Training camp is underway, which means we'll hopefully begin getting answers to some key questions ahead of the 2024-25 NFL regular season.
On the Action Network Podcast, Sean Koerner and Chris Raybon broke down what they're looking for with every team in the NFL during camp. Let's start with the AFC.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Which WR(s) will step up with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis gone?
The Bills offense will see significant changes with wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis no longer in the picture. With offensive coordinator Joe Brady likely to utilize a run-heavy approach, the WR roles will be distributed more evenly.
Khalil Shakir, who has existing chemistry with Josh Allen, should see a prominent role. Curtis Samuel, who was brought in to handle slot duties, and rookie Keon Coleman, a potential big slot receiver, are expected to contribute, as well. The additions of Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Chase Claypool and Mack Hollins provide depth for downfield threats.
Expect a more balanced distribution of targets and an increased reliance on RB James Cook and TE Dalton Kincaid as Brady takes the full-time reigns of the offense with a full offseason under his belt. Allen's efficiency might not drop significantly, but the Bills will lack a clear alpha WR. — Sean Koerner
Miami Dolphins
Can the interior offensive line hold up after losing right guard Robert Hunt and center Connor Williams?
Miami’s interior line faces challenges with the departure of Hunt (76.4 rating on Pro Football Focus) and Williams (86.5). Hunt’s loss will be especially felt across the board (74.4 pass-blocking grade and 74.7 on run blocking), while Williams was significantly stronger in run blocking (90.5).
The new interior linemen will need to perform at a high level to maintain the offense's effectiveness, especially in protecting Tua Tagovailoa and creating lanes for the Dolphins' potentially explosive running game. — Chris Raybon
New England Patriots
Jacoby Brissett vs. Drake Maye?
Maye, drafted third overall by the Patriots, finds himself in a challenging situation with a new head coach (Jarod Mayo), a shaky offensive line and a weak WR group. Maye has potential but is still raw and might need time to develop.
Brissett is a competent backup who will likely start Week 1. If Brissett struggles or gets injured, Maye could be thrust into action. Brissett's presence should provide a stabilizing effect to start the season but if Maye takes over due to injury or development, there might be a slight drop in the Patriots' power rating initially with the potential for improvement if he adapts well. — Sean Koerner
New York Jets
Will Aaron Rodgers look like his old self at 41 years old coming off a torn Achilles?
Rodgers is a significant question mark. The extent to which he can return to his previous form will be crucial for the Jets.
If he can recover close to his old self, the Jets offense will benefit greatly, but any lingering effects or reduced mobility will significantly hold this offense back. — Chris Raybon
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs
Will the Chiefs offense be more explosive in 2024?
With the addition of Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and first-round pick Xavier Worthy, the Chiefs offense is poised to become more explosive. Brown’s proven downfield ability and Worthy’s exceptional speed should help boost Patrick Mahomes' performance in deep passing, an area where he ranked 15th last season.
If these new additions perform as expected and Rashee Rice’s suspension is not a significant factor, expect an increase in downfield passes and overall offensive explosiveness for Kansas City. — Sean Koerner
Los Angeles Chargers
How will Justin Herbert and the passing offense perform?
The Chargers will see significant changes with new offensive coordinator Greg Roman and the departures of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler. Herbert's performance will heavily depend on how well the new offensive system integrates with the remaining and new pass catchers.
Roman's system will need to adapt to utilize the new talent effectively, and Herbert’s ability to adjust will be key to any potential Chargers success this season. — Chris Raybon
Denver Broncos
Who emerges as the starting QB?
Rookie Bo Nix is favored to win the starting QB job given his extensive college experience. He’s a promising talent who fits well under Sean Payton’s system. Jarrett Stidham would start if Nix isn’t ready or gets injured, while Zach Wilson is a less likely option unless he shows significant improvement.
Nix’s impact on the Broncos' power rating will depend on his adaptation to the NFL, but he could be an upgrade over Stidham if he's as good as the Broncos think he can be. — Sean Koerner
Las Vegas Raiders
Aidan O’Connell vs. Gardner Minshew?
O’Connell enters his second season facing an uphill battle against Gardner Minshew, a seasoned backup. Minshew’s experience gives him an edge in immediate performance, likely making him the more reliable option in the short term. The Raiders' upside is limited with Minshew under center, though, so O’Connell potentially continuing his development and adaptation to the NFL could make him the starter. — Chris Raybon
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts
Who will emerge as Jonathan Taylor’s backup?
With Zack Moss gone, the Colts will look to Trey Sermon, Evan Hull and Tyler Goodson to back up Taylor. Sermon has a history of being a capable backup and a similar profile to Moss, making him the most likely candidate. Hull and Goodson, while potential options, have less proven performance. — Sean Koerner
Houston Texans
Who will stand out at cornerback opposite Derek Stingley Jr.?
Replacing Steven Nelson will be challenging. Jeff Okudah’s poor coverage metrics make him a less reliable option, while second-round rookie Kamari Lassiter’s lack of experience adds uncertainty. The Texans will need either player to step up significantly to maintain defensive stability opposite Stingley. — Chris Raybon
Jacksonville Jaguars
Will Trevor Lawrence take the next step?
Lawrence’s performance is critical, especially after a disappointing 2023 season, which saw him fall off a bit after a 2022 season that saw Jacksonville win the AFC South. Lawrence needs to rebound and show he can be a top-tier QB after getting a massive contract during the offseason. This season is crucial for his development and the Jaguars’ success. — Sean Koerner
Tennessee Titans
Will rookie LT JC Latham and second-year RT Nicholas Petit-Frere give Will Levis time to throw?
The Titans' offensive line, particularly Latham at LT and Petit-Frere at RT, will be key to Levis' potential success this season. Tennessee has Calvin Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins, along with tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo, to throw to, but he won't thrive if he doesn't have time to throw, as was the case last season. Add in running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears, and this Titans offense has potential if it can keep Levis upright. — Chris Raybon
AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers
Will Justin Fields challenge Russell Wilson?
Fields’ chances to challenge Wilson for the starting QB spot in Pittsburgh are slim, but there's a path. Wilson’s experience gives him the advantage, but any struggles could make Fields a viable option. The former Bears QB will need to impress in preseason to put pressure on Wilson, but it's more likely he remains the Steelers' backup. — Sean Koerner
Cincinnati Bengals
Does Cincinnati have enough pass-catching weapons after Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins?
Beyond Chase and Higgins, the Bengals’ pass-catching depth is a concern. Options include Jermaine Burton, Andrei Iosivas and Charlie Jones, along with TEs Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample. Someone will need to step up to support Joe Burrow, who lost the reliable Tyler Boyd and RB Joe Mixon this offseason. — Chris Raybon
Baltimore Ravens
How will this offense look with Derrick Henry?
Henry’s addition is expected to significantly impact the Ravens’ offense. His presence alongside Lamar Jackson should create a dynamic and challenging dual threat for defenses. Henry’s ability to excel on the goal line and carry the load in games where the Ravens are ahead should improve both his and Jackson’s fantasy value and overall team performance. — Sean Koerner
Cleveland Browns
What should we expect from Deshaun Watson?
Watson’s health and performance will be pivotal for the Browns. His 2022 season was underwhelming, and he needs to improve efficiency and consistency in 2023. Monitoring his recovery and adjustment to game conditions will be crucial to evaluating his impact and the team’s prospects. — Chris Raybon
