NFL 2024 Midseason Report: Key Teams, Rising Stars, and What’s Next
The first 10 weeks of the 2024 NFL season have been filled with twists, surprises, and high drama. From unexpected upsets to breakout performances, injuries, and teams that have failed to live up to expectations, there’s no shortage of storylines as we head into the back half of the season. Let's take a look at the key developments so far and what they mean for the remainder of the year.
The Kansas City Chiefs: Unbeaten but Far from Perfect
The Kansas City Chiefs remain the only undefeated team in the league at 9-0, but their journey to this point hasn’t been smooth sailing. While their record is impressive, the Chiefs have faced struggles on offense. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has thrown just 12 touchdowns through the first nine games, and only one of those games has seen him eclipse 300 yards passing. The Chiefs have also struggled with a lackluster running game, and their receiving corps—outside of Travis Kelce—has been inconsistent. Rookie Xavier Worthy has shown potential, but he’s not quite ready to take on the role of a true No. 1 receiver. That’s why the Chiefs traded for veteran DeAndre Hopkins, who, while reliable, no longer brings the same explosiveness he did in his prime.
Despite these offensive hiccups, the Chiefs' defense has stepped up in a major way, ranking in the top 5 in both yards and points allowed. They haven’t allowed more than 25 points in any game this season, and this strong defensive play has been the main reason they remain unbeaten. The Chiefs’ championship pedigree is evident, and despite their offensive struggles, they are still positioned for another Super Bowl run. If anyone can challenge them, it’s going to take a big effort from the competition.
AFC Contenders: Who’s Primed for a Playoff Push?
There’s no shortage of teams in the AFC with Super Bowl aspirations, and several have made strong cases as legitimate contenders. Alongside Kansas City, the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and surprisingly, the Pittsburgh Steelers, are all in the mix.
Pittsburgh Steelers: At 7-2, the Steelers have leaned heavily on their defense to secure victories. Head coach Mike Tomlin has once again put together a resilient squad, and a surprising decision to bench quarterback Justin Fields in favor of Russell Wilson has paid off. Wilson has led the Steelers to a three-game win streak, though Pittsburgh will have a chance to test themselves against the Ravens in Week 11, which could be a major statement game.
Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens have been one of the most impressive teams of the first half of the season, with Lamar Jackson playing at an All-Pro level and currently favored to win his third MVP award. He’s also improved his passing game, putting up impressive numbers across the board. Adding Derrick Henry to the mix has been a game-changer—Henry is already over 1,000 rushing yards after just 9 games, and he’s aiming to become the first player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in multiple seasons. After a 2-2 start, the Ravens have reeled off 7 wins in their last 8 games, and they’ve shown they can compete with the league’s elite.
Buffalo Bills: The Bills are finally starting to shake off the turnover issues that have plagued them in previous seasons. Josh Allen has been playing at a high level, despite a few interceptions creeping in during recent weeks. With the defense and special teams playing solid football, this feels like a different Bills team, one that could make a serious run to the Super Bowl for the first time in three decades.
NFC Favorites: The Lions and Eagles
Detroit Lions: In the NFC, the Detroit Lions are making noise as one of the top contenders, with an offense that is both dynamic and efficient. At 7-2, the Lions have a shot at the No. 1 seed, but their defense took a hit when star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson was sidelined. The Lions added Za’Darius Smith to bolster their defense, and their one-two punch at running back—David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs—has been a key factor in their success. Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to be a playmaker, and head coach Dan Campbell has transformed the Lions into a legitimate threat.
Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles are finding their rhythm after some early-season struggles, rattling off five consecutive wins to take control of the NFC East. With quarterback Jalen Hurts continuing to perform at an elite level, and a defense led by veterans like Fletcher Cox and Darius Slay, Philadelphia is looking like the team to beat. The Eagles’ recent Super Bowl experience gives them a mental edge in tight situations, but don’t count out the Washington Commanders, who are pushing hard with dynamic rookie QB Jayden Daniels leading the charge. Their showdown in Week 11 will be crucial for both teams in the division race.
Underperforming Teams: Can They Turn It Around?
A handful of teams entered the season with high expectations but have struggled to live up to them. Are they out of playoff contention, or can they salvage their seasons?
Dallas Cowboys: Once expected to stroll into the playoffs, the Cowboys have imploded due to injuries and underperformance. With Dak Prescott now sidelined for the rest of the season, Dallas’ playoff hopes have all but evaporated. They’ve been inconsistent on both sides of the ball and are quickly slipping toward a top-10 draft pick.
San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers have been a puzzle this season. Despite a talented roster, they’ve failed to find any sustained rhythm, hovering just above .500. With their elite defense and playmaking weapons like Deebo Samuel, San Francisco is still capable of a deep playoff run, but they’ll need to find more consistency in the second half of the season.
New York Jets: The Jets' season has gone from bad to worse. Under Aaron Rodgers, the team has struggled to find any offensive consistency. With a 3-6 record, they look unlikely to make the playoffs, and questions loom about whether they should consider a full rebuild.
Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals are another team with playoff potential, though their defense has been a major liability. Despite Joe Burrow playing at an MVP level, the Bengals’ defense has ranked in the bottom third in both yards and points allowed. If they can get more out of their defense, Cincinnati could make a serious playoff push, but they’ll need to shore up that side of the ball to compete with the league’s best.
Midseason Awards: Who’s Impressed So Far?
- MVP: Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)
- Offensive Player of the Year: Derrick Henry (Baltimore Ravens)
- Defensive Player of the Year: Dexter Lawrence II (New York Giants)
- Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders)
- Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jared Verse (Los Angeles Rams)
- Coach of the Year: Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in the Second Half
With 8 weeks left in the regular season, expect plenty of drama as the playoff race heats up. The Chiefs, Bills, and Ravens are all in contention for the top AFC spots, while the Eagles, Lions, and potentially the Commanders are shaping up to be the class of the NFC. Teams like the Bengals and 49ers will need strong finishes to keep their playoff hopes alive, while a few dark horses may emerge as the season progresses.
One thing’s for sure—the 2024 NFL season is far from over, and it's shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Stay tuned—there’s plenty more action to come.