![2024 NFL Headlines: Aaron Rodgers[L] and Caleb Williams [R]](https://www.totalprosports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Aaron-RodgersL-and-Caleb-Williams-R-1024x563.jpg)
The 2024 NFL season is almost here, bringing plenty of excitement and drama. The Kansas City Chiefs are aiming for a historic three-peat, trying to become the first team since the 2005 Patriots to win three straight Super Bowls. But the Chiefs aren’t the only ones chasing glory.
Ten other teams have Super Bowl LIX odds of 20-1 or better. The New York Jets, led by Aaron Rodgers, are one of them and hope to snap the league’s longest active playoff drought, which stretches back to 2010. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Dallas, where the pressure is mounting. Plus, Caleb Williams’ NFL debut has everyone buzzing.
Here Are Some Of The Biggest Storylines Heading Into The 2024 NFL Season
Aaron Rodgers Comeback In Jets
Rodgers is back in New York, ready for a do-over with the Jets. The 2023 season began with a surge of optimism for the Jets, fueled by their strong defense, talented young roster, and, of course, the arrival of Rodgers from the Packers. But that excitement quickly vanished just four plays into the first game when Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
With Zach Wilson leading the charge, the Jets stumbled to a 7-10 finish, extending their playoff drought and pushing their wait for a Super Bowl return, last achieved in January 1969, even further. Now, at 40, Rodgers is set to lead an offense packed with young talent like running back Breece Hall and star receiver Garrett Wilson. They’ve also added veteran receiver Mike Williams and bolstered their offensive line with Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses, and rookie Olu Fashanu. A playoff return could be within reach if Rodgers can elevate this offense.
What Can We Expect From The Chiefs’ Offense This Season?
The Chiefs are known for delivering gut punches with an Andy Reid trick play, a jaw-dropping Patrick Mahomes throw, or a wide-open Travis Kelce catch. Last season, they delivered their most significant blow, winning a second straight Super Bowl behind a relentless defense led by Steve Spagnuolo, Trent McDuffie, L’Jarius Sneed, and Chris Jones. That defense masked an offense that was less explosive than usual.
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The Chiefs’ offense ranked outside the top six yards for the first time since Mahomes became the starter in 2018, dropping to 15th in points. They struggled to score more than 20 points in four of six games in November and December and fell to 11th in EPA/play. Their receivers had the most drops in the league, and Travis Kelce recorded under 1,000 yards for the first time since 2015.
This offseason, the Chiefs addressed their offensive issues by adding explosive playmakers. They drafted 40-yard dash record-holder Xavier Worthy and brought in veteran Hollywood Brown to join a receiving corps where Rashee Rice shined as a rookie. These moves bolster an offense featuring running back Isiah Pacheco, who thrives behind one of the NFL’s best interior lines. Though Sneed’s departure leaves a gap in the secondary, Kansas City’s inventive defensive schemes remain among the league’s best. If the Chiefs can turn up their offensive firepower just a notch, they could be even more formidable this season.
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Caleb Williams Sparks New Optimism For The Chicago Bears
A new era of hope has dawned in Chicago, with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams leading the way for the Bears. Selected first overall in April’s NFL Draft, Williams steps in as the Bears’ new franchise quarterback, taking over from Justin Fields, who now plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. As one of the most anticipated prospects since Trevor Lawrence and Andrew Luck, Williams brings a skillset perfectly suited for today’s NFL, drawing comparisons to Patrick Mahomes for his ability to manipulate the pocket, make off-script plays, and escape pressure.
Williams’ arm talent stands out with its blend of precision and power, allowing him to make quick-release throws in short and intermediate routes or launch deep passes to flip the field in a single play. His improvisational skills, like Mahomes, let him make absurd throws from tricky angles, threading passes through traffic and around defenders.
General manager Ryan Poles has set up his new star quarterback for success by acquiring veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen, known for his elite route running, signing pass-catching running back D’Andre Swift and tight end Gerald Everett, and drafting explosive rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze from Washington with the ninth pick. DJ Moore, coming off a career-best 1,364 yards in 2023, returns as a reliable deep threat, while the Bears boast a youthful offensive line. Head coach Matt Eberflus has also built a defense that ranked in the top 10 over the second half of last season. With all these pieces in place, expectations are rising for a Bears team with only one winning season in the past decade.
Could Derrick Henry Lead The Ravens To A Super Bowl?
The Baltimore Ravens think so after signing the powerhouse running back to a two-year, $16 million contract, leaving the Tennessee Titans searching for a championship. Henry defied expectations in an NFL era dominated by committee backfields and dual-threat runners. He’s recorded five 1,000-yard seasons in the last six years and managed 937 yards in an injury-shortened 2021. Henry led the league in rushing yards twice, including a standout 2,000-yard season in 2020, and topped the league in carries four times since 2019.
Henry now joins a Todd Monken offense, which focuses more on passing with multiple receiver sets, moving away from the run-heavy schemes of former offensive coordinator Greg Roman. This change presents a strategic dilemma for defenses: they must choose between packing the box to contain Henry and risking exposure to pass catchers like Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Mark Andrews or playing lighter to cover the pass and allowing Henry more room to run.
While the Ravens embrace a more pass-oriented approach, they haven’t abandoned the run. Last season, they ranked third in rushing EPA and led the league in rushing yards per game, thanks to Lamar Jackson’s exceptional running. However, they haven’t had a bell cowback since Ray Rice’s era (2009-2013). Henry could address this gap and solve their challenges against defenses like Steve Spagnuolo’s Chiefs, who disrupted their dominant season in the playoffs. Henry’s addition might just be the key to propelling the Ravens toward Super Bowl glory.
Kirk Cousins’ Impact On The Falcons’ Playoff Push
The Atlanta Falcons are going all-in this season, fueled by high expectations and a bold offseason strategy. Owner Arthur Blank and General Manager Terry Fontenot have made significant moves to restore the team to playoff contention for the first time since 2017. Atlanta made a major shake-up by replacing head coach Arthur Smith with Raheem Morris and, more notably, parting ways with quarterback Desmond Ridder. They signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal, ending his seven-year tenure with the Minnesota Vikings and aiming to solve their quarterback uncertainty since Matt Ryan’s departure.
Kirk Cousins has always been a polarizing figure in the NFL. Known for putting up strong numbers and leading the Minnesota Vikings to the playoffs twice, he’s also faced criticism for failing to spark consistent Super Bowl runs. Adding to the complexity, Cousins is recovering from an Achilles tear that sidelined him for the first time in his career. Despite these issues, Cousins remains a capable quarterback with the potential to harness the talent around him.
In Atlanta, Cousins will have access to a wealth of offensive weapons. He’ll be supported by dynamic running back Bijan Robinson, emerging receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts, and offseason acquisition Darnell Mooney. The Falcons also boast one of the NFL’s top offensive lines.
Cousins will work under first-year offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, whose background with Sean McVay in Washington should provide a familiar system for Cousins. For the Falcons, this season is all about winning now, and Kirk Cousins is expected to be a critical factor in their quest for playoff success.
Quarterbacks Making Their Comeback: A Look At Key Returns
The NFL is buzzing with the return of several high-profile quarterbacks from injury. Aaron Rodgers isn’t alone in his comeback quest. Joe Burrow, sporting a new bleached hairstyle, is also set to make waves. Burrow aims to lead the Cincinnati Bengals back into Super Bowl contention after a wrist injury cut his 2023 season short in Week 11. The Bengals have bolstered their roster with key additions, including retaining Tee Higgins to partner with Ja’Marr Chase, strengthening the offensive line with veteran right tackle Trent Brown, adding tight end Mike Gesicki from the Dolphins, and replacing Joe Mixon with Zack Moss, fresh off a career-best year. With a healthy Burrow, the Bengals are primed to challenge for the top.
Quarterback Anthony Richardson is gearing up for his first entire season as a starter in Indianapolis. A shoulder injury in Week Five marred Richardson’s rookie year, but he showed promise before his early exit. The Colts, who finished 9-8 and narrowly missed the playoffs without him, are excited to see how Richardson, a dynamic two-way threat, fits into Shane Steichen’s offense.
Deshaun Watson also returns from a shoulder injury that ended his 2023 season. The Cleveland Browns, led by Joe Flacco and boasting the league’s top defense, made the playoffs in his absence. Meanwhile, Justin Herbert is back from a finger injury and will guide the Los Angeles Chargers under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Lastly, Daniel Jones, recovering from a torn ACL, faces a pivotal season with the New York Giants as he looks to prove his worth once again.
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Are The Houston Texans Poised For A Lasting Impact?
The Houston Texans created a buzz in the 2023 season with a remarkable playoff journey. They finished with a 10-7 record, took down the Browns in the Wild Card round, and ultimately defeated the Ravens in the Divisional Round.
Central to their impressive run was rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who dazzled with his precision, touch, and foresight. Stroud’s performance earned him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, thanks to his strong connection with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. Head coach DeMeco Ryans, who came over from the San Francisco 49ers, led the Texans’ offense to a top-half ranking in the league, significantly improving from their previous standing. Defensive standout Will Anderson Jr. also shone brightly, winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
This offseason, the Texans have bolstered their roster even further. They acquired Stefon Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler from the Buffalo Bills known for his six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Diggs joins a formidable offensive lineup that includes Nico Collins, who set a career-high with 1,297 yards last season, second-year talent Tank Dell, tight end Dalton Schultz, and newly signed Joe Mixon.
On the defensive side, the Texans added seasoned defensive lineman Denico Autry and edge rusher Danielle Hunter. With these strategic acquisitions, Houston is signaling its ambition to contend sooner rather than later. The rise of the Texans presents a new challenge for the AFC’s top contenders.
The New Head Coaches Shaping The NFL Landscape
The NFL saw significant coaching changes during the offseason, most notably in Hollywood, where Jim Harbaugh made his long-awaited return to the NFL. After leading Michigan to a College National Championship, Harbaugh took on the challenge of guiding Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Chargers revamped their offense, parting ways with key players like Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Austin Ekeler. They now look to a stronger ground game with new additions, including J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, reuniting with former offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Additionally, the team drafted offensive tackle Joe Alt with the fifth overall pick, aiming to solidify their line alongside Rashawn Slater and Zion Johnson. Harbaugh’s task involves rebuilding the team with a star quarterback, a young receiving corps, and a defense that struggled last season.
In New England, the Patriots enter a new era under first-year head coach Jerod Mayo. Mayo steps in after Bill Belichick’s departure following 24 seasons and six Super Bowl championships. Belichick’s exit followed a disappointing 4-13 season, which led the Patriots to select North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye as the third overall pick in the Draft.
In Carolina, Dave Canales will oversee the development of Bryce Young, the 2022 No. 1 pick, after helping Baker Mayfield revitalize his career in Tampa. Meanwhile, Mike Macdonald takes charge of the Seattle Seahawks in the post-Pete Carroll era, bringing his defensive expertise to the team. Dan Quinn also returns to a head coaching role with the Washington Commanders, part of a wave of eight new head coach appointments this offseason.
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Dak, Dallas, And The Heat Of The Hot Seat
It was classic Dallas Cowboys drama. The stage was set: Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers, with the league’s youngest offense, were making an unexpected playoff push. They faced off against the Cowboys, boasting the NFL’s top-scoring offense led by an on-fire Dak Prescott and Dan Quinn’s defense, ranked in the top five thanks to Micah Parsons.
Despite a strong 12-5 regular season and an NFC East title, the Cowboys faltered in the Divisional Round. They trailed 27-0 at halftime and ultimately fell 48-32 to LaFleur’s Packers.
As expectations of Super Bowl glory evaporated, head coach Mike McCarthy faced intense scrutiny. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones chose to retain McCarthy, but the pressure remains high as Dallas continues its long quest for a Super Bowl appearance. Their last win dates back to the 1995 season.
In the offseason, the Cowboys addressed some business by making wide receiver CeeDee Lamb the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. However, both Prescott and Parsons are still awaiting their significant contracts. The team faced setbacks with losing defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to Washington and a pick-six specialist, DaRon Bland, sidelined for up to eight weeks. Offensive tackle Tyson Smith and running back Tony Pollard also departed, while linebacker Leighton Vander Esch’s status remains uncertain. Trevon Diggs returns from injury, but McCarthy’s job is increasingly under the spotlight.
Philadelphia’s New Offensive Line Challenge
At Lincoln Financial Field, the Philadelphia Eagles face a significant transition as they start the season without legendary center Jason Kelce. After 13 standout years, Kelce retired, leaving a legacy as a cornerstone of one of the NFL’s most formidable offensive lines. His prowess in pass protection and dominance in the run game made him a crucial player.
Before his retirement, Kelce played a key role in the Eagles’ decision to draft his successor. In 2022, the team selected Cam Jurgens from Nebraska with the 51st pick in the second round. Jurgens, who served as Kelce’s backup during his rookie year and then started 11 games at right guard last season, now steps into the center position.
Jurgens will lead an offensive line crucial to the Eagles’ short-yardage success. The unit gains a new weapon with Saquon Barkley, who joined in free agency and brings his dynamic playmaking abilities to Philadelphia.
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