Welcome to the 2024 NFL Season: Players to Watch
The 2024 NFL season is finally upon us. When the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs face off Thursday night in a rematch of last season’s AFC Championship Game, so begins an action-packed, highly entertaining, high-stakes marathon like none other.
From well-established icons to old faces in new places and fresh-faced franchise saviors, the league is full of impactful figures whose performances will define the season.
We’ve zeroed in on 24 of the most intriguing players to watch during this 2024 NFL regular season.
1. Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets
Once again, the future Hall of Famer will try to rescue the Jets and transform them into Super Bowl contenders. Last year’s quest amounted to just four snaps before Rodgers’ left Achilles tendon ruptured. The Jets have since worked to fortify their offensive line in hopes of keeping their prized quarterback upright. Can he deliver?
2. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
The NFL’s best player enters the 2024 season on a historic mission. Mahomes, 28, already belongs to an elite fraternity of quarterbacks with at least three Lombardi Trophies. Can he make history with three straight Super Bowl wins?
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3. Bryce Williams, QB, Chicago Bears
Few quarterbacks have entered the NFL with the level of hype that surrounds Williams. Can he turn the Bears into a playoff team in his rookie season?
4. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Personal accolades are nice, but Jackson knows his 2-4 playoff record is the glaring blemish on his resume. Will the addition of Derrick Henry help him achieve Super Bowl success?
C.J. Stroud and the Texans open the season with high expectations after a 10-7 campaign in 2023. (Troy Taormina / USA Today)
5. C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
Can Stroud avoid the sophomore slump and lead the Texans to a deep playoff run after his impressive rookie season?
6. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
Is this the year Prescott finally satisfies his owner and critics by leading the Cowboys on a Super Bowl hunt?
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7. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Can Jefferson maintain his stellar performances with a new quarterback and lead the Vikings to success in a tough NFC North division?
8. Deshaun Watson, QB, Cleveland Browns
Can Watson finally put it all together and lead the Browns to Super Bowl contention after a rough start with the team?
9. Nabers, WR, New York Giants
Can Nabers fill the void left by Saquon Barkley and help Daniel Jones ascend as a starter for the Giants?
10. Harrison, WR, Arizona Cardinals
Can Harrison bring explosiveness to the Cardinals’ offense and help them return to winning ways?
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11. Gardner Minshew, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
Can Minshew help the Raiders overtake their division rivals and secure a playoff spot?
12. Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Can Richardson stay healthy and be the difference maker the Colts need to reach the playoffs?
Pick up The Athletic 2024 Fantasy Football Guide to read expert evaluations & everything you need to know to win your fantasy football league.
Pick up The Athletic 2024 Fantasy Football Guide to read expert evaluations.
13. Gervontae Young, QB, Carolina Panthers
Can Young develop into a franchise quarterback under the guidance of the Panthers’ new head coach and turn the team’s fortunes around?
14. Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
After a season of ups and downs, can Hurts rebound and lead the Eagles to success with a revamped offense?
Saquon Barkley (left) will try to boost the Eagles’ offense on the ground. (Bill Streicher / USA Today)
15. Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Could Barkley be the best back in the league? We’re about to find out, as he gets a fresh start with the Eagles after six trying years with the Giants.
16. Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers
Can Love live up to his high-paid contract and lead the Packers to success in the NFC?
17. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
Can Tagovailoa carry his team against the best and perform well in the postseason after an outstanding 2023 season?
18. Chris Jones, DL, Kansas City Chiefs
With Aaron Donald retired, can Jones become the most dominant defensive player in the league and help the Chiefs to another Super Bowl win?
19. Micah Parsons, OLB, Dallas Cowboys
Will Parsons secure a long-term contract extension and continue his dominance to help the Cowboys reach the Super Bowl?
20. D.K. Metcalf, WR, Buffalo Bills
Can Metcalf fill the void left by Diggs and provide the big plays the Bills need to succeed?
21. Russell Wilson, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Will Wilson’s arrival in Pittsburgh propel the Steelers to playoff contention and prove his doubters wrong?
22. Charvarius Sneed, CB, Tennessee Titans
Can Sneed prove the Chiefs wrong and become a top-notch cornerback for the Titans?
23. T.J. Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Can Watt stay healthy and lead the Steelers to success in the upcoming season?
Top illustration: Meech Robinson / The Athletic; photos of Marvin Harrison Jr., Lamar Jackson, and Micah Parsons: Patrick Smith and Norm Hall / Getty Images and Matthew Pearce / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
