Fantasy Football 2024: Most Improved NFL Teams

(Team: Arizona Cardinals Source: revengeofthebirds.com Photograph by Seth Cox , Date: October 30th, 2024)

Halfway into the 2024-2025 season, emerging teams have shaken the NFL landscape, surpassing fans’ expectations. These improving teams have helped fuel stellar fantasy performances from their players. So, here are three of the most promising teams to watch for in 2024.

Second Overall Pick Leading Excited Franchise and Fanbase

(Team: Washington Commanders Source: athlonsports.com Photograph by Geoff Burke-Imagn Images , Date: October 29th, 2024)

First, the Washington Commanders came into 2024 having drafted the 2nd overall pick, QB Jayden Daniels, and ending the 2023-2024 season with the second-worst record in the NFL. After week one of the 2024-2025 season, there was little hope for Commanders fans after the team lost to the Buccaneers 37-20.

However, the team turned it around in week two with one of the weirdest wins in NFL history. The Commanders defeated the Giants 21-18, kicking seven field goals after failing to score in the red zone several times. The Giants scored three touchdowns but did not score any points due to their kicker getting injured and failing two-point conversion attempts.

Then, in week three, the Commanders upset the Bengals in a breakout game for Jayden Daniels, who showcased his veteran-like prowess and stellar accuracy. Behind Daniels, the Commanders have revitalized the franchise, going into week nine with six wins and sitting atop the NFC East.

Daniels is not the only reason for the Commanders’ success. Through a masterful 2024 draft, new GM Adam Peters drafted quality players like Jer’Zhan Newton, a top-15 projected pick drafted 36th overall, and Mike Sainristil, a talented cornerback who already caught his first NFL interception as a rookie against Lamar Jackson.

Overall, Dan Synder, considered one of the worst owners of all time, selling the Commanders has rejuvenated the fanbase and team through savvy draft selections and the leading candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year: QB Jayden Daniels.

NFL Team with an Excellent QB Signing and Breakout Campaigns

(Team: Atlanta Falcons Source: pff.com Photograph by AP Photo/Butch Dill, Date: September 29th, 2024)

Although the Falcons had a questionable 2024 first-round draft pick in QB Michael Penix Jr. after signing QB Kirk Cousins to a four-year $180 million contract, the Falcons have emerged as the top team in the NFC South. They are powered by an explosive offense that has seen players proving their value like Kyle Pitts and Drake London.

The Falcons have a record of five wins and three losses, with all but one win within a margin of one score. They have dominated their division, defeating the three other teams in head-to-head matchups, including a two-game sweep of the Buccaneers.

The Falcons’ success can be mainly attributed to their offense since Kirk Cousins has proven to be their answer at quarterback since he is third in passing yards in the NFL with 14 touchdowns. Also, Cousins has helped Kyle Pitts become a top-four tight end, Drake London a top-five wide receiver, and Bijan Robinson a top-four running back in fantasy.

However, the Falcons have failed to pull away when facing competitive teams, raising questions about their ranking as a true championship contender. Their defense is also subpar, averaging 0.8 sacks per game, the lowest rate in the NFL.

Ultimately, the Falcons’ revamped offense has led the way in their bounceback 2024 campaign. It will be intriguing how the Falcons prove their legitimacy as a top NFL team for the rest of the season.

Hopeful Franchise with Top Draft Picks and Free Agent Signings

(Team: Chicago Bears Source: kslsports.com Photograph by Quinn Harris/Getty Images, Date: September 8th, 2024)

Although the Bears lost in unfortunate fashion on a miracle Hail Mary in week eight against the Commanders, the loss does not stop them from being a comeback story in 2024. They have added many offensive weapons and a franchise QB in the 2024 draft after a cunning deal with the Panthers in 2023.

The Bears selected Caleb Williams, considered a generational talent, with the first overall pick in the 2023 draft. He has shown some struggles as a rookie, posting a 45.8 quarterback rating, but has thrown nine touchdowns and completed 62.8% of his passes.

Still, the Bears heavily invested in building around Williams with the departure of former franchise QB Justin Fields, the additions of WRs Keenan Allen, rookie Rome Odunze, and D.J. Moore, and resigning star cornerback Jaylon Johnson on an extension. Their current offense is one of the most exciting in franchise history.

Also, they are prioritizing constructing a complete team. For example, they drafted top offensive linemen in the 2023 and 2024 drafts, Darnell Wright and Kiran Amegadjie respectively. They also traded for star defensive lineman Montez Sweat from the Commanders in 2023 and drafted DL Gervon Dexter Sr in the second round of the 2023 draft.

Ultimately, the Bears have a bright future under QB Caleb Williams and are putting the pieces around him to succeed. If they continue to draft well and sign impactful free agents, the Bears will be a team to watch for in the competitive NFC North.

Most Improved Teams of 2024 Summary

(Team: Washington Commanders Source: espn.com Photograph by Katie Stratman-Imagn Images, Date: September 24th, 2024)

With another NFL season underway, it is unpredictable what the final standings will be. However, the Commanders, Falcons, and Bears all have bright futures through exciting draft picks and significant free-agent signings.

The Commanders have found their answer at QB in Jayden Daniels, ending a tumultuous ride for fans who have endured the endless rollercoaster of new franchise QBs. The new front office looks to build upon a strong 2024 draft class and exceed all expectations.

The Falcons have also found their franchise QB in 36-year-old Kirk Cousins, who has already had legendary performances with the team. The blueprint to their success is maintaining their top-notch offense and helping players like Kyle Pitts and Drake London continue their breakout seasons.

The Bears drafted Caleb Williams first overall in the 2024 draft and he has been dealing with rookie struggles. However, the front office has provided Williams with many offensive weapons like D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen paired with a fierce defense led by Montez Sweat.

Overall, these will be exciting teams to watch as they battle for first place in their respective divisions. Also, a deserving honorable mention goes to the Arizona Cardinals, who are first place in the NFC West as of week eight, which features teams like the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers.

(SportAI Inc TM)

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“I had to keep it”-Jayden Daniels on his first touchdown pass, which was to an offensive lineman

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