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 2024: 10-1
10. Micah Parsons, EDGE Dallas Cowboys
Edge rusher? Inside linebacker? Chess piece? The position designation for Parsons was tough, but recognizing the talent was not. He’s an impact player wherever he lines up, and rightfully deserves his ranking.
9. Trent Williams OT San Francisco 49ers
Trent Williams 1-on-1 vs Parsons
Clinic Work. Watch those feet! Watch that inside hand! Woooo boyy pic.twitter.com/1Mr5rb0fk5
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) January 23, 2023
Presented without comment. The best OT in the league.
8. T.J. Watt, EDGE Pittsburgh Steelers
Most sacks since 2017. Most forced fumbles since 2017. There’s a case to be had for Watt to be the top EDGE rusher in the league, but some have a bigger impact even without the counting stats.
7. Justin Jefferson, WR Minnesota Vikings
It doesn’t matter that Jefferson missed almost half the season in 2023, he’s one of the best receivers in the league. Josh Dobbs and the ghosts of quarterbacks past took turns throwing to him in 2023, so if J.J. McCarthy is even an average quarterback it’s an upgrade.
6. Myles Garret, EDGE Cleveland Browns
Whether he was doing ghost crossover moves or just overpowering offensive linemen, Garrett was a monster in 2023. He’s on the fast track to the top and is the highest defender on this list.
5. Christian McCaffrey, RB San Francisco 49ers
CMC had a better argument for the 2023 MVP than most other players. He took an already elite offense to a whole new level, and is the best running back in the league, hands down. If he stays on this route, he’s going to be looking for a Gold Jacket before long.
4. Lamar Jackson, QB Baltimore Ravens
It was a meteoric rise for Jackson compared to 2023, where he was only ranked 31. He has another MVP, but still can’t get over the hump in the playoffs. They were one Zay Flower fumble away from a Super Bowl appearance, and it would have been hard to bet against them in the big game.
3. Tyreek Hill, WR Miami Dolphins
Turns out that being blazing fast is pretty helpful in sports. Hill has game-breaking speed but pairs that with a deep understanding of manipulating defenders at all three levels to get mind-boggling open at times. If there’s a player that could break the 2,000-yard mark, it’s Hill.
2. Josh Allen, QB Buffalo Bills
The offseason discourse around Allen is hilarious. He’s singlehandedly responsible for the Bills success, and even as Diggs trailed off at the end of the season Allen stayed strong. So long as he’s Superman in a Buffalo uniform, the Bills have a chance in the AFC.
1. Patrick Mahomes, QB Kansas City Chiefs
Was there ever a doubt? Three Super Bowls, absurd counting stats and a projected stat line of almost 33 touchdowns in 2024. He finally gets some speed on the outside to open it up since Hill left, and we get to see the unlocked version of Mahomes again.
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Main Photo Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
