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Fans cheering, shoulder pads colliding and players celebrating championships — there’s nothing quite like the NFL. Kickoff is rapidly approaching as the NFL introduces the 2024 season overseas. What should you expect before the first games? Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know.
When Does the NFL Season Start?
The NFL season schedule kicks off with an incredible pair of week 1 games. As usual, the NFL reigning champs start the season, so the Kansas City Chiefs get the first slot. They’ll play in primetime against the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC Championship Game rematch.
If that wasn’t enough, the action continues on September 6 with the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles. These squads will meet in São Paulo, Brazil, for a critical early-season matchup. With the offenses shining, this game could be a high-scoring shootout.
What Changes Occurred Before the 2024 NFL Season?
Understanding the new season starts with all the changes over the offseason. Much has shifted since February, so here are the most prominent differences.
Coaches
The 2024 NFL season introduces a handful of new faces on the sidelines. Who’s the new ball coach for your team? These new hires could make or break some key franchises.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers were the most significant coaching news of the offseason. After Michigan’s national championship win, the khaki pants man said it was his time to pursue a Super Bowl. Now, he gets to coach Justin Herbert and co. to help them compete, though it will be an uphill battle in that division.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders — another AFC West team — changed its head coach, though this hire wasn’t a surprise. Antonio Pierce revitalized the locker room following Josh McDaniels’ mid-season firing. The 45-year-old coach takes over after a decent 5-4 record to finish last season.
Washington Commanders
The 2024 NFL season will look a lot different with this hire. Dan Quinn left the Dallas Cowboys to take over the Washington Commanders, marking his second stint as a head coach. His presence should help the team, considering it was the worst defense in the 2023-2024 season.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are brimming with talent and need someone to take them to the next level. Could Raheem Morris be the answer? Arthur Smith — the previous coach — puzzled fans when he underutilized his best players, such as Bijan Robinson. Morris now controls the NFC South favorites with a high ceiling.
Players
Player movement happens annually in the NFL, though the 2024 NFL season saw plenty of changes. Here are the most prominent player swaps.
Retirements
First, consider who won’t be on the field this season. Aaron Donald — one of the strongest guys ever to play the game — won’t be in the trenches for the Los Angeles Rams. Opposing offenses can sigh relief because this guy was a monster.
Other retirements include some guys from Philadelphia’s Super Bowl XLII run, such as Jason Kelce, Nick Foles and Fletcher Cox. Say goodbye to notable names like Teddy Bridgewater, Colt McCoy, Tavon Austin and Shaquil Barrett as they enjoy retirement.
Free Agent Signings
Free agency can make or break teams and show how aggressive they are toward winning the Super Bowl. Are they trying to load up for the playoffs, or are they picking out chips and dip for the watch party in February? Here are some of the most notable signings from 2024:
- Kirk Cousins: The biggest quarterback change was Kirk Cousins, who left the Minnesota Vikings for the Atlanta Falcons. Is he the missing piece?
- Running back frenzy: The running back change has been incredible. Ezekiel Elliott (Cowboys), Derrick Henry (Ravens) and Josh Jacobs (Packers) are all on new teams for the 2024 NFL season.
- Offensive linemen: Don’t overlook the offensive linemen changes, as they can make or break teams. Tyron Smith moved from the Cowboys to the Jets, and Jonah Williams left the Bengals for the Cardinals.
- Secondary shifts: A good secondary is necessary for today’s game. Jamal Adams (Titans), Stephon Gilmore (Vikings), C.J. Gardner Johnson (Eagles) and Tre’Davious White (Rams) have all found new homes.
Trades
Trades have spanned from March to August, so the block is still hot for some teams. Who switched teams this year? The Bills’ trading Stefon Diggs to the Texans was a massive shakeup for the AFC. In addition to them, NFL teams traded young quarterbacks before the 2024 season started.
- Mac Jones: Three ago, Mac Jones made the Pro Bowl. Now, he backs up Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville because the Patriots no longer wanted his services.
- Kenny Pickett: Another first-round QB has ended up on another team. Kenny Pickett is on the Philadelphia Eagles as the Steelers look for a new direction.
- Sam Howell: The hits keep coming for young quarterbacks. Sam Howell is now a Seattle Seahawk following an up-and-down 2023 NFL season.
What Teams Do the Oddsmakers Favor for the 2024 NFL Season?
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Last year’s conference championship matchups headline the top four odds to win Super Bowl LIX, with the Kansas City Chiefs leading the way. What should you expect from each NFL contender in the 2024 season? Here’s a quick rundown.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs headline the season with +550 odds to win the championship, according to Fan Duel. This squad has won the Super Bowl two years in a row, so why can’t they go for a third time?
When the Chiefs play, they’re a must-see team. You need a comfortable couch with a big TV because you won’t get up for a second with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce on the screen. The 2024 team will look much like the past squads, with Chris Jones and Justin Reid highlighting the defense.
San Francisco 49ers
At +600 odds, the San Francisco 49ers are the next contenders to win the big game. The NFC West champions bring back most of the guys who nearly brought the Lombardi Trophy to the Bay Area.
However, it’s worth discussing Brandon Aiyuk, whom the Niners have discussed trading in recent weeks. If he leaves, the 49ers will lose some offensive production unless they can find another receiver. That said, they still have Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle.
Baltimore Ravens
Will the Baltimore Ravens ever get over the hump? Last season, they had a lot going for them. Lamar Jackson won the NFL MVP, and they got the AFC’s top seed. However, a semifinal collapse ruined their chances at a trophy.
The 2024 season will be critical for the Ravens and their championship window. Baltimore returns Mark Andrews, Zay Flowers and other key offensive players. Integrating Derrick Henry will be huge for the team’s success.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have finally seen playoff success after an excruciatingly long drought. Before last winter, the Lions last won a playoff game in 1992 after they defeated the Dallas Cowboys.
Now, the Lions look to build on their success with great players around the roster. Sam LaPorta emerged as a star tight end, complementing Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery on the offensive side. The health of Jahmyr Gibbs will be a liability in the early part of the 2024 NFL season.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles had a promising 10-1 start until their end-season collapse. Despite the super talent, they lost in the wild-card round to the underdog Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
What will the Eagles look like in 2024? The team will rely on young talent like Quinyon Mitchell, Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis to lead a defense that struggled mightily in the second half of last season. On offense, the Eagles should be excellent with Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown and Saquon Barkley.
Other Notable Contenders
Those five teams are the NFL’s cream of the crop. However, anything can happen in the league, so it’s important to consider other contenders. Here are the most notable stories:
- Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals have championship DNA, with an AFC championship and a Super Bowl appearance in 2022. Can Joe Burrow stay healthy and contend for the division crown?
- Green Bay Packers: The Packers have found their quarterback in Jordan Love, and the roster has a bunch of young talent. If the defense improves, you may see them win the NFC North.
- Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys have a $9 billion value, yet they haven’t been to the Super Bowl since the 1990s. When will they turn it around? Next season will be much more challenging without defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
- Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins start strong every season until the cold weather arrives. Then, they freeze when the other teams take over. The offense will light up the stat sheet in September and October, but we’ll wait until the winter to gauge their true odds.
Previewing the 2024 NFL Season
Every NFL season brings new storylines, nail-biting finishes and more names in the history books. With more talent than ever, the fans are in for a fun ride this year. Who do you think will hoist the Lombardi Trophy in February?
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Author
Jack Shaw is a senior writer at Modded. Jack is an avid enthusiast for keeping up with personal health and enjoying nature. He has over five years of experience writing in the men's lifestyle niche, and has written extensively on topics of fitness, exploring the outdoors and men's interests. His writings have been featured in SportsEd TV, Love Inc., and Offroad Xtreme among many more publications.
