The off-season dust has settled, and as the NFL gears up for the 2024 campaign, speculation is rampant about which teams will rise and which might fall. Today, we delve into the conundrum of three teams that reached the postseason last year but could find themselves on the outside looking in when the playoffs roll around this time. Here’s a closer look at the shifting dynamics that might hinder their chances in 2024.
Buffalo Bills: Cap Troubles and Key Losses
Despite having one of the league’s top quarterbacks in Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills are facing a significant challenge heading into the new season. The team’s cap situation has limited their ability to make impactful additions, forcing them to part ways with several key players.
Notably, wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been traded to the Houston Texans, and Gabe Davis left for the Jacksonville Jaguars via free agency. The Bills attempted to fill these gaps by signing Curtis Samuel and drafting Keon Coleman. However, these changes may not be enough to maintain the offensive potency Buffalo fans have grown accustomed to.
The AFC East is still within reach, but with the New York Jets looking strong and the Miami Dolphins coming off an 11-win season, the division is anything but a guaranteed win for the Bills. Their performance last season was a mixed bag, with a late surge barely securing a playoff spot. Without significant improvements, the Bills could be looking at a modest nine-win season, which might not suffice for a playoff berth.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Quarterback Upgrade, Offensive Woes
The Pittsburgh Steelers are another team that could struggle to replicate last year’s playoff appearance. Despite overhauling their quarterback room—a move highlighted by the acquisition of Russell Wilson—the Steelers still have glaring weaknesses, particularly in their receiving corps. After trading Diontae Johnson, the team is left with George Pickens and little else in terms of proven talent at wide receiver. The pressure will be on rookie Roman Wilson to step up.
The Steelers’ playoff run last year might be viewed as somewhat fortuitous, benefiting from injuries to key players on rival teams. With their division rivals, particularly the Cincinnati Bengals, expected to be at full strength with a healthy Joe Burrow, Pittsburgh might find itself struggling to keep pace in a competitive AFC North.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Narrow Margins and Stiff Competition
Finally, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, despite being the reigning NFC South champions, could face an uphill battle to repeat their success. Last season, the Bucs clinched the division with a modest 9-8 record, edging out the New Orleans Saints only by a tiebreaker. This year, the competition looks even tougher, with the Atlanta Falcons poised for improvement after adding quarterback Kirk Cousins, and the Saints maintaining a solid, if unspectacular, roster.
While the Buccaneers have managed to re-sign key players like Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans, they haven’t made significant additions to the squad. This lack of new blood could prove detrimental as they attempt to fend off their division rivals. Tampa Bay might still be the best team in the NFC South, but the margin is razor-thin, and any slip-ups could cost them dearly.
What Lies Ahead For NFL 2024?
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, these teams are at a crossroads. The dynamics of the league are ever-changing, and last year’s success guarantees nothing. Fans will be watching closely, hoping their teams can overcome the odds and secure a spot in the postseason. But as history often shows, in the NFL, nothing is ever certain.
Source- Nflanalysis
