The goal for every NFL team is simple: win 17 regular season games, win three playoff games, enjoy a first-round bye, have a parade, and repeat. But as we know, that’s easier said than done. There’s a reason there’s only been one undefeated Super Bowl champion in NFL history.
While I don’t think any currently undefeated team will go 17-0 (not even the Chiefs), we’re going to break down a few undefeated teams and discuss how far they can go. We’ll analyze what’s worked well in the first few weeks, potential dangers moving forward, and what needs to happen for them to reach the ultimate goal: winning a championship.
For transparency, the Chiefs aren’t in today’s video because they clearly have the talent to win the Super Bowl. I wanted to feature other teams with strong starts instead of discussing the back-to-back champions. No one would be surprised if they three-peated.
So, let’s dive in!
The Pittsburgh Steelers: Defensive Prowess and Offensive Concerns
We’re starting with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are 2-0 after defeating the Falcons in Week 1 (18-1) and the Broncos in Week 2 (13-6).
The big question entering the 2024 season was how the Steelers would consistently score points and keep pace with the AFC’s powerhouses, with quarterbacks like Mahomes, Allen, and Burrow.
Through two weeks, those questions remain unanswered. It’s great to be 2-0 and have a full-game division lead (the Browns are the only other team in the division with a win), but the real test lies ahead.
The Steelers face the Chargers, Colts, Cowboys, and Raiders in the coming weeks. If they have any hope of advancing past the Wild Card round in 2024 and winning their first playoff game since 2016, they’ll need a strong start similar to 2020.
That year, they began 11-0, though it ultimately didn’t matter. Their schedule after their Week 9 bye is brutal, with four straight division games starting in Week 11. Their only remaining non-division games are at Philly in Week 15 and home against the Chiefs on Christmas Day.
If 10 wins are the magic number for a playoff berth, I don’t think it’s impossible. This team has flaws and limitations, but they’ve excelled at protecting the football.
“The standard is the standard” is a common phrase from head coach Mike Tomlin. While the standard might not be ranking 26th in points per game and 30th in yards through two weeks, it’s certainly not turning the ball over. They rank second in turnovers forced.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett has been efficient but needs to show more. Running back Najee Harris, in a contract year, can earn an extension with a strong season. The Steelers have only scored 31 points in two games while allowing an average of eight.
I don’t expect them to win the Super Bowl, but they can be a spoiler. They desperately need more offensive production. That’s my biggest concern, and because of it, I see their ceiling as a Wild Card exit.
New Orleans Saints: Offensive Explosion and Sustainability Questions
Next up is the New Orleans Saints, arguably the biggest surprise of the 2024 season. They’ve had no trouble scoring, racking up 91 points in two games with back-to-back 40-point performances.
Derek Carr has been near perfect with a 142.5 passer rating and 11.4 yards per attempt. Veteran running back Alvin Kamara has 290 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns in two games.
While Saints fans would agree that expecting 145 total yards and 2.5 touchdowns from Kamara every week is unrealistic, it’s also fair to expect some offensive regression.
However, if they can defeat the Eagles in Week 3 (which is possible after Philly’s Week 2 loss to Atlanta) and the Falcons in Week 4, it sets up a thrilling Monday night matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5. There’s a chance both teams could be undefeated.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s impact can’t be overstated, and the defense has been excellent. If there’s one thing to downplay about the Saints’ hot start, it’s that their Week 1 opponent, the Carolina Panthers, are in shambles.
They silenced the doubters in Week 2 with a 25-point road win against Dallas. They intercepted Dak Prescott twice, held the Cowboys to 68 rushing yards, and handed them their worst loss since their previous home game.
This team finished sixth in offensive turnovers and fourth in defensive turnovers last year. They’re off to a great start in 2024. Their schedule isn’t overly challenging. Winning 10 or even 12 games isn’t out of the question.
The big question is how they’ll perform when it matters most. They face the Chiefs in Week 5, travel to Green Bay in Week 16, and visit Tampa Bay in Week 18. It’s a great start, but I see their current ceiling as a Divisional Round exit.
Los Angeles Chargers: A Strong Start and Untapped Potential
The Los Angeles Chargers are 2-0, and people are starting to wonder: who has it better than Justin Herbert?
The Chargers have only allowed 13 points in two games. Their defense is shaping up to be elite. Their next few games are against Pittsburgh, home against Kansas City (admittedly tough), followed by a Week 5 bye, and then a trip to Denver.
Week 7 presents an intriguing Monday night matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, a game that looks more interesting now than it did a few weeks ago.
The Chargers are a fascinating team to project. While they’ve secured two double-digit wins, their second victory was against the struggling Panthers.
What makes them interesting is that despite having a quarterback of Justin Herbert’s caliber, they haven’t needed him to play at his peak. They’re off to their best start in the Herbert era.
I was thrilled when they hired head coach Brandon Staley. His impact is evident in their early performance, reflecting last year’s impressive Michigan team: run the ball, play suffocating defense, and let the scoreboard take care of itself.
They’ve rushed for over 175 yards in each of their first two games, ranking top five in yards per attempt and second in rushing yards.
Rookie right tackle Darrisaw is already proving to be a steal. He and left tackle Rashawn Slater have only allowed three combined pressures.
While this video is being released before their Week 3 game against the Steelers (and T.J. Watt), I’m not overly concerned about a potential dip in performance.
The one thing that might hold the Chargers back is their lack of top-end talent. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if they made the playoffs.
It might be optimistic to view them as Super Bowl contenders this year, but winning a playoff game in their first year under Staley would be a massive step in the right direction.
Minnesota Vikings: Defensive Dominance and Quarterback Questions
Finally, we have the Minnesota Vikings. This one is tricky. I’m a Vikings fan, and after two games of Kirk Cousins’s impressive play, I’m starting to think this team isn’t just Super Bowl-bound, but a dynasty in the making.
Jokes aside, let’s talk seriously about the Vikings. Their defense is legit and will win them a lot of games.
Allowing only 23 points in two games is incredible. While one game was against the Giants (where they surrendered only six points), the Week 2 matchup against the 49ers was revealing.
It was a closer-than-expected 23-17 victory, but Fred Warner had an outstanding game for the 49ers. He nearly forced a fumble from Alexander Mattison inside the one-yard line (which would have made it 27-7 at the time) and intercepted a Kirk Cousins pass deep in 49ers territory.
My point is, I wasn’t worried about a 49ers comeback. The Vikings defense is for real and will be among the league’s best all year, barring injuries.
Even 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy remarked to Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores after the game, “Your scheme is crazy.” This isn’t just homerism. This defense is special.
However, it would be ignorant to disregard the Saints’ offensive explosion just because I’m a Vikings fan. The Vikings face a challenging final stretch with games against Seattle, Green Bay, and Detroit (two of which are on the road).
All three teams could be playoff contenders. This mini playoff stretch will determine their fate. The Vikings already defeated the 49ers, holding them to 17 points, forcing multiple turnovers, and making crucial red zone stands. They looked dominant.
But how will they perform with the division potentially on the line?
The big question for Minnesota is Kirk Cousins. Can he consistently perform at a high level?
If he avoids crucial mistakes, this team will win nine or ten games by default due to their defensive prowess. The Vikings’ defense will determine how far they go.
Right now, I see them as a Divisional Round exit, but a strong showing against the Texans in Week 3 could change the conversation.
That’s all I have for today. As always, thanks for watching.
