The power rankings are returned to as the National Football League (NFL) season is set to restart. Notably, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers are sat at the top of the pack, while the Hall of Fame Game participants – Houston Texans and Chicago Bears – are set to make massive strides in the season. The long offseason is officially over with training camps opening across the teams. Entering the season, teams’ preparation and management moves will be an element to look forward to in the preseason.
Over recent seasons, the Chiefs have consistently been top contenders, with Patrick Mahomes leading the team to a Super Bowl championship. The quarterback has proved his dominance by winning 15 playoff games, placing himself third, behind Tom Brady and Joe Montana, for the most playoff games won by a quarterback. Another team expected to surpass expectations is the 49ers, who have relied mostly on underdog quarterbacks to reach two Super Bowls and NFC title games.
The Detroit Lions have been quite resourceful in this offseason, having won more games since 2022 than they had in the previous 5 years. The Lions have extended contracts of key players including Jared Goff and Penei Sewell. Concurrently, Houston Texans are doubling efforts in their preparation for the new season, led by their rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud. The team has added notable names to its roster, including Dalton Schultz and Stefon Diggs.
Standing out in their preparations are the Baltimore Ravens who despite winning the 2023 AFC Championship, have had to adjust to the loss of key players and personnel. Notably, they have had to add Derrick Henry into their team. However, Lamar Jackson, the league’s reigning MVP, lost significant weight, sparking a debate on whether he will maintain his top performance.
The Cleveland Browns have moved to rejuvenate their squad by acquiring Deshaun Watson from the Texans, in a deal involving three first-round picks. Watson, expected to partner with Nick Chubb, will hopefully return to his formidable form, aiding the Browns in their quest for the championship. For Dallas Cowboys, Dak Prescott’s contract status has intrigued fans, amid uncertainty over its extension.
Green Bay Packers, though the youngest playoff team last season, is looking to build on their scoring and winning momentum from the last season. Coach Matt LaFleur will rely heavily on 25-year-old quarterback Jordan Love in the new season. The Buffalo Bills’ chances in the new season lay with their quarterback, Josh Allen. Despite losing key players in the offseason, the team’s confidence in Allen’s capability may steer the Bills into a successful season.
