previous years. 

The Packers have made additions to their defensive secondary on return game, signing two-time All Pro kick return-man Keisean Nixon.

Green Bay have a good roster who can certainly win games this season. Should Love improve on his performances from last season, then the Packers could be a dangerous team late in the season.

Minnesota Vikings

2023 record: 7-10

Division: Third

Playoffs: Missed

First game of 2024: away to New York Giants

Key players: Sam Darnold (quarterback) Aaron Jones (running back), Jordan Addison (wide receiver) Shaquill Griffin (cornerback)

The Minnesota Vikings are already onto plan B, and the regular season has not started. 

The Vikings used their first draft pick this year to select J.J. McCarthy, the quarterback who led the University of Michigan, to the College Football National Championship. 

But any plans of McCarthy playing this year were dashed when he sustained a season-ending knee injury in the team’s first pre-season game. 

The Vikings will presumably rely on Sam Darnold at QB, who they signed from the San Francisco 49ers as a backup.

New running back recruit Aaron Jones will presumably have plenty of work to do as the Vikings’ offence tries to get some continuity.

Atlanta Falcons

2023 record: 7-10

Division: Third

Playoffs: Missed

First game of 2024: at home to Pittsburgh Steelers

Key players: Kirk Cousins (quarterback) Kyle Pitts (tight end) Jessie Bates III (safety) Justin Simmons (safety)

In the off-season, the Falcons made plenty of headlines when they signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $US180 million deal.

It is an enormous commitment to the former Viking who the Falcons believe is their future. Or so we thought, until they used their first pick in the draft to select quarterback Michael Penix Jr out of the University of Washington. 

That certainly raised eyebrows, as Cousins would have hoped for a new receiving threat, or fans may have wanted a nice addition to their defence. 

If the Falcons have a slow start to the year, it could be interesting to see if Atlanta feels the pressure of the quarterback situation they have created for themselves.

Carolina Panthers

2023 record: 2-15

Division: Fourth

Playoffs: Missed

First game of 2024: away to New Orleans Saints

Key players: Bryce Young (quarterback), Robert Hunt (guard), Damien Lewis (guard), Jadeveon Clowney (linebacker) 

Bryce Young enters his second year in the NFL hoping for a more enjoyable experience. 

As a rookie quarterback, he was sacked 62 times last season, second only to Sam Howell at Washington. 

But Carolina has made moves to give Young protection and weapons. 

Guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis have been brought in on multi-year deals, improving an offensive line that includes pick six in the 2022 draft, tackle Ikem Ekwonu.

Wide receiver Diontae Johnson has joined from the Steelers, who boast enough speed to give Young a deep threat. 

The Panthers have also made moves in defence, signing edge-rusher Jadeveon Clowney and defensive tackle tackle A’Shawn Robinson.

These two join 2023 Pro Bowl selection Derrick Brown (defensive tackle) with the trio possessing the potential to cause issues for some teams.

New Orleans Saints

2023 record: 9-8

Division: Second

Playoffs: Missed

First game of 2024: at home to Carolina Panthers

Key players: Derek Carr (quarterback), Alvin Kamara (running back), Chase Young (defensive end), Tyrann Mathieu (safety)

The Saints missed out on the division title, and the playoffs, through tiebreakers last season. A 9-8 winning record was not enough for the black and gold, who will be striving to take matters into their own hands in 2024.

Derek Carr enters his second season as the Saints’ QB, after a solid first year in New Orleans.

The Saints have added two weapons to their defence, with Chase Young (defensive end) and Super Bowl winner Willie Gay (linebacker) joining the teams from the Commanders and Chiefs respectively.

The Saints rightfully should go into the 2024 season with optimism.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2023 record: 9-8

Division: First

Playoffs: Defeated in divisional round Detroit Lions

First game of 2024: at home to Washington Commanders

Key players: Baker Mayfield (quarterback), Mike Evans (wide receiver) VIta Vea (defensive tackle), Antoine Winfield Jr (safety)

After losing Tom Brady at the end of 2022 there were doubts over Tampa Bay last season.

But the revival of quarterback Baker Mayfield’s career guided the Bucs to the playoffs, which included a wildcard round win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Tampa Bay goes into the 2024 season with optimism.

Mayfield and star wide receiver Mike Evans have been signed to a new deal.

The Bucs possess an impressive defence which includes 2023 first-team All Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr, defensive tackle Vita Vea and stalwart linebacker Lavonte David.

Tampa’s defence is great, they just need Mayfield and the offence to give them a few more points and they can improve on last year’s 9-8 record.

Arizona Cardinals

2023 record: 4-13

Division: Fourth

Playoffs: Missed

First game of 2024: away to Buffalo Bills

Key players: Kyler Murray (quarterback), Marvin Harrison Jr (wide receiver) Sean Murphy-Bunting (cornerback) Budda Baker (safety)

2023 was not a kind season for the Arizona Cardinals.

Kyler Murray missed the first half of the season, and their playoff hopes were well and truly dashed by the time the quarterback took the field in November.

But with Murray at the helm, the Cardinals won three of their last eight games, much better than without him.

Murray has a new weapon at receiver in Marvin Harrison Jr, son of Marvin Harrison, who was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2016.

Harrison Jr was lethal as a college player and there are high expectations for the Cardinals’ first round draft pick.

The Cardinals have made moves to bolster their defence, with Sean Murphy-Bunting (cornerback) Bilal Nichols (defensive tackle), Justin Jones (defensive tackles) all joining the team on three-year deals.

Los Angeles Rams

2023 record: 10-7

Division: Second

Playoffs: Defeated in wildcard round to Detroit Lions

First game of 2024: away to Detroit Lions

Key players: Matthew Stafford (quarterback), Cooper Kupp (wide receiver), Jonah Jackson (guard) Darious Williams (cornerback)

The Los Angeles Rams have committed a fair chunk of money to their offensive line to ensure star quarterback Matthew Stafford has protection this season.

The signing of guard Jonah Jackson was a clear sign of intent that the Rams need their general to have all the time he needs.

With a defence that could be an issue, the Rams may need to be one of the higher-scoring teams in 2024 to win games.

The loss of Aaron Donald, who will surely be inducted into the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible, is a massive blow to the team.

Several defensive players were signed during the free agency period, including Darious Williams (cornerback) who returns to the team where he won a Super Bowl a few years ago.

The Rams have a lot of potential.

San Francisco 49ers

2023 record: 12-5

Division: First

Playoffs: NFC Champions, lost Super Bowl to Kansas City Chiefs

First game of 2024: at home to New York Jets

Starting quarterback: Brock Purdy (quarterback), Christian McCaffrey (running back), Nick Bosa (defensive end),  Fred Warner (linebacker)

Only a Super Bowl win will satisfy the San Francisco 49ers in season 2024.

After coming so close last season, beaten in overtime by the Kansas City Chiefs in one of the great Super Bowls, the 49ers are the team to beat in the NFC.

Their roster is stacked with talent, with five players being picked in the first team All Pro last season — Christian McCaffrey (running back),  Kyle Juszczyk (fullback),  George Kittle (tight end), Trent Williams (left tackle) and Fred Warner (linebacker).

Brock Purdy proved he is a great quarterback in 2023 and at 24 years of age, he still has room to grow. 

With Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel as his wide receivers, the 49ers look formidable in 2024.

Seattle Seahawks

2023 record: 9-8

Division: Third

Playoffs: Missed

First game of 2024: at home to Denver Broncos

Key players: Geno Smith (quarterback), DK Metcalf (wide receiver) Noah Fant (tight end), Leonard Williams (defensive tackle)

Coming off a winning season, which was not enough for the playoffs, Seattle will enter the 2024 season with a similar list.

The Seahawks will be wanting serviceable numbers from quarterback Geno Smith, while they will hope for more production from tight end Noah Fant whose statistics were slightly down on his career best.

Seattle’s offence is always a threat with DK Metcalf.

The defence will be a concern for the Seahawks, who no longer have the services of linebacker Bobby Wagner.

Buffalo Bills

2023 record: 11-6

Division: First

Playoffs: Defeated in divisional round to Kansas City Chiefs

First game of 2024: at home to Arizona Cardinals

Key players: Josh Allen (quarterback), Taron Johnson (wide receiver) Dion Dawkins (tackle) Taron Johnson (cornerback)

Midway through the 2023 season, the Buffalo Bills looked at risk of missing the playoffs.

They were 6-6 after 12 games and needed a massive surge at the back end of the year.

Their run of five consecutive regular season wins to end the season began with beating the Chiefs at Kansas City.

The Bills would have been dreaming of a run at the Super Bowl after winning their wildcard match against Pittsburgh, but then fell to the Chiefs at home in a narrow, heartbreaking defeat.

This season, quarterback Josh Allen will not have the luxury of throwing to wide receiver Stefon Diggs who has moved to Houston.

New signing Taron Johnson is hoped to fill that void. The Bills come into the regular season with injury concerns and will be hoping to jag a few early wins to boost morale and momentum.

Miami Dolphins

2023 record: 11-6

Division: Second

Playoffs: Defeated in wildcard round to Kansas City Chiefs

First game of 2024: at home to Jacksonville Jaguars

Key players: Tua Tagovailoa (quarterback), Raheem Mostert( running back), Tyreek Hill (wide receiver), Jalen Ramsey (cornerback)

Miami has made the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, but they have yet to achieve that elusive playoff win.

The Dolphins have not won a playoff game since December 30, 2000 — the longest active drought in the NFL.

Miami possesses an explosive offence with Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback spoilt for choice with speedsters Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle as wide receivers.

Running back Raheem Mostert was outstanding in 2023 and the team will be hoping for more of the same.

On defence, Jalen Ramsey is an elite cornerback. The Dolphins have the talent to win playoff games.

New England Patriots

2023 record: 4-13

Division: Fourth

Playoffs: Missed

First game of 2024: away to Cincinnati Bengals

Key players: Jacoby Brissett (quarterback), David Andrews (centre) Mike Onwenu (tackle), Marcus Jones (cornerback)

A new era in New England begins. 

After almost a quarter-century with Bill Belichick as head coach, former Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo takes the helm. 

Mayo takes over a team that finished last in the AFC East in 2023, an unfamiliar position for a team that enjoyed 20 years of joy and success. 

Jacoby Brissett is expected to be the starting quarterback, but the eight-year veteran knows he will need to play well to keep his job. 

The Patriots selected Drake Maye with the third pick of this year’s draft, a clear sign they believe the young man from North Carolina is their future. 

New York Jets

2023 record: 7-10

Division: Third

Playoffs: Missed

First game of 2024: away to San Francisco 49ers

Key players: Aaron Rogers (quarterback), Garrett Wilson (wide receiver) Quincy Williams (linebacker),  Sauce Gardner (cornerback)

Is 2024 the year of the Jets?

The New York Jets have so often struggled. So often they have underperformed or disappointed their passionate fan base. 

But 2024, on paper, looks different. 

On paper, the New York Jets have a team that can win the Super Bowl. 

However, they had the same last season before Aaron Rogers ruptured his Achilles on the fourth play of the opening game. 

On offence, they have Rogers at QB who is one of the best ever to throw the pigskin. 

Garrett Wilson has been a stand-out in his opening two seasons in the league, and there is no reason he cannot be ever better in his third year. 

The Jets have a defence that will terrorise teams. 

Quincy Williams (linebacker),  Sauce Gardner (cornerback) were first team All Pros in 2023, while Quinnen Williams (defensive lineman) Jermaine Johnson (edge rusher) C.J. Mosley (linebacker) are outstanding players, to name a few.

If the Jets are healthy they should win plenty of games.

Baltimore Ravens

2023 record: 13-4

Division: First

Playoffs: Defeated in AFC Championship game to Kansas City Chiefs

First game of 2024: away to Kansas City Chiefs

Key players: Lamar Jackson (quarterback) Derek Henry (running back), Roquan Smith (linebacker), Kyle Hamilton (safety)

The Baltimore Ravens were the number one seed in the AFC heading into last season’s playoffs. 

Sadly for the Ravens, the Chiefs spoiled their hopes of making it to the Super Bowl with defeat at home. 

The Ravens have added a big weapon on offence, with running back Derek Henry joining from Tennessee.

Henry is a bonafide running back who will take attention away from quarterback Lamar Jackson, a duel-threat who commands attention from defences. 

On the defensive side of the ball the Ravens are one of the best in the league. 

Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton were first team All Pros last season, while Marlon Humphrey is one of the better cornerbacks in the league. 

The Ravens will have eyes on the Super Bowl this season.

Cincinnati Bengals

2023 record: 9-8

Division: Fourth

Playoffs: Missed

First game of 2024: at home to New England Patriots

Key players: Joe Burrow (quarterback), Ja’Marr Chase (wide receiver), Trey Hendrickson (defensive end) Geno Stone (safety)

The Cincinnati Bengals had a winning record in 2023 and still finished last in their division. 

The AFC North shapes to be just as competitive in 2024, meaning the Bengals will need to up their game if they are to make the playoffs, or compete in a Super Bowl like they did three seasons ago.

Last year was hampered by injury, mainly to star quarterback Joe Burrow. 

The Bengals have serious weapons on offence, with Burrow having wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to target.

Their defensive backfield was an issue last season, and the Bengals will be hoping the addition of Geno Stone at safety will fix a weak spot on the team. 

Cleveland Browns

2023 record: 11-6

Division: Second

Playoffs: Defeated in wildcard round to Houston Texans

First game of 2024: at home to Dallas Cowboys

Key players: Deshaun Watson (quarterback), Nick Chubb (running back), Myles Garrett (defensive end), Za’Darius Smith (defensive end)

The Cleveland Browns statistically had the best defence in the NFL in the 2023 regular season. 

That went out the window when they coughed up 45 points in their wildcard round loss to the Houston Texans.

The Browns will be hoping those scars have healed as they welcome quarterback Deshaun Watson back to the field. 

The Browns on paper have a lethal offence that can put a lot of points.

Cleveland should be competitive in most games and if they catch fire, could be a real handful at the end of the season.

Pittsburgh Steelers

2023 record: 10-7

Division: Third

Playoffs: Defeated in wildcard round to Buffalo Bills 

First game of 2024: away to Atlanta Falcons

Key players: Russell Wilson (quarterback), Najee Harris (running back), T.J. Watt (linebacker), Patrick Queen (linebacker)

The Pittsburgh Steelers have two new quarterbacks, a buffed-up defence, and eyes on the playoffs again. 

Former Super Bowl-winning QB Russell Wilson will start the season as the Steelers’s signal caller, trying to resurrect his career after a difficult stint in Denver. 

But former Chicago quarterback Justin Fields has also joined the Steelers and will have his heart set on the starting job. 

T.J. Watt will lead the defence again this season, which has added excellent linebacker Patrick Queen from Baltimore. 

The Steelers have weapons and certainly can make noise this season. 

Houston Texans

2023 record: 10-7

Division: First

Playoffs: Defeated in divisional round to Baltimore Ravens

First game of 2024: away to Indianapolis Colts

Key players: C.J. Stroud (quarterback), Stefon Diggs (wide receiver) Danielle Hunter (defensive end) Derek Stingley (cornerback)

The Houston Texans were one of the surprise teams in 2023. 

Winning their division and then a playoff game, the future looks bright in Houston. 

Quarterback C.J. Stroud was outstanding last season and this year he gets a new weapon in Stefon Diggs at wide receiver. 

On defence, the Texans have paid big money to Danielle Hunter (defensive end) and will be hoping Derek Stingley (cornerback) makes more stride in his third season of NFL play.

Houston could be one of the most fun teams to watch in 2024.

Indianapolis Colts

2023 record: 9-8

Division: Third

Playoffs: Missed

First game of 2024: at home to Houston Texans

Key players: Anthony Richardson (quarterback) Michael Pittman Jr (wide receiver), Quenton Nelson (left guard), Zaire Franklin (linebacker)

Indianapolis will consider themselves a big chance to win this division, despite probably not starting as favourites in many minds.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson enters his second season and will enjoy throwing to Michael Pittman Jr, who inked a new deal with the team in the off-season. 

Quenton Nelson (left guard) and the rest of the offensive line will be working overtime to give their young QB all the time he needs. 

Running back Johnathan Taylor will draw plenty of attention, giving the Colts attacking options.

The Colts have defensive security after signing new deals with Kenny Moore II (cornerback) and Zaire Franklin (linebacker).

Jacksonville Jaguars

2023 record: 9-8

Division: Second

Playoffs: Missed

First game of 2024: away to Miami Dolphins

Key players: Trevor Lawrence (quarterback), Evan Engram (tight end), Josh Hines-Allen (defensive end), Tyson Campbell (cornerback)

All eyes are on Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

The 24-year-old signed a five-year extension with the team, worth reportedly $US275 million.

The Jags have the man they believe will win them games, now they need to do that.

They missed out on the playoffs last season with a winning record, something they want to rectify. 

Jacksonville has a good team with plenty of depth at key positions, notably on the defence.

Josh Hines-Allen will be trusted to pressure opposing QBs, while Tyson Campbell is looking to prove why the four-year extension he signed was worth it for the Jaguars. 

Tennessee Titans

2023 record: 6-11

Division: Fourth

Playoffs: Missed

First game of 2024: away to Chicago Bears

Key players: Will Levis (quarterback), DeAndre Hopkins (wide receiver), Jeffery Simmons (defensive tackle),  L’Jarius Sneed (cornerback)

There are a lot of questions about the Tennessee Titans in 2024.

The team is coming off a poor season and has lost star running back Derrick Henry.

But there appears to be plenty of upside to the Titans. 

In his second year, Will Levis will be expected to improve. The fitness of star receiver DeAndre Hopkins is unknown, after missing all of the preseason with a knee issue.

Defensively, the Titans can rely on two stand-out players, Jeffery Simmons (defensive tackle) and L’Jarius Sneed (cornerback), who will be looking to lead the team this season. 

The Titans have the potential to make big improvements on last season. Emphasis is on potential. 

Denver Broncos

2023 record: 8-9

Division: Third

Playoffs: Missed

First game of 2024: away to Seattle Seahawks

Key players: Bo Nix (quarterback), Courtland Sutton (wide receiver), Quinn Meinerz (right guard)  Pat Surtain II (cornerback)

A new era in Denver begins. 

Rookie Bo Nix will be the starting quarterback of the Denver Broncos, a team that had pinned so much of their hopes on Russell Wilson before shipping him to Pittsburgh. 

Nix was a star in College for Oregon, with those in Denver hoping he makes a smooth transition into the professional game. 

He has a very handy weapon in Courtland Sutton at wide receiver, as well as two terrific blockers in Quinn Meinerz (right guard) and Garrett Boles (left tackle) leading the offensive line. 

Playoffs might be a stretch for the Broncos in 2024, but head coach Sean Payton knows how to get the best out of any player.

Kansas City Chiefs

2023 record: 11-6

Division: First

Playoffs: Super Bowl Champions, AFC Champions

First game of 2024: home to Baltimore Ravens

Key players: Patrick Mahomes (quarterback), Joe Thuney (left guard), Chris Jones (defensive lineman), Trent McDuffie (cornerback)

The Kansas City Chiefs will need to create history if they are to win the Super Bowl again this season.

No team in the Super Bowl era has won the NFL championship in three consecutive seasons.

Are the Chiefs the team to finally do it? They have as good of a chance as any before them.

Patrick Mahomes, who turns 29 later this month, is already a future Hall of Fame player.

Joe Thuney (left guard), Chris Jones (defensive lineman) and Trent McDuffie (cornerback) were all selected as All Pros last season, while tight end Travis Kelce is arguably the best there has been at that position. 

Last playoffs was the first time this version of the Chiefs had to play away from home, and they stepped up to the task with aplomb. 

The Chiefs are the team to beat in the AFC and could be on the cusp of something truly special.

Las Vegas Raiders

2023 record: 8-9

Division: Second

Playoffs: Missed

First game of 2024: away to Los Angeles Chargers

Key players: Gardner Minshew (quarterback), Davante Adams (wide receiver), Maxx Crosby (defensive end), Christian Wilkins (defensive tackle)

In a league dominated by high-powered offences and star quarterbacks, the Las Vegas Raiders appear to be lacking. 

Davante Adams is one of, if not the best, wide receivers in the league. But the Raiders star wideout is going another season without a top-tier QB.

That is not to say Gardner Minshew is a slouch. Minshew has been serviceable for several teams over the past few seasons, but it is hard to see how the Raiders can score enough points to win lots of games.

A big plus is their defence, led by Maxx Crosby and free agent signing Christian Wilkins.

But this is a league now dominated by offence and that makes it hard to envision the Raiders making the playoffs.

Los Angeles Chargers

2023 record: 5-12

Division: Fourth 

Playoffs: Missed

First game of 2024: home to Las Vegas Raiders

Key players: Justin Herbert (quarterback), Khalil Mack (defensive end), Joey Bosa (defensive end), Derwin James (safety)

The LA Chargers are looking to make some noise in 2024.

Fresh off winning the College Football National Championship with Michigan, coach Jim Harbaugh returns to the NFL.

Harbaugh’s other stint as an NFL head coach was with the 49ers, where he had a record of 44-19-1, with one Super Bowl appearance. 

It was an impressive run he is hoping to build upon in his tenure with the Chargers.

Young quarterback Justin Herbert is expected to be fit and healthy for week one, but does not have a strong receiving core to throw to in 2024.

The Chargers are formidable on defence, with  Khalil Mack (defensive end), Joey Bosa (defensive end), Derwin James (safety) all star players ready to lead this team. 

The Chargers could be the big improvers in 2024.