2024 NFL predictions: Tremendous Bowl 2025 picks, MVP, breakouts

The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs have been topped the Tremendous Bowl LVIII champions Sunday evening, which suggests it’s now formally the 2024 NFL offseason. We’re just a few weeks away from free company and a few months from the draft, and this spring is predicted to carry a number of motion.

Will the Bears return with Justin Fields at quarterback, or will they draft a QB at No. 1 general in April? Will Baker Mayfield return to the Buccaneers or money in elsewhere in free company? Is Derrick Henry’s time in Tennessee over? Lots can occur earlier than the season begins in September.

We requested our NFL specialists — Matt Bowen, Mike Clay, Jeremy Fowler, Dan Graziano, Matt Miller, Eric Moody, Jordan Reid, Mike Tannenbaum, Lindsey Thiry, Seth Walder and Area Yates — to make picks for subsequent yr’s Tremendous Bowl matchup and 2024 MVP, together with potential breakout groups/gamers and one offseason transfer they want to see.

Let’s get into the questions, beginning with whether or not the Chiefs will three-peat.

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Tremendous Bowl LIX picks | MVP picks
Breakout candidates | Offseason want checklist

What’s your early Tremendous Bowl LIX choose?

Matt Bowen, NFL analyst: Packers over Bengals. A wholesome quarterback Joe Burrow will put the Bengals again within the combine as one of many prime groups within the AFC. It is the Packers, nevertheless, who win the Tremendous Bowl due to quarterback Jordan Love’s difference-making skill and a change in defensive philosophy below new coordinator Jeff Hafley.

Mike Clay, fantasy soccer author: Lions over Texans. Why not have some enjoyable with two rising groups for this choose? Detroit was one late-game collapse from a Tremendous Bowl look and can return practically its total core (particularly on offense) in 2024, although an bettering NFC North will make issues robust. Quarterback C.J. Stroud seems to be the actual deal, so a powerful offseason from the Houston entrance workplace might shortly get the Texans to contender standing within the AFC.

Jeremy Fowler, nationwide NFL author: Payments over Rams. Though Buffalo was a greater crew than Kansas Metropolis within the 2023 divisional spherical, it discovered a approach to lose. The Payments will break by means of, and this may be the final season to do it due to looming roster/cap constraints. The Rams are trending up on offense and eventually have the cap area and draft capital to enhance their protection for yet another run.

Dan Graziano, nationwide NFL author: Bengals over Lions. Clearly, this can be a daring train at this level, so I am placing two groups within the Tremendous Bowl who’ve by no means received it and banking on somebody making historical past. (Despite the fact that the actual reply might be the Chiefs making a distinct form of historical past.) Assuming Burrow is 100% wholesome from his thumb damage, Cincinnati has a loaded roster (that went 9-8 in 2023 as a result of Burrow acquired damage) and will get to play a last-place schedule. And the Lions, who got here nearer to the Tremendous Bowl with out getting there than many, return with their teaching workers intact and will enhance on protection by means of free company and the draft.

Matt Miller, NFL draft analyst: Chiefs over Packers. Identical to final yr once I picked the Chiefs over the 49ers, I am not betting towards quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In what was purported to be two “down” years to get the crew’s wage cap wholesome, the Chiefs received back-to-back Tremendous Bowls. The expertise is there, and the franchise has cash and draft capital to fill holes this offseason. Oh, and the Chiefs have the best quarterback ever.

Eric Moody, fantasy soccer author: Chiefs over Packers. It is troublesome to wager towards the Chiefs after witnessing their skill to beat adversity throughout the common season, navigate a difficult playoff schedule and emerge victorious within the Tremendous Bowl towards the 49ers. Mahomes is just 28 years outdated and picture how rather more harmful Kansas Metropolis’s offense might be if it provides further offensive playmakers this offseason. In the meantime, Love and the Packers exceeded expectations, establishing themselves as official contenders for the highest spot within the NFC.

Jordan Reid, NFL draft analyst: Chiefs over Lions. With every part staying intact for Detroit, the Lions will likely be a well-liked candidate to return to the NFC Championship Sport, and I believe they recover from the hump and find yourself within the large sport. However the Chiefs have loads of motivation to perform a three-peat, and Mahomes continues his reign as the very best participant within the NFL.

Mike Tannenbaum, NFL entrance workplace insider: Lions over Chargers. The Lions will profit from each coordinators returning to Detroit after Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn every attracted head-coaching curiosity, and this time I count on the crew to win the NFC Championship Sport and win the Tremendous Bowl. I see them holding off QB Justin Herbert, Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers in a detailed sport.

Lindsey Thiry, nationwide NFL reporter: Chiefs over Lions. It is troublesome to choose towards Mahomes and the Chiefs, who navigated a difficult season of rising pains on offense but nonetheless emerged because the victors. In the meantime, regardless of Lions coach Dan Campbell acknowledging their run to the convention championship sport may be their “solely shot,” count on them to contend and run it again deeper with the return of key playmakers and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Seth Walder, sports activities analytics author: 49ers over Payments. The perfect recipe for sustained greatness is an elite offense. Nobody was higher offensively in 2023 than the 49ers, and there is little purpose to assume that ought to change. Plus, whereas all groups carry damage threat, maybe essentially the most vital particular person to the 49ers’ offensive success cannot get damage: coach Kyle Shanahan.

Area Yates, NFL analyst: Chiefs over Rams. The Chiefs hardly want an evidence right here, whereas the Rams are poised for a major step ahead, as Los Angeles is provided with draft capital (the crew hasn’t made a first-round choose since 2016 however has one this yr) and is armed with cap area after working nearly completely across the margins an offseason in the past.

Who’s your choose to be subsequent season’s MVP?

Bowen: Jordan Love, QB, Packers. Love has a dynamic and versatile group of pass-catchers, plus a system that maximizes his throwing traits. He is in place to supply high-end numbers for a championship-level crew.

Clay: Josh Allen, QB, Payments. Allen was arguably essentially the most useful participant this previous season, however some variance gone unsuitable value Buffalo a couple of regular-season wins and thus shut down Allen’s shot on the MVP. The twin-threat quarterback has produced 42-plus touchdowns in 4 straight seasons and has completed no decrease than eighth amongst QBs in each passing and dashing yards in every of these 4 campaigns.

Fowler: Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers. New coach Jim Harbaugh will streamline the offense for Herbert and assist the gifted passer put all of it collectively. He’ll commerce gaudy stats for extra wins, extra effectivity and a stronger working sport.

Graziano: C.J. Stroud, QB, Texans. I am banking on Houston pulling a Cincinnati and being aggressive this offseason to attempt to maximize its window with Stroud on a rookie contract. There have been stretches this previous season when he was within the MVP dialog, and a second yr with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and a few enhancements round him ought to catapult him to the entrance of the sphere.

Miller: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs. Granted, we may be coming into a Michael Jordan-like period for Mahomes when, regardless of him being the clear-cut greatest participant within the sport, Karl Malone wins the MVP award. However I believe the NFL world has woken up and remembered that Mahomes is that dude. The ascension of Rashee Rice and an early-round draft choose at vast receiver will get Mahomes again into the statistical territory he must win {hardware}.

Moody: Joe Burrow, QB, Bengals. Burrow is in a superb place to win the award, particularly with Ja’Marr Chase as his No. 1 receiver, supplied the quarterback can keep wholesome. In 2022, the league started accepting first-, second- and third-place votes for the MVP award, and Burrow completed fourth behind Mahomes, Jalen Hurts and Allen.

Reid: C.J. Stroud, QB, Texans. I imagine the Texans are poised to make one other soar in 2024, much like what we noticed the Lions do. After getting playoff expertise and successful a wild-card sport, the younger core returns. Houston is probably going so as to add extra targets to the crew’s offense, and Stroud will possible proceed to ascend with Slowik returning.

Tannenbaum: Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers. Herbert’s 2023 season ended early due to a finger damage, but when he performs all 17 video games in 2024, he’ll put up MVP-caliber numbers. The Chargers can work to get well their energy run sport and play-action passing assault below Harbaugh, and that ought to result in a giant season for Herbert.

Thiry: Jordan Love, QB, Packers. In his first season as a starter and surrounded by youth on the talent positions, Love surged from Week 11 on, main the NFL in QBR, touchdown-to-interception ratio and mixed touchdowns. Look ahead to Like to proceed to progress and flourish below coach Matt LaFleur.

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C.J. Stroud tells McAfee why being himself is so necessary

C.J. Stroud explains to Pat McAfee how necessary it’s for him to be genuine to his character.

Walder: Josh Allen, QB, Payments. He was the best dual-threat quarterback within the league, and the one purpose he did not win the 2023 MVP is as a result of he had a little bit of a down season passing the ball. With a slight bounce-back in that division, he ought to have a fantastic shot to win the award in 2024.

Yates: Josh Allen, QB, Payments. Allen was the second-most-deserving candidate for the award this previous season, and I count on him to be on the entrance of the chase subsequent yr. He is nonetheless among the many greatest twin threats within the NFL and is requested to hold a major load yearly.

Title one crew, coach or participant who will breakout within the 2024 season.

Bowen: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Bears. Stevenson had 4 interceptions and 11 cross breakups in his rookie season. He was a straightforward slot in Matt Eberflus’ protection and has the bodily play model and ball expertise to supply breakout numbers in 2024.

Clay: Bryce Younger, QB, Panthers. 12 months 2 is the commonest breakout time for quarterbacks, even when stated QB struggled as a rookie. Younger needed to overcome a shaky supporting solid and an in-season teaching change as a rookie, however the arrival of head coach and playcaller Dave Canales (who did wonders for quarterback Baker Mayfield final season) and inevitable upgrades at vast receiver will assist get the 2023 No. 1 general choose to the subsequent degree.

Fowler: Travon Walker, EDGE, Jaguars. Aidan Hutchinson garners a lot of the shine among the many prime picks within the 2022 draft, however Walker quietly posted a 10-sack season with 45 pressures. Walker is immensely gifted however is a developmental participant. He ought to hit his stride in his third NFL season and develop into a big-money participant.

Graziano: Roschon Johnson, RB, Bears. He was part of a three-man working again committee for many of his rookie season, however Bears coaches thought all alongside he was the again who had essentially the most full talent set. With a full offseason to work on the holes in his sport, a brand new offensive coordinator and a season’s value of reps below his belt, Johnson ought to emerge as a star in his second season.

Miller: Jordan Love, QB, Packers. Love began his breakout over the second half of the 2023 season, however in 2024, we are going to see him emerge as a official franchise quarterback and game-changing twin risk. Love is why I am choosing the Packers to make a Tremendous Bowl run.

Moody: Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans. There are a lot of indicators that Derrick Henry’s time with the Titans is coming to an finish, which places Spears in a fantastic place to interrupt out. He’s harmful as a runner in between the tackles and as a receiver out of the backfield. Within the lone sport final season during which he had double-digit dashing makes an attempt (16), Spears amassed 75 yards.

Reid: Anthony Richardson, QB, Colts. Richardson had a chance to take a seat, be taught and develop into extra comfy in coach Shane Steichen’s offense after struggling a season-ending shoulder damage early in his rookie season. So long as he stays wholesome, it would not be shocking to see Richardson develop into one of many largest breakout stars in 2024.

Tannenbaum: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Commanders. After an up-and-down rookie season, I count on this undersized (6-foot, 180 kilos) nook to thrive in coach Dan Quinn’s protection. Forbes had one interception (and 9 cross breakups) in 2023, however he had six picks in his closing season at Mississippi State.

Thiry: Nico Collins, WR, Texans. The third-year receiver noticed a serious soar in manufacturing — his 1,297 receiving yards have been greater than he produced in his first two seasons mixed — when paired with Stroud. With one other offseason to construct chemistry with Stroud, look ahead to Collins to supply among the many prime 5 receivers subsequent season.

Walder: The Falcons. The roster already has expertise and potential, and now the Falcons have introduced in coach Raheem Morris and a brand new offensive system with coordinator Zac Robinson. Succesful quarterback play would go a good distance, and whereas the necessity at quarterback is substantial, there are a couple of alternative ways the Falcons can handle it (the draft? Kirk Cousins? Justin Fields?). All of these choices are more likely to be an improve over the Desmond Ridder-Taylor Heinicke mixture they rolled out final season.

Yates: Garrett Wilson, WR, Jets. This may sound a bit odd for a participant who had back-to-back seasons of 1,000-plus yards to start his profession, however Wilson is prepared for liftoff with the wholesome return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Wilson was held again by quarterback play in his first two years, however so long as Rodgers stays on the sphere, Wilson is a official wager to complete prime 5 in catches and receiving yards in 2024.

What’s one transfer you wish to see this offseason?

Bowen: CB L’Jarius Sneed indicators with the Eagles. Upgrading the cornerback place is an offseason precedence in Philadelphia. With Sneed, the Eagles land one of many prime veteran free brokers, who has the protection expertise and talent to supply in Vic Fangio’s system.

Clay: The Bears commerce QB Justin Fields to the Falcons. Coming into the offseason, two issues wanted to occur to ensure that Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts to achieve their potential: (1) Atlanta wanted a extra pass-friendly offense, and (2) Atlanta wanted a QB improve. The primary one is full with Arthur Smith out and Zac Robinson in because the crew’s playcaller. The second will likely be trickier, however a commerce for Fields would go a good distance.

Fowler: The Patriots submarine the Buccaneers by signing QB Baker Mayfield. Whereas Tampa is the clear-cut favourite to re-sign Mayfield, now a coveted free agent after a banner yr with the Bucs, something can occur in free company. And the Patriots’ new mind belief — together with lead personnel man Eliot Wolf and personnel govt Alonzo Highsmith — have been a part of the Cleveland regime that took Mayfield No. 1 within the 2018 draft. They believed in him. Sure, the Patriots can take a quarterback at No. 3 general. However who’s to say they would not nonetheless want a veteran? Or, in the event that they imagine Mayfield is a long-term reply on this case, they might draft Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. or commerce again for extra capital.

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Are Patriots below extra stress this offseason than Steelers?

Tim Hasselbeck and Mike Greenberg disagree on who’s below extra stress to win the offseason between the Patriots or Steelers.

Graziano: DT Chris Jones re-signs with the Chiefs. I do know, boring, proper? That is purported to be some big-splash relocation concept. However after watching the Tremendous Bowl and being reminded that Jones is the Chiefs’ second-most-important participant, I can not assist however assume they should discover a approach to hold him there his complete profession. I am by no means going to inform a man to not go get his cash, and if Jones desires to max out on this contract and go elsewhere to do it, good for him. However he is taking part in at a Corridor of Fame caliber in Kansas Metropolis, and it might be good if the Chiefs and Jones might discover a approach to hold it going.

Miller: The Bears commerce QB Justin Fields to the Steelers. Pittsburgh is determined for a quarterback, and Fields has the instruments to thrive in Arthur Smith’s offense. With an excellent offensive line in place and gifted talent gamers round him, Fields can excel there.

Moody: WR Mike Evans indicators with the Jets. New York ought to benefit from the veteran vast receiver market throughout free company. There may be a number of discuss Davante Adams due to his relationship with Rodgers, however I might adore it if the Jets signed Evans. Rodgers, Evans and Wilson would give defensive coordinators migraines all season lengthy.

Reid: The Vikings make WR Justin Jefferson the league’s highest-paid non-QB. There is not any query that Jefferson deserves the cash. Even after getting back from a hamstring damage final season, Jefferson confirmed his value with 32 catches for 503 yards and two touchdowns within the closing 5 video games of the season. Holding Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson collectively would profit the Vikings as they enter an offseason with uncertainty at quarterback.

Tannenbaum: The Bears commerce QB Justin Fields to the Falcons. Atlanta must go get Fields for a second-round choose. Such a transfer would ship the 2021 first-rounder to his native Georgia and assist stabilize the quarterback state of affairs there for brand new coach Raheem Morris. Fields, with an abundance of younger expertise round him on offense, might push the Falcons into the playoffs.

Thiry: The Commanders commerce up with the Bears, from No. 2 to No. 1 general, to pick out USC QB Caleb Williams. This implies Fields would stay in Chicago, whereas Williams would reunite with new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who served as a Trojans offensive analyst final season.

Walder: The Browns commerce for QB Justin Fields. It is a wild one, I do know. But when I have been the Browns, I might have a look at Deshaun Watson as principally a sunk value and attempt to improve at quarterback. With no first-round choose and a lot cash already heading Watson’s approach, this might be robust to do. However buying and selling a second- or third-round choose for Fields (nonetheless on his rookie contract) is possible, and I would prefer to see Fields in Kevin Stefanski’s offense. The choice is just hoping that Watson improves and, if not, losing one other yr of a gifted roster.

Yates: The Seahawks signal LB Patrick Queen. I believe you may hear buzz of this nature involving any Ravens defensive free agent, as new Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald architected a superb protection in Baltimore. However the Queen match is especially pertinent as Macdonald was Queen’s place coach in Baltimore early in his profession. Seattle has two key starters who’re going to be free brokers (Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks), and this draft class isn’t deep on inside linebackers.