The biggest surprises from the 2024 NFL season

It’s no surprise that Barkley has been successful with his new team, but he’s a bona fide MVP candidate. Barkley leads the league in touches and yards through Week 13, and could reach 2,000 rushing yards.

After four seasons in New Orleans, Baun has been a fantastic addition in Philly as his role has changed. Moving to inside linebacker, he’s helped beef up the Eagles defense with 118 tackles through 12 games.

Bowers was a dominant force at Georgia, but the NFL is a new ballgame. He’s taken the transition in stride, leading the league in receptions through Week 13 for an anemic Raiders offense.

The 29th pick in the 2023 draft, Bresee has become a premier interior pass rusher in his second season. He has 6.5 sacks through only 12 games played.

Zack Moss entered the year as Cincinnati’s top running back, but Brown has overtaken him. The second-year player is well on his way to over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and has scored eight touchdowns through 12 games.

Daniels went behind Caleb Williams in the NFL Draft, but he’s likely to win Rookie of the Year after successfully revitalizing the Commanders. He’s completed nearly 70% of his passes and scored 21 times between passing and rushing through 13 games.

Darnold signed in Minnesota to be a backup plan for rookie J.J. McCarthy, but the rookie’s knee injury has thrust the veteran to starting duty. Minnesota could have trouble moving on with the way Darnold has played, completing nearly 68% of his passes with 23 touchdowns in 12 games.

DeJean has been a key contributor for the Eagles in his rookie season. The second-round pick has emerged as a lockdown player in coverage, with six passes defensed and 35 tackles.

Fowler has had an inconsistent career, but is having one of his best seasons after reuniting with Dan Quinn in Washington. He’s recorded 8.5 sacks over his first 13 games.

Gray has become a bigger part of the Chiefs offense this season, particularly in the Red Zone. He has 31 catches and four touchdowns through 12 games.

Henley has been a pleasant surprise for the Chargers in his second NFL season and first as a starter. The former third-round pick has recorded 114 tackles in 12 games.

The younger brother of fellow Steelers guard Nate Herbig, Nick has turned up the pass rush this season. He’s recorded 4.5 sacks and 15 pressures in only eight games.

Hubbard has earned a contract extension for his continued strong play this season. The fourth-year running back has over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and eight scores through 12 games.

Unsigned to begin the season, Hunt found his way back to Kansas City after Isiah Pacheco was lost to injury. Hunter doesn’t have the speed that he did earlier in his career, but he’s been a reliable option with 66 yards rushing per game through Week 13.

Running back wasn’t a huge need for the Bucs entering the draft, but they hit on Irving. The fourth-round pick has emerged as their primary back, with over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns through his first 12 games.

Cleveland acquired and extended Jeudy in the offseason, but he was inconsistent in four seasons with Denver. He’s emerged as clearly Cleveland’s best receiver, with 54 catches for 880 yards through 12 games.

A solid contributor in his first two seasons, Joseph is having a Pro Bowl caliber year. He leads the league with seven picks through 13 games and also has 60 tackles.

McConkey had big shoes to fill in his rookie season with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams departing the Chargers. The Georgia alum has delivered with 58 catches for 815 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games as LA’s top receiver.

McDonald has made a huge jump in his second season, after serving as a role player last year. He has 10 tackles in 12 games, and has been one of the Jets’ few bright spots.

Meyers is back as a No. 1 wideout after the Raiders traded Davante Adams. He’s on pace for a career year, with 59 catches for 676 yards through 10 games played.

After two down years in Chicago, the Falcons still gave Mooney big money in the offseason. Their risk has been rewarded, as he’s been neck-and-neck with Drake London for the team lead in receiving yards and touchdown.

There were some doubts about Nix as the 12th overall pick, but he’s helped Denver get back to playoff contention. The rookie has a strong 17/8 TD/INT and has led the team to an 8-5 start.

Mike McDaniel’s offense can be gold for offensive players, as Smith has found out this season. He’s having a career year as he nears age 30.

Still has been a great find as a rookie fifth-round pick out of Maryland. The cornerback has three picks and 36 tackles, emerging as a starter through Week 13.

Former Dolphin Van Ginkel reunited with Brian Flores in Minnesota and is having a career year. He has nine sacks through 12 games, adding 59 tackles.