Biggest red flags for 20 NFL contenders in 2024: Bills’ overhauled WRs, Bengals’ QB health among top concerns

The offseason is generally a time of optimism across the NFL. Fresh off changes — and hopeful upgrades — in the coaching and roster departments, it’s not unusual for most teams to dream of a playoff push.

It’s also not unusual for every team to enter the new season with underlying — or even overt — concerns. So here’s an overview of the biggest red flags for 20 of the NFL’s top projected contenders in 2024:

Obvious, yes, but facts are facts: Burrow is an MVP-level quarterback when at full strength. He’s also missed extensive time due to injury in two of his four NFL seasons. Cincinnati shuffled its front once again, adding Trent Brown at right tackle, but if Burrow can’t stay close to 100%, it might not matter.

Bills: The overhauled WR corps

In theory, Buffalo has swapped out one bona fide pass catcher (in this case, Stefon Diggs) for a slew of solid role players: a red zone outlet (Keon Coleman), a utility man (Curtis Samuel) and a speedster (Marquez Valdes-Scantling). Is that really a better supporting cast for Josh Allen?

One of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL, Watson has played a grand total of 12 games the last three seasons. Surprisingly, Cleveland went 5-1 when he actually suited up as the starter in 2023, but it’s anyone’s guess how his surgically repaired shoulder will hold up for an otherwise playoff-ready squad.

Buccaneers: The bet on ‘running it back’

Rather than reallocate big-money commitments, Tampa Bay prioritized re-signing its own this offseason, which nicely rewarded veterans like Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, etc. for their scrappy playoff run. Can Mayfield replicate his ball control with essentially the same lineup that barely escaped the NFC South?

Chargers: The stripped-down WR corps

Jim Harbaugh is infusing toughness and an apparent focus on the run game as Los Angeles’ new coach, but Justin Herbert doesn’t exactly have a proven group of pass catchers…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/biggest-red-flags-for-20-nfl-contenders-in-2024-bills-overhauled-wrs-bengals-qb-health-among-top-concerns/

Author : Cody Benjamin

Publish date : 2024-06-26 12:18:53

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.