1 / 4 of the best way by means of the 2024 NFL season, we’re assessing who’s trending up and down in every division.
This is the AFC West’s inventory report from Weeks 1-4:
Fill up: Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II
On Sept. 4, Surtain signed a four-year, $96M contract extension, making him the second-highest-paid CB within the NFL behind Miami Dolphins star Jalen Ramsey. To date, he is exhibiting why he deserved the deal.
In his first 4 video games, Surtain confronted star large receivers D.Ok. Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks), George Pickens (Pittsburgh Steelers), Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Garrett Wilson (New York Jets). He managed to lock all of them down. Per Pro Football Focus, the 24-year-old has allowed eight receptions for 87 yards and no landing catches.
His stellar play is one cause the Broncos (2-2) rank third within the NFL in passing yards allowed (146 YPG).
Throughout a June look on “The Jim Rome Show,” Surtain stated he had “work to do” after he did not make final season’s All-Professional group. He ought to earn his second first-team All-Professional nod this 12 months if he retains shutting down No. 1 WRs.
Inventory down: Kansas Metropolis Chiefs tight finish Travis Kelce
Kelce recorded season highs in receptions (seven) and receiving yards (89) in a 17-10 Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Other than that efficiency, although, he hasn’t produced excellent numbers. He has 15 receptions for 158 yards and 0 TD catches by means of his first 4 video games.
Kelce is on monitor to complete with lower than 870 receiving yards for the primary time since 2014. His potential decline could also be tied to his age. The nine-time Professional Bowler turns 35 on Saturday. Per Stathead, no TE in league historical past has eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards at 35-plus.
Kelce lately downplayed issues about his gradual begin, telling the media, “I am nonetheless the identical participant.” At this level, that is tough to imagine.
Regardless, Ok.C. (4-0) wants extra from Kelce, particularly with second-year wideout Rashee Rice seemingly sidelined long-term. In his Monday news conference, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid stated Rice — who leads the group in receiving yards (288 in four games) — remains to be present process assessments after probably tearing his ACL towards L.A.
Fill up: Los Angeles Chargers operating again J.Ok. Dobbins
In his first 4 seasons, the previous second-round choose Dobbins missed 43 games due to hamstring, knee and Achilles accidents. Throughout a latest look on “The Jim Rome Show,” he admitted he was not sure whether or not one other group would signal him this offseason.
Regardless of the damage issues, L.A. gave Dobbins a one-year, $1M deal in free company. That transfer appears to be paying off. By way of 4 video games, the 25-year-old is sixth within the NFL in rushing yards (342 on 56 carries).
Anticipate the Chargers (2-2) to maintain leaning on Dobbins to remain within the playoff hunt. L.A.’s Thirty first-ranked passing game (136 YPG) remains to be floundering underneath new head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Inventory down: Las Vegas Raiders operating again Zamir White
Getting into the season, White seemed like a possible breakout candidate. In 2023, White averaged 99.3 rushing yards per game when Josh Jacobs missed the 12 months’s remaining 4 video games with a quadriceps damage. (Jacobs is now with the Inexperienced Bay Packers.)
Nevertheless, in his first 4 video games in 2024, White has rushed for 152 yards and no TDs on 49 carries. Vegas (2-2) ranks second to final within the league in rushing yards (76.3).
Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce could scale back White’s workload. In his Monday news conference, Pierce stated RB2 Alexander Mattison ought to obtain extra reps after speeding for 60 yards on 5 carries in a 20-16 Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns.
