Sports bettors analyzing the odds at the best betting sites may disagree, but there are a couple of New Jersey sports teams that could go big in 2024. Two teams are about to have extensive reshuffles before the start of their respective seasons, which could prove the catalyst for successful seasons.

Who are those teams, and why could they have a big 2024? The New Jersey Devils and the New York Jets, and you’ll find why as you read on!

New Jersey Devils – The Off Season Needs to be Big!

It’s not whether the New Jersey Devils will go big in 2024, but more the case that they must go big. We’re not talking about the current season, of course. Any Devils fan will tell you it will likely peter out to a season of nothingness. Unless an uncharacteristic run of form and fortune somehow takes them to the playoffs. 

We’re talking about the off-season and the start of the 2024-25 season in early October. The Devils will kick off the NHL season against the Buffalo Sabres in Prague on the 4th and 5th of October. Plans are already in place with the new season in mind, especially since there’s not long to go in this one. 

The Devils have recently relieved Lindy Ruff of Head Coach duty, so filling that vacancy is a priority during the offseason. However, the roster also needs an overhaul, so we expect significant decisions to be made. One of these is what the franchise will decide to do with star man Tyler Tiffoli. With a contract running out and his value high, now might prove an excellent opportunity to offload. That would allow space in the wage cap for the Devils to undergo a complete roster reshuffle. 

Whatever the strategy, the upcoming offseason could prove the most important in many seasons for the New Jersey Devils.

New York Jets – Close to Something Big?

Based in New Jersey at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, the New York Jets could prove a team on the cusp of a big 2024. While the 2023 season proved a disappointment, there is a growing feeling the pieces of the puzzle are starting to come together. Neutrals believe there are just a few ingredients missing, and if added, they could set the NFL team on for a 2024/25 playoff challenge.  

• A Strong Backup Wide Receiver

Garett Wilson has performed miracles in recent seasons, eclipsing the 1,000-yard receiver mark in the last two. The problem is that he needs help to carry the team’s offense. As the star man, opponents often knew they had little else to worry about if they focused on him. The need for a dynamic number two option has never been greater.

• Sort Out the Left and Right Tackle Positions

Even the most ardent Jets fans would admit the statistics on the allowed sacks from the left and right tackles are scary reading. Tied for second worst in the league at left and worst at right, it is clear strengthening is needed. This is more likely to come via the draft, as let’s be honest, there are slim pickings in the free agent pool. One top prospect in the draft that should be on the radar, in our opinion, is Joe Alt from Notre Dame. 

• Give Aaron Rogers a Strong Understudy

After three disappointing seasons, the growing consensus is Zach Wilson and the Jets will part ways. He shouldn’t take sole blame for some of his performances, as it’s not like he was blessed with the best offense in front of him. Sometimes a clean break is good for both the player and the franchise, and we feel it’s the best possible outcome in this case. 

If that happens, the Jets will need an able deputy for Aaron Rodgers, and that alone comes with complexities. Any top prospect will want opportunities and guaranteed playtime, which is unlikely to happen underneath Rogers. He is one of only a few starting quarterbacks in the NFL, and you’d imagine he is guaranteed to start every game he is fit. 

If a big prospect becomes unrealistic, a good alternative could come in the shape of Jacoby Brissett. However, in the later years of his career, he should deliver consistently better performances than Wilson managed. 

Should You Back the Devils and Jets in 2024?

We feel both teams have a strong chance of enjoying a strong 2024. Nothing is guaranteed. But if you look at the reasoning above, Championship improvements should surely come if the teams make the suggested additions. As for backing, we’d suggest waiting until the off-seasons are complete before coming to your own conclusions.