We have made it to the final article of my 2024 NFL record predictions, which is the NFC South & NFC West. At the end of this preview I will be giving my seeding predictions for the playoffs, so let's get right into it.
NFC South:
Atlanta Falcons (10-7) - In what is probably the weakest division in football, there is only going to be one team from the south that makes the playoffs, which I predict will be the Falcons. Atlanta made a lot of changes in the offseason, most of which will be instant improvement on years of disappointment. With new HC Raheem Moris and QB Kirk Cousins, the weapons that have been on hold for years should finally reach their potential.
New Orleans Saints (9-8) - Not much has been discussed about what the Saints have been up to this offseason, and a lot has been made about QB Derek Carr not being an elite QB. Last year was a total disappointment, and this year should see some improvement from WR Chris Olave and RB Alvin Kamara, but coaching changes need to be made and front office cleanout needs to happen in order for the Saints to get back to their winning ways.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9) - The Buccs shocked everyone by winning the division and making it to the NFC divisional round last year, but I believe regression is due. Losing OC Dave Canales is a big downgrade, and I do believe this is finally the year for Mike Evans to take a few steps back. Parlay that with Baker Mayfield not being able to create the magic of last season, and Tampa will fall under .500 this season.
Carolina Panthers (3-14) - This record is a one-win improvement from last season, but not much better. Bryce Young really worries me as he doesn’t have the physical tools to overcome his lack of size and offensive weapons. If the former Heisman winner doesn’t make huge leaps in his sophomore year, it could very well spell the end of the Bryce Young era in Carolina. I think the Panthers are starting to realize they made a big mistake taking an undersized QB #1 overall, and not surrounding him with elite weapons to help him succeed.
NFC West:
San Francisco 49ers (14-3) - The Super Bowl runner-ups are back ready to finally eclipse Kansas City and win the Lombardi Trophy. The team is the same as in 2023, with Brandon Ayiuk getting a massive overpay of a contract. This division has a lot of questions and the 49ers coaching staff easily gets them to another division crown and another Super Bowl run.
Los Angeles Rams (10-7) - Losing one of the best defensive players of all time Aaron Donald to retirement is the biggest loss any team had to deal with this past offseason, but Mcvay is one of the best coaches in the league. Combine him with a healthy Matt Stafford and elite weapons such as Puka Nucua and Cooper Kupp, and the Rams should firmly be in the mix for another postseason birth.
Arizona Cardinals (7-10) - I really want to put the Cardinals higher, but i think next year will be the season they make the playoffs. Kyler Murray is going into this season fully healthy and now has the best WR from the 2024 draft in Marvin Harrison Jr. With breakout TE Trey Mcbride, this offense should be incredibly explosive and throw for a load of yards. Unfortunately what makes them a below .500 team is the defensive unit, and i believe Arizona will be playing from behind in the majority of their games.
Seattle Seahawks (5-12) - Geno Smith and co had an improbable playoff run two years ago but fell short last year. Losing legendary HC Pete Caroll is a massive blow, and there is surely no way Geno can put together two elite seasons in three years. I think DK will still be an elite weapon, but a first-year HC with an average QB is not going to win you many ballgames in the NFL.
AFC Playoff Seeding:
KC Chiefs
Cincinnati Bengals
NY Jets
Indianapolis Colts
AFC Wild Card
Baltimore Ravens
Houston Texans
Buffalo Bills
NFC Playoff Seeding:
SF 49ers
Detriot Lions
Philadelphia Eagles
Atlanta Falcons
NFC Wild Card
Dallas Cowboys
Chicago Bears
Green Bay Packers
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