Chiefs’ quest for third championship hot topic among multiple storylines heading into 2024 NFL season – News-Herald

By ROB MAADDI

Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs following the path of history will be the hottest topic of the entire NFL season.

Kansas City’s three-game winning streak is just one of many interesting stories.

Aaron Rodgers is back in New York after his first season with the Jets lasted just four games. The 40-year-old four-time NFL MVP is coming off a torn Achilles tendon and is looking to help the Jets end the league’s longest active playoff drought.

No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams takes over the Bears, looking to end Chicago’s long search for a quarterback.

Another rookie, point guard Jayden Daniels, leads the Commanders, who are entering their second season under the new ownership group that saved Washington from Dan Snyder.

Russell Wilson is trying to revive his career in Pittsburgh, becoming the third different quarterback the Steelers have turned to since Ben Roethlisberger last played three years ago.

Jim Harbaugh returned to the NFL to coach the Los Angeles Chargers after winning a national title at Michigan. With Justin Herbert under center, Harbaugh doesn’t have to start from scratch.

His brother, John Harbaugh, and the Baltimore Ravens have unfinished business. Two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson led the Ravens to the league’s best record, but they failed to beat Mahomes and the Chiefs in the playoffs.

The pressure is on for Josh Allen to deliver in Buffalo after the Bills lost in the divisional round for the third straight year.

The San Francisco 49ers’ bid to return to the Super Bowl after losing to the Chiefs could be derailed by contract disputes, with All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams and standout wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk still not resolving their issues.

Nick Sirianni stayed in Philadelphia despite a late-season slump that saw the Eagles go from 10-1 to a wild-card rout by Tampa Bay. Jalen Hurts is learning a new offensive system, but another quarterback, Saquon Barkley, has joined the star-studded cast surrounding him.

The Cowboys haven’t done much this offseason after another playoff loss. Coach Mike McCarthy is entering the final season of his contract, and Dak Prescott plans to play out the final year of his deal unless he gets an extension. Jerry Jones opened his checkbook for All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, ending a long layoff.

Dan Campbell’s Lions are widely considered favorites to advance to their first Super Bowl after his risky fourth-down play deprived Detroit of a chance to win last season.

Jordan Love has been paid in Green Bay and is looking to continue his success after a successful first season with the Packers.

Trevor Lawrence also joined the $55 million (average annual salary) club in Jacksonville. The Jaguars need to rebound from a disappointing finish after failing to make the playoffs despite an 8-3 start.

CJ Stroud helped the Houston Texans go from worst to first, and now they’re looking to take the next step in a crowded AFC Conference.

Deshaun Watson watched Joe Flacco lead the Browns to the playoffs, and fans in Cleveland were growing impatient waiting for him to live up to expectations.

A healthy and blond Joe Burrow returned to Cincinnati, giving the Bengals reason to be optimistic.

Kirk Cousins ​​has joined the Falcons, along with new head coach Raheem Morris, with the goal of dethroning the Buccaneers in the NFC South.

Tampa Bay is back in the game after re-signing Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans and several key players from a team that far exceeded expectations last year.

The Dolphins gave Tua Tagovailoa a $53 million-a-year salary to play quarterback, believing he would lead Miami to its first playoff victory in 24 years.

Bill Belichick has transitioned into broadcasting with Jerod Mayo ushering in a new era in New England. The Patriots are hoping Drake Maye can bring a fraction of Tom Brady’s success.

The Broncos have turned to rookie Bo Nix, who seems to fit into Sean Payton’s offense.

Antonio Pierce will spend the entire season in Las Vegas as a coach and will show what he can do with the Raiders.

The Colts are counting on Anthony Richardson to stay healthy and help them compete for the playoffs.

Brian Callahan takes the reins at Tennessee, and the rebuilding Titans give Will Levis a chance to become the quarterback of the future.

Daniel Jones and Brian Daboll have a lot to prove with the New York Giants.

The Vikings lost JJ McCarthy for the entire season, giving Sam Darnold another chance to be the No. 1 QB. He has Justin Jefferson and more talent than the Jets and Panthers.

As for Carolina, new coach Dave Canales is tasked with getting the best out of Bryce Young, something he’s done for Mayfield and Geno Smith.

The Saints haven’t been to the playoffs since Payton and Drew Brees left. Dennis Allen and Derek Carr may not get another chance in New Orleans if they can’t do it this season.

Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. combine to make the Cardinals a tricky team in the NFC.

Matthew Stafford remains with the Rams, but Los Angeles must replace defensive superstar Aaron Donald. Sean McVay is coming off arguably his best coaching season yet, and no one doubts his ability to keep the team in the playoffs.

The Seahawks are entering a new era without Pete Carroll. Mike Macdonald leads a Seattle team that needed a new defensive approach.

Eighteen weeks and 272 games are spent determining which teams will play in January and ultimately determining which two will face off in February for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

It all starts with the Ravens-Chiefs rematch for the AFC Championship. Then on Friday night, Eagles-Packers play in the first NFL game in Brazil.

Originally published: September 2, 2024 at 8:00 AM