2024 NFL Week 1 bold predictions: Marvin Harrison Jr. has record-setting debut; rookie QBs show out

Marvin Harrison Jr. becomes the fourth rookie in NFL history to put up 150-plus receiving yards in Week 1, with former Cardinals legend Anquan Boldin (217 yards in Week 1, 2003) being the only other rookie to do it over the past 40 seasons. With the Bills losing multiple key pieces on defense this offseason, Kyler Murray shines while connecting with Harrison Jr. on multiple deep balls in Buffalo this Sunday. 

Much like last season, when No. 2 overall pick C.J. Stroud stole the thunder from No. 1 draft selection Bryce Young, Washington's Jayden Daniels outshines Caleb Williams in their highly anticipated debuts. The Commanders quarterback throws for over 200 yards, rushes for 50-plus and scores three times (two rushing) to lead his team to an upset road win over the reigning NFC South champion Bucs.

Former Lion Matthew Stafford and former Ram Jared Goff face off Sunday in what profiles as more of a "double reunion" game than a "double revenge" game. Both have found success in their new homes after swapping teams in 2021, and both will find success head-to-head in Week 1. The duo will combine for 700 yards and seven passing touchdowns in a 70-point affair on Sunday Night Football.

Bo Nix becomes the first rookie starting quarterback drafted after the 10th overall pick to win in Week 1 since Geno Smith, whom Nix and the Broncos face on Sunday. The rookie passer throws for three touchdowns in the road victory.

You might have heard that the Chargers made a few moves this offseason geared toward running the ball. People are talking about this offense like they’re wearing leather helmets. They still have Justin Herbert! And he’ll still need to throw the ball. When he does, expect him to look consistently to his versatile rookie receiver. The air yard totals won’t astound you, but in a PPR world, Ladd McConkey will be a fantasy star, ranking as a top 20 wideout out of the gate.

Welcome to the NFL, Malik Nabers! He shows in his debut that he was made for this league, turning double-digit targets into 150 receiving yards and a touchdown against a Vikings secondary that really struggled against receivers last season.

A pair of Florida teams spark an offensive heat wave to begin the season, as Miami's Tua Tagovailoa and Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence each throw for four touchdowns in the most exciting game of Week 1.

Only three quarterbacks drafted No. 1 overall have won in Week 1 of their rookie seasons: David Carr (2002, Houston Texans), John Elway (1983, Denver Broncos) and Jim Plunkett (1971, New England Patriots). The combined record of QBs in those circumstances over the past nine seasons is ugly (0-8-1) -- and that vicious cycle ends with Caleb Williams, who leads Chicago to a win over the Titans. I know a lot of Bears fans chalked this up as an easy dub back in May when the schedule was released. Make no mistake, it’s going to be a tough game. But the Bears will prevail.