We have officially reached the halfway point of the 2024 National Football League regular season. This has been one of the most entertaining seasons in recent memory and has produced some interesting surprises across the league. Let’s get into the top ten teams to watch as we enter the second half of the 2024 NFL campaign.
- San Francisco 49ers – Although they began off to a slow start, San Francisco has been hot recently. This recent stretch can be attributed to the return of their star running back and leader, Christian McCaffrey. Also, former late-round draft pick Brock Purdy is playing a solid season at the quarterback position. The 49ers are fighting for a playoff spot in a very close divisional race with the Seahawks, Rams, and the Cardinals.
- Houston Texans – Similar to the 49ers, the Texans are another team that fans expected to have a better record at this point in the season. Once considered a juggernaut in the AFC, the Texans have suffered significant injuries, such as losing star wide receiver Stefon Diggs for the entire season with an ACL tear. Not to mention, Will Anderson Jr. and Nico Collins have also missed time. Houston does have a favorable remaining schedule, as over half of their opponents have fewer wins than losses.
- Green Bay Packers – The Packers have been a very inconsistent team so far. They are competing in the most difficult division in football, led by young quarterback Jordan Love. One of the toughest things to do in the NFL is playing at Lambeau Field, which will become much more of a factor in this second half of the season as the weather gets colder and snow begins to fall. With the division seemingly out of reach, the Packers push to be a top wild-card seed in the NFC.
- Washington Commanders – This football team may be one of the most entertaining groups of players to watch in the NFL. Jayden Daniels has become an easy favorite for NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year as he has been continuously dominating the league with the combination of his arm and his legs. Also, the revamped defense has stolen a couple of games for this talented football team.
- Pittsburgh Steelers – The Steelers are also another surprising team that has emerged as a contender this season. Following the uncertainty in the quarterback room with the inconsistent Justin Fields and the veteran Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh has found a balance of the two and has utilized them to their capabilities. The Steelers also have one of the best defensive players in the league, TJ Watt, who currently leads the league in forced fumbles. The road ahead will be difficult, with multiple crucial games against divisional rivals Cincinnati, Baltimore, and Cleveland.
- Philadelphia Eagles – The Birds have continued their narrative of having one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. Jalen Hurts is still one of the most rush-efficient quarterbacks in the league, averaging around four yards per carry. Rookie defensive backs Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell are also standouts on the defensive side of the ball. The Eagles are competing with the Washington Commanders for the top spot in the NFC East division.
- Baltimore Ravens – Baltimore has been a team with Super Bowl aspirations for the past couple of years but just seems to fall short every time. They need to get a championship very soon, as their window may be closing. Superstar MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry are right in the middle of their primes, and the Ravens need to be sure to take advantage of their skill sets. Similar to the Steelers, Baltimore is also competing for the top spot in the very difficult AFC North division.
- Buffalo Bills – The Bills Mafia could not be more excited about their football team right now. After losing key wide receiver Stefon Diggs, many counted the Bills out. Rookie Keon Coleman and trade acquisition Amari Cooper have turned the wide receiver room into an elite group. Josh Allen has carried this team to a great position and continues to solidify himself as a top-five quarterback in the NFL. The Bills should cruise to a very high seed in the AFC, as they are leading their division by a long shot.
- Kansas City Chiefs – The NFL has learned over the past couple of years to never count out the Kansas City Chiefs. Andy Reid is looking to coach this superstar-filled team to their third straight Super Bowl victory. Even though Patrick Mahomes is having an uncharacteristically off year with the ball, he still ranks above average at the quarterback position. One struggle the Chiefs have had this season is staying healthy, as they are without Rashee Rice and Isiah Pacheco heading into the final stretch of the season. Kansas City always seems to elevate their play in the postseason, which is why they are ranked so high.
- Detroit Lions – After countless seasons of suffering at the bottom of the league, the Lions are finally considered a Super Bowl favorite. There are no weaknesses when you watch this team play football. The creative offense continues to blow teams out of the water, with Jared Goff emerging as a well-regarded MVP favorite. Also worth mentioning, the running back duo nicknamed “Sonic and Knuckles” featuring Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are putting up historic stats. The Lions are pushing through a plethora of injuries, including superstar Aidan Hutchinson, Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, and Ifeatu Melifonwu. Coach Dan Campbell has his eyes set on leading this team to the Super Bowl for the first time in history.
