The NFL Teams Defying All Expectations in 2024

October 10, 2024

By Carter Rennyson

Currently, the NFL has two undefeated teams: the back-to-back defending champion Kansas City Chiefs and the…Minnesota Vikings. After J.J. McCarthy went down with a season-ending injury in the preseason, there was little to no hope in Minnesota. However, Sam Darnold has run Kevin O’Connell’s offense beautifully, and the Vikings sit atop the NFC North. The Vikings, along with the Washington Commanders, have been two of the most surprising teams so far this season. But do these teams have what it takes to get through the grueling 17-week NFL season and make noise in the postseason?

The Vikings watched Kirk Cousins sign with the Falcons in the offseason and drafted a new face of the franchise in Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings had low expectations for the season but still had great pieces, including Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Harrison Smith. So far, the Vikings have had big wins over the Texans, Packers, and Jets and find themselves undefeated at their bye week.

Sam Darnold has played exceptionally well through his first five games as a Viking. He has over 1,100 passing yards with 11 touchdown passes and only four interceptions. If Darnold can keep producing at a high level, he could make his first Pro Bowl and maybe garner some MVP votes.

The Vikings' defense has played magnificently over the first month of the season as well. Harrison Smith, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Blake Cashman have been standouts so far, with Camryn Bynum and Byron Murphy Jr. also contributing. Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores has done a phenomenal job coaching the defense, disguising blitzes and coverages.

The Vikings have a bye week before a huge game against the 3-1 Detroit Lions.

The other surprising team in the NFL has been the Washington Commanders. Jayden Daniels has played the best out of the rookie quarterbacks—and better than a lot of veteran quarterbacks too. Daniels announced himself to the world by outdueling Joe Burrow on Monday Night Football in Week 3 and has continued to showcase his dual-threat game. The Commanders seem to have gotten a gift with Daniels at the No. 2 slot in last year’s draft and now have a solid piece to build around in the coming years.

Daniels is the frontrunner to win Offensive Rookie of the Year and leads all rookies in passing and rushing yards. He has 1,135 passing yards with four touchdowns and 300 rushing yards with five rushing touchdowns. He has sparked an offense that was ranked 24th at the end of last season. Currently, the Commanders are the 4th-ranked offense thanks to Daniels and his supporting cast of Brian Robinson Jr., Terry McLaurin, and Austin Ekeler.

The Commanders are 4-1 and currently lead the NFC East. They have won four games in a row, and head coach Dan Quinn has revitalized the Commanders in his first year on the job. The defense has enjoyed the additions of Bobby Wagner Jr., Frankie Luvu, and Jeremy Chinn to the existing core of Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen.

The Commanders travel north this weekend to face the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. The tickets for this game have skyrocketed, with the cheapest ticket selling for over $300. The battle between Daniels and Lamar Jackson, two Heisman Trophy winners, should make for a great game in Baltimore.

There are still many games to be played, but so far the Vikings and Commanders are off to great starts. Do you think both of these teams will make the playoffs? Win their division? Win the NFC? Comment below with your expectations for these two franchises.