Game On: What’s in Store for the NFL This Season?

February 11th seemed like just days ago. Red and yellow confetti rained down at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada as the Kansas City Chiefs celebrated their Super Bowl 58 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The league had a back-to-back Super Bowl champion after a long stretch with Tom Brady and the 2003-2004 New England Patriots, the last team to accomplish such a feat. Fast forward to now and the NFL season is just around the corner with the kickoff game set for Thursday, September 6th. The Chiefs begin their quest on the once seemingly impossible three-peat and from promising teams on the rise to perennial contenders there’s bound to be plenty of fireworks for the next 6 months but what should you be looking out for? Whether you’re a casual, expert, or diehard fan of your favorite team here’s what you should look forward to for this upcoming season.

Old Faces in New Places

The 2024 NFL offseason was filled with blockbuster moves, with several star players finding new homes in what promises to be a season full of surprises. 

Saquon Barkley’s move to the Philadelphia Eagles is one of the most significant signings of the offseason. Barkley, known for his explosive playmaking ability and versatility, adds a dynamic element to an already potent Eagles offense. With Jalen Hurts leading the charge, Barkley could thrive in a system that will allow him to showcase his dual-threat capabilities as both a runner and receiver. The Eagles are repositioning themselves as a powerhouse in the NFC, and Barkley could be the final piece to push them over the top in their pursuit of a Super Bowl. 

Kirk Cousins’s decision to sign with the Atlanta Falcons marks a new chapter for the veteran quarterback and the team. Cousins brings a wealth of experience and consistency to a Falcons offense that has struggled to find stability at the quarterback position. His arrival should help elevate the play of young stars like wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson, giving the Falcons the best shot of winning the NFC South. 

Keenan Allen’s move to the Chicago Bears provides a major boost to an offense in need of reliable pass-catchers. Allen, one of the most consistent and savvy receivers in the league, brings veteran leadership and a precise route-running ability to Chicago. His presence will be invaluable for Caleb Williams as the rookie quarterback enters his first season in the league. Allen’s ability to work the middle of the field and make tough catches in traffic should help open up the Bears’ offense and create more opportunities for their playmakers. 

New Kids on the Block

The 2024 NFL Draft class was one of the most highly anticipated in recent memory, headlined by two dynamic quarterbacks—Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels. 

Caleb Williams enters the NFL with tremendous expectations as the first overall pick by the Chicago Bears. Williams, a Heisman Trophy winner from USC, is widely regarded as a generational talent at the quarterback position. Known for his strong arm, accuracy, and remarkable ability to extend plays with his legs, Williams has the potential to revitalize a Bears franchise in need of a spark. He’s also the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year for good reason and expect him to become the Bears’ first 4,000-yard passer in franchise history. 

Jayden Daniels, drafted by the Washington Commanders, is another exciting quarterback prospect from the 2024 class. Daniels, who shined at LSU, is known for his dual-threat ability, combining a strong arm with exceptional mobility. His ability to create plays makes him a perfect fit for a Commanders team that aims to return to relevance. 

Drafted 3rd overall, Marvin Harrison Jr. is an elite wide receiver with a rare combination of size, speed, and route-running ability. The son of Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison is expected to make an immediate impact for the Arizona Cardinals, giving their offense a true No. 1 receiving option. Expect him to be one of the lead leaguers in receptions and come close to 1,000 yards in his first year.

On the Rise or In Decline

While some teams are poised to make significant strides, fueled by key acquisitions and rising talent, others may struggle to maintain their footing, facing challenges that could lead to a step back. 

The Green Bay Packers shocked the football world when they walked into AT&T Stadium and crushed the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card round, nearly doing the same against the uber-talented 49ers. With the ascension of their young quarterback Jordan Love they’ve demonstrated that they can hang with the top teams and despite a tougher NFC North expect the Pack to secure a playoff spot once again. Don’t count out their chances to win the division either and to make a deep playoff run.

The Houston Texans took a gigantic leap forward in 2023 with then-rookie quarterback CJ Stroud likely having the best season for a rookie QB ever. After hosting and winning a playoff game before ultimately falling short they’ve added new offensive weapons in wide receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon to an already excellent offense. Along with an improved defense and a fantastic head coach in DeMeco Ryans expect Houston to blast off and win multiple playoff games this year posing a threat to the Chiefs. 

The Dallas Cowboys are trending in the opposite direction after a disappointing offseason which saw them make virtually zero major moves. America’s team hasn’t been to the NFC championship since 1995 when they won their most recent Super Bowl. Questions continue to circulate about quarterback Dak Prescott as paying $60 million annually to a quarterback that has been unable to lead his team over the hump is controversial. Don’t be surprised if the Cowboys fall short of the playoffs this year and even more questions emerge at the end of the season. 

One of the most captivating storylines of the offseason was Aaron Rodgers’s return from injury and whether the New York Jets can compete for a playoff spot. The defense will likely be a top 5 unit and if the 4 time MVP can stay healthy and play clean football the Jets have a fighting chance but in a tough division that features two playoff teams from last year in the Bills and the Dolphins they have their work cut out for them. Expect to see them battling for one of the last playoff spots during the final few weeks of the season.

Chasing History

The Kansas City Chiefs solidified their claim as a dynasty after winning the past two Super Bowls and now aim to do something no NFL team has ever done before: three-peat. After years of a high-flying offense powered by head coach Andy Reid and one of the greatest quarterbacks in Patrick Mahomes last season featured an entirely different look. The defense carried the team throughout the regular season as the offense rounded into form and despite less talent on the roster compared to previous years the Chiefs successfully navigated a gauntlet of a playoff schedule en route to their Super Bowl 58 victory. Now after retooling their offense with the additions of new wide receivers Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and Xavier Worthy (who ran the fastest 40-yard dash in NFL combine history at 4.21 seconds) the Chiefs offense appears to ascend to new heights and that’s a nightmarish thought for the other 31 teams. Expect this team to win the AFC West for a 9th consecutive season and have a great chance to capture a third straight Lombardi. 

My Predictions

MVP: CJ Stroud (Texans)

Offensive Player of the Year: Tyreek Hill (Dolphins)

Defensive Player of the Year: TJ Watt (Steelers)

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Caleb Williams (Bears)

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Laiatu Latu (Colts)

Coach of the Year: Raheem Morris (Falcons)

Super Bowl Winner: Chiefs over Eagles