We’re a quarter into the NFL season and we’ve seen some breakout performances from teams and also players as well. Let’s get into some of the biggest surprises of the 2024-25 NFL season so far…

Minnesota Vikings / Sam Darnold

The Minnesota Vikings are 4-0 and many are surprised, and for good reason. Many expected the Vikings to have a mediocre at-best season after their rookie QB McCarthey went down with a season-ending injury, but they’ve looked better than expected with Sam Darnold at the helm.

Darnold has been slicing up defenses, leading the league in passing touchdowns and looking like a franchise quarterback. If Darnold can keep this up throughout the whole season, the Vikings might have a very big good problem on their hands.

Not only has Sam Darnold been putting up MVP performances, the defense has done a great job as well. Shutting down the Texans offense and also the 49ers high-powered offense, the defense might be the unsung MVP for the Vikings if they continue on their current run.

Jayden Daniels = ⭐

Don’t get me wrong, I expected Jayden Daniels to be good, but not this good and not this early. He’s already got the highest completion percentage ever for a QB in their first 4 starts (82.1%) and looks like he’s just getting started. After a breakout performance vs the Bengals, he followed it up with another solid performance and blowout win against the Cardinals.

With his ability to affect the game with not just his legs, but also his arm, he’s brought a new sense of excitement to Washington as they sit atop the NFC East with a 3-1 record.

Justin Fields

Justin Fields has looked like a total new quarterback on the Steelers. He’s looked confident and poised with his first 4 starts, leading the Steelers to a 3-1 record so far. He’s got a 98.0 passer rating with a 70.6% completion percentage.

If Fields can keep this up for the rest of the season, the Steelers might’ve just found their franchise quarterback.

Patrick Mahomes = 🧊

Patrick Mahomes hasn’t had the greatest start to the season so far. He’s currently got 5 interceptions on the year, tied for 3rd most in the league already. It’s not going to get any better for him with weapons around him dropping like flies.

Hollywood Brown already out for the season, Rashee Rice out, and also Isaiah Pacheco injured. Mahomes will need to figure it out with an inexperienced WR core and hope that Travis Kelce can pick up his production as well. Sure, they’re 4-0, but if Mahomes and the Chiefs offense continues to play as they have, not sure how sustainable it’ll be through the year.