With the NFL season right around the corner, fans and analysts have focused their eyes on the recently unveiled schedules. The excitement headed into the 2024 season is electric, as we look ahead at potentially juicy matchups and make our way-too-early predictions. Most importantly, some teams are poised to become heavy-hitters, while the future may be less rosy for others.
Watch out world, because the Denver Broncos are poised to steal the show! They will hope to complete their two-game season series against the Kansas City Chiefs for the first time since 2014. New head coach Sean Payton is changing the Broncos into a scary competitor for the Chiefs. In their four matchups since Payton’s hiring, the club has undeniably stamped its alpha dog mentality all over these games. Playoff hopes are alive and well, the New York Jets are hell bent on making a strong closing statement. They’re going for wins in five of their final six games while fully understanding playoff hopes are impossible. Despite all these issues, this late offensive flurry may have sparked hope for the team’s potential comeback in 2026.
Broncos vs. Chiefs: A Historic Rivalry
The rivalry between the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs has long been one of the most anticipated matchups in the NFL. This year, the Broncos have an opportunity to do something special and sweep the Chiefs for the first time in nearly a decade. It would be their first two-game season series win over Kansas City since 2014.
Through his first few months as head coach, Sean Payton and the Broncos have come a long way from their division foe. They’ve made it difficult for the Chiefs in each one of their past three meetings, showcasing resolve and tactical skill. This season will be no different, as both teams are again loaded and expectations could hardly be higher.
On the other side of the ball, the Broncos’ defense is poised to be a focal point in the “keys to success.” Analysts are betting the team will force over three turnovers in their season opener. We’re counting on this strong performance to make a powerful statement for the games that follow. The offensive freedom and defensive ferocity would be important in keeping momentum, especially against the Chiefs.
Jets’ Late Surge: Hope for the Future
Hopes are high for the New York Jets as they head into this NFL season — a sharp contrast to their disastrous last season. As they look ahead to closing out their season, everyone is a little wary about getting overly optimistic. The Jets are looking to close the season, winning five of their last six games. Even with this improbable success, they are not going to make the postseason.
Only one of their last six opponents—the Buffalo Bills—has a winning record from last season. This makes for an interesting situation for the Jets to pick up some wins and gain some positive momentum going into the offseason. A performance like that would surely instill the belief in the U.S. fans and players that a deeper run in ’26 would be possible.
While the Jets missed out on making the playoffs this season, their outlook remains bright. A strong finish would be a sign that much better things are indeed ahead. Collectively, their inexperienced roster will continue to acquire the priceless experience that can often be a secret weapon in later seasons.
Challenges Ahead for Other Teams
Quite a few other teams are going through their own specific obstacles as they venture into this NFL campaign. The Atlanta Falcons don’t have much wiggle-room on their schedule moving forward. They were still waking up over the past month to make for a great late-season run! How they do will mostly be up to them and how they are able to adjust and react to the challenges of a brand new season.
And, like the Saints, the Carolina Panthers are in for a fascinating campaign. They are predicted to defeat Tampa Bay in both Weeks 16 and 18, allowing them to capture the NFC South title with an 8-9 record. This imaginary situation would be a testament to the league’s unpredictability. Even the worst teams in the league can pull off shocking upsets during impactful rivalry games.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills have proven consistent superiority against other AFC East members in recent seasons. Looking at their division record – a stellar 24-6 against the Jets, Dolphins and Patriots – you might find the answer there. This season, they are positioned to extend their dominance over divisional opponents.
On the opposite coast, over on the West Coast, the San Francisco 49ers are expected to be storming into season 4-0. If they continue to build on their strong start, they might have a winning campaign on their hands as they continue to push for playoff contention.
Perhaps less shocking is the fact that Washington’s expected to win three of their last four contests. This would secure a playoff berth and be a huge improvement from the last few seasons. The Bengals are expected to fare well against tough competition, winning at least two games during a challenging three-game stretch that includes two encounters with the Ravens and a road game against Buffalo.
Finally, the Las Vegas Raiders could run into trouble as they have back-to-back Chargers-Commanders matchups. Nobody said making the playoffs would be easy, and their ability to navigate this specific gauntlet will be key to their playoff hopes.
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