Cincinnati Bengals | AFC North

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Head Coach: Zac Taylor (6th season)

Key Additions:

• Trent Brown (RT)
• Mike Gesicki (TE)
• Zach Moss (RB)
• Geno Stone (S)
• Vonn Bell (S)

Key Departures:

• DJ Reader (DT)
• Joe Mixon (RB)
• Jonah Williams (LT)
• Tyler Boyd (WR)

Last Season’s Results and Interesting Trends (2023):

• Overall Record: 9-8
• ATS Record: 7-8-2 ATS
• O/U Record: 10-7 O/U
  
  
• 7-1 1H O/U in road games
  

Last Season’s Ranks (2023):

• EPA/play (offense): 13th
• Rush EPA (offense): 15th
• Pass EPA (offense): 16th
  
  
• EPA/play allowed (defense): 27th
• Rush EPA (defense): 25th
• Pass EPA (defense): 24th
  
  
• Plays per game: 24th
• Seconds per snap (lowest to highest): 26th

2024 Season Schedule:

• Week 1: New England Patriots (Home)
• Week 2: Kansas City Chiefs (Away)
• Week 3: Washington Commanders (Home)
• Week 4: Carolina Panthers (Away)
• Week 5: Baltimore Ravens (Home)
• Week 6: New York Giants (Away)
• Week 7: Cleveland Browns (Away)
• Week 8: Philadelphia Eagles (Home)
• Week 9: Las Vegas Raiders (Home)
• Week 10: Baltimore Ravens (Away)
• Week 11: Los Angeles Chargers (Away)
• Week 12: BYE
• Week 13: Pittsburgh Steelers (Home)
• Week 14: Dallas Cowboys (Away)
• Week 15: Tennessee Titans (Away)
• Week 16: Cleveland Browns (Home)
• Week 17: Denver Broncos (Home)
• Week 18: Pittsburgh Steelers (Away)

Commentary: The Cincinnati Bengals are entering the 2024 season with significant changes that could impact their performance. Joe Burrow’s recovery from injuries and the team’s defensive struggles from last season will be key factors in their success. The Bengals’ defense was notably weak last year, ranking 27th in EPA/play allowed, 25th in rush EPA, and 24th in pass EPA.

Trent Brown’s arrival should bolster the offensive line, providing Joe Burrow with better protection, which is crucial given his injury history.

Overall, while the Bengals have a solid foundation, their success will largely depend on how well they adapt to the new roster changes, especially on defense and along the offensive line. With an easier schedule and improved injury luck, they could still be a top team in the AFC North.

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Chicago Bears | NFC North

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Head Coach: Matt Eberflus (3rd season)

Key Additions:

• Caleb Williams (QB)
• Rome Odunze (WR)
• Keenan Allen (WR)
• Ryan Bates (C)
• D’andre Swift (RB)
• Kevin Byard (S)

Key Departures:

• Justin Fields (QB)
• Darnell Mooney (WR)
• Lucas Patrick (C)
• Eddie Jackson (S)

Last Season’s Results and Interesting Trends (2023):

• Overall Record: 7-10
• ATS Record: 8-8 ATS
• O/U Record: 9-8 O/U
  

Last Season’s Ranks (2023):

• EPA/play (offense): 21st
• Rush EPA (offense): 9th
• Pass EPA (offense): 24th
  
  
• EPA/play allowed (defense): 16th
• Rush EPA (defense): 7th
• Pass EPA (defense): 19th
  
  
• Plays per game: 9th
• Seconds per snap (lowest to highest): 30th

2024 Season Schedule:

• Week 1: Tennessee Titans (Home)
• Week 2: Houston Texans (Away)
• Week 3: Indianapolis Colts (Away)
• Week 4: Los Angeles Rams (Home)
• Week 5: Carolina Panthers (Home)
• Week 6: Jacksonville Jaguars (Neutral)
• Week 7: BYE
• Week 8: Washington Commanders (Away)
• Week 9: Arizona Cardinals (Away)
• Week 10: New England Patriots (Home)
• Week 11: Green Bay Packers (Home)
• Week 12: Minnesota Vikings (Home)
• Week 13: Detroit Lions (Away)
• Week 14: San Francisco 49ers (Away)
• Week 15: Minnesota Vikings (Away)
• Week 16: Detroit Lions (Home)
• Week 17: Seattle Seahawks (Home)
• Week 18: Green Bay Packers (Away)

Commentary: The Chicago Bears enter the 2024 season with renewed optimism following a season of transition. The arrival of Caleb Williams, the top pick in the draft, is set to be a game-changer for the franchise. Williams’ dual-threat capabilities offer a significant upgrade at the quarterback position, potentially revitalizing an offense that struggled with consistency last year.

The Bears’ offensive overhaul continues with the addition of Keenan Allen, whose veteran savvy and playmaking skills should provide a stabilizing force for the receiving corps. Alongside Allen, the promising Rome Odunze is expected to make an immediate impact, giving the Bears a more dynamic passing attack. The acquisition of D’Andre Swift adds a versatile dimension to the running game, complementing the Bears’ already strong rushing attack from last season.

On the defensive side, the addition of Kevin Byard addresses the need for a playmaker in the secondary. Byard’s leadership and skill set should help elevate the Bears’ pass defense, which was inconsistent last year.

Overall, the Bears are poised for a potential breakout season. If Caleb Williams lives up to expectations and the new additions gel quickly, Chicago could emerge as a contender in the NFC North, especially with one of the easier schedules in the league.

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Carolina Panthers | NFC South

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Head Coach:

• Dave Canales (1st season)

Key Additions:

• Diontae Johnson (WR)
• Xavier Legette (WR) – Rookie
• Robert Hunt (RG)
• Damien Lewis (LG)
• Jadeveon Clowney (DE)

Key Departures:

• DJ Chark (WR)
• Frankie Luvu (LB)
• Donte Jackson (CB)
• Hayden Hurst (TE)

Last Season’s Results and Notes (2023):

• Overall Record: 2-15
• ATS Record: 5-11-1 ATS
• O/U Record: 7-10 O/U
  
• Divisional Games: 0-6 1H O/U and 1-5 O/U
• 1-6-1 O/U as home underdogs.

Last Season’s Ranks (2023):

• EPA/play (offense): 29th
• Rush EPA (offense): 24th
• Pass EPA (defense): 30th
  
  
• EPA/play allowed (defense): 26th
• Rush EPA (defense): 32nd
• Pass EPA (defense): 17th
  
  
• Plays per game: 10th
• Seconds per snap (lowest to highest): 21st

2024 Season Schedule:

• Week 1: Saints (Away)
• Week 2: Chargers (Home)
• Week 3: Raiders (Away)
• Week 4: Bengals (Home)
• Week 5: Bears (Away)
• Week 6: Falcons (Home)
• Week 7: Commanders (Away)
• Week 8: Broncos (Away)
• Week 9: Saints (Home)
• Week 10: Giants (Neutral)
• Week 11: Bye
• Week 12: Chiefs (Home)
• Week 13: Buccaneers (Home)
• Week 14: Eagles (Away)
• Week 15: Cowboys (Home)
• Week 16: Cardinals (Home)
• Week 17: Buccaneers (Away)
• Week 18: Falcons (Away)

Commentary:

Last season was a challenging one for the Panthers, as rookie quarterback and number one overall pick Bryce Young struggled to find his footing, leading to a disappointing 2-15 record. However, the Panthers have made significant strides in the offseason to bolster their roster, giving fans a reason to be cautiously optimistic.

The addition of wide receiver Diontae Johnson provides Young with a reliable target who excels in creating separation and moving the chains. Rookie Xavier Legette adds youthful energy and potential to the receiving corps, possibly emerging as a playmaker in his debut season. On the offensive line, the Panthers have invested in protecting their young quarterback by bringing in Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, both of whom are expected to stabilize the interior line and give Young more time to operate.

Defensively, the signing of Jadeveon Clowney brings much-needed pass-rush prowess, although his consistency remains a question. The departure of key players like DJ Chark, Frankie Luvu, and Donte Jackson will be felt, particularly on the defensive side, where the Panthers struggled mightily last season.

The 2024 season offers a fresh start under new head coach Dave Canales, who will be eager to implement his system and culture. After a dismal 2-win season, there is nowhere to go but up, and the development of Bryce Young will be critical to determining just how high the Panthers can rise. This season is all about progress, and if the new additions can gel quickly, the Panthers might surprise a few teams along the way.

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Buffalo Bills | AFC East

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Head Coach: Sean McDermott (8th season)

Key Additions:

• Curtis Samuel (WR)
• Mack Hollins (WR)
• La’el Collins (OT)
• Nicholas Morrow (LB)
• Mike Edwards (S)
• Will Clapp (C)
• Mitchell Trubisky (QB)

Key Departures:

• Stefon Diggs (WR)
• Leonard Floyd (DE)
• Mitch Morse (C)
• Gabe Davis (WR)
• Tre’Davious White (CB)
• Micah Hyde (S)

Last Season’s Results and Interesting Trends (2023):

• Overall Record: 11-6
• ATS Record: 7-10 ATS
• O/U Record: 6-11 O/U
  
  
• 2023: 1-5 ATS vs. teams with a 45% win percentage or below

Last Season’s Ranks (2023):

• EPA/play (offense): 3rd
• Rush EPA (offense): 2nd
• Pass EPA (offense): 5th
  
  
• EPA/play allowed (defense): 11th
• Rush EPA (defense): 24th
• Pass EPA (defense): 7th
  
  
• Plays per game: 5th
• Seconds per snap (lowest to highest): 24th

2024 Season Schedule:

• Week 1: Arizona Cardinals (Home)
• Week 2: Miami Dolphins (Away)
• Week 3: Jacksonville Jaguars (Home)
• Week 4: Baltimore Ravens (Away)
• Week 5: Houston Texans (Away)
• Week 6: New York Jets (Away)
• Week 7: Tennessee Titans (Home)
• Week 8: Seattle Seahawks (Away)
• Week 9: Miami Dolphins (Home)
• Week 10: Indianapolis Colts (Away)
• Week 11: Kansas City Chiefs (Home)
• Week 12: BYE
• Week 13: San Francisco 49ers (Home)
• Week 14: Los Angeles Rams (Away)
• Week 15: Detroit Lions (Away)
• Week 16: New England Patriots (Home)
• Week 17: New York Jets (Home)
• Week 18: New England Patriots (Away)

Commentary: The Buffalo Bills are set to face a challenging 2024-2025 season with a schedule that includes formidable opponents like the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and Baltimore Ravens. Key additions, such as wide receivers Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins, aim to offset the departure of Stefon Diggs. The Bills’ success will hinge on Josh Allen’s leadership and the team’s ability to integrate new talent effectively. With a solid defensive unit and an offense that can light up the scoreboard, the Bills are poised to contend for the AFC East title and beyond​.

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