Even though the 2024 season is still very young entering just Week 4, there have been some shocking results to start the season. For instance, the Cincinnati Bengals falling to the New England Patriots in Week 1 was one of the most unexpected results of the year so far. Injuries have also hit some of the top teams resulting in lopsided standings after Week 3.
But while there are a few teams that are still doing well as per expectations, we currently have a few that could very well be sleeper Super Bowl contenders based on their recent performances.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have to be considered as a top-two sleeper contender alongside the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Vikings are off to a perfect 3-0 start even though they have been missing their No. 2 receiver Jordan Addison for the past two games.
At the beginning of the season, it was very difficult to imagine the type of season the Vikings would go on to have. After losing longtime quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Falcons and then losing rookie QB J.J. McCarthy for the season due to injury, the common perception was that Minnesota would struggle and finish last in the NFC North.
However, it has been completely opposite thus far and it looks like Sam Darnold could potentially lead the team deep into the playoffs if the Vikings remain healthy. Kevin O’Connell is doing an excellent job surprising everyone with the way they have started this year.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Being one of the teams in the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers weren’t expected to be atop their division after 3 weeks. With a healthy Joe Burrow back for Cincinnati and Baltimore having the reigning MVP in Lamar Jackson, these two teams were expected to be at the top and playing good football.
While that has not been the case as of yet, the Steelers are quietly going about their business and racking up wins despite their starting quarterback Russell Wilson being injured. Backup QB Justin Fields is doing a remarkable job playing within himself and the lack of quality receiving options outside George Pickens does pose a problem.
However, this year once again Pittsburgh’s defense has been astonishing as they are a top-five defense in almost all categories. In fact, the Steelers are currently ranked first with 8.7 ppg allowed, first in total yards allowed per game, second in rushing yards allowed per game, and fourth in interceptions.
Pittsburgh fans should not be concerned about their defense, but if Fields can get more production out of his receivers and the offense clicks into a higher gear, the Steelers will be a team to watch this year.
New Orleans Saints
New Orleans is another sleeper contender this year the way things are looking at the moment. The Saints got off to an amazing start in the first couple of games as they completely outplayed both the Panthers and the Cowboys. Derek Carr has looked much better than he had in the past few seasons. He has 585 passing yards, six touchdowns, and a passer rating of 115.7 through the first three games.
Alvin Kamara has also had standout performances from the backfield while the defense is fifth in three categories allowing just 14.7 ppg, 11 sacks, and five interceptions. The NFC South is quite open with three teams the Buccaneers, Falcons, and Saints having a chance to top the division.
If the Saints manage to win most of their divisional matchups then New Orleans could be poised for a playoff spot. With Super Bowl LIX being held in their home, the Saints have added motivation to be there in February.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers retained defensive stars such as Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack during the offseason but lost key pieces of their roster in wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Nevertheless, great things are expected from new Head Coach Jim Harbaugh who is a big believer in the running game.
Harbaugh is expected to help QB Justin Herbert get back to his best and develop some of the younger wide receivers on the team. But the main focus in the first three games has been their ability to run the ball effectively.
J.K. Dobbins and the Chargers were held to just 61 yards rushing in Week 3 and it resulted in a 20-10 loss to the Steelers. However, if LA can utilize that aspect of their offense and improve their passing game over the season, they could be in the reckoning for a deep run in the postseason.
Houston Texans
Although the Texans took a huge leap last year winning a postseason game after having a terrible 2022, Houston was never one of the top contenders to make the Super Bowl this year. However, if C.J. Stroud can pull off another stellar season the way he did last year, then it would be foolish to bet against them.
The Texans have gotten much stronger on both sides of the ball during the offseason acquiring players such as Stefon Diggs, Joe Mixon, and Danielle Hunter just to name a few. Overall the Texans have a nice squad and are well-coached to make a deeper playoff run this year.
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