Three weeks of the 2024 NFL season are practically full, and we have nonetheless acquired just a few groups hanging onto spotless information. At least one of the groups is not a serious shock, with the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs beginning 3-0 for the sixth time of coach Andy Reid's tenure. Others, nevertheless, are actually defying the percentages.
An extended season stays, however the odds additionally say {that a} 3-0 begin bodes nicely for a playoff look, with roughly 75% of 3-0 golf equipment happening to make the postseason since 1970. What lies forward for this yr's spotless squads? Below, we have recognized prime strengths and weaknesses, and forecast when — or if — their excellent file will fall:
Kansas City Chiefs
Wins: vs. Ravens, @ Bengals, @ Falcons
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Top power: Clutch execution. Steve Spagnuolo's protection has remained bodily, however Patrick Mahomes has been coming by in crunch time regardless of a banged-up supporting solid now lacking lead ball-carrier Isiah Pacheco. Rashee Rice's continued emergence as a No. 1 wideout has made them an after-the-catch mismatch.
Top weak point: Durability. Mahomes has had two beginning left tackles this yr, and most of the bench up entrance is banged up. The backfield is right down to rookie Carson Steele with Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire unavailable, and Rice virtually has to make performs out vast with Marquise Brown sidelined for doubtlessly the entire season.
Prediction: The Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers (Week 5) and New Orleans Saints (Week 6), then edge the San Francisco 49ers (Week 8) following the bye, bettering to 7-0 earlier than an upset loss to Todd Bowles' protection and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9.
Wins: @ Giants, vs. 49ers, vs. Texans
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Top power: Brian Flores' frenetic protection. Sam Darnold has definitely exceeded expectations, distributing the ball with elite command in a deep Kevin O'Connell offense, however there won't be a extra suffocating “D” within the NFL proper now. Flores' meeting of bodily, versatile veterans retains opposing quarterbacks in a tizzy.
Top weak point: The risk of a collapse. Oftentimes in Minnesota, one other shoe is ready to drop. Could it's Darnold reverting to dangerous throws if/when the Vikings really path in a sport? Or O'Connell's lineup dropping one other key playmaker to damage? Right now, there is not any obtrusive gap, which speaks to the job this group has finished.
Prediction: The Vikings witness Jordan Love's return to Lambeau Field in Week 4, the place the physicality of Josh Jacobs and rangy protection led by Xavier McKinney lastly end in Minnesota's first loss of the season.
Wins: @ Falcons, @ Broncos, vs. Chargers
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Top power: Mike Tomlin's protection, as per common. Justin Fields has managed the ball nicely because the fill-in (and soon-to-be everlasting?) quarterback, however Steel City continues to be constructed on tenacious “D,” with T.J. Watt main the way in which off the sting. Every stage of the unit has swarming physicality, therefore their permitting simply 8.7 factors per sport.
Top weak point: Rushing effectivity. For all of the ground-and-pound labels they get underneath new coordinator Arthur Smith, this group is averaging simply 3.6 yards per carry, and that is with one of probably the most athletic signal-callers within the NFL in Fields. Injuries up entrance do not assist, and might pose deeper points down the stretch of the season.
Prediction: The Steelers endure a slugfest towards the Indianapolis Colts (Week 4), forcing Anthony Richardson into a number of turnovers, to enhance to 4-0, however cannot fairly sustain with the Dallas Cowboys' firepower in Week 5.
Wins: vs. Broncos, @ Patriots, vs. Dolphins
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Top power: Mike Macdonald's defensive contact. Seattle entered 2024 with underrated expertise at every stage of the “D,” and the previous Baltimore Ravens coordinator has maximized it. Geno Smith has additionally been decisive in crunch time, however he can take probabilities as a result of the protection is registering top-five numbers in factors and yards allowed.
Top weak point: Health. Smith has stayed upright, however his O-line is as soon as once more underneath bodily duress, and the backfield can be with out Kenneth Walker III. Throw in some accidents to key defensive standouts like Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy, and the Seahawks are already struggling within the warfare of attrition.
Prediction: The Seahawks take the Detroit Lions to the wire in Week 4's “Monday Night Football” matchup, however in the end endure their first defeat of Macdonald's rookie season atop the workers.
