9. Minnesota Vikings
The Purple Gang has had its share of good football teams over the last four-plus decades. However, it is hard to fathom that this franchise has not been to the Super Bowl since the 1976 season. After six years in Minnesota, quarterback Kirk Cousins (who missed most of 2023) is now a member of the Atlanta Falcons.
Kevin O’Connell is counting on veteran Sam Darnold and eventually 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. Aaron Jones should bolster the NFL’s 29th-ranked ground game from 2023. Wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson are tremendous. Can the defense continue to make strides?
8. Atlanta Falcons
After three straight 7-10 showings, the franchise parted ways with Arthur Smith. Raheem Morris is back with the club, and GM Terry Fontenot added quarterback Kirk Cousins and wideouts Rondale Moore and Darnell Mooney to an offense that already had Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and talented running back Bijan Robinson.
Jimmy Lake is the new defensive coordinator. The Falcons came up with just 16 takeaways in 17 games this past season, and the club had its problems protecting fourth-quarter leads. Atlanta totaled 42 sacks, but Calais Campbell (6.5) and Bud Dupree (6.5) are now with the Dolphins and Chargers, respectively.
7. Buffalo Bills
It’s a team that’s been to the playoffs five consecutive years, but over that span has reached the AFC Championship Game only once. The Buffalo Bills, winners of four straight AFC East titles, did a lot of tweaking this offseason due to salary cap issues, and youth will have to be served in many aspects.
The club’s biggest problem in recent years has been the Chiefs. The Bills have been able to knock off Andy Reid’s team in the regular season at Arrowhead Stadium, but the Chiefs have sent them home three of the past four seasons. How will quarterback Josh Allen adjust without wide receiver Stefon Diggs?