As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the excitement is growing, with teams gearing up for another year of football. Every season brings a fresh wave of anticipation, not just for the games themselves but also for the players who will define the year. In this article, we kick off our countdown of the top 100 players in the NFL heading into 2024, continuing with those ranked in the top 10. These players have proven their talent and impact on the field, earning them a spot among the league’s elite. From rising stars to seasoned veterans, this section of the list highlights players poised to make significant contributions to their teams in the upcoming season.
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10. Josh Allen QB Bills
Maybe one of the more divisive players in football heading into 2024, Josh Allen deserves to be in the top 10. In 2023 Allen had 4306 passing yards, 44 total touchdowns, and 18 interceptions which helped him finish 5th in MVP voting. Allen’s improvisation abilities are up there with Mahomes and when he is on, he can go toe to toe with Mahomes. The biggest knock with Allen is that he has led the NFL in turnovers the last 4 seasons. If Allen plays smart football like he did towards the end of last year we could get the best Josh Allen we have ever seen in 2024.
9. Chris Jones NT Chiefs
Chris Jones has been an integral part of the Patrick Mahomes era in Kansas City. Without Jones they would not have 3 super bowls. 2023 was not as dominant as his 2022 campaign but he still managed 10.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 29 QB hits earning himself a first team all pro appearance for the 2nd straight season. Jones beats offensive lineman by bullying them with his strong bull rush and quick hands to gain leverage quickly on lineman. Jones is now 30 years old and should have a few more elite seasons left under his belt.
8. Micah Parsons EDGE Cowboys
Could this be Parsons last year in Dallas? Only time will tell. Parsons since coming into the league has not finished lower than 3rd in defensive player of the year voting, less than 13 sacks, and missed an all-pro team. With all of his accolades you would think his organization would take care of him but the Cowboys have not extended him yet. If Parsons is ever on the trade market it could be one of the biggest deals in league history.
7. T.J. Watt EDGE Steelers
Watt may not be the best EDGE defender against the run but is as good as it comes at pass rushing. In 104 career games, Watt has 96.5 sacks with 19 of those coming in 2023. His performance last season earned him runner up in defensive player of the year voting. The Steelers record when Watt his on the field versus when he is off the field is noteworthy as well. Watt will be tasked with leading the team this season to the playoffs with lots of question marks on offense.
6. Trent Williams OT 49ers
Unfortunately, Williams regressed in 2023 with his 92.6 PFF Grade that finished 2nd in the NFL. The prior 3 seasons he had finished as the top ranked tackle in the NFL and finished with a grade of 96.6 in 2021. At 36 years old he is dominant in the 49ers zone blocking scheme with his ability to maneuver in space. He also dominates opposing EDGE rushers with his massive frame. He is getting older, so it begs the question how many more elite years does he have left?
5. Christian McCaffrey RB 49ers
Every healthy season we get from McCaffrey turns out to be a special one. Last season McCaffrey stayed healthy for 16 games and led the league scrimmage yards (2023), rushing yards (1459), and total touchdowns (21). His performance last season was MVP worthy but settled with winning the offensive player of the year award. McCaffrey is a dual threat back who seemingly always finds his way in the end zone. San Francisco seems like the perfect place for him to play during his prime.
4. Tyreek Hill WR Dolphins
Hill is one of the best offensive weapons in NFL history. In 2023 Hill led the league in yards (1799), touchdowns (13), and yards per game (112.4) which led to him finishing 2nd in offensive player of the year voting. He is best known for his blazing speed, but the casual fan does not realize how good of a route runner he is. Turning 30 this year, he is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
3. Justin Jefferson WR Vikings
2023 was an injury filled year for the Minnesota Vikings and looks the same way to start 2024. Jefferson only appeared in 10 games last season and finished with 68 catches, 1074 yards, and 5 touchdowns after posting 1809 yards in 2022. Jefferson had Nick Mullens and Josh Dobbs feeding him the ball last season, but it did not matter he still managed to put up big numbers. Jefferson will have another big year in 2024 despite the QB situation and has a long hall of fame career ahead of him.
2. Myles Garrett EDGE Browns
The 3x all-pro EDGE rusher for the Browns finally won his first defensive player of the year award in 2023. Garrett had 14 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and 4 forced fumbles last season. He is not just an elite pass rusher, he is also one of the best EDGE rush defenders as well. Garrett will typically see double and triple teams every week but that never stops him from achieving double digit sacks every year.
1. Patrick Mahomes QB Chiefs
Mahomes 2023 season was sabotaged by his wide receiver room but still found a way to win his 3rd super bowl ring. His accolades now include 6 pro bowls, 3 super bowls, 3 super bowl MVPs, 2 MVP awards, and an offensive player of the year award. He is the most decorated quarterback we have ever seen through 96 career games and should have a bounceback season with the new wide receiver room. The gap between Mahomes and everyone else in the NFL is a wide margin.
Stay tuned for our AFC and NFC previews, followed by our NFL season predictions this week!
For more top 100 reveals check out:
Ranking the Top 100 Players in the NFL in 2024 | 20-11
Ranking the Top 100 Players in the NFL in 2024 | 30-21
Ranking the Top 100 Players in the NFL in 2024 | 40-31
Ranking the Top 100 Players in the NFL in 2024 | 50-41
Ranking the Top 100 Players in the NFL in 2024 | 60-51
Ranking the Top 100 Players in the NFL in 2024 | 70-61
Ranking the Top 100 Players in the NFL in 2024 | 80-71