NFL: the best and worst surprises of 2024

The year is ending and there are only two weeks left in the regular schedule in the NFL. We can already comment on the most surprising performances of 2024, both in terms of the beautiful and the less pleasant surprises.

• Also read: A small miracle in Washington

Quarterbacks

Among the quarterbacks, the prize goes without a shadow of a doubt to Sam Darnold with the Vikings. Hired with a modest check of 10 million for one year (modest on the quarterback market, we agree!), Darnold more than relaunched his career, he created a second life. He is sixth in passing yards (3,776) and fifth in passing touchdowns (32). The biggest disappointment is obviously Kirk Cousins. The Falcons had no choice but to relegate him to the bench and plan to release him in March. Since his salary for next year is guaranteed, it will have cost 90 million for 14 departures.

The receivers

We are not talking here about the best performance, which undoubtedly goes to Ja'Marr Chase, of the Bengals, but about the greatest surprise. Our choice falls on Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seahawks. We knew that on the 20th^e overall pick in 2023 was loaded with talent, but his emergence this season is spectacular with 93 catches for 1,089 yards and 6 touchdowns. He has clearly become the number one receiver in Seattle. For the greatest disappointment, let's list a few cases. Jaylen Waddle is missing with the Dolphins. Not as much as the recently released Odell Beckham, but still… Michael Pittman with the Colts is another. And it's difficult to ignore Travis Kelce's average of 8.3 yards per reception and two small touchdowns.

The ball carriers

Again, let's not talk about Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry. They're amazing, but we expected that. On the other hand, who would have predicted that Canadian Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard would strut his stuff with 1,195 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns? To this day, he had never crossed the 1000 yard mark or scored more than 5 touchdowns on the ground. Honorable mention to another Canadian, Chase Brown, who won the starting job with the Bengals and who amassed 1,259 yards from the line of scrimmage. My disappointments are Kenneth Walker III in Seattle with his 3.7 yards per carry and the injuries that continue to multiply, as well as Breece Hall with the Jets. Like almost all the Jets, in fact.

In defense

In my opinion, no defensive player is more surprising than Eagles linebacker Zack Baun. A reserve for four years with the Saints, he was hired as a free agent with a one-year contract in Philadelphia. He established himself as one of the best linebackers on the circuit with 145 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 5 forced fumbles. For a surprise, it’s quite one! On the disappointment side, it is still difficult to realize to what extent Chase Young continues to sink more and more since his promising rookie season. The Saints defensive end is no longer a real factor.

The recruits

Eight receivers were selected in the draft before Ladd McConkey of the Chargers. He is now fourth in gains (960 yards) and receptions (69). The other rookie who really surprises is Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving. Fourth round pick, he is having a fantastic season with 920 yards on the ground, 320 through the air and 7 touchdowns. Quarterback Drake Maye is amazing for the Patriots despite a horrible offensive lineup. On defense, cornerback Cooper DeJean, 40^e overall pick, is solid with the Eagles. The disappointments? Too early to decide.

The teams

In my eyes, the best surprise of the year is the hatching of Commanders. The Vikings and Steelers are also teams that many had buried and which play big football. The same cannot be said for the immense disappointments represented by the 49ers and the Bengals. Without talking about a playoff presence, we should have expected a lot more from the Bears.

MY PREDICTIONS FOR WEDNESDAY:

Chiefs 23 Steelers 17

Ravens 27 Texans 20

MY PREDICTION FOR THURSDAY:

Seahawks 26 Bears 20