The most surprising player on every NFL team so far
Breakout seasons can come in the NFL when we least expect them. These are the biggest surprise players for each team six weeks into the 2022 season.
DeAndre Hopkins and Rondale Moore sidelined to start the season, Dortch took full advantage. The undrafted fourth-year player had nearly 200 yards through his first three games, though he’s mostly served as a punt returner since Moore’s return.
Rashod Bateman was expected to be the big beneficiary of the Marquise Brown trade, but it’s Duvernay who has turned the most heads. An All-Pro returner before this season, he has 18 catches for 240 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver, catching 72% of his targets.
Cole Beasley’s role as the slot receiver, and McKenzie has done a great job. He scored three touchdowns in his first four games before suffering a concussion.
David Montgomery was sidelined. He had 39 carries between Weeks 4-5, finishing with 234 yards rushing and two touchdowns. It’s clear running back is one position where the Bears don’t have to worry.
Jacoby Brissett in 2022. Through six games, he has 27 catches for 347 yards and a score.
Michael Gallup, James Washington, and Dalton Schultz, the Cowboys needed another receiver to step up. Brown has been the early answer with 20 catches for 289 yards and one touchdown.
Sean McVay in LA over his first four games, though he ran into a buzz saw in New England during Week 5. The overall performance has still been encouraging, as Goff has 11 touchdowns through five games and will get first-round rookie wideout Jameson Williams added to his arsenal soon.
Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, the Packers have needed someone to step up at wideout. A fourth-round rookie, Doubs has taken to the task with 26 catches for 234 yards and two touchdowns.
Travis Etienne was expected to be the Jags’ top back with Robinson returning from an Achilles injury, but the former 1,000-yard rusher wasn’t ready to give up the keys so quickly. He was the clear bell cow through the first three weeks and has over 300 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns.
Keenan Allen sidelined.
Allen Robinson was expected to be the Rams’ No. 2 wideout behind Cooper Kupp, but he’s been mostly quiet. Instead, Skowronek has been Matthew Stafford’s second option, with 23 catches for 221 yards.
Chase Edmonds received big money from Miami in the offseason, but he’s been upstaged by the 30-year-old Mostert. The former 49ers back has revitalized his career with Mike McDaniel, accumulating 373 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown in five games.
Jarvis Landry and the return of Michael Thomas, it looked like Olave could have trouble emerging in his rookie season. It’s been no problem despite a shaky quarterback situation, as he has 25 catches for 389 yards and two touchdowns before sitting out Week 6.
Elijah Moore and Garrett Wilson so far. He had 19 catches for 351 yards and two touchdowns as a major deep threat for the Jets.
T.J. Watt for most of the year, but Highsmith has picked up most of the slack. He has 6.5 sacks and 26 tackles in six games.
Trey Lance in Week 2 forced the return of the Subway spokesman. As usual, Garoppolo has been an adequate game manager with 1,153 yards passing and 7/3 TD/INT in five games.
Russell Wilson. Smith has answered the doubters, completing over 73% of his passes for 1,502 yards and nine touchdowns through five games. The quarterback has turned out to be a strength for the team early in the season.
Harold Landry before the season started, the Titans needed someone else to step up on defense. Weaver has answered the call in his second season with four sacks in five games.
Brad Mills / USA Today Sports Images
Samuel was a big-money signing for Washington last year, but he had only six catches while plagued by a groin injury. He looks all the way back this year, easily leading the team with 34 catches, totaling 287 yards and two touchdowns.
