The big ol' 2024 NFL preview: Breaking down all 32 teams with MVPs, underrated players and more
The 2024 NFL season is upon us. After more than six months without meaningful pro football (apologies, UFL), the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Baltimore Ravens in the first of 272 regular season games.
We don't know how those games will end or who will be among the 14 teams left standing once the playoffs begin. We do know how each team looks with fall on the horizon, who 2024's early contenders are and which players are prepped to surprise en route. Over the last two months, we've been breaking down each franchise's 2024 chances -- and now we've condensed those previews into one still-pretty-large, handy-dandy almanac chronicling the season outlook for all 32 rosters.
Included in each section is a blurb and link to each team's breakout preview, written this offseason in hopes of unpacking the Super Bowl hopes off all 32 franchises from effectively non-existent (New England Patriots) or possibly inevitable (sigh... the Kansas City Chiefs). Read on to learn more about each squad, or skip to your favorite -- they're listed in alphabetical order. Odds listed are from DraftKings.
Arizona Cardinals
Most important non-quarterback: Marvin Harrison Jr. Finally, the WR1 for which Kyler Murray has waited his entire career has arrived.
Under the radar key to 2024: CB Max Melton
Postseason odds: +300
From: The Cardinals, and Kyler Murray, will be better than you think in 2024
Baltimore Ravens
Most important non-quarterback: Kyle Hamilton. In the midst of defensive depth chart turnover, Baltimore needs a backline big-play eraser more than ever.
Under the radar key to 2024: EDGE Odafe Oweh
Postseason odds: -260
From: The Ravens have several starters to replace and no one is worried because (gestures broadly)
Carolina Panthers
Most important non-quarterback: Austin Corbett/Robert Hunt. Carolina's blocking last season was a grim spectacle. That's why the Panthers spent big this offseason to revamp the interior of their offensive line.
Under the radar key to 2024: OT Ikem Ekwonu
Postseason odds: +550
From: The Panthers will be better in 2024 because, well…
Chicago Bears
Most important non-quarterback: DJ Moore. Moore helped maximize Justin Fields' passing offense in 2023; now he (and Keenan Allen. And Rome Odunze) gets to do the same for Caleb Williams.
Under the radar key to 2024: CB Tyrique Stevenson
Postseason odds: -110
From: Caleb Williams may be the quarterback the Bears cannot break
Cleveland Browns
Most important non-quarterback: Myles Garrett. Let's be honest; he's the Browns' most important player, period.
Under the radar key to 2024: QB Jameis Winston
Postseason odds: +145
From: A good Deshaun Watson can lead the Browns to glory. History isn't on his side.
Detroit Lions
Most important non-quarterback: Terrion Arnold. The rookie cornerback will be counted on to address the fatal flaw that kept Detroit out of Super Bowl 58; a thin, leaky secondary.
Under the radar key to 2024: LB Jack Campbell
Postseason odds: -245
From: 67 years of Detroit Lions futility have been building to 2024's actual, incredible hype
Romeo Doubs hauls it in!
📺: #KCvsGB on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/CQH1cx3gZS pic.twitter.com/LRKNUpuBTB— NFL (@NFL) December 4, 2023
Houston Texans
Most important non-quarterback: Derek Stingley Jr. Houston's secondary could be breaking in multiple rookie starters. Being able to count on a lockdown corner would go a long way in making their transition to the pros easier.
Under the radar key to 2024: C Juice Scruggs
Postseason odds: -190
From: The Texans rapid evolution to Super Bowl contender now hinges on their splurging era
Indianapolis Colts
Most important non-quarterback: Jonathan Taylor. Anthony Richardson's got a loaded young supporting cast. The best way to unlock his downfield passing may be with a steady diet of big runs from Taylor, who is still searching for his 2021 form.
Under the radar key to 2024: CB JuJu Brents
Postseason odds: +140
Jacksonville Jaguars
Most important non-quarterback: Travon Walker. Josh Hines-Allen remains a wrecking ball, but if Walker can continue to fulfill his promise as a former No. 1 pick it will take the pressure off an overtaxed secondary.
Under the radar key to 2024: S Antonio Johnson
Postseason odds: +130
From: The Jaguars' struggle against their own undertow will define Jacksonville's 2024
Rookie WR Brian Thomas from LSU making plays! Deep up the sideline pic.twitter.com/lPMncyATu6
— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) August 10, 2024
MAHOMES TO WORTHY ⚡️
This is gonna be fun.
📺: #DETvsKC on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/gYsUZOk5k5— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2024
Las Vegas Raiders
Most important non-quarterback: Maxx Crosby. A relentless pass rusher who helped make Antonio Pierce's defense an elite unit to finish the 2023 season.
Under the radar key to 2024: EDGE Malcolm Koonce
Postseason odds: +300
From: The Raiders might as well lean into chaos, because it's their finest attribute
Miami Dolphins
Most important non-quarterback: Tyreek Hill. Tua Tagovailoa wouldn't have led the NFL in passing yards last season without him.
Under the radar key to 2024: EDGE Jaelan Phillips
Postseason odds: -155
From: Tua Tagovailoa is approaching his Kirk Cousins era, and it may not be enough for the Dolphins
New England Patriots
Most important non-quarterback: Christian Gonzalez. Last year's four-game sample suggested All-Pro bonafides; if he can return to form for all of 2024 the Pats will have a building block at a vital position.
Under the radar key to 2024: WR Kendrick Bourne
Postseason odds: +900
From: Jerod Mayo's Patriots debut will hinge on a dependable (?) defense and mystery box offense
New York Giants
![Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Travon Walker (44) tries to run down New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a second quarter scramble out the sideline. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the New York Giants at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, FL Sunday, October 23, 2022. The Jaguars trailed at the half 11 to 13. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]
Jki 102322 Hsfb Bs Jaguars Vs Giants 43](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/l0JTmpKXQd3lkAIRpCx3IQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYwMA--/https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/images/smg/2024/09/03/SMGW/75052876007-USATSI_19290651-e1673969784326.jpeg)
Most important non-quarterback: Andrew Thomas. Either he keeps Daniel Jones upright long enough to keep his job or emerges as a vital blindside protector for whomever the Giants draft in 2025.
Under the radar key to 2024: RB Tyrone Tracy
Postseason odds: +400
From: Can Daniel Jones lead the Giants to another low expectations miracle?
Daniel Jones’ pick six may have given us the best Manningcast shot ever pic.twitter.com/y2itZaIFD8
— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) October 3, 2023
Philadelphia Eagles
Most important non-quarterback: Darius Slay. Philly's secondary issues contributed to last year's season ending spiral. Young reinforcements have joined the fight, but the tone will be set by the Eagles' veteran leader at cornerback.
Under the radar key to 2024: LB Zack Baun
Postseason odds: -250
From: I regret to inform you the Eagles have reloaded once more
San Francisco 49ers
Most important non-quarterback: Christian McCaffrey. San Francisco is, as usual, loaded with weapons. McCaffrey is the straw that stirs the drink.
Under the radar key to 2024: G Dominick Puni
Postseason odds: -575
From: The 49ers are staring at a closing Super Bowl window and doing their best to jam it open
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Most important non-quarterback: Antoine Winfield Jr. His ability to make plays in every facet of the game creates all the space Baker Mayfield's offense needs to stay in games.
Under the radar key to 2024: C Graham Barton
Postseason odds: +145
From: The Buccaneers' success hinges on Baker Mayfield being better than Tom Brady (again)
Tennessee Titans
Most important non-quarterback: DeAndre Hopkins. One more dominant season from an aging wideout would do wonders to boost Will Levis's profile after an uneven rookie campaign.
Under the radar key to 2024: CB Roger McCreary
Postseason odds: +425
From: The Titans' search for a new identity won't matter if Will Levis plays like an unmanned fire hose
HE'S LEVIS-TATING
Send @will_levis to the Pro Bowl » https://t.co/M6tlEVcH9I
📺: Watch #INDvsTEN on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/NVQXoICyPQ— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 3, 2023
Washington Commanders
Most important non-quarterback: Terry McLaurin. The defense has been shaken up greatly, and the only way for Washington to win games this season may be via shootout. In that regard, McLaurin is the Commanders' ammunition.
Under the radar key to 2024: WR Dyami Brown
Postseason odds: +260
From: Jayden Daniels and the Commanders just have to show proof of concept in 2024
This article originally appeared on For The Win: The big ol' 2024 NFL preview: Breaking down all 32 teams with MVPs, underrated players and more
