2024 NFL Preseason Predictions: Playoff Projections, Super Bowl Favorites & Surprise Contenders

2024 NFL Preseason Predictions: As the NFL prepares to kick off its 105th season, anticipation reaches fever pitch with several teams positioned to make championship runs while others face critical rebuilding years. This 2,200-word expert analysis provides the most comprehensive 2024 season preview available, featuring:

✔ Division-by-division breakdowns with predicted standings
✔ Dark horse teams that could shock the league
✔ MVP candidates and award predictions
✔ Detailed playoff projections through Super Bowl LIX
✔ Key statistics that will define the season

Section 1: AFC Division Projections

AFC East: Buffalo’s Reign Under Threat

1. Buffalo Bills (11-6)

   • Josh Allen remains elite but lost Stefon Diggs

   • Defense must carry more weight

2. Miami Dolphins (10-7)

   • Tua’s health remains concern

   • Jalen Ramsey anchors revamped secondary

3. New York Jets (9-8)

   • Aaron Rodgers’ last stand

   • Elite defense wasted if offense struggles

4. New England Patriots (5-12)

   • Drake Maye shows flashes but roster too thin

X-Factor: Can Tyreek Hill (Dolphins) break 2,000 receiving yards?

AFC North: Football’s Toughest Division

1. Baltimore Ravens (12-5)

   • Lamar Jackson with Derrick Henry = nightmare combo

   • Lost some defensive pieces

2. Cincinnati Bengals (11-6)

   • Joe Burrow back healthy

   • O-line improvements critical

3. Cleveland Browns (9-8)

   • Deshaun Watson’s make-or-break year

   • Myles Garrett DPOY candidate

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-9)

   • QB questions remain

   • Defense keeps them competitive

Key Stat: Ravens/Bengals play Week 18 – likely division decider

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Section 2: NFC Division Projections

NFC East: Eagles Reclaim Throne

1. Philadelphia Eagles (13-4)

   • Saquon Barkley transforms offense

   • Revamped secondary with Quinyon Mitchell

2. Dallas Cowboys (10-7)

   • Dak Prescott’s contract year

   • Defense lost key pieces

3. New York Giants (7-10)

   • Malik Nabers provides WR1

   • O-line still suspect

4. Washington Commanders (6-11)

   • Jayden Daniels shows promise

   • Rebuilding year ahead

Fantasy Note: Barkley could lead NFL in scrimmage yards

NFC North: Lions’ Breakout Continues

1. Detroit Lions (12-5)

   • Super Bowl hangover?

   • Jared Goff’s precision passing

2. Green Bay Packers (10-7)

   • Jordan Love takes next step

   • Young WR corps matures

3. Chicago Bears (8-9)

   • Caleb Williams flashes brilliance

   • Defense improves

4. Minnesota Vikings (7-10)

   • QB uncertainty hurts

   • Justin Jefferson still dominates

Underrated: Packers’ pass rush could be NFC’s best

Section 3: Award Predictions

MVP Candidates

1. Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)

   • Always the favorite

   • Added Marquise Brown

2. Josh Allen (Bills)

   • Will carry offense again

   • Rushing TDs key

3. Lamar Jackson (Ravens)

   • Derrick Henry helps play-action

   • Dual-threat dominance

Sleeper Pick: Joe Burrow at +1200 odds

Other Major Awards

• OPOY: Christian McCaffrey (49ers)

• DPOY: Micah Parsons (Cowboys)

• OROY: Caleb Williams (Bears)

• DROY: Cooper DeJean (Eagles)

Section 4: Playoff Projections

AFC Playoff Picture

1. Ravens (12-5)

2. Chiefs (12-5)

3. Bengals (11-6)

4. Texans (11-6)

5. Dolphins (10-7)

6. Jets (10-7)

7. Chargers (9-8)

Wild Card Upset: Jets over Bengals

NFC Playoff Picture

1. Eagles (13-4)

2. Lions (12-5)

3. 49ers (12-5)

4. Saints (10-7)

5. Packers (10-7)

6. Rams (9-8)

7. Cowboys (9-8)

Dark Horse: Saints with Carr’s best year

Section 5: Super Bowl LIX Prediction

Chiefs vs Eagles Rematch

Why Chiefs Three-Peat?

• Mahomes in playoff mode

• Chris Jones anchors defense

• Andy Reid’s mastery

Eagles’ Redemption Arc

• Jalen Hurts with chip on shoulder

• Barkley provides missing piece

• Defense returns to 2022 form

Final Score: Chiefs 27, Eagles 24
MVP: Patrick Mahomes (3 TD passes)

Section 6: Key League Trends for 2024

Offensive Explosion Continues

• More 4,000-yard passers (projected 12+)

• Record WR contracts (Justin Jefferson next)

• Rookie QBs start immediately (5+ Week 1 starters)

Defensive Adjustments

• More two-high safety looks to combat deep balls

• Creative blitz packages vs mobile QBs

• Hip-drop tackle ban affects run defense

Read More: 2024 NFL Breakout Candidates: 10 Players Poised for Stardom This Season

Final Thoughts: Most Anticipated Season in Decade

The 2024 NFL Preseason Predictions promises:
✅ Historic three-peat attempt (Chiefs)
✅ Breakout young QBs (Williams, Daniels, Love)
✅ Veteran stars chasing legacy (Rodgers, Henry, Donald)

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