NFL Analysis
8/8/24
6 min read
5 Can't-Miss Storylines in 2024 NFL Preseason Week 1
NFL preseason action is here as games kickoff Thursday through Sunday. While the outcomes don't matter, the lessons learned along the way will impact the regular season. Starting jobs are up for grabs as soon as Week 1 of the preseason begins.
We've scrubbed depth charts, practice highlights, and the latest reports to find the five top storylines for this weekend's games. All 32 teams are in action this week, so buckle in and enjoy the first full football slate of the 2024 calendar.
With any luck, each of these five storylines will have a definitive answer by Monday.
5 Top Storylines for NFL Preseason Week 1
Michael Penix Jr.’s ball placement is CRAZY 🔥
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) August 1, 2024
Penix has reportedly been “on fire” at Falcons training camp and has turned many heads.
Several NFL scouts reportedly believe the Falcons are “following the model” the Green Bay Packers set with Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love.… pic.twitter.com/bTFm7phF51
Is Michael Penix Jr. Ready to Start?
After becoming the most shocking pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, Atlanta Falcons first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. should see significant playing time throughout the preseason. Kirk Cousins isn't expected to play until the regular season as he continues to come back from his torn Achilles. Penix doesn't have the chance to win the job from Cousins yet, but that doesn't mean he can't prove something right away.
The ball placement specialist from Washington can show he's ready for early action if needed. Considering his vast experience in college and tremendous ability to push the ball downfield, Penix was considered one of the more pro-ready options in this class. Now, he has to show it in live-action.
It's not the end of the world if Penix struggles against the Dolphins in Week 1. However, a set of strong performances will slightly open the door for him to earn time in the regular season if Cousins never gets back to his pre-injury form. The Falcons can get out of Cousins' deal next offseason if need be, so this will be a looming storyline through the entire season.
Big completion fields to Jefferson #steelers#trainingcamp#asburyproductions#nfl #Steelerscamp pic.twitter.com/hlUwHxiNzd
— AsburyProductions “films” (@DylanAsbury31) August 3, 2024
Does Justin Fields Look Better in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has staunchly said that Russell Wilson will be the team's starting quarterback throughout the offseason. That might hold true since they likely promised him the role as a condition of signing there. The Steelers aren't a franchise to burn a bridge with a player if they can help it, so Wilson will surely be under center in Week 1.
That said, there's nothing guaranteeing that Justin Fields won't outplay Wilson and give the Steelers' coaching staff a quick hook if things go south. Wilson hasn't played well in two seasons, and Fields has produced glowing reviews from teammates and reporters at training camp. A strong preseason in which Fields plays well in rhythm could tip the scales in his favor.
Balancing the team's short-term and long-term goals will be easier than most veteran-young quarterback dynamics. The Steelers have next to nothing invested in either quarterback, and it's possible they ditch both after 2024. If Fields shows any promise at all, and Wilson doesn't have the higher gear he consistently showed in Seattle, this won't be a competition for long.
Who Emerges for Josh Allen in Buffalo?
It's a fairly safe assumption that we'll see 2024 second-round pick Keon Coleman and free-agent addition Curtis Samuel throughout the regular season. The Buffalo Bills' revamped wide receiver room needs more help, though, and there are many options. Third-year slot stud Khalil Shakir should continue to see his role increase, but who will round out Josh Allen's receivers?
Veterans Mack Hollins, Chase Claypool, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling have varying levels of skill sets. Hollins is the best of the bunch and a special teams ace. Can Claypool or MVS earn a roster spot over one of the handful of unproven youngsters?
There's a huge opportunity across the receiving room to establish who the alpha will be and where targets are distributed. Samuel and Shakir play similar roles, and even Dalton Kincaid can be in the slot, so the Bills' logjam of talent has to work itself out starting in preseason Week 1.
Can J.J. McCarthy Beat Out Sam Darnold?
The Minnesota Vikings seem hellbent on starting Sam Darnold to start the season for some reason, but we'll soon find out if they'd reevaluate things. Darnold has little on his resume to suggest he can be an average starter, so the bar isn't high for J.J. McCarthy to clear. The 10th overall pick just needs to execute the offense as he did at Michigan.
That quest begins in Week 1 against Las Vegas. The Vikings will have one of the stronger surrounding casts in the league for whoever starts at quarterback. Add in a more talented defense after a solid offseason, and the playoffs should be a realistic goal for the franchise.
If Darnold continues his turnover trends, then it's a bad sign if McCarthy can't make up the ground to win the job. Of course, if Darnold improves, then coach Kevin O'Connell will be a favorite to win NFL Coach of the Year.
Who Wins the Raiders' QB Job?
The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to find out their starting quarterback job sooner than later, opting to play their starters throughout the preseason.
Coach Antonio Pierce wants one of Aidan O'Connell or Gardner Minshew to "grab the bull by the horns," and all indications are that Minshew has the early edge. O'Connell was listed as the starter on the team's first depth chart, but Pierce said the listing was irrelevant.
O'Connell is the incumbent after producing well enough in his rookie season to at least compete this preseason. Minshew was brought in on a two-year, $25 million deal, so that type of money suggests he's a viable threat in the competition. Considering Minshew's experience and ability to produce big plays, he should have the leg-up.
O'Connell needs to exceed expectations in the preseason. Neither player has starred in practices, but real game snaps will weigh more heavily. If O'Connell is a gamer like Minshew, this will be a close battle.
