The 2024 NFL season is approaching the halfway point with plenty of surprises already in the bag – and plenty more are sure to materialize.
Week 8 could be ripe for some unexpected results, as several local teams face great difficulty in achieving victory. The underdogs are surely hoping that the Los Angeles Rams could set the tone for the week with their upset victory Thursday night against the Minnesota Vikings. And with the trade deadline also approaching – and with several teams developing suboptimal backup quarterback plans – this weekend’s results could make for some tough discussions.
Here are USA TODAY Sports’ NFL staff’s bold predictions for Week 8:
Broncos pitch first shutout of the NFL season against the Panthers
Things have gone really bad for these two franchises since their matchup in Super Bowl 50. But an already trying campaign for the Panthers could hit its lowest point if this prediction comes true. The game itself is very imposing, as the Broncos are giving up a league-low 4.4 yards per play and 5.9 passing yards per attempt. That doesn’t bode well for a Panthers offense that is far from a model of efficiency as it replaces former No. 1 bench pick Bryce Young for Andy Dalton, who was injured in a crash. car this week.
With Carolina generating just seven points last week against a suspect Washington Commanders defense, it’s clear Young will need a major contribution from receiver Diontae Johnson — who lamented Sunday that he “can’t playing every position on the field and making every play.” – and running back Chuba Hubbard. Maybe an explosive play here or there can help avoid a shutout or other embarrassment. But with Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain II trending toward a return and a defense that ranks second in sacks (28) ready to take on Young, Carolina could face the kind of smackdown that will raise all sorts of questions on the necessary changes. in reserve for this organization.
—Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Commanders will impact the presidential election with an upset victory
The D.C. football team’s final home game before a presidential election was a surefire omen of what was to come in the Oval Office. From 1936 to 2012, the incumbent party’s candidate won the popular vote (and usually the White House) in each case when Washington won the final home game before the election – and the incumbent party lost the popular vote (and usually the White House) if Washington lost this crucial game at home. However, in two of the last three elections, this trend has not held up. Yet it’s also true that the “rule” held up in 2020 after the franchise, under pressure from sponsors, abandoned its old name because it denigrated Native Americans. So, with a clean slate, perhaps the Commanders will prove that they will continue to restore the “rule”… if a win against the Bears on Sunday coincides with a Kamala Harris victory on November 4th. Do you have all this? Hey, Sunday’s win for Washington might also have to be without star rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is nursing a rib injury. And a Washington win would spoil Chicago rookie quarterback Caleb Williams’ homecoming. So this could be a serious upset. Then again, perhaps there is a higher purpose.
-Jarrett Bell
Jalen Hurts throws three interceptions
Hurts has thrown three picks twice in his career – most recently last season against the New York Jets in a game in which his season-long knee injury most manifested itself. And Hurts has actually gone three straight games without an interception after throwing four during the first trio of contests. But turnovers tend to come in batches for an Eagles offense that can apply pressure when its back is against the wall.
In 2024, Cincinnati’s defense has thrown six interceptions and defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is still one of the best schemers on that side of the ball in the NFL. Cam Taylor-Britt, for his overall shoddy play and lots of trash talk, can still go up and get a pass. If the Bengals aspire to be successful this season, the defense will need to play a lot more inspired in the second half of the year. A turnover-filled performance against an Eagles offense that has struggled to move the ball at times, especially in the first quarter, would be an auspicious start.
—Chris Bumbaca
Patrick Mahomes reminds the NFL world he’s still QB1 with a season-high four TD passes
Patrick Mahomes enters Week 8 with just six touchdowns and a surprising eight interceptions. Mahomes has heard all the noise that he’s having a rough year by his standards. The three-time Super Bowl champion would respond by throwing four touchdown passes against an underdog Las Vegas Raiders team. This will be the first time he has thrown four touchdowns in a single game since Week 7 of last season.
Mahomes’ brilliant outing will lead Kansas City to a resounding victory and improve the last undefeated team to 7-0. A victory would make the Chiefs the seventh defending Super Bowl champion to win each of their first seven games. It will also give Mahomes 81 career regular season wins, the third most ever by a quarterback in his first eight seasons.
-Tyler Dragon
This article was originally published on USA TODAY: NFL Bold Predictions: Will the Broncos score first shutout of the season?
