5 NFL Teams That Will IMPROVE This Season…And 5 That Will DECLINE In 2024
Alright, folks, it’s that time of year again when we start speculating which NFL teams will rise to the occasion and which ones might be headed for a rough go.
The 2024 season is shaping up to be an exciting one, but let’s be honest—not every team is on an upward trajectory.
Whether it’s because of free-agent signings, draft classes, or just deteriorating health and cohesion, some NFL teams will undoubtedly falter.
But for every team trending in the wrong direction, another looks like it could be headed in the opposite direction.
So, let’s get into it—five NFL teams that are ready to improve this season—and five that will skid into a decline!
Which NFL teams are bound for a huge leap, and which ones will falter this season?
Improve: New York Jets
The arrival of Aaron Rodgers was the shot in the arm this franchise desperately needed—now they need to keep him on the field!
If they can manage to do that, his leadership and on-field acumen are set to elevate the Jets’ offense to levels they haven’t seen in years. Even in the twilight of his career, Rodgers still possesses the ability to dissect defenses with surgical precision, something the Jets’ young receiving corps, led by Garrett Wilson, will benefit from immensely.
But it’s not just the Rodgers effect. The Jets’ defense, as mentioned, was already one of the league’s better units and is poised to take another leap forward. With Quinnen Williams anchoring the defensive line and Sauce Gardner emerging as one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL, the Jets have the tools to stifle opponents consistently. Adding Will McDonald IV through the draft adds another layer of pass-rushing threat, which will only make life harder for opposing quarterbacks… And if they can get the situation with Hasaan Reddick, they will have the luxury of riches!
With the Patriots in a rebuild mode and the Dolphins and Bills looking extremely vulnerable, the Jets have a legitimate shot at claiming the division crown for the first time in over a decade. Combine all this with a hungry fan base and the pressure to deliver, and you’ve got a recipe for a team that’s ready to soar in 2024. The Jets aren’t just looking to improve—they’re looking to make a statement.
Decline: Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys, America’s Team, are always in the spotlight, but 2024 might be the year the lights dim a bit in Arlington. On the surface, it might seem like the Cowboys are primed for another playoff push. But dig a little deeper, and the cracks start to show—after all, they did get humiliated by the Green Bay Packers in the postseason last year after another strong campaign.
One major cause for concern is that the Cowboys’ offensive line, once the envy of the NFL, is aging, and injuries have taken their toll. Tyron Smith isn’t the same dominant force.
On the defensive side, while Micah Parsons is a superstar, the unit as a whole has question marks. Stephon Gilmore should be a good addition in the secondary, but he isn’t the same player that won Defensive Player of the Year.
Beyond Gilmore, the secondary is thin, and if the pass rush doesn’t get home, it could be exposed.
Not to mention the departure of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who took the head coaching job in Washington.
The Cowboys might still be in the playoff conversation for a chunk of the year, but a deep run against much-poised NFL teams seems unlikely. Expect a big decline in Big D this season.
Improve: Pittsburgh Steelers
After back-to-back seasons hovering around .500, Mike Tomlin’s squad is poised to break through.
For starters, it’s because they have finally ripped the Band-Aid off and moved on from Kenny Pickett. Whether it is Russell Wilson or Justin Fields—either should be a vast improvement…
And with George Pickens blossoming into one of the league’s most exciting big play threats—it will be exciting to see what he can do with a better arm delivering him the ball.
The offensive line was a major sore spot in recent years but has been shored up with smart additions, namely Isaac Seumalo’s arrival from Philadelphia, which brings both experience and toughness, traits that are crucial to a young o-line.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Steelers remain a formidable unit. T.J. Watt, when healthy, is an unstoppable force off the edge, and his presence elevates the entire defense in a way that few defensive players have ever done. The secondary is solid as well. The group is led by Minkah Fitzpatrick and is opportunistic and capable of game-changing plays at any moment.
The Steelers are built to win in December and January—and could be poised for a major improvement this season.
Decline: San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have been a perennial powerhouse in the NFC, but 2024 might be the year they take a step back. The 49ers’ success has been built on a dominant defense and a creative, run-heavy offense, but there are signs that both units could regress.
The defense hasn’t looked the same since the loss of defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans ahead of the 2023 campaign. Ryans was the architect behind a defense that suffocated opponents, and his departure to become a head coach in Houston left a void that has yet to be filled.
Injuries have been a constant concern for this unit, and if they can’t stay healthy, the drop-off could be significant.
On the offensive side, the quarterback situation remains murky. Brock Purdy was a revelation, yes, but banking on him to continue to replicate his early success is still a risky proposition.
Then there’s the schedule—San Francisco faces a gauntlet of tough NFL teams, including games against the AFC West, NFC North, and AFC East. The margin for error is slim, and in a conference that’s getting stronger, the 49ers could find themselves slipping from the upper tier. While they won’t fall off a cliff, a decline seems inevitable for a team that’s been running at full throttle for the past few seasons.
Improve: Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have long been a team with potential, but 2024 feels like the year they finally put it all together—largely because Brandon Staley is out—and Jim Harbaugh is in!
The talent on this roster has been undeniable in recent years… starting with Justin Herbert, who is often mentioned among the elite quarterbacks in the league. Herbert’s arm talent is unmatched, and while his receiving corps took a hit with the departure of Keenan Allen—he has the ability to single-handedly make L.A. an explosive offense.
On defense, the Chargers have invested heavily, and it’s time for those investments to pay off. Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack form one of the most feared pass-rushing duos in the league, and if Derwin James can stay healthy, the secondary will be formidable. The addition of Eric Kendricks as a linebacker adds a veteran presence that has been sorely lacking in recent years.
They’ve been a sleeping giant for too long—and jumpstarting those kinds of programs, like we saw him do at Michigan, is Harbaugh’s superpower!
Also Read: The OFFICIAL Final 2024 Offseason Grades For All 32 NFL Teams Revealed
Decline: Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns have been one of the NFL’s more entertaining teams in recent years, as they had an electric run behind Joe Flacco last season, but 2024 might be the season where the bottom falls out.
The Browns have talent—there’s no denying that. But talent doesn’t always translate into wins, especially when the pieces don’t quite fit together.
Plus, there is the whole issue of how over-invested they are from a salary cap perspective in Deshaun Watson, who has looked as washed up as they come since strapping on a Browns uniform.
Expecting him to return to his pre-controversy form is several strides past a gamble at this point.
The offense, while having weapons like Nick Chubb and Amari Cooper, is built around a quarterback who hasn’t shown he can be the leader—or player this team needs.
To make matters worse, the AFC North is as tough as it gets, with the Bengals, Ravens, and Steelers all legitimate playoff contenders. The Browns will have to be at their best week in and week out, and there’s little room for error.
Unfortunately, their inconsistency, both on and off the field, could be their downfall.
The pressure on head coach Kevin Stefanski is mounting, and if the Browns get off to a slow start, the locker room could unravel quickly—and this season could fall apart!
Improve: Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are entering a new era with Jordan Love under center, and while there’s some uncertainty still in the post-Aaron Rodgers era, but the surprising success of the 2023 campaign—has created optimism in Green Bay.
There will likely still be growing pains, the Packers have built a strong support system around him and now that he has a full year of experience starting under his belt – plus the shot of confidence from that post-season push and the upset of the Dallas Cowboys last year—we may be looking at a big-time season out of him and the Pack.
Under the steady hand of Matt LaFleur, Green Bay could not only remain competitive but also return to the playoffs—and maybe even compete for a Super Bowl again.
Decline: Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins came out of the gates hot in 2023, but down the stretch, it really started to unravel… and now—heading into 2024—the Fins could be staring down the barrel of a serious reality check.
The Dolphins have built a fast, explosive offense, but they’re also a team built on a fragile foundation. Tua Tagovailoa’s health is the biggest concern—when he’s on the field and playing well, the Dolphins are dynamic, but his history of concussions and injuries raises significant doubts about his ability to stay healthy and perform at the top of his game for a full season.
The Dolphins will need to be at their best to compete against other NFL teams—and the combination of health concerns, a shaky offensive line, and a tough schedule could lead to a regression.
Improve: Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow is the driving force behind this team and now that he is healed up from his season ending knee injury, the Bengals will likely be jettisoned right back into serious Super Bowl contention.
After all, with each passing season of Burrow’s career, he has looked more and more like one of the league’s truly elite quarterbacks.
He has all of the intangibles in terms of leadership and clutch time performances… and his connection with Ja’Marr Chase is one of the most impressive in the NFL.
The offensive line, which has been a weakness in the past, has been bolstered by key additions, giving Burrow the protection he needs to operate at a high level—and it could make the Bengals one of the best offenses in the league this season—not just one that can turn it on in crunch time when they need to.
Defensively, the Bengals are also underrated. They have a solid pass rush led by Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard, and the secondary, while not star-studded, is reliable and opportunistic.
Cinci will of course be up against in the AFC North, which has been one of the toughest divisions in football the last couple of years, but there is little doubt that they are well positioned for a major improvement.
Decline: Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have been a powerhouse in the AFC for the past few seasons, but 2024 might be the year they start to slide back to the pack.
The offense has been way too reliant on Josh Allen to play hero ball the last couple of seasons—and it is becoming increasingly obvious that this is not a sustainable way for the team to exist, especially with the state of the Bills’ rushing attack, which, aside from Allen’s ability to scramble—has been among the worst in the league.
The Bills defense also lost some key figures, particularly in the secondary, with Jordan Poyer and Tre’Davious White wearing new unis this year.
The margin for error is going to be slim in a competitive AFC East, and if the Bills can’t find a way to diversify their offense and shore up their defense, they could find themselves slipping from the ranks of the AFC elite.
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