The 2024 NFL season will be starting soon. With the start of this new season comes prediction season, where everyone will try and make picks for what will happen in the new season.
One of the biggest prediction points is division winners. Rivalries mean a lot in the NFL. Not only that but division winners are given a guaranteed spot in the playoffs. I will look at each NFL division and decide who I think will finish on top.
NFC east division winners- Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles look well on their way to winning back to back division titles in 2023. However, they went ice cold in the second half of the season, leading to the Cowboys stealing the division crown. However, the Eagles had a big offseason, including signing Saquon Barkley from the Giants. This combined with the fact teams rarely win the NFC east back to back makes me believe the Eagles will reclaim their division crown in 2024.
NFC north division winners- Detroit Lions
The Lions completed their rebuild last season and made the playoffs for the first time since 2016. This playoff spot came with an extended run which went all the way to the NFC championship game. The Vikings will have a full season of Justin Jefferson and the Bears finally have a long term answer at QB in Caleb Williams. However, the Lions should still be able to hold onto the division crown for another season.
Photo via Detroit Lions
NFC south division winners- Atlanta Falcons
For years, the Falcons have had the offensive pieces but have not had a QB to maximize them. However, everything changed this offseason with the signing of Kirk Cousins. It’s important to note that Cousins is returning from a major injury. However, I believe he will return to his 2022 form where he helped get the Vikings the third seed. As long as their defense remains average the Falcons should have the firepower to win the south. The defending NFC south champion Bucs have a lot of older players and may not be able to sustain their success for much longer.
NFC west division winners- San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers were just a few plays from winning the super bowl. Despite the heartbreaking loss the defending NFC champs have the roster with the talent to make it back to the super bowl and avenge their loss. They play in one of the most competitive divisions in pro sports but ultimately their talent and experience puts them above everyone else. One narrative that will be interesting to watch is the continued development of Brock Purdy.
Photo via X account of Christian McCaffrey
AFC east division winners- Buffalo Bills
The Bills lost a big offensive piece in Stefon Diggs to a trade. However, they still hold onto their star QB Josh Allen. Allen will have to prove that he can lead a team to the playoffs without a star receiver option next to him. I believe Allen’s talent along with the Bills defense will allow the Bills to defend their AFC east title. The Dolphins will likely put up another good fight but their defense isn’t good enough to get the job done in my opinion.
AFC north division winners- Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens were the first seed in the entire AFC last season. They couldn’t quite make it to the super bowl, but they signed Derrick Henry for their revenge tour. Three teams from the AFC north made the playoffs last season, and the one who didn’t, the Bengals, only missed out due to the injury of their star QB Joe Burrow. This is a tough division to win but the Ravens have one of a kind dominance on both ends.
Photo via Baltimore Ravens
AFC south division winners- Houston Texans
Rookie QBs are rarely good. However, C.J Stroud broke that mold and quickly became one of the top QBs in the league. He enters his sophomore seasons with the expectations he can build on his record breaking rookie season. Now he has some new offensive weapons in Joe Mixon at running back and Stefon Diggs at wide receiver. As long as their offensive line holds up they should be able to hold off the Colts and Jaguars and win the division for the second straight season.
AFC west division winners- Kansas City Chiefs
The first step to defending your super bowl title is making the playoffs. The race for the division title will be more competitive than last season, with the Raiders having a full season of coach Antonio Pierce and the Chargers having a healthy Justin Herbert. However, the Chiefs have more talent and experience than any team in the league. I believe handing more offensive duties to RB Isiah Pacheco will help the offense stay fresh. As long as they keep the core guys on the field the AFC west division winners should once again be the Chiefs.
