AFC Teams Face Unique Challenges as 2024 Season Approaches

Buffalo: How Will Allen Step Up Amidst Wide Receiver Changes?

In Buffalo, things are really shaking up as the Bills prepare for the new season without wideouts Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. That’s a big hit to the team, and there’s no beating around the bush—Allen has some heavy lifting to do this time around. With less experienced receivers on the field, the whole spotlight is on him. He’s already famous for his impressive, sometimes reckless, plays, but he might be tempted to play that “hero ball” style a bit more now. While that can lead to some jaw-dropping moments, it also opens up a whole can of worms when it comes to injuries and long-term strain on his body.

Cook’s Role and Rookie Potential

If James Cook can continue his impressive growth trajectory from last season, that might take some weight off Allen’s shoulders. Besides that, the tight end duo of Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox need to plug into the offense as consistent contributors. And let’s not forget about rookie sensation Keon Coleman. The first-round pick could quickly become a key player for Buffalo, getting as many targets as the top-tier rookies you’ve heard of. If he can grab that No. 1 wideout spot, the Super Bowl dreams of the Bills might not seem so far-fetched.

Miami: Tagovailoa’s Health is Priority No. 1

Meanwhile, down in Miami, Tua Tagovailoa seems to be the main focus going into 2024. After a full season last year and a big contract extension, no one can ignore how crucial his health is to the Dolphins’ future. There’s a serious pressure on the offensive line this year. Tagovailoa shared his confidence about the line holding up, but that only goes so far when last season’s issues are still lingering in the back of everyone’s minds.

Preseason Woes

Replacing center Connor Williams with Aaron Brewer seemed like a solid plan until Brewer faced injuries that have many feeling uneasy about how things will go when they hit the field against Jacksonville this weekend. With all the questions surrounding the line, it’ll be interesting to see how Tagovailoa can deal with the mounting stress of having to perform consistently under these conditions.

New England: Maye vs. Brissett

Switching gears to New England, things are spicy with the quarterback situation. Rookie Quarterback Maye shook things up toward the end of training camp, but with Jacoby Brissett holding down the starter role, the future remains uncertain. The Patriots’ offensive line isn’t looking too good, and the wide receivers are still figuring it out. Javon Baker has to step up, especially if he wants to keep Maye’s hopes of getting more playtime alive. All eyes will be on how they mesh during the brutal early schedule.

New York: What’s Next for the Jets?

Out in New York, the Jets have taken a hit, losing Aaron Rodgers right at the start of the season last year. Surprisingly, they turned it around, focusing on improving the roster dramatically. With better depth on the offensive line and new faces in the running back and wide receiver spots, the Jets are hoping this new lineup will make them a contender straight out of the gate. It’s all about protecting whoever is behind center—because the Jets hope this time around, they’ll be ready for everything and anything.

Pittsburgh: Wilson’s Challenge

Across town, the Steelers named Wilson as the starter. For him to stay on top, he’s got to keep winning—no pressure, right? It’s going to take a solid performance to shut down any chatter about giving the other guy, Justin Fields, a shot. Wilson’s challenges behind the line are real, but with some consistency, the Steelers could figure things out. Otherwise, keep an eye on Fields lurking in the shadows.

AFC South: Attacks from the Ravens and More

Heading over to Baltimore, Lamar Jackson dropped some weight this offseason, which he believes will help him become a faster and more agile player. But with the addition of Derrick Henry to the offense, balancing aggressive run gameplay with Jackson’s style will be interesting to see. The Ravens might just have something special cooking this season.

Cincinnati: Burrow’s Durability Questions

In Cincinnati, Joe Burrow is facing questions about his durability as past injuries loom large. The offensive line has been a concern, and the Bengals have attempted to address it with some new signings and a focus on improvement. Burrow’s knack for waiting to make big plays can sometimes lead to trouble. Staying healthy this season is crucial, and it’s a race against time for the Bengals to solidify a reliable line for Burrow.

Cleveland’s Quandary with Watson

Lastly, in Cleveland, all eyes are on Deshaun Watson. At 29, Watson is expected to show what he’s got, but can he shake off the setbacks he’s faced since 2020? The financial implications might keep him with the Browns longer than expected, but fans are anxiously waiting to see if he can bring his A-game back.

With each team having their unique challenges and storylines, the AFC this season promises to bring excitement, tension, and maybe a few surprises along the way!