QB Mitch Trubisky is one of the three players released by the Steelers.
NFL commentator Matt Bowen: Packers vs. Bengals. Joe Burrow, the quarterback, will be fully recovered and the Bengals will once again be among the best teams in the AFC. But because to quarterback Jordan Love’s game-changing abilities and a shift in defensive strategy under new coordinator Jeff Hafley, the Packers end up winning the Super Bowl.
Writer for fantasy football Mike Clay: Lions defeat Texans. For this pick, why not have some fun with two developing teams? Though an improved NFC North will make things difficult, Detroit will return almost its whole core (particularly on offense) in 2024 after a late-game collapse cost them a Super Bowl appearance. With quarterback C.J. Stroud looking like the real deal, the Texans might become AFC contenders very quickly if the front staff in Houston has a successful offseason.
Bills over Rams, says national NFL writer Jeremy Fowler. Buffalo managed to lose in the 2023 divisional round despite being a superior squad versus Kansas City. The Bills will succeed, and given the impending roster and cap restrictions, this may be the team’s final season of success. The Rams’ offense is on the rise, and they now have the cap room and draft picks to strengthen their defense one last time.
NFL journalist Dan Graziano, a national figure: Bengals over Lions. I’m taking a risk here, of course, and fielding two unbeaten teams in the Super Bowl in the hopes that someone will make history. (Even though the Chiefs arguably making a different kind of history is the real answer.) Assuming Burrow’s thumb injury heals completely, Cincinnati will play a last-place schedule despite having a strong squad (the team finished 9-8 in 2023 due to Burrow’s ailment). The Lions, who made it farther than many other teams to the Super Bowl without winning, return with their same coaching staff and should strengthen their defense through free agency and the draft.
3DDan Graziano
Chiefs ahead of the Packers, says NFL draft analyst Matt Miller. As I did when I selected the Chiefs over the 49ers in the previous season, I will not gamble against quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs won back-to-back Super Bowls in what were meant to be two “down” years to get the team’s wage cap healthy. The team has the resources—cash and draft picks—to cover any gaps this offseason. Oh, and the best QB of all time is on the Chiefs.
Fantasy football writer Eric Moody: Chiefs at Packers. After seeing the Chiefs overcome hardships in the regular season, win the Super Bowl against the 49ers, then traverse a difficult playoff schedule, it’s tough to bet against them. Even though Mahomes is just 28 years old, just think of how much more potent Kansas City’s offense may be if it makes some more offensive playmakers additions in the offseason. In the meantime, Love and the Packers proved everyone wrong and were serious contenders for the NFC championship.
NFL draft expert Jordan Reid: Chiefs over Lions. The Lions will be a strong contender to make a repeat trip to the NFC Championship Game if everything for Detroit holds together, and I believe they overcome their setbacks and make it to the big game. Nonetheless, Mahomes maintains his position as the NFL’s finest player, and the Chiefs are driven to win three straight games.
NFL front office insider Mike Tannenbaum: Lions over Chargers. Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn both drew interest from head coaches, thus the Lions will gain from having both coordinators back in Detroit. This time, I predict the team to win the NFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl. In a close game, I anticipate them fending off Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers, and quarterback Justin Herbert.
NFL reporter Lindsey Thiry, national: Chiefs over Lions. It’s hard to be against Mahomes and the Chiefs, who won despite enduring a rough season marked by offensive growing pains. Although Lions coach Dan Campbell acknowledged that the team’s trip to the conference title game may be their “only shot,” expect them to contend and make a deeper run when important players like offensive coordinator Ben Johnson return.
Sports statistics writer Seth Walder:49ers versus Bills. Elite offensive performance is the finest formula for long-term success. The 49ers were the best offensive team in 2023, and there’s not much reason to believe that will change. Additionally, although though every team faces the possibility of injuries, coach Kyle Shanahan is perhaps the most important player for the 49ers’ offensive performance and cannot be hurt.
NFL pundit Field Yates: Chiefs ahead of Rams. The Rams are about to take a big step forward, while the Chiefs hardly need an explanation. Los Angeles has draft capital (they haven’t made a first-round selection since 2016 but have one this year) and cap space after playing almost entirely on the margins during the offseason.
Who do you think will win MVP in the next season?
Bowen: Packers, QB, Jordan Love. Love has a group of pass catchers that are dynamic and adaptable, and he runs a scheme that makes the most of his throwing ability. He is positioned to generate elite output for a squad contending for a championship.
Clay: QB Josh Allen, Bills. Although Allen was arguably the team’s most useful player this past season, Buffalo lost a few games in the regular season due to an error in judgment, which eliminated Allen’s chances of winning MVP. The dual-threat quarterback has scored 42 touchdowns or more in four straight seasons and has never placed lower than ninth among quarterbacks in passing and rushing yards.
Fowler: Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. Jim Harbaugh, the new coach, will help Herbert put everything together by streamlining the offense. He will give up flashy numbers in exchange for greater running game strength, wins, and efficiency.
Graziano: Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. I’m putting a lot of money on Houston to pull a Cincinnati and try to maximize its window while Stroud is still on a rookie contract this offseason. He was in the running for MVP this past season for extended periods of time. With Bobby Slowik as his offensive coordinator and some other improvements surrounding him, he should be able to take the field by storm in his second season.
Miller: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs. Granted, if Karl Malone wins the MVP award instead of Mahomes, the quarterback could be headed for a Michael Jordan-like moment in the future. However, I believe that the NFL community has realized that Mahomes is that guy. Wide receiver Rashee Rice’s rise and an early-round draft selection will put Mahomes back in the statistical range required to win a championship.
Moody: Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. If the quarterback can stay healthy, Burrow has a great chance to win the award, especially with Ja’Marr Chase as his top receiver. Burrow came in fourth place behind Mahomes, Allen, and Jarlen Hurts for the MVP award in 2022, the year the league started taking votes for first, second, and third place.
Reid: Texas QB C.J. Stroud. In my opinion, the Texans are ready to take another step forward in 2024, much like the Lions did. The young core comes back after winning a wild-card game and gaining postseason experience. With Slowik back, Houston’s attack should be able to target more players, and Stroud should continue to rise.
Tannenbaum: QB, Chargers; Justin Herbert. Herbert’s finger injury cut short his 2023 season, but if he plays all 17 games in 2024, he will record MVP-caliber stats. Under Harbaugh, the Chargers may try to regain their play-action passing approach and power run game, which should result in a successful season for Herbert.
Thiry: QB, Packers, Jordan Love. With young players surrounding him at the skill positions in his debut season as a starter, Love took off in Week 11 and quickly became the NFL’s QBR, touchdown-to-interception ratio, and combined touchdown leader. Keep an eye out for Love to develop and thrive under coach Matt LaFleur.
Pat McAfee is told by C.J. Stroud how crucial it is for him to stay true to his character.
Walder: Bills, QB Josh Allen. The only reason he didn’t win the 2023 MVP award is that he had a bit of a poor passing season despite being the most effective dual-threat quarterback in the league. If that area shows some improvement, he should have a good chance of taking home the prize in 2024.
Yates: QB Josh Allen; Bills. This past season, Allen was the second-most deserved candidate for the award, and I anticipate that he will lead the pack the following year. He continues to be one of the NFL’s top dual threats and is expected to shoulder a big load every season.
Tell us which player, team, or coach you think will have a breakthrough in 2024.
Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Bears, Bowen. In his debut season, Stevenson had 11 pass breakups and four interceptions. With his muscular play style and ball skills, he was a natural fit in Matt Eberflus’ defense and should have breakout performance in 2024.
Clay: Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. It is usual for quarterbacks to have their breakthrough year in year two, even if they had difficulty as rookies. The arrival of head coach and playcaller Dave Canales, who worked wonders for quarterback Baker Mayfield last season, along with the inescapable upgrades at wide receiver will help push the 2023 No. 1 overall pick to the next level. Young had to overcome a shaky supporting cast and an in-season coaching change as a rookie.
Fowler: Jaguars, EDGE, and Travis Walker.Among the top picks in the 2022 draft, Aidan Hutchinson gets most of the attention, but Walker quietly put up a 10-sack season with 45 pressures. Walker is a really gifted player who still has to develop. In his third NFL season, he ought to find his groove and start earning a lot of money.
Graziano: Bears, RB Roschon Johnson. For the majority of his first campaign, he was a member of a three-man running back committee, but Bears coaches always believed he had the most comprehensive skill set. With a new offensive coordinator, a season’s worth of experience under his belt, and an entire offseason to address any weaknesses in his game, Johnson ought to be a star in his second year.
Miller: QB, Packers; Jordan Love. Love’s breakthrough came in the second half of the 2023 season, but he’s going to turn into a real franchise quarterback and game-changing dual threat in 2024. I’m rooting for the Packers to win the Super Bowl because of love.
Moody: Titans, RB, Tyjae Spears. Spears is in a wonderful position to make a big debut because there are numerous indications that Derrick Henry’s tenure with the Titans is drawing to an end. He poses a threat both as a receiver out of the backfield and as a runner in between the tackles. Spears gained 75 yards in the only game of the previous season in which he had double-digit rushing attempts (16).
Reid: Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. Following a season-ending shoulder injury early in his debut campaign, Richardson got a chance to sit, pick up some knowledge, and grow more at ease in head coach Shane Steichen’s offense. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Richardson rank among the biggest breakout talents in 2024, provided he maintains his health.
Tannenbaum: Commanders, CB, Emmanuel Forbes. I anticipate that this small (6-foot, 180-pound) corner will flourish under head coach Dan Quinn’s defense following a rollercoaster rookie campaign. Forbes recorded six picks in his last season at Mississippi State, but he only had one interception (and nine pass breakups) in 2023.
Thirty: Texas WR Nico Collins. When teamed with Stroud, the third-year receiver’s output skyrocketed—his 1,297 receiving yards were more than the total of his prior two seasons. Look for Collins to rank among the top five receivers the following season, especially with another offseason to develop rapport with Stroud.
Forester: The Eagles. The Falcons have added coach Raheem Morris and implemented a new offensive scheme with coordinator Zac Robinson, adding to the roster’s already talented and promising group. Although the Falcons have a significant need at quarterback, competent quarterback play would go a long way. There are a few ways the team can solve this need (the draft?Justin Fields? Kirk Cousins? All of those choices are probably better than the pairing of Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder that they used in the previous season.
Yates: Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson. For a man who started his career with back-to-back seasons of 1,000 yards or more, this may sound a little strange, but Wilson is primed for success now that quarterback Aaron Rodgers is healthy again. In his first two seasons, Wilson was hindered by the play of the quarterback, but if Aaron Rodgers plays, Wilson is a good wager to rank among the top five in catches and receiving yards in 2024.
Which off-season move would you like to see?
The Eagles sign CB L’Jarius Sneed, according to Bowen. Philadelphia’s first aim in the offseason is to upgrade at cornerback. Sneed gives the Eagles access to one of the best senior free agents available, with the ability to perform in Vic Fangio’s system and excel at covering.
Clay: QB Justin Fields is traded by the Bears to the Falcons. Before the offseason could begin, two things had to occur for Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson to perform to their fullest capacity: Atlanta needed a better quarterback and a more pass-friendly offense. With Zac Robinson replacing Arthur Smith as the team’s playcaller, the first one is finished. Although the second one will be more difficult, a trade for Fields would be very beneficial.
Fowler: With the addition of quarterback Baker Mayfield, the Patriots subdue the Bucs. After a stellar season with the Bucs, Mayfield is now a sought free agent, and while Tampa is the apparent favorite to re-sign him, anything can happen in free agency. Additionally, Mayfield was selected first overall by the Cleveland regime, which included personnel executives Alonzo Highsmith and head personnel man Eliot Wolf, members of the Patriots’ new brain trust. They had faith in him. Yes, with the third overall pick, the Patriots can select a quarterback. But who’s to say they wouldn’t require a veteran in the future? Alternatively, if they think Mayfield is the long-term solution in this situation, they might trade back for additional money or choose Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr.
