The 2024 NFL season has brought with it an abundance of excitement, drama, and, most importantly, exceptional talent. While the league always hosts some of the finest athletes in the world, this season has showcased a unique blend of seasoned veterans, young rising stars, and dynamic playmakers who have redefined the standards of their respective positions. From quarterbacks with unparalleled vision and precision to defenders who strike fear into the hearts of offenses, the NFL in 2024 is a testament to the evolution of the game and the continuous development of its athletes. In this sports article, we explore the 20 best players in the NFL this year, highlighting their skills, contributions to their teams, and the reasons why they stand out in a league brimming with talent.
1. Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs (Quarterback)
As the reigning face of the NFL, Patrick Mahomes continues to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. In 2024, Mahomes’ deep understanding of the game, combined with his ability to make off-script plays, has made him the most dangerous player under center. His unmatched ability to deliver precise passes under pressure and his leadership on the field keep the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl contention year after year. Mahomes’ arm strength, football IQ, and ability to read defenses allow him to pick apart even the most complex defensive schemes, and his versatility keeps defenders on their heels. In a season where the Chiefs continue to dominate, Mahomes remains at the pinnacle of the quarterback position.
2. Josh Allen – Buffalo Bills (Quarterback)
Josh Allen has evolved into a complete player, merging his elite athleticism with a newfound mastery of the mental aspects of the game. The Buffalo Bills’ signal-caller possesses a cannon for an arm, and in 2024, his ability to stretch the field has never been more evident. Allen’s dual-threat capability, running with the power of a fullback while maintaining the agility of a running back, has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He’s become the centerpiece of an offense that is both explosive and efficient, with Allen leading his team to one of the best records in the league. His leadership, paired with his remarkable skill set, cements him as one of the NFL's elite players.
3. Aaron Donald – Los Angeles Rams (Defensive Tackle)
Aaron Donald’s name has become synonymous with dominance. Even as he approaches the latter part of his career, the 2024 season has shown that Donald remains the most disruptive force on the defensive line. His quickness off the snap, combined with an unparalleled blend of strength and technique, allows him to consistently beat double and even triple teams. His impact goes beyond the stat sheet, as offenses must constantly game-plan around his presence. Donald has once again anchored a Rams defense that can dictate the pace of the game, and his ability to collapse pockets and stop the run makes him arguably the most valuable defensive player in the league.
4. Tyreek Hill – Miami Dolphins (Wide Receiver)
Few players possess the game-breaking speed and playmaking ability of Tyreek Hill. Now with the Miami Dolphins, Hill has become an integral part of one of the league’s most dynamic offenses. His ability to take the top off defenses, combined with his sharp route-running and exceptional hands, makes him a perennial threat to score from anywhere on the field. In 2024, Hill has solidified his status as one of the league’s best wide receivers, consistently producing highlight-reel plays that leave defenses scrambling. His chemistry with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has only improved, turning Hill into the most dangerous weapon in Miami’s arsenal.
5. Justin Jefferson – Minnesota Vikings (Wide Receiver)
Justin Jefferson has quickly risen to become one of the premier wide receivers in the NFL. His 2024 campaign has further cemented his status as an elite talent, with Jefferson routinely torching defenders with his combination of speed, agility, and precision in route running. His ability to make contested catches and create separation has made him Kirk Cousins’ go-to target in critical situations. Jefferson’s knack for making big plays in clutch moments has kept the Minnesota Vikings competitive in a tough NFC North division, and his ceiling continues to rise as he refines his craft.
6. Nick Bosa – San Francisco 49ers (Defensive End)
Nick Bosa has been a key figure in the resurgence of the San Francisco 49ers’ defense. In 2024, he has continued to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, solidifying his place as one of the top pass rushers in the league. Bosa’s blend of athleticism and technique allows him to consistently win one-on-one battles, and his ability to generate pressure forces offenses to alter their game plans. His relentless motor and football IQ make him a disruptive force both against the pass and the run, and his leadership on the defensive line has been instrumental in the 49ers’ success.
7. Joe Burrow – Cincinnati Bengals (Quarterback)
Joe Burrow’s rise to prominence in the NFL has been nothing short of meteoric. In 2024, Burrow has once again demonstrated why he’s considered one of the top quarterbacks in the league. His poise in the pocket, combined with his ability to read defenses and deliver precise throws, has elevated the Cincinnati Bengals to perennial playoff contenders. Burrow’s chemistry with his wide receivers, particularly Ja’Marr Chase, has made the Bengals’ passing attack one of the most feared in the league. His leadership and calm demeanor under pressure have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s all-time greats.
2024 NFL Top Players Quiz
8. Myles Garrett – Cleveland Browns (Defensive End)
Myles Garrett has established himself as one of the most dominant edge rushers in the NFL, and 2024 has been another stellar year for the Cleveland Browns defensive star. Garrett’s rare combination of size, speed, and strength allows him to overpower offensive linemen and consistently apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His ability to disrupt both the passing and running games has been a cornerstone of the Browns’ defense, and his leadership on the field has been crucial in guiding a young Browns team through the rigors of the season. Garrett’s presence alone changes the dynamics of any game he plays in.
9. Travis Kelce – Kansas City Chiefs (Tight End)
Travis Kelce continues to redefine what it means to be an elite tight end in the NFL. In 2024, Kelce remains the most reliable and versatile weapon in Patrick Mahomes’ arsenal, with his ability to find soft spots in coverage and turn short catches into big gains. Kelce’s unique blend of size, athleticism, and football intelligence makes him a mismatch for any defender, and his leadership has been instrumental in maintaining the Chiefs’ offensive dominance. His consistency and durability have kept him at the top of his position, and his ability to perform in clutch moments sets him apart from his peers.
10. T.J. Watt – Pittsburgh Steelers (Linebacker)
T.J. Watt’s relentless pursuit of quarterbacks and his ability to make game-changing plays have made him one of the most feared defenders in the NFL. In 2024, Watt has continued to terrorize offenses, consistently ranking among the league leaders in sacks and forced fumbles. His high motor and ability to disrupt both the passing and running games have been key to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive success. Watt’s leadership on the field and his ability to elevate the play of those around him make him one of the most valuable defensive players in the league.
11. Ja'Marr Chase – Cincinnati Bengals (Wide Receiver)
Ja'Marr Chase has quickly become one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the NFL. His chemistry with Joe Burrow has made the Cincinnati Bengals’ passing attack one of the most explosive in the league. In 2024, Chase has continued to showcase his elite speed, route-running, and ability to make contested catches. His big-play ability has been a driving force behind the Bengals’ offensive success, and his ability to take over games has made him one of the most feared receivers in the league.
12. Jalen Hurts – Philadelphia Eagles (Quarterback)
Jalen Hurts has taken significant strides in his development as a quarterback, and 2024 has been a breakout year for the Philadelphia Eagles signal-caller. Hurts’ dual-threat ability has made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league, with his ability to beat defenses with both his arm and his legs. His leadership and poise under pressure have been instrumental in the Eagles’ success, and his ability to make plays in critical situations has established him as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
13. Micah Parsons – Dallas Cowboys (Linebacker)
Micah Parsons has emerged as one of the most versatile and disruptive defenders in the NFL. His ability to rush the passer, cover in space, and stop the run has made him an invaluable asset to the Dallas Cowboys’ defense. In 2024, Parsons has continued to dominate, consistently making game-changing plays and elevating the Cowboys’ defense to new heights. His combination of speed, strength, and football IQ has made him one of the most complete linebackers in the league.
14. Davante Adams – Las Vegas Raiders (Wide Receiver)
Davante Adams remains one of the most technically sound and productive wide receivers in the NFL. His ability to create separation with his route-running and make contested catches in traffic has made him a favorite target for quarterbacks. In 2024, Adams has continued to showcase his elite skills, making big plays and consistently performing at a high level. His presence on the field forces defenses to adjust, and his ability to take over games has made him one of the top receivers in the league.
15. Christian McCaffrey – San Francisco 49ers (Running Back)
Christian McCaffrey has redefined what it means to be a modern running back in the NFL. His ability to contribute as both a runner and a receiver has made him one of the most versatile and dangerous players in the league. In 2024, McCaffrey has continued to be the focal point of the San Francisco 49ers’ offense, consistently producing big plays and making defenders miss in space. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways has made him one of the most valuable players in the league.
16. Cooper Kupp – Los Angeles Rams (Wide Receiver)
Cooper Kupp’s 2024 season has been another demonstration of his elite receiving skills. His ability to read defenses, create separation, and make tough catches has made him one of the most reliable wide receivers in the league. Kupp’s chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford has been a key component of the Rams’ offensive success, and his consistency and production have made him one of the top receivers in the NFL.
17. Derrick Henry – Tennessee Titans (Running Back)
Derrick Henry remains one of the most dominant forces in the NFL. His combination of size, strength, and speed makes him a nightmare for defenders to bring down, and in 2024, Henry has continued to impose his will on opposing defenses. His ability to wear down defenses with his punishing running style has been a key factor in the Tennessee Titans’ offensive success, and his durability and consistency have made him one of the best running backs in the league.
18. Quenton Nelson – Indianapolis Colts (Guard)
Quenton Nelson is widely regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL, and his 2024 season has only reinforced that reputation. Nelson’s combination of power, technique, and football intelligence has made him a cornerstone of the Indianapolis Colts’ offensive line. His ability to dominate in both pass protection and run blocking has made him one of the most valuable players on the Colts’ roster, and his leadership on the field has been instrumental in the team’s success.
19. Stefon Diggs – Buffalo Bills (Wide Receiver)
Stefon Diggs has continued to be one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL in 2024. His ability to create separation with his route-running and make big plays in critical situations has made him a favorite target for Josh Allen. Diggs’ chemistry with Allen has been a key component of the Buffalo Bills’ offensive success, and his ability to take over games has made him one of the top receivers in the league.
20. Fred Warner – San Francisco 49ers (Linebacker)
Fred Warner has solidified his reputation as one of the best linebackers in the NFL. His ability to read offenses, make tackles in space, and cover in the passing game has made him an invaluable asset to the San Francisco 49ers’ defense. In 2024, Warner has continued to be the leader of the 49ers’ defense, consistently making big plays and elevating the play of those around him.
Looking back the 2024 NFL season has been a showcase of extraordinary talent, with these 20 players standing out as the best in the league. From quarterbacks who redefine the position to defensive stalwarts who change the course of games, these athletes exemplify the very best of professional football. As the season progresses, these players will continue to captivate audiences with their remarkable skills and contributions to the game.