2024 stats: 16 games | 45 tackles | 1 TFL | 11 PD | 4 INT | 1 FF | 1 FR | 1 TD
Surtain tops all defensive backs ranked in this year's Top 100 after a coming-of-age 2024 season that culminated with the Defensive Player of the Year award. Opposing quarterbacks were wary to throw Surtain's way thanks to his sticky coverage. It prevented the the 25-year-old from filling the stat sheet, but in-depth numbers show that he did not allow 50 or more receiving yards in any game, according to Next Gen Stats. That's especially eye-opening considering Surtain is assigned to each opposing team's top target, which included Ja'Marr Chase, Mike Evans, DK Metcalf, Garrett Wilson and Jerry Jeudy in 2024. Surtain highlighted his career-best season in a Week 5 victory over the Raiders, returning one of his two interceptions for a 100-yard touchdown. With Surtain's presence enveloping half the field, the Broncos defense generated a league-high 63.0 sacks in 2024 and led Denver toward its first postseason appearance in a decade.
NFL Pro Insight for Surtain II: Patrick Surtain II was targeted on just 10.9% of his coverage snaps in 2024, the lowest rate among 83 cornerbacks with at least 300 coverage snaps. He gave up only 306 receiving yards as the nearest defender across 516 coverage snaps, translating to 0.6 yards per coverage snap, the second-fewest among cornerbacks.
2024 stats: 17 games | 103 rec | 1,533 rec yds | 14.9 ypr | 10 rec TD
A rebound season in 2024 marked a return to the top 10 for Jefferson, whose regard as one of the league's premier wide receivers reached a pinnacle among his contemporaries with a No. 2 overall ranking following a career-best season in 2022. Jefferson's return to form in 2024 heavily influenced Minnesota's 14-win campaign, serving as the main benefactor of Sam Darnold's breakout season and the explosive characteristic of Kevin O'Connell's proficient offensive scheme. The 26-year-old's acrobatic highlights this season included a career-long 97-yard touchdown, an impressive one-handed bobble as he tight-roped the sideline, and a spectacular adjustment to the ball that resulted in a game-winning 39-yard score. Those three plays are an encapsulation of Jefferson's skill set -- elite route running, sure hands in traffic, keen field awareness and fluid speed -- and while he's cemented himself as an exceptional downfield threat, it was the tough plays up the middle that often got the Vikings out of hairy third-down situations. As he forms into one of the most well-rounded receivers in the game, Jefferson's latest campaign maintains a career trajectory that is unmatched, having produced more receiving yards (7,432) in his first five seasons than anyone else in NFL history.
NFL Pro Insight for Jefferson: Justin Jefferson led the NFL in receiving yards (649) on vertical routes and in receptions (47) on targets over 10 air yards in 2024. Jefferson has recorded 5,445 yards on downfield targets since entering the league in 2020, 575 more than the next closest player (Tyreek Hill, 4,870).
2024 stats: 17 games | 47 tackles | 22 TFL | 14 sacks | 28 QB hits | 3 FF
Regarded as the NFL's Superman, Garrett stands as the Top 100's top-rated defender for the second consecutive year. The Browns' star pass rusher notched a pair of three-sack performances to support his seventh consecutive season of 10 sacks or more, which is tied as the third-longest streak in NFL history. Earning his fourth All-Pro nod within the last five campaigns, Garrett also eclipsed the 100-sack milestone in 2024, becoming the first player in NFL history to reach the mark before his 29th birthday and tying Hall of Famer Bruce Smith as the fourth-fastest to reach the mark (115 games). Garrett's eighth season saw more than him just continuing his reputation as one of the NFL's most feared pass rushers, however. The hulking 6-foot-4, 272-pounder is beginning to morph into a defensive lineman who can wreak havoc wherever he lines up, highlighting his 2024 with a blocked field goal that turned into a defensive score and a league-leading 22 tackles for loss -- a number that shows Garrett is not just a pass-rushing expert. Firmly in the prime of his career, Garrett became one of the league's highest-paid defenders this past offseason and continues to grow his legend in Cleveland as one of the best No. 1 overall picks of the millennium.
NFL Pro Insight for Garrett: Myles Garrett recorded an average get-off of 0.70 seconds last season, quickest among edge defenders with at least 200 pass rushes. Garrett generated 40 quick pressures (under 2.5 seconds), second in the NFL, trailing only Trey Hendrickson (46).
2024 stats: 17 games | 325 att | 1,921 rush yds | 5.9 ypc | 16 rush TD | 19 rec | 193 rec yds | 2 rec TD | 3 fumbles
King Henry stiff-armed Father Time to maintain his status as one of the NFL's elite running backs. His age-31 season saw 1,921 rushing yards, which were produced at a staggering average of 5.9 yards per attempt, and it stands as the greatest production from any RB past age 30 in league history, per NFL Research. Cataloging Henry's ninth NFL campaign required more than 30 minutes of highlight footage; it's an entertaining reel chock full of his trademark stiff arms and broken tackles that carried him toward a tie for a league-leading 16 rushing touchdowns. Henry wasn't just a bruiser in 2024, however, as he galloped for several long gains that not only showed there's plenty of burst in his veteran legs but also helped the Ravens in big moments along a 12-win season. Henry's first campaign in Baltimore and alongside Lamar Jackson provided one of the best one-two punches in recent memory. While it didn't end in Super Bowl glory for the Ravens, Henry entered another thrilling chapter in a career destined for Canton after nearly becoming the first player ever to eclipse the 2,000-yard rushing mark twice. As he looks ahead toward the all-time rushing list's top 10, Henry proved he isn't slowing down any time soon.
NFL Pro Insight for Henry: Derrick Henry recorded a league-high +562 rushing yards over expected in 2024, the most by any player in a single season since at least 2018. Henry recorded a league-high 1,361 rushing yards after contact for an average of 4.3 per carry (third-most in the NFL, min. 100 carries). He also led the NFL with 100 missed tackles forced and 675 yards gained after missed tackles.
2024 stats: 17 games | 70.6 pct | 4,918 pass yds | 7.5 ypa | 43 pass TD | 9 INT | 201 rush yds | 2 rush TD | 11 fumbles
Burrow took his passing game to the next level in 2024, and that advancement is recognized with his highest standing ever in the Top 100. The Bengals' star quarterback led the NFL and set single-season franchise records in completions, passing yards and touchdowns, an MVP-level effort after Cincinnati's slow start and trying defense ultimately prevented a postseason appearance. Burrow became the third QB in NFL history to have at least 4,500 passing yards and 40 passing TDs while throwing fewer than 10 interceptions, joining Tom Brady (2007) and Aaron Rodgers (2011), who were both rewarded with the AP Most Valuable Player award in those seasons, per NFL Research. Burrow nearly saved the Bengals season with a tremendous run from Weeks 9-17, setting an NFL record with eight straight games with 250-plus passing yards and three-plus passing TDs. Burrow's career-best season, which came on the heels of an injury-stricken campaign in 2023, earned him his second AP Comeback Player of the Year award in 2024 and cements him among the NFL's elite players.
NFL Pro Insight for Burrow: Joe Burrow's 43 passing TDs were the fourth-most in a season in NFL history by a QB with fewer than 10 INTs. Only Tom Brady (50 TDs in 2007) and Aaron Rodgers (48 TDs in 2020, 45 TDs in 2011) had more. Brady and Rodgers won MVP each of those seasons.
2024 stats: 16 games | 67.5 pct | 3.928 pass yds | 6.8 ypa | 26 pass TD | 11 INT | 307 rush yds | 2 rush TD | 2 fumbles
Mahomes posted career-low numbers in his seventh season as a starter, but the respect he garners from his peers maintains a top-10 ranking within the Top 100 -- a streak that began in 2019 after his first year as Chiefs QB1. The two-time most valuable player once again faced adversity with a depleted receiving corps in 2024, resulting in the second straight year without a 1,000-yard pass catcher. Of course, that didn't prevent Mahomes from leading Kansas City to a 15-1 record as a starter and a third straight Super Bowl appearance. While he burst onto the scene with incredible passing numbers, winning football games has been the 29-year-old's specialty -- achieving such success with incredible field awareness in the pocket and on the run, with his biggest plays often coming in the fourth quarter, where he led the league in fourth-quarter comebacks (five) and game-winning drives (seven) this past season. Mahomes' knack for making the impossible throws also sets him apart, and although the numbers might have prevented Mahomes from making his seventh straight Pro Bowl, there's arguably no other QB you'd want with the game on the line.
NFL Pro Insight for Mahomes: Patrick Mahomes completed 74 downfield passes (10-plus air yards) for 1,512 yards, averaging 10.0 yards per attempt, all of which are career-lows. From 2018-2023, he led all QBs in downfield completions (562) and yards (13,078) while generating 11.9 yards per attempt (fourth-most among QBs with at least 250 downfield attempts in that span).
2024 stats: 17 games | 127 rec | 1,708 rec yds | 13.4 ypr | 17 rec TD
After becoming the sixth player in the Super Bowl era to win the receiving triple crown, Chase rightfully tops all pass catchers in the Top 100. The 24-year-old is the youngest ever to accomplish the feat and the final margins in which he led the league in receptions (12), receiving yards (175) and touchdowns (4) make his fourth season all the more staggering. Chase also topped all NFL receivers in yards per game (100.5), yards after catch (787) and first downs (75), making it clear who was the best all-around weapon in 2024. He showed it in multiple ways, hauling in deep passes from Joe Burrow in stride or exploding for big plays off screens -- exemplifying each with a pair of 70-yard TD catches in his two games versus the Ravens, which amounted to an NFL-record 457 receiving yards against a sole opponent in a single season. It's no shock that Chase's 2024 campaign resulted in the greatest receiving season in Bengals lore and the dominance led him to becoming the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history this offseason.
NFL Pro Insight for Chase: Seven of Ja'Marr Chase's league-leading 17 receiving touchdowns in 2024 came in the fourth quarter and went for at least 30 yards. Seven fourth-quarter receiving touchdowns of 30-plus yards are the most in a season in the Super Bowl era.
2024 stats: 17 games | 63.6 pct | 3,731 pass yds | 7.7 ypa | 28 pass TD | 6 INT | 531 rush yds | 12 rush TD | 5 fumbles
Allen has compiled eye-popping numbers in past seasons, but a more calculated version of the Bills' star quarterback resulted in his highest standing in the Top 100. In a campaign where Buffalo relied on the now-29-year-old more than ever -- the Bills offense featured just two Pro Bowlers in 2024 (Allen, Dion Dawkins) -- Allen came through big with 41 total touchdowns (28 passing, 12 rushing, one receiving). He became the only player in NFL history with 25-plus passing TDs, 10-plus rushing TDs and a receiving score in a single season and also joined Aaron Rodgers as the only two players with five or more seasons with 40-plus offensive TDs, per NFL Research. The Bills scored 30.9 points per game and marched toward a 13-4 record under the guidance of Allen, whose mindful play limited him to a career-low six interceptions and just 14 sacks all year, which set a Super Bowl-era record. Allen's tremendous growth in Year 7 and the story he authored in Buffalo resulted in him being awarded 2024 most valuable player honors despite numbers that would suggest an average season. It was anything but.
NFL Pro Insight for Allen: Josh Allen threw 16 touchdown passes, tied for second in the NFL, and only one interception when facing a blitz in 2024. Allen averaged 8.5 yards per attempt against five or more pass rushers (eighth) and was pressured on just 34.4% of the blitzes he faced, the seventh-lowest rate in the league.
2024 stats: 17 games | 64.9 pct | 4,172 pass yds | 8.8 ypa | 41 pass TD | 4 INT | 915 rush yds | 4 rush TD | 10 fumbles
The top-rated quarterback on the Top 100, Jackson continues to the raise the bar as one of the most dynamic players the NFL has ever seen. In 2024, Baltimore's superstar turned in his best statistical season as a passer with career highs in yards, touchdowns, yards per attempt and passer rating (119.6) while also boasting his lowest interception total as a full-time starter. In addition to leading all QBs in rushing yards, Jackson set multiple eye-opening records. The 28-year-old became the first player in to throw for 4,000-plus yards and rush for 800-plus yards in the same season, the only QB to throw for 40-plus TDs with fewer than five INTs and the first player to lead the league in both yards per pass attempt (8.8) and yards per rush attempt (6.6), per NFL Research. Already the all-time leader for rushing yards among QBs through six and a half seasons, Jackson's prolific passing game has shaped him into a one-of-a-kind game changer who's got the Ravens in Super Bowl contention every year. While he was edged out of earning his third most valuable player award, Jackson's peers see him as the best QB in the NFL.
NFL Pro Insight for Jackson: Lamar Jackson scored 51 more fantasy points than any other QB during the 2024 season (430.38 to Josh Allen's 379.04). He was one of three QBs to throw 40+ TD (Joe Burrow and Baker Mayfield) while also leading all quarterbacks with 915 rushing yards.
2024 stats: 16 games | 345 att | 2,005 rush yds | 5.8 ypc | 13 rush TD | 33 rec | 278 rec yds | 2 rec TD | 2 fumbles
Following a tremendous debut season with the Eagles, one that enrolled him in the 2,000-yard rushing club, earned him the AP 2024 Offensive Player of the Year and ended in Super Bowl glory, Barkley jumps 85 spots to become the No.1-ranked player in the Top 100. He's just the second running back to hold the title in the Top 100's 15-year history (Adrian Peterson, 2013). Barkley's run toward 2K featured 100-plus yard performances in 11 of 16 games (five games over 150 yards), a league-high seven 40-plus yard scampers and perhaps one of the best highlights when reverse leap-frogging over a defender -- a moment that will be forever immortalized on the cover of NFL Madden 26. Had he not sat out Week 18, there was a good chance he'd break Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record. Barkley's vision, elusiveness and speed was a skill set that flourished behind the Eagles' offensive line, which created 829 yards for Barkley to gain before contact. The 28-year-old continued that dominance during Philadelphia's playoff run with 119-, 205- and 118-yard performances on the road toward Super Bowl LIX. The Eagles' signing of Barkley might go down as one of the best free-agent decisions in NFL history, and the club wasted no time in making the All-Pro the first RB to earn $20 million-plus per year after one season.
NFL Pro Insight for Barkley: Saquon Barkley (2,504) passed hall of famer Terrell Davis (2,476 in 1998) for the most rushing yards in a season in NFL history (including playoffs). Barkley (2,857) also passed Davis (2,762 in 1998) for the most scrimmage yards in a season in NFL history (including playoffs).
