There’s one assure in each NFL season — not less than one group will come out of nowhere and obtain contender standing. This might be a group going from the underside of a division to the playoffs or might be one embarking on a deep playoff run after being on the cusp of the postseason within the prior season.
Final season’s Detroit Lions completely match the invoice of the latter, making it to the NFC Championship Recreation after falling simply shy of a postseason berth in 2022. Injured gamers therapeutic, new additions, rookies rising and/or a key participant taking his recreation to a different stage are all contributing components that set off NFL shock tales.
Which groups are candidates to make the playoffs in 2024 after lacking out a yr earlier?
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are sometimes a horny choose as a group to make noise going right into a season, and so they typically disappoint. However now with new head coach Jim Harbaugh, there’s purpose to consider star quarterback Justin Herbert shall be even higher.
And whereas the Chiefs are poised to run the AFC West once more en path to pursuing a 3rd straight Tremendous Bowl, the remainder of the division is wide-open. In order questions proceed to encompass the Broncos and Raiders, a wholesome Herbert may advance his recreation to a different stage below the tutelage of a former NFL Professional Bowl quarterback as his new coach.
Cincinnati Bengals/New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers and the Jets technically qualify and must be an apparent contender, particularly if the offense can come near matching the protection. Nonetheless, the Bengals deserve recognition, too. A Joe Burrow-led Bengals group has already proved it will possibly cling with anybody when at full energy.
Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are arguably the perfect large receiver duo in soccer. However not like the Jets, Cincinnati’s protection may maintain the group again from preventing for an additional Tremendous Bowl look.
Chicago Bears
The ascension of one other star quarterback might be why the Chicago Bears shock the NFC in 2024. Regardless of taking part in in a troublesome division with the Packers and Lions anticipated to battle it out for the NFC North crown, the Bears would possibly be capable of match anybody offensively, not less than on paper.
If all the things goes as deliberate, the Bears, a franchise identified for protection, will take pleasure in their most prolific quarterback ever in Caleb Williams. Consider veteran receivers Keenan Allen and D.J. Moore and rookie Rome Odunze and Chicago might be a harmful group that is tough to cease. It is also very doable Williams and the Bears are nonetheless a yr away from totally clicking on all cylinders.
Atlanta Falcons
Despite the fact that some had been confused when the Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 total choose, Atlanta despatched a transparent message to the remainder of the league when it signed four-time Professional Bowler Kirk Cousins.
Assuming Cousins stays wholesome after an injury-plagued 2023, the Falcons offense must be potent with receiving threats like Kyle Pitts and Drake London and Bijan Robinson on the bottom.
