NFL Contenders: Ranking the Favorites and Dark Horses
The NFL offseason is in full swing, and teams are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting season. With mandatory practices underway, all eyes are on the teams with star players looking for extensions. In this article, we’ll delve into the contract situations of four teams, rank the NFL contenders, and explore the post-June 1st cap changes.
Contract Buzz
The Vikings’ Justin Jefferson is looking to become the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history, and although the deal isn’t done, I believe he’ll show up to practice. The Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa attended most of the voluntary practices, and despite not having a new deal in place, the Dolphins expect him to be there this week. The 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey have missed all of San Francisco’s voluntary OTAs, but coach Kyle Shanahan has openly said he has no concerns with McCaffrey working out away from the team.
Tier 1: The Favorites
The Kansas City Chiefs return with the pieces needed to make it four Super Bowls in six years, while the 49ers hope the Aiyuk and McCaffrey situations are resolved smoothly enough to win HC Kyle Shanahan’s first Super Bowl.
The Lions, Ravens, and Bengals have been unable to get over the humps, but they have the potential to make a deep playoff run.
Tier 2: Can They Put It Together?
The Texans went from 3-13-1 to winning 10 regular season games, their division, and a playoff game in year one with DeMeco Ryans and C.J. Stroud. After a productive free agency and nine draft picks, Houston should be even better in 2024.
The Bills went 6-1 after their bye week, with their only blemish coming in a 27-24 playoff loss to the Chiefs. Green Bay was the youngest team to win a postseason game, and was one quarter from beating the 49ers in the playoffs.
Tier 3: Need to See More
The Browns, Falcons, Colts, Bears, and Dolphins have the talent to quickly rise, but enough worries to place them in the bottom half.
The Rams made the playoffs last year, but how will they fare without All-World DT Aaron Donald? The Buccaneers brought everyone back, but can Baker Mayfield keep improving without QB whisperer Dave Canales?
Tier 4: One Big Question
This group has the talent to quickly rise, but enough worries to place them in the bottom half. The Steelers quarterback questions are obvious, while the Jaguars are probably asking themselves whether Trevor Lawrence can take a step forward after being outperformed by Gardner Minshew so far.
Can new Chargers and Seahawks coaches get the most of their talented rosters?
Tier 5: Hinging on IFs
This group has a few major questions but could surprise if things go right. It’s a big IF. Most of their seasons hinge on finding competent quarterback play.
The Cardinals have two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray and had the fifth-best draft, per The Athletic’s NFL Draft expert Dane Brugler, which sounds about right for a team that had 12 picks. With Marvin Harrison Jr. amplifying the offense, can Arizona’s defense improve as well?
Tier 6: Maybe Next Year?
It’s difficult to be optimistic about the following teams, all of which are missing multiple pieces. Still, the Broncos, Giants, Commanders, and Patriots could be set up for 2025 if this season goes as planned.
Adding HC Dave Canales, free-agent guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, and multiple receivers should help the Panthers’ league-worst offense. Last season, their defense quietly held teams to the fourth-lowest yards per game (293.9). I’m expecting a transition year, though.
