The 2024 NFL season is shaping up to be memorable, with the potential for a rare undefeated season from the Kansas City Chiefs, although it seems unlikely. If that doesn’t happen, one thing that stands out is the rookie performance of Jayden Daniels, the quarterback for the Washington Commanders. His exceptional debut year has already revitalized a franchise long in search of success. Daniels’ early impact has already delivered an iconic game-winning play, and his ability to define a season as a rookie is something rarely seen in the NFL.
One of the first-half highlights was the Commanders’ thrilling 38-33 win over the Bengals in Week 3. Daniels announced himself to the NFL world with a dominant performance, completing 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns while also running for a touchdown. His 27-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin late in the game seemed like it would be the highlight of his rookie season. However, Daniels would go on to top this play just a few weeks later.
Another significant game took place in Week 5 when the Falcons defeated the Buccaneers 36-30 in a thrilling overtime battle. The game was full of twists and turns, including a dramatic rally by the Falcons to force overtime, capped by a game-tying field goal as time expired. The Falcons pulled off the win thanks to a walk-off touchdown, and Kirk Cousins delivered a career-high 509-yard performance, which shifted the NFC South power dynamics.
In a Week 5 showdown between AFC North rivals, the Ravens edged the Bengals 41-38 in a wild game featuring two-star quarterbacks. Joe Burrow threw for 392 yards and five touchdowns in a losing effort, while Lamar Jackson posted 403 total yards and four touchdowns. The game came down to a missed Bengals field goal in overtime, setting up a game-winning run by Derrick Henry, and exemplified the high level of quarterback play in the league.
Despite the ugliness of much of the game, the Week 8 matchup between the Commanders and Bears will be remembered for one play: Daniels’ incredible 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown to Noah Brown to win the game 18-15. Daniels’ scramble to avoid the sack while launching the historic throw in the final moments turned what seemed like a forgettable game into an unforgettable moment that will be talked about for decades.
Looking ahead, there are some exciting matchups that will be key to the rest of the season. In Week 11, the upstart Commanders will face the defending NFC champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, in a pivotal NFC East battle. Also in Week 11, the Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Buffalo Bills, rekindling their postseason rivalry. The Bills need this game to stay in contention for home-field advantage, especially after their playoff loss to the Chiefs last season. Meanwhile, Week 15 promises a potential Super Bowl preview between the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions, two teams that have been near the top of the league standings.
Other key games down the stretch include two Christmas Day matchups featuring playoff contenders: Kansas City at Pittsburgh and Baltimore at Houston in Week 17. Pittsburgh’s surprising playoff run could bring them into contention for a top seed, while Baltimore and Houston will showcase two young quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and C.J. Stroud.
The same week also features a crucial matchup between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers. This game could determine the NFC’s top seed, with the Lions hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s NFC Championship Game loss to the 49ers. The Lions’ remarkable season has made them one of the most impressive teams of 2024, and this game could be pivotal to their Super Bowl aspirations.
