Anticipation is at an all-time high as the 2024 NFL season approaches. Fans are eager to see how both established stars and emerging talents will rise to the occasion. The excitement is palpable, and so too are the storylines that will define the year ahead.
Quarterbacks and Key Playmakers
Patrick Mahomes, widely regarded as one of the premier quarterbacks in the league, is expected to continue his dominant run. Similarly, Justin Jefferson and T.J. Watt are set to make significant impacts, further solidifying their statuses as elite players in their respective roles.
Running back Dalvin Cook, at the age of 25, is coming off an impressive season where he accumulated 1,500 scrimmage yards. His average of 5 yards per carry over his first two seasons hints at a promising future. Meanwhile, Caleb Williams has joined the Chicago Bears, a move that has fans buzzing with excitement.
DeAndre Swift experienced a breakout year with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, amassing 1,000 yards despite inconsistent usage. As he continues to develop, Swift’s role in the Eagles’ backfield will be one to watch closely. Conversely, Aaron Jones, a running back nearing 30 years of age, faces challenges due to a history of injuries. Despite this, his top-flight speed remains an asset, and he may share carries with Ty Chandler to manage his load.
Rising Stars and Reliable Performers
Young receiver Chris Olave has proven his worth with an impressive 2,165 yards over his first two NFL seasons, despite dealing with injuries. Tight end Pat Freiermuth also made a strong impact with 60 catches in each of his first two seasons but faced his own injury woes in 2023. On the other hand, Cole Kmet’s consistency was on full display last season with 73 catches, not missing a single game.
Guard John Simpson has been a cornerstone of reliability, starting all 17 games twice in his four-year career. Known for his above-average performance, Simpson’s pass-blocking will be vital for Aaron Rodgers’ success with the New York Jets.
Defensive Standouts
On the defensive side, linebacker Leonard Floyd stands out with more sacks since 2020 than all but nine players. Floyd reached a career-high with 10.5 sacks during his tenure with the Buffalo Bills. Now, he will join forces with formidable teammates like Nick Bosa, Javon Hargrave, and Maliek Collins, forming a fearsome defensive line.
Meanwhile, cornerback Darious Williams had a stellar season in 2023, recording four interceptions and a career-best 19 pass breakups. His performance is expected to continue being robust as he returns to Los Angeles. Young defensive backs like Amik Robertson and Cameron Bynum have also shown their capabilities with multiple pass breakups and interceptions, adding depth to their respective teams.
Brian Branch, considered for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, primarily manned the slot during his NFL debut and has demonstrated potential to become a stalwart in the defensive lineup.
As the 2024 NFL season gets underway, these players' individual performances and collective efforts will define success for their teams. Whether it’s seasoned veterans continuing their dominance or young talents making their mark, the narrative for the upcoming season promises to be as dynamic and exciting as the sport itself.