NFL’s Most Improved Teams of 2024: Surprise Contenders Defying Expectations

The NFL’s Most Improved Teams of 2024 season has already delivered several stunning turnarounds, with teams that were projected to finish at the bottom of their divisions now competing for playoff spots. These organizations have transformed their fortunes through savvy roster moves, coaching adjustments, and breakout performances from unexpected contributors.

In this in-depth analysis, we examine the five most improved NFL teams of 2024, breaking down exactly how they’ve engineered their dramatic rises and whether their success is sustainable for the long haul.

Defining Genuine NFL Improvement

Before presenting our selections, let’s establish what constitutes true team improvement:

• Win/Loss Record: Minimum +3 win improvement from 2023

• Statistical Jumps: Top-10 improvements in key categories

• Roster Turnover: Significant personnel changes from prior season

• Schedule Difficulty: Accounting for opponent strength

According to analysts at NFL Newsz, truly improved teams typically share:

• 78% changed offensive or defensive coordinators

• 62% added key veteran free agents

• 89% saw second-year jumps from recent draft picks

1. Houston Texans (2023: 3-13-1 → 2024: 6-3)

The Transformation:

• Offense PPG: 17.1 (32nd) → 24.8 (12th)

• Defense PPG Allowed: 24.7 (27th) → 19.1 (5th)

• Turnover Differential: -10 → +7

Key Factors:

• C.J. Stroud’s MVP-caliber sophomore season

• DeMeco Ryans’ defensive scheme taking hold

• Will Anderson Jr. emerging as elite pass rusher

• Dalton Schultz becoming reliable TE security blanket

Sustainability Check: Soft remaining schedule (4 games vs. Colts/Titans)

2. Green Bay Packers (2023: 7-10 → 2024: 6-3)

The Leap Forward:

• Passing YPG: 206.7 (23rd) → 259.1 (8th)

• Red Zone TD%: 48% → 68%

• Sacks Allowed: 45 → 14 (through 9 games)

Catalysts for Change:

• Jordan Love’s breakout as franchise QB

• Jayden Reed becoming WR1 as a sophomore

• Improved OL health and performance

• Jeff Hafley’s defense creating turnovers (14 already)

Potential Pitfall: Tough remaining schedule (Chiefs, Lions x2, Vikings)

3. Chicago Bears (2023: 5-12 → 2024: 5-4)

Areas of Improvement:

• Points Allowed/Game: 27.2 → 19.1

• Takeaways: 18 → 16 (through 9 games)

• 3rd Down %: 34% → 42%

Reasons for Optimism:

• Justin Fields’ improved decision-making

• Montez Sweat transforming the pass rush

• D.J. Moore having career year

• Rookie OT Darnell Wright playing at Pro Bowl level

Concerns: Inconsistent run defense, tough NFC North race

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2023: 8-9 → 2024: 6-3)

Statistical Jumps:

• Passer Rating: 86.4 → 103.2 (Mayfield)

• Run Defense YPC: 4.8 → 3.9

• Sacks: 40 → 28 (through 9 games)

Turnaround Factors:

• Baker Mayfield’s career revival

• Antoine Winfield Jr. playing at DPOY level

• Rachaad White becoming complete RB

• Todd Bowles’ defensive adjustments

Sustainability: Weak NFC South helps playoff chances

5. Indianapolis Colts (2023: 6-11 → 2024: 5-4)

Key Improvements:

• Rushing YPG: 99.1 → 142.7

• Sacks Allowed: 60 → 15

• Time of Possession: 28:31 → 32:18

Reasons for Success:

• Anthony Richardson’s dual-threat ability

• Jonathan Taylor looking like his old self

• Shane Steichen’s creative play-calling

• Young secondary playing beyond expectations

Challenge Ahead: Tough AFC South race with Texans, Jaguars

Common Threads Among Improved Teams

Quarterback Development

All 5 teams have QBs making significant year-over-year improvements
4 of 5 have QBs in their 1st/2nd year as starters

Defensive Philosophy Shifts

3 teams changed defensive coordinators
All 5 improved in points allowed per game

Offensive Line Health

4 of 5 teams returned same starting OL
All rank top-12 in fewest sacks allowed

Why These Turnarounds Are Sustainable

Age Profiles

All 5 teams have core players age 26 or younger
Only 2 key contributors over 30 across all teams

Contract Situations

4 of 5 have $25M+ in 2025 cap space
Only 1 (Bucs) has major pending free agents

Draft Capital

All have full complement of 2025 draft picks
3 own extra mid-round selections

Potential Roadblocks Ahead

Houston Texans

• Rookie wall for Stroud/Anderson

• Tough December schedule

Green Bay Packers

• Jordan Love’s consistency

• Run defense vulnerabilities

Chicago Bears

• Justin Fields’ durability

• Tough NFC wild card race

Historical Context for Turnarounds

Recent NFL teams that sustained improvements NFL’s Most Improved Teams of 2024:

Fantasy Football Implications

Buy These Breakouts

• C.J. Stroud (QB1 rest of season)

• Jayden Reed (WR2 with WR1 upside)

• Rachaad White (RB1 in PPR formats)

Sell High Candidates

• Baker Mayfield (tough schedule coming)

• Jonathan Taylor (injury history concerning)

Betting Market Adjustments

Teams to Back

• Texans ATS (7-2 record)

• Packers in shootouts (Over 6-3)

Teams to Fade

• Bears as favorites (1-3 ATS)

• Colts on road (1-3 SU away)

Why These Improvements Matter

Understanding team turnarounds helps:

• Fantasy managers identify emerging stars

• Sports bettors find undervalued teams

• NFL fans appreciate roster construction

• Front offices copy successful blueprints

Final Verdict: Playoff Bound or Pretenders?

NFL’s Most Improved Teams of 2024, Our projections for these improved teams:

For more in-depth analysis of these turnaround stories and all your NFL coverage, visit NFL Newsz—your home for football insights beyond the box score.

Read More: NFL’s Most Underrated Free Agent Signings of 2024: Bargain Deals Paying Massive Dividends

Which improved team are you buying? Who did we miss? Join the conversation in the comments!