2024 NFL projections, power rankings, Super Bowl predictions - ESPN

Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season is just around the corner. What better way to raise (or temper) expectations than with a complete breakdown of predictions and projections.

Below is a guide of what to expect once the season kicks off Thursday — from power rankings of all 32 teams, to teams that will score the most points and defenses that will allow the least, to the toughest and easiest schedules. We also make predictions for the playoffs and Super Bowl LIX.

If you're looking for even more in-depth content, check out my rankings and assessments of the best and worst positional units across the league, as well as my 80-page projections PDF.

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Schedule: Easiest | Toughest
Offense projections: Best | Worst
Defense projections: Best | Worst
Power rankings | Super Bowl pick

The NFC South wasn't particularly impressive on paper last season, and yet two teams managed a winning record thanks in part to a very light schedule.

One year ago, the Saints and Falcons were 1-2 here in the preseason, and both teams tied for the league's easiest slate by season's end. We might see something similar in 2024, with the Falcons (first), Panthers (second), Saints (fourth) and Buccaneers (13th) all set up nicely.

Atlanta has a few tough opponents on the schedule (Chiefs, Cowboys and Eagles), but that's more than offset by pedestrian divisional opposition as well as matchups with the Giants, Broncos, Commanders, Raiders and Vikings. All five of those teams will start either a rookie QB or an unintimidating veteran.

The Chargers, meanwhile, have the third-easiest slate overall and are set up with the lightest schedule in the AFC.

The Patriots lead this unfortunate category for the second consecutive season. The tough AFC East is a