2024-25 NFL Record and Playoff Predictions

The complete 2024 NFL schedule was released on Wednesday. Now that we have had nearly a week to digest the schedule, I have made my record predictions for each team, along with my pick to win the Super Bowl.

On page one, the full NFC is listed. Many eyes are turning to teams with major roster changes like the Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons. In a fairly weak NFC Conference compared to the AFC though, we may see teams below .500 make a playoff push. The real question to answer is whether the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles or another team can take the number one seed away from San Francisco this season.

On page two, the complete AFC will be listed with the AFC North rounding out the regular season predictions. The AFC Conference was loaded last year, yet numerous starting quarterback injuries changed the complexion of the season. If almost every starting quarterback can remain healthy, then 2024 will be a gauntlet to the extreme. As for the Cleveland Browns, they will be looking to build on what they did last year. Despite being depleted with injuries in 2023, the team managed to make the playoffs before falling to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round. A healthy Browns roster is scary for the NFL, yet their 2024 schedule is a challenge.

On page three, the playoff and Super Bowl predictions will be listed and page four brings the NFL draft order based on standings and predicted results.

NFC West

1. San Francisco 49ers 13-4 (4-2 vs NFC West)

Predicted Results:

• Week 1: vs Jets – W
• Week 2: @ Vikings – W
• Week 3: @ Rams – L
• Week 4: vs Patriots – W
• Week 5: vs Cardinals – W
• Week 6: @ Seahawks – L
• Week 7: vs Chiefs – L
• Week 8: vs Cowboys – W
• Week 9: BYE
• Week 10: @ Buccaneers – W
• Week 11: vs Seahawks – W
• Week 12: @ Packers – L
• Week 13: @ Bills – W
• Week 14: vs Bears – W
• Week 15: vs Rams – W
• Week 16: @ Dolphins – W
• Week 17: vs Lions – W
• Week 18: @ Cardinals – W

Headed into the 2023 season, I had a moment of doubting the 49ers. I am not going to do that this year. After a successful season for San Francisco last year, which ultimately ended in disappointment following a Super Bowl defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs, they will look to regroup and make another deep postseason run. In 2024, the 49ers defense should be strong again with Nick Bosa leading the charge upfront. On offense, head coach Kyle Shanahan will want to get the ball in the hands of Christian McCaffrey who managed to stay healthy all of last season.

As long as Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel are not moved over the course of this summer, Brock Purdy will have numerous weapons to distribute the ball to each week. San Francisco is the giant in the NFC which opponents are struggling to take down. 

2. Seattle Seahawks 8-9 (3-3 vs NFC West)

Predicted Results:

• Week 1: vs Broncos – W
• Week 2: @ Patriots – W
• Week 3: vs Dolphins – L
• Week 4: @ Lions – L
• Week 5: vs Giants – L
• Week 6: vs 49ers – W
• Week 7: @ Falcons – L
• Week 8: vs Bills – W
• Week 9: vs Rams – L
• Week 10: BYE
• Week 11: @ 49ers – L
• Week 12: vs Cardinals – W
• Week 13: @ Jets – L
• Week 14: @ Cardinals – L
• Week 15: vs Packers – W
• Week 16: vs Vikings – L
• Week 17: @ Bears – W
• Week 18: @ Rams – W

The Seattle Seahawks have a good team, yet they underachieved last season and missed the playoffs. Pete Carroll is no longer the head coach and Mike Macdonald is getting his first shot at an NFL head coaching gig. His defensive approach along with additions of linebacker Jerome Baker and depth from several rookie draft picks should certainly help win games. On offense, Geno Smith is blessed with an elite trio of receivers in DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The one-two punch of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet out of the backfield is also respectable.

The questions that need answered on that side of the ball is whether they have improved their offensive line enough and whether they can get production out of Noah Fant at tight end. This team should compete for a playoff spot, however, they have numerous difficult matchups in the first half of the season. 

3. Arizona Cardinals 7-10 (1-5 vs NFC West)

Predicted Results:

• Week 1: @ Bills – L
• Week 2: vs Rams – L
• Week 3: vs Lions – W
• Week 4: vs Commanders – W
• Week 5: @ 49ers – L
• Week 6: @ Packers – L
• Week 7: vs Chargers – W
• Week 8: @ Dolphins – L
• Week 9: vs Bears – W
• Week 10: vs Jets – L
• Week 11: BYE
• Week 12: @ Seahawks – L
• Week 13: @ Vikings – W
• Week 14: vs Seahawks – W
• Week 15: vs Patriots – W
• Week 16: @ Panthers – L 
• Week 17: @ Rams – L
• Week 18: vs 49ers – L

It feels like most just automatically assume that the Cardinals will be the team in the gutter of the NFC West. Last season is certainly not an accurate representation of what this team will be in 2024 though. Kyler Murray will be starting quarterback from the jump, where he missed the opening half of the season in 2023. Not only will Murray get the full offseason to practice with his teammates, but the Cardinals did an excellent job of improving the roster in the draft. Marvin Harrison Jr. will instantly become Murray’s top receiving option, while still developing his connection with star tight end Trey McBride and Michael Wilson, opposite Harrison. My top running back in the 2024 class, Trey Benson, also landed in Arizona and may be able to steal the top running back spot from James Conner. Regardless of the starter, the rushing attack will be better. 

The biggest concern for Arizona should be whether their defense is good enough. The additions of defensive lineman Darius Robinson and other rookies certainly helps, yet that side of the football feels a couple steps away from being a playoff caliber defense. The trajectory is headed up for Arizona though despite likely struggles with their own division. 

4. Los Angeles Rams 6-11 (4-2 vs NFC West)

Predicted Results:

• Week 1: @ Lions – L
• Week 2: @ Cardinals – W
• Week 3: vs 49ers – W
• Week 4: @ Bears – L
• Week 5: vs Packers – W
• Week 6: BYE
• Week 7: vs Raiders – L
• Week 8: vs Vikings – W
• Week 9: @ Seahawks – W
• Week 10: vs Dolphins – L
• Week 11: @ Patriots – L
• Week 12: vs Eagles – L
• Week 13: @ Saints – L
• Week 14: vs Bills – L
• Week 15: @ 49ers – L
• Week 16: @ Jets – L
• Week 17: vs Cardinals – W
• Week 18: vs Seahawks – L

The Rams just lost their star in Aaron Donald to retirement and Matthew Stafford is on his last legs in the NFL as a starting quarterback. I underestimated this team last season, predicting them to only win three games. Despite still foreseeing a difficult season for this team, I do think they manage to start the first half of the season 5-3. As for the second half of the year, it is a difficult road. Not only do the Rams have to face potential playoff teams in the Dolphins, Eagles, Bills, 49ers and Jets, but trips to New England and New Orleans feel like trap games wedged between brutal matchups. 

Los Angeles has bolstered their offensive line with size this offseason, leading me to believe they will want to “pound the rock” with Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Stafford will still have rising star Puka Nacua and an aging Cooper Kupp to target as long as his arm holds up. As for their defense though, it may be the worst on paper in the whole NFL. The additions of rookies Braden Fiske, Jared Verse, Kamren Kinchens and Tyler Davis should immediately assist newly-acquired cornerback Tre’Davious White but that’s not enough. This defense should get torched in the second half of the season, which will be this team’s biggest downfall. 

NFC South

1. Atlanta Falcons 11-6 (3-3 vs NFC South)

Predicted Results:

• Week 1: vs Steelers – W
• Week 2: @ Eagles – W
• Week 3: vs Chiefs – W
• Week 4: vs Saints – L
• Week 5: vs Buccaneers – W
• Week 6: @ Panthers – L
• Week 7: vs Seahawks – W
• Week 8: @ Buccaneers – L
• Week 9: vs Cowboys – L
• Week 10: @ Saints – W
• Week 11: @ Broncos – W
• Week 12: BYE
• Week 13: vs Chargers – W
• Week 14: @ Vikings – W
• Week 15: @ Raiders – L
• Week 16: vs Giants – W
• Week 17: @ Commanders – L
• Week 18: vs Panthers – W

The Atlanta Falcons were frustrating last season thanks to former head coach Arthur Smith. The 2023 version of the Falcons had the perfect chance to win the weakest division in football and make the playoffs. Instead, they managed to stumble to a 7-10 record. Desmond Ridder showed flashes of solid starting quarterback ability, but had plenty of poor moments. Some poor decisions were on Ridder, yet Arthur Smith’s stupid playcalling and use of Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts as decoys set that offense up to fail. 

The 2023 Falcons flopped so the 2024 version of the Falcons could fly. Kirk Cousins is now set to lead the offense, but Atlanta does have Michael Penix Jr. prepared to go in case Cousins goes down with an injury like last season with Minnesota. Expect offensive coordinator Zac Robinson to use his weapons. Bijan Robinson is the best young running back in this league and makes plays when the ball is in his hands. Drake London and Kyle Pitts are no longer the only receiving threats on this team either with the additions of Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore. Not only is the offense ready to significantly improve, but new head coach Raheem Morris will put an emphasis on making an improving defense even better. This feels like a team that will surprisingly beat quality opponents, yet get caught overlooking easier games on the schedule. It won’t be a perfectly smooth road in 2024, but the Falcons have no excuse to not win the NFC South this year. 

2. New Orleans Saints 7-10 (5-1 vs NFC South)

Predicted Results:

• Week 1: vs Panthers – W
• Week 2: @ Cowboys – L
• Week 3: vs Eagles – L
• Week 4: @ Falcons – W
• Week 5: @ Chiefs – L
• Week 6: vs Buccaneers – W
• Week 7: vs Broncos – W
• Week 8: @ Chargers – L
• Week 9: @ Panthers – W
• Week 10: vs Falcons – L
• Week 11: vs Browns – L
• Week 12: BYE
• Week 13: vs Rams – W
• Week 14: @ Giants – L
• Week 15: vs Commanders – L
• Week 16: @ Packers – L
• Week 17: vs Raiders – L
• Week 18: @ Buccaneers – W

The Saints certainly undershot my projection last season and now I feel like we know what to expect. Aside from a few changes like the additions of edge rusher Chase Young and rookies Taliese Fuaga and Kool-Aid McKinstry, who should both see time immediately, this team appears to be running it back with virtually the same group. 

The Saints defense should be formidable and keep them in the game from week-to-week. The offense feels lackluster though. Derek Carr is an average to below-average starting quarterback in this league, yet that can be shielded by putting lots of weapons around him. To this point, he only has Alvin Kamara in the backfield and Chris Olave at wide receiver. Rashid Shaheed showed plenty of promise as a field-stretcher out of the slot and Jamaal Williams along with Kendre Miller add intriguing running back depth. The lack of stars feels like an issue though and one that could haunt the Saints once again in 2024. They may win most games in their division; aside from that, they play strong teams at the very beginning and finish with cold weather teams at the end of the season on the road. That alone is grounds for potential issues. 

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-10 (2-4 vs NFC South)

Predicted Results:

• Week 1: vs Commanders – W
• Week 2: @ Lions – L
• Week 3: vs Broncos – W
• Week 4: vs Eagles – W
• Week 5: @ Falcons – L
• Week 6: @ Saints – L
• Week 7: vs Ravens – L
• Week 8: vs Falcons – W
• Week 9: @ Chiefs – L
• Week 10: vs 49ers – L
• Week 11: BYE
• Week 12: @ Giants – L
• Week 13: @ Panthers – L
• Week 14: vs Raiders – W 
• Week 15: @ Chargers – W
• Week 16: @ Cowboys – L
• Week 17: vs Panthers – W
• Week 18: vs Saints – L

The Buccaneers went on to win the division and make the playoffs with just a 9-8 record in 2023. Enroute to that positive outcome considering Tom Brady retired just one year prior, Baker Mayfield had the best season of his career. Mayfield had a chip on his shoulder headed into the 2023 season after bouncing around between the Panthers and Rams just one year prior. Browns fans understand the Mayfield rollercoaster. He usually plays best when there is a chip on his shoulder and then collapses once the heat is off. Hopefully for the sake of the Buccaneers, the rollercoaster is finished.

I am of course skeptical.The Buccaneers should probably be just a touch better than the Saints this year due to the firepower on offense with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Trey Palmer, Rachaad White and rookies Jalen McMillan and Bucky Irving. Their offensive line stout on the outside while still developing in the middle. As for the defense, they have some good pieces in Vita Vea, Lavonte David and Antonie Winfield Jr. Some of the youth like Tykee Smith, Chris Braswell, Yaya Diaby and Calijah Kancey will also look to impress. I do feel like this group is taking a step back from the scary defense they had a few years back. Speaking of taking a step back, I turn to Baker Mayfield. He is deservingly getting respect after last year but without a chip on his shoulder, the drop-off is probably coming. I foresee Mayfield and the team falling apart during the Chiefs and 49ers stretch midseason and struggling to regain form. Despite the same record as the Saints, two losses to New Orleans would lose the head-to-head tiebreaker in the standings. 

4. Carolina Panthers 3-14 (2-4 vs NFC South)

Predicted Results:

• Week 1: @ Saints – L
• Week 2: vs Chargers – L
• Week 3: @ Raiders – L
• Week 4: vs Bengals – L
• Week 5: @ Bears – L
• Week 6: vs Falcons – W
• Week 7: @ Commanders – L
• Week 8: @ Broncos – L
• Week 9: vs Saints – L
• Week 10: vs Giants – L
• Week 11: BYE
• Week 12: vs Chiefs – L
• Week 13: vs Buccaneers – W
• Week 14: @ Eagles – L
• Week 15: vs Cowboys – L
• Week 16: vs Cardinals – W
• Week 17: @ Buccaneers – L
• Week 18: @ Falcons – L

The Carolina Panthers should stink again. However, 3-14 would be an improvement from 2-15 last season. Dave Canales has his hands full as the new head coach of this organization and unfortunately might not make it through the season as head coach. To give the Panthers some credit, adding Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette feels like a massive improvement for Bryce Young’s receiving options compared to 2023. Drafting Texas rookies Ja’Tavion Sanders at tight end and Jonathon Brooks at running back also gives the offense potential lightning in a bottle. 

In addition to ownership, the Panthers have plenty of problems. Their defense will likely be worse without Brian Burns and they didn’t make any splash moves to improve on that side of the football. Despite the addition of offensive guard Robert Hunt, I still don’t trust the offensive line to consistently protect Bryce Young. In his second year in the league, Young should take some strides in the right direction, especially with the added talent in the receiving corps. The same concerns remain for the team’s starting quarterback though. He doesn’t have the arm strength of most other quarterbacks and he struggles in the pocket looking over the line. There are too many flaws in this entire organization to flip the script overnight and their ownership lacks the patience to let things develop. Panthers fans can expect a lot of losses but the tickets will be cheap.

NFC East

1. Philadelphia Eagles 12-5 (4-2 vs NFC East)

Predicted Results:

• Week 1: vs Packers – W
• Week 2: vs Falcons – L
• Week 3: @ Saints – W
• Week 4: @ Buccaneers – L
• Week 5: BYE
• Week 6: vs Browns – W
• Week 7: @ Giants – W
• Week 8: @ Bengals – W
• Week 9: vs Jaguars – W
• Week 10: @ Cowboys – L
• Week 11: vs Commanders – W
• Week 12: @ Rams – W
• Week 13: @ Ravens – W
• Week 14: vs Panthers – W
• Week 15: vs Steelers – L
• Week 16: @ Commanders – W
• Week 17: vs Cowboys – W
• Week 18: vs Giants – L

The Eagles fell apart at the end of last season and the reports made it seem like their locker room was toxic by the end. It was an unfortunate ending for the career of Jason Kelce, a player who gave so much to the city of Philadelphia. Time heals wounds though and in the NFL, so does money. A.J. Brown seemed to be at the forefront of the frustration but now finds himself back with a contract extension as well. Not only does Jalen Hurts have Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert as receiving targets, but now he also gets Parris Campbell in the slot and Saquon Barkley in the backfield. Cam Jurgens is set to replace Kelce at center and this offense is ready to roll.

As for their defense, despite losing their sack leader Haasan Reddick, this defense may be even better in 2024. The team added linebackers Bryce Huff and Devin White, while also bringing back safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson prior to the draft. The Eagles’ front office then committed robbery by snagging the top two corners in this draft with Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. In the fifth round, they then jumped a spot ahead of Cleveland to select linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. who probably should have been selected on night two. The depth on this defense is ridiculous. Once they get past their week five bye, expect the Eagles to get in a serious rhythm.

2. Dallas Cowboys 9-8 (4-2 vs NFC East)

Predicted Results:

• Week 1: @ Browns – L
• Week 2: vs Saints – W
• Week 3: vs Ravens – L
• Week 4: @ Giants – W
• Week 5: @ Steelers – L
• Week 6: vs Lions – L
• Week 7: BYE
• Week 8: @ 49ers – L
• Week 9: @ Falcons – W
• Week 10: vs Eagles – W
• Week 11: vs Texans – L
• Week 12: @ Commanders – W
• Week 13: vs Giants – W
• Week 14: vs Bengals – W
• Week 15: @ Panthers – W
• Week 16: vs Buccaneers – W
• Week 17: @ Eagles – L
• Week 18: vs Commanders – L

In spite of the “all in” words from Jerry Jones, the Cowboys have done nothing but sit on their hands so far this offseason. They are pretty much running with the same starting defense from last season, aside from the addition of linebacker Eric Kendricks. Getting Trevon Diggs back from injury will be impactful for a defense that likes to take the ball away. This side of the football should not be the issue though.

The Cowboys offensive line will likely not be as strong this season with rookie Tyler Guyton at left tackle and Brock Hoffman at center. Not only might there be early season growing pains, but the rushing attack may be virtually non-existent. The front office decided to bring back Ezekiel Elliott as their starting running back. Several other players like Rico Dowdle should get some touches as well, yet this room is on paper one of the worst running back rooms in 2024. Ezekiel Elliott is beyond his prime and has not looked the same these last two years. Dak Prescott and his receivers CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks and Jalen Tolbert will be required to shoulder the load. Dallas will likely get off to a slow start with three AFC North opponents in the first five weeks and then the Lions rematch right before the Bye Week. The Cowboys will certainly pick up a head of steam later, but Dallas fans will be furious. 

3. New York Giants 6-11 (2-4 vs NFC East)

Predicted Results:

• Week 1: vs Vikings – L
• Week 2: @ Commanders – L
• Week 3: @ Browns – L
• Week 4: vs Cowboys – L
• Week 5: @ Seahawks – W
• Week 6: vs Bengals – L
• Week 7: vs Eagles – L
• Week 8: @ Steelers – L
• Week 9: vs Commanders – W
• Week 10: vs Panthers – W
• Week 11: BYE
• Week 12: vs Buccaneers – W
• Week 13: @ Cowboys – L
• Week 14: vs Saints – W
• Week 15: vs Ravens – L
• Week 16: @ Falcons – L
• Week 17: vs Colts – L
• Week 18: @ Eagles – W

The Giants finally have a star wide receiver for Daniel Jones after drafting Malik Nabers. The bad news is that the man who carried their offense now plays for a division rival. With Saquon Barkley in Philadelphia, the Giants signed free agent running back Devin Singletary. Even after adding Singletary, the expectation was that the Giants would take a top running back prospect in the draft as well. They did not do that and rival the Cowboys for worst running back room. If Daniel Jones can stay healthy and up his play, then this team has a chance to hover around .500. Trusting Jones is the problem though, especially if the ground game gets stifled and he has to throw 30 or more times in a game. 

The Giants defense is fantastic though. The addition of Brian Burns to pair with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence II is brilliant. The additions to the secondary with rookies Tyler Nubin and Dru Phillips could also be huge for the future of the Giants. Assuming that the Giants struggle at the start of the season, this could be the “nail in the coffin” for Daniel Jones. A change at quarterback in 2025, a revamped running back room and keeping the defense intact could be the keys to success. This team is one year away from potentially competing.

4. Washington Commanders 5-12 (2-4 vs NFC East) 

Predicted Results:

• Week 1: @ Buccaneers – L
• Week 2: vs Giants – W
• Week 3: @ Bengals – L
• Week 4: @ Cardinals – L
• Week 5: vs Browns – L
• Week 6: @ Ravens – L
• Week 7: vs Panthers – W
• Week 8: vs Bears – L
• Week 9: @ Giants – L
• Week 10: vs Steelers – L
• Week 11: @ Eagles – L
• Week 12: vs Cowboys – L
• Week 13: vs Titans – L
• Week 14: BYE
• Week 15: @ Saints – W
• Week 16: vs Eagles – L
• Week 17: vs Falcons – W
• Week 18: @ Cowboys – W

The Commanders are looking for positive change in 2024 with the hiring of head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. They then used the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select Jayden Daniels. The former Heisman trophy winning quarterback is in line to win the starting job for Week One. Washington has done some positive things to help their rookie quarterback, like draft wide receiver Luke McCaffrey and tight end Ben Sinnott. Prior to the draft, they also added running back Austin Ekeler and tight end Zach Ertz to the roster. Their offensive line is improving, Brian Robinson Jr. is a solid running back and Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson just need a quarterback to get them the football.

The defense is trending the other direction since last season though. The losses of Chase Young and Montez Sweat significantly weakened the defensive line. This puts a lot of pressure on Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen to produce from the interior. The selection of Jer’Zhan Newton is interesting because he is probably versatile enough to play on the edge in an odd front. Newton is probably their third best lineman already but happens to be the third defensive tackle. The lack of balance between the interior and edge confuses me with this roster construction. The team did also add 33-year-old Bobby Wagner at linebacker which would be great a few years ago. This may be his last landing spot prior to retirement. It is safe to expect that the Commanders’ secondary will be busy this year and this team will have a bit of a rollercoaster with their rookie quarterback. Daniels will show flashes of brilliance combined with some head-scratchers. Once this team probably finds a groove, it will be way too late in the season. 

NFC North 

1. Detroit Lions 13-4 (5-1 vs NFC North)

Predicted Results:

• Week 1: vs Rams – W
• Week 2: vs Buccaneers – W
• Week 3: @ Cardinals – L
• Week 4: vs Seahawks – W
• Week 5: BYE
• Week 6: @ Cowboys – W
• Week 7: @ Vikings – W
• Week 8: vs Titans – W
• Week 9: @ Packers – L
• Week 10: @ Texans – L
• Week 11: vs Jaguars – W
• Week 12: @ Colts – W
• Week 13: vs Bears – W
• Week 14: vs Packers – W
• Week 15: vs Bills – W
• Week 16: @ Bears – W
• Week 17: @ 49ers – L
• Week 18: vs Vikings – W

The Lions front office has built a beast that puts fear in the NFC. They just paid big money to Jared Goff, Penei Sewell and Amon-Ra St. Brown. They have hit on virtually all of their recent draft picks in Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Aidan Hutchinson, Jack Campbell and Brian Branch. Now in 2024, they will see if they hit on the Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. picks as well. It only gets better for the Lions, they also added veteran offensive guard Kevin Zeitler, veteran defensive tackle DJ Reader, veteran defensive end Marcus Davenport and veteran cornerback Carlton Davis this offseason.

If Detroit can stay healthy and establish a dominant rushing attack with David Montgomery and Gibbs once again, then this team is on the path to success. Not only should they win their division, but they could challenge for the NFC crown and a trip to the Super Bowl. Head coach Dan Campbell is at the wheel of a tank and the NFL is going to feel it for a second year in a row. 

2. Green Bay Packers 9-8 (3-3 vs NFC North) 

Predicted Results:

• Week 1: vs Eagles – L
• Week 2: vs Colts – W
• Week 3: @ Titans – L
• Week 4: vs Vikings – W
• Week 5: @ Rams – L
• Week 6: vs Cardinals – W
• Week 7: vs Texans – W
• Week 8: @ Jaguars – L
• Week 9: vs Lions – W
• Week 10: BYE
• Week 11: @ Bears – L
• Week 12: vs 49ers – W
• Week 13: vs Dolphins – W
• Week 14: @ Lions – L
• Week 15: @ Seahawks – L
• Week 16: vs Saints – W
• Week 17: @ Vikings – L
• Week 18: vs Bears – W

Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers not only made the playoffs in 2023, but they also went on to beat the Cowboys in Dallas during the Wild Card round. On paper the team has also probably improved since last season. The biggest offseason move was the signing of Josh Jacobs at running back. After that, the team went on to draft left tackle Jordan Morgan, running back MarShawn Lloyd, linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and safety Javon Bullard in addition to several depth pieces. All four rookies listed should see significant playing time in 2024. 

As for the receivers, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks had a good year in 2023. I still don’t feel like any of them are stars, but they are well-balanced as a group. The two young tight ends in Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave showed some really positive play last season. I am not sold on Love just yet, but do have to admit that last season was much better than I expected from him. This Packers team is not close to Detroit but should be firmly in the second spot in the NFC North. That should be enough to get a Wild Card spot. 

3. Chicago Bears 7-10 (2-4 vs NFC North) 

Predicted Results:

• Week 1: vs Titans – W
• Week 2: @ Texans – L
• Week 3: @ Colts – L
• Week 4: vs Rams – W
• Week 5: vs Panthers – W
• Week 6: vs Jaguars – L
• Week 7: BYE
• Week 8: @ Commanders – W
• Week 9: @ Cardinals – L
• Week 10: vs Patriots – W
• Week 11: vs Packers – W
• Week 12: vs Vikings – L
• Week 13: @ Lions – L
• Week 14: @ 49ers – L
• Week 15: @ Vikings – W
• Week 16: vs Lions – L
• Week 17: vs Seahawks – L
• Week 18: @ Packers – L

There is a lot of hype around this Chicago Bears team after selecting Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze in the top ten of the draft. Prior to the draft Chicago also added running back D’Andre Swift and wide receiver Keenan Allen to the offense. There is no doubt that a starting lineup including DJ Moore, Odunze, Allen, Cole Kmet, Swift and WIlliams is dangerous. However, that offensive line doesn’t feel like a playoff caliber offensive line. It is improved from what Justin Fields was given to work with in prior seasons, but 2025 should bring more changes upfront.

The Bears’ defense was tough last season and it will be much of the same this year. Adding Montez Sweat was huge for their pass rush abilities, while the team already had a strong second and third level. Chicago should start the season quite well, probably going 6-5 in the first 12 weeks. The problem in their schedule is that Week 13 and on is difficult. Williams may learn some valuable lessons as a rookie quarterback during that stretch to close the year. Going 1-5 to close the season would feel like a major collapse considering the playoffs would have been in reach. That would be fitting for the Bears’ luck in recent history. 

4. Minnesota Vikings 6-11 (2-4 vs NFC North) 

Predicted Results:

• Week 1: @ Giants – W
• Week 2: vs 49ers – L
• Week 3: vs Texans – L
• Week 4: @ Packers – L
• Week 5: vs Jets – W
• Week 6: BYE 
• Week 7: vs Lions – L
• Week 8: @ Rams – L
• Week 9: vs Colts – L
• Week 10: @ Jaguars – L
• Week 11: @ Titans – W
• Week 12: @ Bears – W
• Week 13: vs Cardinals – L
• Week 14: vs Falcons – L
• Week 15: vs Bears – L
• Week 16: @ Seahawks – W
• Week 17: vs Packers – W
• Week 18: @ Lions – L

The Minnesota Vikings move into an era without Kirk Cousins when the Detroit Lions are among the NFC elite, the Packers are playoff contenders and the Bears are on the rise. What a tough time for Vikings’ fans who will be waiting for a while this offseason to learn whether Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy will start Week One. The good news is that the Vikings have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at wide receiver, T.J. Hockenson at tight end and recently acquired Aaron Jones at running back. The harsh reality at the quarterback position is that Darnold’s starting days should be long-gone and McCarthy is still an enigma after being shielded by Michigan’s system in college. 

On defense, the Vikings have some edge rushers who can disrupt plays in the backfield. Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner are all solid additions. Linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. impressed as a rookie last year and should be the anchor in the middle once again. Aside from the linebackers, the defensive line and secondary is subpar. This coming season just does not appear advantageous for the Vikings. It could be worse than 6-11 but Kevin O’Connell deserves some credit. I believe he is too talented of a coach from what I have seen so far to allow his team to hit the basement of the NFL.

AFC on the next page