Overlooked Teams Ready to Make a Splash in the 2024 NFL Season
As the countdown to the 2024 NFL season begins, excitement mounts for fans and analysts alike. With less than three months to go, discussions are heating up about which teams could emerge as surprise contenders. Diving into the data and odds, we’ve pinpointed several teams that might be flying under the radar, yet possess the talent and potential to challenge for the Super Bowl.
Cleveland Browns: Potential Unleashed
The Cleveland Browns currently sit with odds of +4000, ranking them tied for 15th overall in Super Bowl projections. However, it’s crucial to note that the Browns face a tough path as they navigate one of the most competitive divisions in football, alongside the highest schedule difficulty. Despite these challenges, their roster is loaded with talent.
Leading the defensive lineup is Myles Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, who has consistently achieved an impressive 90.0-plus pass-rush grade for five consecutive seasons. Moreover, during the 2023 season, the Browns demonstrated resilience by making a playoff push even with 38-year-old Joe Flacco at the helm. If Deshaun Watson can regain his form and rank amongst the top quarterbacks, the Browns could very well disrupt the playoff landscape this year.
Browns defensive star Myles Garrett leading the charge towards the playoffs.
Miami Dolphins: Dark Horse of the AFC
Sharing the same odds as the Jets, the Miami Dolphins are currently viewed as the 11th-best team in the Super Bowl race. Their performance in the 2023 season leaves room for skepticism, not helped by the strong competition within their division from the Bills and Jets. However, it’s essential to remember that this team had their sights set on the No. 1 seed in the AFC heading into Week 17 of last season.
Remarkably, Miami had dual receivers, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, earning 90.0-plus receiving grades. Hill led the league averaging 3.72 yards per route run, showcasing his explosive potential, while Waddle tied for the 10th-best at 2.52 yards. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was also impressive, posting a league-leading passing grade of 88.6. With a strong start in the upcoming season, look for the Dolphins to potentially race towards the AFC summit.
Los Angeles Chargers: Year of Redemption
In the crowded AFC West, the Los Angeles Chargers find themselves also overlooked, holding +5000 odds to win the Super Bowl. Despite perceptions surrounding competition from the Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs, the Chargers boast a potent combination including a top-10 quarterback in Justin Herbert.
Herbert recorded an 83.1 passing grade last season, ranking 10th among his peers, and he has consistently performed at a high level throughout his four-year career. Although the Chargers face challenges with the departures of key wide receivers like Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, they are banking on a first-round draft pick, Quentin Johnston, to step up. With a coaching staff now equipped to lead them deeper into the playoffs, watch for Los Angeles to emerge as a formidable threat this season.
The Chargers are ready to light up the field this season.
Seattle Seahawks: On the Cusp of Greatness
The Seattle Seahawks currently have remarkable odds of +7500 for the Super Bowl and are eyeing significant improvement in 2024. With one of the best wide receiver trios in the league, their success will primarily hinge on the adaptation of their defense to the system envisioned by new head coach Mike Macdonald.
Macdonald’s previous success with the Baltimore Ravens proved he has what it takes to transform defensive units. If he can implement his strategies effectively, the Seahawks might not only remain competitive in the NFC West but could also elevate themselves to playoff contention.
Tennessee Titans: A Case for Optimism
The Tennessee Titans might be a long shot with FanDuel assigning them +13000 odds, yet, they shouldn’t be dismissed lightly. Quarterback Will Levis provided glimpses of promise during his rookie season, ranking fifth in big-time throw rate. As the Titans bring in Calvin Ridley alongside DeAndre Hopkins, their offensive prospects seem brighter than before.
If Levis can fine-tune his decision-making, reducing the turnover-worthy plays that plagued him in 2023, the Titans could emerge as a force to be reckoned with in the playoff race.
Conclusion
As anticipation builds towards the new NFL season, keep an eye on these overlooked teams that are primed to make significant impacts. With a blend of established stars and rising talents, the potential exists for thrilling matchups and unexpected playoff contenders. As the 2024 season unfolds, these squads may very well become the stories that dominate headlines come January.
What do you think? Could one of these teams surprise us all? Let us know your predictions as we gear up for a fantastic NFL season ahead!
