The Atlanta Falcons‘ offense figures to look plenty different in 2024, with a slew of adjustments coming to the franchise during the offseason.
Kirk Cousins is set to take over as the team’s starting quarterback, despite the organization’s surprising decision to draft Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick, and he’ll work under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson.
Last year’s first-round pick, Bijan Robinson, expressed excitement Monday over what’s to come in Atlanta, indicating that he and his new coordinator had already discussed how the team intends to use him this season.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, the running back detailed how the goal is ultimately to utilize his skills in a fashion similar to that of how the San Francisco 49ers deploy Christian McCaffrey.
“I’m gonna be more of a runner that does everything else. I don’t know what the plan is, but it’s like run first, like I did in college, but still having that access to go to receiver, still having that access to do creative things out the backfield,” Robinson said.
#Falcons RB Bijan Robinson says the plan is for him to be used like Christian McCaffrey in the new offense under OC Zac Robinson.
“More so like how they use Christian [McCaffrey] down there in San Francisco. Something like that, that’s kind of what the plan is,” he added.
The Falcons ranked 26th in scoring last year, averaging just 18.9 points per game. During his rookie campaign, Robinson scored eight total touchdowns and ran the ball 214 times for 976 yards. He also made 58 receptions for 487 yards, showing his versatility as a pass-catching back.
He’s hoping to see his workload in both categories increase in 2024, and McCaffrey, who had a historic year in ’23, is certainly a figure worthy of emulating. That’s easier said than done, but the former No. 8 overall pick may be the rare back who can realistically aspire to do so.
The NFL offseason continues on, but that doesn't have to stop us from keeping an eye on the NFL futures market!
The top of the Super Bowl oddsboard is dictated by the two teams that made it to the big game last season with the San Francisco 49ers slightly favored over the Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl 59.
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are once again viewed as a true contender to win the Super Bowl for a third straight year with the team set to return a majority of its core, but it's the 49ers who have the edge at the top of the oddsboard.
It's worth noting that the Niners are in the far easier conference relative to the AFC, and that's indicated in the odds. After the two aforementioned teams, the AFC has seven of the 12 other teams that have shorter than 25-1 odds.
Moreso, three of the next four teams are in the AFC with the Ravens, Bengals and Bills all viewed as legitimate threats to win the Super Bowl this season.
With training camp still a few months away, it's worth keeping an eye on more movement in the Super Bowl odds ahead of the 2024 season.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might have had the quietest offseason among the teams in the NFC South, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the reigning division champions are on the decline.
The Buccaneers could make it four consecutive division titles after retaining their key in-house free agents, including Mike Evans and Baker Mayfield. But the Atlanta Falcons, who had a fast start to the offseason, could be on the rise with the free-agent addition of Kirk Cousins.
The Falcons were viewed as clear favorites in the NFC South after adding Cousins to an offense that included Bijan Robison, Drake London and Kyle Pitts. But the gap might have closed after they used a first-round pick on quarterback Michael Penix Jr., while their divisional rivals strengthened their respective rosters with top picks that weren’t used on signal-callers.
The New Orleans Saints drafted a quarterback (Spencer Rattler in the fifth round), but used their first-round pick on offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga to help Derek Carr.
The Carolina Panthers also prioritized their offseason to assist quarterback Bryce Young, but they still have a long way to go to catch up to the rest of the pack.
Here are grades and analysis for how the NFC South teams did this offseason.
Mayfield turned his career around in Tampa Bay, making his first career Pro Bowl.
Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Offseason grade: B
Key additions: C Graham Barton, Edge Chris Braswell, OG Ben Bredeson, Edge Randy Gregory, S Jordan Whitehead
Key subtractions: CB Carlton Davis III, LB Devin White
Analysis: The Buccaneers avoided offseason splash moves and prioritized their core group, one that surprised in 2023 with Mayfield’s resurgence. Tampa Bay should again contend for the NFC South title after retaining Evans, Mayfield and safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who was hit with the franchise tag. Evans and Mayfield gained long-term extensions after helping the Buccaneers advance to the divisional round.
It’s not the flashiest roster, but the Buccaneers have talent throughout and continue to improve the offensive and defensive lines. Tom Brady might be jealous of the offensive line the Buccaneers have built for Mayfield over the past two seasons. Tampa Bay selected Graham Barton, possibly the best center in the draft, to join a group that made strides last season after failing to protect Brady in 2022.
The Buccaneers, however, took a risk handing Mayfield a three-year extension worth up to $115 million after one dynamic season in Tampa Bay. Mayfield, the former top pick of the Cleveland Browns, will also be without Dave Canales, the offensive coordinator who became the Panthers’ coach in the offseason. But the Buccaneers made many savvy moves to ensure Mayfield’s ’23 season wasn’t a fluke.
Key subtractions: RB Cordarrelle Patterson, QB Desmond Ridder, TE Jonnu Smith
Analysis: The Falcons quickly went from being NFC South favorites with Cousins to a team with quarterback concerns following the first-round selection of Penix. Not only did the Falcons create an awkward scenario, they failed to improve the 2024 squad by using their No. 8 pick on a player who might not play for a few seasons. Had the Falcons gone with the best player available, perhaps they would have gotten an A grade for the offseason and be viewed as NFC South favorites for longer than a month.
But the Falcons could still have the best team in the division if Cousins makes a full recovery from the torn Achilles he sustained last season with the Minnesota Vikings. Cousins will get to work with coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, two former Los Angeles Rams assistant coaches who had plenty of success under Sean McVay. With the Falcons having talented skill players, perhaps Cousins and a new coaching staff were the final pieces for Atlanta to clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2017. But they might have been viewed as Super Bowl contenders had they drafted one of the top edge rushers in the draft instead of Penix. Maybe Penix gets an opportunity to start a game or two in 2024 to impress and quiet the critics.
New Orleans Saints
Offseason grade: B-
Key additions: OL Taliese Fuaga, LB Willie Gay Jr., CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, QB Spencer Rattler, WR Cedrick Wilson Jr., Edge Chase Young
Key subtractions: S Marcus Maye, OG Andrus Peat, WR Michael Thomas, QB Jameis Winston
Analysis: With a veteran-filled roster, New Orleans balanced the present and the future after saying goodbye to key players and hello to prominent rookies. The Saints are far removed from the days of Drew Brees and Sean Payton, but they neglected the full rebuild route the past three seasons and missed the postseason every year in that span. The organization seems to have finally adjusted after parting with Michael Thomas, Marcus Maye and Andrus Peat. The moves they made provided some cap space flexibility for the Saints, something they haven’t had much of in recent years.
For the most part, the 2024 Saints should have a similar look to last season heading into Year 2 with Carr as the starting quarterback. Carr had mixed results in his first season in New Orleans, but played well in the final month and should have better protection with the arrival of Fuaga, a rugged run blocker who can play tackle and guard. But the Saints might be making a mistake by relying on Trevor Penning and Ryan Ramczyk as the starting tackles again. Penning has struggled since being a 2022 first-round pick and Ramczyk has dealt with injuries. If Carr gets time to operate, he’ll have Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed to hurt defenses downfield.
Young, the No. 2 pick of the 2020 draft, will be on his third team in five seasons.
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
On defense, the team took a chance on Chase Young, who had a rocky 2023 season after being traded by the Commanders to the 49ers. But the move could pay off, with veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan needing help. New Orleans could have a foundational piece in second-round cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Carolina Panthers
Offseason grade: C+
Key additions: RB Jonathon Brooks, Edge K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge Jadeveon Clowney, S Jordan Fuller, OG Robert Hunt, WR Diontae Johnson,LB Josey Jewell, WR Xavier Legette, OG Damien Lewis, Edge D.J. Wonnum
Key subtractions: S Vonn Bell, Edge Brian Burns, S Jeremy Chinn, Edge Yetur Gross-Matos, CB Donte Jackson, LB Frankie Luvu
Analysis: Let’s get the bad out of the way because there have been plenty of offseason positives for the worst team in the NFL last year. The Panthers’ rebuild project took a hit after they elected to trade Brian Burns to the New York Giants for two draft picks, neither in the first round. It’s been well documented that the Panthers had the opportunity to trade Burns in 2022 for multiple first-round picks. With that in mind, it was strange that the Panthers didn’t just keep Burns on the roster to continue building the defense with stud defensive tackle Derrick Brown, who cashed in this offseason with a lucrative contract extension.
The Panthers also spent money on the offensive side to assist Young, the 2023 No. 1 pick coming off a rough rookie season. Perhaps no offseason acquisition was more important than the hiring of Canales, the offensive guru who helped reignite the careers of Mayfield and Geno Smith. The Panthers added weapons and protection for Young, including the splash signing of guard Robert Hunt, whom the team might have overpaid for with a monster five-year, $100 million contract. Veteran wideout Adam Thielen won’t have to carry the team like he did last season, with the trade for Diontae Johnson and first-round selection of Xavier Legette. Also, the Panthers improved the poor ground game by using a second-round pick for running back Jonathon Brooks.
Offensively, the Panthers might have done enough this offseason to gain positive results from Young in Year 2. The defense, however, might not be able to replace the production of Burns. Newcomer veterans Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum will need to step up to help Brown and the rest of the defense.
With the 2024 NFL draft in the books, teams can now form their initial depth charts before mandatory minicamps in June and training camps in late July.
Some teams, such as the Chicago Bears, suddenly have fewer holes on the rosters after stellar draft classes. It helped that the Bears had an extra first-round pick, which they used on Caleb Williams, courtesy of last year’s trade with the Carolina Panthers.
That trade seems to get worse by the month for the Panthers, but they too have fewer needs on their roster with the selection of wide receiver Xavier Legette (though they still have a long way to go before fielding a playoff-worthy roster).
No matter how pleased each club is feeling about their post-draft and post-free agency roster, there are still improvements to be made. Here are the biggest remaining holes for all 32 teams.
Arizona Cardinals: IDL, LB, CB
Wide receiver is no longer a critical need after the selection of Marvin Harrison Jr. The Cardinals, however, have a long way to go to fill out the defense. The unit did benefit from the team’s second first-round pick, edge rusher Darius Robinson. Coach Jonathan Gannon’s defense will rely on veteran cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting to help in the secondary.
Atlanta Falcons: Edge, CB, LB
The Falcons go into another season without much help for defensive lineman Grady Jarrett. Instead of using the No. 8 pick on an edge rusher, the Falcons chose to draft Michael Penix Jr., who likely won’t play in 2024 because of the arrival of Kirk Cousins. Perhaps this blurb will be wrong in November if second-round pick Ruke Orhorhoro and third-round selection Bralen Trice make immediate impacts.
Jackson formed a strong connection with Flowers, who had a team-leading 858 receiving yards in 2023.
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens: WR, OT, Edge
The Ravens addressed their needs at cornerback and offensive guard with the draft selections of Nate Wiggins and Roger Rosengarten in the first and second rounds, respectively. Those were likely the right moves, but again, Lamar Jackson will have a thin receiving corps unless Rashod Bateman finally puts it together to help Zay Flowers. Baltimore is also thin at edge rusher, with Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy as the top options.
Buffalo Bills: Edge, WR, CB
Buffalo hit on some needs in the draft, selecting WR Keon Coleman and S Cole Bishop to shore up immediate weak spots. However, it was surprising to see the Bills not take another receiver. Additionally, Buffalo is thin at pass rusher with only Gregory Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa as reliable pieces. The Bills are also dancing with danger at corner, as the first reserve is Kaiir Elam.
Carolina Panthers: TE, OT, Edge
The Panthers deserve credit for improving the receiving corps with the trade for Diontae Johnson and first-round selection of Xavier Legette. And they might finally have a reliable running back after drafting Jonathon Brooks. But they also might be hurting at tight end with Tommy Tremble and fourth-round pick Ja’Tavion Sanders. As for another glaring need, Carolina has issues at offensive tackle and are banking on a bounce-back season from Ikem Ekwonu, the 2022 No. 6 pick.
Chicago Bears: Edge, IDL, OL
The Bears could be a fun offense to watch after the draft selections of Williams and Rome Odunze. But they’re going to need the offensive line to play better than last year after veteran guard Nate Davis and right tackle Darnell Wright—a 2023 first-round pick—both struggled. Chicago has plenty of talent throughout the defense, but the team could use more depth on the defensive front.
Cincinnati Bengals: CB, Edge, G
Cincinnati used three of its first four draft picks to build in the trenches, but never added a guard. With Alex Cappa entering the final year of his deal and Cordell Volson being inconsistent, that could have been an option on the second or third day. Meanwhile, with Trey Hendrickson demanding a trade, the Bengals are already thin on the edge and could be in a huge bind if Hendrickson plays hardball.
Cleveland Browns: QB, ILB, OLB
The Browns really need a quarterback, but they’re stuck with Deshaun Watson and his contract for two more years. Defensively, the second level is a big concern beyond Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush are in line for serious playing time, and at this juncture, neither are prolific. Losing Sione Takitaki this offseason in free agency may loom large.
Dallas Cowboys: RB, C, IDL
Ezekiel Elliott is once again the Cowboys’ No. 1 running back. Just one problem: It’s 2024. Elliott is no longer in his prime and the Cowboys don’t have much stability behind him on the depth chart. Dallas also has concerns at center, but the team drafted Cooper Beebe in the third round. He’ll likely compete with Brock Hoffman for the starting job. Regardless of who’s snapping the ball to Dak Prescott, they’ll be surrounded by plenty of talent with Zack Martin, Tyler Smith and 2024 first-round pick Tyler Guyton.
Denver Broncos: C, ILB, CB
The Broncos’ list could have been 10 positions deep, but let’s be kind. Denver lost Lloyd Cushenberry in free agency and never replaced him. Denver also saw Josey Jewell head for the Panthers and did little to shore up that spot, with Alex Singleton and Cody Barton in line to start. At corner, it’s Patrick Surtain II and a lot of question marks—specifically if Levi Wallace will hold onto his job for 17 weeks.
Hutchinson (No. 97) has posted 21 sacks over his first two seasons.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions: WR, Edge, LB
It was tough finding three roster holes for the stacked Lions. They might be forced to draft a wide receiver next season if Jameson Williams doesn’t make the leap in 2024 to help recently-paid Amon-Ra St. Brown. Also, star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson needs a long-term running mate. For now, they’re banking on free-agent newcomer Marcus Davenport. After spending the past year writing about the Lions’ needs at cornerback, they drafted Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. to form an intriguing cornerback group.
Green Bay Packers: OL, CB, IDL
The Packers’ offensive line appears incomplete because they haven’t decided what to do with first-round pick Jordan Morgan, who can play tackle and guard. If Morgan plays guard, this unit might be close to complete. But Green Bay is going to need another stellar season for Rasheed Walker, who filled in admirably last season at left tackle. Cornerback Jaire Alexander might again need help, but at least the team made defensive upgrades with free agent addition Xavier McKinney and rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper.
Houston Texans: DT, CB, OLB
Not surprisingly, the Texans’ needs are exclusive to the defense. Houston brought in Denico Autry to shore up the interior of its line, but the rest of the defensive tackles are underwhelming, and Autry is 34 years old. On the second level, Houston is thin, relying heavily on Christian Harris and Azeez Al-Shaair. At corner, it’s Derek Stingley Jr. and a ton of hope, with rookie Kamari Lassiter expected to play a big role.
Indianapolis Colts: CB, S, TE
This wasn’t a great year to need a tight end, but the Colts not making any effort to upgrade at the position was a bit surprising. Defensively, Indianapolis has a solid front seven that should be good against the run and the pass. However, the secondary is banking big on corners JuJu Brents and Kenny Moore II, while hoping Dallas Flowers and Nick Cross are ready for increased roles.
Jacksonville Jaguars: CB, S, Edge
The Jaguars treated the cornerback position this offseason as though they have Sauce Gardner. Unfortunately, that’s not the case, and corner is a major concern. Safety isn’t much better, with Andre Cisco and questions galore. At edge, the starters are terrific in Josh Allen and Travon Walker, but Jacksonville could have used a rotational pass rusher. Perhaps it still finds one.
Kansas City Chiefs: RB, DT, CB
After trading L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans, the Chiefs created a need at corner, but didn’t address it until the sixth round. They’re banking on Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams, who are both in their third year but have so far been unspectacular. At defensive tackle, Chris Jones is incredible, but depth is a minor question. Finally, who backs up Isiah Pacheco? Maybe Jerick McKinnon comes back later.
Las Vegas Raiders: QB, RB, CB
Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell will compete for the starting job under center, while running back Josh Jacobs left in free agency and was never replaced. Suffice to say, Las Vegas has some problems in the backfield. Defensively, the front seven is rounding into form under coach Antonio Pierce, but the secondary remains a concern with corner being the biggest problem.
Johnston was a first-round pick in 2023 but struggled during his rookie season, tallying just 38 catches for 431 yards.
Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Chargers: WR, ILB, CB
Los Angeles is in the middle of overhauling its roster, and should be competitive in Jim Harbaugh’s first year. That said, the Chargers have significant questions at receiver, with rookie Ladd McConkey and 2023 draftee Quentin Johnston headlining the group. On defense, Los Angeles has weak points on all three levels. The biggest questions are whether rookie linebacker Junior Colson can play immediately and if Ja’Sir Taylor can hold up in the slot.
Los Angeles Rams: OT, LB, CB
The Rams had a near perfect draft on the defensive side after using first- and second-round picks on edge rusher Jared Verse and defensive tackle Braden Fiske. If they add a veteran linebacker in the coming months, the Rams could have a sneaky good defense during their first year without Aaron Donald. Los Angeles, however, is taking a chance with Alaric Jackson as the starting left tackle again.
Miami Dolphins: C, DT, S
The Dolphins have real questions on both sides of the ball. At center, Connor Williams remains a free agent after tearing his ACL late last season, and while Aaron Brewer was signed, he’s not on the same level as Williams. Defensively, Christian Wilkins’s departure leaves a huge hole in the middle of the front. On the back end, Miami needs help at safety and corner, with Jordan Poyer being heavily relied upon.
Minnesota Vikings: OL, IDL, CB
The Vikings don’t have much stability on the offensive line after stud left tackle Christian Darrisaw. Perhaps good coaching and elite skill players could mask the lack of talent on the offensive line. But that might not be enough to help the erratic Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings have a fearsome duo at edge rusher with Jonathan Greenard and rookie Dallas Turner. As for the interior, they might not have one standout defensive tackle.
New England Patriots: G, S, K
Yes, kicker. Did anybody else watch Chad Ryland kick the ball last year? He was terrible. Ryland hit on just 16-of-25 field goals, including missing half of his 10 attempts between 40–49 yards. Additionally, safety Kyle Dugger is excellent, but Jabrill Peppers is only decent and the depth behind them is questionable. On offense, the offensive line is a concern, with guard particularly thin.
New Orleans Saints: OL, IDL, Edge
The Saints might be overthinking it by not placing first-round pick Taliese Fuaga at offensive tackle. If they move him to guard, that means they’re giving 2022 first rounder Trevor Penning another shot at proving himself at left tackle. They’re also banking on Ryan Ramczyk staying healthy. If Chase Young has a bounce-back season, the Saints could be in good shape on the defensive front. But they need to get younger on the defensive line.
New York Giants: RB, TE, S
The Giants are going to need Devin Singletary to have a career year in his sixth NFL season because they didn’t do much to replace Saquon Barkley. They could soon have a giant hole at tight end if Darren Waller decides to officially retire. New York gained a dynamic weapon after drafting WR Malik Nabers, but this offense still needs plenty of work.
New York Jets: DT, TE, WR
This might seem like an odd list, but hang in there. The Jets are banking heavily on Mike Williams staying healthy … at 30 years old … on the MetLife Stadium turf. If he doesn’t hold up, it’s rookie Malachi Corley and Garrett Wilson. Not bad, but unsettled. Tight end is much worse, with Tyler Conklin and not much else. At defensive tackle, Quinnen Williams is fantastic, but there’s not much around him.
Philadelphia Eagles: LB, S, IDL
GM Howie Roseman got plenty of love for another impressive draft class. But he neglected the linebacker position, perhaps the weakest group for the Eagles last season. Roseman must really like the free-agency addition of linebacker Devin White. Philadelphia is going to need 2022 draft picks Jordan Davis, a defensive tackle, and Nakobe Dean, a linebacker, to step up and assist the defensive front.
Pickens will need to develop chemistry with a new quarterback in 2024.
Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers: CB, WR, QB
The Steelers have George Pickens on the outside, but beyond him? Quez Watkins, Van Jefferson and rookie Roman Wilson will all compete for serious snaps. Opposite receiver, the corner room is unsettled with Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson starting outside, but question marks Darius Rush, Cory Trice Jr. and rookie Ryan Watts are all projected to serve as rotational pieces. And, yes, Pittsburgh has two quarterbacks and none at the same time.
San Francisco 49ers: Edge, IDL, IOL
The 49ers are banking on veterans to replace edge rusher Chase Young and defensive tackle Arik Armstead. Time will tell if the rotation of Leonard Floyd, Drake Jackson and Yetur Gross-Matos is enough to assist Nick Bosa. The 49ers tend to make it work on the offensive line, but they’re lacking talent on the inside.
Seattle Seahawks: IOL, LB, TE
The Seahawks will need Nick Harris to step up at center to protect Geno Smith. They’re also taking a chance with Noah Fant as the full-time starter at tight end—they lost Colby Parkinson and Will Dissly in free agency. Seattle didn’t do much to fill the voids left by the departures of inside linebackers Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OG, CB, Edge
Ben Bredeson has plenty of experience as a former starting guard for the Giants, but they had one of the worst interior offensive lines the past few seasons. Perhaps Bredeson will have better luck in Tampa Bay playing alongside a revamped offensive line, which added center Graham Barton in the draft. The Buccaneers lack experience at cornerback outside of Jamel Dean.
Tennessee Titans: ILB, S, RT
The Titans did a nice job with the roster this offseason, upgrading both sides of the ball. However, Dillon Radunz is a question mark at right tackle alongside Nicholas Petit-Frere. On defense, the inside linebacker combo of Kenneth Murray Jr. and Jack Gibbens doesn’t inspire confidence. Teams will try to exploit them repeatedly, especially in play-action situations.
Washington Commanders: OL, Edge, CB
The Commanders might have waited too long to address their need at left tackle. They had three second-round picks and didn’t use one on an offensive lineman. They now need Brandon Coleman, a third rounder, to be an immediate contributor at left tackle. Washington’s defense could have a much-improved season with the many new arrivals, but the unit could suffer from a lack of depth at edge rusher and in the secondary.
