The NFL preseason kicks off next week, and there is no better time to make your free NFL predictions. The Hall Of Fame game was canceled due to extreme field flooding, leaving NFL fans hungry for more preseason action. As the preseason gets underway, here are ten NFL preseason 2024 expert predictions.
- 1: Expect Low Scoring Games
- 2: Joe Burrow is Back
- 3: Michael Penix in the Spotlight
- 4: Don’t be Scared of the Underdog
- 5: Patriots Quarterback Controversy
- 6: Limited Caleb Williams
- 7: Early Preseason Games are for the Practice Squad
- 8: Plenty of Cuts will See Increased Motivation
- 9: No Backdoor Covers
- 10: Starters Back for Pre Week 3
1: Expect Low Scoring Games
The NFL preseason is notorious for delivering low-scoring games, and the 2024 NFL preseason will be no exception. The 2023 NFL preseason saw an average of 40.6 points per game, a total three points lower than the 43.6 points scored in the regular season. The pregame totals take this into account, and it is not uncommon to see NFL preseason games with totals in the 30 points range. The starting offensive players are often rested in favor of giving prospects playing time, and the lack of aggressive play calling from coaches will result in fewer points on the board.
2: Joe Burrow is Back
The Cincinnati Bengals lost their star quarterback, Joe Burrow, midway through the regular season last year, but he is healthy and ready to go for the upcoming season. Unlike other top quarterbacks, Burrow will be featured in the upcoming games to get ready for the grueling regular season. The difference a star quarterback can make cannot be understated, and Burrow’s return must be considered when making your free NFL preseason 2024 predictions in games involving the Bengals.
3: Michael Penix in the Spotlight
The Atlanta Falcons shocked the world when they selected Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall in the 2024 NFL draft, and there will be plenty of action for the future star in the 2024 NFL preseason. He is expected to play backup for Kirk Cousins to begin the season, and will be playing full tilt before the season kicks off to catch the attention of his coaches and the entire league. Penix may not be a hardened NFL talent, but he will still be better than most other quarterbacks featured in the 2024 NFL preseason. Similarly to Joe Burrow and the Bengals, the Falcons have a chance to win most, if not all, of their preseason games in 2024.
4: Don’t be Scared of the Underdog
In the regular season, the Chicago Bears will never be favored, and will have a slim chance of beating a team like the Kansas City Chiefs. However, the impact Patrick Mahomes (who will not play) has on the Chiefs offense will ensure Kansas City will struggle to score when he is not on the field. Making underdog predictions can be a very effective strategy in the NFL preseason.
5: Patriots Quarterback Controversy
The New England Patriots are still searching for their Tom Brady replacement, and there will be plenty of high level quarterback play for the 6-time Super Bowl champions. In the 2024 NFL preseason, both NFL veteran Jacoby Brissett and rookie quarterback Drake Maye will get snaps, and both will be fighting for the starting job in Week 1. Brissett is one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league, and Maye’s raw talent could see the Patriots turn to their veteran to start the season. Regardless of who is under center, the Patriots will be a competitive team in the NFL preseason 2024.
6: Limited Caleb Williams
Rookie quarterbacks are traditionally thrust into the spotlight for NFL preseason play but don’t expect number one draft pick Caleb Williams to play every snap. Williams will be the starter for the Bears, and there is no reason to risk injury to him before the regular season gets underway. When making NFL expert preseason predictions, don’t bank on Williams playing more than a quarter or two under center.
7: Early Preseason Games are for the Practice Squad
Not all preseason games are created equal, as teams will look to trim their rosters as the season approaches. In Pre Week 1, NFL teams will happily play players who are unlikely to make the final roster. The early games are for the teams to try and sift for hidden talent, while the later games are to polish off their roster. There is very little correlation between Pre Week 1 wins and the regular season, but by Pre Week 3, NFL teams are far more willing to test out their offenses and defenses in a more competitive manner.
8: Plenty of Cuts will See Increased Motivation
It is foolish to think the men on the field will not be giving their all in the 2024 NFL preseason. While the preseason players may have a slim chance of making the final roster, there are still spaces on the practice squad up for grabs. The teams will need to cut dozens of players before Week 1, and the fringe roster players will be giving maximum effort in the preseason.
9: No Backdoor Covers
The end of preseason games are nothing like the regular season. Franchises are not interested in winning games and would rather put their players in tough situations to see how they react. The final minutes of the 2024 NFL preseason will have a similar feeling to the start of games, as the final result doesn’t impact the team too heavily. It is always nice to win games, but teams will likely throw in the towel in the latter stages of the games. In the regular season, an underdog backdoor cover can be a great prediction to make, but in the 2024 preseason, it is a far taller task to overcome.
10: Starters Back for Pre Week 3
Players like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen will not see a single snap in the opening games of the preseason, but by Week 3, they will be looking to find their rhythm. When making your 2024 NFL preseason picks and predictions, the expected players must be taken into account. In the final preseason games, Pre Week 3, the expected starters will see plenty of action in the first halves before taking a seat on the bench in anticipation of the regular season kickoff.
