Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means we're quickly approaching the home stretch of 2024 Season. There's still plenty of time for teams on the fringes to return to the playoffs, but even for those already looking ahead to 2025, there's reason to be hopeful.
In the spirit of the holiday, there is one thing each of the 32 teams can be thankful for this year:
The NFC West is wide open. Kyler Murray and Jonathan Gannon have made strides, and the team's slips have been offset by the struggling nature of typically elite rivals in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Everything is still ahead of them. Kirk Cousins has endured a roller coaster ride in Atlanta, but at 6-5 in a winnable division, they're still very likely in play for an NFC South title coming out of the bye.
Lamar Jackson plays the best ball of his career. Derrick Henrys The addition of an oversized slugger has helped the MVP quarterback reach new heights. He has never looked so comfortable and dynamic.
Josh Allen does not require an all-world setup. With a restructured and occasionally injury-plagued receiving corps, he's still a one-man show to keep Bills among the AFC powers. Another run is planned.
Bryce Young is finally making progress. It took a move to the bench and then back, but the 2023 No. 1 pick has recently established himself as a decision-maker and accurate shooter, even under pressure.
The turmoil among the workforce shows no sign of abating Caleb Williams. It's anyone's guess how long Matt Eberflus will stay at the helm of a team that just can't get the little things right when it counts, but the rookie gunslinger has an “it” factor.
The connection between Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase could still save her. Another slow start for Zac Taylor's group was fueled by porous defense. But man, Burrow can show his speedster better than anyone.
There is a small glimmer of hope under the middle. Actually not in the long term, but Jameis Winstons Admission as compensation for injury Deshaun Watson has at least added some charisma and sparkle to the offense.
Jerry Jones might finally be embracing real change. On the other hand, he is open I'm considering an extension from Mike McCarthy. But missing the playoffs could cause him to completely rethink his status quo approach.
Sean Payton seems to have got it right Bo Nix. Nix, occasionally derided as a first-rounder, is now in the conversation for Offensive Rookie of the Year because of his athletic and unimpressive debut under center.
Their leadership structure remains one of the best in the NFL. No matter how this year ends, it's clear that Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes know how to build a powerhouse. Their offense, in particular, is an all-star team.
The top off-season signings are paying off. Josh Jacobs has helped underpin Matt LaFleur's balanced offense between some Jordan love Bruises. And Xavier McKinney Ball-hawking was a constant.
The AFC South is a train wreck. CJ Stroud and Co. assumed popular Hurry and pick an exhausted group. Luckily, a playoff ticket is still in sight thanks to ugly situations surrounding the division.
Anthony Richardson has thick skin. The youngster may or may not be the long-term answer to the center position, but he endured an abrupt bench change, another injury layoff and unstable defense in his second year.
Change is emerging. Doug Pederson helped heal the culture in 2022, but his injury-plagued offense stagnated for a time and left Trevor Lawrence more of a question mark than a real star.
Patrick MahomesThe killer instinct remains. Everyone around him seems to be either aging, injured or losing parts, but the quarterback's ridiculously efficient late-game battle performance has ensured they're a winner.
A true quarterback reset is all but guaranteed. With or without Antonio Pierce moving forward, how can they not invest more resources in the middle after being shuffled between one ill-fitting replacement after another?
Jim Harbaugh brings out the best in him Justin Herbert. The quarterback may not have the best skills, but his new coach has increased both his comfort and confidence, both in the pocket and on the move.
Their receivers are still among the best in the NFL. Of course, that doesn't mean they always get the ball Matthew Stafford sometimes caught behind a dubious line. But Puka Nacua And Cooper Kupp are real.
Tua Tagovailoa is upright. Currently. After suffering another concussion earlier this year, Miami should be thankful that he's even standing tall and able to keep the Dolphins competitive with his precision.
Almost all of them exceeded expectations. Sam Darnold should be a wild card, but he's leading a deep, scrappy competitor. Kevin O'Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah are program developers.
The quarterback spot has no shortage of long-term intrigue. A year ago, MacJones ended a discouraging run as a starter. Drake Maye offers a lot more off-script benefits as the new guy in town.
A proper change is probably in order. Derek Carr and Co. are fighting for wildcard relevance again, but the departure of Dennis Allen signaled that the team leadership is finally and rightly open to a more fundamental rebuild.
The front office must answer for offensive deficiencies. Daniel JonesThe exit was expected, but general manager Joe Schoen also has to answer for a flawed, seemingly eternal rebuild.
A total explosion awaits you. Coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas have already left after giving everything to the aging, struggling team Aaron Rodgers. You urgently need fresh ideas in the crucial areas.
Saquon Barkley is so much better than advertised. They paid unexpectedly big money for the running back, but his MVP-level dynamism helped put everyone at ease, too Jalen hurts and Nick Sirianni.
Mike Tomlin maximizes his talent once again. An ugly loss for them Tan Regardless, Tomlin has put together arguably his best playoff-caliber group in years, even though he has used two quarterbacks so far.
Brock Purdy has proven itself in the midst of chaos. The fragility of their weapons and decline in defensive dominance may not lead to another title run, but the young quarterback has remained courageous.
Mike Macdonald's defense is promising. A losing streak threatened to derail their NFC West chances, but the former Baltimore Ravens The coordinator coaxed some stifling plays from the unit as a whole.
They won't go down without a fight. It's kind of been their MO throughout the Baker Mayfield-Todd Bowles pairing, but the former has struggled on offense even without a ton of injured weapons.
You have identified some building blocks. Will Levis may or may not be one of them, but Tony Pollard And Nick Westbrook Ikhine have emerged as a big-play talent for Brian Callahan's transition offense.
Jayden Daniels“Magic should last well beyond 2024.” The club's once-touted playoff hopes now seem more unclear. But the rookie quarterback showed All-Pro flair as a dual-threat in his debut.
