The 2024 NFL season is almost here, and anticipation is already mounting for the jewel in the Stateside sports crown to get underway. Following a blockbuster close season filled with marquee trades such as Sacquon Barkley’s arrival in Philadelphia, we are entering a very exciting preseason. Throughout August, the league’s finest will fine-tune their rosters ahead of an all-out assault on the Lombardi, and the sports columns are likely to fill up with excitement as a result.
The regular season is officially set to get underway on September 5th as the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs host the Baltimore Ravens in a mouthwatering clash at Arrowhead. The visitors on week one finished the 2023 season as the AFC’s top seeds, but they were still unceremoniously dispatched by Patrick Mahomes and Co. in the AFC Championship game, following a herculean defensive effort. The Chiefs then went on to claim the Lombardi with a last-gasp victory against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
The Chiefs are the favorites to retain their crown next season, but who joins them on the list of front-runners? Let’s find out.
Kansas City Chiefs
As mentioned, the Kansas City Chiefs are the reigning champions, and not only that, but they have reached four Super Bowls in the last five years to become the NFL’s latest in a long line of dynasties. Three of those trips to the Big Game have been victorious, including the last two on the spin, and now the Arrowhead outfit has the chance to become the first team in history to claim three straight Lombardis. The bookies are tipping them to do exactly that and the latest football betting odds make them the short-priced +500 to reign supreme at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
Led by the incomparable Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have consistently been a force to be reckoned with in recent seasons. Boasting a potent offense and a resilient defense, KC has maintained its status as a perennial contender. With a strong roster that includes standout players like Isiah Pacheco and Mr Taylor Swift himself, Travis Kelce, Andy Reid’s side are poised and ready to secure immortal status.
San Francisco 49ers
In recent times, the NFC has no doubt regressed, wilting under the pressure of its AFC counterpart. While one conference boasts the likes of the aforementioned Chiefs, as well as the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals, the other has floundered. But the one team whose shoulders the hopes of the conference lie on is the San Francisco 49ers.
The Niners have a storied history and tradition of excellence but they have struggled to get over the line in recent times. Last season, they headed to the Super Bowl as the favorites but came unstuck against the experienced Chiefs and this year, the bookies make them +650 second favorites to gain their redemption. Headed by coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy, the 49ers possess a well-rounded squad capable of challenging the best teams in the league. With a potent ground game led by Christian McCaffrey, a formidable defense anchored by Nick Bosa, and a tight end sensation in the form of George Kittle, it’s no surprise that the Californians are expected to romp to the NFC conference title once more this term.
As mentioned though, the Niners do struggle to get the job done once and for all. They have lost two Super Bowls to the Chiefs in the last five years, as well as falling to defeat in two conference championship games in 2021 and 2022. They will need to put that right this season if they are to go all the way and lift the Lombardi for the first time in three decades.
Detroit Lions
One team that has managed to thrive among a lackluster NFC is the Detroit Lions. They headed into last season as afterthoughts, without a postseason victory in 32 years, but a shocking kick-off game victory against the reigning champions at Arrowhead set the tone for what was about to come. Under the guidance of head coach Dan Campbell and quarterback Jared Goff, the Lions managed to defy expectations and mount a compelling challenge for the championship.
Despite facing significant hurdles, they managed to win the NFC North for the first time in history, before securing that long-awaited playoffs victory with a one-point win over the Los Angeles Rams, a team spearheaded by former Lion Matthew Stafford. Another victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sent Detroit to the NFC Championship Game for the first time in history, and they had one foot in the Super Bowl after amassing a 24-7 halftime lead against the 49ers.
Unfortunately for them, Brock Purdy inspired the comeback of all comebacks, eventually securing a 34-31 victory for the Niners and sending them to the Big Game at the Lions’ expense. This season, the bookies fancy Goff and Co. to be there or thereabouts once more, pricing them as a +1000 third favorite.
