Indianapolis, Indiana – The NFL season has concluded, with the Kansas City Chiefs reigning as Super Bowl champions for the second consecutive year, a feat not seen since the 2003-2004 New England Patriots. The 2023 season showcased several teams rising to prominence, including the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who overcame significant challenges to achieve success in the playoffs.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, several teams are poised to make a turnaround and emerge as strong contenders for division titles and deep playoff runs. Among those teams are the Houston Texans, who experienced a remarkable transformation in the 2023 season under the leadership of first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans and the emergence of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
The Texans’ offense saw a significant improvement, with Stroud leading the team to a higher ranking in points per possession. The team’s defense also made strides, moving from 25th to 13th in yards allowed per possession. With Stroud’s top pass catchers returning for the upcoming season, along with defensive standouts like Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr., the Texans are positioned for continued success in 2024.
In the AFC South, the Indianapolis Colts, under the guidance of coach Shane Steichen, showcased significant improvement in the 2023 season, despite dealing with quarterback challenges. With the return of quarterback Anthony Richardson and the resolution of Jonathan Taylor’s contract drama, the Colts are poised to be a strong playoff contender in the upcoming season.
The Green Bay Packers, led by emerging quarterback Jordan Love, demonstrated significant improvement in the NFC, particularly in their offensive performance. With a core group of young pass catchers and the potential for further development, the Packers are expected to continue their upward trajectory in the 2024 season.
In Los Angeles, the Rams’ resurgence as a playoff team in the 2023 season, fueled by the health of quarterback Matthew Stafford and standout performances from rookies, sets the stage for continued success in the upcoming season. Additionally, the Cincinnati Bengals, despite facing challenges due to injuries to star quarterback Joe Burrow, possess significant potential for a strong comeback in 2024.
As the NFL offseason progresses, the league’s landscape is ripe with anticipation for the rise of these teams in the 2024 season, promising an exciting and competitive year ahead.