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Free company will not start till March 13 and the draft in Detroit follows on April 25, so groups have important roster strikes to make earlier than the 2024 season begins in September. That hasn’t stopped Yardbarker NFL writers from evaluating the Tremendous Bowl potential of all 16 AFC groups. (2023 regular-season data are in parenthesis.)
AFC East
BUFFALO BILLS (11-6) | SB potential: At all times within the combine | Though the Payments can be perennial contenders so long as Josh Allen is at quarterback, it is clear the roster should be revamped after getting bounced out of the playoffs by the Chiefs once more. Buffalo established a run-first identification late within the season and should design its 2024 roster with gamers who match that fashion long run, which ought to embrace slicing ties with WR Stefon Diggs this offseason.
MIAMI DOLPHINS (11-6) | SB potential: If well being permits | The Dolphins will spend 2024 combating to shed the “pretender” label after a dismal exhibiting within the wild-card spherical, but when their protection is wholesome come playoff time, Miami could have a shot on the Tremendous Bowl. Miami’s protection was decimated by season’s finish, however the unit solely allowed the Tenth-fewest yards per recreation (318.3), so if edge-rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips can bounce again, the group can be well-positioned to contend for a title.
NEW YORK JETS (7-10) | SB potential: If the 40-year-old QB rebounds | Regardless of averaging the second-fewest yards (268.6) and fourth-fewest factors per recreation (15.8) this season, the Jets nonetheless gained seven video games, thanks largely to their protection, which allowed the third-fewest whole yards (4,969). QB Aaron Rodgers most likely will not return to MVP-level kind — particularly since he averaged simply 217.4 passing yards per recreation in 2022 — however the future Corridor of Famer has the supporting forged to make a deep playoff run.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (4-13) | SB potential: Don’t even give it some thought | Coming off the seventh-worst season in franchise historical past (4-13) and the head-coaching change from Invoice Belichick to first-year man Jerod Mayo, the Patriots have an extended rebuilding course of forward of them. On the intense aspect, New England has an thrilling place to begin because it holds the third-most projected cap area amongst groups ($66.1M) and the No. 3 general choose in April’s NFL Draft. — Colum Dell
AFC West
DENVER BRONCOS (8-9) | SB potential: Mile-high climb | The Broncos should enter rebuilding mode after lacking the playoffs for an eighth consecutive season. Denver will seemingly launch quarterback Russell Wilson this offseason and draft his alternative; ESPN’s Jordan Reid recently predicted they’ll take Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy with the twelfth general choose.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (11-6) | SB potential: Can anybody say “dynasty”? | The Chiefs have made 4 Tremendous Bowls since 2018 and will turn out to be the primary group to repeat as champions for the reason that 2004 New England Patriots. Famous person QB Patrick Mahomes is barely 28, so Ok.C.’s Tremendous Bowl window stays vast open.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (8-9) | SB potential: Ask once more later | Rookie head coach Antonio Pierce — who went 5-4 whereas he served as an interim HC — confirmed he has what it takes to reach the league. Nonetheless, the Raiders nonetheless don’t have the reply at QB, as rookie Aidan O’Connell threw for 12 TDs (and 7 interceptions) and posted a below-average 40.6 QBR in 11 video games.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (5-12) | SB potential: Excessive-voltage Harbaugh makes it doable | New HC Jim Harbaugh — the 2011 NFL Coach of the Yr with the 49ers— ought to re-energize the franchise after a disappointing season. The Chargers have a stable roster, which incorporates star QB Justin Herbert and security Derwin James Jr., who ought to thrive with a confirmed HC. — Clark Dalton
AFC North
BALTIMORE RAVENS (13-4) | SB potential: Run it again? | The Ravens are arguably one of the best group within the NFL with MVP-favorite Lamar Jackson and probably the greatest defenses within the league. With Jackson locked up for the foreseeable future, Baltimore has a superb probability to hoist a Vince Lombardi Trophy — particularly if Jackson lastly performs properly within the playoffs.
CLEVELAND BROWNS (11-6) | SB potential: Is determined by Deshaun | The Browns had one of the best protection in whole yards allowed per recreation (270.2) this season, however even that didn’t show to be sufficient. Cleveland wants QB Deshaun Watson to lastly put all of it collectively in his third season with the group or it would come up brief as soon as once more.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (9-8) | SB potential: The window is all the time open | In 2023, QB Joe Burrow told reporters the Bengals’ Tremendous Bowl window is his complete profession in Cincinnati. The No. 1 general choose in 2020 has led his group to 2 AFC title video games and a Tremendous Bowl look previously 4 seasons. If he is wholesome, why ought to 2024 be any totally different?
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (10-7) | SB potential: At the least one other profitable season | Head coach Mike Tomlin elevated his consecutive non-losing seasons streak to 17 this season, and there’s no cause he can’t make it 18 in 2024. Nonetheless, with main questions at quarterback, the Steelers will seemingly fall wanting the playoffs or be one-and-done for the eighth straight season. — Aaron Becker
AFC South
HOUSTON TEXANS (10-7) | SB potential: Proper on the doorstep | So long as C.J. Stroud is the QB, Houston can be a perennial playoff group, however GM Nick Caserio should construct a championship group round him. If Houston provides Stroud a reliable working again, higher blocking and extra pass-rush assist, the group might shock some folks and make a deep playoff run.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (9-8) | SB potential: Not fairly there | Getting a full season from a wholesome Anthony Richardson can be an enormous improve from Gardner Minshew, however the Colts are greater than only a piece or two from competing for a Tremendous Bowl. The playoffs may be a practical risk, however Indy should add extra weapons within the passing recreation and shore up its entrance seven earlier than it thinks about chasing a hoop.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (9-8) | SB potential: Disappointment for Duval | The Jags have been division champs two seasons in the past and simply missed out on the playoffs this season, however their present teaching workers doesn’t precisely scream championship-caliber. Trevor Lawrence didn’t take a step ahead in his improvement, the protection nonetheless wants some work and the Jaguars are not any nearer to competing for a Tremendous Bowl in 2024 than they have been once they made it to the AFC Championship recreation in 2017.
TENNESSEE TITANS (6-11) | SB potential: It’d take a Music Metropolis Miracle | With a second-year GM, a first-year head coach (Brian Callahan), a second-year QB (Will Levis), no Derrick Henry and one of many worst rosters within the NFL, the Titans are years away from competing for something. Except Levis has a Stroud-like Yr 2 and Tyjae Spears is Henry 2.0, Tennessee can be fortunate to match its 2023 file. — Michael Gallagher
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