50 Days Until NFL Opener: 50 Under-the-Radar Players Who Could Shape 2024, Plus AFC Quarterbacks Under Pressure
The countdown is on! With just 50 days until the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs kick off the 2024 NFL season, the excitement is building. Training camps are opening, rosters are taking shape, and the whispers of potential breakout players are starting to get louder. As we get ready for another thrilling season, we’re diving deep into the under-the-radar players who could make a huge impact and the AFC quarterbacks who are facing immense pressure to deliver.
- Sam Darnold, Quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, has a chance to shine with a talented receiving corps but needs to show consistency.
- Curtis Samuel, Wide Receiver for the Buffalo Bills, could step up in the revamped passing attack and be a versatile asset.
- Mazi Smith, Defensive Tackle
- Under-the-radar players can be crucial in determining a team’s success in the NFL.
- The AFC quarterbacks are under pressure to deliver standout performances in the upcoming season.
- Training camps are opening and rosters are shaping up as excitement builds for the 2024 NFL season opener.
50 Under-the-Radar Players to Watch
In the NFL, the difference between success and failure often comes down to the unsung heroes, the players who may not be household names but possess the talent to significantly impact their teams. This year, there’s a plethora of players poised to step into the spotlight and surprise the league.
Sam Darnold, Quarterback, Minnesota Vikings: While the Vikings drafted J.J. McCarthy in the first round, Darnold enters training camp as the starting quarterback. This presents a fascinating scenario for Darnold, who has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with inconsistency throughout his career. With a talented receiving corps that includes Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones, Darnold has the weapons to succeed. However, he’ll need to prove his reliability to hold onto the starting job.
Curtis Samuel, Wide Receiver, Buffalo Bills: The Bills’ passing attack underwent a significant overhaul this offseason, losing key players like Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. This opens the door for Samuel, who reunites with his former offensive coordinator in Carolina, Joe Brady. Samuel’s versatility, his ability to play in the slot, out wide, and even in the backfield, makes him a valuable asset. If he can regain the form that saw him have career highs in receiving yards (851) and rushing yards (200) in 2020, he could become a key contributor for the Bills.
Mazi Smith, Defensive Tackle, Dallas Cowboys: Smith’s rookie season was relatively quiet, but he’s poised for a bigger role this year. The Cowboys drafted Smith in the first round for his prowess as a run-stuffer, and they need him to step up. Despite his limited impact last year, Smith has the potential to be a dominant force in the middle of the Cowboys’ defense.
Kendall Fuller, Cornerback, Miami Dolphins: Miami’s secondary will lean heavily on Fuller, who will be tasked with covering the opposing team’s top receiver on the opposite side of Jalen Ramsey. Fuller’s performance will be critical for the Dolphins’ defense, especially against the high-powered offenses in the AFC East.
AFC Quarterbacks Under Pressure
The spotlight shines brightly on quarterbacks in the NFL, and the pressure is even more intense in the AFC, where the competition is fierce and the expectations are high. Here are a few AFC quarterbacks who are facing a pivotal season.
Tua Tagovailoa, Quarterback, Miami Dolphins: Tagovailoa’s future in Miami hinges on his performance this year. He’s yet to receive a long-term contract extension, and he needs to prove his durability and consistency to earn that big deal. Despite flashes of brilliance, Tagovailoa has been hampered by injuries, and his playoff record against strong teams leaves something to be desired. He needs to elevate his play against the league’s best teams and avoid significant injuries to solidify his place in the league.
Will Levis, Quarterback, Tennessee Titans: Levis’ rookie season was a mixed bag. He showed flashes of his exceptional arm talent but also struggled with accuracy and consistency. The Titans have done their part to support him, upgrading the offensive line, adding star receiver Calvin Ridley, and bringing in veteran slot receiver Tyler Boyd to complement DeAndre Hopkins. Levis has the weapons he needs to succeed, and this season is a chance for him to prove he can be the franchise quarterback the Titans have been searching for.
The Buzz is Building
As the NFL season approaches, the anticipation is palpable. Fans are eager to see their favorite teams in action, and fantasy football leagues are revving up. The under-the-radar players we’ve highlighted could be the difference-makers who surprise us all. And the AFC quarterbacks facing pressure are ready to prove their worth on the field. It’s going to be an exciting season, so buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!
