PFF’s Top 101 Players of 2024: A Deep Dive into the NFL’s Elite Talent
Pro Football Focus (PFF) is renowned for its in-depth analysis of every play and player across the NFL, offering an unbiased and data-driven perspective on the league’s top performers. With the 2024 season now behind us, PFF has unveiled its prestigious “Top 101 Players of the 2024 Season,” which ranks the most dominant and impactful players from across the NFL.
This list provides valuable insights into who truly stood out throughout the season, from offense to defense and even special teams. In this article, we break down the top players according to PFF’s rankings and what makes each of them deserving of their spots in the Top 101.
Overview of the Top 101 Ranking Criteria
Before diving into the individual players, it’s important to understand the methodology that PFF uses to compile these rankings. The rankings consider various factors including:
- Overall Performance: This includes a player’s consistency, impact on games, and overall contributions to their team.
- PFF Grades: Every player is graded on a scale of 0-100 based on their performance in every aspect of the game.
- Positional Value: PFF also takes into account the positional value, so players who dominate at positions of greater importance (e.g., quarterback, edge rusher) are often ranked higher.
- Clutch Moments: Players who excel in high-leverage situations or contribute to key plays in critical games are also given extra consideration.
With this comprehensive approach, PFF’s Top 101 list is a reflection of who truly performed at the highest level over the course of the 2024 season.
The Top 10 Players in PFF’s 2024 Rankings
1. Lamar Jackson (QB, Baltimore Ravens)
Lamar Jackson is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in NFL history, and his performance in 2024 reaffirmed that notion. Jackson posted 45 passing touchdowns, only five interceptions, and led the league in passing efficiency. However, it was his dual-threat ability that made him virtually unstoppable. He recorded over 1,000 rushing yards, which added an extra layer of unpredictability to Baltimore’s offense.
Jackson’s ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs made him the top-ranked player in PFF’s Top 101 for the season. He was electric both as a passer and a runner, leading his team to the playoffs while keeping opposing defenses on their toes every time he touched the ball.
2. Joe Burrow (QB, Cincinnati Bengals)
Joe Burrow is often seen as one of the most polished quarterbacks in the NFL, and his performance in 2024 solidified that reputation. Burrow threw for 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns with just nine interceptions, showcasing his ability to both lead and execute the Bengals’ high-powered passing attack.
Burrow’s poise in the pocket and his ability to deliver under pressure were on full display during Cincinnati’s playoff run. His 92.8 PFF passing grade was second only to Lamar Jackson, but it was his ability to perform in critical moments and elevate his game when needed that pushed him to the second spot in PFF’s rankings.
3. Ja’Marr Chase (WR, Cincinnati Bengals)
Ja’Marr Chase had another stellar season in 2024, finishing as one of the NFL’s top receivers. The 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year continued to be Burrow’s favorite target, consistently putting up big numbers in crucial moments. Chase finished the season with over 1,400 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, making him an incredibly dangerous weapon in both the short and deep passing game.
His ability to create separation, make contested catches, and stretch the field makes him one of the most complete wide receivers in the league. He also consistently delivered in big games, earning recognition as the Best Receiver in PFF’s 2024 awards. His performance in both regular season and playoffs was instrumental to the Bengals’ offense.
4. Derrick Henry (RB, Tennessee Titans)
Derrick Henry remains a dominant force in the NFL, and 2024 was no different. Despite being one of the older running backs in the league, Henry continued to churn out monster performances week after week. He led the NFL in rushing yards with 1,800 yards and was a key factor in keeping the Titans competitive in a tough AFC South.
Henry’s bruising style of running, combined with his rare ability to break long runs and carry the offense, earned him the fourth spot in PFF’s Top 101 list. His physicality, speed, and power make him one of the few running backs who can control a game single-handedly.
5. Trent Williams (OT, San Francisco 49ers)
Offensive line play is often overlooked when discussing top players in the league, but Trent Williams is an exception. Williams was ranked as the Best Offensive Lineman in PFF’s 2024 awards, and his performance throughout the season proved just why he is considered the best tackle in the league.
Williams has consistently dominated in both the run and pass game, providing superstar protection for 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and paving the way for one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. His elite mobility, strength, and consistency in blocking both speed rushers and power defenders make him a cornerstone for San Francisco’s offense.
6. Micah Parsons (EDGE, Dallas Cowboys)
Micah Parsons is quickly becoming one of the most feared edge rushers in the NFL, and 2024 was another season where he lived up to the hype. Parsons finished with 103 pressures, one of the highest totals in the league, and his ability to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks made him one of the most disruptive players in the game.
In addition to his pass-rushing prowess, Parsons is also adept at defending the run and can cover ground quickly in coverage. His versatility and elite athleticism put him on a fast track to becoming one of the best defensive players of his generation, earning him the sixth spot in the PFF rankings.
7. Myles Garrett (EDGE, Cleveland Browns)
Myles Garrett’s 2024 campaign was one of his most impressive to date. Garrett finished with a career-high 89 pressures, establishing himself as one of the most feared edge rushers in the game. His blend of speed, power, and technique makes him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, and he has the ability to change the course of a game with one sack or strip.
Garrett’s ability to dominate both in the pass rush and against the run helped elevate Cleveland’s defense into one of the top units in the NFL. His physical attributes and relentless motor helped him secure the seventh spot in PFF’s rankings.
8. Chris Jones (IDL, Kansas City Chiefs)
Chris Jones has been a mainstay among the NFL’s best interior defensive linemen, and his 2024 season was no different. Jones posted a 90.4 PFF pass-rushing grade and finished the regular season with 91 total pressures, an incredible number for a defensive tackle. His ability to penetrate the interior of the offensive line and disrupt the pocket makes him one of the league’s most impactful players.
Jones’ ability to collapse the pocket from the inside allows edge rushers to thrive, making him a key cog in the Chiefs’ defensive machine. His performance throughout the 2024 season helped push him into the eighth spot in the Top 101 rankings.
9. Justin Jefferson (WR, Minnesota Vikings)
Justin Jefferson, despite missing seven games due to injury, was still one of the most impactful wide receivers in the NFL during the 2024 season. Jefferson finished with 1,250 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging an incredible 2.91 yards per route run, a stat that shows his ability to dominate every time he touches the ball.
Jefferson’s ability to create separation, make difficult catches, and stretch the field makes him one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL, and his efficiency even in a limited role helped propel him to the ninth spot on the Top 101 list.
10. Travis Kelce (TE, Kansas City Chiefs)
Travis Kelce is a perennial force in the NFL, and his performance in 2024 continued to prove that he is one of the most dominant pass-catching weapons in the league. Kelce finished the season with 1,300 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, showing off his elite ability to run routes, create mismatches, and make crucial plays in the red zone.
Kelce’s ability to remain a top target in the Chiefs’ high-powered offense and his chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes makes him one of the NFL’s most reliable and consistent playmakers. His continued excellence in both the regular season and playoffs helped him secure the 10th spot in PFF’s rankings.
Notable Players Outside the Top 10
While the top 10 players from PFF’s Top 101 list certainly stood out, there were several other players who performed at an elite level during the 2024 season and earned spots just outside the top 10. These include:
- Aaron Donald (DT, Los Angeles Rams) – One of the best interior defensive linemen in the game, Donald continues to wreak havoc in the backfield despite being in his 30s.
- Jalen Ramsey (CB, Miami Dolphins) – Known for his elite coverage skills and physicality, Ramsey remains a top-tier cornerback despite injuries affecting his consistency.
- Davante Adams (WR, Las Vegas Raiders) – Adams remains one of the most skilled route runners and catchers in the NFL, despite facing a tough quarterback situation in Las Vegas.