NFL: Who are the Surprise Packages After The First Four Weeks of Action
Heading into the 2024 NFL season all the talk was on the usual suspects. The Kansas City Chiefs were on the hunt for the first three-peat in history after winning Super Bowl LVIII, and they have economically set about their business, winning their first four games without looking particularly impressive. Both the Houston Texans and the Buffalo Bills were also considered Super Bowl contenders in preseason, and they both have a decent 3-1 record.
However, while those three have predictably shone, several other sides have seemingly arrived out of nowhere Here are the three biggest surprise packages so far throughout the opening weeks of the new NFL campaign.
Minnesota Vikings
Many tipped the Minnesota Vikings to struggle this term, especially because they lost star quarterback Kirk Cousins to free agency at the end of last season. When Captain Kirk suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in week eight last season, the US Bank Stadium proceeded to finish their campaign dismally, losing six of their final nine games to miss out on the playoffs altogether.
Former Michigan Wolverine J. J. McCarthy was brought in with the tenth overall pick of the 2024 draft to take over center from the outgoing Cousins. However, he was crocked in the preseason with a season-ending meniscus injury that ruled him out for the entirety of the season. Step up the unheralded Sam Darnold, who was once a third-overall draft pick in his own right but never found his footing, bouncing around the likes of the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and the San Francisco 49ers.
After featuring as a backup for the last three years, he was expected to do the same in Minneapolis. However, the former USC standout was thrust into the limelight following the injury to McCarthy, and boy has he shone. He has led the Vikings to a perfect 4-0 start to the new season – their best since 2016 – and is a crucial reason as to why Bovada’s football betting odds on Minnesota lifting the Lombardi have been slashed to +1400.
Darnold has led the offensive charge with poise and precision, throwing for 932 yards as well as 11 touchdowns, the most in the league. His decision-making and ability to spread the ball have been vital in the Vikings’ victories over teams with genuine Lombardi ambitions such as the San Francisco 49ers and the Houston Texans. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson has continued to be a vital asset, racking up 358 receiving yards and four touchdowns, securing his status as Darnold’s number-one target, just as he was with predecessor Cousins.
Complementing the aerial attack, running back Aaron Jones has contributed significantly on the ground, amassing 321 rushing yards and a touchdown. Defensively, the Vikings have shown plenty of resilience and no one has conceded fewer points than them. Their pass rush and secondary have been integral in closing out tight games and if further victories are to follow, excitement will reach a fever pitch.
Washington Commanders
Not much was expected of the Washington Commanders during the postseason. However, just like the Vikings, they too have unearthed a gem of a quarterback that looks right at home as the face of the franchise. Jayden Daniels was selected with the second overall pick of this year’s draft, and he looks head and shoulders above the rest of his class of rookie quarterbacks, including the number one overall Caleb Williams.
Under the leadership of quarterback Daniels, the Commanders have amassed an impressive 3-1 record, leaving them in the top spot in the stacked NFC East, ahead of both the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles. The capital city outfit has already beaten some heavy hitters such as the Cincinnati Bengals – on the road no less – and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Their potent offense was on full display in their recent commanding victory over the Arizona Cardinals, where they won 42-14. Daniels put Heisman former Heisman winner Kyler Murray to shame in that particular contest, completing 26 of his 30 attempts for 233 yards and one touchdown. That has taken the rookie to over 800 yards already this season, and the sky looks to be the limit for the 23-year-old.
Running back Robinson Jr. has been another standout performer for Washington, already rushing for over 250 yards this term. His power and agility have provided the Commanders with a reliable ground game, which has been essential in controlling the tempo and maintaining possession. Wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Olamide Zaccheaus have also made significant contributions, further adding to the Commanders’ offensive arsenal.
Pittsburgh Steelers
No team had more question marks looming over them in the close season than the Pittsburgh Steelers. They brought in not one but two questionable quarterbacks in the form of the veteran Russell Wilson and the inconsistent Justin Fields. The latter of that duo is the one that has begun the campaign as the starter and he hasn’t set the world alight, but it has been good enough to give the Black and Yellows a 3-1 start.
Their season began with impressive wins against the Atlanta Falcons and the Denver Broncos, games in which their famous Iron Wall defense was on full display. The Steelers have allowed just 53 points against so far in the opening four weeks of the season, the second lowest in the entire league behind the Los Angeles Chargers. Wide receiver George Pickens has emerged as a favorite target for Fields, with his ability to make big plays and secure crucial catches.
But the defense is the star of the show. Led by a strong front seven, it has been pivotal in stifling opposing offenses and generating turnovers. Maintaining this level of defensive intensity will be vital for the Steelers in the stacked AFC North, arguably the toughest quartet in the entire league. But if this start is anything to go by, they are certainly up for the challenge.
