Five NFL Teams Poised for a Major Leap in 2024: Packers Look the Part of Contender, Bengals Turnaround
The NFL season has come to an end, with the Kansas City Chiefs reigning as Super Bowl champions for the second consecutive year. However, there were several teams that made significant strides and emerged as contenders throughout the season. The Baltimore Ravens went from a wild-card playoff team to having the best record in the NFL. The Houston Texans experienced a remarkable turnaround, going from 11 wins over the previous three seasons to 11 wins in 2023. The Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers also defied expectations by winning playoff games in their first seasons without Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. So, which teams are poised to rise in 2024? Let’s take a closer look at five teams that could make a major leap next season.
1. Houston Texans: The Texans took the biggest leap in 2023, thanks to the emergence of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and the leadership of first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans. Stroud had an exceptional rookie season, transforming the Texans’ offense into a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. With Stroud having a full offseason to hone his craft, the Texans could be a dangerous team next season. They will face the challenge of a first-place schedule, but their improved defense and talented young players give them a shot at making a deep playoff run.
2. Indianapolis Colts: The AFC South was the most improved division last season, and the Colts played a significant role in that improvement. Despite dealing with injuries to their starting quarterback, Anthony Richardson, the Colts were able to compete for the division title and a playoff berth. With Richardson returning as the starting signal-caller in 2024, the Colts have a chance to build on their success. Head coach Shane Steichen has shown his ability to get the most out of his quarterbacks, and with a full offseason to prepare, Richardson could take a significant step forward in his development.
3. Green Bay Packers: The Packers were arguably the most improved team in the NFC last season. Despite the absence of Aaron Rodgers, young quarterback Jordan Love stepped up and led the team to the divisional round of the playoffs. Love’s performance, along with the contributions of their young pass catchers, propelled the Packers’ offense to new heights. With Love having more experience under his belt and a talented group of young players around him, the Packers have a bright future ahead. Their defense will need some retooling, but with five top 100 picks in the draft, they have the resources to address their needs.
4. Los Angeles Rams: The Rams were one of the surprises of the league last season, returning to the playoffs after a down year. The health of quarterback Matthew Stafford played a significant role in their resurgence, as did the impressive performances of rookies Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams. The Rams have made smart draft choices in recent years, and with six picks in the first five rounds of this year’s draft, they have an opportunity to continue building a competitive roster. If Stafford can stay healthy, the Rams have a chance to compete for the NFC West title.
5. Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals may have been a disappointment in 2023, but injuries to star quarterback Joe Burrow played a significant role in their struggles. When Burrow is on the field, the Bengals have shown that they can be a competitive team. With a last-place schedule in 2024 and the potential to retain key players like Tee Higgins, the Bengals could be in store for a turnaround. They will need to address some areas of weakness, such as their defensive line and secondary, but with ample salary cap space, they have the resources to make necessary changes.
As we look ahead to the 2024 NFL season, these five teams stand out as potential contenders. Whether it’s the Texans with their dynamic rookie quarterback, the Colts with their promising young signal-caller, the Packers with their talented group of young players, the Rams with their experienced quarterback, or the Bengals with a healthy Joe Burrow, each team has the potential to make a major leap and compete for a playoff spot. Keep an eye out for these teams next season, as they could be the ones to watch in the NFL.
