With the NFL season just around the corner, football fans and bettors eagerly await the release of season win totals. BetMGM has set the stage by unveiling the win totals for all 32 teams a whopping 162 days before the kickoff of the 2024 regular season. This early insight offers ample time for analysis and speculation, allowing enthusiasts to dissect each team's prospects well in advance. However, the landscape is far from static, with significant changes expected, particularly with the impending NFL Draft.
Teams to Keep an Eye On
While the release of win totals has sparked excitement, some initial numbers have raised eyebrows. Among the many figures, five win totals are particularly intriguing.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are entering the upcoming NFL season with a win projection set at 8.5 games, signaling uncertainty surrounding the team's performance. The arrival of new head coach Jim Harbaugh, fresh off a successful tenure at Michigan, has sparked optimism among some, with expectations that his leadership will catalyze a turnaround for the franchise. However, the transition to the NFL after several years away presents challenges for Harbaugh, raising questions about the team's ability to improve immediately.
While Harbaugh's appointment represents an upgrade for the Chargers, the team faces significant hurdles. The Chargers' disappointing 5-12 record last season underscores existing issues within the roster, compounded by a challenging offseason marked by salary cap constraints and key player departures such as Austin Ekeler, Mike Williams, and Keenan Allen. These setbacks have cast doubt on the team's talent and capacity to translate potential into on-field success.
Dallas Cowboys
Two years ago, despite offseason setbacks, the Cowboys exceeded expectations by winning 12 games despite a predicted underperformance. Last season, similar doubts led to another 12-win season despite a pessimistic outlook. This offseason, amidst negative headlines and notable losses in free agency, the Cowboys' win total stands at 10.5, disappointing those who favored a lower projection.
Despite the challenges, Dallas remains a formidable team, with the potential to reach or even surpass 11 wins, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the NFL.
Cleveland Browns
Despite the Cleveland Browns finishing last season with a commendable 11-6 record, scepticism surrounds Watson's ability to lead the team to success. While acknowledging Joe Flacco's admirable performance and the team's overall strength, doubts persist about Watson's impact. The Browns have managed to retain most of their key players from the 11-win season, offering continuity, and Watson's anticipated return is seen as an upgrade.
Additionally, there's hope for the return of star running back Nick Chubb from a significant knee injury, further bolstering the team's prospects.
However, the AFC North poses formidable competition, and concerns about Watson's potential liabilities linger. Despite this, it would be unexpected for the Browns to regress to an 8-9 record or worse, given their overall team strength and the potential upgrades Watson brings.
NewYork Jets
The Jets face uncertainty with an aging quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, recovering from an Achilles injury and nearing 41. Historically, quarterbacks of this age face significant challenges, although Rodgers could defy expectations. However, last season, the Jets' struggles extended beyond the quarterback position, hinting at deeper organizational issues.
Moreover, the competitive landscape of the AFC East adds another layer of difficulty. While Rodgers' return to form and the Jets' offseason improvements offer hope, reaching ten wins remains to be determined for New York.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons aim to improve with Kirk Cousins as their quarterback after years of mediocre performance. The transition from Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke to Cousins is anticipated to boost the team's win count by three. Additionally, the coaching change from Arthur Smith to Raheem Morris is expected to prioritize offensive talent better.
However, uncertainties loom as Cousins, coming off a torn Achilles, faces the challenge of adapting to a new environment at 36 years old. Considering the team's recent history of limited success, expecting a significant leap to 10 wins is optimistic but has yet to be assured.