NFL: 5 Teams That Surprised In 2024

Lou LandersMar 28, 2025

Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

The Vikings won the second most regular season games in the NFC this season and did so with a journey man QB in Sam Darnold. Although they lost in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, they far exceeded expectations.

Commanders

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 25: Jayden Daniels poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected second overall by the Washington Commanders during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza on April 25, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

After being one of the worst teams in the NFL in 2023, the Commanders used the 2nd overall pick and took Jayden Daniels. He had an immediate impact, leading them to a playoff birth and an appearance in the NFC Championship game.

Broncos

TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 22: Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

The Russell Wilson experiment was a complete failure, but Sean Payton and the Broncos nailed the Bo Nix pick, and the rookie QB led them to the playoffs in what was a very surprising season from their offense.

Chargers

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 12: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after defeating the Washington Football Team 20-16 at FedExField on September 12, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The organization has underachieved for years, but the hiring of coach Harbaugh seems to have changed their fortunes. The Chargers had an excellent season, got back to the playoffs, and are a team on the rise.

49ers

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi’s Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

This is the one team on the list that was surprisingly bad. The 49ers were the defending NFC Champions coming into the season, and although they had to battle plenty of key injuries, they still had high expectations that they fell very short of. Missing the playoffs was incredibly shocking.