NFL experts break down the top upset picks for the opening week of the 2024 season, highlighting potential stumbling blocks for three powerhouse teams: the Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Buffalo Bills.
In the unpredictable realm of the NFL, where upsets lurk around every corner, the first week of the 2024 season promises a thrilling spectacle of David versus Goliath matchups. NFL experts Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, Kevin Wildes, and Eric Mangini have meticulously analyzed the upcoming slate of games and identified three potential upset victims: the Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Buffalo Bills.
The Chicago Bears enter the season with newfound optimism following the electrifying performance of their star safety, Jonathan Owens, who scooped up a blocked punt and returned it for a touchdown in their thrilling win over the Tennessee Titans. However, despite the early momentum, the Bears face a daunting task in Week 1 as they travel to face the Minnesota Vikings, a team that has consistently haunted them in recent years.
Upset Alert: Bears, Bucs, Bills in Danger of Falling to Underdogs in Week 1
The Vikings boast a formidable defense led by Pro Bowl linebacker Eric Kendricks and cornerback Patrick Peterson, who will pose a significant challenge to the Bears' young offense. Quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, will be making his first career road start and will need to prove his poise and decision-making under pressure.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with their legendary quarterback Tom Brady at the helm, are always a formidable force, but they face a treacherous opening week matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, a team that has shown flashes of brilliance under head coach Mike McCarthy. The Cowboys' young defense, led by Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs, has the potential to disrupt Brady's rhythm and force turnovers.
Upset Alert: Bears, Bucs, Bills in Danger of Falling to Underdogs in Week 1
Offensively, the Cowboys have a plethora of weapons at their disposal, including CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and Ezekiel Elliott. If the Buccaneers' defense, which showed signs of vulnerability last season, cannot contain the Cowboys' high-flying attack, Brady and the Bucs could be in jeopardy.
The Buffalo Bills, perennial contenders in the AFC East, will have their hands full in Week 1 as they host the Cincinnati Bengals, a team that reached the Super Bowl last season. The Bengals' offense, led by quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, is one of the most dynamic and explosive in the NFL.
Upset Alert: Bears, Bucs, Bills in Danger of Falling to Underdogs in Week 1
The Bills' defense, known for its stinginess under head coach Sean McDermott, will need to find a way to neutralize the Bengals' aerial assault and limit their big plays. The Bills' offense, led by quarterback Josh Allen, will also have its work cut out for them against a Bengals defense that boasts a talented pass rush and a opportunistic secondary.
With the NFL season just days away, these three upset picks serve as a reminder that anything can happen in the unpredictable world of football. The Bears, Bucs, and Bills will need to be at their best from the opening kickoff if they want to avoid an early-season stumble.
