All 32 NFL teams will begin training camp by the end of this week, with Thursday, July 24, being the final day for teams to report. Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Coltsand Dallas Cowboys Report of the day.
The NFL isn’t fully back yet, but it’s inching closer.
So today is the perfect time to take a look back at all 32 teams and summarize the biggest questions facing each team as camp begins.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills: Can the receivers step up?
With Stefon Diggs gone to Houston, the biggest question facing the Bills this year is whether the receivers around Josh Allen can be effective enough in the passing game. Rookie Keion Coleman’s early performances have been mostly good, but Buffalo will need everything they can get from this group in what could be a tough division matchup.
Miami DolphinsCan they win the big one?
The Dolphins started off strong the past two seasons, but their momentum faded as the temperatures dropped and the playoff race heated up. They started strong last year, but lost three of their final five games, including a shocking loss to the Titans that cost them the division title. Can the Dolphins win when it matters?
New England Patriots: How soon can we see Drake May?
The Patriots selected Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall pick. Will he be able to win the camp battle?
New York Jets: Will the bet on Aaron Rodgers pay off?
Last year, the Jets pinned their hopes on Aaron Rodgers, but he only made a few plays, and New York rebuilt the offensive line this year to keep him going. Will it work?
AFC North Division
Pittsburgh Steelers: Can either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields be at least above league average?
The Steelers have two playmakers in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields who are similar in many ways on the field, but neither has been anywhere near league average lately. Who will head coach Arthur Smith be able to get the most out of, Wilson or Fields?
Baltimore RavensIs the Lamar Jackson-Derrick Henry duo as dangerous as feared?
On paper, putting Jackson and Henry together in the backfield sounds like a scary thing, but will it actually happen?
Cleveland BrownsIs Deshaun Watson back on track?
It’s been four years since Watson last played at a high level, so is he still around or has Cleveland taken away our best shot at Watson?
Cincinnati Bengals: Can secondary schools grow?
The Bengals used a lot of young players in the secondary last year (by choice) and it didn’t always work out, can these young players develop quickly enough to match up with the front seven?
AFC South
Houston Texans: Can the second-year slump be avoided?
The Texans surprised everyone by winning the South Division title last season and have strengthened their roster in the offseason, but with a top-ranked schedule now in place, they shouldn’t be surprised by anything.
Tennessee Titans: Will Will Revis show up as that guy?
The Titans turned the keys over to Will Revis this offseason. Could he be their long-term QB answer?
Jacksonville Jaguars: Press Taylor or the offensive line?
The Jaguars are banking on continuity on the offensive line and the development of offensive coordinator Press Taylor after signing their lone free agent, Mitch Morse. Could either be the difference maker for the Jaguars?
Indianapolis Colts: Could Anthony Richardson be the answer?
Anthony Richardson entered the NFL with high expectations, but a shoulder injury ended his rookie season after just a few games. Can he develop into the QB Indianapolis hopes of becoming?
AFC West
Las Vegas Raiders: Who will win the QB spot?
The Raiders were looking to acquire a quarterback in the last draft, but all of the top five passers in the first round were selected ahead of them, meaning they will pivot to Blake Bowers and a camp battle will ensue between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell. Who will win?
Los Angeles Chargers: Will Harbaugh-Ball work?
Jim Harbaugh returned to the NFL and one of his first moves was to bring back Greg Roman as offensive coordinator. The two have a strong connection dating back to their time at Stanford and the hire signals Harbaugh wants to bring that toughness and running game to the NFL.
Will it work?
Kansas City ChiefsDo they make the impossible possible?
With the Chiefs looking to become the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls, the question that will define the season is simple.
Can they?
Denver Broncos: How soon can we see Bo Nix?
In the minds of many, Bo Nix was created in a lab to play quarterback for Sean Payton.
So does that mean he’ll be playing from Week 1?
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles: Is Kellen Moore a cure-all?
The Eagles struggled late in the season, falling short of first place in the division and ultimately missing the playoffs, meaning there are plenty of questions facing the team heading into camp, but the biggest one is whether Kellen Moore can get the offense back on track.
Dallas Cowboys: What will they do with this roster?
The most pressing question facing the Cowboys may be regarding their future. With CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons and Dak Prescott all seeking new contracts, can Dallas satisfy everyone, or will this be their final trip?
New York Giants: Can Malik Neighbors save Daniel Jones?
The Giants didn’t draft a replacement for Daniel Jones in the first round, instead giving him a powerful weapon in Malik Neighbors. Will that be enough for Jones to continue thriving in the Big Apple?
Washington Commanders: Is Jayden Daniels the guy?
The biggest question facing the Commanders this year is whether Jayden Daniels can be a long-term quarterback. Everything else is just icing on the cake.
NFC North
Detroit Lions: Can the defense help them break the NFC glass ceiling?
After further upgrading their secondary personnel, the Lions defense finally seems ready to play at the same level as their offense. Will it be enough to stay atop the NFC?
Green Bay PackersIs Jeff Hafley enough to shore up the defense?
The Packers are once again favorites to barge into the NFC party, but this time with former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley at the helm of the defense. Can his front four make enough of a difference tactically to put players in the best positions to succeed?
Chicago Bears: Is Caleb Williams ready to win a lot of games right now?
All of the Bears’ offseason moves were made with the expectation that first-year QB Caleb Williams would be able to win a lot of games from Day 1. Would a QB change make a big difference for the Bears?
Minnesota Vikings: When will we get to see JJ McCarthy?
McCarthy is a prized piece of the Vikings’ 2024 draft plans, but with Sam Darnold also in the mix, the brass may be willing to rest McCarthy until he’s ready to play. How long will that last?
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons: Was Kirk Cousins worth it?
The Falcons didn’t just walk in; forever They asked Kirk Cousins to bring Atlanta a Super Bowl win as soon as possible, and to do so they put youth development on hold and, oddly enough, drafted Michael Pennis Jr. with the understanding that Cousins was their match. Only time will tell if all this effort (and money) was a good allocation of resources, but for the Falcons’ sake, one can only hope it was.
Carolina Panthers: Can Dave Canales work his magic on Bryce Young?
What Dave Canales did to resurrect Baker Mayfield’s career in Tampa Bay was nothing short of phenomenal. It was the main reason he was hired as the head coach of the Panthers. Now he’s tasked with saving another former No. 1 pick. Bryce Young’s rookie year was a disaster, due in large part to coaching issues. Carolina anything 2024 is down to Canales. No, I don’t know if that will work out.
New Orleans Saints: Are the rumors of their deaths exaggerated?
The Saints are in cap hell, losing talent and getting older. On paper, at least, this organization is doomed. But there’s still some good meat on this team and the talent to win games. The Saints need an improved Derek Carr, a better overall offense and a more consistent defense to be viable in the NFC, but if they can do that, the clock will be turned back a few minutes from midnight.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Can lightning strike twice?
The Buccaneers are moving forward with Todd Bowles as if nothing happened, despite some big changes in their coaching staff. Offensive genius Dave Canales moved to Carolina, taking WR coach Brad Idzik with him. It’s a blow, but this team has weapons on both offense and defense and has a chance to surprise people. Baker Mayfield was the catalyst for success in 2023, but they’ll need him to be big again in 2024 to lead the Buccaneers to the top. Can they surprise people again? It all depends on how well the offense works without Canales at the helm.
NFC West
San Francisco 49ersWhat will happen to Brandon Aiyuk?
With Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey and Kyle Jusic, the 49ers have one of the most diverse offensive players in the league, but Brandon Aiyuk might be their best pure WR – will he really be traded or can San Francisco repair this relationship?
Arizona Cardinals: Are they this year’s Texans?
Kyler Murray is back from a knee injury and is fully healthy. Arizona took Marvin Harrison Jr. with a high draft pick and bolstered their pass rush with Darius Robinson in the first round. Can Arizona surprise us like they did Houston a year ago?
Seattle SeahawksCan Mike McDonald lead the Ravens defense out West?
Mike McDonald parlayed his success leading the Baltimore defense into his first head coaching job, but can he parlay his success with the Ravens into even more success with Seattle’s defense?
Los Angeles RamsWhat will the defense look like without Aaron Donald?
Aaron Donald retired this spring, giving up his title as “the best defensive player in the game,” and the Rams added early draft picks in Jared Barth and Braden Fisk to their defense. Second-year players Coby Turner and Bryce Young were big contributors as rookies, recording nine and eight sacks, respectively. Can this team make up for Donald’s absence?
