Frank The Tank's 2024 NFL Preview And Predictions
AFC East
Megan Briggs. Getty Images.- Miami Dolphins 12-5 (3)
- Buffalo Bills 10-7 (6)
- New York Jets 8-9
- New England Patriots 3-14
The Miami Dolphins have the fastest team in the league and should be able to put up big offensive numbers. However, the defense must remain healthy for a long playoff run. After two straight Wild Card losses, anything less than the Division Round would be an utter failure.
The Buffalo Bills' window may be closing, as the loss of Steffon Diggs will be challenging for Josh Allen. The Bills quarterback has shown a propensity for trying to force the ball, which could lead to turnovers derailing Buffalo's title hopes.
The New York Jets are back at the gate hoping to fly into the postseason while assuming Aaron Rodgers will be his usual MVP-caliber self. However, a 40-year-old after an Achilles injury sounds like more turbulence and another disappointing season for Gang Green.
The New England Patriots are turning back the clock to 1992 when they were the worst team in the NFL. Bill Belichick is gone, and Jerrod Mayo gets to replace him. However, everyone knows rough times are ahead in Foxboro, and the future is in three years with a big-name coach who will not have the pressure of replacing the legend.
AFC North
Patrick Smith. Getty Images.- Baltimore Ravens 12-5 (2)
- Cincinnati Bengals 11-6 (5)
- Pittsburgh Steelers 9-8
- Cleveland Browns 8-9
The Baltimore Ravens added Derrick Henry to give their offense more balance. They have already been at the doorstep of the Super Bowl, but they need Lamar Jackson to overcome his postseason struggles, which again will be the issue as they fall short after being among the AFC's best.
After a disappointing 2023, with Joe Burrow fighting through injuries all season, the Cincinnati Bengals are looking to rebound. Expect Burrow to have a big season, as the Bengals could be a dark horse to go on another long postseason spurred by an improved offensive line.
Like the sun setting in the west and rising in the east, the Pittsburgh Steelers will claw their way to nine wins. No matter the odds or deficiencies, Mike Tomlin will get the best out of this mediocre squad and continue Pittsburgh's streak of winning seasons.
The Cleveland Browns need Nick Chubb to return to health and his Pro Bowl form ASAP, but with him out for at least four weeks, the pressure will again be on the defense as Deshaun Watson continues to struggle.
AFC South
Dylan Buell. Getty Images.- Houston Texans 10-7 (4)
- Jacksonville Jaguars 9-8 (7)
- Indianapolis Colts 8-9
- Tennessee Titans 5-12
The Houston Texans are on the verge of greatness, as C.J. Stroud had a historic rookie season. With the addition of Steffon Diggs, the Texans' offense could be potent. There will be a bump or two along the way, as teams will be able to adjust to Stroud; how he responds will be the story of the season in Houston.
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The Jacksonville Jaguars late-season collapse has fans wondering if Trevor Lawrence will live up to expectations for his career. Coach Doug Pederson could find himself on the hot seat if they struggle early, as the Texans appear to have a brighter future.
Last year, the Indianapolis Colts played well early, while Anthony Richardson was impressive. However, Richardson was banged up in every game. If the Colts have a chance at the playoffs, he must prove he can stay healthy while running an option-type offense in his second season.
It is a complete rebuild in Music City, as the Tennessee Titans are focused on the future with a new stadium opening in 2027. After the departure of Derrick Henry, the Titans are now a mixture of veterans looking to prove they can still perform and rookies trying to make their way.
AFC West
Jason Hanna. Getty Images.- Kansas City Chiefs 12-5 (1)
- Los Angeles Chargers 9-8
- Las Vegas Raiders 6-11
- Denver Broncos 4-13
Seeking to be the first team to win three straight Super Bowls, the Kansas City Chiefs are again the team to beat in the AFC. Unless Patrick Mahomes gets hurt, the Chiefs will again win the division easily, but after years of long playoff runs, the grind could catch up with them quickly in the playoffs.
Jim Harbaugh has Los Angeles Chargers fans buzzing, as they have often underachieved in recent seasons. However, injury issues will continue to plague them, and the lack of depth, especially in the secondary, will keep the Chargers out of the playoffs again.
The Las Vegas Raiders have an excellent physical defense led by Maxx Crosby. Their offense has a tremendous physical running game, but their quarterback choices are like hitting on 20; unless Aiden O'Connell or Garner Minshew becomes an ace, the Raiders will go bust.
The Denver Broncos are banking that Sean Payton could be a quarterback whisper and turn Bo Nix into Drew Brees. The problem is that it will take at least two or three years as the Broncos struggle again.
NFC East
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- Philadelphia Eagles 10-7 (3)
- Dallas Cowboys 9-8 (7)
- Washington Commanders 7-10
- New York Giants 5-12
The Eagles' December collapse left all Philadelphians scratching their heads last season. They added Saquon Barkley to boost the running attack and take pressure off Jalen Hurts. They should be able to recapture the division title, as their offense line remains among the best, even with Jason Kelce's retirement.
The Dallas Cowboys are the NFL's boom-or-bust team. They could look like Super Bowl contenders one week and also-rans the next. This centers around Dak Prescott, who, in a walk year, will need to prove he belongs under center in Dallas once and for all.
Drafting Jaylen Daniels, the Washington Commanders revamped their team in the off-season. They should be able to show signs of improvement as a plan appears to finally be in place with new ownership in their second season.
The New York Giants will ask much of their defense as their offense continues to misfire with Daniel Jones. Watching their off-season on Hard Knocks exposed what a rudderless ship their GM Joe Shoen is running, as changes are needed in East Rutherford.
NFC North
Nic Antaya. Getty Images.- Detroit Lions 14-3 (1)
- Green Bay Packers 10-7 (5)
- Chicago Bears 9-8
- Minnesota Vikings 5-12
The Detroit Lions were 30 minutes from the Super Bowl before a bad third quarter in the NFC Championship Game. It was no fluke, the Lions are loaded. A balanced offense, a great defense, and a ballsy coach have the Lions on the path to the Super Bowl. The dream will come true in February as the championship-starved city of Detroit hops in a 1957 Thunderbird, playing Elvis on their radio during the victory parade.
The Green Bay Packers have a third straight quarterback find, or so they hope. Jordan Love had a great first season as a starter and got paid for it. The Packers will need Love to overcome some of his first-year starter mistakes to continue trending up, which should not be a problem.
It's all about Caleb Williams. The Chicago Bears made the USC quarterback the first overall pick in the draft, hoping their long decades search for a reliable quarterback has reached its end. Williams will bring hope to Chicago but will have his growing pains as the Bears will be in playoff contention.
The Minnesota Vikings are already taking on water, as JJ McCarthy is out for the season with a knee injury. The Vikings had hoped McCarthy could parlay his National Championship experience into being a rookie stalwart. Now they have to wait as every team in the division is vastly better.
NFC South
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- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-10 (4)
- Atlanta Falcons 7-10
- New Orleans Saints 6-11
- Carolina Panthers 4-13
The NFC South is the worst division in football and could be the worst division in the history of sports. Neither of the teams should be in playoff contention. However, somebody has to win, even though all of these teams are losers and would finish last in at least half the other seven divisions. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won last year as Baker Mayfield was serviceable, but with an aging core, that could be harder, as their need for a rebuild is delayed by the rest of the division's feebleness.
The Atlanta Falcons are confused. They spent a lot of money on Kirk Cousins and drafted an older rookie quarterback, Michael Pennix. Cousins could never win a big game in Washington and Minnesota, and he won't start in Atlanta.
The New Orleans Saints still think Derek Carr could drive them to the playoffs. Carr is like the starter car you give a high school senior, but it is only suitable for short drives because he will break down at some point.
The Carolina Panthers made a big mistake in drafting Bryce Hall. They have an unstable owner who fires a coach yearly, as they have had seven since David Tepper took over in 2019. It will be years before they get back on track in Carolina.
NFC West
Terry Schmitt. Shutterstock Images.- San Francisco 49ers 13-4 (2)
- Los Angeles Rams 10-7 (6)
- Arizona Cardinals 6-11
- Seattle Seahawks 5-12
The San Francisco 49ers will again be among the top teams in the NFC. Last year, they lost the Super Bowl in overtime, as Brock Purdy showed that he is pretty relevant. With big contracts coming up and a tight salary cap, the clock is ticking in San Francisco as the Niners' time is now or never.
The Los Angeles Rams were a surprising playoff team last year as Puka Nacua emerged as a star. Expect the Rams to again be in contention as Sean McVay's skill at finding diamonds in the rough continues.
The Arizona Cardinals are giving Kyler Murray one more year to prove he could be an NFL starting quarterback. The drafting of Marvin Harrison Jr. gave Murray a playmaker who could spread the field and put up big numbers.
Pete Carroll is gone, and it is time to rebuild in Seattle. Expect the Seahawks to be among the worst teams in the NFL, as Geno Smith will be benched before Halloween.
Playoff Picks
AFC Wild Card
- Ravens 24 Jaguars 10
- Dolphins 34 Bills 24
- Bengals 31 Texans 20
NFC Wild Card
- 49ers 41 Cowboys 10
- Eagles 24 Rams 20
- Packers 27 Buccaneers 13
AFC Divisional Round
- Bengals 30 Chiefs 27
- Ravens 23 Dolphins 20
NFC Divisional Round
- Lions 27 Packers 16
- 49ers 23 Eagles 20
AFC Championship
- Bengals 27 Ravens 24
NFC Championship
- Lions 30 49ers 20
Super Bowl LIX
- Lions 27 Bengals 23
NFL Awards
- Coach of the Year: Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
- Comeback Player of the Year: Joe Burrow, QB Cincinnati Bengals
- Defensive Rookie of the Year: Terrion Arnold, CB Detroit Lions
- Offensive Rookie of the Year: Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears
- Defensive Player of the Year: T.J. Watt, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Offensive Player of the Year: Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
- MVP: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
