As the 2024 NFL season reaches its midway point, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation about how the rest of the year will unfold. Will the undefeated Chiefs maintain their dominance? Can rising stars like Jayden Daniels sustain their MVP-caliber performances? Which teams will emerge as surprise playoff contenders?
Bold Playoff Predictions
In a league known for its parity, the race for postseason spots is heating up. Here are some of the most intriguing playoff predictions from NFL experts:
Ravens Poised for Super Bowl Run
Despite struggling against the pass, analyst Ben Solak believes the Baltimore Ravens can reach the Super Bowl if their defense improves. With young stars like Nate Wiggins and Trenton Simpson developing quickly, the Ravens could be a formidable force come January.
Dolphins to Secure Wild Card Spot
Don’t count out the Miami Dolphins just yet. According to Jeremy Fowler, the Dolphins have the talent to wake up from their 2-6 slumber, especially with a healthy Tua Tagovailoa under center. A favorable schedule down the stretch could propel Miami into the playoffs.
Steelers to Edge Out Bengals
In a tight AFC North race, Liz Loza predicts the Pittsburgh Steelers will secure a wild card spot over the Cincinnati Bengals. Led by a dominant pass rush featuring T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, the Steelers’ defense could be the difference-maker.
MVP Watch: Goff, Jackson Lead the Pack
The MVP race is shaping up to be a thrilling one, with several quarterbacks making compelling cases. Two names stand out above the rest:
Jackson looks like a new man on a mission, and that mission is to win the Super Bowl. He’ll distance himself from the rest of the field if he stays healthy and make the MVP choice obvious.
– Dan Graziano, NFL Insider
Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions is also turning heads with his remarkable efficiency. As Lindsey Thiry notes, “Over the past six games, the Goff-led Lions offense has scored 26 touchdowns. In that same span, he has only 24 incompletions.” If Goff maintains this pace, he could very well earn his first MVP award.
Defensive Stars Shine Bright
While quarterbacks often dominate the MVP conversation, several defensive playmakers are making strong cases for Defensive Player of the Year:
- Xavier McKinney, Green Bay Packers: Tied for the league lead with 6 interceptions
- Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals: League-best 11 sacks and second in pass rush win rate
Records on the Horizon
In addition to the MVP race, several players are chasing historic milestones. Jared Goff is on pace to break Drew Brees’ single-season record for completion percentage (74.4%), while Derrick Henry could become the first player to win multiple Offensive Player of the Year awards since the legendary Marshall Faulk.
The No. 1 Pick Sweepstakes
On the other end of the spectrum, the race for the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is heating up. According to Jordan Reid, the Las Vegas Raiders could be in prime position to secure the No. 1 selection:
After firing offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, a strong argument could be made they are already the worst team in the NFL. […] The Raiders have lost their past five games, and I expect that streak to climb to 13 by season’s end.
– Jordan Reid, NFL Draft Analyst
As the second half of the 2024 NFL season unfolds, fans are in for a wild ride. With shocking playoff predictions, thrilling MVP races, and the allure of the No. 1 draft pick, the coming months promise to be filled with drama and excitement. Which teams will rise to the occasion? Which players will etch their names in the record books? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the NFL never fails to deliver unscripted thrills.
