If you follow American sports, there is a good chance you have heard the story of the NC State men’s basketball team. If you have not, they are the definition of a successful underdog story. Here, we will discuss who could be that kind of team in the NFL in 2024.
NC State’s Journey
At the beginning of March, the North Carolina State men’s basketball team was only projected to play one or two more games before the end of their season. NC State was projected to be an early exit in the ACC tournament and their head coach was to be fired. After winning a few games in a row, the Wolfpack found themselves in the ACC semifinals. One missed free throw led to overtime where NC State won and made it to the championship. It was at this point that people realized North Carolina State might be able to make the March Madness bracket. They would have to win the ACC championship against North Carolina and that is exactly what they did.
They won five games in five days to make the tournament. The Wolfpack was still projected to be a first-round exit, but they didn’t seem to care what the projections said. They rolled into the sweet sixteen and didn’t stop there. After yesterday’s game, they found themselves in the final four and one game away from the national championship. This is one of the greatest underdog Cinderella stories we have ever seen. Now the question is who could repeat this NC State story in the NFL next season?
The NC State of the NFL
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have made a lot of additions this offseason to improve their team for 2024. The Titans seem to believe Levis is their quarterback of the future and are trying to build around him. The Titans still have a very tough schedule in a very competitive division, but it would be an amazing underdog story if they succeed.
Denver Broncos
If I were a betting man, I would bet right now that the Denver Broncos will have a top-three pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With the team cutting Russell Wilson and taking the cap hit, the Broncos are in a bad spot. They don’t have a quarterback and traded away one of their top weapons this offseason. They also are lacking in offensive and defensive lines. If the Broncos find success in 2024, it would be a great story.
New York Giants
The Giants are also in an odd spot heading into the 2024 season. With Daniel Jones being injured and not playing up to the money he is being paid, it’s unknown if the Giants will move on from Jones or stick out his contract. They also are lacking weapons on the offensive side of the ball. The New York Giants may have a good 2024, but it would take a lot.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are miracle-working, which is the main reason they find their way onto the list. The Saints always find their way around their negative cap space every year. New Orleans has outstanding players on both sides of the ball but most of their great players are getting old and are very expensive. Similar to the Giants, the Saints have a possibility of going on a run in 2024, but it is not likely.
The NC State men’s basketball team could be a once-in-a-lifetime kind of Cinderella story. While anything could happen in 2024, it’s highly unlikely that we see an NFL team make a similar run to NC State in 2024.
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