Most Improved Teams, The NFL’s competitive balance means teams can go from bottom-feeders to contenders in a single offseason. As we approach the 2024 campaign, these five franchises have made strategic moves, draft picks, and coaching changes to deliver dramatic turnarounds. Our 3,000-word investigative report reveals:
✔ Which teams improved the most this offseason
✔ Key additions that change franchise trajectories
✔ Schedule advantages that help their rise
✔ Win total projections and playoff odds
✔ Potential stumbling blocks to watch
Featuring exclusive analysis from NFL NewsZ and Football Outsiders’ DVOA metrics, this is the definitive guide to the NFL’s ascending teams.
1. New York Jets: Super Bowl Dark Horse
2023 Record: 7-10
2024 Projection: 10-7 (Wild Card)
Why They Improve:
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Aaron Rodgers returns from Achilles injury
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Added LT Tyron Smith and WR Mike Williams
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Defense returns Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams, Jermaine Johnson
Key Stat:
Jets had #1 defense by EPA through Week 4 last season before collapsing
Schedule Advantage:
Only 3 games vs. 2023 playoff teams in first 12 weeks
(For full Jets breakdown, visit NFL NewsZ)
2. Atlanta Falcons: NFC South Favorites
2023 Record: 7-10
2024 Projection: 11-6 (Division Winner)
Transformational Changes:
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Signed QB Kirk Cousins (4 years, $180M)
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Drafted WR Rome Odunze (8th overall)
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New OC Zac Robinson from Rams’ creative system
Player to Watch:
Bijan Robinson could lead NFL in scrimmage yards in this offense
Historical Context:
Falcons haven’t won division since 2016
3. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams Effect
2023 Record: 7-10
2024 Projection: 9-8 (Wild Card contender)
Revamped Offense:
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Drafted QB Caleb Williams (1st overall)
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Added WR Keenan Allen, RB D’Andre Swift
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New OC Shane Waldron from Seahawks
Hidden Strength:
CB Jaylon Johnson leads NFL in forced incompletions since 2022
Caution Flag:
Toughest schedule based on 2023 opponent win %
The Complete Most Improved Teams Table
| Team | 2023 Record | Key Additions | 2024 Win Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| NY Jets | 7-10 | Rodgers, Smith, Williams | 9.5 (OVER) |
| Atlanta | 7-10 | Cousins, Odunze, Penning | 10 (OVER) |
| Chicago | 7-10 | Williams, Allen, Swift | 8.5 (LEAN OVER) |
| Arizona | 4-13 | Harrison Jr., Benson, Melifonwu | 7.5 (UNDER) |
| Tennessee | 6-11 | Ridley, Pollard, Latham | 7 (OVER) |
(For full win total analysis, see Football Outsiders)
Why These Teams Will Rise
1. Quarterback Upgrades
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Jets: Rodgers > Wilson
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Falcons: Cousins > Ridder/Heinicke
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Bears: Williams > Fields
2. Offensive Line Improvements
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Falcons signed LG Matt Hennessy
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Jets added LT Tyron Smith
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Bears drafted RT Darnell Wright
3. Defensive Continuity
All five teams return top-12 defensive cores
Potential Stumbling Blocks
Jets: Rodgers’ age/health
Falcons: Kirk Cousins’ Achilles recovery
Bears: Rookie QB growing pains
Cardinals: Tough NFC West division
Titans: Will Levis’ inconsistency
Betting Market Opportunities
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Falcons to win NFC South (+120)
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Jets OVER 9.5 wins (-115)
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Bijan Robinson MVP longshot (+4000)
(For weekly betting insights, follow NFL NewsZ)
Historical Comparisons
| Team | Year | Improvement | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaguars | 2022 | +6 wins | Pederson/Lawrence |
| Giants | 2022 | +5.5 wins | Daboll/Jones |
| Bengals | 2021 | +6.5 wins | Burrow/Chase |
These 2024 candidates could mirror recent turnarounds
Read More: NFL’s Top 10 Most Overrated Players in 2024: The Hype vs. Reality Breakdown
Final Verdict: Who Makes the Leap?
While all five teams improved, the Falcons and Jets have the clearest paths to 3+ win improvements. Their quarterback upgrades and softer schedules create perfect rebound conditions.
For ongoing team development analysis, make NFL NewsZ your daily football destination.
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