The writers of Last Word on Sports voted on their top ten NFL players, and the results combined into a list of the top 42 players heading into the 2024 NFL season. A first-place vote was worth ten votes, second-place nine, etc. Each writer was given a chance to give an honorable mention, which counted as a half point for the sake of tie-breakers and many of the players on this list. Without further adieu, here are some of the top NFL players for 2024.
Top NFL Players Heading Into 2024: 11-20
20. Puka Nacua, WR Los Angeles Rams
Puka Nacua was the 20th WR taken in his own draft, and now he’s ranked as a top 20 player for 2024. It was the perfect match of scheme fit and talent as Nacua lit the NFL on fire his rookie year. He’s in line for another big one this season.
19. Sauce Gardner, CB, New York Jets
The shutdown corner is supposed to be a dying breed. Don’t tell Sauce that, as his 332 yards allowed was a strong showing for a corner only targeted 55 times. All in all, Gardner is one of the best young defenders in the league for 2024 and beyond.
18. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
If Burrow had been healthy in 2023, Chase would have been top ten. Instead, he dealt with subpar quarterback play and his fantasy football outlook is strong, to say the least. For more proof, take a peek at these 2024 Bengals projections.
17. Nick Bosa, EDGE San Francisco 49ers
14 sacks was only tenth in the league, but his 92.7 PFF grade shows his impact all over the field. Bosa can’t be quantified in a single stat, and he wrecks games on a weekly basis.
16. Ceedee Lamb, WR Dallas Cowboys
This is a crime. Lamb just had one of the best wide receiver seasons ever and should be closer to WR1 than WR4. Alas, he’s still receiving his flowers and will just have to keep producing to get higher marks for 2025.
15. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR Detroit Lions
The counts were double-checked and triple-checked, but yes St. Brown scored higher than Lamb. What he brings as a slot receiver can’t be overstated, and he’s integral to the Lions success the past couple of seasons. St. Brown has the fifth most receptions since he was drafted.
14. Quinnen Williams, DT New York Jets
Who said the big fellas can’t get some love? Williams is a force on the inside, and due to the position he plays his counting stats will never be something to get excited about. Just know that offensive coordinators stay up at night trying to find ways to deal with Williams.
13. Joe Burrow, QB Cincinnati Bengals
As a Steelers fan, this hurts to write, but Burrow is a top-five quarterback in the league. When healthy, he can slice and dice a defense with his pinpoint accuracy and quick decision making. It will be good for the league to have a healthy Burrow back behind center.
12. Chris Jones, DT Kansas City Chiefs
After a lengthy contract dispute, Jones came back and did what he always does. Produced. There were still some rumors floating around about a possible divorce from the team, but it’s hard to turn down the chance to go grab another ring.
11. Maxx Crosby, EDGE Las Vegas Raiders
The fourth-highest edge rusher on the list, Crosby has come a long way from draft day. Now, he’s the heart of an ascending defense and one of the best defenders in the league.
Main Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
