Let’s preview the 2024 NFL season: Daring predictions, sleeper candidates for all 32 groups

The 2024 NFL season kicks off Thursday evening, when the reigning Tremendous Bowl champion Kansas Metropolis Chiefs host the Baltimore Ravens (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC).

Week 1 continues Friday evening in Brazil, when the Inexperienced Bay Packers face the Philadelphia Eagles in São Paulo (8:15 p.m. ET, Peacock), earlier than Sunday’s slate of 13 video games, together with the Detroit Lions internet hosting the Los Angeles Rams on “Sunday Evening Soccer” (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC). Opening week wraps up with “Monday Evening Soccer,” because the New York Jets go to the San Francisco 49ers, which you’ll catch at 8:20 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC and ESPN+.

To welcome again soccer, NFL Nation reporters recognized strengths and considerations for all 32 groups; NFL analyst Matt Bowen named a fantasy sleeper you must think about; analytics author Seth Walder made 32 daring predictions; and ESPN Stats & Data gave a stat to know for each crew heading into the season. As well as, you may discover the possibilities for each crew to win its division and make the playoffs, projected win totals and power of schedule. Plus, depth charts, schedules and rosters for each crew.

That is the whole lot that you must know for the beginning of the season, which is able to conclude Feb. 9 at Tremendous Bowl LIX in New Orleans. The ESPN Soccer Energy Index (FPI) ranked each crew from 1 to 32 primarily based on the way it tasks the season to play out. The 49ers begin us off at No. 1:

Leap to a crew:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SEA
SF | TB | TEN | WSH

FPI’s total rating: No. 1
Probabilities to win division: 67.9%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 85.6%
Projected wins: 11
Power of schedule: eleventh hardest

Greatest power: A lot of the defending NFC champions’ roster returns, together with the potential for all 11 offensive starters to play. The Niners had been one of many league’s most dominant groups in 2023, and their offense — No. 1 in factors per sport, effectivity and EPA — may nonetheless enhance as a result of it lastly has stability at quarterback with Brock Purdy for a full offseason. The Niners know this might be the final probability for this nucleus of stars to win a Tremendous Bowl collectively. — Nick Wagoner

Greatest concern: Total depth. The Niners had been hit arduous by preseason accidents, however few of those affecting key gamers seem like long-term points. If accidents hit them through the common season, it is truthful to marvel if the Niners have the depth wanted to maintain their success. A scarcity of top-end draft picks the previous three years has made this a top-heavy roster. That hasn’t bitten the Niners but, however depth — particularly on the offensive and defensive traces — is the place that might be felt if accidents do come up. — Wagoner

Stat to know: There have been solely three groups to win the Tremendous Bowl the season after shedding it (2018 Patriots, 1972 Dolphins, 1971 Cowboys). Nevertheless, not one of the Tremendous Bowl losers previously 5 years has reached the title sport the following season (Eagles, Bengals, Chiefs, Rams), together with the 49ers, who missed the playoffs within the 2020 season (6-10) after reaching the Tremendous Bowl the 12 months earlier than.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: WR Jauan Jennings. A receiver who’s greater than keen to the soiled work within the run sport, Jennings can be a refined route runner who can produce in essential sport conditions. Whereas Jennings had solely 35 receptions final season, 23 of these went for first downs. If Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel Sr. had been to overlook time, Jennings would elevate right into a quantity function in Kyle Shanahan’s schemed move sport. — Matt Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: The 49ers’ middling offensive line play will catch as much as them they usually fall out of the highest 4 offenses within the league (by way of anticipated factors added per play) consequently. The one lineman they’ll really feel nice about is left deal with Trent Williams, and even he carries danger, provided that he is 36 years previous and presently holding out. Left guard Aaron Banks, heart Jake Brendel, proper guard Spencer Burford and proper deal with Colton McKivitz all confirmed weak spot in both run or move block win fee final season. — Seth Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 2
Probabilities to win division: 74.4%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 87.1%
Projected wins: 11.1
Power of schedule: Eighth best

Greatest power: The addition of pace at large receiver appears to be making a distinction. Xavier Worthy, the Chiefs’ first-round draft alternative, caught a number of deep passes in coaching camp and a pair within the preseason. He’s additionally clearing out room beneath for different move catchers, reminiscent of Rashee Rice, Travis Kelce and Justin Watson. One other addition, Marquise Brown, is recovering from a dislocated shoulder. However Brown’s absence will not be prolonged, and his pace needs to be troublesome for opponents to deal with. — Adam Teicher

Greatest concern: Will the Chiefs’ protection be prepared for the beginning of the common season? Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo acknowledged his concern that a number of regulars — together with deal with Chris Jones, linebacker Nick Bolton and security Justin Reid — missed most of camp and the entire preseason on account of accidents. All will likely be out there when the common season begins however may have a while earlier than enjoying properly. The Chiefs additionally struggled in camp to discover a rotation at cornerback outdoors of Trent McDuffie that Spagnuolo is snug with. — Teicher

Stat to know: The Chiefs’ large receiver group in 2023 led the league in drops with 25, probably the most by any large receiver corps in a single season over the previous 10 years.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: Worthy. The receiver won’t be a real sleeper at this level given his preseason tape and the damage to Brown, which is able to create extra fast alternatives for the rookie. Nevertheless, at his present common draft place (ADP round WR40), Worthy nonetheless gives actually sturdy worth later in drafts. Together with his 4.21 pace, Worthy can glide previous the highest of the secondary for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, or run away from protection on the deep crossing routes in coach Andy Reid’s offense. He’s a big-play WR3. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: The Chiefs would be the NFL’s finest offense by way of EPA per play. Possibly that does not sound that daring contemplating who their quarterback is, however think about that the Chiefs completed eleventh in that class final season. I feel the additions of “Hollywood” Brown and Worthy, plus a 12 months of expertise for Rice, are going to make a dramatic distinction and put this offense again atop the league. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 3
Probabilities to win division: 46.4%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 78.5%
Projected wins: 10.6
Power of schedule: Ninth hardest

Greatest power: Operating the ball. The Ravens have ranked No. 1 within the NFL in speeding three of the previous 5 years, together with final season. Now, a slimmed-down Lamar Jackson shares the backfield together with his first All-Professional working again in Derrick Henry. This has the makings of an explosive mixture. Since Jackson debuted in 2018, he leads the NFL in common rush yards earlier than contact (4.7) and Henry tops the league in common rush yards after contact (2.4). — Jamison Hensley

Greatest concern: Move rush off the sting. One of many largest offseason losses for Baltimore was Jadeveon Clowney, who signed with the Carolina Panthers after rating second on the crew with 9.5 sacks and 19 quarterback hits in 2023. Baltimore has strong starters in Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy. However the query is with the highest backups: David Ojabo, rookie third-round decide Adisa Isaac and Tavius Robinson, who’ve a mixed three profession sacks. — Hensley

Stat to know: Final season, the Ravens allowed 5.9 yards per move try, the bottom mark by any protection within the NFL. It was the third-lowest mark by a protection allowed previously 10 seasons, behind solely the 2021 Payments (5.7) and 2016 Broncos (5.8).

Fantasy sleeper candidate: WR Rashod Bateman. He was wholesome in 2023, enjoying 16 video games, but he did not put up a single week with double-digit fantasy manufacturing, averaging solely 4.8 PPG. Working within the No. 3 function for the Ravens’ move sport behind TE Mark Andrews and WR Zay Flowers does not create constant quantity alternatives, however if you happen to want a late-round flier, Bateman has the traits and expertise of a fringe goal. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Keaton Mitchell will likely be a top-10 fantasy working again by way of factors per sport when he returns from a torn left ACL suffered late final season. Mitchell was outrageous in a small pattern final 12 months, accumulating 201 rush yards over expectation — the fourth-highest whole of any participant within the league — regardless of carrying the ball solely 47 instances, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. He’s an unimaginable complement to Henry, and I imagine Mitchell will likely be an enormous asset to the Ravens down the stretch. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 4
Probabilities to win division: 52.1%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 80.6%
Projected wins: 10.6
Power of schedule: Seventh hardest

Greatest power: Detroit’s offense options the identical basis from the 2023 crew that reached the NFC Championship Sport and received its first NFC North title since 1993. Veteran QB Jared Goff is one in every of seven Professional Bowlers who’re again, together with first-team All-Professional WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and OT Penei Sewell. The Lions additionally saved OC Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn, who had been receiving critical head-coaching curiosity through the offseason, so the profitable components stays in place. — Eric Woodyard

Greatest concern: Detroit’s entrance workplace was aggressive in addressing defensive points on the roster, however has it actually improved? As a complete, the Lions’ 2023 protection allowed opponents to attain a TD on 23% of their drives, which ranked twenty fifth, they usually’ll be counting on a ton of recent faces, together with rookie CBs Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. The primary-year defenders had been strong all through the preseason and are anticipated to be instant-impact gamers to assist enhance Detroit’s secondary. — Woodyard

Stat to know: St. Brown had 13 catches and nil drops on tight-window throws (lower than 1-yard of separation) in 2023. He has by no means dropped a tight-window move since being chosen in Spherical 4 of the 2021 draft, going 23-of-23.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: WR Jameson Williams. He’s anticipated to play the No. 2 function reverse St. Brown. In 12 video games performed final season, Williams averaged 14.8 YPC, with 20.8% of his receptions going for greater than 20 yards. He is an electrical mover with playmaking traits who may produce WR3 numbers in 2024. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Kevin Zeitler will end within the prime 5 in move block win fee amongst guards. Zeitler signed a one-year, $6 million deal within the offseason — unimaginable worth in an in any other case costly guard market — and I imagine it could repay in an enormous approach. Zeitler is 34, but when he has yet one more good 12 months left in him, that will add extra power to an already stout Lions offensive line. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 5
Probabilities to win division: 43.6%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 70.2%
Projected wins: 10
Power of schedule: Second hardest

Greatest power: Josh Allen. For all of the questions surrounding the Payments’ interval of transition, the crew will proceed to be within the combine so long as their quarterback is wholesome. Going into his seventh season, Allen is coming off one other top-five MVP end, has led the crew in speeding and passing touchdowns 5 instances and has 4 straight seasons with 40 mixed passing and speeding touchdowns, the longest streak in NFL historical past. — Alaina Getzenberg

Greatest concern: Uncertainty at security. On account of a number of accidents throughout camp, it is a beginning place that isn’t settled and has seen inconsistencies on the sphere. The Payments are changing seven-year starters Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, and with coach Sean McDermott placing important communication obligations and significance on the beginning security roles, the uncertainty is a priority going into this season. — Getzenberg

Stat to know: Buffalo has gone 58-24 (.707) over the previous 5 common seasons, second solely to Kansas Metropolis (63-20, .759). The crew’s 58 wins are tied with the 2017-21 Saints for many wins throughout a five-season span with out reaching the Tremendous Bowl. Buffalo has not reached a Tremendous Bowl since 1993.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: WR Khalil Shakir. The Payments moved on from Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason, however Shakir will nonetheless see competitors for targets from rookie Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel and tight finish Dalton Kincaid. In 2023, Shakir posted three video games with 15 or extra fantasy factors, and he has the ability set to provide in area, as 46.2% of his receiving yardage got here after the catch. He’s a deeper-league participant to watch. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Shakir will report a minimum of 1,000 receiving yards. This projection is usually primarily based on enjoying with the second-best quarterback within the league in a large receivers room that’s in any other case fairly missing. However Shakir has proved himself to be a strong participant, with a top-36 total rating in our receiver monitoring metrics in every of his two NFL seasons. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 6
Probabilities to win division: 45.5%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 77.8%
Projected wins: 10.3
Power of schedule: sixteenth hardest

Greatest power: The connection from Dak Prescott to CeeDee Lamb. Lamb led the NFL in catches with 135 and set a crew report with 1,747 yards to go together with 12 receiving touchdowns final season. Prescott led the NFL in landing passes (36) and completed second in MVP voting. Lamb’s absence from coaching camp wasn’t the very best for his or her connection, however they spent ample time collectively within the offseason to maintain it sharp. Each imagine they may have sufficient time to stand up to hurry for the common season, which will likely be a should if the Cowboys are to make the playoffs for a fourth straight season. — Todd Archer

Greatest concern: The Cowboys want a quick begin to the season, and 5 of their first seven video games are in opposition to playoff groups from 2023. With no quick begin, the strain degree rises on Mike McCarthy and the remainder of his teaching employees, who’re all on one-year offers. Jerry Jones has made one in-season teaching change in his time as proprietor and GM. In 2010, he relieved Wade Phillips on the halfway level and named Jason Garrett the interim coach. — Archer

Stat to know: Prescott has posted a better QBR (93.1) concentrating on Lamb than any QB-receiver combo within the league with a minimal of 250 targets for the reason that wideout was chosen No. 17 total in 2020.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: RB Rico Dowdle. Dallas introduced again veteran Ezekiel Elliott, who will begin the season because the Cowboys’ No. 1, however do not forget about Dowdle as a change-of-pace runner who may see a rise in touches because the season progresses. Dowdle registered a career-high 505 scrimmage yards in 2023, and he has the dual-threat means to affect the passing sport. He is a deeper-league sleeper who may emerge if the 29-year-old Elliott fails to provide. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Parsons will break the single-season sack report. Is that this the identical daring prediction I made final 12 months? Sure. Did Parsons come up properly quick? Sure. However I nonetheless imagine as a result of he has led the league in move rush win fee every season since he grew to become a professional in 2021. The sacks are going to come back in an avalanche sooner or later, and I feel 2024 might be the season wherein that occurs. My sack projections mannequin likes him greater than anybody else too. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 7
Probabilities to win division: 36.5%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 72.5%
Projected wins: 10.3
Power of schedule: Seventh best

Greatest power: The protection needs to be a lot improved. With the return of security Vonn Bell, communication throughout the unit has improved tremendously. Sheldon Rankins is an imposing inside move rusher, and Cincinnati feels its defensive depth will likely be a giant asset this season. There’s additionally nowhere to go however up for the Bengals. In 2023, they allowed probably the most yards per play within the league (6.0). However early returns in coaching camp point out a turnaround this season. — Ben Child

Greatest concern: Uncertainty across the passing assault. Though the preseason supplied modest glimpses of the place QB Joe Burrow is in his restoration from surgical procedure to restore a broken ligament in his throwing wrist, he’ll be totally examined within the common season, when he will likely be hit for the primary time since final November. WR Ja’Marr Chase did not observe all coaching camp amid a contract dispute, lastly participating in his first session final week. The unit must be extra explosive, too, after ending final season twenty second in completions of 20 or extra yards. — Child

Stat to know: Defending Burrow has remained a precedence for the Bengals, particularly as a result of the quarterback has been sacked 148 instances since being drafted in 2020. The crew continued so as to add assist in the 2024 draft, when Cincinnati chosen OT Amarius Mims with the No. 18 decide.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: RB Chase Brown. Zack Moss is slated to be the early-down runner for the Bengals, however Brown nonetheless has upside as a No. 2 in Cincinnati. As a rookie in 2023, Brown flashed the power to seek out daylight as a runner, whereas averaging 14.4 yards per reception on screens. Brown is a brilliant insurance coverage play behind Moss, as his receiving utilization creates potential flex worth in deeper codecs. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: The Bengals will miss the playoffs. That is largely only a hunch. However the lack of offensive coordinator Brian Callahan provides me pause; I am a bit of involved about Cincinnati’s guards and proper deal with; and the protection was poor final season. Plus, Burrow’s effectivity numbers have by no means fairly lived as much as his popularity. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 8
Probabilities to win division: 49.0%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 79.4%
Projected wins: 10.5
Power of schedule: Sixth best

Greatest power: A star-studded solid on offense. That is arguably probably the most gifted ability place group in crew historical past — a unit that features QB Jalen Hurts, RB Saquon Barkley, WR A.J. Brown, WR DeVonta Smith and TE Dallas Goedert. The Eagles additionally added WR Jahan Dotson. There are extra questions than regular surrounding the offensive line, together with the impact of C Jason Kelce’s retirement. However total, GM Howie Roseman has assembled greater than sufficient expertise to provide a top-five offense. — Tim McManus

Greatest concern: Some dysfunction crept in final season, as a 10-1 begin gave approach to a 1-6 collapse. It included a strained working relationship between coach Nick Sirianni and Hurts. Modifications have since been made. Kellen Moore changed Brian Johnson at OC and was given extra inventive management. Vic Fangio was introduced in as DC and may make the protection a extra practical unit. However we cannot know whether or not the crew has moved totally previous final season’s points till adversity hits. — McManus

Stat to know: Philadelphia is ready to turn out to be the primary crew in NFL historical past to start a season with a quarterback who had 10 scrimmage TDs (Hurts), a working again who had 10 scrimmage TDs (Barkley) and two 1,000-yard receivers from the earlier season (Smith and Brown).

Fantasy sleeper candidate: TE Goedert. The tight finish averaged 9.7 PPG final season, down from 11.8 in 2024, however he totaled 4 video games with 14 factors or extra. And with Moore taking up because the offensive coordinator in Philly, Goedert might be schemed as a motion goal for Hurts on play-action and run-pass choice (RPO) from a number of alignments. Plus, at his present double-digit ADP, Goedert gives sturdy worth in deeper leagues. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Jalen Carter will report 10-plus sacks, which is properly past what my sack projections say. Final season the highest three defensive tackles in “move rush get off” — the time to cross the road of scrimmage when move speeding — had been Chris Jones, Carter and Aaron Donald, in that order. Carter has elite potential. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 9
Probabilities to win division: 50.8%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 64.6%
Projected wins: 9.6
Power of schedule: Fourth hardest

Greatest power: The Texans’ offense is loaded with Professional Bowlers, together with QB C.J. Stroud, WR Stefon Diggs, RB Joe Mixon and LT Laremy Tunsil. And non-Professional Bowl WRs Nico Collins and Tank Dell are simply as explosive. So if the group is wholesome, Houston’s offense will likely be dynamic. Stroud known as the playmakers a “five-headed monster” initially of coaching camp, and it seemed like that at instances all through camp. — DJ Bien-Aime

Greatest concern: The Texans’ offensive line has an damage historical past. On paper, the unit has expertise, led by Tunsil, RG Shaq Mason and extremely paid RT Tytus Howard. However everybody outdoors of Mason has missed time, both final season or in coaching camp. The offensive line depth is not practically nearly as good as final season, when swing deal with George Fant stepped in and performed successfully, masking missed time from Howard. The Texans want a wholesome offensive line to succeed in their lofty expectations. — Bien-Aime

Stat to know: Coach DeMeco Ryans and Stroud had been the third rookie head coach-quarterback duo since 1950 to win a playoff sport, becoming a member of John Harbaugh and Joe Flacco (2008 Ravens) and Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez (2009 Jets).

Fantasy sleeper candidate: RB Dameon Pierce. He noticed his numbers plummet in 2023 and begins this season because the backup to Mixon. Though that does not create a lot pleasure, Pierce did produce as a rookie in 2022, speeding for 939 yards and catching 30 of 39 targets. If Mixon had been to go down with an damage, Pierce would elevate into the lead function for an explosive Houston offense that may transfer the ball and rating factors. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. will make the Professional Bowl. Past his draft résumé, Stingley allowed 1.0 yards per protection snap final season, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, which ranked within the prime 10 for an out of doors nook with a minimum of 300 protection snaps. With the Texans’ younger protection gaining steam and a powerful move rush up entrance, issues are organising properly for a giant season from the 2022 No. 3 decide. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 10
Probabilities to win division: 31.2%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 65.2%
Projected wins: 9.7
Power of schedule: twelfth hardest

Greatest power: Final 12 months’s weak spot — first-year starter Jordan Love and the youngest group of receivers within the league — is that this 12 months’s power. Love performed in addition to any quarterback over the ultimate two months of the common season and was stellar within the playoffs. He has a bevy of weapons in Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft amongst others, and coach Matt LaFleur discovered a approach to make the most of most of them final season. — Rob Demovsky

Greatest concern: Is not it virtually at all times the protection (the place the Packers have their third DC in LaFleur’s six seasons) or particular groups? The early evaluations of former Boston Faculty head coach Jeff Hafley’s new protection in Inexperienced Bay have been constructive, however there was misguided optimism on that aspect of the ball earlier than. Which brings us to the kicking sport, the place the Packers — for now — are going with undrafted rookie Brayden Narveson, who was claimed off waivers from Tennessee after last cuts. This was after not one of the different 5 kickers the Packers had on the roster at numerous instances this offseason (Anders Carlson, Greg Joseph, Jack Podlesny, James Turner and Alex Hale) proved worthy. — Demovsky

Stat to know: The Packers took Arizona OT Jordan Morgan within the first spherical of the 2024 draft. Morgan didn’t have a blown block in 306 run-blocking performs in his last school season, the third-most performs and not using a blown block by any Energy 5 offensive lineman.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: WR Wicks. The large receiver posted double-digit fantasy manufacturing in 4 of his last six 2023 video games, highlighted by his career-high 24.1 factors in opposition to the Bears in Week 18. With a deep and proficient Packers large receiver room, Wicks does not have an outlined path to constant fantasy manufacturing. Nevertheless, together with his 6-foot-1 body and route expertise, Wicks can work his approach into the rotation this season. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: MarShawn Lloyd will take over the No. 1 working again function by the tip of the season. Free agent signee Josh Jacobs was very efficient in 2022 however recorded damaging rush yards over expectation (per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats) in 2020, 2021 and 2023. Final season, his RYOE whole was minus-86. I am keen to wager that 2022 was Jacobs’ outlier and that the Packers will desire Lloyd as their featured again by December. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 11
Probabilities to win division: 31.4%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 60.4%
Projected wins: 9.5
Power of schedule: thirteenth best

Greatest power: Offensive continuity. The trio of Tua Tagovailoa (led NFL in passing yards), Tyreek Hill (tops in receiving yards) and Raheem Mostert (tops in in speeding touchdowns) was elite in 2023. They’re all again, as are WR Jaylen Waddle, RB De’Von Achane and 5 gamers who began a number of video games for the Dolphins in 2023. Think about the identical core offensive teaching employees and newcomers RB Jaylen Wright, TE Jonnu Smith and WR Odell Beckham Jr., and Miami may repeat because the league’s prime offensive crew. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Greatest concern: Offensive line depth. Sure, a variety of the identical gamers are again from final season, however this unit has been hit usually by accidents over the previous two years. Terron Armstead is among the finest tackles within the NFL when wholesome, however he missed seven video games final season and 4 in 2022. New heart Aaron Brewer is managing an damage he picked up throughout coaching camp, and left guard Isaiah Wynn has not practiced since a quadriceps damage in Week 7 of final season. The excellent news is that this group has loads of versatility, which may offset accidents to an extent. — Louis-Jacques

Stat to know: Miami’s offensive line issues date again to Tagovailoa’s rookie season in 2020. The Dolphins’ move block win fee of 51% since then is the second worst within the NFL, behind the Bengals (50%). In 2023, Miami’s 49% PBWR was the second worst, behind the Patriots (44%).

Fantasy sleeper candidate: RB Wright. In an offense that prioritizes straight-line pace, Wright might be focused as a late-round pickup with big-play upside within the run sport. The rookie ran a 4.38 40-yard sprint on the mix and had 35 rushes of 10 or extra yards in his last school season at Tennessee. Taking part in behind Mostert and Achane, each of whom have had accidents, may open the door earlier for Wright in a run sport that is among the league’s finest. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: The Dolphins will a minimum of attain the AFC Championship Sport. I am a believer in coach Mike McDaniel and his offense. Regardless that it slowed down within the stretch run final season, the Miami offense ranked second in EPA per play in 2023. That kind of manufacturing over a complete season bodes properly for future efficiency. Plus, if the Dolphins can get a full season from cornerback Jalen Ramsey and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, that may go a good distance towards solidifying the protection. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 12
Probabilities to win division: 24.6%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 52.9%
Projected wins: 9.2
Power of schedule: Ninth best

Greatest power: Aaron Rodgers seems to be terrific. He took about 800 observe reps in what he known as one of the vital taxing coaching camps of his profession, and he did not seem like a 40-year-old quarterback coming off left Achilles surgical procedure. There is likely to be early-season rust — he hasn’t performed a full sport in 20 months — however his mere presence ought to elevate an offense that scored a league-low 18 touchdowns in 2023. The duo of Rodgers and WR Garrett Wilson dominated all summer season. — Wealthy Cimini

Greatest concern: Depth on the line of defense. Gone are Bryce Huff, John Franklin-Myers and Quinton Jefferson, who mixed for 19.5 sacks and 1,604 snaps in 2023. The Jets imported Haason Reddick (holding out) and Javon Kinlaw as replacements, they usually plan to increase Will McDonald’s function. That is regarding for a protection that depends closely on an eight-man rotation. — Cimini

Stat to know: Rodgers may turn out to be the fifth QB in NFL historical past (excluding rookies) to throw 25 touchdowns after a season when he did not full a move. He has had a minimum of 25 TD passes in every of the 13 seasons wherein he performed a minimum of 10 video games.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: RB Braelon Allen. He has the traits of an old-school I-formation again. He is a north-south runner at 6-foot-1, 235 kilos, with the ability to get via contact. Allen broke 77 tackles throughout his three years at Wisconsin, and he might be used as a goal-line runner if starter Breece Corridor misses time on account of damage. He’s a possible waiver pickup. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: WR Wilson will likely be a first-team All-Professional and CB Sauce Gardner will obtain his third nod. When doing my 100-player MVP poll, the suggestions I received from people within the league was that Wilson was already one of many best large receivers within the NFL and his manufacturing was held again by quarterback play. Gardner is already elite — over the previous two seasons, he ranks second in yards per protection snap allowed and third in EPA allowed amongst outdoors corners, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 13
Probabilities to win division: 18.2%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 47.2%
Projected wins: 8.8
Power of schedule: Tenth hardest

Greatest power: The Rams return nearly all of an offense that began clicking down the stretch final season to make them a playoff berth. An enormous a part of that was Matthew Stafford, who ranked second in QBR (72.8) and was tied for third in passing touchdowns (16) from Weeks 11 to 18. With a wholesome Cooper Kupp returning alongside second-year receiver Puka Nacua, Los Angeles hopes it could discover its approach again to the playoffs. — Sarah Barshop

Greatest concern: After Aaron Donald’s retirement, the Rams will likely be closely depending on their younger protection, led by new coordinator Chris Shula. Los Angeles has used draft capital to construct up the unit the previous two years, however the Rams might want to see continued progress from second-year gamers DE Kobie Turner and LB Byron Younger. The unit will not get pleasure from having Donald, who was double-teamed on a league-high 311 pass-rush performs final season, to take off strain. — Barshop

Stat to know: Stafford may be a part of the quick listing of NFL quarterbacks to succeed in 60,000 passing yards. He sits at 56,047 and has averaged 4,424 yards in seasons when he began a minimum of 15 video games.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: RB Blake Corum. Beginning working again Kyren Williams missed 4 video games final season on account of damage, and the Rams invested a third-round decide on Corum on this 12 months’s draft. At 5-foot-8, 210 kilos, with the contact steadiness to provide between the tackles, Corum is a seamless match for an offense that has turn out to be extra gap-heavy within the run sport. Corum, who rushed for twenty-four touchdowns at Michigan final season, might be focused in all codecs as a prime insurance coverage again. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Tight finish Colby Parkinson will rating eight-plus touchdowns. I am shopping for a significant function enhance for Parkinson, who performed lower than half of Seattle’s offensive snaps final season however now’s in L.A., the place Tyler Higbee performed a minimum of 86% of snaps in video games he took half in throughout every of the previous three seasons. With Higbee out with a torn ACL and MCL suffered in January, the TE1 function seems to be like Parkinson’s now. I feel the 6-foot-7 tight finish will haul in fairly just a few quick landing passes from Stafford whereas opponents deal with stopping Nacua and Kupp. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 14
Probabilities to win division: 9.1%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 33.5%
Projected wins: 8.2
Power of schedule: Eighth hardest

Greatest power: Continuity on protection. The protection not solely improved in its first season underneath coordinator Jim Schwartz, it thrived. In 2023, the unit allowed the fewest yards within the NFL. Now, it returns the overwhelming majority of its starters from final season, led by reigning Defensive Participant of the Yr Myles Garrett. It is among the finest defenses at enjoying man protection, and there is even discuss including wrinkles to a scheme that already befuddles quarterbacks. — Daniel Oyefusi

Greatest concern: Well being of key offensive gamers. Prime tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin are coming back from extreme knee accidents, whereas working again Nick Chubb is rehabbing a knee damage that may sideline him for a minimum of the primary 4 video games of the season. After which there’s quarterback Deshaun Watson, who’s again from a season-ending shoulder damage. He has struggled to remain wholesome and carry out at his earlier Professional Bowl degree, posting the sixth-worst QBR since making his debut in Cleveland. — Oyefusi

Stat to know: Cleveland’s 11-6 season in 2023 got here regardless of inconsistent quarterback play. The Browns, who began 5 quarterbacks final season, posted a cumulative crew Complete QBR of 37. It was the worst QBR by any crew to win 10-plus video games in a season for the reason that metric was launched in 2006.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: RB Pierre Robust Jr. With Chubb (knee) beginning the season on the PUP listing, Jerome Ford figures to step into the lead function for Cleveland. However let’s regulate Robust, a fast accelerator with the imaginative and prescient to seek out open working lanes. Robust averaged 4.6 YPC final season, and whereas his receiving numbers do not leap off the web page (5 receptions, 47 yards), he has the abilities to be productive as a pass-game goal on screens, swings and beneath releases. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Jerry Jeudy will end as a prime 30 fantasy large receiver (he is being drafted round WR50). I’d by no means give up Jeudy, however there’s good motive I keep my religion — he will get open. That is the trait I at all times wish to wager on when forecasting future manufacturing. Jeudy’s open scores in 2021, 2022 and 2023 had been 80, 79 and 60, respectively. There’s untapped upside right here that the Browns may unlock. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 15
Probabilities to win division: 56.8%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 67.4%
Projected wins: 9.6
Power of schedule: Best

Greatest power: There are a lot of, which is why the Falcons offered out their season tickets earlier than coaching camp for the primary time in twenty years. Atlanta signed Kirk Cousins, giving the franchise its finest quarterback since Matt Ryan. He provides the crew’s younger ability gamers — RB Bijan Robinson, WR Drake London and TE Kyle Pitts — an opportunity to interrupt out. After which the Falcons acquired two Professional Bowlers: edge rusher Matthew Judon and security Justin Simmons. — Marc Raimondi

Greatest concern: Normal supervisor Terry Fontenot addressed the most important one — protection — by buying and selling for Judon and signing Simmons. New head coach Raheem Morris can be a defensive guru. Nonetheless, the Falcons have been worse at attending to the quarterback than every other crew over the previous 5 seasons — 23 fewer sacks than anybody else. Judon will assist, however he cannot do it alone. Others might want to step up on a protection with many unproven commodities. — Raimondi

Stat to know: The Falcons have completed within the backside half of the league in scoring protection in six straight seasons, tied with the Panthers for the longest lively streak.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: WR Darnell Mooney. His manufacturing declined in Chicago’s subpar passing assault final season (31 receptions, 414 yards), however he has the vertical-stretch means to create explosive performs with Cousins. Slated to begin because the No. 2 WR for the Falcons reverse London, Mooney ought to see a bump in goal quantity, making him a possible deeper league WR3 choice. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Regardless of an offense that I anticipate to take a significant step ahead with the signing of Cousins, Pitts will disappoint once more and fail to succeed in 700 receiving yards. We’re now three years faraway from his sturdy rookie season, and I do not imagine former Falcons coach Arthur Smith was the one factor holding Pitts again. Final season, Pitts ranked thirty third out of 44 tight ends in open rating (43) in ESPN’s receiver monitoring metrics, which has me involved about his prospects. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 16
Probabilities to win division: 22.5%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 37.5%
Projected wins: 8.3
Power of schedule: thirteenth hardest

Greatest power: A wholesome WR Christian Kirk and QB Trevor Lawrence. Final season, the offense was disjointed when Kirk missed the ultimate 5 video games and Lawrence handled accidents over the identical stretch. Including WR Gabe Davis and rookie WR Brian Thomas Jr. ought to assist stretch the sphere, which is one thing the offense could not do final 12 months with WR Zay Jones battling a knee damage all season. This offense has the potential to be higher than the unit that in 20222 finished10th in scoring and passing yards and ninth in whole yards. — Mike DiRocco

Greatest concern: The Jaguars introduced again 4 of 5 starters from an offensive line that ranked twenty eighth in run block win fee and twenty ninth in move block win fee. They did make an improve at heart, bringing in veteran Mitch Morse, who was the second-best run-blocking heart within the league in 2023, to switch Luke Fortner. They’re relying on LG Ezra Cleveland and RB Brandon Scherff to remain wholesome. If this group can simply be common, the offense ought to have success. — DiRocco

Stat to know: Since 2022, Lawrence has misplaced 16 fumbles, probably the most within the NFL throughout that span. He additionally has dedicated 38 turnovers, the second most within the NFL behind Payments QB Josh Allen.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: WR Thomas. With Calvin Ridley now in Tennessee, there’s a gap for Thomas — the rookie out of LSU — to play a productive function in coach Doug Pederson’s move sport. Thomas can get unfastened excessive of the protection, utilizing his late separation pace and ball-tracking expertise to money in. Plus, Pederson can scheme for Thomas, creating intermediate voids for Lawrence to ship the ball. You’ll be able to draft Thomas as a WR3, figuring out he has the power to provide breakout weeks. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Cornerback Tyson Campbell has had two tough seasons (2021, 2023) and one nice one (2022) since becoming a member of the NFL. I am going to say he bounces again to one thing nearer to what he did in 2022, when he allowed 1.1 yards per protection snap or much less, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. For reference, 1.3 is common for an out of doors nook and Campbell was at 1.6 final season. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 17
Probabilities to win division: 8.1%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 29.0%
Projected wins: 7.9
Power of schedule: Third hardest

Greatest power: A deep, veteran protection. With the circus across the Steelers’ quarterback competitors, the crew’s protection has been largely neglected. However with additions reminiscent of ILBs Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson, S DeShon Elliott and CB Donte Jackson, a Steelers protection that held opponents to 19.7 PPG in 2023 reloaded. S Minkah Fitzpatrick ought to make extra performs in a strengthened secondary. And within the entrance seven, up-and-comers Keeanu Benton, Nick Herbig and Wilson are exhibiting indicators of being contributors. — Brooke Pryor

Greatest concern: QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Though he threw 26 TDs and eight INTs, Wilson was the fourth-most sacked quarterback in 2023. And Fields (16 TDs, 9 INTs), was proper behind Wilson at No. 5, taking 44 sacks in two fewer video games. Wilson entered coaching camp within the lead for the beginning job, however coach Mike Tomlin publicly saved the competitors going till naming Wilson the starter on Wednesday. Because the saying goes, when you could have two quarterbacks, you might need none. — Pryor

Stat to know: New OC Arthur Smith used play-action on the second-highest fee (32%) from 2021 to 2023 when he was the Falcons’ head coach. This might profit Wilson, whose 11 play-action TD passes in 2023 had been tied for second most within the NFL.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: QB Fields. With Wilson opening the season because the Steelers’ No. 1 quarterback, Fields must anticipate a chance, both via damage or poor play on the place. Fields averaged 17.7 fantasy PPG in Chicago final season, and he has posted 12 video games with 20 or extra factors over the previous two seasons, together with three with 30 or extra. Together with his dual-threat traits, Fields has the power to provide breakout video games. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Nick Herbig’s breakout is coming, and the linebacker will report a minimum of 7.0 sacks this season. Amongst move rushers with between 40 and 150 move rushes from the sting with a win or a loss (primarily nonstarters), Herbig ranked second in move rush win fee on the place at 26%. He is behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, however I feel he’ll produce when given an opportunity. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 18
Probabilities to win division: 18.9%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 44.8%
Projected wins: 8.8
Power of schedule: Second best

Greatest power: Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh. In Harbaugh’s 4 seasons as an NFL coach, he took the 49ers to a few straight NFC title video games, and the Chargers employed him with hopes that he can recreate that magic in L.A. with one of many league’s finest quarterbacks in Herbert. The 25-year-old has probably the most passing yards (14,089) and accomplished passes (1,316) throughout a quarterback’s first three seasons in NFL historical past. — Kris Rhim

Greatest concern: Extensive receivers. The Chargers may have one of many league’s worst receiving corps on paper, with only one participant having eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in a season (DJ Chark Jr. in 2019). Joshua Palmer, who sat behind Keenan Allen and Mike Williams for the previous three seasons, is the crew’s prime goal, whereas Chark, rookie receiver Ladd McConkey and final 12 months’s first-round decide Quentin Johnston will look to assist make this group a power. — Rhim

Stat to know: Harbaugh went 44-19-1 (.695) with the 49ers, the fifth-highest win proportion by a coach in NFL historical past with a minimal of fifty video games.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: WR Chark. A boundary goal who can work the third degree and discover openings in the course of the sphere, Chark is a participant to think about in deeper leagues. Accidents have restricted him throughout his six professional seasons, so that’s one thing to watch. Nevertheless, Chark does have 23 profession touchdowns and might be schemed as a play-action choice. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: The Chargers will rank within the prime 20 in designed move fee. Definitely, there’s an expectation for a Harbaugh-Greg Roman offense to be very run-heavy. However I even have a tough time imagining them having a quarterback like Herbert and never leaning on him. They should let him throw typically, proper? — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 19
Probabilities to win division: 13.2%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 41.6%
Projected wins: 8.6
Power of schedule: Tenth best

Greatest power: Caleb Williams is arguably in the very best state of affairs conceivable for a quarterback drafted No. 1 total. The Bears received 5 of their final eight video games in 2023, surrounded the previous Heisman Trophy winner with three 1,000-yard large receivers and considerably upgraded the core that surrounds him offensively. Williams has battled with a protection eyeing top-tier standing every single day in observe, a unit whose depth on the again finish is the very best it has been since coach Matt Eberflus was employed in 2022. — Courtney Cronin

Greatest concern: Eberflus just lately expressed concern over the Bears’ lack of depth at defensive deal with. That is not the one a part of the move rush that might be problematic. The Bears had the bottom sack proportion (4.64%) and second-fewest sacks (30) in 2023 and have but to improve the beginning edge rusher spot reverse Montez Sweat. — Cronin

Stat to know: The Bears have by no means had a participant with 30 passing TDs or 4,000 passing yards in a season.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: RB Khalil Herbert. D’Andre Swift is the brand new No. 1 in Chicago after signing a multiyear deal in free company, which is able to restrict Herbert’s whole touches. Nevertheless, Herbert nonetheless carries fantasy worth as an insurance coverage play behind Swift. A savvy zone runner with second-level contact steadiness, Herbert would elevate to the flex ranks if Swift had been to overlook time with an damage. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Williams can have a minimum of a ten% sack fee via Week 6, which is able to elicit a public panic concerning the offensive line, though the Bears’ move block win fee will rank within the prime half of the league. The sacks will largely be on Williams, who had a 7.3% sack fee in his last season at USC, not too far off from Justin Fields’ 7.6% fee in his last season at Ohio State in 2020. I feel Williams will likely be a star however he tends to carry on to the ball for some time, identical to his Chicago predecessor. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 20
Probabilities to win division: 21.2%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 36.1%
Projected wins: 8.2
Power of schedule: twelfth best

Greatest power: The Colts have the very best offensive ability gamers they’ve fielded in years. QB Anthony Richardson returns from a season-ending shoulder damage, and his playmaking means immediately raises the offense’s ceiling. The addition of WR Adonai Mitchell within the second spherical and the great well being of RB Jonathan Taylor means there might be a further enhance in offensive fireworks. The Colts may use the assistance, since they completed 2023 ranked twenty third in explosive performs. — Stephen Holder

Greatest concern: The Colts’ secondary is definitely their least skilled unit. Shortcomings at DB contributed to a loss within the last week of the 2023 season, they usually start this season uncertain whether or not their younger cowl males will maintain up. Hopes are excessive for second-year gamers JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones, however the pattern measurement continues to be very small. And at security, Nick Cross, who has began simply 4 video games in his profession, has supplied blended outcomes so far in his three-year profession. — Holder

Stat to know: Richardson would be the first Colts QB to begin back-to-back season openers since Andrew Luck (2012-16).

Fantasy sleeper candidate: WR Mitchell. The receiver may emerge this season as a vertical risk for Richardson. Mitchell is a sudden mover within the route stem, and he shows the high-level physique management and ball expertise to complete on the level of assault. For those who play in a deeper league and wish to take a shot on a rookie with playmaking upside, then Mitchell is your man. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Kwity Paye and Laiatu Latu will mix for 20 sacks this season. Paye made a giant leap in his, properly, leap final season, enhancing his “move rush get off” from 0.85 seconds to 0.76 (a major distinction), which helped him get 8.5 sacks. In the meantime, Latu was the very best in school soccer in strain fee from the sting final season, so I am guessing the primary defensive participant drafted will hit the bottom working. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 21
Probabilities to win division: 8.8%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 29.1%
Projected wins: 7.9
Power of schedule: fifteenth hardest

Greatest power: Mike Macdonald’s protection. Pete Carroll’s successor might have some rising pains as a first-time head coach, however he’ll give the Seahawks a schematic edge they’ve perhaps by no means had. As nice as their Legion of Growth defenses had been, they had been executing a easy scheme that received with expertise. Macdonald is importing the protection he coordinated the previous two season in Baltimore, which was the very best within the NFL largely due to how robust it was for opposing quarterbacks to decipher. — Brady Henderson

Greatest concern: The offensive line is once more a priority. That group ranked twenty fifth in move block win fee final season, struggling to beat accidents to each tackles and an total lack of difference-making expertise. LT Charles Cross may escape (Seattle just lately upgraded at heart by signing Connor Williams,) however he is coming off a torn ACL suffered in December whereas RT Abraham Lucas has but to observe this offseason as he comes off a knee surgical procedure of his personal. — Henderson

Stat to know: Macdonald’s Ravens protection in 2023 had a defensive further factors added of 112.8, the very best of any crew for the reason that Patriots in 2019 (171.3). The Seahawks completed final season with a defensive EPA of minus-65, fourth worst within the NFL.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: QB Geno Smith. With a brand new offensive coordinator in Ryan Grubb, plus a large receiver room that includes DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Smith has upside as a QB2. Smith’s numbers declined final season, however in 2022, the veteran quarterback averaged 17.7 PPG whereas throwing 30 landing passes. And at his present ADP (QB24), Smith gives nice worth in superflex leagues. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Cornerback Riq Woolen will likely be named a minimum of a second-team All-Professional and/or Professional Bowler. Regardless that he had a tricky 2023 — he was even benched at one level — Woolen’s nearest-defender numbers had been nonetheless glorious. He allowed 0.8 yards per protection snap, third finest amongst corners with a minimum of 300 such snaps. He’ll get again on monitor in an elite approach in a brand new protection underneath Macdonald. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 22
Probabilities to win division: 21.9%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 33.6%
Projected wins: 7.9
Power of schedule: Fifth best

Greatest power: The bottom sport. After averaging 3.3 yards per carry in 2023, the Bucs’ 4.4 YPC common this preseason is tied for fourth finest within the NFL. They invested a first-round draft decide in new beginning heart Graham Barton, a fourth-rounder in working again Bucky Irving and a sixth-rounder in guard Elijah Klein. In addition they signed left guard Ben Bredeson in free company and have a greater understanding of the blocking scheme and the way to assault the holes. — Jenna Laine

Greatest concern: New items on protection. The Bucs parted methods with outdoors linebacker Shaquil Barrett, inside linebacker Devin White and cornerback Carlton Davis III. Did they do sufficient to fill these spots? Whereas they drafted edge rusher Chris Braswell within the second spherical, he isn’t slated to begin — the unproven Joe Tryon-Shoyinka is. They usually’re relying on Zyon McCollum to begin at nook, however what concerning the depth behind him? — Laine

Stat to know: There’s nowhere to go however up for OC Liam Coen and the Bucs’ run sport in 2024. Tampa Bay recorded the fewest speeding yards within the league (1,509) and produced the second-fewest yards per designed rush (3.5) in 2023.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: WR Jalen McMillan. He’s anticipated to begin the season because the No. 3 large receiver in Tampa, the place he can see quantity from each slot and perimeter alignments. McMillan has the playmaking traits to get vertical, create in area or flip an beneath throw into a giant achieve. And that matches with the aggressive throwing mentality of quarterback Baker Mayfield. You’ll be able to take a flier on the rookie receiver late in drafts. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: The Bucs will win six or fewer video games. I am involved concerning the offensive coordinator change, with Dave Canales gone to Carolina, and the inside of the offensive line, so I am promoting excessive on Mayfield. Although he carried out properly final season, he was awfully poor the 2 seasons earlier than that. That also issues when trying forward. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 23
Probabilities to win division: 5.1%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 19.0%
Projected wins: 7.2
Power of schedule: 14th hardest

Greatest power: Two rise above all else: QB Kyler Murray and WR Marvin Harrison Jr. Murray participated in an entire offseason and has a agency grasp of the offense, making quick and good selections, tight finish Trey McBride stated. “The man seems to be phenomenal proper now,” McBride added. Add in Harrison’s elite ability set to an offense that is itching to blow up, and the Cardinals have a recipe for yards and factors. — Josh Weinfuss

Greatest concern: The protection, which continues to take hit after hit. First, it was outdoors linebacker BJ Ojulari, a presumptive starter, happening with an ACL damage after which rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson, who was a first-round decide this 12 months, injured his calf in observe. These accidents, coupled with questions on Arizona’s move rush and cornerbacks, go away the protection as the explanation for concern. — Weinfuss

Stat to know: Harrison has an opportunity to be part of Cardinals historical past. Just one Cardinals rookie has eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards (Anquan Boldin, 2003) and none has reached double-digit receiving touchdowns of their first season.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: WR Michael Wilson. He flashed his multi-level route-running traits as a rookie in 2023, catching 38 passes for 568 yards and three scores. A clean mover with the play pace to get down the sphere, Wilson is price a late-round flier if he can lock down a spot as Murray’s No. 3 goal behind Harrison and McBride. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Murray will end within the prime 10 in QBR. We witnessed Murray’s upside when he was his most correct self in 2021 — rating third in completion proportion over expectation at plus-3%, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats — on prime of his regular mobility. Now, virtually two years faraway from his torn ACL, I feel there’s an opportunity we see that model of Murray once more. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 24
Probabilities to win division: 5.3%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 16.6%
Projected wins: 7.1
Power of schedule: fifteenth best

Greatest power: An upgraded move rush from the inside of the line of defense, courtesy of Christian Wilkins’ arrival in free company. With Maxx Crosby terrorizing offensive tackles on the skin — he’s coming off a career-high 14.5 sacks — opposing offensive playcallers must decide their poison on whom to double-team on passing downs. Wilkins set a profession excessive in sacks with 9.0 final season. — Paul Gutierrez

Greatest concern: Is QB Gardner Minshew, who has made a profession coming off the bench in reduction, prepared for the highlight as a season-opening starter? It is solely the second time in Minshew’s six-year profession that he has opened a season as QB1, and he’s 15-22 as a starter. Minshew received $15 million assured in free company and beat out incumbent Aidan O’Connell. Plus, Minshew has to construct a fast rapport with receiver Davante Adams, who missed important parts of the offseason program. — Gutierrez

Stat to know: The Wilkins-Crosby duo might be the primary Raiders pairing to every report double-digit sacks since 2006, when Corridor of Famer Warren Sapp (10.0) and Derrick Burgess (11.0) did it.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: WR Tre Tucker. Let’s hold Tucker on the radar as a deep sleeper on account of his explosive-play means. Tucker averaged 17.4 YPC in 2023, and he additionally noticed 10 carries. With elevated utilization this season, which incorporates manufactured touches (screens, fly sweeps), Tucker may doubtlessly be a streaming goal primarily based on weekly matchups and offensive deployment. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: The Raiders will win 5 or fewer video games this season. It’s totally arduous to purchase in to a Minshew-Luke Getsy mixture understanding properly for this offense. And simply because the protection completed fairly sturdy final season (Tenth in EPA per play allowed from Week 10 on) doesn’t imply we must always anticipate it to proceed to play out that approach, as defensive manufacturing is variable from season to season. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 25
Probabilities to win division: 3.6%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 14.1%
Projected wins: 6.8
Power of schedule: Fifth hardest

Greatest power: Excluding QB, the Vikings in all probability have their finest roster since GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell arrived in 2022. RB Aaron Jones, who can produce contained in the tackles and has elite receiving expertise, is an ideal addition. Three new edge gamers — Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner — may also help substitute the departed Danielle Hunter. And the addition of two-time All-Professional Stephon Gilmore ought to go a good distance towards mitigating losses at CB. — Kevin Seifert

Greatest concern: Rookie QB J.J. McCarthy’s season-ending knee damage leaves their 2024 hopes on the shoulders of Sam Darnold. In camp, the 2018 No. 3 total decide confirmed indicators of promise and developed a rapport with WR Justin Jefferson. However Darnold has 70 turnovers since getting into the NFL (T-Tenth most), regardless of enjoying in 66 of a attainable 99 video games. He was a very good choice to carry down the offense till McCarthy was prepared. It stays to be seen what occurs over a full season. — Seifert

Stat to know: A season faraway from setting an NFL report in 2022 in one-score video games received (11-0), the Vikings went 6-8 final season in 14 one-score video games.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: QB Darnold. The quarterback has performed for 4 completely different groups the previous 4 seasons, and his profession numbers do not level to fantasy success in 2024 (63 TDs, 56 INTs). However there’s some worth right here as a deeper-league QB2 in superflex codecs, or as a possible matchup-based streaming choice, given the pass-heavy tendencies of the Vikings’ offense. With a top-tier quantity goal in Jefferson, and a schemed route tree that creates open voids off play-action, Darnold will a minimum of be put able to provide numbers. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Darnold’s seventh season won’t be the allure. Probably not, anyway. Darnold will end greater in QBR than he ever has earlier than when qualifying (twenty fifth) however will not crack the highest 20 within the metric. Whereas enjoying within the O’Connell offense will assist Darnold’s numbers, his weak monitor report is just too lengthy. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 26
Probabilities to win division: 18.6%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 29.5%
Projected wins: 7.7
Power of schedule: Third best

Greatest power: The Saints overhauled their offensive employees and scheme within the offseason, bringing in new OC Klint Kubiak. Which means Kubiak and QB Derek Carr labored collectively all spring and summer season to tailor the offense to Carr’s strengths. The Saints struggled within the pink zone to begin final season, however this will likely be a totally new look in 2024. Moreover, Carr now has a 12 months underneath his belt with RB Alvin Kamara, WR Chris Olave and WR Rashid Shaheed. — Katherine Terrell

Greatest concern: The Saints’ O-line had points final season that led to Carr getting damage early on, and people issues have not been utterly mounted. RT Ryan Ramczyk is out for the season, and Trevor Penning, who was benched for his efficiency at left deal with final season, is now doubtlessly the man to switch him. The Saints are beginning rookie Taliese Fuaga at LT, and left guard stays a query mark going into September. — Terrell

Stat to know: Carr led the NFL in Complete QBR (85.5) and passing TDs (12) within the final 4 weeks of the season, with the Saints profitable three of these 4 video games to complete with 9 victories. Nevertheless, eight of the Saints’ 9 wins got here in opposition to groups with sub-.500 information. New Orleans went 1-4 in opposition to groups with profitable information.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: WR Shaheed. Olave is the clear No. 1 in New Orleans, however Shaheed has the vertical pace, plus the catch-and-run means, to put up breakout video games for the Saints. In 2023, Shaheed averaged 15.6 YPC and logged 5 landing receptions, whereas totaling 4 video games with 18 or extra fantasy factors. You’ll be able to hold Shaheed on the radar as a late-round boom-or-bust goal. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Chase Younger will begin the season sizzling and have a minimum of 7.0 sacks by the NFL commerce deadline … just for him to be dealt for a second straight 12 months, because the Saints will likely be out of rivalry by then. Younger completed fifteenth in move rush win fee (19%) at edge final season and will likely be additional faraway from the accidents that derailed his 2021 and 2022 seasons. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 27
Probabilities to win division: 5.4%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 10.0%
Projected wins: 6.4
Power of schedule: Sixth hardest

Greatest power: New DC Dennard Wilson’s aggressive scheme will profit the secondary by utilizing extra press protection. The secondary can be the place the crew has seen the most important inflow of expertise. Tennessee signed CB Chidobe Awuzie and S Quandre Diggs to begin. S Jamal Adams is one other addition. Then they traded for L’Jarius Sneed, one of many prime cornerbacks within the league. The Titans had an NFL-worst six interceptions final season. Wilson’s Ravens secondary was second within the league with 18 interceptions in 2023. — Turron Davenport

Greatest concern: The beginning proper aspect of the O-line has sorted itself out, however not via an outright competitors. Veteran free agent Saahdiq Charles was getting first-team reps over Dillon Radunz earlier than retiring abruptly in July. So Radunz, a 2022 second-round decide, received many of the first-team reps by default. He is the starter. Nicholas Petit-Frere got here off PUP and instantly took over at proper deal with after 2023 UDFA John Ojukwu and final season’s fifth-round decide Jaelyn Duncan “competed” for the spot. — Davenport

Stat to know: In line with ESPN Analytics/NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, 47 of the Titans’ 64 sacks allowed in 2023 had been attributed to their offensive tackles, probably the most within the NFL.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: TE Chigoziem Okonkwo. He was a possible breakout candidate in 2023, however regardless of catching 54 passes for 528 yards he scored just one landing. If Okonkwo can get extra seems to be in scoring place from second-year quarterback Will Levis, whereas additionally utilizing his seam-stretching means to create explosive performs contained in the numbers, he gives glorious worth at his ADP round TE20. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Operating again Tony Pollard will accumulate a minimum of 75 rush yards over expectation (RYOE), per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Pollard was a star within the metric earlier than final season, recording 103 and 226 RYOE in 2021 and 2022, respectively, earlier than falling off arduous to a minus-39 final 12 months. Whereas I am usually one to wager in opposition to working backs after a poor season due to how rapidly they age, Pollard was doubtless nonetheless hampered by ankle surgical procedure from the earlier January. I feel he bounces again in 2024, particularly behind a Invoice Callahan-coached offensive line. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 28
Probabilities to win division: 2.7%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 12.5%
Projected wins: 6.7
Power of schedule: eleventh best

Greatest power: Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels’ potential — paired with a turned-over roster and new teaching employees underneath Dan Quinn that has created renewed vitality. Daniels’ electrical means and correct passing present hope. Washington’s extra inventive defensive pressures, and a much less complicated protection scheme, ought to elevate a protection that ranked final in factors and yards allowed in 2023. Additionally, the Commanders will use the run sport greater than final season when it ranked final in makes an attempt. — John Keim

Greatest concern: The Commanders’ roster faces loads of questions. CBs Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Benjamin St-Juste should enhance from final season. Their camp exhibiting was spotty. The Commanders’ offensive line, with three new starters, should show it has sufficient cohesion and expertise to guard Daniels and open holes within the run sport. Can veterans reminiscent of TE Zach Ertz and RB Austin Ekeler present sufficient consistency on offense to offset the shortage of confirmed receiver expertise past Terry McLaurin? — Keim

Stat to know: The Commanders lacked quarterback stability underneath former coach Ron Rivera. Daniels and Quinn will look to enhance a unit that, since 2020, ranked thirtieth in whole QBR (40.7), threw probably the most interceptions (68), allowed the second-most sacks (206) and began eight completely different QBs.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: WR Luke McCaffrey. With the Commanders buying and selling large receiver Jahan Dotson to the Eagles, McCaffrey will play a featured function because the slot receiver for Daniels. McCaffrey logged 68 receptions and 12 touchdowns throughout his last season at Rice. He can work the heavy site visitors areas of the sphere, and he has the ball expertise to win on contested throws. McCaffrey has lower-tier WR3 upside in deeper codecs. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: The Commanders will commerce defensive deal with Jonathan Allen earlier than the deadline. I do not anticipate the Commanders to contend this season, and when the time comes, they’re going to half with Allen (who turns 30 in January) in alternate for property to assist Daniels in the long run. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 29
Probabilities to win division: 2.8%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 12.8%
Projected wins: 6.7
Power of schedule: 14th best

Greatest power: The Giants lastly seem to have their WR1 in No. 6 total decide Malik Nabers and an skilled offensive line that needs to be improved. New York has 4 offensive linemen (LT Andrew Thomas, LG Jon Runyan, RG Greg Van Roten and RT Jermaine Eluemunor) who completed above common or higher in move block win fee at their respective positions final season. This offers their offense — and subsequently QB Daniel Jones — an opportunity. — Jordan Raanan

Greatest concern: The secondary is younger and unproven. It is attainable the Giants begin a complete group that’s 25 years or youthful, together with two rookies, Tyler Nubin at security and Dru Phillips because the slot cornerback. A variety of strain is on final 12 months’s first-round decide, Deonte Banks, to be a shutdown nook after a rookie season when he allowed 551 yards and 4 touchdowns as the closest defender, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Is that this all asking an excessive amount of? — Raanan

Stat to know: Regardless of the second-highest blitz fee (44%) within the league final season, the Giants completed with 34 sacks, tied for twenty eighth within the NFL. The final time New York had a number of gamers with double-digit sacks was 2010.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: WR Jalin Hyatt. He has the vertical separation pace to create excessive, as he averaged 16.2 YPC final season, whereas 30.4% of his receptions went for 20 yards or extra. If Hyatt can increase his route tree, including extra beneath parts, he may have deeper-league worth because the No. 3 choice for Jones. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: An improved Giants offensive line will give Jones an opportunity to make performs. Since 2020, the very best end the Giants have had in move block win fee is twenty fourth. However with Thomas at left deal with and Eluemunor at proper deal with — together with the addition of Runyan at guard — this line might be satisfactory. Not superb, however satisfactory with a top-20 rating in move block win fee. I feel Jones would join that proper now. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 30
Probabilities to win division: 1.4%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 4.9%
Projected wins: 5.8
Power of schedule: sixteenth best

Greatest power: A youth motion. Coach Sean Payton is guiding a youthful crew with out the load of historical past or expectations. He has advised them “younger and hungry is an efficient factor.” If the Broncos have remotely the identical form of good damage fortune they’d final season, and rookie quarterback Bo Nix can lead the crew’s progress to be a bit of forward of schedule, the Broncos may push themselves above .500 and see the place that takes them. — Jeff Legwold

Greatest concern: The useless cash hit — $85 million over two seasons — to maneuver on from Russell Wilson at quarterback might be seen throughout a roster the place confirmed depth is a priority, particularly the offensive line and at security and inside linebacker. In addition they reside within the AFC West, the place Patrick Mahomes has everyone else enjoying for a wild-card spot every season. The Broncos cannot take into consideration competing within the AFC till they’ll compete in their very own division. — Legwold

Stat to know: The Broncos have missed the postseason for eight straight seasons, final making the playoffs once they received Tremendous Bowl 50. The drought, which is the second-longest lively streak within the league, can be the longest ever for any crew instantly after a Tremendous Bowl championship.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: RB Jaleel McLaughlin. Starter Javonte Williams has seemed highly effective and explosive this preseason, however the 5-foot-8, 187-pound McLaughlin provides a unique aspect to Payton’s offense on account of his decisive working type and sudden pace. McLaughlin averaged 5.4 YPC final season, whereas catching 31 of 35 targets. If McLaughlin can set up a extra outlined function, particularly on third downs, then he has worth in deeper PPR codecs. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Courtland Sutton will attain 1,000 receiving yards. Route working is the receiver ability I place probably the most emphasis on and Sutton has demonstrated a capability to get open, even when it hasn’t translated right into a ton of yards over the previous couple of seasons. In 2023, Sutton had an open rating of 79, the Tenth finest amongst all large receivers. It wasn’t a fluke, as a result of he posted a 78 the season earlier than. With maybe higher quarterback play, a better degree of manufacturing from Sutton might be unlocked. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 31
Probabilities to win division: 0.5%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 1.6%
Projected wins: 4.9
Power of schedule: Hardest

Greatest power: Rookie quarterback Drake Maye. The No. 3 total decide confirmed flashes of promise in coaching camp and the preseason, with head coach Jerod Mayo saying, “He is completely getting higher.” Maye’s finest move was an incompletion — a deep move within the second preseason sport that rookie receiver Javon Baker dropped. Veteran Jacoby Brissett will begin Week 1, and it is not clear but when Maye will get his flip for the Patriots. — Mike Reiss

Greatest concern: Offensive line. The one time the road went in opposition to starting-caliber gamers — versus the Eagles in a joint observe — it seemed like a tidal wave at instances. Maye began by finishing his first 9 passes in aggressive drills (first 7-on-7, then 11-on-11) earlier than issues took a tough flip when safety broke down and receivers did not uncover rapidly sufficient. — Reiss

Stat to know: Patriots quarterbacks have the third-worst touchdown-to-interception ratio, fourth-worst QBR and sixth-fewest passing yards per sport since Tom Brady left in 2020.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: WR DeMario Douglas. A slot goal with lateral juice and cease/begin pace, Douglas had 5 video games of double-digit fantasy manufacturing throughout his rookie season in 2023. Fantasy managers will want Douglas to see extra seems to be in scoring place (solely three finish zone targets final season), however he has the route traits to develop as a higher-volume goal in his second professional season. He’s price a late-round flier in PPR codecs. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Maye will likely be a top-14 fantasy quarterback by way of factors per sport performed. Contemplating the worth of a cellular quarterback in fantasy — Maye ranked twenty third out of 128 FBS quarterbacks in scramble fee final 12 months — I feel Maye is being underdrafted. In some unspecified time in the future, he will be on the sphere. And when he will get there, his crew might be going to be enjoying from behind and counting on him to make throws and create performs together with his legs. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

---

FPI’s total rating: No. 32
Probabilities to win division: 2.7%
Probabilities to make the playoffs: 4.5%
Projected wins: 5.4
Power of schedule: Fourth best

Greatest power: A brand new inside offensive line and higher weapons. Quarterback Bryce Younger did not stand an opportunity as a rookie behind a line that gave up 62 sacks, 35 from the inside. The additions of guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis had been large. Younger did not have receivers who may create separation final season. Buying and selling for Diontae Johnson and drafting Xavier Legette supplied a direct improve. Tying all of it collectively is new head coach Dave Canales, identified for turning quarterbacks round. — David Newton

Greatest concern: Lack of a move rush and depth at nook. Signing 31-year-old OLB Jadeveon Clowney was large, however there isn’t any confirmed sack risk reverse him till free agent addition D.J. Wonnum (quadriceps) returns, and there’s no indication of when that is likely to be. The dearth of a rush is magnified by the shortage of a confirmed nook reverse Jaycee Horn, who has performed solely 22 video games in his first three seasons on account of accidents. — Newton

Stat to know: Clowney, a three-time Professional Bowl choice, ranked second on the Ravens with 9.5 sacks final season, tying his profession excessive set in 2017. He additionally had the fifth-best move rush win fee within the NFL in 2023.

Fantasy sleeper candidate: RB Chuba Hubbard. The Panthers used a second-round decide to draft working again Jonathon Brooks, however the rookie will miss a minimum of the primary 4 video games whereas recovering from a November ACL damage. That opens the door for Hubbard to tackle a possible lead function early within the season. A quantity grinder who can catch the ball as an beneath outlet, Hubbard rushed for 902 yards in 2023 whereas logging 39 receptions. — Bowen

Daring prediction for 2024: Younger will end within the prime 18 in QBR. That is partly a present of blind religion in Canales — who was fairly profitable in working with Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith — plus the addition of Johnson, who I am a giant believer in on account of his route working. However Younger can get there, even after his dismal rookie season. — Walder

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart