Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
We are just days away from the beginning of the 2024 NFL regular season.
With the season fast approaching, here is a look at some NFL standings predictions for this year’s season. Take a look below to see how all eight divisions stack up.
The Bills lost Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason, and Matt Milano likely will miss much of the 2024 season with a bicep injury. It’s going to be tough for Buffalo to maintain their status atop the AFC East with the Jets looming. Assuming Aaron Rodgers stays healthy and is at least 75% of the player that we are accustomed to seeing, New York should be a strong playoff contender this season.
The AFC North was an absolute gauntlet in 2023, and it looks to be a very similar story in 2024. Baltimore and Cincinnati will be fighting for the division title all season, but the Ja’Marr Chase situation could carry into the regular season and cause some friction for the Bengals. Meanwhile, Cleveland takes a big step back with an aging roster unless Deshaun Watson can suddenly turn his trajectory back around to his old Houston days.
The AFC South could be a bit of a disappointment this year. The Texans were the shining star of the division after C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson won OROY and DROY, respectively. However, this year brings a much tougher schedule for Houston, particularly down the stretch following their bye. The Colts are looming, and that final stretch could be the difference maker this season.
The Chiefs are still the kings in the AFC, and they are on the verge of doing something that has never been done in the NFL. That should be all the motivation they need to throttle opponents in 2024 while the Chargers take a big step under Jim Harbaugh.
Everybody is trying to decide whether or not the Eagles or Cowboys will take a step back this season. This might be a risk, but I’m taking both to have a semi-successful regular season this fall. Philly should bounce back nicely after drafting Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell as well as Jalen Hurts being back to full health. Meanwhile, Dallas gave CeeDee Lamb a new contract, and Mike Zimmer can put together a very strong defensive unit for the Cowboys.
The NFC North may be the toughest division to predict in the entire league. Detroit and Green Bay may be on a collision course towards facing off in the playoffs while Chicago and Minnesota both have promising rosters. Caleb Williams will put the Bears on the verge of playoff contention in his first season.
What a disgusting division. The NFC South is the antithesis of the NFC North as just about every group is severely flawed. The Atlanta Falcons have the best QB in the division, though, along with arguably the easiest schedule in the NFL. Atlanta takes it while Tampa Bay’s offense stumbles without Dave Canales.
The NFC West could beat up on each other this year. The 49ers seem destined for a Super Bowl hangover despite retaining much of the talent on their roster, including locking up a deal with star receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Los Angeles could struggle a bit without Aaron Donald anchoring their defense, and the Cardinals should be much better with a healthy Kyler Murray throwing to new receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.