The 2024 NFL season is rapidly approaching, with cut-down day set for Aug. 27 and preseason games wrapping up on Aug. 25. As teams gear up for the upcoming season, it’s time to reassess the power rankings and take a closer look at the players, coaches, and executives who are facing added pressure in the year ahead. From holdouts and injuries to trades and contract situations, there is plenty of intrigue surrounding each team as they prepare to hit the field.
### Players on the Hot Seat
As NFL Nation reporters evaluate the outlook for all 32 teams, they have identified one key individual on each team who is on the hot seat for the 2024 season. This could be a player fighting to retain a starting position, a coach or general manager looking to secure their job, or an executive facing critical decisions. Let’s dive into some of the players who are feeling the heat as the season approaches.
### Kansas City Chiefs: WR Rashee Rice
Rashee Rice finds himself in a precarious position as he enters the 2024 season. With a tumultuous offseason marked by legal troubles, Rice will need to deliver a standout performance to solidify his place on the Chiefs’ roster. The team made significant investments in their receiving corps during the offseason, bringing in free agent Marquise Brown and drafting Xavier Worthy in the first round. With Brown sidelined by a preseason injury and Worthy being a rookie, the pressure is on Rice to step up and make a significant impact for the team. A strong season from Rice is not just desirable but essential for the Chiefs’ success.
### Baltimore Ravens: OT Ronnie Stanley
After taking a pay cut to remain with the Ravens, Ronnie Stanley faces a pivotal season in his career. The offensive tackle, who has been a cornerstone of the Ravens’ line, will need to recapture his All-Pro form from 2019 to secure his future in Baltimore. Stanley’s performance in 2024 will not only determine his potential for another lucrative contract but also shape his status as a key player for the team. As he navigates the challenges of the upcoming season, Stanley remains focused on maintaining his high standard of play and contributing to the team’s success.
### San Francisco 49ers: WR Deebo Samuel Sr.
Deebo Samuel enters a critical phase of his career as he approaches a de facto contract year with the 49ers. While technically having one year left on his deal after the upcoming season, Samuel’s future with the team remains uncertain as the organization evaluates its receiving options. With fellow wideout Brandon Aiyuk also in the mix for a potential contract extension, Samuel’s performance in 2024 will play a significant role in determining his long-term prospects. The pressure is on for Samuel to deliver a standout season and secure his place in the team’s plans moving forward.
### Detroit Lions: WR Jameson Williams
Jameson Williams faces a make-or-break season in 2024 as he looks to establish himself as a key contributor for the Lions. The former first-round pick has faced challenges in his early NFL career, including injuries and off-field issues, that have hindered his progress. With a full season ahead of him, Williams has the opportunity to showcase his talent and make a significant impact on the Lions’ offense. The team will be counting on him to step up and deliver consistent performances as they look to improve and compete in the tough NFC North division.
### Philadelphia Eagles: Coach Nick Sirianni
Nick Sirianni faces mounting pressure as he enters the 2024 season with high expectations and a talented roster at his disposal. Despite a successful regular-season record and playoff appearances in recent years, Sirianni’s tenure has been marked by inconsistency and challenges. The Eagles’ collapse last season, resulting in coaching staff changes, has put the spotlight on Sirianni’s ability to lead the team to success. With the city of Philadelphia expecting a deep playoff run, Sirianni will need to navigate the challenges ahead and prove that he can guide the Eagles to victory in a competitive NFC landscape.
### Houston Texans: WR Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs finds himself in a pivotal position as he enters the 2024 season on a one-year deal with the Texans. The veteran receiver has been praised for his leadership and competitive spirit by the coaching staff and teammates, but his future with the team remains uncertain. Diggs will need to deliver a strong performance on the field to earn a potential contract extension and secure his place in Houston. As he prepares for the upcoming season, Diggs will be looking to make a significant impact and solidify his role as a key player for the Texans.
### Buffalo Bills: Coach Sean McDermott
Sean McDermott faces a unique challenge in the 2024 season as he leads the Bills through a period of transition and change. With a reshaped roster and new coordinators in place, McDermott will need to navigate the challenges of building for the future while maintaining success on the field. The Bills’ success in recent years, including division titles and playoff appearances, has raised expectations for the team and its coaching staff. McDermott will need to balance the demands of the present with the vision for the future as he guides the Bills through a competitive AFC landscape.
### Miami Dolphins: OL Liam Eichenberg
Liam Eichenberg faces a critical season in 2024 as he looks to solidify his place on the Dolphins’ offensive line. The versatile lineman has shown promise in his three NFL seasons but has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play. Eichenberg’s ability to excel at multiple positions has been both a strength and a challenge for him, as the team looks to maximize his potential. With his rookie contract set to expire after the upcoming season, Eichenberg will need to deliver a strong performance to secure his future with the Dolphins and prove that he can be a reliable starter on the offensive line.
### Cincinnati Bengals: OL Alex Cappa
Alex Cappa faces a pivotal year in 2024 as he looks to solidify his role on the Bengals’ offensive line. The veteran guard has struggled with pass blocking in recent seasons, ranking near the bottom of the league in win rate at his position. With his contract set to expire next year, Cappa will need to deliver improved performances to secure his future with the team. The Bengals will be looking to Cappa to step up and make significant contributions to their offensive line as they compete in a tough AFC North division.
### Green Bay Packers: K Anders Carlson
Anders Carlson faces a challenging season ahead as he competes for the Packers’ kicking job in 2024. The veteran kicker faltered down the stretch last season, missing key kicks in critical moments, including a crucial field goal in the playoff loss to the 49ers. With veteran Greg Joseph providing competition in training camp, Carlson will need to deliver consistent performances to secure his place on the roster. The Packers will be looking for improved reliability and accuracy from Carlson as they aim for success in the upcoming season.
### Dallas Cowboys: Team Owner Jerry Jones
Jerry Jones finds himself under increasing scrutiny as the Cowboys prepare for the 2024 season. While the focus is often on the coaching staff and players, Jones’ decisions and leadership have a significant impact on the team’s success. With key figures like coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Dak Prescott facing critical seasons, Jones will need to navigate the challenges of constructing a competitive roster and managing expectations in Dallas. The Cowboys’ performance in the upcoming season will not only shape the team’s future but also influence Jones’ decisions as the owner and general manager.
### Cleveland Browns: LT Jedrick Wills Jr.
Jedrick Wills Jr. faces a challenging season ahead as he looks to rebound from injuries and solidify his place on the Browns’ offensive line. The talented left tackle has shown promise in his time with the team but has struggled with health issues that have limited his availability. With questions surrounding his contract status and long-term future, Wills will need to prove that he can stay healthy and perform at a high level to secure his role as a key player for the Browns. The team will be counting on Wills to anchor the offensive line and protect the quarterback as they aim for success in the upcoming season.
### Los Angeles Rams: WR Tutu Atwell
Tutu Atwell faces a critical season in 2024 as he looks to establish himself as a key contributor in the Rams’ receiving corps. The second-round pick from 2021 has shown potential but struggled to maintain a consistent role in the offense. With competition at the position and new additions to the roster, Atwell will need to deliver standout performances to secure his place on the team. The Rams will be looking for improved production and reliability from Atwell as they aim for success in a competitive NFC landscape.
### Jacksonville Jaguars: Offensive Coordinator Press Taylor
The Jaguars’ offense faces scrutiny as they enter the 2024 season with high expectations and a new offensive coordinator in Press Taylor. The team’s struggles in recent years, particularly in the run game, have raised questions about the coaching staff and playcalling. With injuries impacting key players and uncertainty at the quarterback position, Taylor will need to deliver improved performances from the offense to secure his role with the team. The Jaguars will be looking for a turnaround on offense under Taylor’s leadership as they aim to compete in a tough AFC South division.
### New York Jets: Coach Robert Saleh
Robert Saleh faces mounting pressure as he enters his fourth season with the Jets, looking to turn around the team’s fortunes and guide them to success. With a lack of playoff appearances and a losing record in recent years, Saleh will need to deliver improved results to secure his future with the team. The Jets’ struggles at the quarterback position and lack of consistency on offense have raised questions about Saleh’s ability to lead the team to victory. As he navigates the challenges of the 2024 season, Saleh will be looking to make significant strides in the team’s performance and instill a winning culture in New York.
### Pittsburgh Steelers: WR George Pickens
George Pickens faces a critical season in 2024 as he looks to establish himself as the Steelers’ top receiver and secure a long-term contract extension. With the departure of Diontae Johnson in the offseason, Pickens has stepped into a key role in the team’s passing game. The talented receiver has shown flashes of potential but will need to demonstrate consistency and maturity on and off the field to secure his future with the team. The Steelers will be looking for Pickens to elevate his game and become a reliable target for the quarterback as they aim for success in the upcoming season.
### Chicago Bears: Coach Matt Eberflus
Matt Eberflus faces a pivotal season in 2024 as he looks to build on the progress made in his first two years with the Bears. With a renewed focus on developing quarterback Caleb Williams and improving the team’s performance, Eberflus will need to deliver improved results to secure his future with the team. The Bears’ significant roster upgrades and coaching staff changes have raised expectations for the team, putting pressure on Eberflus to guide the team to success. As he navigates the challenges of the upcoming season, Eberflus will be looking to make significant strides in the team’s performance and establish a winning culture in Chicago.
