It may be seven months away, but anticipation is already building for Super Bowl LIX as the NFL continues to prepare for the new season.
The Kansas City Chiefs secured their second title in a row and will be looking to win their fourth Super Bowl in five years when the Lombardi Trophy heads to New Orleans in 2025.
The season is shaping up to be an exciting one following the annual draft and free agency window, with the top three picks all being College quarterbacks who are looking to make an instant impact.
Ahead of the season opener in the first week of September, we take a look at who you can expect to challenge deep into the play-offs this year and which teams have work to do in the next six weeks.
📰 Table Of Contents
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs will not go away and they are being backed to put together another strong run.
The reigning champions have not been too busy in the off-season, but they did draft Xavier Worthy with the No.28 pick.
He will add some quality when Mahomes opts to go deep and it gives more freedom to tight end Travis Kelce, who is sure to be the centre of attention alongside Taylor Swift again in the new season.
BACK-TO-BACK SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!!!
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) February 12, 2024
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers were the Chiefs’ Super Bowl opponents in Las Vegas last February and yet again they fell short.
It marks the second time in three seasons that they have fallen at the final hurdle but it does not mean they will not be back again, such is the quality of their roster.
Christian McCaffrey was a serious shout for the regular season MVP last term and it is almost guaranteed that he will lead Brock Purdy’s offence once again.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have the 2023-24 MVP as their quarterback and Lamar Jackson will be out for blood after his side fell short last season.
They were the best team during the regular season and certainly have the tools to challenge for the Super Bowl in 2025.
The addition of cornerback Nate Wiggins will provide more defensive quality for the Ravens who on paper, have one of, if not the best squads in the NFL.
ONLY 5️⃣0️⃣ DAYS AWAY! #Kickoff2024 pic.twitter.com/DEFfnXkhMH
— NFL (@NFL) July 17, 2024
Philadelphia Eagles
Expectations are always high for the Philadelphia Eagles but last season was a disappointing one considering their start.
Jalen Hurts and Co went 10-1 before losing five of their last six games and then being knocked out in the Wild Card round of the play-offs.
They may have lost Jason Kelce this summer, but there is no doubt with their talented squad they will be back in the mix.
Houston Texans
CJ Stroud is the star of the Houston Texans after just one season in which he recorded 4,557 total passing yards.
It was the second-most in NFL history by a rookie, who unsurprisingly won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
They did lose to the Ravens in the play-offs at the start of 2024 but there is hope in Houston that the experience alongside the addition of Stefon Diggs will propel them forward this year.
Blessing your timeline with CJ7 🫡 pic.twitter.com/SYTBNqUFRx
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) July 17, 2024
Dark Horses
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions enjoyed a breakthrough season in the NFL last term, losing the NFC Championship match to the 49ers but recording one of their best campaigns in recent history.
Amon-Ra St. Brown caught the eye for his brilliant efforts and although he did not officially make the All-Pro team, he was more than deserving of a place.
Jared Goff will be eyeing another impressive season for his offence in Detroit while the defence has been handed a big boost with the arrival of cornerback Terrion Arnold.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals were incredibly unlucky in their last run after they lost star quarterback Joe Burrow to injury.
It meant they finished their season 9-8 overall but things are expected to be much better this time round.
Amarius Mims was drafted in to protect the man with the ball and if Burrow can stay fit, there is every chance the Bengals can put together a good run in the AFC.
Time to give your phone a lil’ refresh pic.twitter.com/qIaTK92iqM
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) July 17, 2024
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears arguably had the best draft of anyone, bringing in two top first-round picks.
Caleb Williams was the No.1 pick overall this summer and everyone will be watching to see what the young quarterback can do for the Bears.
He will have a brilliant weapon in Rome Odunze, who was brought in at No.9 to bolster the offence and make the Bears a real dark horse in the NFL.
