Before I drop my full standings predictions for the season in the next week or so, let's have a little fun. Here are some of my bold and super-specific predictions for the upcoming football season. Some of which include, the first coach fired, the first quarterback benched, and the teams with the best and worst records in the league this season, just to name a few.
Sit back, relax, and get ready for a few hot takes on the 2024 season!
First Coach Fired: Dennis Allen, New Orleans Saints
Starting with a downer, I think Dennis Allen will be the first coach fired this season. The Saints have been stuck in mediocrity for years, and I think this is the year it hits the fan in New Orleans. Along with my lack of faith in Derek Carr as the team's answer at QB, I think the Saints finally waive the white flag and move on from Allen.
Biggest Star Traded: Davante Adams, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
At last, I think Davante Adams will be the biggest star traded this season before the Week 9 trade deadline. The Raiders are likely to struggle given their current Quarterback situation. Also, moving on from Adams will carry a minimal cap penalty for the Silver and Black in 2025, which will lead to these sides finally parting ways.
Potential Landing Spots: New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts
Breakout Star: Jaxon Smith-Njiba, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Going into the 2022 draft, Jaxon Smith-Njigba was the consensus WR1. After a rookie season of ups and downs, I think he will be the breakout player of 2024. With the Seahawks hiring a new offensive coordinator in Ryan Grubb who will be more pass-focused, I expect a lot of growth from the former first-round pick this season.
Last Unbeaten Team: Houston Texans
Based on their first six weeks with their games either against inferior opponents or at home, I think the Houston Texans will be the last unbeaten team. Until Week 7 when they have to Lambeau Field, I could see a world where the Texans are 6-0 entering that game.
Texans First 6 Games:
Week 1: @ Colts
Week 2: Vs Bears (SNF)
Week 3: @ Vikings
Week 4: Vs Jaguars
Week 5: Vs Bills
Week 6: @ Patriots
Best Regular Season Record: Kansas City Chiefs (13-4)
Boring? Yes, but if the Chiefs want to achieve the impossible and three-peat, they understand that securing the top seed and how much easier having home-field advantage would be as opposed to last year's gauntlet to their second straight Super Bowl.
Team With The Worst Record/First Overall Pick: New England Patriots
I like Drake Maye, he is my QB2 in this class, and the Patriots have an outstanding defense, however, I cannot get over how bad the skill positions group is on this roster. I think this will be a rough first season for new head coach Jerod Mayo, who is still a total unknown as a head coach. Patriots will finish with the worst record in the NFL this season.
First QB Benched: Daniel Jones, New York Giants
2024 will mark the end of the Danny Dimes era in New York City. Jones will be the first quarterback benched this season in my opinion. The Giants can easily cut ties with him after the year if he's not injured and can pass a physical. As I expected the G-Men to struggle, it will be a similar situation to that of Russell Wilson in Denver last year, and Derek Carr in Las Vegas in 2022. The Giants will not risk Jones getting hurt and he will ride the pine at some point early on in 2024.
One of Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Or Even Michael Penix Jr. Starts a Playoff Game
That's right, I think one of Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, or even yes, Michael Penix Jr. will start a playoff game this season. For Williams and Daniels, the pathways are simple, they are the driving force behind the Bears & Commanders turning it around. As for Penix, the only way he probably plays a postseason game is if Kirk Cousins goes down, which would open the door for the 8th overall pick.
The Following Coaching Jobs Will Be Available After The Season: Jets, Jaguars, Cowboys, Saints, and yes... The Pittsburgh Steelers
After disappointing seasons that resulted in not making the postseason, the Saints, Jaguars, Jets, and Cowboys will move on from their coaches. In Pittsburgh, after likely going 9-8, I think Mike Tomlin and the Steelers have a "mutual parting of ways" that allows both sides to get a fresh start which would make Tomlin easily the most sought-after coach in the 2025 cycle, yes, even ahead of Bill Belichick.
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