The 2024 NFL season had plenty of talking points. The reigning back-to-back champion Kansas City Chiefs looked like they may well follow in the footsteps of Tom Brady's 2007 New England Patriots as they started piling up the wins to start the campaign, reaching 9-0 before losing to the Buffalo Bills on week 11. Elsewhere, two perceived Super Bowl contenders in the form of the Cincinnati Bengals and the San Francisco 49ers both missed the playoffs altogether.
But with traditional heavyweights falling by the wayside, upstart sides have stepped up in their place. Here are our two most improved teams in the NFL this season.
Washington Commanders
Over the last two years, the team that has taken the NFC by storm is the Detroit Lions. They rose from obscurity to reach the conference championships last season, before ending this year's regular season as the top seed. In light of their rise, the latest Super Bowl betting odds make them an 11/4 favourite to lift the Lombardi for the first time ever this term.
The Washington Commanders however are aiming to follow in the footsteps of Dan Campbell's side. They managed to make it into the playoffs as rank outsiders this term. And the latest NFL betting odds still make them a huge 25/1 underdog to go all the way. They will now meet the Lions in the Divisional Round.
Last season, the capital city outfit was one of the worst in the league, winning just four games all season, the second lowest of anybody behind the Carolina Panthers. In the most recent draft though, they brought in a new quarterback second overall, and he has revolutionised the fortunes at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders managed to mastermind a 12-5 record to clinch second place in the highly competitive NFC East, securing a spot in the postseason for just the second time in nine years.
Daniels brought an immediate spark to Washington’s offence, passing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns while rushing for 891 yards and six additional scores. His dual-threat capabilities gave Washington an edge they hadn't experienced in some time,
Head coach Eric Bieniemy, known for his offensive innovation, effectively utilized his new man under centre's skill set. The Commanders’ offence jumped to an average of 28.5 points per game, ranked fifth in the league, a stark improvement from their sub-20-point averages in previous years. That led them to their first playoff victory in 20 years with a win on the road in Tampa Bay. Now, they will be aiming to upset the top-seeded Lions and progress to the Big Game.
The Commanders were the only road team to win in the Wild Card Round! pic.twitter.com/TYUxjVpa6F
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 14, 2025
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are another team that looked to the draft for a brighter future. They had former Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson under centre last season, but they actually paid the former Seattle Seahawk to leave the franchise such was his dismal performances last term. They brought in a new quarterback 12th overall, and - despite a shaky start - found his footing and lead the Colorado-based outfit to the playoffs for the first time since lifting the Lombardi at Super Bowl 50.
But it wasn't just on offence where the Broncos made strides this season, with their defensive displays improving remarkably. They allowed just 311 points last season, the third-lowest in the league. Cornerback Pat Surtain II continued to live up to his All-Pro billing, locking down opponents and demonstrating why he is widely considered one of the league's premier corners.
The retooled defensive line, featuring additions like Zach Allen and Malcolm Roach, proved dominant, propelling the Broncos back to the postseason. They will now look to establish themselves as a major player in 2025.
