There’s a lot of hubbub on social media regarding the NFL Top 100 list (not to be confused with the Pro Football Network Top 100 of 2024), specifically the ordering of the top 10.
No Justin Jefferson? Patrick Mahomes at number four? What are the players watching?
So, to clear up all confusion, I have crafted my own top ten list that should put to rest any debate. Let’s dive in.
Theo Ash’s Top 10 NFL Players Heading into 2024
1) Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes has been the best player in the sport since his debut as the Kansas City Chiefs starter back in 2019. The last two seasons were supposed to be leaner years for the Chiefs, as Mahomes’ rookie contract gave way to a half-billion-dollar extension. But thanks to his brilliance every postseason, Kansas City has just added to their trophy case.
2) Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Justin Jefferson is off to the greatest start to a career in NFL history. At his current pace, he seems to be the only receiver we’ve seen with a chance to chase Jerry Rice’s records. The Minnesota Vikings WR is first all-time with 98.3 receiving yards per game — the next best mark is Calvin Johnson at 86.1.
3) Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
Some running backs would be happy to average 3.8 yards per carry. Tyreek Hill averages 3.8 yards per route run. Hill laps the field when it comes to efficiency, three times leading the league in yards per touch. Cheetah may be the only wideout who is actually unguardable without safety help. Speed kills.
4) Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
The 2023 OPOY finished with over 2000 scrimmage yards again in 2024 and scored a career-high 21 touchdowns. After joining the 49ers last year, CMC scored in 17 consecutive games, tying the all-time record. McCaffrey is a brilliant runner, while being the best receiving back in the game. Defenses can do nothing to stop him.
5) Myles Garrett, EDGE, Cleveland Browns
Myles Garrett might be the freakiest athlete ever to play defense. At 6’4 and 271 pounds, he still has the fastest get-off in the league. The average Myles Garrett pressure comes just 2.4 seconds after the ball is snapped.
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This kind of instant pressure creates not only sacks but also interceptions. NextGenStats credits Garrett with creating six INTs last year, thanks to his disruption.
6) Micah Parsons, EDGE, Dallas Cowboys
Over the past three seasons, no defensive lineman has been more of a headache for opposing offenses than Micah Parsons. Pro Football Focus says Parsons has had a 21% pressure rate since entering the league. He’s the only pass rusher over 20%. Parsons had at least 13 sacks in his first three seasons; Reggie White is the only other player who can say that.
7) Trent Williams, OT, San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey could not have won Offensive Player of the Year without the help of Trent Williams. The 49ers offense averaged 5.22 yards rushing to the left tackle, according to the FTN Football Almanac. They averaged just 4.54 rushing over the right tackle. At 35 years old, Williams is still a rare combination of power and agility in the open field.
8) Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
Even after a tumultuous season that saw offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey fired, you can’t argue with Josh Allen’s production. No one scored more TDs than Allen’s 44 last season. He also posted the lowest sack rate in the league behind a healthy offensive line. It’s no surprise the Bills won the AFC East for the 4th straight year.
9) Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
The youngest two-time MVP ever, Lamar Jackson, was the perfect field general in 2024. Jackson kept INTs to a minimum, was pinpoint on intermediate throws, and led the league in yards per carry.
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Baltimore marched to the one seed despite a brutal schedule and the midseason loss of Mark Andrews. An NFL record 10 of the Ravens’ 13 wins came against teams above 0.500.
10) TJ Watt, EDGE, Pittsburgh Steelers
TJ Watt bounced back from injury in 2022 to lead the league in sacks for the third time. Watt has a dizzying array of pass-rushing moves he can go to and an uncanny understanding of what the QB is doing in the pocket.
This allows him to bat and even intercept passes at the line of scrimmage and anticipate the QB movement before it happens. Sacks, Fumbles, PBUs, Pressures – Watt will find any way to stuff the stat sheet.