Welcome to On Football, where we dive into the biggest topics in the NFL each week. Join us for more in-depth analysis here.
___
While 18 NFL teams missed the playoffs last year, some are poised for a major comeback this season.
Looking back to 2019, seven teams made it to a conference championship game after failing to make the playoffs the year before. Four of those teams had won six or fewer games the previous season, proving that a dramatic turnaround is always possible in the NFL.
Take the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for example. After finishing 7-9 in 2019, they became Super Bowl champions in 2020. The San Francisco 49ers also went from a 4-12 season in 2018 to the Super Bowl in 2019, then reached the NFC title game in the following season after a 6-10 campaign.
Here are five potential sleeper teams to watch out for in 2024:
1. Buffalo Bills
Quarterback Josh Allen is gearing up to lead the Bills to the Super Bowl, with high hopes after losing key receivers this season. Despite making the playoffs last year, the Bills are hungry for more success and are looking to break through to the next level.
2. Atlanta Falcons
With a new coach and quarterback, the Falcons are ready to turn their losing streak around and compete for the NFC South title. The addition of key players on both offense and defense makes them a strong contender.
3. New York Jets
The return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers has brought new life to the Jets, who are poised for a successful season if he can stay healthy. With a solid offense and a fierce defense, the Jets are a team to watch out for.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
After a late-season slump last year, the Jaguars are looking to bounce back with a healthy quarterback and a revamped defense. Coach Doug Pederson’s leadership and key player acquisitions have set the stage for a deep playoff run.
5. Chicago Bears
Despite a history of underperformance, the Bears are generating buzz with the arrival of top draft pick Caleb Williams. With a strong supporting cast, Williams is expected to lead the Bears to success and potentially make a Super Bowl run in the near future.
Stay tuned for more exciting NFL updates and analysis at AP NFL.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
