The NFL regular season is over, and the playoffs will soon (5 days) be upon us. So before that begins, let us take a look at the regular season as a whole, and what each team needs to address in the offseason.
AFC EAST
New England Patriots (14-3) Took control of this division after a week 5 win at Buffalo, and never looked back. This team could use a Wide Receiver/Tight End playmaker to take it over the top, given Stefon Diggs' volatility and legal problems.
Buffalo Bills (12-5) The Bills went 3-1 in the last quarter, but still just don't look sharp. A big-play receiver and a strong run-stuffing DT should be the focus in the offseason.
Miami Dolphins (7-10) Quinn Ewers looks OK and could be serviceable - maybe more - as a starter. The Dolphins need to get rid of Tua's contract and focus on finding strong, stable offensive lineman.
New York Jets (3-14)
Horrible year for the Jets. They need a foundational quarterback above everything else.
AFC NORTH
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
The Steelers went 3-1 to cement the AFC North title on the last day. Despite making the playoffs, they need to focus on a lot; wide receiver to run with D.K. Metcalf, offensive lineman to improve the running game, and an improved secondary.
Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
Injuries to Lamar Jackson hurt this season. That and a horrible secondary led to their demise. They should focus on a veteran corner, and a young, talented corner in the preseason.
Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
Another team just crippled by injuries. They need to focus on a big defensive tackle and linebackers.
Cleveland Browns (5-12)
Cleveland had a very good 2024 draft: Mason Graham DT, Carson Schewsinger (LB), Quinshon Judkins (RB), Harold Fannin, Jr. (TE), and Shadeur Sanders (QB) all hit. They primarily need to focus on obtaining a playmaker for Sanders at WR, and protection as well in the OL.
AFC SOUTH
Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4)
What a year. Might focus on a big-play corner or pass rusher.
Houston Texans (12-5)
They have won 9 in a row!!! Certainly clicking at the right time. Team should focus on a dynamic running back, and nobody would be mad at offensive linemen.
Indianapolis Colts (8-9)
Lost seven straight to end the season without Daniel Jones. Offseason focus should be on bolstering the secondary and another pass rusher to complement Laiatu Latu.
Tennessee Titans (3-14)
The focus should be on playmakers and protection for Cam Ward, who looks legitimate despite being on a last-place team.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos (14-3)
Finished the year out 3-1 to secure home-field advantage in the AFC. They need to focus on a dynamic running back, and a playmaker at receiver.
Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
The Chargers remain dangerous as they enter the playoffs. They are solid in every phase, so they just need to focus on adding talent at any position that is available to them.
Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
The Chiefs finished 0-4 without Patrick Mahomes due to injury. They need to focus on an every-down running back, a possession receiver with hands to compliment Rashee Rice, and replacement for Travis Kelce!(?)
Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
Earning the number 1 pick in the draft gifts them Fernando Mendoza. They need to focus on a coaching staff that can unlock his best qualities and develop him into a star, and protect him with lineman.
NFC EAST
Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
Not the same team as last year, but they could still make a run. The team needs to focus on the passing game. They have the players, so maybe a new passing-game coordinator, or offensive coordinator?
Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)
This team has more talent than their record. After waiving Trevon Diggs, they really need to focus on the secondary, at corner and safety. A pass rusher wouldn't hurt either.
Washington Commanders (5-12)
A healthy Jayden Daniels would mean the world to this team. Offseason focus should be on a complimentary playmaker to Terry McLaurin, and improvement to the secondary.
New York Giants (4-13)
The first overall pick would have been nice, but that didn't happen. They need a big-time playmaking wide receiver, some receiver depth, and a run-stuffing defensive tackle and linebacker on the defensive side of the ball.
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears (11-6)
This season has exceeded expectations for the Bears, and despite obvious holes in the team, they do not quit. Their focus in the offseason should be on a top pass rusher to compliment Montez Sweat, and linebacker talent (either inside or for coverage - whichever help is available).
Green Bay Packers (9-7-1)
Lost a few down the stretch - including to the Bears - to gift the Bears the division. Still really talented, the team should focus on a true number 1 receiver (I feel they have a bunch of good, not great receivers), and perhaps some linebacking help.
Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
An up-and-down year for the Vikings. They need to focus on whether J.J. McCarthy is really it. If so, figure out what works for him because they have the playmakers. Perhaps some offensive lineman and interior defenders to round-out the roster.
Detroit Lions (9-8)
Disappointing season for the Lions. They need to focus on acquiring a secondary pass rusher, and maybe some secondary help.
NFC SOUTH
Carolina Panthers (8-9)
Snuck into the playoffs with a sub-.500 record. They need a lot of help. With some talent here, they should focus on loading up on both lines.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
Missed the playoffs despite defeating Carolina in the last week of the season. They need to focus on secondary help as well as some young blood on offense. A pass rusher would help too.
Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
The dreaded loser in the three-team tiebreaker. Running game is sound, passing game decent when Michael Penix and Drake London are healthy. Some strong lineman (offensive and defensive) should be the focus this offseason.
New Orleans Saints (6-11)
The Saints went 3-1 in the last quarter. They need to focus on a young Alvin Kamara replacement to grow with Tyler Shough, and lineman to pave the way for that running back (and protect Shough).
NFC WEST
Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
The best team in the league. Very solid in all phases. They should maybe focus on a block/catch TE and a pass rusher.
Los Angeles Rams (11-3)
Another really solid team, finishing off a solid year. Maybe a shut-down corner or a pass rusher.
San Francisco 49ers (11-3)
Easily the best division in football. San Francisco should focus on secondary help and linebacker help/depth. Fred Warner is not going to last forever.
Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
Winless in the last quarter. They need literally everything. They should focus on deciding whether Kyler Murray is their long-term QB first, and then just grab as much talent as possible anywhere on the field.
POWER RANKINGS - (The parentheses is the team's ranking at the three-quarter point)
1. Seattle Seahawks 14-3 (4)
2. San Francisco 49ers 14-3 (7)
3. Los Angeles Rams 14-3 (3)
4. New England Patriots 14-3 (1)
5. Denver Broncos 14-3 (2)
6. Jacksonville Jaguars 13-4 (10)
7. Houston Texans 12-5 (12)
8. Buffalo Bills 12-5 (9)
9. Los Angeles Chargers 11-6 (6)
10. Chicago Bears 11-6 (8)
11. Philadelphia Eagles 11-6 (13)
12. Pittsburgh Steelers 10-7 (16)
13. Green Bay Packers 9-7-1 (5)
14. Detroit Lions 9-8 (11)
15. Minnesota Vikings 9-8 (22)
16. Baltimore Ravens 8-9 (21)
17. Atlanta Falcons 8-9 (24)
18. Carolina Panthers 8-9 (17)
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8-9 (15)
20. Indianapolis Colts 8-9 (14)
21. Dallas Cowboys 7-9-1 (18)
22. Miami Dolphins 7-10 (20)
23. New Orleans Saints 6-11 (29)
24. Kansas City Chiefs 6-11 (19)
25. Cincinnati Bengals 6-11 (23)
26. Cleveland Browns 5-12 (25)
27. Washington Commanders 5-12 (26)
28. New York Giants 4-13 (31)
29. Tennessee Titans 3-14 (30)
30. Arizona Cardinals 3-14 (28)
31. Las Vegas Raiders 3-14 (32)
32. New York Jets 3-14 (27)
Biggest Movers: Minnesota Vikings +7, Atlanta Falcons +7, New Orleans Saints +6, Green Bay Packers -8, Indianapolis Colts -6, Baltimore Ravens -5, Kansas City Chiefs -5
QUARTER SEASON AWARDS
Offensive MVP - Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams - Drake Maye is right there
Defensive MVP - Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns - Not even close
Offensive Rookie of the Year - Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers Tyler Shough closing FAST!
Defensive Rookie of the Year - Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland Browns - Pearce and Emmanwori next
Coach of the Year - Liam Cohen, Jacksonville Jaguars - And this isn't even close, but Vrabel will win
Most Improved - Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts - Who knew he was this good or important?
Comeback Player of the Year - Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers - Back to Form
And yes, I know the NFL does the MVP, then Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. I don't care.
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