5 most improved NFL teams as 2024 preseason kicks off ft. Atlanta Falcons & Pittsburgh Steelers
As 2024 preseason kicks off, NFL fans are in a frame of mind that comes about once a year: boundless optimism. Every fanbase believes this could be their year and is quick to list of reasons why they might be best suited to improve upon the previous season.
Entering the 2024 preseason, we look at teams that have theoretically the best chance to show that they have improved from the past year. Here are our top five teams in that category.
NFL most improved teams going into 2024 preseason
#5 - Philadelphia Eagles
If the Philadelphia Eagles coaches and players could do their work as well as Howie Roseman does his, they would be in the middle of a dynasty.
The general manager worked his magic again this year and a season that ended in disappointment looks firmly in the rearview mirror. Despite losing Fletcher Cox and Jason Kelce to retirement, this group is arguably better than last season.
They have added Saquon Barkley to the running back room, brought back C.J. Gardner-Johnson in defense, and drafted well in adding players like Cooper DeJean.
They also have Kellen Moore as their offensive coordinator and Vic Fangio manning the defense, which should usher in an improvement from 2023. The 2024 preseason could redouble the optimism the Eagles fans are feeling.
#4 - Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers and the Bears arguably engaged in a win-win trade this offseason. Chicago kept their first pick and drafted Caleb Williams, but Pittsburgh got a young NFL-ready quarterback in Justin Fields.
He doesn't need to start immediately because he can learn behind a Super Bowl-winning veteran like Russell Wilson. Both of them are better than Kenny Pickett, who's now a backup to Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia.
The other factor that should make the Steelers better than last season is because of the change in offensive coordinator. Matt Canada's play-calling was pedestrian at best, and Arthur Smith surely cannot do as bad a job. Even with all of these issues, Mike Tomlin worked his magic in 2023 as Pittsburgh reached the playoffs. They could be even better in 2024.
#3 - Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons make this list simply by finally having a quarterback who is proven at this level. Atlanta rolled with Desmond Ridder last year and that experiment did not work out.
They moved on swiftly to bring Kirk Cousins from the Vikings during the offseason. In the draft, against all expectations, they added Michael Penix Jr. in the first round to add further depth to the position.
They have a talented roster around whichever quarterback starts with players like Drake London and Bijan Robinson expected to contribute to the offense. They also drafted well in fortifying the defense and adding to the pass-rush threat that they have sorely lacked in the past few seasons, being dead last in 2023 for win-rate. Their picks from rounds two to five all involved defensive linemen and linebackers.
With all of this coming together, the Falcons fans are rightly looking forward to the 2024 preseason as they could end up surprising many observers.
#2 - Houston Texans
The Texans were immense last season as C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson had outstanding years, showcasing their worth after being picked second and third overall in the 2023 NFL Draft respectively. But they have improved this offseason and could be considered as legitimate Super Bowl challengers.
On offense, they have added Stefon Diggs, a Pro Bowl caliber receiver. But it's on defense where they have added players Daniell Hunter, who could strengthen an area where they were not at their best in 2023. Denico Autry's suspension for the beginning of the season is a blow, but he should be back later and should feature during the 2024 preseason.
With their quarterback still on a rookie contract, the expectations are high that the time to win a championship is now. The Texans fans are certainly excited and have a good reason to be so.
#1 - Chicago Bears
The Bears are arguably the most improved team entering the 2024 preseason, and that's due to some smart moves in both free agency and during the draft.
They added players like Keenan Allen and D'Andre Swift to bolster the offensive options. Then they refused to trade down during the 2024 NFL Draft and chose Caleb Williams with the first pick. But, perhaps, more importantly, they also stayed put at ninth overall and drafted Rome Odunze, to give the rookie yet another weapon.
The offense has been completely retooled and looks like one of the best units in the NFL going into the 2024 preseason. That's a marked improvement from last year when they failed to make the playoffs and finished bottom of the NFC North.