Key Players to Watch in the 2024 NFL Season: Expert Predictions

Top NFL Teams and Breakout Candidates for the 2024 Season

By Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief Updated: 04 September 2024

Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief

Blake Roberts is the founder of Betting.US and is currently heading the creative team as Editor in Chief. Born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, Blake is a great sports fan, with football and basketball being his favorite. He’s our trusted voice for all betting-related matters.

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Veterans Expected to Lead

As the 2024 NFL season approaches, veteran players such as Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Donald are poised to play pivotal roles in their teams’ success. We expect these seasoned athletes to elevate their performance and leadership to new heights.

Patrick Mahomes (QB, Kansas City Chiefs): As the leader of the Chiefs, Mahomes remains one of the most influential players in the NFL, driving his team’s success with his exceptional quarterback skills and leadership.

Aaron Donald (DT, Los Angeles Rams): A consistent force on the Rams’ defense, Donald’s veteran presence and unmatched ability to disrupt opposing offenses will be crucial as the Rams look to bounce back in 2024.

Breakout Candidates to Watch

The 2024 NFL season also brings a wave of young talents ready to step into the spotlight. For example, players like Travon Walker and Dalton Kincaid are emerging as key figures in their respective teams’ offensive strategies. Here are some more breakout candidates to remember:

Anthony Richardson – QB, Indianapolis Colts

After an injury-marred rookie season, Richardson is poised for a breakout year in 2024. His ability to both pass effectively and run the ball makes him a versatile threat on the field. This dual capability, combined with the Colts’ offensive strategies, could transform the team into a stronger competitor.

The head coach, Shane Steichen, even expressed his high expectations for Anthony Richardson’s development in 2024, stating:

I just think obviously his ability to run the football is tremendous, and Steph Curry’s ability to shoot threes is tremendous. Now, are we going to go crazy with him running the football? There’s going to be a time and place to do it, but we’re not going to take that away from his game.

Khalil Shakir – WR, Buffalo Bills

After finishing last season on a high note, Shakir is expected to take on a larger role in the Bills’ receiving corps. His impressive performance metrics suggest that, with more opportunities, he could become one of quarterback Josh Allen’s primary targets, which would play a vital role in the team’s offense.

2024 Win-Loss Record Predictions for Leading NFL Teams

As we look ahead to the 2024 NFL season, we’ve made our own predictions for how the league’s top teams will fare. These projections are based on a combination of expert rankings, preseason performance, and the strength of each team’s roster.

Team	Predicted Record	Notes
Kansas City Chiefs	13-4	The Chiefs remain Super Bowl favorites with a balanced, high-powered offense led by Patrick Mahomes.
Philadelphia Eagles	12-5	A well-rounded team with solid leadership and a dominant defense, poised to contend for the NFC title.
San Francisco 49ers	12-5	With a stellar defense and versatile offensive weapons, the 49ers are strong contenders.
Buffalo Bills	12-5	Josh Allen’s leadership and the emergence of new offensive talents keep the Bills among the AFC elite.
Dallas Cowboys	10-7	A solid defense and a competitive NFC East challenge the Cowboys to fight for a playoff spot.

The 2024 NFL season is set to be thrilling, with these key players and top teams likely to shape the outcome. Whether they are established stars poised to reach new heights or emerging talents ready to break out, these players and teams will be the ones to watch as the season unfolds.