Arizona Cardinals

Can Kyler Murray elevate this strengthened team?
The Cardinals made some strategic moves on offense this offseason, drafting star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and signing a new left tackle, Jonah Williams. The offense should be more competitive now, but it will depend on Kyler Murray’s performance. Returning from injury, Murray’s PFF grade was 70.8 last season, ranking him 24th among quarterbacks. If he can rediscover his form from 2020 and 2021, the Cardinals might have a shot at a successful season.

Atlanta Falcons

Where is the pass rush coming from?
The Falcons’ decision to draft quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round, even though he likely won’t start for a few years, was unexpected, especially given their struggles with pass rush last season. Atlanta’s defensive line ranked just 27th in total pressures, and without significant additions to address this, it’s hard to see how their defense will improve.

Baltimore Ravens

How much of a drop-off will we see from the offensive line?
The Ravens had one of the top offensive lines in the league last season, but they’ve undergone some significant changes. They let go of guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson in free agency and traded right tackle Morgan Moses to the Jets. This means that Ben Cleveland and Patrick Mekari will step into starting roles, with second-year player Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu potentially taking over at left guard. It remains to be seen if this new configuration will hold up.

Buffalo Bills

Will Buffalo be able to replace the production of the departed receivers?
Josh Allen was the highest-graded quarterback last season, indicating he could work with any group of receivers. However, the loss of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis leaves big shoes to fill. The Bills will look to Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, and rookie Keon Coleman to pick up the slack, but it’s uncertain if they can reproduce the production of Diggs and Davis.

Carolina Panthers

Can Bryce Young play up to his draft status with the new pieces around him on offense?
Last season, it was difficult to evaluate Bryce Young due to the lack of support around him. This offseason, the Panthers focused on strengthening their offensive line, signing guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt to protect their second-year quarterback. They also traded back into the first round to draft wide receiver Xavier Legette. With more weapons and a sturdier line, it’s time for Young to demonstrate why he was the first overall pick in the 2023 draft.

Chicago Bears

How quickly can the offense play up to its potential?
Excitement is high around the Bears’ offense, and for good reason. The offensive line, which performed well in the latter half of last season, remained intact, with the addition of Ryan Bates at center. The arrival of wide receiver Keenan Allen boosts the receiving corps. The key to success will be how quickly rookie receiver Rome Odunze and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams can get up to speed. If they do, the Bears’ offense could be one of the most explosive in the league.

Cincinnati Bengals

Will the investments in the offensive line finally pay off?
Offensive line play has been a long-standing issue for the Bengals. Despite investing in the line through the draft and free agency, the unit has underperformed. This offseason, they signed one of the best available offensive tackles, Trent Brown, and drafted Amarius Mims in the first round. These moves should improve the line, but it’s uncertain if they will see tangible results in 2024.

Cleveland Browns

Can Deshaun Watson find his old form?
This question has been a source of concern for Browns fans, especially after Watson’s subpar performance in 2023, where he earned a 67.3 PFF grade, ranking 27th among quarterbacks. It didn’t help that Joe Flacco, signed off the street, played better in his absence. The Browns’ offensive line remains the same, and the receiving corps could get a boost with the addition of Jerry Jeudy. Watson has no excuse for not improving his performance, but the question is whether he can get back to his old form.

Dallas Cowboys

What will the offensive line look like?

Before the draft, there were questions about the Cowboys’ offensive line following the departures of Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz. Many thought Tyler Smith would move to left tackle, opening a spot on the interior for a rookie. However, with the draft selection of Tyler Guyton, it seems Smith will stay at left guard, possibly leaving third-round pick Cooper Beebe without a clear role. This change in formation adds uncertainty, and the real question is whether the offensive line can provide adequate protection for Dak Prescott.

Denver Broncos

How will the spine of the defense hold up?
The Broncos have several issues on their roster, contributing to the criticism over selecting Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 draft. Linebackers Alex Singleton and Cody Barton both received low PFF grades last season, ranking outside the top 55 in their position. The safety position also raises concerns after the departure of Justin Simmons. The acquisition of Brandon Jones may help, but the rest of the safeties either lack experience or have yet to prove they can play at the NFL level.

Detroit Lions

Have they done enough to improve the pass rush?
The Lions focused on improving their defense this offseason, with notable additions at cornerback. However, there are still questions about whether star edge defender Aidan Hutchinson has enough support in the pass-rushing department. While they signed veteran interior defender D.J. Reader, he is recovering from a season-ending injury. Marcus Davenport is also trying to revive his career after a disappointing season in Minnesota. It remains to be seen if these additions will be enough to bolster the Lions’ pass rush.