There is only one game left until the last week of 2024 NFL regular season, then it will be time for the playoffs. There’s also just one day left until New Year’s Eve and the dawn of 2025. Some teams have already turned their sights to next year, eager to rebuild in the offseason. Others hope to reach the promised land during the playoffs which will kick off the next page of the calendar.
That’s why we’ve identified a potential New Year’s resolution for each of the league’s 32 clubs:
Don’t be afraid of quarterback competition. Kyler Murray is under contract, but he has failed to finish a season healthy and/or make the playoffs in five of six NFL seasons. The passing game is too erratic.
Go all out on Michael Penix Jr. In a sense, they’ve already done that by benching Kirk Cousins for good. Reallocation of funds from Cousins towards improvements around the young quarterback comes next.
Lean into the race. Lamar Jackson is enjoying the best aerial production of his all-star career, but their bread and butter remains their ability to outplay and outlast opponents with their ground game.
Don’t be afraid to use James Cook. Josh Allen playing Superman is usually what propels this team, but with an injured left hand, he could benefit from even more use of the team’s speedy No. 1 guard.
Build around Bryce Young, for real this time. Adding Diontae Johnson in a crumb-for-crumb trade didn’t work out in the long run. They must provide the young signalman with real perimeter weapons.
Start fresh in the trenches. Between D’Andre Swift, Rome Odunze, etc., they have no shortage of talented players. But above all, Caleb Williams needs protection. The child has “it”. All he needs is to be standing.
Consider a bold coaching change. Zac Taylor’s resume includes high and illustrious marks. His Bengals also burrow into too many holes. Lou Anarumo’s defense could also use a facelift.
Replace Deshaun Watson. Obviously, they can’t completely escape the ailing quarterback’s contract yet, but they also can’t operate as if he’s the present or future under center. It is high time for real change.
Don’t let yourself be too influenced by the past. In other words, yes, there’s nothing wrong with respecting Mike McCarthy’s resume. But the lame-duck coach has also struggled to get creative when his best weapons aren’t available.
Prioritize new pass catchers. Bo Nix showed more than enough to warrant additional investment under center. After facing Jerry Jeudy this year, it’s time for Sean Payton to restock the closet.
Stay aggressive. That’s what Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson do. But they will be pushed to stick to their situational tendencies in a crucial matchup with a full Minnesota Vikings team before the playoffs.
Reinforce the perimeters. This is more focused on the offseason, but the fragility of the wide receiver group and secondary showed in Green Bay’s second loss to Minnesota before the playoffs.
Attach the facade. CJ Stroud’s accuracy, touch and comfort have all regressed. But he also rushed his process behind a shoddy, streaky line. Pass-catching depth would also help, but the trenches are vital.
Don’t settle for what’s in place at the quarterback position. Just because Anthony Richardson was a top-five pick in 2023 doesn’t mean the Colts should ignore his two years of shaky, injury-riddled passing.
Change hands at the top of the landing. Coaching is an issue, as is quarterback reliability, or lack thereof. But it all starts at the top, where Trent Baalke spent big on mostly average veterans.
To rest. They would be expected to be starters in Week 18 before also earning a first-round playoff bye, but it’s justified. Patrick Mahomes and Co. are already inevitable, but loaded, they could be dangerous.
Give the keys to Tom Brady. Owner Mark Davis may already be leaning on the former NFL great, even teasing a significant role for Brady down the road. A top-to-bottom overhaul could benefit from a new voice.
Restock the wide reception room. Ladd McConkey looks like a keeper as a high-volume outlet for Justin Herbert, but if they want to make any headway in the AFC, they could use an additional home run hitter.
Start planning your life after Matthew Stafford. The aging gunslinger is still capable of making the playoffs, but at 37, after a relatively eventful year, he won’t be at the helm of the ship much longer.
Go back to the drawing board on offense. Tua Tagovailoa just got a big contract, so he’s probably safe, despite the big game hiccups. But their line needs some serious help, and Tyreek Hill is stepping up to the plate as well.
Don’t be afraid to bring back Sam Darnold. JJ McCarthy may be waiting in the wings, and Darnold’s rise may be an anomaly, but he’s performed like legitimate top 10 material. Can they afford to let this go?
Focus on the offensive line. Reconsidering Jerod Mayo’s place as the leader of this franchise might be wise, but otherwise they just need to make sure Drake Maye has better than shoddy protection from the start.
Embrace total reconstruction. Still wedded to short-term team building, the Saints are overdue for real change, with Derek Carr all but guaranteed to leave. Hiring an inspired head coach would be a great start.
Don’t rule out a clean slate in the front office. Joe Schoen hasn’t really moved the team forward in three years running the show. With a No. 1 pick on deck, do they want him to forge the next foundation?
Say goodbye to everyone. Look, advocating for people to lose their jobs is no fun, but they’ve already started a personnel overhaul. The already thin window for an Aaron Rodgers-led run should probably be closed.
Play (and coach) smart. The Eagles have a world of talent in the right spots, with elite playmakers and a finally physical defense. If they can control their emotions, they could be a real team to beat.
Leave everything on the table to the quarterback. Russell Wilson has shown composure this year; he has also made some critical errors of late. At 37 years old, he shouldn’t be a lock to be the future of the offense.
Don’t be afraid to pay Brock Purdy. Of course, it’s not black and white; Purdy has shown some bumps, and a wait-and-see approach would also be acceptable. But he has proven himself before he has a level of balance for the title.
Consider all options at quarterback. Geno Smith is a fiery leader, but he’s also 34 years old, in great shape and nearing the final year of his contract. A major offensive line investment is also very necessary.
Consider a Liam Coen promotion. Todd Bowles’ defense fell while Coen’s took Baker Mayfield’s rejuvenation a step further. Maybe they could lean even more on the offensive side under his leadership.
Starting from scratch on offense. Will Levis guarantees competition or replacement, as does his facade and an overpriced skill group. Brian Callahan has his hands full with this cast of characters.
Get younger with Jayden Daniels. The rookie has transformed Washington into an exciting, upstart contender. Now, Dan Quinn’s side could add some of their own long-term pieces.
