The NFL season is always a time of excitement, unpredictability, and standout performances that shape early discussions around which players are poised to have breakout seasons. The first three weeks of the 2024 NFL season have already given us some memorable performances from veterans and rising stars alike. Let’s dive into the players who stood out and how they’ve impacted their teams in this early stage of the season.
Quarterbacks Leading the Charge
Several quarterbacks have delivered standout performances in the opening NFL weeks, setting the tone for their respective teams. Among them, Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills have emerged as early-season stars. Hurts showcased his dynamic playmaking ability in a Week 2 victory against the Green Bay Packers, throwing for 278 yards while adding his usual rushing threat. The Eagles’ offense has looked explosive with Hurts at the helm, and his leadership has been evident as the team battles tough opponents.
Allen, on the other hand, continues to demonstrate his consistency and versatility. Three weeks into the season, Allen is carrying a 133.7 passer rating and has helped the offense get off to a lightning-fast start. On national television against the Jaguars, Allen was sensational, throwing four touchdowns en route to a 47-10 blowout win. Despite the critics saying he would have a hard time producing MVP-like numbers without Stefon Diggs, who is now with Houston, Allen has proven to be most valuable and is on track to have perhaps his best season yet.
Other quarterbacks who have started strong this season include the Bucs’ Baker Mayfield, the Vikings’ Sam Darnold, the Commaners’ Jayden Daniels, and the Steelers’ Justin FIelds.
Running Backs Showcasing Their Power
Several running backs have also made their mark, particularly Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles and Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints. Barkley has been an unstoppable force, leading the Eagles' rushing attack with dominant performances, such as his 147-yard outing in Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints. His ability to break tackles and turn small gains into huge plays makes him one of the most dangerous running backs in this NFL season.
Kamara, similarly, has been electric for the Saints. In Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys, Kamara ran for 115 yards, showcasing his agility and vision. His versatility as a pass-catching back makes him a key weapon for the Saints' offense. With Kamara healthy and playing at a high level, New Orleans has a dependable offensive anchor, even as their quarterback situation continues to evolve.
Another running back who deserves mention is Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts. Taylor had an impressive 110-yard game against the Chicago Bears in Week 3. His consistent ability to move the chains and grind out tough yards makes him invaluable to the Colts.
Wide Receivers Making an Impact
Though quarterbacks and running backs tend to grab much of the attention, wide receivers are the ones making crucial, game-changing plays. Amon-Ra St. Brown from the Detroit Lions, Justin Jefferson from the Minnesota Vikings, and DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks have particularly excelled as standout receivers.
Jefferson remains a crucial part of the Vikings' offense, and his 133-yard game in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers was a testament to his dominance. Given his consistency and the dynamic nature of the Vikings' offense, it's no wonder that the San Francisco 49ers odds were slightly impacted leading into that matchup. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches against defensive backs makes him one of the top receivers in the league.
St. Brown has also been vital for the Lions, consistently making clutch catches. Despite a sluggish first game, St. Brown has recorded 18 catches in his last two games. His 119-yard game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2 displayed his impressive route-running and ability to find soft spots in coverage. With quarterback Jared Goff targeting him frequently, St. Brown looks poised for another big year in Detroit.
Another wide receiver making headlines this year is the Seahawks’ DK Metcalf. Despite struggling to break free from star cornerback Patrick Surtain II in Week 1, Metcalf has been a monster since. In weeks 2 and 3, Metcalf has combined to catch 14 passes for 233 yards, including two very long touchdowns in helping his team get off to a 3-0 start.
Defensive Stars Who Shined
The first three weeks have also been highlighted by dominant defensive performances. Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns and Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys have continued to show why they are regarded as two of the best defensive players in the league.
Garrett's relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks has made life difficult for every offense he’s faced. His ability to disrupt plays, whether through sacks or quarterback hurries, has kept the Browns’ defense competitive, even when their offense struggles. Parsons, meanwhile, continues to be a game-wrecker for Dallas.
Rookie Sensations
Eight of the first 11 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft were used on skill position players, something very rarely seen. Many of those eight players have made immediate impacts, most notably quarterback Jayden Daniels, wide receivers Malik Nabers and Marvin Harrison Jr., and tight end Brock Bowers. Even quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Bo Nix showed their future potential in Week 3.
Outside of them, there are other rookies shining early on. The Jaguars’ Brian Thomas Jr. and Chiefs’ Xavier Worthy have already garnered headlines across the NFL. Colts’ defensive tackle Laiatu Latu made an impact play in Week 3, stripping Caleb Williams of the ball late in the fourth quarter, leading to a game-clinching touchdown. And EDGE rusher Dallas Turner has helped lead the Vikings' defense to an incredible start.
Conclusion
The first three weeks of the 2024 NFL season have been full of standout performances, with several players making a strong early case for All-Pro honors. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see if these players can maintain their early momentum and lead their teams to greater success.
