The 2024 NFL season has reached its midway level with the commerce deadline within the books and Week 10 on the horizon.
It’s now time to dimension up the ten greatest groups within the NFL and rank their probabilities at profitable a Tremendous Bowl this season. Good groups just like the Houston Texans, Los Angeles Chargers and Arizona Cardinals didn’t make this record although their probabilities at January soccer are excessive proper now.
We determined to choose the ten groups we really feel are greatest located in the mean time to make waves in January and probably separate themselves from the pack as soon as playoff soccer will get going.
Now, second-season collapses are nothing new, and a few of these groups could face regression as the autumn goes on. A few of these groups will solely get stronger in that timespan, too. We’ll simply must see how the remainder of the schedule shapes out.
For now, listed below are the ten groups we really feel essentially the most assured in, with the highest workforce not an enormous shock.
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The Falcons crack the underside of this record as a result of their offense is nearly as good because it’s been since that fateful 2016 season when the workforce gained the NFC. Quarterback Kirk Cousins is taking part in actually sound soccer proper now. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is unleashing the workforce’s spectacular arsenal of offensive playmakers to good impact. If this workforce had a good protection, it might be greater on this record. Nevertheless, the line of defense woes particularly will make a January push more durable. Nevertheless, this offense can actually make issues laborious for opponents if it will get up early within the recreation.
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The Vikings have come again right down to Earth a bit after their impressed 5-0 begin, shedding two video games to the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams and squeaking out a house win over the Indianapolis Colts. Nevertheless, Kevin O’Connell’s workforce nonetheless seems to be lots poised for a playoff berth proper now. The offense is getting extra out of Sam Darnold than anticipated, partially helped by having the most effective vast receiver in soccer with Justin Jefferson. Brian Flores’ protection has appeared formidable, if not infallible. At least, Minnesota wouldn’t be a enjoyable wild-card recreation for any workforce proper now.
If it may collect a few of that early-season momentum this month and will get some fortunate breaks in January, this Vikings workforce might probably make a run.
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Inexperienced Bay’s dispiriting loss to the Lions on Sunday could dampen expectations that this Packers workforce can win a Tremendous Bowl this season. Nevertheless, on an excellent day, the Packers can beat most any workforce within the NFL. Therein lies the query. Matt LaFleur has gained video games with Malik Willis at quarterback this season, so you’ll be able to’t ever rely this workforce out. Nevertheless, Jordan Love’s inconsistencies beneath middle and his sturdiness will dictate how far Inexperienced Bay can get in January. When he’s on, he’s large. When he’s making errors, different groups can capitalize.
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This Steelers workforce retains grinding alongside at a powerful clip, even after benching Justin Fields for a wholesome Russell Wilson. Mike Tomlin’s workforce all the time outperforms expectations, however main the AFC North at this level within the season is downright spectacular. The Baltimore Ravens will nonetheless be favored to win the division by yr’s finish, however the Steelers are a nightmare wild-card matchup. So long as this workforce stays wholesome, it’s acquired what it must trigger issues. Including each vast receiver Mike Williams and outdoors linebacker Preston Smith on the deadline helps this quest an excellent bit.
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If this Eagles workforce can keep wholesome, the offense goes to be an absolute nightmare in January. Working again Saquon Barkley is taking part in among the greatest soccer in his profession, and quarterback Jalen Hurts seems to be a lot better with a wholesome receiver room at his disposal. Philadelphia’s protection can be settling in additional to expectation. The workforce is 4-0 since its Tampa Bay Buccaneers debacle. The workforce’s two upcoming conferences with the Washington Commanders will say rather a lot about whether or not this Philly workforce goes to inform us rather a lot about how excessive this workforce’s ceiling is. Nevertheless, you’re keen on the ground and significantly the issues they may trigger as a visiting wild-card workforce in January.
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The Payments have quarterback Josh Allen taking part in at a excessive degree. That alone makes them a bona fide Tremendous Bowl contender. Whereas Buffalo has by no means gotten over the hump to make it to a championship workforce beneath this regime, maybe it’ll be totally different this day out? At least, you’ll be able to take it to the financial institution Buffalo makes the playoffs and provides any opponent a heyday. Having Allen will try this.
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The Commanders really feel type of like this yr’s Houston Texans. They’re getting MVP-level quarterback play from sensational rookie Jayden Daniels, and the protection is taking part in a lot better than beforehand anticipated. Washington’s largest take a look at arising will likely be the way it compares to the resurgent Eagles within the division. Including cornerback Marshon Lattimore on the deadline was a really sensible transfer that ought to enhance the secondary. The Commanders are using excessive on the good vibes of a regime change and a brand new quarterback, however just like the 2023 Texans, we’re unsure how far that goes in opposition to extra skilled groups. The playoffs look nice. After that, we’re unsure.
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The Ravens have the most effective offense within the NFL, led by an MVP favourite at quarterback with Lamar Jackson and operating again Derrick Henry taking part in at an outrageously excessive degree. This Baltimore offense can rating on anyone within the NFL, and that clearly issues within the playoffs. The actual query is that if this protection can do sufficient to win the Ravens a title. It’s a 14th-ranked unit in DVOA, which is perhaps ok. After final yr’s AFC title recreation loss, the Ravens have rather a lot to show come playoff time. We’re fairly sure the workforce will get the chance to take action.
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The Lions look unstoppable, even after they’re not fairly at their greatest. Successful on the street in Inexperienced Bay within the rain is simply past spectacular. Including defensive finish Za’Darius Smith on the deadline was a savvy transfer to assist exchange a few of Aidan Hutchinson’s affect. We’re unsure any workforce within the NFC can actually match Detroit proper now. They could glide their method to a Tremendous Bowl berth so long as accidents don’t bubble up within the second half of the season. What a franchise turnaround.
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The Chiefs could effectively full the Tremendous Bowl three-peat. Broad receiver DeAndre Hopkins seems to be like a dream for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, significantly after his 2-touchdown efficiency in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night time. That’s what this workforce has been lacking on offense, an explosive veteran playmaker who can stretch the sector and contest in the long run zone. With Kansas Metropolis’s protection additionally taking part in effectively, there’s a motive this workforce continues to be undefeated. It’s any given Sunday, after all, however no person desires to play the Chiefs proper now for a motive.
