Facebook Pixel
    Try "researchers"
    Are there any NFL games today? Week 1 of the 2024 regular season has begun, but let's look at Sunday's schedule, including start times, TV channels, and more.
    Aug 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
    NFL

    NFL Week 1: Key Stats and Insights You Need to Know for Every Game

    Week 1 of the 2024 regular season has begun, and we have key stats and insights for every game, plus start times, TV channels, and more.

    Published on

    Zachary Knerr
    Written By Zachary Knerr

    After the NFL Kickoff Game and the first matchup of the 2024 NFL International Series, the league is ready to continue the rest of its Week 1 regular season schedule.

    Here are key stats and insights for every game, plus information on how to watch the NFL games today, including the start times, TV channels, live stream options, and more.

    What NFL Games Are on Today? Here’s the Sunday Football Week 1 Schedule

    The first week of the 2024 regular season kicked off on Thursday as the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs hosted the Baltimore Ravens. Then, the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles traveled south to São Paulo, Brazil, to face off in the first-ever NFL game in South America.

    With the first two matchups of the regular season done and dusted, let’s take a look at the rest of the Week 1 schedule. Here’s how to watch the NFL games today.

    Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons

    • Start time: Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, 1 p.m. ET
    • Channel: Fox
    • Live stream options: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FOX NOW
    • Radio Stations: WDVE 102.5 FM, 92.9 The Game
    • Starting QBs: Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins
    • Betting lines:
      • Spread: ATL -3
      • Total: 41
      • Moneyline: ATL -155, PIT +130

    The first matchup on the NFL games today schedule sees the Pittsburgh Steelers heading to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to take on the Atlanta Falcons as both franchises debut new faces under center. Fans were forced to wait a bit, but on Wednesday, Aug. 28, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin finally announced that Russell Wilson would be the starting QB for Pittsburgh’s Week 1 showdown.

    After a fierce attempt to take the starting job in the preseason, fellow newcomer Justin Fields fell just short of the starting spot, getting edged out by Wilson. However, in his announcement, Tomlin was vocal about having packages to get the former Chicago Bears QB on the field. Tomlin told Rich Eisen, “My friend Raheem Morris better be ready for a Justin Fields package … there’s too much talent to be sitting around watching.”

    While two-QB systems can get a bit complex, Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith seem keen on utilizing Fields’ ability as a rusher while letting Wilson be the primary passer.

    Wilson’s absence from the beginning of the preseason allowed Fields to show his value, and he could find himself taking over as the starting QB in Pittsburgh, Pa., if Wilson struggles. However, Wilson is ready to show that his disastrous time in Denver was an aberration from his usual self.

    George Pickens returns as the de facto WR1, but no matter who lines up under center, they will need one of Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, or Scotty Miller to step up behind Pickens. Having the RB duo of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren and TE Pat Freiermuth can ease that concern, but a lack of reliable receiving options isn’t going to do this offense many favors.

    The defense will likely be a better unit than last season with the offseason acquisitions. However, Pittsburgh needs to see a vast improvement in its offense to give the defense a little more breathing room. Playing close games in the NFL isn’t easy, especially when your offense can’t score.

    As for Atlanta, they, too, get a massive change under center after a horrible offensive output in 2023. QB Desmond Ridder got traded to the Cardinals (and cut after a rough preseason), and veteran bag chaser Kirk Cousins was brought in on a four-year, $180 million contract to become the new signal-caller.

    The Falcons’ offense is about to undergo a radical transformation. After having a quarterback they were hesitant to let pass the ball, Cousins will likely get the opposite treatment. While still recovering from an Achilles injury, Cousins played some of the best football of his career before the injury last season.

    Cousins completed 69.5% of his passes in eight games for 2,331 yards, 18 TDs, and five INTs. If he can bounce back from last season’s injury, Cousins is set up to have one of the better seasons in his career with a plethora of weapons at his disposal. The Falcons are also thrilled to finally put those weapons to use.

    RB Bijan Robinson should only get better with a solid presence under center. Not only will the ground game between himself and Tyler Allgeier alleviate pressure on Cousins, but his new QB will also offer Robinson more opportunities for targets out of the backfield as a dynamic and explosive playmaker.

    On the perimeter, WRs Drake London and Darnell Mooney should see an increase in production, as should TE Kyle Pitts, with a better arm throwing passes. Atlanta did lose all three preseason matchups, but many of the players just mentioned never even got snaps. With the starters primed and ready to go, Atlanta could be fighting for an NFC South title this season.

    2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

    • QB:
    • RB:
      • Steelers: Justin Fields, 13 carries, 48 yards
      • Falcons: Jase McClellan, 24 carries, 97 yards, one TD
    • WR:

    Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills

    • Start time: Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, 1 p.m. ET
    • Channel: CBS
    • Live stream options: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, CBS All-Access
    • Radio Stations: KMVP FM98.7, WGR 550 AM
    • Starting QBs: Kyler Murray, Josh Allen
    • Betting lines:
      • Spread: BUF -6
      • Total: 48
      • Moneyline: BUF -278, ARI +225

    The next of the NFL games today features the Arizona Cardinals taking on the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. While 2023 was essentially a throwaway season after the outcome of the offseason, it was the first season after former head coach Kliff Kingsbury was replaced by Jonathan Gannon. Additionally, with Kyler Murray rehabbing a torn ACL, the Cardinals were without their QB1 until Week 10, throwing rookie QB Clayton Tune into the fire.

    However, 2024 is a different story. Murray is fully healthy and has had an entire offseason and preseason to prepare. The Cardinals also had seven picks in the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, the first of which was used to select former Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. to become the WR1 of the receiver room for Arizona.

    Between Harrison, 2023 third-round pick Michael Wilson, and 2019 UDFA Greg Dortch, Murray has a better cast of pass catchers than in recent years. RB James Conner also looks to continue his revival in Arizona after rushing for over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career. With three RBs behind him to take some snaps off the workload, the Cardinals hope to keep Conner healthy enough to play in more than 13 games this season.

    Meanwhile, the Bills see a significant change in the offense with the thoroughly shuffled wide receiver core. All-Pro WR Stefon Diggs and a couple of late-round picks were traded to Houston for a 2025 second-round pick. Additionally, Gabe Davis signed a three-year, $39 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency.

    The only remaining starting receiver on the roster from 2023 is Khalil Shakir, currently slotted as the WR1 for QB Josh Allen. Buffalo did draft WR Keon Coleman and signed Curtis Samuel in free agency, but the depth behind them is light, with just Mack Hollins and Marquez Valdes-Scantling on the roster.

    While Buffalo’s overall selection of receivers hasn’t been eye-popping, Allen still had Diggs to bail him out in times of need. With Diggs and Davis nowhere to be found, who will help Allen on the offense? RB James Cook’s late surge was very promising, and Buffalo couldn’t have asked for more from Dalton Kincaid’s rookie campaign. However, they will need someone in the receiver room to step up to help this offense.

    The AFC is a strong conference and every win counts. A victory over the Cardinals would be an excellent start for the Bills, but it won’t be as easy as last season. It will be intriguing to see how Allen adjusts to his new weapons as the game progresses.

    2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

    • QB:
      • Cardinals: Clayton Tune, 35 cmp/52 att, 361 yards, one TD, one INT
      • Bills: Mitchell Trubisky, 19 cmp/31 att, 168 yards, one INT
    • RB:
      • Cardinals: Trey Benson, 17 carries, 64 yards
      • Bills: Frank Gore Jr., 33 carries, 163 yards, one TD
    • WR:
      • Cardinals: Xavier Weaver, six rec/11 targets, 95 yards
      • Bills: Zach Davidson, five rec/six targets, 50 yards

    Tennessee Titans at Chicago Bears

    The next matchup on the NFL games today schedule features two teams starting new eras under center as the Tennessee Titans head to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. Tennessee got an early look at 2023 second-round pick Will Levis after he replaced veteran Ryan Tannehill midway through the season. However, the front office and coaching regime has doubled down on the second-year QB in 2024, ready to run it back.

    Unlike 2023, though, when the plan was to start Tannehill and utilize RB Derrick Henry in the last year of his Titans career, Tennessee did not reasonably consider building around Levis. However, under rookie head coach Brian Callahan, the new staff had to bring in quite a few pieces to set Levis up to succeed this season.

    An insufficient number of pass catchers has plagued the Titans’ roster the past few seasons. This is not entirely a problem for a veteran like Tannehill, who found workarounds and relied on a solid running game, but with Henry’s absence, the coaching staff needed to find some proven weapons for Levis to target outside of an aging DeAndre Hopkins with little left in the tank and a WR3/4 in Treylon Burks.

    The Titans signed Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd to bolster the WR group while also signing Tony Pollard to take over as the RB1. Not only will Pollard provide a strong rushing presence, but he will also allow Levis to target a consistent set of hands out of the backfield. Combined with consistent investment into the offensive and defensive lines, Tennessee has set Levis up nicely. Will he rise to the occasion?

    The Titans aren’t the only ones starting a new era under center. While there was already a new QB in Tennessee’s building last season, the Bears drafted their new franchise centerpiece, quarterback Caleb Williams, with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. After trading Justin Fields to the Steelers, it was a foregone conclusion that the Bears would select Williams to revitalize the franchise.

    Williams wasn’t the only talent injected into the Bears’ offense this offseason. They also signed RB D’Andre Swift in free agency, traded for WR Keenan Allen, and drafted WR Rome Odunze with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Combined with DJ Moore, who was acquired in the trade with Carolina that let the Bears draft Williams, Chicago has set the rookie QB up for success from the jump.

    With vast improvement on the defensive side over the past couple of seasons, if Williams can adjust to the pace and play of the NFL regular season, the Bears could be looking at a Texans-esque turnaround this season. While it’s not fair to put these expectations on Williams out of the gate, thinking of the possibility of the Bears being a playoff-relevant franchise again is enticing and further strengthens a competitive NFC North.

    2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

    • QB:
    • RB:
    • WR:
      • Titans: David Martin-Robinson, nine rec/11 targets
      • Bears: Tyler Scott, seven rec/10 targets, 116 yards

    New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals

    The next NFL games today matchup features the New England Patriots heading to Paycor Stadium to take on the Cincinnati Bengals. The Patriots find themselves in a new era for the first time in the 21st century as Bill Belichick, New England’s head coach since 2000, parted ways with the organization in the offseason.

    While New England finds itself with a new head coach, it tabbed a familiar face to take over. Former linebacker (2008-15) and inside linebackers coach (2019-23) Jerod Mayo was promoted, tasked with moving the Patriots on from both Belichick and Tom Brady’s legacies. While Mayo gets the first shot as head coach, he and the front office brought in another familiar face to be the starting quarterback after trading Mac Jones.

    Veteran QB Jacoby Brissett returned to the Patriots after being traded by them to the Colts in 2017. After four seasons in Indianapolis, Brissett spent the next three seasons as a bridge/backup QB for Miami, Cleveland, and Washington before returning to New England to do the same thing.

    Mayo told the team last week that Brissett would start despite the Patriots drafting quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. While Maye looked confident and poised in his preseason action, the state of the Patriots roster is not conducive to a rookie starting.

    Rhamondre Stevenson commands a strong presence at RB. However, with Kendrick Bourne starting the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, the Patriots will rely on second-year WR DeMario Douglas and rookie Ja’Lynn Polk as the top two receivers for Brissett to target. They’ll also be hoping for a bounce back from TE Hunter Henry, whose production has dropped since signing with New England in 2021.

    While it seems like the Patriots are heading toward another rebuilding season, at least this one has a clearer goal than the past three seasons. Maye and the offense’s development are top of mind, and letting Brissett take the early snaps while the rest of the offense finds its footing is likely the best decision for Maye’s long-term development in New England.

    Cincinnati, on the other hand, has had quite a mixed bag of emotions this offseason. First, and most importantly, Joe Burrow was healthy for the preseason, giving him an entire ramp-up period before the start of the season. In years past, Burrow’s absence from training camp due to injury rehab or last year’s calf injury in the preseason caused Burrow to be cold, with evident rust in the first few weeks of the season.

    Burrow even got some snaps in the Bengals preseason opener and looked good throwing a 10-yard TD to Tee Higgins in his first action since season-ending wrist surgery last year. Speaking of Higgins, the WR2 saw himself involved in a contract dispute this offseason. While the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement, Higgins ended up signing his franchise tag, citing his aspirations of winning a Super Bowl as the reason he ended his holdout.

    But, even though the Bengals figured out Higgins’ situation in the end, there’s a bigger problem with Week 1 on the horizon. After watching many of his peers get record-breaking contracts, WR Ja’Marr Chase has been engaged in a “hold-in” as he advocates for a new contract extension. Chase is in the final season of his rookie deal (with his fifth-year option already exercised) and looking to be compensated as the game-breaking WR he is.

    However, after returning to practice early last week, Chase showed up on Wednesday in street clothes once the Bengals returned to a more traditional contact practice. If Chase is not a go for the game, the Bengals will be in a challenging position with very little depth behind him and Higgins.

    Combined with an unproven rushing attack after trading RB Joe Mixon to the Texans, the Bengals have to thank the NFL schedulers it’s only the Patriots this week. While a team can win on any given Sunday, the Bengals should be able to squeak out a win, Chase or no Chase.

    2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

    • QB:
      • Patriots: Drake Maye, 21 cmp/34 att, 192 yards, one TD
      • Bengals: Logan Woodside, 41 cmp/58 att, 379 yards, two TDs, two INTs
    • RB:
      • Patriots: Terrell Jennings, 12 carries, 74 yards
      • Bengals: Trayveon Williams, 20 carries, 95 yards
    • WR:

    Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts

    The next matchup is the first divisional matchup of the week, as the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts face off at Lucas Oil Stadium for an AFC South showdown. Houston looks to build upon a surprisingly successful 2023 campaign under rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans and quarterback C.J. Stroud.

    After the Bill O’Brien regime’s downfall, the Texans played putrid football for three years, with a combined record of 11-38-1 from 2020 through 2022. However, Ryans’ hiring, who came from a successful franchise in San Francisco, marked a shift in the football operations in Houston. With a new face of the franchise heading in after drafting Stroud, it was time to build around the young signal-caller.

    The Texans saw the fruits of their decisions as Stroud and the Texans’ offense thrived in 2023, winning the AFC South and even making the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Now, with a season under everyone’s belt, Houston has made even more moves to build around Stroud this offseason.

    Starting with the backfield, Houston traded for Bengals running back Joe Mixon, signing him to a three-year, $27 million extension the next day. That wasn’t the only trade made this offseason; the Texans also acquired WR Stefon Diggs and a couple of late-round draft picks from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick.

    Stroud, now armed with a WR trio of Diggs, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell (who looked good in his preseason return after breaking his leg and getting shot in the offseason), a solid rusher in Mixon, and a quality TE in Dalton Schultz, should have plenty to wreak havoc across his division and the AFC as a whole. The defense continues to get healthier by the day as Houston anxiously awaits the return of second-year DE Will Anderson Jr.

    The DE continues to ramp up his activity as he recovers from an ankle injury. Still, the coaching staff is itching to see the pairing of Anderson and free agent signing Danielle Hunter crashing off the edges toward the opposing passer. With additions made on both sides of the ball, Houston doesn’t seem ready to give up the AFC South title yet.

    As far as their divisional rival goes, the Colts are eager to see Anthony Richardson hit the field again in the regular season after his rookie year ended just four games in due to a shoulder injury. The second-year QB appeared in two preseason matchups, completing 10 of his 18 passes for 111 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

    While he only rushed twice for four yards, he was likely told to take it easy with rushing production to keep Richardson healthy for the regular season. However, with Jonathan Taylor under contract, the Colts will have to let the QB loose once the season starts to see what the rushing attack looks like with their QB1 and RB1 on the field simultaneously.

    The Colts coaching staff and fans might get a bit scared watching Richardson take off, but with how athletic the QB is, removing his rushing ability would hinder just how much of an effect he can have on the offense. The goal should be teaching him when to get down and what chances to take.

    However, he has a group of receivers ready to ease the need for rushing plays. The Colts’ top three receiving options will all return in 2024, along with the addition of rookie receiver Adonai Mitchell. However, there’s a chance one will miss the start of the season after Josh Downs sustained a high ankle sprain in early August. While head coach Shane Steichen is hopeful he won’t miss too much time, he has not put a date on his return.

    While it’s only Week 1, divisional matchups always have an extra layer of competitiveness. With two franchises expected to be fighting at the top of their division, the Colts and Texans are going to pull out all the stops to get a Week 1 win. Whichever team comes out on top could see that victory play a huge factor when it’s time to determine playoff (or draft) seeding.

    2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

    • QB:
      • Texans: Tim Boyle, 35 cmp/56 att, 281 yards, two TDs
      • Colts: Jason Bean, 15 cmp/19 att, 197 yards, one TD, one INT
    • RB:
    • WR:

    Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins

    The next matchup features an in-state battle as the Jacksonville Jaguars head to Hard Rock Stadium to take on the Miami Dolphins. Despite a hot start to the 2023 season, the Jaguars crashed and burned, losing five of their last six games to end the season with a 9-8 record. They fell shy of an AFC Wild Card berth and lost the AFC South title in the season’s final week.

    With the Colts and Texans making moves to stay atop the division, the Jaguars had to go all in this offseason to keep pace. QB Trevor Lawrence finds himself targeting practically a brand new WR room after offseason reshuffling. Calvin Ridley signed with the Titans in free agency, while Jacksonville released Zay Jones and Jamal Agnew remains a free agent after his contract expired.

    The Jaguars made free agency moves with a reasonably empty cupboard, signing former Bills WR Gabe Davis and Ravens WR Devin Duvernay. They also drafted former LSU Tigers WR Brian Thomas Jr. with the 23rd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Christian Kirk returns and slides into the WR1 spot, proving he was worth his monstrous four-year, $72 million contract.

    It’s not all unfamiliar for Lawrence, though, as he still has Travis Etienne Jr. and second-year RB Tank Bigsby in the backfield, as well as TE Evan Engram, who is experiencing a career renaissance in Jacksonville, Fla. Etienne looked great in his preseason appearance, scoring a touchdown on a pass from Lawrence in the first game. Bigsby also looked ready to take the next step as the physical presence to Etienne’s finesse with a strong preseason showing.

    All these changes on the offense will be significant for their opponent to see if the changes they made on the defense will pay off. The Dolphins’ defense underwent a complete redesign due to free agent departures, signings, and changes to the coaching staff. After Vic Fangio joined the Eagles in the offseason to take over their defense, The Dolphins hired Ravens’ assistant head coach Anthony Weaver to take over DC duties.

    However, Fangio wasn’t the only person who left Miami. Longtime DT Christian Wilkins signed a massive deal with the Raiders to man the middle of their D-line. CB Xavien Howard was cut after a few seasons of declining play and an inflated price tag. Even 2023 standout LB Andrew Van Ginkel joined Minnesota on what would’ve been a friendly deal for Miami’s roster. However, the Dolphins wouldn’t let the losses change their goals for 2024.

    Still armed with top-tier talent in the secondary between Jevon Holland and Jalen Ramsey, Miami bolstered its secondary by bringing in proven veterans like CB Kendall Fuller and safety Jordan Poyer to strengthen the back end. The Dolphins also signed LB Jordyn Brooks to help David Long Jr. man the middle.

    Zach Sieler is the only rotational piece remaining from the defensive front last season, with Benito Jones and Calais Campbell rounding out the pressure up front. While there’s a lot of experience on the unit, it will be interesting to see how it meshes together and if there will be any growing pains at the start.

    As for the offense, QB Tua Tagovailoa got his four-year, $212.4 million contract; now, he needs to deliver the franchise a playoff win that starts with a win in Week 1.

    2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

    • QB:
      • Jaguars: Mac Jones, 38 cmp/52 att, 421 yards, three TDs
      • Dolphins: Skylar Thompson, 35 cmp/61 att, 346 yards, three TDs, two INTs
    • RB:
      • Jaguars: Tank Bigsby, 21 carries, 105 yards
      • Dolphins: Chris Brooks, 17 carries, 103 yards
    • WR:

    Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints

    • Start time: Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, 1 p.m. ET
    • Channel: Fox
    • Live stream options: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FOX NOW
    • Radio Stations: 99.7 The Fox, WWL 870 AM & 105.3 FM
    • Starting QBs: Bryce Young, Derek Carr
    • Betting lines:
      • Spread: NO -3.5
      • Total: 40
      • Moneyline: NO -185, CAR +154

    The next divisional game on the Week 1 NFL games today schedule sees the New Orleans Saints hosting the Carolina Panthers at Caesars Superdome. The Panthers have hit a rut after losing franchise quarterback Cam Newton in 2019. Carolina has struggled mightily in the years since with four different head coaches and three interim head coaches.

    The latest, Dave Canales, takes over a roster in disarray and needs an overhaul to support second-year QB and 2023 first-overall pick Bryce Young after an awful rookie year. While both WRs Adam Thielen and Jonathan Mingo return, DJ Chark Jr., who was a bit underwhelming last season, signed with the Chargers in free agency.

    The Panthers brought in former Steeler Diontae Johnson and drafted Xavier Legette in the first round to strengthen the WR core. They double-dipped on offensive draft picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting Jonathon Brooks in the second round. While he won’t start the season due to an ACL injury suffered last season, the Panthers are anxious to see how the rookie RB will affect both the rushing and passing attacks.

    The Panthers are slowly improving their roster, but they are still a bit away from competing in the NFC South, let alone becoming a playoff contender. The 2024 season is all about improvement, and who knows — maybe Canales can spoil his division rivals’ seasons with a few upsets.

    As for the Saints, HC Dennis Allen and QB Derek Carr might as well be playing for their jobs this season. After Week 18’s debacle surrounding Jameis Winston’s last-second touchdown against the Falcons, it was surprising to see New Orleans retain Allen, given the past few seasons’ results under his watch.

    Since Sean Payton and Drew Brees left, the Saints have struggled to find an offensive identity. While the defense has maintained its shutdown reputation, the unit is aging, and players are signing elsewhere. Carr and the offense struggled quite a bit last season and will need to find some early success to put the Saints out in front.

    If Carr struggles again, he could see a new face come for his starting spot. Rookie fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler looked solid under center during his preseason snaps, clearly outplaying Jake Haener. If he continues to progress in practice with the second and third teams, it’s not out of the question to think the rookie could end up starting if Carr struggles again.

    Allen has to have a successful season in 2024. Despite a winning season in 2023, the Saints had multiple opportunities to seize the NFC South title and choked every time. While the Falcons got a massive boost bringing in Kirk Cousins, the Saints have to find a way to win the NFC South, starting with a victory in Week 1 over the Panthers.

    2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

    • QB:
      • Panthers: Jack Plummer, 43 cmp/68 att, 406 yards, two TDs
      • Saints: Jake Haener, 24 cmp/43 att, 270 yards
    • RB:
      • Panthers: Dillon Johnson, 20 carries, 89 yards, one TD
      • Saints: Jordan Mims, 25 carries, 108 yards
    • WR:
      • Panthers: Jalen Coker, five rec/eight targets, 71 yards, one TD
      • Saints: A.T. Perry, eight rec/14 targets, 176 yards

    Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants

    • Start time: Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, 1 p.m. ET
    • Channel: Fox
    • Live stream options: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FOX NOW
    • Radio Stations: KFAN FM 100.3, WFAN 101.9FM/660AM
    • Starting QBs: Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones
    • Betting lines:
      • Spread: MIN -1
      • Total: 41.5
      • Moneyline: MIN -112, NYG -108

    The final early afternoon matchups see the Minnesota Vikings heading to MetLife Stadium to take on the New York Giants. The Vikings had a roller coaster of an offseason, starting with Kirk Cousins’ Achilles injury last season. While just speculation at the time, it seemed evident that the Cousins era in Minnesota had ended, with those clues becoming a reality when he signed with the Falcons in free agency.

    After his departure, the QB situation was a bit of a mystery. Who were they going to bring in to take over under center? Would they draft one of the many signal callers highly touted in the 2024 NFL Draft or spring for a veteran? The answer was both. The Vikings brought in Sam Darnold while drafting J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall selection in the draft, and things seemed fine … for a moment.

    In Week 1 of the preseason, McCarthy made his NFL debut, surprising many by throwing two touchdowns and helping the Vikings fight back from a 20-7 first-half deficit. However, the glimpse of the future would be pushed off as the rookie reported knee soreness the next day; after further evaluation, it was discovered to be a torn meniscus. With McCarthy’s rookie season a goner, Darnold solidified his starting status.

    The Vikings have quite an array of offensive weapons, which Darnold never had until his minimal snaps with the 49ers last season. They even improved in the backfield, bringing in RB Aaron Jones from the Green Bay Packers. While they wait on TE T.J. Hockenson to get healthy as he starts the season on the PUP list, Darnold should have no issues finding WRs Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

    This team’s ceiling is not really known, but the floor can only be so low with a game-breaking WR like Jefferson at your disposal. If defensive coordinator Brian Flores can get the unit to turn things around, what looked like a grim season might not be so bad. Here’s to hoping for a speedy recovery from McCarthy.

    Speaking of recoveries, the Giants are anxious to see how QB Daniel Jones looks in his return from a torn ACL suffered six weeks into the 2023 season. While Danny Dimes went down with the injury, it might have bought him more time as he had amassed 909 yards, two touchdowns, six interceptions, and one fumble lost during a 1-5 stretch.

    While New York had the opportunity to select McCarthy, Bo Nix, or Michael Penix Jr. to give Jones some stiff competition, they elected to get him another weapon by drafting WR Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick. Nabers immediately slides into the WR1 slot backed up by Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, and Jalin Hyatt.

    Given the tumultuous quarterback situation, all three did their best last season in New York and should see improvement from having one arm under center for most of the season. However, the Giants hope Jones looks more like the quarterback who led them to a playoff berth in 2022, not the guy who looked lost to start the season in 2023.

    It won’t be easy for Jones as he’ll have to do it without two-time Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley, who joined the Eagles in the offseason. While the Giants brought in Devin Singletary, he’s hardly the weapon Barkley proved to be over the years in New York. Finding a reliable and consistent weapon for the rushing attack will do wonders for Jones, and at the moment, it’s not very clear who that is.

    2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

    • QB:
    • RB:
      • Vikings: Myles Gaskin, 27 carries, 128 yards
      • Giants: Dante Miller, 26 carries, 108 yards
    • WR:

    Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers

    • Start time: Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, 4:05 p.m. ET
    • Channel: CBS
    • Live stream options: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, CBS All-Access
    • Radio Stations: Raider Nation Radio 920 AM, ALT FM-98.7
    • Starting QBs: Gardner Minshew, Justin Herbert
    • Betting lines:
      • Spread: LAC -3.5
      • Total: 42.5
      • Moneyline: LAC -175, LV +145

    Another divisional matchup in Week 1 sees the Las Vegas Raiders head to SoFi Stadium to take on the Los Angeles Chargers. The Raiders’ move to Las Vegas has been interesting. While the venue is fantastic and draws in many fans, the on-field product has not gone quite as planned, especially at head coach.

    After going 6-11 in 2023, a 3-5 start doomed Josh McDaniels’ tenure as the Raiders head coach. He was fired and replaced by Antonio Pierce. Pierce led the team to a 5-4 finish and eventually was chosen to take over the position permanently. However, the plan for the season is a bit confusing.

    The Raiders didn’t want to pay RB Josh Jacobs, who left to sign with Green Bay in free agency. They intend to roll with Zamir White and Alexander Mattison as the duo in the backfield. They still have Davante Adams but are relying on Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker behind him. Finally, instead of rolling with Aidan O’Connell, Las Vegas brought in Gardner Minshew II this offseason and plans on going with the veteran over O’Connell.

    The defense got quite a boost by signing former Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to a four-year, $110 million contract while resigning DTs John Jenkins and Adam Butler. Wilkins pairs with three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Maxx Crosby for a solid defensive front. The pressure from the defensive line should free up linebackers Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo to make even more plays for the defense.

    While the defense seems to have a strong identity, the offense is still searching for one, especially with Jacobs’ departure. Who will step up to take over the offense, or will it be another season of struggles?

    The Chargers also hired a new head coach after firing Brandon Staley after a 5-9 start and losing to the Raiders 63-21 on “Thursday Night Football.” After weeks of speculation, Los Angeles hired Jim Harbaugh to take over head coaching duties in the offseason.

    While many believe Harbaugh will be a better leader for QB Justin Herbert, the early preseason results took some time. After two straight losses to start the Harbaugh era with minimal offensive production, the Chargers finally figured things out and beat the Cowboys 26-19 in the final preseason matchup.

    However, Herbert’s cast has vastly changed from last season. RB Austin Ekeler went to the Commanders, WR Keenan Allen was traded to the Bears, and Mike Williams signed a one-year contract with the Jets. WRs Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston return for another season, and the Chargers added a few new weapons for Herbert, signing DJ Chark Jr. and drafting Ladd McConkey as the 34th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

    As for Ekeler’s replacement, the Chargers became the Ravens of the West Coast, signing both Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins in the offseason to headline the backfield. Kimani Vidal, a 2024 sixth-round pick, and Hassan Haskins, a former Michigan Wolverine, provided depth. Additionally, Los Angeles selected offensive tackle Joe Alt as the fifth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to strengthen a talented offensive line further.

    Success under Herbert is long overdue, and the Chargers’ front office hopes Harbaugh is the man for the job. But given the amount of roster turnover, especially on offense, it will be interesting to see how Herbert adjusts to so much sudden change.

    2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

    • QB:
      • Raiders: Carter Bradley, 17 cmp/34 att, 225 yards, one TD, one INT
      • Chargers: Easton Stick, 25 cmp/55 att, 303 yards, one TD, three INTs
    • RB:
    • WR:
      • Raiders: Tre Tucker, five rec/10 targets, 139 yards
      • Chargers: Simi Fehoko, seven rec/nine targets, 170 yards, one TD

    Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks

    • Start time: Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, 4:05 p.m. ET
    • Channel: CBS
    • Live stream options: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, CBS All-Access
    • Radio Stations: KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM, Seattle Radio Network
    • Starting QBs: Bo Nix, Geno Smith
    • Betting lines:
      • Spread: SEA -5.5
      • Total: 42
      • Moneyline: SEA -225, DEN +185

    The next late afternoon matchup sees the Denver Broncos head to Lumen Field to take on the Seattle Seahawks. In his second season as head coach, Sean Payton has torn down the roster after a rough 2023 campaign. Russell Wilson was released, WR Jerry Jeudy was traded to the Cleveland Browns, and Tim Patrick was cut.

    Denver ended up selecting quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. After an impressive preseason, Nix easily grasped the starting spot, surpassing Jarrett Stidham and offseason trade acquisition quarterback Zach Wilson. He still has Courtland Sutton and offseason add Josh Reynolds on the outside to pass to, but they’ll need Marvin Mims Jr. or rookie Troy Franklin to fill in the targets behind them.

    Denver took an in-house approach to the defense, re-signing many expiring contracts while bolstering the defense at certain positions. While they retained talent, they added some free agents, signing LB Cody Barton to help man the middle and safety Brandon Jones to help ease the void from releasing Justin Simmons.

    The Broncos have little room for error and little experience at some positions. Payton hopes for another good stretch of defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s defense. While they could be the thorn in the side of many AFC contenders, Denver is still a few pieces away from being a playoff contender.

    On the other hand, the Seahawks are hoping to return to the postseason after narrowly missing a Wild Card berth in 2023. QB Geno Smith returns for his third season as Seattle’s starter enjoying a late-career resurgence. While last season wasn’t as electric as his 2022 campaign, injuries to Smith and multiple offense members slowed the unit’s momentum.

    With rookie head coach Mike Macdonald in charge following Pete Carroll’s move to the front office in the offseason, the Seahawks look to take advantage of an open window as a solid playoff contender. Seattle’s trio of DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba still dominate the WR room.

    RBs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet get another season as the Seahawks’ primary backs, but watch out for RB3 Kenny McIntosh, who will make an impact with his limited carries. With some solid protection up front, as long as Smith can play at the high caliber of the last two seasons, this can be one of the more potent offenses in the NFL this season.

    Seattle continued to load up the defense, drafting Byron Murphy II with the 16th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. They also brought in linebackers Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson to replace the holes created by Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks’ departures. While the linebacker room had to be rebuilt, the defense will look different with Macdonald instilling his defensive game plan.

    The offense is primed and ready to roll, but the defense could see some early growing pains. However, the Seahawks are far more talented than the Broncos and should have a favorable matchup in Week 1 that will allow the defense to make a few mistakes as it learns the new scheme.

    2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

    • QB:
      • Broncos: Zach Wilson, 28 cmp/44 att, 397 yards, three TDs
      • Seahawks: Sam Howell, 33 cmp/50 att, 328 yards, two TD
    • RB:
      • Broncos: Blake Watson, 26 carries, 84 yards, one TD
      • Seahawks: Kenny McIntosh, 17 carries, 142 yards, one TD
    • WR:

    Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns

    • Start time: Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, 4:25 p.m. ET
    • Channel: Fox
    • Live stream options: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FOX NOW
    • Radio Stations: 105.3 The Fan, 92.3 The Fan
    • Starting QBs: Dak Prescott, Deshaun Watson
    • Betting lines:
      • Spread: CLE -2.5
      • Total: 43
      • Moneyline: CLE -135, DAL +114

    The next matchup of the NFL games today on Week 1’s schedule sees the Dallas Cowboys heading to Ohio to take on the Cleveland Browns. While the moves have been scarce, the Cowboys’ offseason has been filled with plenty of drama. Dallas had three critical pieces of the franchises seeking a contract extension: QB Dak Prescott, WR CeeDee Lamb, and DE Micah Parsons.

    After a public exchange, which included subtweeting Jerry Jones’ comments to the media, Lamb and the Cowboys agreed to a four-year, $136 million contract. The deal keeps the Cowboys’ leading receiver for the past three seasons under contract through the 2029 season. But despite getting Lamb under contract, the drama continues with the bigger elephant in the room: Prescott’s future.

    The Cowboys and Prescott have been here before, but Prescott has all the leverage yet again. After hitting on Prescott in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Cowboys have struggled to identify another person to come and possibly take over if they genuinely believe it’s time to move on from Prescott. Additionally, no one on the market is in the same tier, or even close, to what Prescott offers Dallas’ passing attack.

    While the Cowboys don’t want to pay Prescott, the options are slim, and it doesn’t seem like an agreement is coming any time soon given Jones’ recent public comments about the Cowboys’ QB1. With that in mind, it might be a one-year window for the Cowboys with a very uncertain future.

    Cleveland comes into the 2024 season hoping its $230 million quarterback will play at least most of the season. After handing Deshaun Watson a fully guaranteed contract in 2022, the Browns QB1 has only played in 12 games with mediocre results. He’s completed 201 of his 341 pass attempts, 14 TDs, and nine INTs in two seasons.

    The Browns expected more from the electric quarterback that started in Houston. If his play continues to disappoint, Cleveland can turn to either Jameis Winston or Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Still, it would be one of the worst investments in NFL history if Watson can’t turn things around.

    2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

    • QB:
      • Cowboys: Trey Lance, 73 cmp/113 att, 662 yards, two TDs, five INTs
      • Browns: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, 38 cmp/55 att, 375 yards, one TD, one INT
    • RB:
      • Cowboys: Trey Lance, 24 carries, 168 yards, two TDs
      • Browns: Tyler Huntley, six carries, 32 yards
    • WR:
      • Cowboys: Racey McMath, five rec/eight targets, 80 yards
      • Browns: Jamari Thrash, 10 rec/16 targets, 141 yards, one TD

    Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    • Start time: Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, 4:25 p.m. ET
    • Channel: Fox
    • Live stream options: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FOX NOW
    • Radio Stations: BIG 100.3, 98ROCK Tampa
    • Starting QBs: Jayden Daniels, Baker Mayfield
    • Betting lines:
      • Spread TB -3
      • Total: 42.5
      • Moneyline: TB -162, WAS +136

    The final game of the late afternoon window sees the Washington Commanders heading to Raymond James Stadium to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Commanders started a new era this season after the team changed owners in 2023. While Ron Rivera did his best to keep his job, he had lost his touch in the league.

    With a head coaching and quarterback opening, Washington had yet another opportunity to hit the reset button and find a new direction. Owner Josh Harris and the front office brought in Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to take over as the latest head coach. Then, armed with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, selected QB Jayden Daniels to be the next starter in a very long line of quarterbacks.

    However, compared to signal callers of the past, Daniels’ early looks appeared very promising in the preseason. The former LSU Tiger completed some deep balls while quickly moving the Commanders’ offense. While the receiving core has taken a hit from last season, Daniels still has Terry McLaurin to haul in targets.

    Quinn focused more on the defense, giving it a complete overhaul after the Commanders traded quite a few pieces away in 2023. While the middle of the defensive line stayed the same with Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen, the Commanders brought in Clelin Ferrell and Dorance Armstrong to fill out the edges. The defensive line wasn’t the only area that saw an overhaul, as almost every position group saw a starter added.

    While the Commanders strive to become a competitive franchise, the team is a few years away. If Daniels can adjust to the pace of the NFL early on, that rebuild might not be as long as they think.

    Their opponent, the Buccanneers, decided to run it back with quarterback Baker Mayfield under center after a 4,000-yard season last year. WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin return for another year as Tampa Bay’s dominant duo, making Mayfield’s life easier. However, the depth behind the two veterans is light, to say the least, with Trey Palmer receiving 68 targets and Rakim Jarrett seeing just nine.

    While Mayfield looked good last season, the Buccaneers are on borrowed time following Tom Brady’s retirement. With aging offensive weapons and a middle-of-the-road quarterback, it’s only a matter of years before Tampa Bay finds itself in a rebuild without some significant moves in the near future.

    The NFC South is still up for grabs, but getting the title will not be as easy as 2023 with the Falcons adding Kirk Cousins to the offense. It’s boom or bust for the Buccaneers in 2024, a losing season likely won’t bode well for Mayfield or head coach Todd Bowles.

    2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

    • QB:
      • Commanders: Jeff Driskel, 30 cmp/48 att, 242 yards, one INT
      • Buccaneers: Kyle Trask, 41 cmp/63 rec, 393 yards, three TDs, one INT
    • RB:
      • Commanders: Jeff Driskel, eight carries, 71 yards
      • Buccaneers: Sean Tucker, 21 carries, 120 yards
    • WR:
      • Commanders: Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, seven rec/11 targets, 77 yards
      • Buccaneers: Cody Thompson, 15 rec/18 targets, 137 yards, one TD

    Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions

    The final game of the day sees the Los Angeles Rams head to Ford Field to face the Detroit Lions on “Sunday Night Football.” After a down year in 2022, the Rams returned to form in 2023 despite a 3-6 start to the season. Puka Nacua’s emergence helped ease Cooper Kupp’s absence at the beginning of the season.

    However, after Kupp returned to the roster, the duo thrived, completely changing the dynamic of the Rams offense and giving QB Matthew Stafford two solid pairs of hands to target. Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell return to be depth, but it was preseason standout Jordan Whittington who turned heads in August. Will he add a third bona fide star to the Rams WR room?

    However, Nacua wasn’t the only player that broke out last season. After a solid start to the season, Rams RB Kyren Williams saw an impressive start to 2023 before getting slowed by an ankle injury in the middle of the season. After a brief stint on injured reserve, Williams returned better than ever, finishing an eye-popping season as the Rams RB1.

    The wide receiver room stays virtually unchanged, while the Rams selected Blake Corum in the 2024 NFL Draft to back up Williams. As it stands now, Los Angeles looks primed to run last season’s offseason game plan back for another hopeful playoff appearance. The concerns come on defense, which will not be anchored by eight-time first-team All-Pro DT Aaron Donald for the first time since 2014.

    The Rams are looking for some success in the NFC, but the same can be said for the Lions. After a long period of struggles, head coach Dan Campbell finally got Detroit a playoff win for the first time since 1991. With the franchise moving in the right direction for the first time in the 21st century, the expectations are higher than ever, and for good reason.

    QB Jared Goff continues to look solid after being traded for Stafford. Meanwhile, the offensive playmakers keep getting experience with every season under their belt. RB Jahmyr Gibbs has been a bit hampered by a hamstring issue in the preseason, but the Lions’ 2023 first-round pick is healthy and ready to go for Week 1.

    Amon-Ra St. Brown headlines the receiving room, but 2022 first-round WR Jameson Williams is finally ready to show the Lions what he can bring to the table after missing the first four games of the 2023 season due to a betting suspension. However, the WR depth is scarce outside of Williams and St. Brown, with Tre’Quan Smith and Antoine Green on IR.

    As for the defense, Detroit added another secondary piece in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting CB Terrion Arnold with the 24th overall pick. With a relatively young age across the defense, the Lions continue to add to the talent while adding offseason additions like CB Carlton Davis III and Marcus Davenport to strengthen the unit further.

    Outside of the 49ers, the Lions likely have the best chance of emerging as NFC Conference Champions in 2024. Here’s to another successful campaign in Detroit as the Lions become a yearly postseason contender for the first time in quite a few fan’s lives.

    2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

    • QB:
    • RB:
      • Rams: Boston Scott, 36 carries, 157 yards
      • Lions: Hendon Hooker, 19 carries, 138 yards, one TD
    • WR:
      • Rams: Jordan Whittington, 11 rec/17 targets, 126 yards
      • Lions: Isaiah Williams, 11 rec/14 targets, 123 yards

    2024 Sunday Night Football Schedule

    The Rams and Lions are the first matchup in a stacked “Sunday Night Football” schedule. Here’s a look at the Sunday night matchups for the rest of the 2024 season.

    Related Stories

    ‘I Felt Like S***’ — Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Opens Up About Brutal Collision With Rashee Rice

    Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats, Box Score, and More From Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield Masterclasses

    Should Patriots Offer Tyquan Thornton to Chiefs as Kendrick Bourne Nears Return? Notebook Week 5

    Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield Stats: QBs Light Up Scoreboard During TNF Shootout in Week 5

    NFL Inactives Tonight: Buccaneers and Falcons Injury Report, Plus Projected Starters Ahead of Thursday Night Football Showdown

    Odell Beckham Jr. Breaks Silence: What Miami Dolphins WR Said About His Critics, His Long Rehab, and More

    Copyright © 2019-2024. Pro Football Network, Inc.

    All Rights Reserved.