Welcome to the New Big 4 Sports Page!
Covering the Big 4 sports of Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Hockey.
NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, and Fantasy Football.
NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, and Fantasy Football.
HIGHLIGHTING
Las Vegas Raiders| Los Angeles Lakers| Cincinnati Reds| Pittsburgh Penguins|
THE HEADLINES
Smack
Pete Rose Hall Of Shame
Football
2024 NFL Division Predictions
NFL Weekly Picks
NCAA Top 20
NFL Weekly Picks
NCAA Top 20
Raiders Roundtable
Quarterback Situation Still Up In The Air
Quarterback Situation Still Up In The Air
Basketball
Men's And Women's Team USA
Men's And Women's Team USA
Lakers Locker Room
Good To Go For Now
Good To Go For Now
Baseball
Trade Deadline Frenzy
Reds Club House
For Whom The Bell Tolls
Trade Deadline Frenzy
Reds Club House
For Whom The Bell Tolls
MLB Power Rankings (Best/Worst)
Hockey
Is It Hockey Season Yet
Is It Hockey Season Yet
Pens On Ice
What's Next For The Pens Big Three
What's Next For The Pens Big Three
Fantasy Football
NFL Player Rankings
NFL Player Rankings
2024 NFL Team Previews
Big 4 Sports Top 10's
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Big 4 Sports Top 10's
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SEASON 2 RETURNS
ON AUGUST 5TH
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PETE ROSE HALL OF SHAME
I just finished watching the four part documentary called "Charlie Hustle & The Matter Of Pete Rose" on HBO Max. This piece isn't a review of the documentary but how the documentary softened my stance about my boyhood idol Pete Rose.
When Rose was banned from baseball, I recall being extremely disappointed because I believed so much in keeping the integrity of the game in tact. I was raised to believe the only thing wholesome we carry with us through life is our character and integrity. I looked up to Pete Rose, because growing up without a father, I didn't really have anyone to help develop my character and integrity but professional athletes. I fell in love with the way Peter Rose played the game. Balls to the wall no matter what the score was on every pitch and play. He set the example for how I approached everything I wanted to accomplish in my life. Between Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Jerry West, John Madden, and John Wooden, I had surrounded myself with some great role models to look up to. John Wooden's Pyramid of Success still hangs on my office wall. When Rose signed the agreement with then Commissioner of Baseball, Bart Giamatti, declaring him permanently ineligible from baseball in 1989, I questioned why God would create such a magnificent athlete and bless him with so much glory to only have it stripped away? I asked myself what good can come from all of this? That's when I adopted the idea Rose's banishment was for the greater good of the game. Nobody else but Rose could set an example for the other players to follow in the future than the all time hit king with 4,256 hits. A record set just four years earlier. I've carried this point of view for the past 35 years.
Most of us when we are put n a situation to make a judgment, do so based on the facts presented and we make our decision based on those facts and how they coincide with our personal experience and belief system. After watching the documentary, I found myself asking does Pete Rose, now 83 and 35 years later deserve some leniency? Has he paid the ultimate price? How much more of an example does Pete Rose need to be? Now I understand the rules but I've found in life, rules are to either be broken or amended.
Growing up as a teenager during the heyday of the Big Red Machine you really had to be there to understand the magic. In the 70's, the only time I got to see the Reds play on TV was on the game of the week or if they played the Pirates in Pittsburgh. I grew up 35 miles from the Steel City, which always puzzled people as to why I preferred Cincinnati over Pittsburgh. It was because the Reds kicked the Pirates ass every year. The Bucs had some great players too, but none like Cincinnati. For me it wasn't just about how Rose played the game, it was his brash and cocky attitude that I also adopted. It's what got me through playing sports in high school against kids bigger and better than me. Rose always said, "you may be more talented than me, but you'll never outwork me". Those words became my life's motto.
If anything, I'm guilty of putting Pete Rose too high up on the pedestal and not giving him room to be human because he was super human in my eyes. Rose simply has the same capacity for sin and making mistakes just like all of us. After watching the documentary, it made me ask a few additional but different questions.
Prior to 1989, how did Pete Rose's ability impact the game and the teams he played for and against from 1963 to 1989? When Rose was chasing Ty Cobb, how many more tickets did the Reds sell? How many more viewers watched on TV to capture the moment Rose caught and passed Cobb? How many magazines, team merchandise, concessions and parking spots were sold by using Pete Rose's likeness to promote the game? How did other teams benefit when the Reds and Rose visited those cities? I'd say Pete Rose made major league baseball a riverboat load of money and while Pete was paid to play the game, the revenue baseball made from Pete Rose far eclipsed what he was paid.
I got to meet Pete a few times in my life. He wouldn't know me from Adam 12. The first time was when I was visiting my oldest sister in Los Angeles in 1973 and I caught a foul ball Pete hit in the stands at Dodger Stadium. They happened to be playing a doubleheader that day and between games Pete was nice enough to sign my ball. It still sits on my self in a case 51 years later. Then as an aspiring sports reporter in my early days of radio, I covered the Pittsburgh Pirates and I was able to ask Pete one question and a follow up before getting out quick to get my report ready for air. Then in 2010, I saw Pete signing autographs at a mall in Las Vegas and I approached him to simply say hello. The bottom line is it wasn't a cheerful meeting. Pete was being a salty old dog that day and let me know if I wasn't buying anything for him to sign to keep moving. I told him you signed a baseball for me in 1973 for free, why would I want to pay for one and left. As a radio personality, I was used to doing quick meet and greets so I wasn't expecting much. Had he been more respectful, I probably would have purchased something for him to sign, and while it didn't set well with me, I harbor no hard feelings.
The end game after 35 years, is has the time come for baseball to show Pete Rose a little gratitude for what he did as a player and for the game? There are murderers who spend less time in prison than 35 years for their crime. Who did Peter Rose murder but his career? It's time for the Commissioner of Baseball, Rob Manfred, the Baseball Hall of Fame and the sportswriters to grow up and get off their high horse and show some leniency. I believe the game would gain some respect by showing Pete Rose some forgiveness and set a new example that demonstrates everyone deserves a second chance. It needs to be done while Pete is still alive to enjoy the moment with his fans because if baseball does what the NFL did to Kenny Stabler, there will be no joy in Midville- for oh mighty baseball will have struck out.
Comments & Questions are Welcome
Email: sports@big4sportsusa.com
WHO HOLDS THE MAJOR LEAGUE RECORD FOR MOST GAMES PLAYED?
(See The Answer Below)
2024
Division Predictions
AFC EAST
Miami Dolphins 11-6
2024
Buffalo Bills 10-7
New York Jets 9-8
New England Patriots 3-14
Buffalo Bills 10-7
New York Jets 9-8
New England Patriots 3-14
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens 12-5
Cleveland Browns 10-7
Cincinnati Bengals 9-8
Pittsburgh Steelers 8-9
Baltimore Ravens 12-5
Cleveland Browns 10-7
Cincinnati Bengals 9-8
Pittsburgh Steelers 8-9
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans 11-6
Jacksonville Jaguars 6-11
Indianapolis Colts 5-12
Tennessee Titans 4-13
Houston Texans 11-6
Jacksonville Jaguars 6-11
Indianapolis Colts 5-12
Tennessee Titans 4-13
AFC WEST
Kansas City Chiefs 11-6
Las Vegas Raiders 10-7
Los Angeles Chargers 6-11
Denver Broncos 5-12
Las Vegas Raiders 10-7
Los Angeles Chargers 6-11
Denver Broncos 5-12
NFC EAST
Philadelphia Eagles 11-6
Dallas Cowboys 10-7
Washington Commanders 5-12
New York Giants 4-13
Dallas Cowboys 10-7
Washington Commanders 5-12
New York Giants 4-13
NFC NORTH
Green Bay Packers 11-6
Detroit Lions 10-7
Chicago Bears 8-9
Minnesota Vikings 4-12
Detroit Lions 10-7
Chicago Bears 8-9
Minnesota Vikings 4-12
NFC SOUTH
New Orleans Saints 10-7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8-9
Atlanta Falcons 8-9
Carolina Panthers 3-14
New Orleans Saints 10-7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8-9
Atlanta Falcons 8-9
Carolina Panthers 3-14
NFC WEST
San Francisco 49ers 12-5
Los Angeles Rams 12-5
Seattle Seahawks 6-11
Arizona Cardinals 5-12
Los Angeles Rams 12-5
Seattle Seahawks 6-11
Arizona Cardinals 5-12
Comments & Questions Are Welcome
Email: sports@big4sportsusa.com
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE EVERY
2024 NFL TEAM PREVIEW
Over the years, I've always had a decent record picking NFL games. On average over the past decade I am at 78%. Last season I was on the money 83% of the time. This is where I will pick the weekly winners and highlight the 4 team parlay I play on a weekly basis. Picks will be released on Wednesday's but always check back for changes due to team updates 30 minutes before kick off on game day. NFL Week One picks will be posted on 9.4.14.
NFL Week 1
Baltimore @ Kansas City
Green Bay @ Philadelphia
Green Bay @ Philadelphia
Pittsburgh @ Atlanta
Arizona @ Buffalo
Tennessee @ Chicago
New England @ Cincinnati
Houston @ Indianapolis
Jacksonville @ Miami
Charlotte @ New Orleans
Minnesota @ New York Giants
Las Vegas @ Los Angeles Chargers
Denver @ Seattle
Dallas @ Cleveland
Washington @ Tampa Bay
Los Angeles Rams @ Detroit
New York Jets @ San Francisco
RAIDERS ROUNDTABLE
QUARTERBACK
SITUATION STILL UP IN THE AIR
The first week of training camp for the Raiders didn't go as smooth as Antonio Pearce had hoped. It started with the announcement WR Michael Gallup who joined Las Vegas from Dallas during offseason retired leaving the Raiders with a hole in their WR depth.
The Raiders signed free agent WR Keelan Doss and added some offensive line depth by inking Corey Luciano. Doss isn't in the same class as Gallup and Luciano only played in two games last season for the San Francisco 49ers. The Raiders are going to miss Hunter Renfrow who is now playing for division rivals Los Angeles Chargers.
Reports say the QB competition between Adin O'Connell and Gardner Minshew produced mixed results with neither QB standing out but it appears Gardner Minshew has the early leg up. There is still almost two more weeks before the Raiders preseason opener at Minnesota but the way it's going, we may not know who gets the nod for QB1 until the Raiders final preseason game with San Francisco.
Here is the remaining training camp schedule.
July 27: Off day
July 28: Off day
July 29: Day 4, Luke Getsy presser
July 30: Day 5, Pierce presser
July 31: Day 6, Tom McMahon presser
Aug 1: Off day
Aug 2: Day 7, Pierce presser
Aug 3: Day 8, practice (6pm-8pm)
Aug 4: Off day
Aug 5: Day 9, Pierce presser
Aug 6: Day 10
Aug 7: Day 11, final day of camp in Costa Mesa, Pierce presser
July 27: Off day
July 28: Off day
July 29: Day 4, Luke Getsy presser
July 30: Day 5, Pierce presser
July 31: Day 6, Tom McMahon presser
Aug 1: Off day
Aug 2: Day 7, Pierce presser
Aug 3: Day 8, practice (6pm-8pm)
Aug 4: Off day
Aug 5: Day 9, Pierce presser
Aug 6: Day 10
Aug 7: Day 11, final day of camp in Costa Mesa, Pierce presser
Key players not returning from last season
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
QB Bryan Hoyer
RB Josh Jacobs
WR Hunter Renfrow
TE Austin Hooper
DT Jerry Tillery
G- Jermaine Eluemunor
CB Amik Robertson
DT Jerry Tillery
G- Jermaine Eluemunor
CB Amik Robertson
Preseason Games
8.10 @ Minnesota Vikings
8.17 Dallas Cowboys
8.23 San Francisco 49ers
Comments & Questions are Welcome
Email: sports@big4sportsusa.com
1. Texas
2. Georgia
3. Florida State
4. Georgia
5. Alabama
6. Ohio State
7. Oregon
8. LSU
9. Notre Dame
10. Oklahoma
11. Michigan
12. Washington
13. Missouri
14. Ole Miss
15. Arizona
16. Penn State
17. Oklahoma State
18. Tennessee
19. Clemson
20. West Virginia
MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TEAM USA
It's go time for both Men's and Women's team USA Olympic basketball. Americans are expecting both teams to bring home gold medals but it won't be a shoe in for the men but the women should be successful unless they have a bad game they can't overcome.
Every NBA player is expected to play in Paris representing their respective countries which is why there is no guarantee or easy path to the gold for the men. The women on the other hand don't have to competition the men do but when teams get too comfortable and confident, that's when upsets happen.
The men's first game is on Sunday (7.28) against Serbia at 11:15am EST and the women's first game is on Monday (7.29) against Japan at 3pm EST.
Big 4 Sports will provide results and commentary for Men's and Women's Olympic basketball here on the Sports Page.
Men's Roster
Bam Adebayo- Miami Heat
Devin Booker- Phoenix Suns
Stephan Curry- Golden State Warriors
Anthony Davis- Los Angeles Lakers
Kevin Durant- Phoenix Suns
Anthony Edwards- Minnesota Timberwolves
Joel Embiid- Philadelphia 76ers
Tyrese Haliburton- Indiana Pacers
Jrue Holiday- Boston Celtics
LeBron James- Los Angeles Lakers
Jayson Tatum- Boston Celtics
Derrick White- Boston Celtics
Women's Roster
Napheesa Collier- Minnesota Lynx
Kahleash Cooper- Phoenix Mercury
Kahleash Cooper- Phoenix Mercury
Chelsea Gray- Las Vegas Aces
Brittney Griner- Phoenix Mercury
Brittney Griner- Phoenix Mercury
Sabrina Ionescu- New York Liberty
Jewell Loyd- Seattle Storm
Kelsey Plum- Las Vegas Aces
Breanna Stewart- New York Liberty
Diana Taurasi- Phoenix Mercury
Alyssa Thomas- Connecticut Sun
A'ja Wilson- Las Vegas Aces
Jackie Young- Las Vegas Aces
Comments & Questions Are Welcome
Email: sports@big4sportsusa.com
LAKERS LOCKER ROOM
GOOD TO GO FOR NOW
The Lakers are only one of three NBA teams who were unable to sign a free agent or make a trade for some additional help so far this offseason. Rumors the team is looking to move D'Angelo Russell continue to be circulated but what we know is no team is going to make a trade with Los Angeles that helps the franchise meaning, a trade partner has to feel they're getting the better end of the deal.
As it stands, the Lakers have basically let Taurean Prince go and will slide rookie Dalton Knecht into the Prince's roll. This means the Lakers are going to have count on getting quality minutes this season from Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, Cam Reddish, and Jarred Vanderbilt who all spend significant time on the injured list last season. If they're able to remain healthy, the Lakers should be okay for the first third of the season by going with what they have now.
Current Lakers Roster
* 12 Man In Bold
* 12 Man In Bold
Anthony Davis
LeBron James
LeBron James
Rui Hachimura
Austin Reaves
D'Angelo Russell
Max Christie
Jaxson Hayes
Cam Reddish
Jarred Vanderbilt
Gabe Vincent
Christian Wood
Dalton Knecht
Jalen Hood Schifino
Maxwell Lewis
Jalen Hood Schifino
Maxwell Lewis
Bronny James
Comments & Questions Are Welcome
Email: sports@big4sportsusa.com
TRADE DEADLINE FRENZY
The Major League Baseball Trade Deadline is coming up this Thursday, August 1st, at 6pm EST. As always there are a lot of rumors floating around but nothing concrete and at Big 4 Sports, we deal with facts not player rumors. Teams will be looking to upgrade their starting pitching and bullpen and position players with pop, speed and defensive ability.
Here are the teams looking to beef up down the stretch, teams most likely to be selling and teams that are on the fence.
Buyers
Baltimore Orioles
New York Yankees
Boston Red Sox
Cleveland Guardians
Minnesota Twins
Kansas City Royals
Houston Astros
Seattle Mariners
Texas Rangers
Philadelphia Phillies
St. Louis Cardinals
Philadelphia Phillies
St. Louis Cardinals
Pittsburgh Pirates
Los Angeles Dodgers
San Diego Padres
Arizona Diamond Backs
On The Fence
Los Angeles Angels
Atlanta Braves
New York Mets
Cincinnati Reds
Sellers
Tampa Bay Rays
Toronto Blue Jays
Detroit Tigers
Chicago White Sox
Oakland A's
Washington Nationals
Miami Marlins
Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
San Francisco Giants
Colorado Rockies
TRADE TRACKER
Starting 7.29.24
Starting 7.29.24
Comments & Questions Are Welcome
Email: sports@big4sportsusa.com
REDS CLUB HOUSE
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS
The Reds made what I consider a strange roster move before the Tampa Bay series on Friday. After activating TJ Friedl, the Reds optioned Rece Hinds to Louisville. Granted Hinds has options and he has cooled off after having an amazing first week in the show, but it felt like he was doing enough to hang with the big league roster. I expected the Reds to designate Austin Slater for reassignment. Slater who came over from the Giants for Alex Young deal hasn't produced much and certainly did not outplay Rece Hinds. Slater is hitting .189 with 1 home run and 12 RBI's this season compared to Hinds hitting .316 with 5 home runs and 11 RBI's in only 38 at bats. David Bell said the move was made so Hinds could go to AAA and work on making contact with the ball. I would say Austin Slater could use the time at AAA, more than Hinds. As with most things today, instead of telling us the truth, everything is a spin so we never know what to believe.
Then there was the issues with David Bells lineup card on Friday. TJ Friedl who just came off the IL and typically hits leadoff was put in the cleanup spot. It seems like Bell fills out his lineup card by puling names from a hat. What made sense to me was putting Friedl hitting behind Jonathan India and moving Elly De La Cruz to third. If India gets on first, then you've got Friedl, who is a pull ball hitter moving India from first to third with a base hit setting up De La Cruz to bring India home with a single, moving Friedl from first to third or bringing them both home with an extra base hit. This is how baseball is supposed to work in theory but as we've come to know, David Bell isn't a man of theory.
The Reds are now 3-3 out of the All Star Break and how the team plays over the next 5 days will determine whether the Reds become buyers or sellers at the trade deadline which appears to be on the fence for now.
As for Rece Hinds, he may be back in the show after August 1st or when the rosters expand in September.
Comments & Questions Are Welcome
Email: sports@big4sportsusa.com
MLB POWER RANKINGS
Week of July 22, 2024
10 BEST
10 BEST
1 Philadelphia Phillies
2 Cleveland Guardians
3 Baltimore Orioles
4 New York Yankees
5 Los Angeles Dodgers
6 Milwaukee Brewers
7 Minnesota Twins
8 Atlanta Braves
9 Boston Red Sox
10 Kansas City Royals
10 WORST
1 Chicago White Sox
2 Miami Marlins
3 Colorado Rockies
4 Oakland A's
5 Los Angeles Angels
6 Washington Nationals
7 Toronto Blue Jays
8 Chicago Cubs
9 Texas Rangers
10 Cincinnati Reds
Now that the NHL season is over and the Florida Panthers just won the Stanley Cup, the joke goes "Is It Hockey Season Yet" because of the sports quick turnaround.
Here is what we know so far;
> The 2024/25 Season starts 3 months from now on October 4th,
> The Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to being on April 25th, 2025.
> The NHL Schedules should be out the first week of July
> The NHL Schedules should be out the first week of July
> The new Utah Hockey franchise will be called the Utah Hockey Club during season one until a permanent name can be decided upon. Then you'll see an onslaught of team merch released. For now, snap up the Utah Hockey Club merch because it won't around long.
> The New NHL Salary Cap will be increased to $65 million.
NHL International Games
The Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils are scheduled to play their first two regular season games against each other on October 4 and 5, 2024, at O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic.
The Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers are scheduled to play two games on November 1 and 2, at Nokia Arena in Tampere, Finland.
NHL Outdoor Games
The 2025 NHL Winter Classic will be held on December 31, 2024, at Wrigley Field in Chicago, with the Chicago Blackhawks hosting the St. Louis Blues.
One NHL Stadium Series game will be held on March 1, 2025, at Ohio Stadium on the campus of the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, with the Columbus Blue Jackets hosting the Detroit Red Wings.
New Rules for 2024.25
- The puck-over-glass delay-of-game penalty has been added to the list of plays that can go under video review. This only applies to determine whether the puck instead deflected off a player, stick, the glass or the boards. The judgement call on how the puck left the defensive zone cannot be reviewed. A failed coach's challenge would thus essentially result in a double-minor: both the original puck-over-glass penalty and the failed coach's challenge penalty.
- The defensive team cannot make a line change after its goaltender accidentally dislodges the net.
- Following an icing, offensive centers will receive a warning for a faceoff violation, just like defensive players.
- A team that has players sitting on the boards will first receive a warning, and then be accessed an unsportsmanlike conduct bench minor penalty for subsequent violations
Comments & Questions Are Welcome
Email: sports@big4sportsusa.com
PENS ON ICE
One of the most difficult challenges for a General Manager faces is when to move off from key players in the organization. Fans have grown to love them dearly and want just one more year with their favorite players and they still sell tickets but they don't win games for the team anymore. The Pens who've missed the playoffs the previous two seasons are faced with this dilemma in regards to their core three players Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris LeTang who are all creeping up on 40. When the season starts Crosby will be 37, Malkin 38, and LeTang just turned 37.
Based on the number of Stanley Cups won and playoffs appearances made, you would think it would be up to each of them to determine their own fate. However, with the amount of money being floated these days, players tend to stick around way past their expiration date forcing the team to either keep, trade or release them.
If we are being objective, Sidney Crosby still looks like he has 2-3 more years under ahead of him. Evgeni Malkin had a down year in 2023-24 compared to previous season and led the team in penalty minutes. Kris LeTang had a respectable season but still not a comparable as previous years. One can also argue Malkin and LeTang, while getting up in years, are still just as effective as the other players on the team, even with diminished skills.
If the Pens keep all three this season, they owe it to them to surround them with teammates who can reduce their minutes so when they are on the ice, they'll be more effective. The Pens can also help themselves by improving their goal tending which has been a mess since Mark Andre Fleury left and Matt Murray didn't pan out. The Pens re-signed Alex Nedeljkovic to a 2 year deal. Nedeljkovic was 18-7-7 with a 2.97 GA/G compared to Tristin Jarry, who was 19-25-5 with a 2.97 GA/G. Both will give the Pens a chance to win, but only if they get support from the defense which has been an issues the past two seasons.
Should the Pens decide to break up Crosby, Malkin, and LeTang. There is no way Crosby is getting traded unless the deal is too outrageous to pass up. Doubtful Malkin and LeTang have much trade value left so most likely they'll remain on the team and take on a lesser role or potentially released and it may take reworking their contracts for this to happen.
As soon as the Stanley Cup is awarded on Monday night, you'll see moves start to happen and we'll get a good idea where the Penguins are heading in 2024-25.
Comments & Questions are Welcome
Email: sports@big4sportsusa.com
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The first Big 4 Sports USA Ten Team Fantasy Football League is set for 2024 and we recently held a Zoom conference meeting to discuss how we want to execute our league.
Our draft will be held on Monday, September 2nd, three days before the start of the season to insure we have an accurate team by team roster to draft from. One of the major rules we established that will differentiate us from other leagues moving forward is we agreed to allow players who continue from year to year to keep 1 quarterback, 1 running back, and 1 wide receiver or tightened from the previous season with the option to redraft an entirely new team. If someone drops out of the league, all of their players become available for that years draft and their replacement will have to draft from the players available. Trades are encouraged to keep the season competitive. We also agreed to holding a mandatory weekly Zoom meeting every Tuesday night to recap the week and discuss trade options. If someone fails to field a complete team in any week, they will be allowed to finish out the season but they will not be allowed to participate in the future.
Big 4 Sports USA will provide free pizza from Pizza Hut, delivered to each participants office or home every Tuesday night during the season. The idea is to create the most active and fun Fantasy Football League possible.
All ten players have preselected team names and Big 4 Sports USA will be known as the Demons. This season was free to join, but starting next year we agreed to a $250.00 entry fee creating a $2500.00 winner take all prize. You can follow our league here on the Big 4 Sports Page/Blog.
2024 Pre NFL Draft Top Rated Players By Position
Quarterbacks
1- Lamar Jackson- Baltimore2- CJ Stroud- Houston3- Jordan Love- Green Bay4- Josh Allen- Buffalo5- Joe Burrow- Cincinnati6- Pat Mahomes- Kansas City7- Jalen Hurts- Philadelphia8- Dak Prescott- Dallas9- Jared- Goff- Detroit10- Brock Purdy- San Francisco
Running Backs
1- Christian McCaffery- San Francisco
2- Kyren Williams- Los Angeles Rams
3- Jahmyr Gibbs- Detroit
4- Bijan Robinson- Atlanta
5- Derrick Henry- Baltimore
6- Breece Hall- New York Jets
7- Travis Etienne- Jacksonville
8- Rachaad White- Tampa Bay
9- Josh Jacobs- Green Bay
10- Kenneth Walker- Seattle
Wide Receivers
1- Tyreek Hill- Miami
2- Amon-Ra St. Brown- Detroit
3- Stefon Diggs- Houston
4- Puka Nacua- Los Angeles Rams
5- Ja'Marr Chase- Cincinnati
6- DK Metcalf- Seattle
7- CeeDee Lamb- Dallas
8- Justin Jefferson- Minnesota
9- DJ Moore- Chicago
10- Michael Pittman- Indianapolis
Tight Ends
1- Sam LaPorta- Detroit
2- Travis Kelce- Kansas City
3- George Kittle- San Francisco
4- David Njoku- Cleveland
5- Evan Engram- Jacksonville
6- T.J. Hockenson- Minnesota
7- Dalton Schultz- Houston
8- Trey McBride- Arizona
9- Cole Kmet- Chicago
10- Dalton Kincaid- Buffalo
Kickers
1- Brandon Aubrey- Dallas
2- Justin Tucker- Baltimore
3- Harrison Butker- Kansas City
4- Jake Elliott- Philadelphia
5- Jason Myers- Seattle
6- Jake Moody- San Francisco
7- Jason Sanders- Miami
8- Blake Grupe- New Orleans
9- Daniel Carlson- Las Vegas
10- Cameron Dicker- Los Angeles Chargers
Defenses
1- Baltimore Ravens
2- Dallas Cowboys
3- Cleveland Browns
4- Buffalo Bills
5- Las Vegas Raiders
6- San Francisco 49ers
7- Pittsburgh Steelers
8- Miami Dolphins
9- Houston Texans
10- Kansas City Chiefs
Top 20 Fantasy Football Prospects for 2024
QB Caleb Williams- Chicago Bears
QB Jaden Daniels- Washington Commanders
QB Drake Maye- New England Patriots
QB Drake Maye- New England Patriots
WR Marvin Harrison Jr- Arizona Cardinals
WR Malik Nabers- New York Giants
WR Rome Odunze- Chicago Bears
TE Brock Bowers- Las Vegas Raiders
WR Xavier Worthy- Kanas City Chiefs
WR Keon Coleman- Buffalo Bills
WR Keon Coleman- Buffalo Bills
WR Ladd McConkey- Los Angeles Chargers
WR Ja'Lynn Polk- New England Patriots
WR Ja'Lynn Polk- New England Patriots
RB Jonathan Brooks- Carolina Panthers
RB Trey Benson- Arizona Cardinals
RB Trey Benson- Arizona Cardinals
RB Blake Corum- Los Angeles Chargers
RB MarShawn Lloyd- Green Bay Packers
WR Jalen McMillan- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
WR Troy Franklin- Denver Broncos
WR Troy Franklin- Denver Broncos
TE Theo Johnson- New York Giants
WR Javon Baker- New England Patriots
WR Bub Means- New Orleans Saints
WR Bub Means- New Orleans Saints
The Big 4 Sports 10 Team Fantasy Football League is set for 2024.
If you missed out this season, we'll have another opportunity next season.
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The Arizona Cardinals won 4 games in 2023, and play in a tough division with the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks. After last years coaching change to Jonathan Gannon, and the mid season return of Kyler Murray from a serious leg injury in 2022, the Cardinals looked like a team in rebuild mode winning only one of their first 9 games. Arizona only won one of their final four and at no time during the season did the Cardinals show any improvement. In short, the Arizona Cardinals were a terrible team.
Coming into 2024, the Cardinals will have a healthy Kyler Murray who threw for 1,799 yards and 10 touchdowns in 8 games. Murray ran for 224 years or 28 yards per game, falling short of how he performed before his injury. The question is, how motivated will Murray be this season to regain being one of the NFL's top Quarterbacks. He's still learning Gannon's system.
The Cardinals drafted Wide Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., which should give Murray an excellent target if they can get on the same page. Arizona also improved their running game by drafting Trey Benson out of Florida State in case an aging James Conner struggles. The one bright spot on offense for Arizona was the development of tight end Trey McBride, who 81 catches for 825 yards but will need to grab more than 3 touchdowns this season if Arizona is going to put up more than 4 wins.
The one saving grace is they are a year into their rebuild while Seattle is entering the season with a new coach and players having to learn a new system and this could give Arizona an opportunity to jump up to 3rd place in the NFC West behind San Francisco and Los Angeles
2024 Schedule
8.8 @ Buffalo
Bills
8.15 Los Angeles
Rams
9.22 Detroit
Lions
9.29 Washington Commanders
10.6 @ San Francisco
49ers
10.13 @ Green Bay
Packers
10.21 Los Angeles
Chargers
10.27 @ Miami
Dolphins
11.3 Chicago Bears
11.10 New York
Jets
11.24 @ Seattle
Seahawks
12.1 @ Minnesota
Vikings
12.8 Seattle
Seahawks
12.15 New England
Patriots
12.22 @ Carolina
Panthers
12.29 @ Los Angeles Rams
1.5 San Francisco 49ers
Projection: 5-12
In 2023, the Atlanta Falcons won 7 games. They were 5-3 at home and 2-7 on the road which means in 2024, the Falcons will be attempting to improve at home but mainly on the road. Atlanta plays in a very winnable NFC South against Tampa Bay, New Orleans, and Carolina. Tampa Bay won the division in 2023 with only 9 wins so the hill Atlanta needs to climb in 2024 isn't that steep.
The Falcons created a quarterback controversy during the offseason by signing free agent Kirk Cousins and then drafting Michael Penix Jr. out of Washington University to go along with Taylor Heinicke and John Paddock. Coming into training camp, the depth chart looks to be Cousins, Heinicke, Penix Jr. and Paddock. Cousins is coming off an Achilles injury that could hamper him early in the season while he learns a new system.
Atlanta's strength on offense is going to be their running game led by Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. They also added Alabama RB Jase McClellan who will compete with Allgeier for playing time. Where the Falcons need improve is with their receiving core. Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Rondale Moore look capable but none of them gained over a thousand yards last season. Maybe this will improve with Cousins who has put up close to 40,000 yards passing during his career.
On Defense, Atlanta has a lot of work to do. In 2023, the Falcons were 17th in scoring, 29th in takeaways, 27th in interceptions, and 21st in sacks. The Falcons addressed their defensive issues bring the NFL Draft by picking up five defensive players. Led by Clemson's Ruke Orhorhoro, Bralen Trice out of Washington, Zion Logue from Georgia and Brandon Dorius out of Oregon to sure up their defensive line and rushing attack.
2024 Schedule
9.8 Pittsburgh
Steelers
9.16 @ Philadelphia
Eagles
9.22 Kansas City
Chiefs
9.29 New Orleans
Saints
10.3 Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
10.13 @ Carolina
Panthers
10;20 Seattle
Seahawks
10.27 @ Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
11.3 Dallas
Cowboys
11.10 @ New Orleans
Saints
11.17 @ Denver
Broncos
12.1 Los Angeles
Chargers
12.8 @ Minnesota
Vikings
12.16 @ Las Vegas
Raiders
12.22 New York
Giants
12.29 @ Washington
Commanders
1.5 Carolina
Panthers
Projection: 8-9
The Baltimore Ravens
won 13 games in 2023 to win the AFC Central Division where every team played
above .500 football. This is the toughest conference in the NFL and it's going
to be tougher in 2024. The key move for the Ravens was the off season signing
of battle tested and durable free agent Running Back Derrick Henry. Putting him
together with Lamar Jackson at QB, and the Ravens will have the ability to
control the tempo of every game which is why they are favored to repeat as
division champions. However, Baltimore has their sights on the Super Bowl which
runs through Kansas City and who the Ravens play opening night on September
5th.
Baltimore will face the return of Joe Burrow in Cincinnati, a refreshed Deshaun Watson in Cleveland on top of Running Back Nick Chubb returning from injury to go with Jerome Ford. In Pittsburgh, a rejuvenated Steelers Quarterback core with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. It won't be a cake walk for the Ravens, but the NFL is a Quarterback league and Jackson is the best of the four starters in the AFC Central.
The Ravens solidified their defense during the NFL draft by taking Clemson CB Nate Wiggins with their first round pick and selecting LB Adisa Isaac from Penn State. Baltimore also improved their offensive line by selecting Roger Rosengarten out of Penn State.
If Baltimore has a weakness, it is with their receiving core. Picking North Carolina's Devontez Walker in the draft should help. He'll be teamed with Zay Jones, Nelson Agholor and Rashod Bateman. The Ravens are counting on Zay Jones learning from his showboating mistakes of 2023, and maturing into the Pro Bowl receiver he has the potential to be. Baltimore also has one of the most difficult schedules to navigate this season.
2024 Schedule
9.5 @ Kanas City
Chiefs
9.15 Las Vegas
Raiders
9.22 @ Dallas
Cowboys
9.29 Buffalo Bills
10.6 @ Cincinnati
Bengals
10.13 Washington
Commanders
10.21 @ Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
10.27 @ Cleveland
Browns
11.3 Denver
Broncos
11.7 Cincinnati
Bengals
11.17 @ Pittsburgh
Steelers
11.25 @ Los Angeles
Chargers
12.1 Philadelphia
Eagles
12.15 @ New York
Giants
12.21 Pittsburgh
Steelers
12.25 @ Houston
Texans
1.5 Cleveland Browns
Projection: 12-5
The Buffalo Bills won 11 games in 2023 to win the NFC Eastern Conference even though they tied with Miami with 11 wins due to beathing Miami in both of their regular season matchups. In 2024, the Bills will have to overcome the loss of star WR Stefon Diggs who they traded to Houston and QB Josh Allen will be working with new Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady.
The Bills drafted highly touted Florida State WR Keon Coleman who will have big shoes to fill thanks to Diggs departure and how far the Bills go will depend on how quickly Allen and Coleman can get on the same page. Buffalo also picked up RB Ray Davis out of Kentucky to sure up their backfield but used most of their draft picks to revamp their defense.
James Cook will once again lead the Bills rushing game. Cook gained 1,122 yards on the ground and picked up 445 in the air for a combined output of 1,567 yards and Buffalo will need the same production from Cook at a minimum. Also joining Coleman at WR will be new additions Chase Claypool and Curtis Samuel who will benefit from having a QB like Josh Allen throwing to them.
Buffalo finished 2023 with a top ten ranked defense and should expect the same output in 2024. The Bills were able to re-sign DT DaQuan Jones and DE A.J. Espenesa and extend LT Dion Dawkins and CB Taron Johnson. Adding draft picks S Cole Bishop out of Utah, DT DeWayne Carter from Duke and LB Edefuan Ulofoshio from Washington should give the Bills more defensive depth. The Bills will be challenged early playing 5 out of their first 8 games on the road including a matchup with Houston where they'll see former WR Sefon Diggs in week five.
2024 Schedule
9.8 Arizona
Cardinals
9.12 @ Miami
Dolphins
9.23 Jacksonville
Jaguars
9.29 @ Baltimore
Ravens
10.6 @ Houston
Texans
10.14 @ New York
Jets
10.20 Tennessee
Titans
10.27 @ Seattle
Seahawks
11.3 Miami
Dolphins
11.10 @ Baltimore
Colts
11.17 Kansas City Chiefs
12.1 San Francisco
49ers
12.8 @ Los Angeles
Rams
12.15 @ Detroit
Lions
12.22 New England
Patriots
12.29 New York Jets
1.5 @ New England
Patriots
Projection: 10-7
The Carolina Panthers had the worst record in the NFL in 2023, going 2-15 overall. The good news is the Panthers have a better chance of going forward than going backwards but they still have a lot of work and a long road ahead before they're competitive again. Fortunately, Carolina plays in the NFC South, with Tampa Bay, New Orleans and Atlanta. The division can be won potentially with a 9 win season but don't look for Carolina to improve by 7 games in 2024.
This season the Panthers will be implementing an entirely new offense behind first year head coach Dave Canales. It also means second year QB Bryce Young will have to learn a new offense. Early reports say Young is picking up the offense quickly and now comes down to execution on the field. Young also has a good veteran backup in Andy Dalton, to help him improve. Hind sight being 20/20, I can't help but wonder if Carolina, wishes they took C.J. Stroud over Young in the 2023 draft.
During the offseason, Carolina made several player moves but failed to make a splash in the free agent market with any big name signings. During the NFL Draft, WR Xavier Legette out of South Carolina was their first pick, followed by Texas RB Jonathan Brooks, LB Trevin Wallace from Kentucky and TE Ja'Tavion Sanders also from Texas. All four are solid picks that will help Carolina sure up a few key positions.
Another area Carolina will need to improve is on Defense where they ranked last in pressuring their opponents QB. The Panthers gave up 24.4 points per game while average only 13.8 points on offense. Carolina's goal will be to flip these numbers this season. Returning from 2023 are RB Chuba Hubbard who had a combined total of 1,135 all purpose yards. Young wiill also have WR Adam Thielen and Dionatae Johnson to throw to so there will be some familiarity between this core. What Carolina lacks in star power will have to be made up with a group of players who are fundamentally sound and can limit turnovers and penalties to give the Panthers a chance to win close games.
2024 Schedule
9.8 @ New Orleans
9.8 @ New Orleans
9.15 Los Angeles Chargers
9.22 @ Las Vegas Raiders
9.29 Cincinnati Bengals
10.6 @ Chicago Bears
10.13 Atlanta Falcons
10.20 @ Washington Commanders
10.27 @ Denver Broncos
10.27 @ Denver Broncos
11.3 New Orleans Saints
11.10 New York Giants
11.10 New York Giants
11.24 Kansas City Chiefs
12.1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
12.8 @ Philadelphia Eagles
12.14 Dallas Cowboys
12.14 Dallas Cowboys
12.22 Arizona Cardinals
12.29 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1.5 @ Atlanta Falcons
Projection: 3-14
The Chicago Bears were 7-10 in 2023 and were given the gift of a number one draft pick in 2024 courtesy of the Carolina Panthers. The Bears proceeded to select coveted USC QB Caleb Williams with the hope he would change the Bears future fortune. Williams is considered to be a can't miss NFL superstar but where have we heard this before? Over the past 25 years, only 38% of quarterbacks taken in the first round wound up being the face of the franchise.
To improve Williams chances, the Bears also drafted Washington University WR Rome Odunze, catch Caleb's passes and Yale OT Kiran Amegadjie, to help protect him. Then Chicago picked up RB D'Andre Swift, and WR Keenan Allen, to go with WR DJ Moore and TE Cole Kmet, creating an offense loaded for Bear. Chicago average 21 points a game in 2023 and based on the improvements the Bears should add an additional 78-10 points per game to their average.
Defensively, the Bears gave up 22 points per game but made several free agent and late draft picks to sure up the defensive line and secondary. The Bears picked up free agent DT Byron Cowert and DT Jake Martin, and picked up DE Austin Booker in the 5th round out of Kansas. Chicago hopes to improve the defense by knocking 4 to 6 points from last seasons 22 PPG average.
Chicago was hard to beat at home in 2023 but they couldn't duplicate the same on the road. The key for Chicago this season will continue to be hard to beat in Chicago but play .500 football on the road and this should put the Bears in line to either win the division or qualify for a wild card playoff position.
2024 Schedule
9.8 Tennessee Titans
9.15 @ Houston Texans
9.22 @ Indianapolis Colts
9.29 Los Angeles Rams
10.6 Carolina Panthers
10.13 Jacksonville Jaguars
10.27 @ Washington Commanders
11.3 @ Arizona Cardinals
11.10 New England Patriots
11.17 Green Bay Packers
11.24 Minnesota Vikings
11.28 @ Detroit Lions
12.8 @ San Francisco 49ers
12.16 @ Minnesota Vikings
12.22 Detroit Lions
12.26 Seattle Seahawks
1.5 @ Green Bay Packers
Projection:8-9
The Cincinnati Bengals won 9 games in 2023 and finished last in the AFC North. This season even with a healthy Joe Burrow, the Bengals are going to be challenged to match their results from 2023. Baltimore, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh all made moves to improve while the Bengals still have a Tee Higgins disruption to solve. They also have an uncertain backfield to contend with after releasing RB Joe Mixon.
The good news for Cincinnati is QB Joe Burrow is healthy and they still have WR Ja'Marr Cjase, one of the best connections in the NFL to build on. Replacing Mixon in the Bengals backfield is Zack Moss who had 886 all purpose yards and 7 touchdowns for Indianapolis last season which is a reduction in production from Mixon's 1.410 all purpose yards and 12 touchdowns. This signals Cincinnati is going to rely more on the passing game this season which means Joe Burrow better stay healthy.
The Bengals addressed their offensive line during the draft to protect Burrow by selecting OT Amarius Mims from Georgia with their first pick. They also selected WR Jermain Burton of Alabama and Tight Ends Erick All from Iowa and Tanner McLachlan out of Arizona to give Burrow more options should the Higgins situation not work out. The Bengals averaged 21.5 PPG in 2023 and they'll need to add another 7-10 PPG to have a chance at making the playoffs in 2024.
Defensively, the Bengals gave up 22.6 PPG, and they'll have to reduce that number by at least 5 PPG. To address the defense, Cincinnati drafted Defensive Tackles Kris Jenkins from Michigan and McKinnley Jackson of Texas A&M, and ER Cedric Johnson out of Ole Miss. The question with rookies is all about how quickly they can transition from college to pro. The bottom line is the Bengals have more questions to answer in 2024 than 2023 and combine this with a schedule where Cincinnati has to play Baltimore, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh 6 times plus face Kanas City, and Dallas on the road projects to a dismal outcome for the Bengals this season.
2024 Schedule
9.8 New England Patriots
9.15 @ Kansas City Chiefs
9.23 Washington Commanders
9.29 @ Carolina Panthers
10.6 Baltimore Ravens
10.13 @ New York Giants
10.20 @ Cleveland Browns
10.27 Philadelphia Eagles
11.3 Las Vegas Raiders
11.7 @ Baltimore Ravens
11.17 @ Los Angeles Chargers
12.1 Pittsburgh Steelers
12.9 @ Dallas Cowboys
12.15 @ Tennessee Titans
12.19 Cleveland Browns
12.29 Denver Broncos
1.5 @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Projection: 9-8
The Cleveland Browns are one of only four NFL teams to have never played in the Super Bowl. After Putting up 11 wins in 2023, the Browns have their sights on changing their luck in 2024. Playing in the rough and rugged AFC North, the Browns will have their hands full with Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati. If the Browns can get a full season out of QB DeShaun Watson and RB Nick Chubb returns to form after suffering a season ending injury in 2023,Cleveland could potentially break through to play in Super Bowl LIX.
On offense, the Browns average 23 PPG in 2023, but will need to add to it this season if they expect to contend. To accomplish this, the Browns hope to have a healthy DeShaun Watson and Nick Chubb, available but by signing QB Jameis Winston to go with QB Tyler Huntley, the Browns have some insurance at the QB position. If Chubb doesn't return to form,, Jerome Ford will get the bulk of the carries. Ford gained 813 yards last season and proved he's capable of carrying the load. The Browns also picked up WR Jerry Jeudy from Denver to go with WR Amari Cooper and TE David Njoku.
On defense, the Browns gave up 21 PPG in 2023 and will need to see an improvement in order to make the playoffs in 2024. During the NFL draft, Cleveland focused on improving their defense by selecting DT Michael Hall Jr. from Ohio State. LB Nathan Watson out of Mississippi State, CB Miles Harden from South Dakota and DT Jowon Briggs from Cincinnati.
Any defense anchored by DE Miles Garrett has a chance of being one of the NFL's top defenses.
The NFL didn't do Cleveland any favors scheduling wise as the Browns not only have to play Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati twice, they'll also face Dallas, Kansas City, and Miami. Fortunately all three of those games will be played in Cleveland where the Browns were 8-1 in 2023.
2024 Schedule
9.8 Dallas Cowboys
9.15 @ Jacksonville Jaguars
9.22 New York Giants
9.29 @ Las Vegas Raiders
10.6 @ Washington Commanders
10.13 @ Philadelphia Eagles
10.20 Cincinnati Bengals
10.27 Baltimore Ravens
11.3 Los Angeles Chargers
11.17 @ New Orleans Saints
11.21 Pittsburgh Steelers
12.2 @ Denver Broncos
12.8 @ Pittsburgh Steelers
12.15 Kansas City Chiefs
12.19 @ Cincinnati Bengals
12.29 Miami Dolphins
1.5 @ Baltimore Ravens
Projection: 10-7
The Dallas Cowboys won the NFC East in 2023 with a 12-5 record going a perfect 8-0 at home. If Dallas is going to improve on their performance in 2024, they'll need to find an answer for the loss of RB Tony Pollard and WR Michael Gallup plus several loses to both the offensive and defensive line. It appears Dallas, who put up 509 points to lead the NFL in 2023 were willing to give up a few points to save a few bucks.
During the NFL Draft, Dallas addressed their issues with both lines by using 5 of their 7 picks on linemen led by OT Tyler Guyton of Oklahoma. To address the loss of Gallup, the Cowboys selected WR Ryan Flournoy from Southeast Missouri State.
On offense, QB Dak Prescott will once again have a lot put on his shoulders to carry the team which he is capable of doing. Prescott takes a lot of criticism but he's still a top 10 QB in the NFL and at 30 years old, Prescott still has a lot of football in front of him. The Wide Receiver core isn't deep but they still have WR Ceedee Lamb, WR Brandin Cooks, and TE Jake Ferguson as Prescott's targets. However, Dallas will hand it's running game over to the returning Ezekiel Elliott, and until he proves he can handle the load there will be questions about the Cowboys running game.
Defensively, Dallas still has their core in tact led by DeMarcus Lawrence, and Micha Parsons, but with all the new additions, look for the Cowboys to potentially give up more points than their 2023 average of 18.5 PPG. Dallas looks to be a team who will score less and give up more points leading to tighter games.
Overall, the Cowboys will find it challenging to win 12 games again in 2024, but playing in the NFC East means they'll face Philadelphia, Washington, and the New York Giants six times and all three are coming into 2024 with more questions than answers. Dallas will also have a more formidable schedule this season compared to 20023 with playoff contenders San Francisco, Detroit, Baltimore, Cleveland, Houston and Cincinnati on tap.
2024 Schedule
9.8 @ Cleveland Browns
9.15 New Orleans Saints
9.15 New Orleans Saints
9.22 Baltimore Ravens
9.26 @ New York Giants
10.6 @ Pittsburgh Steelers
10.13 Detroit Lions
10.27 @ San Francisco 49ers
11.3 @ Atlanta Falcons
11.10 Philadelphia Eagles
11.18 Houston Texans
11.18 Houston Texans
11.24 @ Washington Commanders
11.28 New York Giants
12.9 Cincinnati Bengals
12.15 @ Carolina Panthers
12.22 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
12.29 @ Philadelphia Eagles
1.5 Washington Commanders
Projection: 10-7
It has been a rough few years for the Broncos, and don't look for 2024 to be much better in 2024. The Broncos won 8 games in 2023,with Russell Wilson at QB. However, that wasn't good enough for head coach Sean Payton, so the organization decided to move on from Wilson and draft Bo Nix from Oregon with their #1 pick in the NFL draft.
Payton is entering his second year as head coach of the Broncos, and probably has more pressure on him to win than any other head coach in the NFL thanks to the $4.5 billion dollars the Walton-Penner Groups paid for the franchise in 2022. Payton, who has a career record of
160-97 bought himself a little more time by ditching Wilson and selecting Bo Nix as the new face of the franchise. As we know, a head coaches future is always tied to his starting QB and Bo Nix may or may not turn out to be Payton's next Drew Brees, but they're married now.
After selecting Nix, Denver had a mixed bag of draft picks selecting DE Jonah Elliss from Utah. WR Troy Franklin out of Oregon who gives Nix a familiar set of hands to throw to, CB Kris Abrams-Draine from Missouri, RB Audric Estime from Notre Dame, WR Devaughn Vele from Utah and C Nick Gargulo out of South Carolina. A group of players who were sold college players but can they make the transition to the NFL?
The Broncos offense averaged 21 PPG in 2023. They got off to a slow start going 1-5 over their first 6 games and then the Broncos reeled off 5 straight wins and Payton was starting to look like a miracle worker. Then Denver finished with a 2-4 record over their final 6 games and why the decision was made to move on from Russell Wilson. Nix is going to be challenged in his first season because not only is he learning a new offense, he doesn't have the best of the best weapons at his disposal. Denver's running game will be led by Javonte Williams, who ran for 774 yards and 3 TD's in 2024 while grabbing 47 passes for another 228 years and 2 TD's. Williams will need to almost double his production this season. At Wide Receiver, Nix will have rising star Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds and Marvin Mims Jr. who aren't necessarily household names. At TE is Adam Trautman, who isn't in the same class as the Chiefs Travis Kelce or even the Raiders rookie TE Brock Bowers. Denver is going to have a hard time matching their 21 PPG average in 2024.
Defensively, the Broncos gave up 24 PPG, and didn't really do much to improve the defense during the off season. Essentially, Denver is counting on last years defense to improve beyond it's 29th ranked production. A new offense led by a rookie QB, coupled with a struggling defense left over from 2023 doesn't equate to a lot of wins in the AFC West this season for Denver.
2024 Schedule
2024 Schedule
9.8 @ Seattle Seahawks
9.15 Pittsburgh Steelers
9.22 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9.29 @ New York Jets
10.6 Las Vegas Raiders
10.13 Los Angeles Chargers
10.17 @ New Orleans Saints
10.27 Carolina Panthers
11.3 @ Baltimore Ravens
11.10 @ Kanas City Chiefs
11.17 Atlanta Falcons
11.24 @ Las Vegas Raiders
12.2 Cleveland Browns
12.15 Indianapolis Colts
12.22 @ Los Angeles Chargers
12.29 @ Cincinnati Bengals
1.5 Kansas City Chiefs
Projection: 5-12
Projection: 11-6
Projection: 5-12
The Detroit Lions put up 12 wins in 2023 and almost made it to their first Super Bowl but lost to San Francisco in the NFC Championship game. Regardless the Lions had a tremendous season and hope to build on it in 2024 but there will be increased competition in the NFC North this season with Green Bay and Chicago reloading and Minnesota is always competitive.
The Lions used the NFL Draft to address their defense and offensive line. Detroit took Alabama CB Terrion Arnold in the 1st round followed by CB Ennis Rakestraw from Missouri, OT Giovanni Manu out of British Columbia, S Stone Vaki from Utah, DT Mekhi Wingo from LSU, and OG Christian Mahogany from Boston College. By focusing mainly on Defense, this means the Lions will be running it back with mostly the same offense as 2023.
Offensively, Detroit averaged 27 PPG, and they hope to match or improve in this number in 2024. The Lions signed QB Jared Goff to a long term contract and he'll be backeed up by ex Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker. The Lions will bring back a potent rushing game with David Montgomery and Jahmyr GIbbs. Both can put up the yards running or catching passes. Also returning is All Pro WR Amon-Ra St. John, WR Donavan Peoples-Jones, WR Jameson Williams, and WR Kalif Raymond. All Pro TE Sam LaPorta is also looking to improve on his 899 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
Defensively, The Lions gave up 23 PPG, thus the reason why they focused on Defense in the NFL Draft. Detroit's defense is led by All Pro Aidan Hutchinson who had 11.5 sacks last season. The Lions hope to trim at least 5 PPG from last years PPG average.
Overall, Dan Quinn has developed a confident team for 2024 but judging by their schedule, the Lions will be challenged all season. Detroit will not only compete in an improve NFC North, but they'll also face 6 other teams who made the playoffs in 2023.
2024 Schedule
9.8 Los Angeles Rams
9.15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9.22 @ Arizona Cardinals
9.30 Seattle Seahawks
10.13 @ Dallas Cowboys
10.20 @ Minnesota Vikings
10.27 Tennessee Titans
11.3 @ Green Bay Packers
11.10 @ Houston Texans
11.17 Jacksonville Jaguars
11.24 @ Baltimore Colts
11.28 Chicago Bears
12.5 Green Bay Packers
12.15 Buffalo Bills
12.22 @ Chicago Bears
12.30 @ San Francisco 49ers
Projection: 10-7
In what was considered to be a rebuilding year for the Green Bay Packers in 2923, they managed to pick up 9 wins and just missed the playoffs. This has created bigger expectations this season for the Pack but they're still playing in the NFC North which features NFC Champion runners up Detroit Lions and a reloaded Chicago Bears team plus the rebuilding Minnesota Vikings. Green Bay will have to play flawless football if they hope to make the playoffs in 2024.
Green Bay used their 10 picks in the NFL Draft to take 6 defensive players and 4 offensive players led by 1st round pick OT Jordan Morgan from Arizona to provide added protection for QB Jordan Love. The Packers had 2 second round picks and selected LB Edgerrin Cooper from Texas A&M and Georgia S Javon Ballard to pick up the defense.
Offensively, The Packers scored 22.5 PPG in 2023, and they're counting on Jordan Love to improve on his 4,159 yards passing and 32 TD's to get Green Bay closer to 30 PPG. To help Love, the Packers added ex Raiders RB Josh Jacobs to go with RB AJ Dillion and 3rd round RB pick MarShawn Lloyd from USC. Love will once again target WR Christian Watson and WR Romeo Doubs, both considered to be top tier Wide Receivers and TE Luke Musgrave.
Defensively, Green Bay gave up almost as many points as they scored giving up 22.5 PPG. This must improve by 3-5 PPG if Green Bay is going to content for a playoff spot. The Packers are confident DC Jeff Hafley's system will get the Green Bay defense where it needs to be. The Green Bay defense doesn't feature any real superstar talent, so they're going to have to play together as a unit to succeed in 2024.
Overall, Green Bay's 2024 schedule is probably the easiest of all the NFC North teams, but with the amount of parity in the NFL, most games will come down to penalties and turnovers determining who wins. If Green Bay can play flawless football and average more points on offense and give up fewer points on defense, they'll have a good chance of competing with Detroit for the division title.
2024 Schedule
9.6 Philadelphia Eagles
9.15 Indianapolis Colts
9.22 @ Tennessee Titans
9.29 Minnesota Vikings
10.6 @ Los Angeles Rams
10.13 Arizona Cardinals
10.20 Houston Texans
10.27 @ Jacksonville Jaguars
11.3 Detroit Lions
11.17 @ Chicago Bears
11.24 San Francisco 49ers
11.28 Miami Dolphins
12.5 @ Detroit Lions
12.15 @ Seattle Seahawks
12.23 New Orleans Saints
12.29 @ Minnesota Vikings
1.5 Chicago Bears
Projection: 11-6
The Houston Texans were the surprise team of the NFL in 2023. The Texans went 10-7, winning the AFC South behind rookie QB CJ Stroud. In 2024, the expectations for Houston are higher after making several key moves to sure up the offense to give Stroud more options. There is a difference between being a team no one sees you coming versus being a team who is expected to win. Opponents know Houston is coming for their soul and they better be ready.
Houston didn't have a first round pick in the NFL Draft, but they managed to have a balanced draft by selecting 5 defensive players and 4 offensive players. They used the two second round picks to select Georgie CB Kamari Lassiter and OT Blake Fisher out of Notre Dame following a pattern we saw where teams focused more on replenishing their defensive secondaries and offensive and defensive lines which is why Houston took S Calen Bullock from USC in the 3rd round and USC DE Solomon Byrd from USC in the 7th round along with DT Marcus Harris from Auburn. Houston also picked up OT LaDarius Henderson from Michigan.
On Offense, Houston averaged 22 PPG and by picking up WR Stefon Diggs from Buffalo and RB Joe Mixon from Cincinnati, the Texans expect to see their offense to put at least 28 points a game. CJ Stroud proved he could play in the NFL throwing for more than 4,100 years and 23 TD's with only 5 interceptions, establishing himself as one of the top 10 QB's in the league. Houston's offense should be one of the best in the NFL thanks to the addition of Diggs and Mixon to go with WR Nico Collins and TE Dalton Schultz.
Defensively, Houston was much improved in 2023 only giving up 20 PPG, but they'll have to get that number down in the teens to become a dominant team. Houston doesn't have a lot of star power on defense, but they worked well as a unit in 2023. If Houston needs help on their defensive line, former all pro and ex Houston Texan JJ Watt has offered to come out of retirement because he sees the potential for the Texans to have a special season in 2024.
Overall, the Houston Texans are favored to win the AFC South again, but they will be challenged by Jacksonville and potentially Indianapolis who they open the season with. Other notable opponents in 2024 include Kansas City, Miami, Detroit, Dallas, Baltimore, Buffalo, and Green Bay. The difference is everyone on their schedule has circled Houston on their calendar as a key opponent and not an expected automatic W.
2024 Schedule
9.8 @ Indianapolis Colts
9.15 Chicago Bears
9.15 Chicago Bears
9.22 @ Minnesota Vikings
9.29 Jacksonville Jaguars
10.6 Buffalo Bills
10.13 @ New England Patriots
10.20 @ Green Bay Packers
10.27 Indianapolis Colts
10.31 @ New York Jets
11.10 Detroit Lions
11.18 @ Dallas Cowboys
11.24 Tennessee Titans
12.1 @ Jacksonville Jaguars
12.15 Miami Dolphins
12.21 @ Kansas City Chiefs
12.15 Baltimore Ravens
1.5 @ Tennessee Titans
Projection: 11-6
The Indianapolis Colts managed to win 9 games in 2023 playing without starting rookie QB Anthony Richardson who only managed to play 4 games. In a sense, 2024 will be a continuation of Richardson's rookie season. Backup QB Gardner Minshew who played well in Richardson's absence has moved on to Las Vegas. If Richardson can live up to expectations, the Colts have a chance to be a playoff team this season.
The Colts 2024 Draft saw the team select 9 players. 5 on defense and 4 on offense led by #1 pick LB Laiatu Latu from UCLA. To protect Richardson, the Colts picked up Pitt OT Matt Goncalves. Other key picks include WR Adonai Mitchell from Texas and WR Anthony Gould out of Oregon State.
On offense, the Colts averaged 23ppg but Richardson will need to produce more points if Indianapolis is going to compete for the playoffs. Fortunately, the Colts sill have RB Jonathan Taylor. WR Michael Pittman Jr. and TE Jelani Woods to help propel the offense. No doubt the Colts will be looking to round out the team with other teams castoffs before the season starts.
Defense is where Indianapolis has to see the most improvement. The Colts gave up 24 PPG and they need to knock up to 7 points from their 2023 average to compete or it won't matter how the offense performs. The Colts aren't blessed with a lineup of All Pro defensive players so they will need to play together as a unit to have success.
Overall, the Colts look to be formidable if Anthony Richardson pans out. If not, veteran QB Joe Flacco was signed to back him up. The challenge will be getting the defense on track and winning games against their divisional opponents. The Colts schedule offers several games they should win but they're going to have to do it on the road.
2024 Schedule
9.8 Houston Texans
9.15 @ Green Bay Packers
9.22 Chicago Bears
9.29 @ Pittsburgh Steelers
9.29 @ Pittsburgh Steelers
10.6 @ Jacksonville Jaguars
10.13 @ Tennessee Titans
10.13 @ Tennessee Titans
10.20 Miami Dolphins
10.27 @ Houston Texans
11.3 @ Minnesota Vikings
11.10 Buffalo Bills
11.17 @ New York Jets
11.24 Detroit Lions
12.1 @ New England Patriots
12.15 @ Denver Broncos
12.22 Tennessee Titans
12.29 @ New York Giants
1.5 Jacksonville Jaguars
Projection: 5-12
2023 was the year Jacksonville was supposed to put it together to win the AFC South and be a force to contend with in the playoffs. The results was a disappointing 9-8 season and no playoff appearance. The Jaguars looked good on paper to start the year, but unfortunately you still have to play the games and that's where Jacksonville came up short.
During the NFL Draft, Jacksonville had a balanced draft selecting 4 offensive and 4 defensive players and 1 special teams player. The Jaguars selected WR Brian Thomas Jr out LSU to give Trevor Lawrence a new target. Thomas Jr. was followed by DT Maason Smith from LSU, CB Jarrian Jones of Florida State, OT Javon Foster from Missouri, and OT Jordan Jefferson from LSU in the first 4 rounds.
On offense, QB Trevor Lawrence has yet to live up to the hype he had coming out of Clemson throwing for just over 4,000 years in 2023 with 21 TD's and 14 INT's. Lawrences inconsistent play in one of the reasons Jacksonville went 9-8 last season prompting some to believe this could be his last season in Jacksonville unless he finally lives up to the hype he had coming out of college. Jacksonville has a solid running game led by Travis Etienne Jr. but Jacksonville could use some upgrades at WR and TE to give Lawrence some added help. WR Christian Kirk is Lawrences main target but teams can focus on shutting him down because Jacksonville doesn't have an equal threat in Gabe Davis. Evan Ingram is a quality TE but he's not a threat in the Red Zone. The Jaguars only averaged 22 PPG in 2023, and you're not going to win many games in the NFL scoring under 24 PPG.
Defensively, the Jaguars gave up 22 points per game which means Jacksonville found themselves in a close game situation most of the season. The Jaguars believe they've addressed key defensive issues during the draft and will look to fill out there roster when other teams trim there's after training camp. The bottom line is Jacksonville's defense needs to trim 4-5 points off their PPG total from 2023 to compete with Houston.
Overall, it looks like Jacksonville missed a big window in 2023 and it's highly unlikely they'll improve on the output they had in 2024. Look for Jacksonville to take a step back before they step forward again because they have a brutal schedule to open the season and they could find themselves playing catch up all season.
2024 Schedule
9.8 @ Miami Dolphins
9.15 Cleveland Browns
9.23 @ Buffalo Bills
9.29 @ Houston Texans
10.6 Indianapolis Colts
10.13 Chicago Bears *London
10.13 Chicago Bears *London
10.20 New England Patriots * London
10.27 Green Bay Packers
11.3 @ Philadelphia Eagles
11.10 Minnesota Vikings
11.17 @ Detroit Lions
12.1 Houston Texans
12.8 @ Tennessee Titans
12.15 New York Jets
12.15 New York Jets
12.22 @ Las Vegas Raiders
12.29 Tennessee Titans
1.5 @ Indianapolis Colts
Projection: 6-11
2023 was a down year for the Minnesota Vikings, who went 7-10 leading the team to start the rebuilding process for 2024. The Vikings challenge this season will be facing the NFC North division now ruled by the Detroit Lions. Then when you add an improved Green Bay Packers squad and the Chicago Bears revamped offense, 2024 looks to be one of the Vikings toughest challenges in a decade.
Forget about the fact the New York Giants have the worst logo in the NFL, they are also the most unimaginative and boring franchises too. The New York Giants are as uptight as the elites who live in New York state. This said, the Giants were a disappointing 6-11 in 2023, after a respectable 2022 campaign which had the Giants organization feeling good coming into 2023 but New York turned out to be who we thought they were finishing third in the NFC East behind Dallas and Philadelphia.
The New York Jets 2023 season went south before the season started when QB Aaron Rodgers went down with a season ending left Achilles tendon injury resulting in a 7-10 record. This season the Jets are counting on Rodgers making a comeback but how effective will he be, especially early in the season?
2023 was a tell of two seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles. They won 10 of their first 11 games and then went on to lose 5 of their last 6 to finish 11-5. In the playoffs they lost in the first round to the 9-8 Tampa Bay Buccaneers helping journeyman QB Baker Mayfield land a contract extension and a lucrative payday. The question on everyone's mind heading into the 2024 season is which Eagles team will we see?
The Pittsburgh Steelers were overachievers in 2023. It was supposed to be a rebuilding year but the always formidable Steelers managed to go 10-7 and made the playoffs. Heading into the 2024 season, the Steelers spent the offseason locking up Mike Tomlin, and blowing up the QB position to compete in the AFC North against Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Cleveland or Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and DeShawn Watson. Either way you slice it, the Steelers will be challenged to win 10 games again this season.
The Seattle Seahawks are in reset mode for the 2024 season after going 9-8 in 2023. The move to fire head coach Pete Carroll indicates ownership and management felt the team over achieved and were worse than their record indicated so this is why they decided to reset. Keep in mind, reset mode is different than rebuild mode because Geno Smith is a veteran QB and rebuilds always start at the QB position. Seattle isn't there yet. Mike McDonald (36) is the youngest head coach in the NFL coming to Seattle as the defensive coach for the Baltimore Ravens. It's his job to put the Seahawks in a position to when they have to draft a new QB, they'll have a system in place a young QB can manage.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the surprise team of the NFL season in 2023. After the retirement of Tom Brady, the Bucs were favored to win absolutely nothing but after signing journeyman QB Baker Mayfield, believed to be a stopgap, he turned Tampa Bay into a playoff team. Granted the NFC South isn't the most difficult division to navigate but going 9-8 with a first year QB and winning the division was a big but welcome surprise. The Buc's now have something to build on for 2024.
On Offense, the Titans averaged 18 PPG, and must see at least an 8-10 point improvement to complete in the AFC South. Second year QB Will Levis will be without All Pro RB Derrick Henry who is now in Baltimore. To replace Henry, the Titans added ex Dallas RB Tony Pollard which is a step back at the RB position. The Titans receiving core will be formable again with WR Calvin Ridley, WR DeAndre Hopkins and the addition of ex Cincinnati WR Tyler Boyd will open the field up for Ridley and Hopkins. Tennessee will look for better play out of TE Chigoziem Okonkwo, especially in the Red Zone.
5 Payton Manning 
The NFL Running Back has been at the heart and soul of every successful NFL team. Throughout NFL history, teams who did not have a dominant running back who could not only run the ball but catch the ball out of the back field and tack on yards after the catch plus be a destroyer in the Red Zone failed to win the NFL's ultimate prize, the Super Bowl.
The Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs will be going for a threepeat in 2024. That means more Taylor Swift sightings and more teams gearing up to take down the circus that has become the Kansas City Chiefs led by Dandy Andy Reid, Pat Mahomes, and Travis Kelce. During the off season, the Chiefs had to deal with all that comes with celebrity status and player distractions in the form of arrests to deviant behavior to divisive commencement speech's . All things that can create challenges for a defending champion.
During the NFL Draft, Kansas City focused on upgrading their offense taking 4 offensive players and 3 defensive players but their first three picks were offensive selections. First, the Chiefs addressed their weak Wide Receiver core by drafting Xavier Worthy out of Texas, followed by OT Kingsley Sumataia from BYU to help protect Mahomes and TE Jared Wiley from TCU in anticipation of this being Travis Kelce's last season.
Offensively, Kansas City only won 11 games in 2023 and averaged 21 PPG. Thanks to Pat Mahomes, the Chiefs were able to overcome a weak group of Wide Receivers and depend on the running game more thanks to the efforts of Isiah Pacheco who had 1,179 all purpose yards. Adding Worthy helps, but depending on Rashee Rice, Marquise Brown, and Kadarius Toney on top of an aging Travis Kelce makes Kansas Cities quest for a threepeat more challenging.
Defensively, the Chiefs were one of the top defenses in the league giving up only 17 PPG and if the Chiefs are going to be successful in 2024, they'll have to depend on the defense playing lights out again. As long as Chris Jones stays healthy and the defensive secondary plays like it did in 2023, the Chiefs will be in every game to allow Pat Mahomes to work his mojo late in games.
Overall, Kansas City comes into 2024 the most vulnerable it's been since Pat Mahomes entered the league. This season could be the last run for Andy Reid's boys as Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Denver are all franchises on the come. Fortunately, their NFL Schedule is one of the most lax in the league so they should be able to put together a decent season.
2024 Schedule
9.5 Baltimore Ravens
9.15 Cincinnati Bengals
9.15 Cincinnati Bengals
9.22 @ Atlanta Falcons
9.29 @ Los Angeles Chargers
10.7 New Orleans Saints
10.20 @ San Francisco 49ers
10.27 @ Las Vegas Raiders
11.4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
11.10 Denver Broncos
11.17 @ Buffalo Bills
11.24 @ Carolina Panthers
11.29 Las Vegas Raiders
12.8 Los Angeles Chargers
12.15 @ Cleveland Browns
12.21 Houston Texans
12.25 @ Pittsburgh Steelers
1.5 @ Denver Broncos
Projection: 11-6
After the Raiders fired coach Josh McDaniels in 2023, the team did a complete about face under interim coach Antonio Pierce and started winning, proving atmosphere and culture makes a big difference in how a team performs. Pierce immediately re-established what it meant to be a Raider. The take no prisoners Raiders and Just Win Baby. Las Vegas finished with an 8-9 record but it felt like the team won more than they did. In 2024, much is expected from Pierce and his band of renegades. This season, win or lose, teams are going to know they played the Las Vegas Raiders.
Las Vegas had a balanced NFL Draft selecting 4 offensive and 4 defensive players. The Raiders had hoped to pick up one of the highly touted Quarterbacks in what as a deep draft for QB's but selecting 13th was too late and no team was willing partner with the Raiders allowing them to trade up. The offense was the main focus in the early rounds led by first round pick TE Brock Bowers from Georgia. The Raiders also addressed their offensive line by taking C Jackson Powers-Johnson from Oregon and OT Delmare Glaze from Maryland. Defensively, the Raiders used their 4th, and 5th picks to up defensive players. CB Decamerion Richardson of Mississippi State, LB Tommy Eichenherg of Ohio State.
On offense, the Raiders pushed injured QB Jimmy Garoppolo to the side in favor of an unheard of Rookie Aidan O'Connell who proceeded to lead the Raiders to a 5-5 record passing for over 2,200 yards with 12 TD's and 7 INT's. Projected over a 17 game season, he would have thrown for 3,770 yards, 20 TD's and 12 INT's, which would have ranked him 15th overall just behind Jalen Hurts of Philadelphia. and just ahead of Baltimore's Lamar Jackson. O'Connell did all this after getting very little playing time during the preseason, and getting very few snaps in practice during the first 7 games. He literally walked off the street and played pick up football for 10 games. This is why the Raiders feel confident with a full offseason, training camp and preseason to prepare, O'Connell has a chance to be a Top 10 NFL Quarterback. If he fails, backup QB Gardner Minshew is capable of leading the team. The Raiders average 19 PPG in 2023 and this must improve considerably in 2024 to challenge for the AFC West title and make the playoffs. After losing Josh Jacobs to Green Bay in free agency, the Raiders will depend on RB Zamir White, who average more YPC at 4.5 than Josh Jacobs but when you go from a proven RB to an unproven RB, White will have a lot of pressure on him to perform. At WR, the Raiders have one of the most potent squads in the league with Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker and Michael Gallup who averaged 12 YPC with Dallas last season. Adding TE Brock Bowers to bookend with TE Michael Mayer and Aidan O'Connell has plenty of weapons to go to from the air.
Defensively, the Raiders gave up 19 PPG, but under Pierce, the Raiders only gave up 17 PPG which if they can improve on in 2024 just by a couple of points will put in the top 5 defensively in the NFL. Led by DE Maxx Crosby and DE Malcom Koonce, the Raiders pass rush will be intense. LB Robert Spillane FS Marcus Epps and CB Nate Hobbs anchor the defense. Adding depth before the start of the season will be a priority for the Raiders.
Overall, the Raiders look to improve on their 8-9 record in 2024 and challenge Kansas City for the AFC West title. Las Vegas was 6-6 in conference in 2023, and need to improve by at least 2 games in 2024. The NFL wasn't too kind to the Raiders scheduling wise as they'll have to play 6 teams out of conference who made the playoffs in 2023 and 3 of them are on the road. Then there is the December 29th matchup in New Orleans to take on Ex Raider QB Derek Carr and the Saints. Will Derek show up?
2024 Schedule
9.8 @ Los Angeles Chargers
9.15 @ Baltimore Ravens
9.22 Carolina Panthers
9.29 Cleveland Browns
10.6 @ Denver Broncos
10.13 Pittsburgh Steelers
10.20 @ Los Angeles Rams
10.27 Kansas City Chiefs
11.3 @ Cincinnati Bengals
11.17 @ Miami Dolphins
11.24 Denver Broncos
11.29 @ Kansas City Chiefs
12.8 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
12. 16 Atlanta Falcons
12.22 Jacksonville Jaguars
12.29 @ New Orleans Saints
1.5 Los Angeles Chargers
Projection: 10-7
The Los Angeles Chargers were 5-12 in 2023, leading to a coaching change. Enter or should I say welcome back to the NFL Jim Harbaugh, who led his Michigan Wolverines to the NCAA Championship last season. As they say, when much is given, much is expected but Harbaugh doesn't seem to be bothered by being in the hot seat. The first thing Harbaugh needs to establish is putting a team on the field that will cause fans to finally notice these are no longer the San Diego Chargers. When the Las Vegas Raiders return to Los Angeles, SoFi stadium looks like a Raiders home game. The good news for Chargers fans is Jim Harbaugh has a stellar track record as an NFL head coach in a division with Andy Reid, Sean Payton, and Antonio Peirce, who also has a lot to prove so the AFC West is going to be a challenge.
At the NFL Draft, the Chargers took 5 offensive and 4 defensive players with their 9 picks led by their first round selection of Notre Dame OT Joe Alt to help protect QB Justin Herbert. They also picked up WR Ladd McConkey from George in round 2. The next 4 picks addressed the Chargers weak spot in 2023 which was their defense. Harbaugh selected LB Junior Colson from Michigan. Los Angeles found a couple of hidden gems in the 7th round by picking up WR Brenden Rice from USC and WR Cornelius Johnson of Michigan.
In 2023, the Chargers offense struggled to put up 20 PPG and in the AFC West, they're going to have to add 8 to 10 PPG to compete. Gone from the 2023 team is WR Keenan Allen, WR Mike Williams, and RB Austin Ekeler. That's a little over 3,000 yards in offense and 14 Touchdowns that need to be exceeded this season. Los Angeles will be counting on RB Gus Edwards, and WR's Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnson, Ladd McConkey and DJ Chark Jr to replace the offense they lost. The Chargers are going to experience major growing pains in Harbaugh's first season offensively.
The Chargers defense wasn't much better in 2023, giving up an average of 23 PPG. Needless to say if the offense needs to add 8-10 PPG, the defense is going to have to chop off at least 5 PPG to compete. The defense remains anchored by Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, and Denzel Perryman so Harbaugh has a few pieces to work with on Defense and based on Harbaugh's track record, you'll see the Defense performing better before the offense.
Overall, look for the Chargers to improve over 2024 in a lot of key areas but it won't necessarily translate to wins. Expect a lot of close games that will come down to turnovers and penalties deciding games. As long as Justin Herbert finds his stroke again, the Los Angeles Chargers will be a competitive team this season.
2024 Schedule
9.8 Las Vegas Raiders
9.15 @ Carolina Panthers
9.15 @ Carolina Panthers
9.22 @ Pittsburgh Steelers
9,29 Kansas City Chiefs
10.13 @ Denver Broncos
10.21 @ Arizona Cardinals
10;27 New Orleans Saints
10;27 New Orleans Saints
11.3 @ Cleveland Browns
11.10 Tennessee Titans
11.17 Cincinnati Bengals
11.25 Baltimore Ravens
12.1 @ Atlanta Falcons
12.8 @ Kanas City Chiefs
12.15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
12.22 Denver Broncos
12.29 @ New England Patriots
1.5 @ Las Vegas Raiders
Projection: 6-11
The Los Angeles Rams got off to a slow start in 2023 but turned it up towards the end of the season to win 10 games and make the playoffs where they lost to Detroit and former QB Jared Goff. In 2024, the NFC West looks to be a two team battle between the Rams and San Francisco 49ers. Seattle is in rebuild mode and until the Arizona Cardinals can prove otherwise, they're typically a team their opponents circle on their calendar as a win.
The Rams had a 10 player NFL Draft, selecting 5 Defensive players, 4 Offensive Players and 1 Special Teams Player. The Rams took DT Jared Verse from Florida State hoping he can help replace the retired Aaron Donald. They also picked up DT Braden Fiske also from Florida State to pick up the slack left behind by Donald's departure. They also added DE Brennan Jackson from Washington State and DT Tyler Davis out of Clemson to help rebuild their defensive line. In the 3rd round, the Rams selected RB Blake Corum from Michigan to add some depth to their backfield.
The Rams offense averaged 23 PPG in 2023 in a year that saw them play without key pieces to the offense due to injuries to WR Cooper Kupp and RB Kyren Williams. When the Rams were completely healthy, they looked unbeatable behind QB Matthew Stafford. If Los Angeles can start the season picking up where they left off in 2023, we're going to see an exciting Rams team featuring wide receivers Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Demarcus Robinson. A stelar running game behind Williams and Blake Corum, and TE Tyler Hignee. This offensive squad should put up close to 30 PPG.
Defense will be the Rams challenge after losing Donaldson. The Rams gave up 22 PPG and lowering that number by 3-5 points will be a challenge for a newly revamped defensive line. Thanks to the Rams linebackers and defensive secondary's experience, the Rams should be alright thanks to a potent offense that will take pressure off the defense while the defensive line gels.
Overall, the Los Angeles Rams will need to stay healthy to compete with San Francisco who is loaded once again. The Rams open the season playing 3 of their first 6 games against playoff teams starting with their opener in Detroit and 3 of their first 4 on the road.
2024 Schedule
9.8 @ Detroit Lions
9.15 @ Arizona Cardinals
9.22 San Francisco 49ers
9.29 @ Chicago Bears
10.6 Green Bay Packers
10.20 Las Vegas Raiders
10.24 Minnesota Vikings
11.3 @ Seattle Seahawks
11.11 Miami Dolphins
11.17 @ New England Patriots
11.24 Philadelphia Eagles
12.1 @ New Orleans Saints
12.8 Buffalo Bills
12.12 @ San Francisco 49ers
12.22 @ New York Jets
12.29 Arizona Cardinals
1.5 Seattle Seahawks
Projection: 12-5
The Miami Dolphins considered 2023 season a disappointment with an 11-6 record despite having the second highest scoring offense in the league but defensively, the Dolphins were anemic causing them to lose their final 3 games including a Wild Card loss to Kanas City.
The Dolphins had 7 picks at the NFL Draft and used 4 on Offense and 3 on Defense, which was a head scratcher since the Dolphins needed more Defensive help. Miami took Chop Robinson a DE out of Penn State with their first round pick and opting to pick up OT Patrick Paul out of Houston to help protect QB Tua Tagovailoa. Miami also picked up RB Jaylen Wright from Tennessee in the 4th round to add some backfield depth.
On offense, the Dolphins averaged 29 PPG and with the addition of Odell Beckham Jr. at Wide Receiver to go with Tyreek Hill, Jason Waddle, and TE Jonnu Smith, the passing game with Tagovailoa will be hard to stop. RB Raheem Mostert will look to add to his 1,012 yards rushing and 21 TD's overall.
Defensively, Miami gave up 23 PPG and will need to trim 4-5 points off that average to compete in the AFC East against Buffalo and the New York Jets with Aaron Rodgers coming back. The Dolphins defense isn't loaded with star power so they will have to play together as a unit to have success.
Overall, Miami should have a high flying offense again in 2024 barring injury and if they can improve on defense and play better on the road, there is no reason to believe Miami won't make the playoffs and contend for a Super Bowl appearance.
2024 Schedule
9.8 Jacksonville Jaguars
9.12 Buffalo Bills
9.22 @ Seattle Seahawks
9.30 Tennessee Titans
10.6 @ New England Patriots
10.20 @ Indianapolis Colts
10.27 Arizona Cardinals
11.3 @ Buffalo Bills
11.11 @ Los Angeles Rams
11.17 Las Vegas Raiders
11.24 New England Patriots
11.28 @ Green Bay Packers
12.8 New York Jets
12.16 @ Houston Texans
12.22 San Francisco 49ers
12.29 @ Cleveland Browns
1.5 @ New York Jets
Projection- 11-6
2023 was a down year for the Minnesota Vikings, who went 7-10 leading the team to start the rebuilding process for 2024. The Vikings challenge this season will be facing the NFC North division now ruled by the Detroit Lions. Then when you add an improved Green Bay Packers squad and the Chicago Bears revamped offense, 2024 looks to be one of the Vikings toughest challenges in a decade.
During the NFL Draft, Minnesota hopes they got their QB of the future when they selected Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy in the first round. McCarthy led the Wolverines to the NCAA Championship last season. They also picked up DE Dallas Turner from Alabama in the first round but they had no picks in rounds two and three. In round 4, the Vikings selected CB Khyree Jackson from Oregon followed by 2 offensive linemen, 1 defensive lineman, and 1 special teams player.
On offense, the Vikings picked up QB Sam Darnold, who has already been named the starting QB heading into training camp. Darnold has played 6 seasons with the Jets, Panthers, and 49ers. He has a lot of talent but has yet to put it together. It believed, he'll mentor McCarthy who will eventually take over at QB1 when the Vikings feel he's ready. Minnesota only averaged 20 PPG in 2023, and they'll have to improve that number by 8-10 points per game in order to compete in the NFC North. They'll count on RB Aaron Jones who the Vikings picked up from Green Bay, All Pro WR Justin Jefferson, and TE T.J. Hockenson who will be returning from injury to lead the Vikings offense.
Defensively, Minnesota gave up 21 PPG, and improving that total by as much as 3 PPG will keep the Vikings in most games. The defensive line is led by DE Jerry Tillery but getting pressure on the opposing teams QB was an issue for the Vikings in 2023,and must also improve tremendously in 2024 if the Vikings are going to compete.
Overall, look for the Minnesota Vikings to have another down year and they'll most likely perform at a lesser level in 2024 than last season due to a demanding schedule out of the gate.
2024 Schedule
9.8 @ New York Giants
9.15 San Francisco 49ers
9.22 Houston Texans
9.15 San Francisco 49ers
9.22 Houston Texans
9.29 @ Green Bay Packers
10.6 New York Jets
10.20 Detroit Lions
10.24 @ Los Angeles Rams
11.3 Indianapolis Colts
11.10 @ Jacksonville Jaguars
11.17 @ Tennessee Titans
11.24 @ Chicago Bears
12.1 Arizona Cardinals
12.8 Atlanta Falcons
12.16 Chicago Bears
12.22 @ Seattle Seahawks
12.29 Green Bay Packers
1.5 @ Detroit Lions
Projection- 4-12
The New England Patriots are back to square one after a dismal 2023 season that saw the Pats go 4-13. After firing legendary coach Bill Belichick and handing the reins to Jerod Mayo, New England also gave up on the Mac Jones quarterback project after three seasons. It's a new day in New England but the Patriots have a lot of work to do if they're going to compete in 2024.
During the NFL Draft, the Patriots spent 7 of their 8 picks on offensive players starting with #1 pick and 3rd pick overall QB Drake Maye from North Carolina. They also picked up WR Ja'Lynn Polk from Washington. OT Caedan Wallace out of Penn State and OG Layden Robinson from Texas A&M to help improve their pass protection.
Offensively, The Patriots averaged a weak 13 PPG leading to the end of Mac Jones days. In the offseason, the Pats added journeyman QB Jacoby Brissett just in case Maye has issues adapting to the NFL and a new offense. New England failed to upgrade at Running Back or Wide Receiver during the offseason and their best offensive weapons are TE Hunter Henry backed by TE Austin Hooper. RB Rhamondre Stevenson will be expected to carry the load from the backfield and WR K.J. Osborne who the Pats got from Minnesota will be counted on heavily to improve upon his 540 receiving yards in 2023.
Defensively, the Patriots are a lot better off than their offense. In 2023, the defense gave up 21 PPG which is respectable when you consider how lackadaisical the offense was. Defense should be New England's strength again in 2024 but they will need to add some depth before the season starts.
Overall, if the offense can improve considerably, and the defense stand pat from 2023, New England has a chance to improve on their 4-13 record from last season.
2024 Schedule
9.8 @ Cincinnati Bengals
9.15 Seattle Seahawks
9.15 Seattle Seahawks
9.19 @ New York Jets
9.29 @ San Francisco 49ers
10.6 Miami Dolphins
10.13 Houston Texans
10.20 Jacksonville Jaguars
10.27 New York Jets
11.3 @ Tennessee Titans
11.10 @ Chicago Bears
11.17 Los Angeles Rams
11.24 @ Miami Dolphins
12.1 Indianapolis Colts
12.16 @ Arizona Cardinals
12.22 @ Buffalo Bills
12.29 Los Angeles Chargers
1.4 Buffalo Bills
Projection- 3-14
The New Orleans Saints put together a decent season going 9-8, just missing the playoffs. They finished the season with two wins to set up what could be a promising season in 2024. The NFC South is a very winnable division against Tampa Bay, Atlanta, and Carolina. Tampa Bay made the playoffs at 9-8 last season, and it could have as easily been New Orleans. Atlanta has improved during the off season but neither the Falcons and Carolina will be competitive in 2024.
During the NFL Draft, the Saints had 7 picks and took 4 offensive players and 3 defensive players. In the 1st round, the New Orleans selected OT Tallese Fugaga from Oregon State and CB Kool-Aid McKinistry from Alabama in the 2nd. The Saints then had to wait to take 3 players in the 5th round lead by South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler who is expected to push Derek Carr for the QB1 position this year.
On Offense, the Saints put up 23 PPG, and Derek Carr proved he was capable of leading another team besides the Raiders throwing for almost 4,000 yards, 25 TD's and only 8 INT's. RB Alvin Kamara returns and while he's lost a few steps, he's still one of the NFL's most talented backs. WR Chris Olave will move up to being Carr's main target after moving on from longtime star receiver Michael Thomas. The Saints could bring him back but it comes down to money. New Orleans will depend more on Taysom Hill this season due to the loss of Thomas.
Defensively, New Orleans had a respectable one in 2023, giving up 19 points per game and they;'ll look to knock off a couple of points on that total this season. The defense will once again be led by Cameron Jordan, Willie Gay, Tyrann Matheau, and Marshon Lattimore. If the Saints defense can stay healthy, they could end up winning the NFC South.
This season, the Saints biggest asset will be the element of surprise because no one ever expects New Orleans to field a contender. No one expects Derek Carr to be a better QB than he has been. Most of the Saints players on offense and defense have played together long enough to win the division if they can avoid losing to teams they should beat. It starts with winning every game in their division this season.
2024 Schedule
9.8 Carolina Panthers
9.15 @ Dallas Cowboys
9.22 Philadelphia Eagles
9.29 @ Atlanta Falcons
10.7 @ Kansas City Chiefs
10.13 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
10.17 Denver Broncos
10.27 @ Los Angeles Chargers
11.3 @ Carolina Panthers
11.10 Atlanta Falcons
11.17 Cleveland Browns
12.1 Los Angeles Rams
12.8 @ New York Giants
12.14 Washington Commanders
12.23 @ Green Bay Packers
12.29 Las Vegas Raiders
1.5 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Projection- 10-7
Forget about the fact the New York Giants have the worst logo in the NFL, they are also the most unimaginative and boring franchises too. The New York Giants are as uptight as the elites who live in New York state. This said, the Giants were a disappointing 6-11 in 2023, after a respectable 2022 campaign which had the Giants organization feeling good coming into 2023 but New York turned out to be who we thought they were finishing third in the NFC East behind Dallas and Philadelphia.
At the NFL Draft, the Giants only had 6 picks and they selected 3 offensive players and 3 defensive players. In the first round they took WR Malik Nabers from LSU at number 6 and in doing so, they picked up potential game changing player. The Giants then selected S Tyler Nubin from Minnesota in the second round and CB Andru Phillips from Kentucky to address their secondary issues.
Offensively in 2023, the Giants averaged just over 15 PPG, after losing Daniel Jones to injury and while backup QB Tommy DeVito played okay, the Giants signed ex Seattle/Denver QB Drew Lock just incase Daniel Jones isn't up to par. The Giants also gave up on RB Saquon Barkley in favor of Devin Singletary. The WR core should be improved with the addition of Nabers to go with Darius Slayton and Wan'Dale Robinson and TE Daniel Bellinger but adding 13 points to make New York competitive in 2024 is a big ask.
Defensively, the Giants fielded one of the worst defenses in the league giving up 24 PPG. If the Giants are going to compete in the NFC East against Dallas, Philadelphia and an on the come Washington team, the Giants must trim at least 6 to 7 points from last season. Once again a big ask considering the team has failed to make any significant offseason moves to improve.
Overall, it looks like the Giants will be one of those teams their opponent circle on the calendar as a W. The Giants have too may questions that need answered and too much improvement needed on offense and defense to solve them in one season. Head Coach Brian DaBoll, will be on the hot seat out of the gate and he'll be lucky to survive the entire season. Fortunately, the Giants have one of the least challenging schedules in the NFL outside of their division.
2024 Schedule
9.8 Minnesota Vikings
9.15 @ Washington Commanders
9.15 @ Washington Commanders
9.22 @ Cleveland Browns
9.26 Dallas Cowboys
10.6 @ Seattle Seahawks
10;13 Cincinnati Bengals
10.20 Philadelphia Eagles
10.28 @ Pittsburgh Steelers
11.3 Washington Commanders
11.10 Carolina Panthers
11.24 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
11.28 @ Dallas Cowboys
12.8 New Orleans Saints
12.15 Baltimore Ravens
12.22 @ Atlanta Falcons
12.29 Indianapolis Colts
1.5 @ Philadelphia Eagles
Projection- 4-13
The New York Jets 2023 season went south before the season started when QB Aaron Rodgers went down with a season ending left Achilles tendon injury resulting in a 7-10 record. This season the Jets are counting on Rodgers making a comeback but how effective will he be, especially early in the season?
The Jets made 7 picks at the NFL Draft, picking up 5 offensive and 2 defensive players. New York spent their first pick on QB protection by selecting Penn State OT Olu Fashanu at 11. Then followed him up with WR Malachi Corley of Western Kentucky, RB Braelon Allen from Wisconsin, QB Jordan Davis from Florida State, and RB Isaiah Davis from South Dakota State. Overall, not exactly the kind of draft that excited the Jets faithful.
On offense, New York averaged about 16 PPG, which usually doesn't translate to 7 wins in the NFL, but if Aaron Rodgers can remain healthy and is his old self, added 10 points a game shouldn't be an issue. Zack Wilson and Trevor Seimian who filled in for Rodgers in 2023 are gone and the Jets picked up veteran Tyrod Taylor to be ready incase Rodgers falters. Also returning on offense is RB Breece Hall, WR Garrett Wilson, WR Allen Lazard, ex Chargers WR Mike Williams, and TE Tyler Conklin, so the Jets have options for Rodgers to work with.
Defensively, the Jets gave up 21 PPG, but this was due more to an anemic offense putting them in bad field position most of the season. An improved offense will remedy this and the Jets should have one of the better defenses in the NFL this season led by CB Sauce Gardner and offensive linemen Haason Reddick, Quinnen Williams, Jermaine Johnson and LB Quincy Williams.
The Jets will face stiff competition in the AFC East against Miami and Buffalo, but with New England still in rebuild mode, it's conceivable the Jets can go 4-2 in their division. If they can win 6 or 7 games out of the remaining 11 on their schedule, the Jets should be in playoff contention all season but it all hinges once again on QB Aaron Rodgers performance.
2024 Schedule
9.9 @ San Francisco 49ers
9.15 @ Tennessee Titans
9.19 New England Patriots
9..29 Denver Broncos
10.6 Minnesota Vikings
10.14 Buffalo Bills
10.20 @ Pittsburgh Steelers
10.27 @ New England Patriots
10.31 Houston Texans
11.10 @ Arizona Cardinals
11.17 Indianapolis Colts
12.1 Seattle Seahawks
12.8 @ Miami Dolphins
12.15 @ Jacksonville Jaguars
12.22 Los Angeles Rams
12.29 @ Buffalo Bills
1.5 @ Miami Dolphins
Projection- 9-8
2023 was a tell of two seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles. They won 10 of their first 11 games and then went on to lose 5 of their last 6 to finish 11-5. In the playoffs they lost in the first round to the 9-8 Tampa Bay Buccaneers helping journeyman QB Baker Mayfield land a contract extension and a lucrative payday. The question on everyone's mind heading into the 2024 season is which Eagles team will we see?
Philadelphia had 9 picks at the NFL Draft and they selected 5 offensive and 4 defensive players, opting to focus on defense in the early rounds. The Eagles picked CB Quinyon Mitchell from Toledo in the first round followed by CB Cooper DeJean from Iowa, DE Jaylyx Hunt from Houston Christian and LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. from Clemson. On offense, the Eagles picked up a decent RB in Will Shipley from Clemson, WR Ainias Smith from Texas A&M and WR Johnny Wilson out of Florida State. Overall the Eagles get a grade of C in this years draft.
The Offense, which averages 25 PPG in 2023 are sticking with QB Jalen Hurts, who came under fire towards the end of last season. The good news is the Eagles signed ex Giants RB Saquon Barkley, who will be playing with a chip on his shoulder this season. Returning at WR are A.J. Brown, WR DeVonta Smith and TE Dallas Goedert to give the Eagles a potent offense if Hurts returns to his 2023 form.
The Eagles defense gave up 25 PPG in 2023, and this is what led to their downfall last season. The key to 2024 will be how the Eagles defense rebounds. In order to compete for a playoff spot, Philadelphia will have to knock off at least 6 points from their 25 PPG average from last season. This means the defensive line led by Bryce Huff will have to get more pressure on the opposing quarterback to get more three and outs to allow the offense more time to operate.
The NFC East is a two team race between Dallas and Philadelphia. Dallas was forced to downsize their offense which opens the door for the Eagles. The Giants and Commanders are both in rebuild mode so it's conceivable the Eagles could win 5 out of 6 divisional games leaving them only having to win 5 of their 11 non divisional games. The path to the playoffs for the Eagles won't be as stiff as other teams in the National Conference.
2024 Schedule
9.6 Green Bay Packers
9.16 Atlanta Falcons
9.22 @ New Orleans Saints
9.29 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
10.13 Cleveland Browns
10.20 @ New York Giants
10.27 @ Cincinnati Bengals
11.2 Jacksonville Jaguars
11.10 @ Dallas Cowboys
11.14 Washington Commanders
11.14 Washington Commanders
11.24 @ Los Angeles Rams
12.1 @ Baltimore Ravens
12.8 Carolina Panthers
12.8 Carolina Panthers
12.15 Pittsburgh Steelers
12.22 @ Washington Commanders
12.29 Dallas Cowboys
1.5 New York Giants
Projection- 11-6
The Pittsburgh Steelers were overachievers in 2023. It was supposed to be a rebuilding year but the always formidable Steelers managed to go 10-7 and made the playoffs. Heading into the 2024 season, the Steelers spent the offseason locking up Mike Tomlin, and blowing up the QB position to compete in the AFC North against Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Cleveland or Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and DeShawn Watson. Either way you slice it, the Steelers will be challenged to win 10 games again this season.
Starting with the NFL Draft, the Steelers had 7 picks and selected 4 offensive and 3 defensive players. Their first round pick was OG Troy Fautanu from Washington followed by C Zach Frazier of West Virginia and later OG Mason McCormick from South Dakota State which tell us the Steelers have concerns with their offensive line and protecting the QB.
On offense, the Steelers averaged 18 PPG, which makes winning 10 games in the AFC North even more astonishing. The Steelers gave up on QB's Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, and Mason Rudolf, who played well in his 3 starts in favor of veteran QB and ex Bronco Russell Wilson and former Bears QB Justin Fields to compete for the starting position. Look for Wilson to start unless Fields easily beats Wilson out. The Steelers have always gone with veteran leadership and even though Fields has starting experience, Wilson is the more proven winner. To compete in the AFC North, the Steelers are going to need to add at least 10 PPG. The Steelers will once again depend on RB Najee Harris, WR and rising star George Pickens, and TE Pat Freiemuth to lead the offense but the Steelers lack depth at every offensive position which I'm sure will be addressed as teams make their final cuts.
Defensively, the Steelers gave up an average of 19PPG, and will once again be the Steelers strength this season. They'll need to improve their PPG average by 3 to 4 points to take some pressure off the offense. As long as T.J. Watt can remain healthy, the Steelers have a chance to improve.
Overall, the Steelers made the moves they had to to compete this season. Their lack of depth on offense is a concern because injuries will happen over a 17 game schedule. Pittsburgh early schedule gives them a chance to get off to a good start but the rest of the season they'll see all playoff contenders including Kansas City, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, and Dallas.
2024 Schedule
9.8 @ Atlanta Falcons
9.15 @ Denver Broncos
9.22 Los Angeles Chargers
9.29 @ Indianapolis Colts
10.6 Dallas Cowboys
10.13 @ Las Vegas Raiders
10.20 New York Jets
10.28 New York Giants
11.10 @ Washington Commanders
11.17 Baltimore Ravens
11.21 @ Cleveland Browns
12.1 @ Cincinnati Bengals
12.8 Cleveland Browns
12.8 Cleveland Browns
12.15 @ Philadelphia Eagles
12.21 @ Baltimore Ravens
12.25 Kansas City Chiefs
1.5 Cincinnati Bengals
Projection- 8-9
The San Francisco 49ers once again came up short of reaching their goal of winning another Super Bowl in 2023. It was the third time since 2013 the 49ers made it to the Big Game and came up short losing to Kansas City 25-22 last season. Naturally the 49ers will be looking to break through and win one in 2024. San Francisco finished 2023 with a 12-5 record and winning the NFC West. This season they'll face more competition from the Los Angeles Rams but with Seattle and Arizona still rebuilding, look for the 49ers to have an excellent shot of winning the NFC West again.
The 49ers had 8 overall draft picks and went with 4 offensive and 4 defensive players starting with WR Ricky Pearsall from Florida in the first round. In round 2 and 3, San Francisco picked up CB Renardo Green from Florida State and OT Dominick Puni out of Kansas. The 49ers had three 4th round picks and selected S Malik Mustapha from Wake Forest, RB Isaac Guerendo from Louisville, and WR Jacob Cowing from Arizona giving San Francisco and overall draft grade of a B.
Offensively, the 49ers were second in the NFL putting up points just behind Dallas, averaging 29 PPG, led by QB Brock Purdy, who gets labeled as a systems QB. I contend the way Purdy executes with precision makes him seem like a systems QB. The questions coming into 2024 for San Francisco surrounds what they're going to do with WR Brandon Aiyuk who is looking to get paid and the 49ers don't seem to agree Aiuyk is worth the money he's asking for. We'll see if they work it out but it explains why San Francisco took two wide receivers in the draft. They're looking for options as a way to cut costs and still complete. Also returning on offense is WR Deebo Samuel, TE George Kittle and RB Christian McCaffrey, so Brock Purdy will have a few familiar faces to work with.
Defensively, the 49ers gave up 17 PPG, and if they're able to get the same production in 2024, they will be hard to beat. The 49ers defensive racked up 33 sacks last season and with Joey Bosa and Leonard Floyd anchoring the line again, opposing QB's better have a iron clad offensive line and play with their head on a swivel.
Overall, if San Francisco can stay healthy at the key positions on both offense and defense and continue to get good special teams play, there is no reason why the 49ers can't win the Super Bowl. However, their schedule does include tough matchups outside of their division against Kansas City, Dallas, Tampa Bay, Green Bay, Buffalo, Miami, and Detroit.
2024 Schedule
9.9 New York Jets
9.15 @ Minnesota Vikings
9.22 @ Los Angeles Rams
9.29 New England Patriots
10.5 Arizona Cardinals
10.10 @ Seattle Seahawks
10.20 Kansas City Chiefs
10.27 Dallas Cowboys
11.10 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
11.17 Seattle Seahawks
11.24 @ Green Bay Packers
12.1 @ Buffalo Bills
12.8 Chicago Bears
12.1 @ Buffalo Bills
12.8 Chicago Bears
12.12 Los Angeles Rams
12.22 @ Miami Dolphins
12.30 Detroit Lions
1.5 @ Arizona Cardinals.
Projection- 12-5
The Seattle Seahawks are in reset mode for the 2024 season after going 9-8 in 2023. The move to fire head coach Pete Carroll indicates ownership and management felt the team over achieved and were worse than their record indicated so this is why they decided to reset. Keep in mind, reset mode is different than rebuild mode because Geno Smith is a veteran QB and rebuilds always start at the QB position. Seattle isn't there yet. Mike McDonald (36) is the youngest head coach in the NFL coming to Seattle as the defensive coach for the Baltimore Ravens. It's his job to put the Seahawks in a position to when they have to draft a new QB, they'll have a system in place a young QB can manage.
The Seahawks had 8 picks at this years NFL Draft, and they selected 4 offensive and 4 defensive players. They selected DT Byron Murphy II from Texas in the first round and rotated from offense to defense with each pick. Seattle didn't have a second round pick but took OG Christian Haynes from Connecticut in the third round. Overall the Seahawks draft grade is a C-.
On offense, Seattle averaged 21 PPG, which is going to get it done in the NFC West against San Francisco and Los Angeles. Arizona is going to be an improved opponent in 2024 too so the Seahawks will need to score in the neighborhood of 27 points a game to compete. Geno Smith will have familiar faces to work with in RB Kenneth Walker III, WR DK Metcalf, WR Tyler Lockett, and TE Noah Fant so they're capable of putting up more points if they can stay healthy.
Defensively, the Seahawks gave up 24 PPG, which is uncharacteristic of Seattle teams which is why they hired a defensive minded coach Led by NT Jerran Reed and LB Boye Mafe, the Seahawks were just average at pressuring the opposing QB. Mafe led the team in sacks with 9 so one of the area's Seattle has to improve is their defensive line and their linebacking core. Seattle's defensive secondary wasn't as solid as they've been in recent years so they need to put more pressure on the opposing QB to take the pressure off their secondary. Seattle needs to knock off at least 7 PPG to compete in 2024.
Overall, Seattle has a potent offense when healthy. If their defense can improve, Seattle has a chance to finish third in the NFC West but don't look for them to be a playoff contender. The Seahawks schedule is a nightmare out of their games with San Francisco and Los Angeles Rams. Miami, Detroit, Buffalo, Green Bay and an improved Chicago Bears team will give Seattle all the challenges they can handle.
2024 Schedule
9.8 Denver Broncos
9.15 @ New England Patriots
9.22 Miami Dolphins
9.30 @ Detroit Lions
10.6 New York Giants
10.10 San Francisco 49ers
10.20 @ Atlanta Falcons
10.27 Buffalo Bills
11.3 Los Angeles Rams
11.17 @ San Francisco 49ers
11.24 Arizona Cardinals
12.1 @ New York Jets
12.8 @ Arizona Cardinals
12.15 Green Bay Packers
12.22 Minnesota Vikings
12.26 @ Chicago Bears
1.5 @ Los Angeles Rams
Projection- 6-11
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the surprise team of the NFL season in 2023. After the retirement of Tom Brady, the Bucs were favored to win absolutely nothing but after signing journeyman QB Baker Mayfield, believed to be a stopgap, he turned Tampa Bay into a playoff team. Granted the NFC South isn't the most difficult division to navigate but going 9-8 with a first year QB and winning the division was a big but welcome surprise. The Buc's now have something to build on for 2024.
At the NFL Draft, Tampa Bay had 7 picks and used them on 5 offensive players and 2 defensive players which made sense because offense is where the Buccaneers need the most improvement this season. The Buc's took C Graham Barton from Duke with their first pick and went with DE Chris Brasswell from Alabama in the second followed by 2 third round picks in S Tykee Smith from Georgia and WR Jalen McMillan out of Washington. Overall draft grade: C
On offense, Tampa Bay averaged 20 PPG but will need to add upwards of 5 to 7 points to compete for a division title and a playoff spot this season. Mayfield will have the same familiar faces to work with in WR Mike Evans, RB Rachaad White, WR Chris Goodwin, WR Trey Palmer and TE Cade Otton. WR Sterling Shepherd will provide additional passing depth. Familiarity all the way around should be enough to help Tampa Bay improve by at least 5 PPG.
Defensively, Tampa Bay was respectable in 2023, giving up 19 PPG and but they'll want to improve by reducing it to 16-17 points per game. A number that's doable if they get better play from their defensive line, linebackers and secondary. The Buccaneers didn't set the world on fire in the turnover department last season and if they're going to improve their PPG average, they'll have to become ball hawks.
Overall, Tampa Bay will see an improved New Orleans Saints team. The Atlanta Falcons looks to be formidable and Carolina is rebuilding. The challenge for Tampa Bay will be a more challenging schedule from non division opponents. The Buc's will face Detroit, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Kansas City, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Dallas.
2024 Schedule
9.8 Washington Commanders
9.8 Washington Commanders
9.15 @ Detroit Lions
9.22 Denver Broncos
9.29 Philadelphia Eagles
10.3 @ Atlanta Falcons
10.13 @ New Orleans Saints
10.21 Baltimore Ravens
10.27 Atlanta Falcons
11.4 @ Kansas City Chiefs
11.10 San Francisco 49ers
11.24 @ New York Giants
12.1 @ Carolina Panthers
12.8 Las Vegas Raiders
12.15 @ Los Angeles Chargers
12.22 @ Dallas Cowboys
12.29 Carolina Panthers
1.5 New Orleans Saints
Projection: 8-9
The Tennessee Titans are coming off a disappointing 6-11 season in 2023, finishing last in the AFC South. The Titans will be a team in transition again in 2024 as they revamp their offense and in order to compete with Houston, Jacksonville, and Indianapolis in their division, they'll have to see vast improvement with their defense too. Houston proved teams can turn a franchise around in one year with the right personnel, the question for Tennessee is do they have the right players in place?
The Titans had 7 picks at this years NFL Draft and they selected 5 Defensive players and only 2 offensive players. In the first round, Tennessee selected OT JC Latham from Alabama with the 7th pick to give second year QB Will Levis better protection. They followed with DT T'Vondre Sweat from Texas in the second round. In the 4th round through the 7th round, the Titans selected LB Cedric Gray from North Carolina. CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr from Louisville, WR Jha'Quan Jackson out of Tulane, S James Williams from Miami and DE Jaylen Harrell from Michigan. Overall grade of B+
On Offense, the Titans averaged 18 PPG, and must see at least an 8-10 point improvement to complete in the AFC South. Second year QB Will Levis will be without All Pro RB Derrick Henry who is now in Baltimore. To replace Henry, the Titans added ex Dallas RB Tony Pollard which is a step back at the RB position. The Titans receiving core will be formable again with WR Calvin Ridley, WR DeAndre Hopkins and the addition of ex Cincinnati WR Tyler Boyd will open the field up for Ridley and Hopkins. Tennessee will look for better play out of TE Chigoziem Okonkwo, especially in the Red Zone.
Defensively, the Titans gave up 22 PPG and they'll have to trim at least 4 points from last seasons average to dig out from the bottom in the AFC South The draft picks should add some depth but playing a 3-4 defense only led to 7 sack last season. It remains to be seen if Tennessee will continue with the 3-4 but switching to a 4-3 to get more pressure on the opposing teams QB might allow Tennessee's offense to be on the field more often taking some pressure of the Titans defense.
Overall, Tennessee has a lot of area's in which to improve this season. Even if they're successful, chances are the Titans will miss the playoffs due to having a challenging a challenging schedule both within their division and outside with opponents like Green Bay, Miami, Buffalo, Detroit, and Cincinnati coming up.
2024 Schedule
9.8 @ Chicago Bears
9.8 @ Chicago Bears
9.15 New York Jets
9.22 Green Bay Packers
9.30 @ Miami Dolphins
10.13 Indianapolis Colts
10.20 @ Buffalo Bills
10.27 @ Detroit Lions
11.3 New England Patriots
11.10 @ Los Angeles Chargers
11.17 Minnesota Vikings
11.24 @ Houston Texans
12,1 @ Washington Commanders
12.8 Jacksonville Jaguars
12.15 Cincinnati Bengals
12.22 @ Indianapolis Colts
12.29 @ Jacksonville Jaguars
1.5 Houston Texans
Projection: 4-13
Four years after Washington changed their team name from Redskins to Commanders due to bowing to political pressure, fans are still having a problem coming to terms with the new name and identifying with the organization. It might help if Washington put a competitive team on the field. After going 4-13 in 2023, the Red..I'm mean Commanders are starting to assemble a team that could be a contender within the next few years but it won't be this season.
The Commanders landed their quarterback of the future in Jayden Daniels from LSU with the second pick in the first round. With 9 overall picks, Washington selected 5 Defensive and 4 offensive players. The Commanders had 3 picks in the second round and focused on their defense by taking DT Jer'Zhan Newton from Illinois, CB Mike Sainrislil out of Michigan before turning back to the offense to take TE Ben Sinnott from Kansas State. In the third round, the Commanders had two picks and selected OG Brandon Coleman from TCU and WR Luke McCaffrey of Rice U. Overall Washington's draft grade was a B+
On Offense, Washington put up a dismal 19 PPG, which is why they took Jayden Daniels in the first round. The NFL is a quarterback league and until he proves otherwise, Daniels will be the face of the Washington franchise. Daniels will have a decent crop of offensive weapons to count on starting with ex Chargers RB Austin Ekeler and RB Brian Robinson Jr. At WR, the Commanders are loaded with Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Jamison Crowder, and draft pick Luke McCaffery. At TE, the dependable Zach Ertz, give Danial's another checkdown option. Washington should improve upon the 19 PPG in 2024.
Defensively, the Commanders were one of the worst in the NFL in 2023, give up 30 PPG. It goes without saying, this is where Washington needs to see the biggest improvement. It's highly unlikely the defense will improve to get their PPG average into the teens. The defensive line was average producing only 21 sacks last year. Another concern is depending on 34 year old Middle Linebacker Bobby Wagner who's best years are behind him. The Commanders biggest problem is a weak secondary that only produced 2 interceptions in 2023, which is the major reason they gave up 30 PPG as opposing Quarterbacks feasted on them.
Overall, the Commanders have a lot to overcome in 2024, and with a first year quarterback and a less than stellar defense needing immediate and vast improvement, look at 2024 as another growth year for Washington. The Commanders schedule is filled with competitive games early but lightens up later in the year making it possible to exceed their 4 win total of 2023.
2024 Schedule
9.8 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9.8 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9.15 New York Giants
9.23 @ Cincinnati Bengals
9.29 @ Arizona Cardinals
10.6 Cleveland Browns
10.13 @ Baltimore Ravens
10.13 @ Baltimore Ravens
10.20 Carolina Panthers
10.27 Chicago Bears
11.3 @ New York Giants
11.10 Pittsburgh Steelers
11.14 @ Philadelphia Eagles
11.24 Dallas Cowboys
12.1 Tennessee Titans
12.15 @ New Orleans Saints
12.22 Philadelphia Eagles
12.29 Atlanta Falcons
1.5 @ Dallas Cowboys
Projection: 5-12
NFL Quarterbacks
The NFL is a Quarterback League and the teams who have the best Quarterbacks typically contend for a Super Bowl every year. In today's NFL quarterbacks can range from game managers, the pass/run type or the traditional drop back passer. The position has evolved over the past 25 years and will be reflected in this Big 4 Sports Top 10 of NFL Quarterbacks.
1 Tom Brady
Patriots/Buccaneers
The NFL is a Quarterback League and the teams who have the best Quarterbacks typically contend for a Super Bowl every year. In today's NFL quarterbacks can range from game managers, the pass/run type or the traditional drop back passer. The position has evolved over the past 25 years and will be reflected in this Big 4 Sports Top 10 of NFL Quarterbacks.
Patriots/Buccaneers
2 Joe Montana
49ers/Chiefs
49ers/Chiefs
3 Pat Mahomes
Chiefs
Chiefs
4 Aaron Rodgers
Packers/Jets
Colts/Broncos
6 John Elway
Broncos
Broncos
7 Dan Marino
Dolphins
Dolphins
7 Brett Favre
Packers/Jets/Vikings
Packers/Jets/Vikings
8 Drew Brees
Chargers/Saints
Chargers/Saints
9 Roger Stauback
Cowboys
Cowboys
10 Terry Bradshaw
Steelers
Steelers
NFL Running Backs
The NFL Running Back has been at the heart and soul of every successful NFL team. Throughout NFL history, teams who did not have a dominant running back who could not only run the ball but catch the ball out of the back field and tack on yards after the catch plus be a destroyer in the Red Zone failed to win the NFL's ultimate prize, the Super Bowl.
Big 4 Sports has taken all of these attributes into consideration along with Super Bowls won to compile our Top 10 Running Backs of all time.
1 Emmett Smith
Cowboys/Cardianals
2 Walter Payton
Bears
3 Barry Sanders
Lions
Lions
4 Adrian Peterson
Vikings/Cardinals/Saints/Redskins/Lions/Titans/Seahawks
5 Eric Dickerson
Rams/Colts/Raiders/Falcons
6 Jim Brown
Browns
7 Marcus Allen
Raiders/Chiefs
8 LaDainian Tomlinson
Chargers/Jets
9 Marshall Falk
Colts/Rams
10 Franco Harris
Steelers/Seahawks
Steelers/Seahawks
Los Angeles, CA
Web: Big4SportsUSA.com
Email: sports@big4sportsusa.com
Copyright 2004
Big4SportsUSA is a division of Mark Elliott Media LLC
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Email: sports@big4sportsusa.com
Copyright 2004
Big4SportsUSA is a division of Mark Elliott Media LLC
markelliottmedia.com
