The biggest wish for every NFL fan base in 2024

The Cardinals are in an enviable position with two first-round picks in the 2024 draft. They could use that capital to take a new quarterback, or possibly stick with Kyler Murray after what he’s shown since returning from knee surgery. It’s unclear which way Arizona is leaning, but they’ll certainly have an opportunity to improve in the draft.

The Falcons have spent first-round picks on three offensive weapons in three years, and yet none of those players have been headliners in the offense. It’s not for lack of talent, as Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson have each shown flashes when given the ball. Head coach Arthur Smith’s frustrating use of his top talent could eventually cost him his job, but there’s still hope for 2024.

Lamar Jackson has accomplished almost everything he set out to do in the NFL, with the notable exception of a Super Bowl. Baltimore has experienced significant disappointment during recent playoff appearances, but the Ravens and Jackson have a chance to change that trend in 2024.

There was fear of defensive regression for the Bills this season with the loss of coordinator Leslie Frazier. While the unit has still been formidable, they have struggles at times and regressed after top-two finishes in the last two years. The team is suffered significant injuries, but has the talent to show better in 2024.

Young is having a nightmarish rookie season, but he hasn’t exactly had much help in Carolina. The team is lacking much talent on offense, and fired head coach Frank Reich before his first season concluded. The Panthers can and should do better to develop Young.

The odds are strong that the Bears will earn the first overall pick in the draft, as they own both their own pick and that of the Panthers. USC superstar Caleb Williams is expected to be the top pick in the draft, and would be too good to pass on despite the presence of Justin Fields.

Cincinnati’s season has been all but wrecked by injuries, particularly that of Joe Burrow. The quarterback is out for the remainder of the season due to a wrist injury, and he struggled through a calf injury early in the year. The franchise has come so close to winning a Super Bowl over the last two years, and still have the core to return next season if better luck is on their side.

2023 was supposed to be Watson’s first full season in Cleveland, but shoulder issues limited and ultimately ended his year. He was a shell of his former self when he did play, but the hope is that better health next year will help Watson return to his early-career form.

Dallas hasn’t surpassed the Divisional Round of the playoffs since they won the Super Bowl in 1995. That futility includes 12 playoff appearances. The team has the talent on offense and defense to progress through the NFC, but they have to put it all together.

After a very slow start, Denver has shown progress in recent weeks and is in playoff contention. Wilson’s efficient play is a big reason, though it’s still unclear if the team can reach their goals with the former Seahawks star under center. There remains hope Denver can be more than just a conservative, protect-the-ball offense with Wilson.

Detroit’s incredible losing ways finally look like they’re coming to an end, with the team set to win the NFC North. Fans hope they can make even more noise in the playoffs, with the franchise’s last playoff win coming in 1991.

The pressure was on Love to produce this season after Green Bay traded Aaron Rodgers, but the jury is still out on the young quarterback. He’s certainly shown positive signs, like his outstanding play on Thanksgiving at Detroit, but Love might need to do some more convincing down the stretch and into next season to convince fans he’s the next great Packers quarterback.

DeMeco Ryans was seen as a strong head-coaching hire, but few expected the Texans to return to contention so soon. Second-overall draft choice C.J. Stroud has quickly become a star, and the team has reason to believe they can be true contenders next year if they continue to draft well.

Richardson’s rookie season was a disappointment due to injury, as the former Florida quarterback appeared in only four games before being lost for the season. It was a major blow for the developmental project, but there remains hope he can make a leap next season when he returns to health.

Jacksonville made a surprising jump to win the AFC South last season, and they’ve continued to improve this year. However, the team has been well below the top tier in either offense or defense, and have faced tough losses to top teams like the Chiefs and 49ers. Doug Pederson has his team on the right track, but few are counting them as a true contender this year.

The defending champs have been the favorites to win the Super Bowl for most of this season despite their issues at wideout. An elite defense and the presence of Patrick Mahomes puts that goal within reach if the receivers perform better down the stretch.

The Raiders have suffered recent woes, as Jon Gruden was fired in 2021 for off-field reasons and Josh McDaniels was handed a pink slip before completing two seasons. The Raiders have to get the head-coaching hire right before they can worry about their talent deficiencies.

It looks like the Chargers are set for yet another disappointing season despite changes at coordinator under head coach Brandon Staley. As usual, the team has also suffered numerous major injuries. Los Angeles just can’t get out of their own way, but big changes could be in store.

After years of kicking the can down the road, the Rams struggled last year and lost major talent in the offseason. The team has fared better than expected this season, and have also seen surprising contributions from young players like receiver Puka Nacua. The Rams could get back to contention sooner than expected if their young talent develops like Nacua has in his rookie campaign.

Superstar wideout Tyreek Hill is having another historic season along with Mike McDaniel’s impressive Dolphins offense. Miami looks set for another playoff appearance, and could make a run if Tua Tagovailoa and Hill perform to their potential.

Minnesota has somehow remained in playoff contention this season despite major injuries to Justin Jefferson and Kirk Cousins. The future of both players in Minnesota is murky, but fans have seen plenty of evidence the tandem can produce under head coach Kevin O’Connell. Whether they remain together in 2024 remains to be seen, but there’s hope of a more exciting team next season in any case.

New England’s 2023 season has been a nightmare, with Mac Jones failing to put his sophomore struggles behind him and the wideout group failing to materialize. The Patriots are set to pick early in the 2024 draft, where they should have an opportunity to take an impact offensive player. It’s clear they need to address multiple positions on offense before next season.

The Saints hoped Derek Carr would be the answer to their quarterback issues since Drew Brees’ retirement, but that hasn’t been the case. The former Raider has produced more stagnant offense while playing through injury. It remains to be seen where the Saints go from here, but many fans are ready to turn the page at quarterback again.

Prior to suffering a season-ending knee injury, Daniel Jones struggled under center as a turnover machine for the Giants. That’s a far cry from what fans saw last season when Jones led the team to the playoffs. After signing Jones to a long-term deal last offseason, the hope is that he will get back on track in 2024.

Jets fans’ hopes were dashed in Week 1 when Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles. He has a shot to return before the end of this season, but the real hope is that Rodgers is at full strength in 2024. The team has bent over backwards to appease him, and it would be quite a setback if Rodgers is unable to return to form.

The Eagles came up just short of winning the Super Bowl against the Chiefs last year. They have a great chance to earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC and make another run with Jalen Hurts’ strong play at quarterback.

Fans’ hopes of firing offensive coordinator Matt Canada finally came to fruition. Still, Pickett has seen major regression in his second season, and there remain questions if he’s the long-term answer at quarterback. Bringing in an experienced offensive coordinator for 2024 could be key.

The 49ers came up just short in the Super Bowl four years ago, but this year’s roster has an excellent chance to return to the big game. Elite talent on both sides of the ball and efficient play from Brock Purdy has the team in position to make a playoff run.

Seattle surprised with a playoff appearance at 9-8 last season, and are in a similar spot this year. Unfortunately, the defense has stagnated despite some significant offseason moves, but the team hopes to get over the hump after a series of strong draft picks over the last two years.

Baker Mayfield has been efficient in replacing Tom Brady, but it should come as no surprise that the Bucs offense has struggled overall. He’s been unable to provide many explosive plays for Tampa Bay, and fans are hopeful the team can find their future at quarterback soon.

While it hasn’t been a big surprise to see Will Levis take over for Ryan Tannehill this season, the second-round pick has looked great at times. He has the arm to make all the throws, with the hope that Levis’ accuracy will continue to progress.

New Commander owner Josh Harris hasn’t had much time to make an impact since buying the team from maligned owner Daniel Snyder. The team enters a key offseason that could include a coaching change, as well as major evaluation at quarterback after Sam Howell’s ups and downs this year. After weathering Snyder’s ownership, fans would like some positive efforts toward producing a winner again.