Three quarterbacks to watch in 2024

The likes of the mercurial Patrick Mahomes are untouchable. The former Texas Tech standout has led his beloved Kansas City Chefs to back-to-back Lombardis and he is hoping to spearhead a three-peat for the first time in history.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson have recently headed to the Pittsburgh Steelers with their futures in the NFL on the line.

While the aforementioned duo certainly have a battle on their hands at Acrisure Stadium, neither of them makes our list of quarterbacks to watch in 2024. Here are the three that do.

 

Joe Burrow

When Joe Burrow was carted off the field last season, Cincinnati Bengals fans held their collective breath.

The former Heisman winner had become the face of the Paycor Stadium franchise after leading them to a first Super Bowl appearance in 33 years just two years prior, as well as a trip back to the AFC Championship game in the campaign that followed.

Now, as he returns from a devastating wrist injury, all eyes will be on the former LSU Tiger to see if he can reclaim his form and lead the Bengals back to glory.

If the close season is anything to go by, the 27-year-old is back firing on all cylinders, and he certainly means business.

He stated in an April interview with CBS Sports that he feels his Bengals are "kind of built to beat the Chiefs," and he may well be right.

In the four games that Burrow has started against Mahomes, he has emerged victorious on three occasions, and we won't have to wait long for the pair to come head-to-head once more as they face off at Arrowhead in the second week of the 2024 campaign. 

The latest Bovada Super Bowl odds currently make the Bengals a +1500 sixth favourite for a first-ever Lombardi this season, somewhat behind the heavily favored +425 reigning back-to-back champions.

However, if they emerge victorious in that early season clash, those odds will shrink drastically.

Cincy has bolstered its offensive line to provide better protection to their main man and still has perhaps the finest wide receiving corps in the league in the form of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

As such then, perhaps those lengthy odds on Super Bowl success are worth $10 of anyone's money. 

Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins' move to the Atlanta Falcons signals the start of what could be his final chapter in the NFL.

At age 35, the former Washington Commander has had a career filled with solid performances but has often been criticized for his inability to win big games.

Now in Atlanta, he's surrounded by a young, talented roster and a fanbase hungry for success.

Throughout his six-year stint in Minnesota, Captain Kirk emerged as one of the league's finest performers.

He threw for well over 4,000 yards in four of the five full seasons he played as a Viking, including many blistering performances in 2022 which helped his side to a 13-4 record.

Now, he is gaming to rejuvenate a Falcons side that hasn't reached the postseason in six years. 

This season is crucial for Cousins and the Falcons. Atlanta's front office has made it clear that they believe their new franchise QB can be the missing piece to their playoff puzzle.

The veteran has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, but consistency has always been his Achilles heel.

He seemed to put that to one side during his later years at US Bank Stadium, and he will be hoping to pick up where he left off before his untimely injury last season. 

If he doesn't do exactly that, then he could be in trouble somewhat. The Falcons shockingly secured another marquee quarterback in the recent NFL draft, acquiring Michael Penix Jr. out of Washington with the eighth overall pick and overlooking his Huskies teammate Rome Odunze in the process.

If Cousins doesn't shine from the get-go, expect the 2023 Maxwell Award winner to step into the team and look to make the starting berth his own.

Kyler Murray

Kyler Murray's tenure with the Arizona Cardinals has been a roller coaster ride. Entering his fifth season, the former Heisman winner faces a crossroads.

While his athleticism and playmaking ability are undeniable, questions about his durability and decision-making persist.

The Glendale-based outfit invested heavily in building around the former Oklahoma Sooner, and now it's time for him to deliver.

The pressure is on for him to prove that he can be a franchise quarterback capable of leading his side to sustained success.

His side has reached the postseason just once with Murray under center and this season, he must show growth and lead his side to the promised land.