BACKPanini Previews the 2024 NFL Season
Written by: Connor Zimmerlee
After seven long months of waiting, the NFL season is finally upon us. From the conclusion of Super Bowl LVIII to the draft in April all the way through preseason games in August, the wait for actual action is over. The return to the gridiron also brings a plethora of Panini releases to keep an eye out for, featuring a mix of promising rookies and established superstars.
Of course, the best part of football season returning is sitting down and enjoying the countless hours of hard-hitting action week in and week out. Doing that, though, can be a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, as we have prepared a crash course of a preview for the upcoming 2024 season to prepare yourself before it kicks off on September 5th.
Five games to watch
- Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs (Week 1)
Looking to start off their title defense on a high note, the Chiefs will, of course, be led by the superstar duo of signal-caller Patrick Mahomes II and tight end Travis Kelce. On the other sideline? Oh, just the reigning MVP in quarterback Lamar Jackson. Star sophomore Zay Flowers and key offseason addition Derrick Henry also headline the star-studded squad.
One team looking to start their pursuit of a third straight Lombardi, clashing with a conference foe that’s looking to put the rest of the league on notice? Sign us up.
- San Francisco 49ers @ Miami Dolphins (Week 16)
If you thought the above matchup was a must-watch showdown of offense, then you’ll certainly love this tilt. Two top quarterbacks in Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa and San Francisco’s Brock Purdy square off. A medley of playmakers, from the tandem of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in the aqua and white to the trio of Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel for San Fran.
Points galore, splash plays and a potential Super Bowl preview — who wouldn’t want to tune in to this potential instant classic? Taking place during Week 16, this tilt could also feature key playoff implications.
- Kansas City Chiefs @ San Francisco 49ers (Week 7)
Going back in time a couple of months, we find this juicy Super Bowl rematch. Both the Chiefs and 49ers make their second appearance on this list, and for good reason. They’ll run back Super Bowl LVIII, which came down to the Chiefs claiming their second straight title in a thrilling overtime finish. You know the playmakers and you know the history. Look for this one to be as excellent as their two Super Bowl clashes and feature plenty of memorable moments.
- Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys (Week 6)
Two different shades of blue. A storied franchise vs. one looking to establish its place among the perennial contenders in the NFC. Offenses led by a star signal-caller and pass-catcher duo, with Detroit’s Jared Goff throwing to Amon-Ra St. Brown and Dallas’ Dak Prescott slinging it to CeeDee Lamb. Oh, and these two teams met up last season in a hard-fought 20-19 victory for the Cowboys. Buckle up, because this game could be an absolute slugfest.
- Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills (Week 9)
Also making their second appearance on this list, the Dolphins head up north for a divisional clash with the Bills, looking to stop Josh Allen’s reign atop the AFC East. Doing so will be much easier said than done, however, as the star quarterback will have rookie wideout Keon Coleman to work with. In what will likely be a tight division race between two of the NFL’s top teams, this game could determine who wears the AFC East crown in 2024.
Now that we’ve delved into some marquee matchups, allow us to walk you through a series of predictions – covering areas from award winners to dark-horse contenders and the eventual Super Bowl champion.
Award winners predictions
MVP – QB Patrick Mahomes II (Kansas City Chiefs)
Sometimes the obvious pick is the safe pick. And that’s exactly what Mahomes is. Clearly the best quarterback in the league, and already a two-time MVP winner, the back-to-back Super Bowl champ adds another trophy to his collection with a third MVP.
Offensive Player of the Year – WR Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins)
Coming off the highest yardage output of his career in 2023 with a league-best 1,799, Hill is primed for another standout campaign. Tagovailoa’s favorite target, the speedy receiver could easily push for 2,000 yards again and bring home the illustrious award.
Defensive Player of the Year – LB T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Watt already has one DPOY award under his belt (2021) and could certainly add another in 2024. One of the league’s fiercest defenders, the linebacker looks to continue asserting his dominance as the top pass-rusher while chasing down this award.
Dark-horse contenders
Every season, there are favorites to win the Super Bowl. However, these two teams could take fans by surprise and make a deep playoff run.
Los Angeles Rams
There’s a lot to like about the Rams. The offense is headlined by the terrific trio of Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. Calling the shots is Sean McVay, an elite coach proven capable of leading a team to (and winning) the Super Bowl. Don’t be surprised if they challenge the 49ers for the NFC West crown and get back to the playoffs, where anything can happen.
Indianapolis Colts
Led by second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson, this Colts team has the potential to be a sneaky good squad. He’ll be throwing to breakout candidate Josh Downs and exciting rookie Adonai Mitchell. If that trio of playmakers can find their groove together, then the Colts could be a team nobody in the AFC wants to see in the postseason.
Super Bowl champion – Baltimore Ravens
There are several teams capable of bringing home the Lombardi Trophy. Only one can, though, and that team will be the Ravens. Lamar Jackson adds a ring to his illustrious list of accomplishments, while Derrick Henry proves that he’s still one of the best in the game with a Super Bowl MVP performance.
