We’re at the midpoint of the 2024 NFL season, which has seen both surprises and disappointments. Many NFL analyst predictions on certain teams have not come true, between great performances both by players and teams and highly ranked teams that have failed. Here’s a breakdown of the five biggest surprises and disappointments so far.
1. Surprise: Sam Darnold Shocks the Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota bringing in Sam Darnold was supposed to be temporary, but with JJ McCarthy out for the season, Darnold has exceeded every expectation fans and coaches had for him. Darnold has delivered time and time again this season with huge passing numbers and has shown to be a true leader under center. The NFC North is a very competitive division this year, and Minnesota is right in the thick of it. If the Vikings continue this play through the playoffs, they will have a big decision at QB next season.
2. Disappointment: The Slow Start For the Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals came into 2024 as one of the highest-projected teams to make a deep playoff run. With a healthy offense led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, they were predicted to give the Ravens and Steelers a run for the AFC North title. Instead, Cincinnati has just been inconsistent, particularly on offense, and finds itself going from one of the hottest teams in the offseason to possibly missing the playoffs. These have exposed vulnerabilities to both their offensive line and secondary, making the Bengals one of the biggest disappointments this season.
3. Surprise: Josh Allen’s MVP-Level Season with the Bills
He took that and ran with it in Josh Allen, who continually produced elite performances to help the Bills’ offense week in and week out. The capability of Allen as a dual-threat has kept Buffalo in every game, even after the roster changing of some key players. The near-MVP level of play for Allen – with over 2,200 passing yards and a ton of touchdowns – is a good reminder of how strong Buffalo has been in the AFC this season and places the Bills firmly among Super Bowl contenders.
4. Disappointment: Los Angeles Chargers Fail to Live Up to the Hype
Bringing in players like J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, rookie standout Ladd McConkey, and the arrival of Michigan’s NCAAF Championship-winning coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers were hyped by both analysts and fans in the offseason. The 4-3 start is not horrible, but in a tough AFC West division, the Chargers need to improve on both sides of the ball to have a chance at the playoffs. That inconsistency, coupled with their inability to close games out thus far, has left L.A. on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture and underwhelming fans and analysts alike.
5. Upset: Detroit Lions become contenders in NFC
But the biggest surprise this season may be how quickly the Jared Goff-led Lions keep getting better. Precise passing and outstanding leadership by Goff have placed Detroit in prime position for a playoff berth, and the Lions have improved on defense, too. With one of the top teams in the NFC coming into the year, the incremental improvement by Detroit has set the stage for what should be an entertaining deep postseason run.
5 Biggest Surprises and Disappointments Conclusion
At the halfway point of the season, there have been many surprises and disappointments throughout the league that many did not see coming. The Lions and Vikings were major surprises to many as they continue into the second half of the season and push for a playoff spot. On the flip side, the Bengals’ and Chargers’ struggles did not live up to their offseason hype of teams that could compete late into the season. They still have a chance but will need to make major improvements going into the second half of the season. These storylines will continue to develop as the season goes on and will eventually paint the playoff picture come Winter.
For More Great Gridiron Heroics Content
Follow me on Twitter @BRRohrbaugh and follow us @GridironHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and stay updated on NFL and fantasy football news, click here.
