32 Thoughts on the Biggest Talking Points for the 2024 NFL Season
Each Friday throughout the 2024 NFL season, we'll be performing somewhat of a leaguewide check-in, with quick-hit takes from all 32 NFL squads based on news, fodder, trends and/or results.
And with the 2024 preseason now officially in full swing entering the first weekend of leaguewide tune-ups, we're ready to take you around the country with thoughts on the latest happenings.
With camp injuries and trade rumors dominating the national football conversation this week, let's jump in.
AFC East
1 of 8
Buffalo Bills: Not only will Josh Allen certainly miss his departed go-to receivers to an extent, but fans and fantasy folks might have a nightmare trying to get a feel for who will step up from that unit. Chase Claypool remains MIA, Marquez Valdes-Scantling hasn't inspired, Khalil Shakir is a wild card and the jury's still very much out on rookie Keon Coleman.
Miami Dolphins: Knowing the type of guy Tua Tagovailoa is, and considering his support system as well as his age (26 is infantile at quarterback), I think the fifth-year signal-caller will soon use his big new contract as motivation to step up in critical games and take his play to another level.
New England Patriots: The notion of New England investing in Brandon Aiyuk never made much sense, because the Pats are realistically at least a year or two away and a big Aiyuk contract would be an impediment to growth elsewhere as well as to the opportunities in front of young weapons DeMario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. The organization and its fans need to be patient for once.
New York Jets: I fully expect the offense to start slow, and I'm not convinced that unit will ever reach the speed Jets fans are hoping to see. There just hasn't been enough sustained work with Aaron Rodgers in place, and it's hard to trust the 40-year-old at this stage. A lack of chemistry involving Rodgers and Garrett Wilson isn't a good omen.
AFC North
2 of 8
Baltimore Ravens: I appreciate some Rashod Bateman hype, but I'm not buying it for a receiver who hasn't remained on the field enough and averaged a horrendous 6.6 yards per target when he was healthy with an MVP quarterback in 2023. It'll run through Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews, Zay Flowers and Derrick Henry first in Baltimore.
Cincinnati Bengals: The risk is worth the reward in regard to Joe Burrow getting preseason work for basically the first time in his career. The Bengals have undergone significant changes along the offensive line and in the depth receiver spots, and Burrow needs to establish as much chemistry as possible with that support unit.
Cleveland Browns: I'd be all about a Brandon Aiyuk trade. You've already put all your eggs in Deshaun Watson's basket, might as well shoot for the damn stars and give him as many resources as possible in the next couple of seasons.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Same idea here. You don't want to stunt George Pickens' growth, but there isn't much else of significance there for Russell Wilson and/or Justin Fields. Aiyuk's presence could make a tremendous difference in either Cleveland or Pittsburgh, and there's a YOLO element that makes sense with where both teams are right now.
AFC South
3 of 8
Houston Texans: Assuming he's able to fully shake an early-camp quad injury, I have a good feeling about veteran running back Joe Mixon in a fresh setting for the first time in his career. The 28-year-old brings more to the table than the departed Devin Singletary and should have plenty of support from a talented offensive line on a promising trajectory.
Indianapolis Colts: A healthy Jonathan Taylor appears confident he can get it back on track in 2024, but I'll believe it when I see it. The 25-year-old is really only working off one great season out of four in the NFL, and his quarterback could also face typical challenges as they set him loose in what is essentially a rookie season of his own post-injury. I wouldn't be surprised if this team were to win, or lose, a dozen games.
Jacksonville Jaguars: The Eagles offense took off in Doug Pederson's second season there. Pederson's second year in Jacksonville was disrupted by injuries and a lack of consistency from Trevor Lawrence, among other things. Glass half-full here, but don't be surprised if they get it together in Year 3, because Pederson is a mastermind and Lawrence is too talented not to put it together at some point.
Tennessee Titans: With the margin for error low for young quarterback Will Levis, the Titans could be doomed quickly if DeAndre Hopkins' knee injury cost him regular-season action to start the year. Levis worked well with the veteran receiver last season, and with Derrick Henry gone there isn't a lot else that Levis is familiar with in that arsenal. Doesn't bode well for a September slate against the Bears, Jets, Packers and Dolphins.
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AFC West
4 of 8
Denver Broncos: Even though he's 24 and coming off a prolific college career, I understand and endorse the Broncos' decision to slowly and carefully introduce rookie quarterback Bo Nix to live game action. This is a rebuild year anyway, and it really couldn't hurt to see what Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson have in them as well.
Kansas City Chiefs: I know we sing this song annually right around now, but I'm concerned about the support the Chiefs are currently offering Patrick Mahomes. Justin Watson, Xavier Worthy and Kadarius Toney have already missed time, and it's never great to see the elite Chris Jones hurt. The Chiefs face some obvious obstacles as they embark on an attempted threepeat.
Las Vegas Raiders: If the Raiders really aren't going to contend this year—and I highly doubt they will in that division with Aidan O'Connell or Gardner Minshew II under center—they need to strongly consider pulling the trigger on a Davante Adams trade. That's been a hot topic for a while, and it just makes sense considering that the 31-year-old is slated to cost $44.1 million against the salary cap in 2025, per Spotrac.
Los Angeles Chargers: A non-minor injury to Justin Herbert was the last thing the Chargers needed as quarterback Justin Herbert works to get acclimated in yet another new offense. I get the feeling this'll unfortunately be a transition season in which the Bolts will lack competitiveness.
NFC East
5 of 8
Dallas Cowboys: I don't care what the Cowboys say, I'm convinced that they're prepared to move on from Dak Prescott, Mike McCarthy and possibly even CeeDee Lamb if they don't win multiple playoff games and seriously contend for a championship in 2024. Actions speak louder than words with regard to those prominent lame ducks.
New York Giants: There are no indications Daniel Jones is good enough to bounce back from a significant injury and suddenly produce to the level of his hefty contract behind a mediocre offensive line and with a skill-position core that is likely to experience some growing pains post-Saquon Barkley. This'll be Jones' last season with Big Blue.
Philadelphia Eagles: In this hyperreactive realm, there's already chatter this could at least be a make-or-break season for Nick Sirianni after the Eagles choked magnificently down the stretch last year. I don't buy it. I think that 2022 Super Bowl run bought Sirianni plenty of rope, and he and Jalen Hurts will likely get multiple more kicks at the can unless things truly blow up this year.
Washington Commanders: I think it was unwise of the Commanders to tentatively name rookie Jayden Daniels the starting quarterback ahead of Saturday's preseason opener. With a new-look offensive line that still may be a liability, Washington would be smart to bring Daniels along slowly this month. Now, instead, the pressure will be on and if he struggles and doesn't hold the top job it'll look like a demotion.
NFC North
6 of 8
Chicago Bears: The more I watch and read about the Bears offense, the more I believe they can pull off what the Texans did with their rookie first-round quarterback in 2023. Caleb Williams is a special player, and he seems to have the ideal career-launching supporting cast with Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet and a strong offensive line. This should be fun.
Detroit Lions: Could Jahmyr Gibbs be the X-factor for the Lions in 2024? He hit a bit of a wall late in his rookie season, which happens, but now the hype machine is turned up as it looks as though the 2023 No. 12 overall pick will play a much more dynamic and elaborate role in a stacked offense. Imagine this team if he becomes one of the league's top playmakers...
Green Bay Packers: While they've at least loaded up on plenty of options in the passing game for quarterback Jordan Love, I do worry about the fact there continues to be very little experience at that position group. It's entirely possible the Packers have, like, half a dozen No. 3/4 receivers and very few starting-caliber players at that critical position. Let's see.
Minnesota Vikings: I'm not ruling out a full season as a starter for Sam Darnold, who has the ability to excel in the right setting and will of course be throwing to arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL this year. Eventually, J.J. McCarthy will get a shot. But that might not come until 2025, and it's possible both Darnold and McCarthy will be starters (in separate cities) next season.
NFC South
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Atlanta Falcons: What if rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. continues to shine? Simultaneously, what if highly paid veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins doesn't deliver? Only another injury to Cousins could make a potential transition unawkward for the Falcons, who at some point would be forced to admit they made a mistake by paying Cousins. They can't stubbornly play him indefinitely and waste all of the offensive talent around him. We're not at this point yet, but I wouldn't rule such a scenario out in the coming months.
Carolina Panthers: Let's take this opportunity to remind everyone that many, many, many very good and successful NFL quarterbacks have pooped the bed as rookies. The Panthers have talent along the offensive line and at wide receiver, and Bryce Young only just turned 23. Let's take a breath and give Dave Canales a shot.
New Orleans Saints: I really think we're finally on the brink with the Saints. If they can't show promise out of the gate with this version of the roster, it oughta be time for the fire sale that's been advertised for years. Excluding Alvin Kamara, this fringe contender has 10 players above the age of 31.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The running game continues to concern me. That attack was the worst in football last year, and it's quite difficult to experience sustained success with such a glaring weakness on offense. They also didn't exactly address that spot in a major way this offseason. New offensive coordinator Liam Coen will do his best to fix things on the ground, but talent is talent and if that's lacking, the Bucs will be limited.
NFC West
8 of 8
Arizona Cardinals: All good with no preseason action for Kyler Murray. Dude is precious, and it's all or nothing this season for him and the future of this franchise with him under center. Protect him, focus on chemistry in practice and let's see what 2024 has in store for an incredibly talented quarterback who just hasn't been able to put together a full season since 2021.
Los Angeles Rams: The Rams' offensive depth is being tested this month, which may be a good thing. Injuries happen, and arguably better now than later. Who'll step up with Puka Nacua down? What else do they have up front with Alaric Jackson, Jonah Jackson and Rob Havenstein down? And can Blake Corum successfully keep Kyren Williams fresh? The answers could dictate how competitive Los Angeles is in 2024.
San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers can't afford to give in and deal Brandon Aiyuk. The guy is a critical part of the offense, and the margin for error is miniscule with the Eagles, Lions, Cowboys, Packers and Rams likely to apply pressure on a 49ers team that still might have questions at quarterback.
Seattle Seahawks: Despite all the focus and chatter on Geno Smith and potential rebound in 2024, the Seahawks can't get stubborn. You're paying Sam Howell for a reason, and there's still some upside there as well. The odds are still pretty good that Smith's strong 2022 campaign was a fluke. If he doesn't deliver early, the team needs to mix things up.
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