Ranking top 5 dangerous teams heading into 2024 NFL training camp ft. Green Bay Packers
When the Green Bay Packers begin their 2024 NFL training camp in July, they will be looking to get ready for a tilt at the Super Bowl, based on what quarterback Jordan Love has claimed is a realistic target for the season. After making the playoffs in his first year as a starter and reaching the Divisional Round, one could argue they are right to have high hopes.
But they will not be the only team that believes they can go all the way. Entering into the 2024 NFL training camps, there will be other teams arguably better positioned to win the big prize.
Here is a closer look at the top five teams best prepared to utilize this period to lay out their plans for the upcoming season.
Top 5 dangerous teams heading into 2024 NFL training camps
#5. Green Bay Packers
The Packers should not be on this list, some may argue. One good season by Jordan Love, which did not get going till the final weeks of the campaign, should not put them in the category for favorites going into the 2024 NFL training camp. One could even argue that they might not have made the playoffs if Kirk Cousins had not injured his Achilles and thrown the Minnesota Vikings' chances off course.
But the truth is that they have a quarterback who was phenomenal down the stretch. And while the Packers don't have a truly great wide receiver, they have a corps of players where everybody contributes. That is the embodiment of a good team and they will only get better by practicing together.
#4. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans were another surprise package last year and did in the AFC what the Packers did in the NFC. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud played like a veteran franchise QB for much of the time and they made it to the Divisional Round after defeating a highly-fancied Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card Round.
They have now added Stefon Diggs to make their receiving corps one of the best on paper in the league. On defense, they have acquired some great players in free agency, who can improve the one area that people could consider was a worry last season.
The 2024 NFL training camp is a time for all these new players to get to know each other, understand the concepts and get a sense of coordination going. The Texans might be the dark horse that could go all the way this upcoming season.
#3. Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are the top-rated NFC team on the list. They and the Packers edge out the San Francisco 49ers, last season's Super Bowl representatives from the conference. That is so because while San Francisco indeed has a talented team, they are entering the 2024 NFL training camp in a state of flux. Brandon Aiyuk still has not agreed to a deal and might be traded.
Not knowing who your top receiver is on one side of the field is hardly ideal preparation, since Brock Purdy might end up having to coordinate with new personnel late into the process. The Lions don't have any such problems.
They locked down Amon-Ra St. Brown to a new contract and have retained all the main pieces that saw them reach the NFC Championship last season. They had a 17-point lead one time in that game but squandered it. But it points to the potential of the roster heading into the 2024 NFL training camp. The NFC North could be a humdinger this year with the Packers also aiming to be in the mix.
#2. Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens finished as the top seed in the AFC last season. Lamar Jackson won the MVP. They had an excellent running game to complement their passing offense. The defense played its part in keeping them competitive. But they came unstuck against the brilliance of Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes.
Now, though, they are arguably a better team going into the 2024 NFL training camp. Zay Flowers has a year under his belt and will only improve. And they have added Derrick Henry, arguably the best running back in the league right now, to a stacked roster. The aim will be Super Bowl or bust this season and they are well positioned to have a tilt.
#1. Kansas City Chiefs
Is it any surprise that the Kansas City Chiefs top the list? They are back-to-back Super Bowl champions. Andy Reid keeps working his magic. Patrick Mahomes is a wizard on the field. Travis Kelce seems ageless and is dating Taylor Swift. Things could not be better at Arrowhead if they tried.
They are aiming to become the first team to lift the Lombardi Trophy three times in a row. They are already a dynasty and are looking to become immortal. No team enters the 2024 NFL training camp with the swagger that the Chiefs have. And they will be a force to be reckoned with come the new season.