Advertisement

The big ol' 2024 NFL preview: Breaking down all 32 teams with MVPs, underrated players and more

Dec 11, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) celebrate after a touchdown during the second quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) celebrate after a touchdown during the second quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 NFL season is upon us. After more than six months without meaningful pro football (apologies, UFL), the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Baltimore Ravens in the first of 272 regular season games.

We don't know how those games will end or who will be among the 14 teams left standing once the playoffs begin. We do know how each team looks with fall on the horizon, who 2024's early contenders are and which players are prepped to surprise en route. Over the last two months, we've been breaking down each franchise's 2024 chances -- and now we've condensed those previews into one still-pretty-large, handy-dandy almanac chronicling the season outlook for all 32 rosters.

Included in each section is a blurb and link to each team's breakout preview, written this offseason in hopes of unpacking the Super Bowl hopes off all 32 franchises from effectively non-existent (New England Patriots) or possibly inevitable (sigh... the Kansas City Chiefs). Read on to learn more about each squad, or skip to your favorite -- they're listed in alphabetical order. Odds listed are from DraftKings.

Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 10: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals prepares for a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at State Farm Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776171308 ORIG FILE ID: 2166244588
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 10: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals prepares for a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at State Farm Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776171308 ORIG FILE ID: 2166244588

Most important non-quarterback: Marvin Harrison Jr. Finally, the WR1 for which Kyler Murray has waited his entire career has arrived.

Under the radar key to 2024: CB Max Melton

Postseason odds: +300

From: The Cardinals, and Kyler Murray, will be better than you think in 2024

Baltimore Ravens

Sep 19, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) flips into the end zone for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) flips into the end zone for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Most important non-quarterback: Kyle Hamilton. In the midst of defensive depth chart turnover, Baltimore needs a backline big-play eraser more than ever.

Under the radar key to 2024: EDGE Odafe Oweh

Postseason odds: -260

From: The Ravens have several starters to replace and no one is worried because (gestures broadly)

Carolina Panthers

Aug 25, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) (not pictured) as Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) pressures in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 25, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) (not pictured) as Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) pressures in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Most important non-quarterback: Austin Corbett/Robert Hunt. Carolina's blocking last season was a grim spectacle. That's why the Panthers spent big this offseason to revamp the interior of their offensive line.

Under the radar key to 2024: OT Ikem Ekwonu

Postseason odds: +550

From: The Panthers will be better in 2024 because, well…

Chicago Bears

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 10: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears rolls out against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of a preseason game at Highmark Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 10: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears rolls out against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of a preseason game at Highmark Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)

Most important non-quarterback: DJ Moore. Moore helped maximize Justin Fields' passing offense in 2023; now he (and Keenan Allen. And Rome Odunze) gets to do the same for Caleb Williams.

Under the radar key to 2024: CB Tyrique Stevenson

Postseason odds: -110

From: Caleb Williams may be the quarterback the Bears cannot break

.
.

Cleveland Browns

Jan 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is pressured by Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers T.J. Watt (90) and Alex Highsmith (56) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is pressured by Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers T.J. Watt (90) and Alex Highsmith (56) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Most important non-quarterback: Myles Garrett. Let's be honest; he's the Browns' most important player, period.

Under the radar key to 2024: QB Jameis Winston

Postseason odds: +145

From: A good Deshaun Watson can lead the Browns to glory. History isn't on his side.

Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff high-fives teammates during warmups before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023. Junfu Han/USA TODAY NETWORK
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff high-fives teammates during warmups before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023. Junfu Han/USA TODAY NETWORK

Most important non-quarterback: Terrion Arnold. The rookie cornerback will be counted on to address the fatal flaw that kept Detroit out of Super Bowl 58; a thin, leaky secondary.

Under the radar key to 2024: LB Jack Campbell

Postseason odds: -245

From: 67 years of Detroit Lions futility have been building to 2024's actual, incredible hype

Houston Texans

Dec 10, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws the ball during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws the ball during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Most important non-quarterback: Derek Stingley Jr. Houston's secondary could be breaking in multiple rookie starters. Being able to count on a lockdown corner would go a long way in making their transition to the pros easier.

Under the radar key to 2024: C Juice Scruggs

Postseason odds: -190

From: The Texans rapid evolution to Super Bowl contender now hinges on their splurging era

Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) passes the ball for a 2-pt conversion during game action against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) passes the ball for a 2-pt conversion during game action against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Indianapolis.

Most important non-quarterback: Jonathan Taylor. Anthony Richardson's got a loaded young supporting cast. The best way to unlock his downfield passing may be with a steady diet of big runs from Taylor, who is still searching for his 2021 form.

Under the radar key to 2024: CB JuJu Brents

Postseason odds: +140

From: Anthony Richardson is the headliner, but the Colts aren't going anywhere unless their defense improves

Jacksonville Jaguars

Dec 24, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) get set to throw the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) get set to throw the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

Most important non-quarterback: Travon Walker. Josh Hines-Allen remains a wrecking ball, but if Walker can continue to fulfill his promise as a former No. 1 pick it will take the pressure off an overtaxed secondary.

Under the radar key to 2024: S Antonio Johnson

Postseason odds: +130

From: The Jaguars' struggle against their own undertow will define Jacksonville's 2024

Las Vegas Raiders

Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) throws a pass as Minnesota Vikings linebacker Owen Porter (57) pursues and offensive tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (rear) blocks during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) throws a pass as Minnesota Vikings linebacker Owen Porter (57) pursues and offensive tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (rear) blocks during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Most important non-quarterback: Maxx Crosby. A relentless pass rusher who helped make Antonio Pierce's defense an elite unit to finish the 2023 season.

Under the radar key to 2024: EDGE Malcolm Koonce

Postseason odds: +300

From: The Raiders might as well lean into chaos, because it's their finest attribute

.
.

Miami Dolphins

Sep 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) celebrates as he leaves the field after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 36-34 at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) celebrates as he leaves the field after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 36-34 at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Most important non-quarterback: Tyreek Hill. Tua Tagovailoa wouldn't have led the NFL in passing yards last season without him.

Under the radar key to 2024: EDGE Jaelan Phillips

Postseason odds: -155

From: Tua Tagovailoa is approaching his Kirk Cousins era, and it may not be enough for the Dolphins

New England Patriots

Aug 15, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) looks to throw against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) looks to throw against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Most important non-quarterback: Christian Gonzalez. Last year's four-game sample suggested All-Pro bonafides; if he can return to form for all of 2024 the Pats will have a building block at a vital position.

Under the radar key to 2024: WR Kendrick Bourne

Postseason odds: +900

From: Jerod Mayo's Patriots debut will hinge on a dependable (?) defense and mystery box offense

New York Giants

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Travon Walker (44) tries to run down New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a second quarter scramble out the sideline. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the New York Giants at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, FL Sunday, October 23, 2022. The Jaguars trailed at the half 11 to 13. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]

Jki 102322 Hsfb Bs Jaguars Vs Giants 43

Most important non-quarterback: Andrew Thomas. Either he keeps Daniel Jones upright long enough to keep his job or emerges as a vital blindside protector for whomever the Giants draft in 2025.

Under the radar key to 2024: RB Tyrone Tracy

Postseason odds: +400

From: Can Daniel Jones lead the Giants to another low expectations miracle?

Philadelphia Eagles

Sep 12, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scrambles up the field against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scrambles up the field against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Most important non-quarterback: Darius Slay. Philly's secondary issues contributed to last year's season ending spiral. Young reinforcements have joined the fight, but the tone will be set by the Eagles' veteran leader at cornerback.

Under the radar key to 2024: LB Zack Baun

Postseason odds: -250

From: I regret to inform you the Eagles have reloaded once more

San Francisco 49ers

Jan 28, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates with guard Jon Feliciano (55) and offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) after a play against the Detroit Lions during the second half of the NFC Championship football game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates with guard Jon Feliciano (55) and offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) after a play against the Detroit Lions during the second half of the NFC Championship football game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Most important non-quarterback: Christian McCaffrey. San Francisco is, as usual, loaded with weapons. McCaffrey is the straw that stirs the drink.

Under the radar key to 2024: G Dominick Puni

Postseason odds: -575

From: The 49ers are staring at a closing Super Bowl window and doing their best to jam it open

via nextgenstats.nfl.com
via nextgenstats.nfl.com

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jan 15, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) gestures before the snap against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of a 2024 NFC wild card game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) gestures before the snap against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of a 2024 NFC wild card game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Most important non-quarterback: Antoine Winfield Jr. His ability to make plays in every facet of the game creates all the space Baker Mayfield's offense needs to stay in games.

Under the radar key to 2024: C Graham Barton

Postseason odds: +145

From: The Buccaneers' success hinges on Baker Mayfield being better than Tom Brady (again)

Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) scrambles and jumps over Indianapolis Colts linebacker E.J. Speed (45), linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) and cornerback Kenny Moore II (23), on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, during NFL week 13 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) scrambles and jumps over Indianapolis Colts linebacker E.J. Speed (45), linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) and cornerback Kenny Moore II (23), on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, during NFL week 13 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.

Most important non-quarterback: DeAndre Hopkins. One more dominant season from an aging wideout would do wonders to boost Will Levis's profile after an uneven rookie campaign.

Under the radar key to 2024: CB Roger McCreary

Postseason odds: +425

From: The Titans' search for a new identity won't matter if Will Levis plays like an unmanned fire hose

Washington Commanders

Aug 17, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) drops back to pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) drops back to pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Most important non-quarterback: Terry McLaurin. The defense has been shaken up greatly, and the only way for Washington to win games this season may be via shootout. In that regard, McLaurin is the Commanders' ammunition.

Under the radar key to 2024: WR Dyami Brown

Postseason odds: +260

From: Jayden Daniels and the Commanders just have to show proof of concept in 2024

This article originally appeared on For The Win: The big ol' 2024 NFL preview: Breaking down all 32 teams with MVPs, underrated players and more