• Super Bowl or bust in Buffalo: With the Bills showing to be the AFC’s most full group, it’s time for them to lastly go all the best way.
• Who would be the Titans’ beginning quarterback in 2025? Since coming back from damage in Week 10, Will Levis has made some strides, rating 16th in PFF passing grade with a league-leading 8.9% big-time throw charge. But turnover-worthy performs and pocket presence stay overarching points.
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Estimated Reading Time: 17 minutes
In the blink of a watch, solely 5 weeks stay within the 2024 NFL common season. Teams on the playoff bubble are staring down their fates, whereas different squads try to fine-tune because the postseason nears.
Sure, each NFL squad would like to win out to shut the 12 months, however not all expectations are created equally. Below is one factor every franchise ought to look to realize because the calendar turns to 2025 — and the lights dim on this season.
JUMP TO A TEAM:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF | SEA | TB | TEN | WAS
Arizona Cardinals: Maintain offensive manufacturing to remain aggressive
The Cardinals sit at 6-6 after shedding their previous two video games, and offensive output is the massive cause why. After tearing up opposing defenses via the air and on the bottom for many of 2024, Arizona’s offense hasn’t been pretty much as good previously two weeks, rating 24th in EPA per play and 21st in profitable play charge whereas compiling solely 28 whole factors. If the Cardinals need to stay aggressive for the NFC West title, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing must treatment this dry spell in opposition to two strong defenses.
Atlanta Falcons: Win the NFC South
The Falcons appeared to be in cruise management, possessing an 84.4% probability to win the NFC South forward of Week 10. But fast-forward 4 weeks, and Atlanta has someway dropped three straight, retaining the division race very a lot alive. Considering that each the Falcons and Buccaneers rank within the prime 5 in best schedules remaining — and that Atlanta holds the head-to-head tiebreaker — there’s little or no excuse for Raheem Morris to not come away with the division title.
Baltimore Ravens: Fix offensive manufacturing in opposition to elite defenses
At 8-5, the Ravens are nonetheless a protected playoff wager, holding a 96% probability to complete among the many AFC’s prime seven seeds. But what’s troublesome for Baltimore is that its offense hasn’t flourished as a lot previously three weeks, rating 23rd in success charge and 14th in EPA per play. While Lamar Jackson secured a 74.8 PFF general grade in opposition to the Chargers in Week 12, he posted grades under 71.0 in opposition to the Steelers and Eagles — two losses. Considering Baltimore will doubtless face a terrific protection as early because the wild-card spherical, offensive coordinator Todd Monken must seek for fixes, particularly in Weeks 16 and 17 in opposition to the Steelers and Texans.
Buffalo Bills: Win the AFC
The Bills rank within the prime eight in each offensive and defensive EPA per play and have already secured the AFC East title. They are just one recreation behind the Chiefs for the AFC’s prime seed. Buffalo finds itself in acquainted territory by flourishing within the common season, however can it lastly materialize within the postseason?
Sean McDermott’s bunch has now reached the playoffs for six straight years, however none of these have culminated in a Super Bowl berth. With the Bills showing to be the AFC’s most full group, it’s time for Buffalo to lastly accomplish what’s dodged the franchise for thus lengthy.
Carolina Panthers: Continue displaying combat
The Panthers are all however eradicated, however that hasn’t deterred Dave Canales’ group from trying way more poised down the stretch. Carolina went toe-to-toe with each the Chiefs and Buccaneers previously two weeks, and Bryce Young (84.9 PFF general grade since Week 10) has performed just like the game-changing quarterback we anticipated. If the Panthers could make life troublesome on the Eagles, Cardinals, Buccaneers and Falcons to shut out the 12 months — and doubtlessly attain 5 wins — then that’s a profitable season.
Chicago Bears: Improve late-game execution
Sitting at 4-8, the Bears’ playoff hopes are all however naught. But the silver lining for Chicago is that its file doesn’t replicate the group’s broader play, even throughout its six-game shedding streak. The Bears have had probabilities to win 4 of their previous six defeats, however late-game blunders — from Hail Mary woes to blocked subject objectives — have deterred that. If Thomas Brown can proceed to enhance the Bears’ offensive output — with Chicago rating 12th in EPA per play since he took over in Week 11 — then it ought to inevitably translate to raised, extra tangible outcomes.
Cincinnati Bengals: Get off the sector defensively
Much just like the Bears, the Bengals seem to face too steep of a hill to climb to achieve the playoffs, holding only a 2% probability of enjoying into mid-January. Even nonetheless, acquiring extra stability between the group’s prolific offense and unraveling protection would go a good distance. The Bengals rank 28th in first downs allowed and 30th in conversion share given up, which has translated to its offense not getting on the sector as a lot because it must. If Cincinnati’s protection can play higher on late downs — and sort out higher — then the needle may pattern up heading into 2025.
Cleveland Browns: Block higher
The Browns will doubtless overhaul their quarterback room getting into the 2025 season, particularly in the event that they end with a top-five decide. Assuming Cleveland has a brand new starter and even a brand new working again, its offensive line will merely have to play at a better degree, because it will not be doable to revamp all 5 positions. The Browns fared considerably higher than anticipated in opposition to a ferocious Steelers entrance in Week 12, allowing solely 9 pressures and one sack, however Joel Bitonio (career-low 62.5 PFF general grade) stays a query mark.
Dallas Cowboys: Sustain run-blocking effectiveness
The Cowboys compiled 122 speeding yards in opposition to the Giants en path to a Thanksgiving Day victory, however the group nonetheless completed with a subpar 60.8 PFF run-blocking grade. Still, it was a constructive improvement to have 4 of 5 beginning offensive linemen submit a PFF run-blocking grade of a minimum of 67.7. Assuming that Dallas upgrades in a serious approach at working again, it ought to attempt to string collectively higher run-blocking video games, contemplating its 2025 offensive line could also be just like the one we noticed in Week 13.
Denver Broncos: Reach the postseason
It usually flies beneath the radar, however the Broncos haven’t made the playoffs since 2015, the 12 months they gained Super Bowl 50. The group hasn’t completed above .500 since 2016, however this 12 months seems prime territory to alter that. Powered by Bo Nix (84.4 PFF general grade since Week 8) and a protection that ranks second in EPA per play, the Broncos are 8-5 and have a 71% probability to finish the streak. What occurs as soon as within the postseason — assuming a street recreation at Buffalo or Pittsburgh — could be extra treacherous, however even getting there may be great progress.
Detroit Lions: Win the Super Bowl
The Lions rank first in general group grade and haven’t misplaced since Week 2. Detroit is the favourite to not solely win the NFC, however the Lombardi Trophy, sitting with a 20% probability — narrowly higher than the Chiefs at 18%. Dan Campbell introduced the Lions to the NFC Championship final 12 months, however it feels as if there’s nearly nothing stopping Detroit from reaching Super Bowl 59, if not profitable it, particularly contemplating its defensive front-seven ought to return a number of starters from damage.
Green Bay Packers: Get higher pass-rushing manufacturing
Making the playoffs isn’t actually a query for the 9-3 Packers. But if Green Bay needs to go on a respectable run as a possible wild-card group, it’s going to want its pass-rushing unit to be higher. The Packers rank solely 23rd in group pass-rushing grade, to not point out 19th in strain charge. No Packer with 100-plus pass-rushing snaps has recorded a better pass-rush win charge than Rashan Gary at 11.1%, which suggests your entire unit must elevate its play and make life extra harrowing for quarterbacks like Jared Goff and Jalen Hurts.
Houston Texans: Improve offensive rhythm
There’s no sugar-coating it: The Texans have a slew of offensive issues, which explains the group slotting 18th in offensive EPA per play. From a run recreation that ranks 23rd in EPA per play, to an inside offensive line nonetheless not efficient in both aspect, to barely declining play from C.J. Stroud (passing grade down 5 factors), to little second-half manufacturing, Houston isn’t enjoying near its capability on that facet of the ball.
Even a recreation in opposition to the Jaguars, with one of many worst defenses within the NFL, didn’t function a get-right alternative. The Texans produced solely a 69.6 general offensive grade in that contest. The clock is ticking for Houston to seek out cohesion on offense, or the group dangers dropping a house playoff recreation.
Indianapolis Colts: Make life simpler for Anthony Richardson
Since his promotion again to being the Colts’ beginning quarterback in Week 11, Anthony Richardson has performed at a better degree, amassing an 84.8 PFF general grade that ranks sixth amongst qualifiers in that span. The drawback, although, is that Indianapolis pass-catchers proceed to undergo from drops. The Colts are tied for 20th with 19 drops this 12 months, together with posting seven previously three video games.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Play higher within the secondary
Trevor Lawrence‘s well being is clearly on the forefront after a scary collision in Week 13. But the Jaguars additionally want to focus on enhancing their protection of their remaining 5 video games, particularly contemplating the group will doubtless retain many present starters on the backend. The Jaguars slot solely 28th in group protection grade this 12 months, with marquee free agent signing Darnell Savage underperforming (52.7 PFF protection grade). Rookie Jarrian Jones hasn’t been spectacular, permitting catches on 73.7% of targets and 11.3 yards per reception. Jacksonville will seemingly make use of a brand new teaching employees subsequent 12 months, however higher protection would bode effectively for the group heading into 2025.
Kansas City Chiefs: Improve red-zone execution
The Chiefs are 11-1 and within the driver’s seat to win the AFC for the second time in three years, however the group has a boatload of areas to enhance in if it hopes to realize a three-peat. The foremost seems to be red-zone play, the place Kansas City has scored a landing on solely 52.1% of drives (20th) and ranks 19th in profitable play share. The Chiefs had been nearly upset by the Raiders on Black Friday after scoring touchdowns on solely one among their 5 possessions. Patrick Mahomes and the offense presumably gained’t discover as a lot success in close-margin video games if they will’t convert journeys contained in the 20 into six factors.
Las Vegas Raiders: Establish extra of a run recreation
The Raiders don’t have any scarcity of positions to deal with this offseason, which may depart them skinny at working again. Las Vegas has struggled mightily on the bottom all season, rating 31st in group speeding grade; the duo of Alexander Mattison and Zamir White has failed to provide a PFF speeding grade over 67.0. Third-year again Sincere McCormick (64 yards, 73.1 PFF speeding grade) provided some burst in Week 13, however both approach, it will be an enormous increase for the Raiders to indicate some progress when working over their remaining 5 video games.
Los Angeles Chargers: Win a playoff recreation
Powered by a protection that ranks sixth in EPA per play and fourth in group grade, the Chargers are 8-4 and have a 93% probability to achieve the playoffs — all of which looks like a serious overachievement in Jim Harbaugh’s first 12 months. Justin Herbert is poised to play his second profession playoff recreation, however Los Angeles hasn’t gained a playoff contest for the reason that 2018 season. With Herbert beneath heart and a protection that strikes concern into nearly any offensive coordinator, it feels just like the Chargers may snap that streak — particularly if their run recreation and receivers might be more practical down the stretch.
Los Angeles Rams: Play higher protection
The Rams are solely a recreation again of the Seahawks for first place within the NFC West, largely fueled by an offense that sits 13th in EPA per play and fourth in success charge. The contributions of Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp and Kyren Williams are all however assured, however what’s lingered as a weak spot is the group’s protection: Los Angeles ranks 24th in passing EPA per play and 23rd in group protection grade. Given that no Ram to play 100 or extra protection snaps has eclipsed even a 66.0 PFF protection grade, it is perhaps unrealistic to anticipate tighter protection this late, though it seems to be Los Angeles’ solely shot at reaching the playoffs.
Miami Dolphins: Improve play in cold-weather environments
The 5-7 Dolphins have nearly zero room for error in the event that they need to embark on a late-season postseason surge. Unfortunately for Mike McDaniel’s bunch, that features closing the season with two street video games at Cleveland and New York, every of which figures to be chilly. Miami turned in one other dud in frigid situations on Thanksgiving night time, and the Dolphins are actually 0-4 in matchups at 40 levels or decrease beneath McDaniel. The odds of Miami enjoying in a climate-controlled playoff recreation sooner or later are low, which makes this remaining stretch of 2024 a major alternative to kind out offensive and defensive execution.
Minnesota Vikings: Reach the Divisional Round
Skepticism abounded early in regards to the Vikings, however they’ve confirmed respectable. Sam Darnold ranks seventh amongst qualifiers in PFF passing grade, and Minnesota’s protection continues to be first in EPA per play. That mixture of offensive and defensive prowess with distinctive play-calling on either side ought to translate, and meaning a chance to exorcise the group’s wild-card demons from two years in the past. If Minnesota nonetheless can’t win a playoff recreation in Kevin O’Connell’s third season — and with a group this well-rounded — then deeper questions will crop up.
New England Patriots: Protect Drake Maye
Maye has been strong since taking up for Jacoby Brissett, posting a 73.7 PFF general grade whereas securing PFF passing grades above 73.0 in two of his previous three outings. The drawback all 12 months has been New England’s offensive line — which sits 32nd in PFF general grade. Colossal upgrades are wanted at nearly each place besides proper guard, so the main focus for the rest of this 12 months needs to be to provide Maye as a lot time as doable to refine his craft as a passer.
New Orleans Saints: Better cease the run
The Saints might lastly succumb to a minimum of a partial rebuild this offseason, and appreciable work must be executed on the defensive facet of the ball. Still, New Orleans will doubtless deliver again a number of starters on a unit that has not been efficient in opposition to the bottom recreation: The Saints rank 32nd in group run-defense grade and 31st in speeding EPA per play. More good work from Jordan Howden and Alontae Taylor, every of whom has posted a PFF run-defense grade of 76.6 or higher, might be a catalyst for gamers like Nathan Shepherd and Bryan Bresee.
New York Giants: Lean on the rookie playmakers
The Giants have been diminished to watching their draft inventory, and season-ending accidents to Dexter Lawrence and Theo Johnson have not helped. New York will nearly assuredly add a high-profile quarterback this offseason, that means its executives and followers ought to think about spectacular younger items. Andru Phillips (81.9 PFF general grade) and Tyler Nubin (75.9 PFF run-defense grade, 78.0 PFF tackling grade) seem like long-term items within the secondary, whereas Malik Nabers (81.9 PFF receiving grade) has regarded unstoppable regardless of dismal play beneath heart. If the Giants need to flip issues round subsequent 12 months, they’ll want their newcomers to play at this excessive of a degree as soon as once more.
Highest-Graded Rookie Defenders (Minimum 100 Snaps)
New York Jets: Sort out the defensive qualms
Much like their metropolis counterparts, the Jets have a smorgasbord of points to kind out, from management to quarterback. But the group’s defensive core will doubtless carry over going into 2025. The unit has grossly underperformed, rating 18th in EPA per play and 22nd in PFF general grade. A significant cause has been the declining play of Sauce Gardner (first season under an 87.9 PFF general grade), however different questions loom alongside the line of defense and within the secondary. Getting extra constant play from Gardner and the remainder of the unit because the 2024 season mercifully wraps up would imply one fewer factor to fret about.
Philadelphia Eagles: Win the Super Bowl
Much just like the Lions, it’s laborious to discover a true weak level on the Eagles proper now. After all, Philadelphia is 10-2 and ranks within the prime six in each offensive and defensive EPA per play. Plus, the Eagles have already attained wins over the Ravens, Commanders and Packers. The group holds a 29% probability of profitable the NFC, and now the responsibility of overcoming final 12 months’s late-season collapse and playoff catastrophe falls squarely on the shoulders of head coach Nick Sirianni. There seems to be no hindrance to this group a minimum of reaching the NFC Championship, however greater aspirations are actually on the desk with a squad this good.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Reach the Divisional Round
For the primary time in a minimum of 4 years, the Steelers appear to have an offense competent sufficient to enhance an elite protection. Pittsburgh ranks 15th in offensive EPA per play and fourth in defensive EPA per play, whereas Russell Wilson’s 78.3 PFF passing grade sits ninth amongst qualifiers. The Steelers are in robust place to achieve the playoffs for the second straight season, however the postseason hasn’t been form to Mike Tomlin, who has misplaced 5 straight video games and never gained for the reason that 2017 season. Given that Pittsburgh may host a playoff recreation in opposition to a lower-ranking AFC group, 2024 feels just like the 12 months that the Steelers have to lastly overcome that drought.
San Francisco 49ers: Fix the run protection
The easy reply for the 49ers could be to keep away from further cataclysmic accidents, however that seems to be out of their management at this level within the 12 months. Instead, Kyle Shanahan ought to think about maximizing his current expertise, significantly on protection to cease the run. The 49ers rank 29th in group run-defense grade, with San Francisco tying for twenty-fourth in missed tackles in opposition to the bottom recreation. Yes, the 49ers might look barely tweaked on protection subsequent 12 months, however steady wholesome items like Ji’Ayir Brown, Deommodore Lenoir and rookie Renardo Green have to play higher in opposition to the run.
Seattle Seahawks: Find methods to maintain Geno Smith upright
The Seahawks are in pole place to win the NFC West, holding a 43% probability of doing so. But if Seattle additionally needs to make a run in Mike Macdonald’s first 12 months, its offensive line merely wants to carry up higher. The Seahawks’ unit ranks 28th in PFF general grade and strain share. Even in wins — resembling on the Jets in Week 13 — Smith was pressured on 34.3% of dropbacks. Smith (81.6 PFF passing grade) has been elite regardless of his circumstances, however in some unspecified time in the future, the sheer strain will doubtless be too overwhelming if enchancment doesn’t occur.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tighten the protection
The Buccaneers are using a two-game profitable streak and abruptly discover themselves tied for first place within the NFC South, however their secondary has nonetheless been leaky for nearly your entire season. Tampa Bay sits 28th in passing EPA per play and contested goal charge. Even vibrant spot Zyon McCollum has been much less efficient over the previous three weeks, compiling only a 63.8 PFF protection grade. The Buccaneers will want McCollum to play like a lockdown cornerback down the stretch, particularly since solely Jamel Dean and Tykee Smith have posted PFF protection grades of 69.0 or increased.
Tennessee Titans: Determine your quarterback path
The Titans’ 2024 season is mainly a moot level by way of consequence, however there’s nonetheless loads hinging on the quarterback place over the subsequent 5 video games. Since coming back from damage in Week 10, Will Levis has made some strides, rating 16th in PFF passing grade with a league-leading 8.9% big-time throw charge. But turnover-worthy performs and pocket presence stay overarching points. Will Levis show sufficient to discourage Tennessee from drafting a quarterback early, or will Brian Callahan follow the early-season plan and transfer on?
Washington Commanders: Improve defensively
The Commanders secured a much-needed victory over the Titans in Week 13, staving off different playoff hopefuls to achieve 8-5 and transfer to a 78% postseason chance. If Washington needs to go deeper than anticipated in Dan Quinn’s first 12 months as head coach, it’s going to want its protection to play at a better degree. The Commanders sit solely 23rd in defensive EPA per play and 24th in yards per play allowed, though these figures have improved since Week 7 — rating 17th and 13th, respectively.
Still, that’s not dominant sufficient to neutralize NFC powerhouses like Detroit, Philadelphia and even Minnesota. The debut of commerce deadline acquisition Marshon Lattimore may assist, however this unit nonetheless must play higher collectively if doubtless Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels needs to cap off his rookie season in fashion.