Miami Dolphins at Las Angeles Chargers
This score prediction was a bit of a head-scratcher for me as I don’t expect the Dolphins’ offense to be shut down as they were in the sim. Tua Tagovailoa going 12-21 for 147 yards and an interception (with 2 sacks) just doesn’t seem accurate to me. Tyreek Hill with just four catches for 62 yards? Doubtful. Even the Chargers’ Justin Herbert only throws for 129 yards on 21 attempts. I don’t hold much weight with this prediction.
Madden 24 prediction: Dolphins 9, Chargers 24
Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots
The Eagles’ quest for back-to-back Super Bowl appearances is off with an impressive win over the Patriots. Jalen Hurts only completes 50 percent of his passes for a shockingly low 109 yards (unlikely) but does rush for another 43 yards on the ground. Making his debut with the Eagles, D’Andre Swift puts up an impressive stat line of 66 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Mac Jones is fairly average for the Patriots (23-46, 286 yards, 1 Interception). Ezekiel Elliott, who signed with the Patriots late in August, is the leading rusher with 66 yards.
Madden 24 prediction: Eagles 24, Patriots 7
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks
I was tempted not to include the results of this sim because Madden had Cooper Kupp playing for the Rams, which he will not be in Week 1. As a result, Matthew Stafford throws for 248 yards and three touchdowns, two of which go to Kupp (9 rec. 140 yards, 2 TDs). Instead of focusing on the score, let’s instead just look at the Seahawks’ offense, which got absolutely shut down. Tyler Lockett (3 rec., 52 yards, 1 TD), D.K. Metcalf (3 rec., 23 yards) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (2 rec., 10 yards) get off to a slow start on the year.
Madden 24 prediction: Rams 38, Seahawks 10