Buffalo opens their 2024 season playing hosts to Arizona
It’s opening weekend for the 2024 NFL season, and the game between the Buffalo Bills and Arizona Cardinals could finish as one of the better interconference matchups on Sunday. Both teams feature a mix of established stars and rising talent, with intriguing questions surrounding how key players will perform.
From highly regarded rookie debuts to crucial injuries, this game is set to reveal a lot about both teams’ potential this year. Let’s dive into the key story lines that could define this Week 1 clash.
Rookie WR showdown: Keon Coleman vs. Marvin Harrison Jr.
Two rookie wide receivers, Keon Coleman for the Bills and Marvin Harrison Jr. for the Cardinals, are set to make their NFL debuts. Coleman, Buffalo’s second-round pick, has captured the hearts of Buffalo with his big personality — but now he looks do the same on the field. His role is expected to evolve throughout the season, but Week 1 will offer a glimpse of how the Bills plan to utilize his talents. Will he emerge as a reliable option after the departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis?
On the other side, Marvin Harrison Jr. enters the NFL with sky-high expectations as Arizona’s first-round pick. The Cardinals are looking for a dynamic weapon in their passing game, and Harrison has the potential to fill that role immediately. How the Bills’ defense handles his explosiveness will be a key factor to watch, especially with some new faces in the secondary.
Trey McBride vs. the Bills’ defense: A new look in the middle
Buffalo’s defense faces its first test without longtime stalwarts Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer patrolling the secondary. With Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin expected to step in, this game will be a good indicator of how much the Bills will miss its seasoned safeties. Adding to the challenge, linebacker Matt Milano is sidelined with an injury, leaving Dorian Williams to take on a critical role.
Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, who had a breakout year in 2023, could be the key to exploiting any gaps in the middle of Buffalo’s defense. If McBride can build on his strong season, it may present a difficult matchup for a Buffalo defense that’s trying to establish its new identity.
A comfortable day for Josh Allen?
With Arizona’s top edge rushers, BJ Ojulari and Darius Robinson, ruled out for Week 1, Bills quarterback Josh Allen could be in for a relatively stress-free afternoon. The Cardinals’ pass rush is noticeably thin, and with Buffalo’s offensive line returning four of five starters, Allen should have ample time to operate. This presents a prime opportunity for Allen to pick apart the Cardinals’ defense.
Joe Brady’s first full season as offensive coordinator
After taking over as the Bills’ interim offensive coordinator midway through the 2023 season, Joe Brady now has the chance to fully implement his vision for the team. The question heading into Week 1 is whether Brady will continue the run-heavy approach we saw late last season or lean into Josh Allen’s strengths by opening up the passing game. Brady’s influence on the offense will be a major story line to watch all year, and Week 1 could offer early insight into his strategy.
The Bills’ pass rush: Can they replicate 2023’s success?
Buffalo’s defense finished 2023 with 54 sacks, the second-highest total in team history. Von Miller, another year removed from his ACL injury, looks to return to form, while Greg Rousseau is primed for a big season. A.J. Epenesa is also back after signing a new deal, and he should see more playing time than in previous years. Ed Oliver has continued to improve every season with the Bills and after falling a half-sack short of double digits last season, he will try to break that mark in 2024.
However, the Bills will be without Leonard Floyd, their top sack artist from last season. The question now is whether this group can replicate, or even improve on, last year’s performance without their top pass rusher. Week 1 will provide the first clues.
Curtis Samuel’s role in the Bills’ offense
Newly signed wide receiver Curtis Samuel could be one of the more intriguing players for Buffalo’s offense. Samuel had his best season as a pro under Joe Brady with the Carolina Panthers. Now reunited with Brady, the Bills are expected to get creative in how they deploy him. Look for Samuel to line up all over the field, out wide, in the slot, and even in the backfield. I think he’s likely to see around 10 touches per game, it will be interesting to see if he’s a key component in the Bills’ attack against Arizona.