Buffalo Bills vs Arizona Cardinals Picks and Predictions September 8th 2024

Bills Bring Wild-Card WR Corps into Opener Against Cardinals and Marvin Harrison Jr.

The Buffalo Bills are gearing up to start their 2024 NFL season with a revamped roster, ready to chase the Super Bowl dream once again. Their journey begins this Sunday when they host the Arizona Cardinals at Orchard Park, in a Week 1 matchup that promises plenty of excitement.

Bills Look to Rebuild After Playoff Heartbreak

The Bills have consistently been playoff contenders, making the postseason in six of the last seven seasons. However, despite their regular success, they’ve been unable to crack through to the Super Bowl, with their hopes dashed multiple times by the Kansas City Chiefs—including last year’s divisional-round playoff loss.

Buffalo wrapped up the 2023 season with an 11-6 record, but after another heartbreaking playoff exit, changes had to be made. Due to salary cap constraints and inconsistent play, several key players are no longer with the team, including stars like Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Mitch Morse, Tre’Davious White, and Jordan Poyer.

The most notable move of the offseason? Trading Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. Diggs was a huge part of the Bills’ offense, but his presence sometimes caused distractions. Despite these changes, star quarterback Josh Allen remains confident in his new group of receivers.

A Wild-Card Receiving Corps

With Diggs gone, the Bills will rely on a mix of untested and seasoned talent. Khalil Shakir, who shined with two touchdowns in last year’s playoffs, is expected to lead the way. He’ll be joined by Curtis Samuel, who notched 62 catches with Washington last season, and veteran wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Rookie Keon Coleman, a second-round pick, is also part of this new-look receiving corps.

However, Shakir is the only receiver who’s actually caught a pass from Josh Allen in a regular-season game, leaving some uncertainty as they head into the season opener.

Cardinals Unveil Marvin Harrison Jr.

On the other side of the field, the Arizona Cardinals are excited to debut their star rookie, Marvin Harrison Jr., the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 draft. Though he played just three snaps in the preseason without seeing any targets, Sunday’s game will be his official NFL debut—and expectations are sky-high.

Kyler Murray returns after recovering from a serious ACL injury that cut his 2022 season short. Despite missing part of last season, Murray still threw for 1,799 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions in just eight games. Now fully healthy, he’s determined to elevate the Cardinals and push for a deeper postseason run.

Key Players and Injuries

The Cardinals haven’t found much playoff success with Murray under center, making only one postseason appearance—a wild-card loss to the Rams in 2021. But with Marvin Harrison Jr. in the lineup and Murray at full strength, they’re hoping for a different story this season.

The Cardinals will be without receiver Xavier Weaver (oblique) for Week 1, while rookie tight end Tip Reiman (ankle) and safety Joey Blount (back) are questionable.

On the Bills’ side, defensive end Javon Solomon (oblique) is ruled out, while defensive end Dawuane Smoot (toe) is questionable after missing practice on Friday.

What to Watch For

This Week 1 showdown between the Bills and Cardinals has all the makings of an exciting start to the 2024 season. For Buffalo, the focus will be on how quickly their new receiving corps gels with Josh Allen and if they can maintain their place among the AFC’s elite. For the Cardinals, it’s all about seeing Marvin Harrison Jr. in action and testing Kyler Murray’s return to form.

Both teams are looking to establish a winning identity from the get-go, making this Sunday’s game a thrilling kickoff to the 2024 NFL campaign.