The NFL season is upon us, with a blockbuster involving the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs and the Lamar Jackson-led Baltimore Ravens to open up the season on Friday September 6 (AEST).
The Chiefs are slight favourites to win their third Super Bowl in a row, followed by last season’s runners-up San Francisco.
There’s plenty to look forward to over the course of the next five months, with many superstars relocating to new teams and one of the most highly touted rookie quarterback classes of all time.
Here, foxsports.com.au previews the season outlook of all 32 teams, and places each one into one of five tiers.
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SUPER BOWL CONTENDERS
Pretty self-explanatory. These are the teams we think will challenge for a Super Bowl this season.
PLAYOFF BOUND
While they have a little bit of work to do to prove their worth as a Super Bowl contender, these teams aren’t far off and we think they’ll at least make the playoffs.
ON THE CUSP
Will be thereabouts this season and if they don’t make it, they’ll be at least knocking on the door of a playoff spot.
NOT CHALLENGING
May win a handful of games, but these teams will be well held this season.
COUPLE OF YEARS AWAY
There are good signs for the future, but it probably won’t be a winning season this time around.
CHANCE OF #1 PICK
These teams have more chance of finishing the season with the worst record than they do of making the playoffs.
Read on for our season preview for all 32 NFL teams!
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
Last year’s record: 11-6 (1st AFC East)
The Bills underwent a minor facelift in the off-season, with a raft of defensive players (Tre White, Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde) signing elsewhere in addition to star receiver Stefon Diggs forcing his way out. However, they’ve recruited and drafted well to replace said players, with rookies like safety Cole Bishop and WR Keon Coleman expected to contribute straight away. Under head coach Sean McDermott, the Bills defence should again rank among the top teams but most importantly, Josh Allen is in his peak and firing on all cylinders. With a decent offensive line, it doesn’t matter who Allen’s weapons are, a team with him as QB will always be a Super Bowl threat.
Verdict – SUPER BOWL CONTENDER
Miami Dolphins
Last year’s record: 11-6 (2nd AFC East)
A talented team no doubt with one of the fastest offences in the NFL, but they just can’t seem to get over the hump. Until they do that, it’s hard to put them among the top echelon of teams and consider them genuine. Furthermore, they are in a tough division, so it will be a fight to win at least 10-11 games. With all that said, they have enough talent on both sides of the ball, so they’ll definitely be thereabouts.
Verdict – ON THE CUSP
New York Jets
Last year’s record: 7-10 (3rd AFC East)
Oh to be a Jets supporter. The passionate, yet long-suffering fan base entered last season with renewed optimism following the signing of future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but the honeymoon lasted all of four offensive snaps. Rodgers suffered an Achilles injury early in the first quarter of last year’s season opener against Buffalo. He vows he’s back as good as ever, and if some footage of training camp is anything to go by, Rodgers is building a tremendous rapport with potential breakout star Garrett Wilson. The Jets are well-equipped all over the field and if they stay at least mostly healthy, they are a definite threat in the AFC.
Verdict – PLAYOFF BOUND
New England Patriots
Last year’s record: 4-13 (4th in AFC East)
Rookie QB and third overall pick Drake Maye won’t begin the year as New England’s lead signal caller, instead veteran Jacoby Brissett has won the job. It’s probably a good thing for Maye’s sake, with the Patriots quite possibly having the worst offensive line in football. It will be another tough year for the Patriots in the midst of a rebuild, and they very well could end up with the first overall pick in next year’s draft, as it’s hard to see them improve on last season’s four win total.
Verdict – CHANCE OF #1 PICK
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AFC WEST
Kansas City Chiefs
Last year’s record: 11-6 (1st AFC West)
Once again, Kansas City are the team to beat. Playing in a weak division like the AFC West certainly helps, but you’ve got to admire how even in the playoffs because despite being ‘the hunted’ every season, they find a way to reign supreme. They’ve added plenty of speed at receiver, drafting Xavier Worthy in the first round and signing Hollywood Brown in free agency. It’s an improved pass catching group than the one Mahomes had at his disposal during last season’s Super Bowl winning campaign. Defensively, there are a couple of concerns, with the loss of cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to be felt. However, they’ve won two straight Super Bowls for a reason, and with the main men (Mahomes, Kelce, Reid) all returning, Kansas City remain an NFL heavyweight.
Verdict – SUPER BOWL CONTENDER
Las Vegas Raiders
Last year’s record: 8-9 (2nd AFC West)
Are they the most talented team? Not even close. But this Raiders outfit will play hard every week and could shock a few people along the way. Adding Christian Wilkins onto a defensive line with pass rush extraordinaire Maxx Crosby is sure to give any opposition offensive line coaches fits, but as a rule, this team will only go as far as their quarterbacks can take them. Gardner Minshew has won the starting job, and a player of his style fits this Raiders culture ideally, however his ceiling isn’t nearly as high as backup Aidan O’Connell, who we see taking over by at least Week 6 or 7.
Verdict – ON THE CUSP
LA Chargers
Last year’s record: 5-12 (4th AFC West)
On the radar now with the addition of head coach Jim Harbaugh, who returns to the NFL for the first time since 2014. Harbaugh led the San Francisco 49ers to three straight NFC title games during his stint there. He links up with the most talented QB he’s ever coached in Justin Herbert, with the two expected to do big things together. They’re a hard team to trust, but with Harbaugh at the helm, anything is possible.
Verdict – ON THE CUSP
Denver Broncos
Last year’s record: 8-9 (3rd AFC West)
While first round pick Bo Nix impressed in pre-season to win the vacant QB starting job, there are expected to be growing pains in Denver this year as there is plenty of youth across the board. Keen to see how this team develops under Sean Payton, but simply put, there aren’t nearly enough gamebreakers on this team to challenge for a playoff spot this season.
Verdict – CHANCE OF #1 PICK
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
Last year’s record: 13-4 (1st AFC North)
A big loss for Baltimore is defensive co-ordinator Mike MacDonald, who is now Seattle’s head coach. Yet, the Ravens defence has been consistently good for years, so it’s difficult to even slightly write them off because of one personnel change. The Ravens did add a huge (literally) piece on offence in the form of RB Derrick Henry. If he’s still got some fuel in the tank, the veteran running back will form a lethal combo with reigning MVP Lamar Jackson, who even as a QB, is one of the shiftier ball runners in the NFL.
Verdict: PLAYOFF BOUND
Cleveland Browns
Last year’s record: 11-6 (2nd AFC North)
It was a banner year for the Browns last season, who, on the back of an outstanding defence and a revitalised Joe Flacco at QB, finished an impressive 11-6. Unfortunately, their Super Bowl dreams were dashed by CJ Stroud and the Texans. Now, can the Browns replicate that level of success with Deshaun Watson at QB? Watson has been patchy at best since Cleveland gave away the farm to land him from the Texans before handing him a max contract (guaranteed) without even playing a snap for the Browns. That investment has looked terrible thus far, so Watson will be given this season to prove why it wasn’t.
Verdict – ON THE CUSP
Pittsburgh Steelers
Last year’s record: 10-7 (3rd AFC North)
Upgraded the QB position when they jettisoned former first round pick Kenny Pickett and added Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Wilson won the starting job, but he’ll have to improve on what he showed in the pre-season, which was very little. With that said, Wilson seemingly has a bit to offer and gets to throw to some talented pass catchers. Their defence is hard-nosed and goes after the opposition. If Wilson and the Steelers offence can average somewhere between 17-20 points a game, that will go a long way towards winning and they likely improve on last year’s record. That’s a big ‘if’ though.
Verdict – NOT CHALLENGING
Cincinnati Bengals
Last year’s record: 9-8 (4th AFC North)
The key here is Joe Burrow. We’ve seen what he can do when on song and fully healthy having led the Bengals to a Super Bowl in 2022 in just his second season in the league. He’s been cruelled by injuries since, but heading into this season he’s fully healthy. Whether he’ll have Ja’Marr Chase, his leading man and running mate since the LSU days, out on the field in Week 1 is a query. Chase is in the midst of a contract holdout where he’s reportedly asking to be the highest paid WR in the game. You’d expect Chase and the Bengals to sort something out shortly. When they do, the Bengals are legitimate threats of winning it all.
Verdict – SUPER BOWL CONTENDER
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
Last year’s record: 10-7 (1st AFC South)
No other team had a better off-season than the Houston Texans. Not only did they sign Stefon Diggs, creating a three headed monster at wide receiver in Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell, they also added stud pass rusher Danielle Hunter to partner reigning defensive rookie of the year Will Anderson. CJ Stroud quickly proved last season he belonged, leading his team into the playoffs and even recording a win on wildcard weekend. This is now Stroud’s second year and with more weapons at his disposal, he can go a couple better in the playoffs.
Verdict –PLAYOFF BOUND
Jacksonville Jaguars
Last year’s record: 9-8 (AFC South)
They are certainly good enough to make some noise in the playoffs, but they just don’t show it as much as they should, hence they’re considered a middle of the road team. The offensive line should improve on last year with the Jags signing former Bills centre Mitch Morse, while the defense are showing steady improvement year on year. Just when you think Trevor Lawrence is going to take the league by storm and enter the top echelon of quarterbacks, he regresses. He’s got all the tools and we know his best is excellent, consistency just isn’t where it needs to be. If he can fix that, the Jags are a formidable opponent.
Verdict –ON THE CUSP
Indianapolis Colts
Last year’s record: 9-8 (3rd AFC South)
He’s far from the finished product, but second-year QB Anthony Richardson is something special. His arm talent is off the charts and he can beat you with his legs from anywhere on the field. Richardson needs plenty of refining, but he’s in a system that’s willing to be patient with him. Playing in a tough division with a number of question marks on defence, the Colts probably won’t win a whole heap of games this season, but if they reach 6 or 7 and their franchise quarterback continues to develop, that’ll be a decent result.
Verdict – COUPLE OF YEARS AWAY
Tennessee Titans
Last year’s record: 6-11 (4th AFC South)
In a rebuild, but the Titans are a team that can shock some pundits. QB Will Levis is a promising talent who showed at times last season that the Titans made a good call to take him in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft. Levis entered the league with a chip on his shoulder as he was expected to be taken much earlier. New head coach and former Bengals offensive coordinator will do wonders for the young quarterback as well as an deep array of pass catchers, led by Deandre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley. In addition, Tennessee have a solid O-line and enough pieces on defence to stake a claim for a playoff spot – even though most believe they’ll be near the bottom in the AFC.
Verdict – ON THE CUSP
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
Last year’s record: 12-5 (1st NFC East)
Fresh off a season that ended with another disappointing playoff loss, which saw them trail the Packers 27-0 late in the second quarter, the Cowboys will be buoyed by star WR Ceedee Lamb ending a contract holdout and signing a rich extension. Lamb’s play was the highlight for Dallas last season, with the receiver coming of age and emerging as a top 3 WR in the NFL. For the Cowboys to be a Super Bowl hope, he’ll need to hold that form. Stud pass rusher Micah Parsons was very good without being great last season, so there’s room to improve for him and the Dallas D. In a division with big questions marks over two of the teams, the Cowboys are odds on to progress past the regular season once again. What isn’t known though is can they win a playoff game for just the second time in six years.
Verdict – PLAYOFF BOUND
Philadelphia Eagles
Last year’s record: 11-6 (2nd NFC East)
It was a strange season for the diehard Philly fans last year. After beginning the season 10-1, the Eagles lost six of their next seven games including an embarrassing loss in the wildcard round to Tampa Bay. Changes were made in the off-season to coaching personnel, with highly respected Vic Fangio taking over the defence while offensive guru Kellen Moore will call plays on offence. Moore has a stack of class at his disposal, with the Eagles’ skill players on offence the most talented such group in the NFL. RB Saquon Barkley joins stud pass catchers Devonta Smith, AJ Brown and Dallas Goedart in this Philly offence, while Jalen Hurts is one of the best rushing quarterbacks in the game. Scary proposition for the Eagles’ opponents this season.
Verdict – SUPER BOWL CONTENDER
New York Giants
Last year’s record: 6-11 (3rd NFC East)
Can Daniel Jones finally be the guy the Giants have long hoped he can be? He’s certainly flashed glimpses since being drafted in 2019 but has just been far too inconsistent. He earned himself a bumper new deal before the start of last season but in an injury-ravaged campaign, went 1-5 and threw six interceptions to just two touchdowns. If he doesn’t fire this season and gives the Giants a chance of a playoff spot, New York likely moves on and drafts their next quarterback in 2025. There’s hope for the Giants this season, with pieces like rookie receiver Malik Nabers and an improved offensive line, but they’ll likely miss out again
Verdict – NOT CHALLENGING
Washington Commanders
Last year’s record: 4-13 (4th NFC East)
All eyes will be on Jayden Daniels, the team’s brand-new quarterback. The No. 2 overall pick has looked the part during training camp and pre-season games, with the decision to make him the team’s starter a pretty easy one. New head coach Dan Quinn will attempt to turnaround a defensive unit that ranked at the bottom last season. There’s no doubt we’ll see improvement from that group and the addition of Daniels makes this team must watch, but it’s a stretch to say they’ll be in the playoff hunt this season.
Verdict – COUPLE OF YEARS AWAY
McCarthy ruled out for the season | 00:54
NFC WEST
San Francisco 49ers
Last year’s record: 12-5 (1st NFC West)
After a heartbreaking defeat in overtime in last season’s Super Bowl, the 49ers will have the majority of their roster back in town for another tilt at the title. Importantly, star wide reciever Brandon Aiyuk has sorted out his contract dispute and signed a rich four-year deal while league-leading left tackle is also back on deck after inking his contract extension. On paper, the 49ers have arguably the best roster in the NFL, and one of the reasons why is that their QB Brock Purdy is still on peanuts. With a QB-friendly contract like that one, the 49ers have to capitalise this season and deliver a Super Bowl.
Verdict – SUPER BOWL CONTENDER
LA Rams
Last year’s record: 10-7 (2nd NFC West)
Their 2023/2024 season ended with a loss to the Lions in the first round of the playoffs, but to even reach that stage was impressive considering they were 3-6 at the midway point. Led by QB Matt Stafford and record-breaking rookie WR Puca Nacua, the Rams won seven of their last eight games to clinch a playoff spot. Throw in a healthy Cooper Kupp in the frame and the Rams should win more games than they lose. A huge loss in the middle of said defensive line is future Hall-of-Famer Aaron Donald, who has retired. He’ll be hard to replace, but coach Sean McVay wasted no time trying to fill that hole, drafting a couple of promising defensive linemen in the first and second rounds (Jared Verse, Braden Fiske). As it does with most teams though, it comes back to the quarterback. If Stafford can remain healthy and find the form of the second half of last season, the Rams will be thereabouts.
Verdict – PLAYOFF BOUND
Seattle Seahawks
Last year’s record: 9-8 (3rd NFC West)
After a 15-year reign as head coach, Pete Carroll is out at Seattle, replaced by highly touted defensive mind Mike MacDonald. The new coach has been tasked to fix the problems defensively the Seahawks had last season, which saw them allow more than 23 points a game. There’s enough talent on the roster to improve sharply on that side of the ball. Offensively, Geno Smith will again be the opening day starter at quarterback, and the veteran has a raft of talented pass catchers at his disposal, including DK Metcalf and second-year wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith’s best is very good, but he’s another year older and a slump could cause MacDonald to turn to new recruit Sam Howell, who impressed in pre-season. While they won’t be an easybeat for their opponents this season, Seattle are at least a couple of genuine stars away from challenging for a Super Bowl.
Verdict – NOT CHALLENGING
Arizona Cardinals
Last year’s record: 4-13 (4th NFC West)
They’re once again up against it considering they have the likes of Super Bowl favourite San Francisco 49ers and the LA Rams in their division, but there is plenty that Arizona fans can look forward to. Fourth overall pick Marvin Harrison Jr is expected to quickly hit the ground running and provide a big-bodied but extremely talented target for QB Kyler Murray, who was very good in the second half of last season. It’s been a lean trot for the Cardinals, who have only made the playoffs once since 2015, and while improvement is likely, expectations are that the drought will continue this season.
Verdict – NOT CHALLENGING
NFC NORTH
Detroit Lions
Last year’s record: 12-5 (1st NFC North)
The Lions were arguably the story of the 2023/2024 season. A team that has had next to no success over the past 32 years since their last playoff win in 1991, progressed to the NFC Conference Championship game. They’d lose to the 49ers that day in a 34-31 epic, but despite the loss, Lions fans were thrilled to see their side win not one, but two playoff games. Now, the Lions are the hunted, which is a position foreign to them. Still, their talented roster should have only improved in the off-season, with young guns like running back Jahmyr Gibbs, wide receiver Jamieson Williams and pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson all a year wiser.
Verdict – SUPER BOWL CONTENDER
Minnesota Vikings
Last year’s record: 7-10 (3rd NFC North)
Rookie QB J.J McCarthy was expected to challenge for the starting spot but suffered a season-ending injury in pre-season, meaning the nod has been given to journeyman Sam Darnold to lead this team, with veteran Kirk Cousins signing with Atlanta in the off-season. While the Vikings have perhaps their best roster since coach Kevin O’Connell arrived in 2022, especially on the defensive side of the football and the best WR in football in Justin Jefferson, there are still some holes and in a tough division, it’ll be hard for Minnesota to make playoffs. Having the fifth hardest schedule in the NFL this season doesn’t help either.
Verdict – COUPLE OF YEARS AWAY
Green Bay Packers
Last year’s record: 9-8 (2nd NFC North)
Not many expected the Packers to have the level of success they did last season when finishing second in their division and winning a road playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys. With star QB Aaron Rodgers departing for the Jets, Jordan Love took over as the main guy in Green Bay and improved sharply over the course of the season despite throwing to an inexperienced group of pass catchers. Love’s play resulted in a handsome new contract, which sees him as one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the NFL. With natural improvement
Verdict – ON THE CUSP
Chicago Bears
Last season’s finish: 7-10 (4th NFC North)
A new day dawns on Chicago with the Bears set to start No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams at quarterback for their season opener against the Titans. Williams is often compared to three-time Super Bowl winning QB Patrick Mahomes, because of his rare arm talent, freewheeling style and the ability to create something from nothing. In the past, prodigious Number 1 picks have walked into a shocking situation and things haven’t panned out, but not Williams, who will be throwing to two of the best wide receivers in the game (Keenan Allen, DJ Moore) and a highly touted rookie (Rome Odunze), who was drafted eight picks behind Williams in the 2024 NFL Draft. Chicago’s defence is handy, with several studs across the field. The query is the offensive line, but if that group can at least do a serviceable job protecting the crown jewel that is Williams, the Bears will be in the running for a playoff spot.
Verdict – ON THe CUSP
Aussie punter selected in NFL draft | 01:27
NFC SOUTH
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last year’s record: 9-8 (1st NFC South)
One of the surprise packets of last season were the Bucs. Unfortunately for Tampa Bay fans, we don’t see them reaching the heights of last season which saw them winning a playoff game. With a 9-8 record in a weak division, they snuck in by the skin of their teeth. The loss of offensive co-ordinator Dave Canales, who worked wonders for Baker Mayfield, is a tough one to overcome, as is several key veterans on defence. There are too many unknowns with the Bucs, hence, we think they’ll be on the outside looking in this season.
Verdict – NOT CHALLENGING
New Orleans Saints
Last year’s record: 9-8 (2nd NFC South)
Finished last season strongly but a 9-8 record was a little short of what the Saints were capable of. Derek Carr is a very good quarterback on his day, but he must limit turnovers. In fairness to him, his offensive line struggled to keep him upright. Unfortunately for Carr, the Saints O-line are dealing with injuries early in the season. Carr has no shortage of talent around him, with WR Chris Olave expected to be one of the league’s breakout stars. With a sound defence and a soft schedule, it’d be no shock to see them win 9 or 10 games and claim a wildcard spot.
Verdict – ON THE CUSP
Atlanta Falcons
Last year’s record: 7-10 (3rd NFC South)
They’re a smoky in the NFC. The Falcons have a much-improved roster, led by QB Kirk Cousins, who joined from the Vikings. Cousins’ arrival means emerging WR Drake London and uber-talented though often under-utilised TE Kyle Pitts are expected to enjoy career best seasons. Second year RB Bijan Robinson is one of the most versatile backs in the NFL and he’ll be running behind a terrific offensive line. The Falcons needed to improve on defence, and they surely will thanks to some savvy recruiting, with veteran pass rusher Matt Judon and hard-hitting safety Justin Simmons to add plenty of experience to a burgeoning defensive unit. We believe Atlanta win the division and head to the playoffs as the 3rd or 4th seed.
Verdict – PLAYOFF BOUND
Carolina Panthers
Last year’s record: 2-15 (4th NFC South)
Got one over their fierce rivals in Tampa Bay by nabbing the Bucs’ offensive co-ordinator Dave Canales to be their new head coach. It was a move they needed to make as the Panthers’ offence was downright dreadful last season. No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young had very few bright spots in his rookie season, but in his defence, he played behind a wafer-thin offensive line. Young will improve in year two, and Canales, who is considered an offensive mastermind, will no doubt be a big reason why. In addition, Carolina upgraded on the O-line and added two wide receivers in rookie Xavier Legette and former Steeler Diontae Johnson, who Young should look toward early and often. While the Panthers could reach 4-5 wins, they won’t improve nearly enough to progress to the playoffs.
Verdict – CHANCE OF #1 PICK
BREAKDOWN
Super Bowl Contenders
Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles
Playoff Bound
NY Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, LA Rams, Atlanta Falcons
On The Cusp
Miami Dolphins, LA Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears
Not Challenging
Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccanneers, New York Giants
Couple of Years Away
Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders
Chance of #1 pick
Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers
