Most NFL groups have been a good deal hectic with absolutely free agent acquisitions, serving to their circumstance to develop a much more perfectly-rounded roster for the 2024 time. There is also the draft that is coming afterwards in April that must help finalize rosters. While predicting which draft prospective buyers will be vastly impactful is doubtful, predicting playoff groups based on existing rosters is a lot easier.
Based mostly on groups that virtually skipped out on the postseason previous year, and coupling that with those who have created excellent strides in boosting their rosters, here are five NFL teams that could make the 2024 playoffs immediately after lacking out in 2023.
1. Cincinnati Bengals
2023 File: 9-8
The Cincinnati Bengals experienced a rough 2023 period, typically mainly because two of their star players were hit tough by the injuries bug. One particular this kind of player is starting up quarterback Joe Burrow.
Burrow dealt with a calf strain in coaching camp, which led to him obtaining to be pulled from action for preseason. He also re-aggravated that injury in 7 days 2 vs the Ravens. Broad receiver Tee Higgins also had a hamstring injury that kept him out of 3 games.
Higgins might uncover himself a further group soon after requesting a trade, but possibly the Bengals entrance office environment can strike a offer with him. The offensive facet of the ball got an up grade with tight end Mike Gesicki coming around from the Patriots, and replaced Joe Mixon with Zack Moss at jogging again. The Bengals barely skipped the playoffs in 2023, but are positive to return in 2024 with Burrow back again at the helm.
2. New York Jets
2023 History: 7-10
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The New York Jets could have been a monster of a team had QB Aaron Rodgers not torn his Achilles in the to start with series of his vocation with the team. The backup alternatives of Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle, and Trevor Siemian were being not suitable.
The Jets have previously upgraded the place by bringing on verified backup veteran QB Tyrod Taylor. Which is not to point out the update the crew bought by bringing in previous Chargers WR Mike Williams. Williams is coming off a torn ACL but need to slot in up coming to Garrett Wilson and generate a good just one-two punch for Rodgers.
Moreover, former Cowboys remaining deal with Tyron Smith joined the crew, so Rodgers really should be nicely-secured.
The defensive side of the ball was constantly terrifying for the Jets, but it acquired scarier with former Eagles edge rusher Haason Reddick coming above. This group could be challenging to deal with in 2024.
3. Las Vegas Raiders
2023 Report: 8-9
The Las Vegas Raiders had been hoping to be a playoff group in 2023, but injuries to QB Jimmy Garoppolo derailed rather a bit. Their return to postseason variety could be seriously predicated on who they land at QB in the draft, but there is a substantial upside in their no cost-agent acquisitions.
The Raiders landed a substantial DT in previous Dolphins star Christian Wilkins. Wilkins secured nine sacks very last year and really should be a nightmare for offenses lining up together with Maxx Crosby.
The offense was also beefed up with RB Alexander Mattison joining the staff and QB Gardner Minshew coming about from the Colts. Though he may well not be the starter, he features a substantial backup program in circumstance the group can land someone like Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix. Then once more, Minshew could also mentor either QB in advance of they can fully begin.
4. Chicago Bears
2023 File: 7-10
The Chicago Bears currently have a stacked roster, and it seems they will obtain their future franchise QB in USC’s Caleb Williams. Though predicting Williams to have a monster 2024 year may be achieving a little bit, he does have the normal ability as a twin danger to lead the team back to the postseason.
Soon after picking Williams with the #1 general decide in the NFL Draft, the Bears find at #9 as very well. They could pick to trade up to pick out a huge receiver, which include LSU’s Malik Nabers or Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., but they could discover a high-quality starter by keeping put as properly.
The Bears by now brought in previous Chargers extensive receiver Keenan Allen, jogging again D’Andre Swift, and fellow previous Chargers tight close Gerald Everett. With correct conclude Cole Kmet and wide receiver DJ Moore to also throw to, this offense could be perilous with Williams at the helm.
5. Atlanta Falcons
2023 Record: 7-10
The Atlanta Falcons were being in a bit of a odd location in 2023, as they were being still trying to figure out their QB problem with a combination of Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke. That did not pan out, but the Falcons now have 1 of the major free of charge agent signings in 2024.
The group brought in former Vikings signal caller, Kirk Cousins. Cousins will quickly elevate the offense and give them a likelihood to actually make the most of RB Bijan Robinson, TE Kyle Pitts, and WRs Drake London and Darnell Mooney.
Cornerback Jesse Bates III prospects a defensive attack that was in the best 50 percent of teams in phrases of yards permitted and factors for every match. The Falcons will need to have to handle DE, CB, and DL in the draft, but could land a working day-just one starter with the #8 overall pick.
They have lots of upside and ought to return to the playoffs in 2024. The NFC is significantly weaker as well, so they could develop into just one of the better-rated groups, particularly with Cousins slinging the ball.
Uncommon Know-how
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Newsweek is fully commited to challenging standard wisdom and discovering connections in the search for frequent floor.
