2024 NFL triplets rankings: Eagles, 49ers boast top quarterback/running back/pass catcher combos

• Quarterback: Bryce Young (Age: 23)
• Running back: Jonathon Brooks (Age: 21)
• Pass catcher: Diontae Johnson (Age: 28)

Oh, look -- yet another ranking with Carolina at No. 32! These are tough times in Charlotte, as evidenced by the Panthers heading into the 2024 season with their fourth full-time head coach in six years. Can Dave Canales flip the script? That task, first and foremost, entails getting last year’s No. 1 overall pick back on track. Young appeared overwhelmed as a rookie, underscoring pre-existing concerns about how his small frame would play in the NFL. In his defense, Young wasn’t exactly set up for success, joining a significantly flawed roster and then seeing the head man get fired before the calendar flipped to December. Insert Canales, who just revived Baker Mayfield’s career in Tampa Bay and also played a big part in Geno Smith’s fourth-act breakout in Seattle. Furthermore, Carolina upgraded the offensive cast around Young, including adding the other two players in this triplets troop. Brooks, who’s recovering from a torn ACL suffered this past November, won’t be ready for the start of the season, but I expect him to ultimately snag RB1 duties from Chuba Hubbard. The question is how quickly the second-round pick can get back to full form. Johnson’s easily the most accomplished player in this trio, as a consistent separator who should give Young open throwing windows in the short-to-intermediate range.

• Quarterback: Drake Maye (Age: 22)
• Running back: Rhamondre Stevenson (Age: 26)
• Pass catcher: DeMario Douglas (Age: 23)

In the immediate aftermath of the 2024 NFL Draft, it felt like Maye could spend a significant chunk of his rookie season learning from the sideline. But that script flipped over the course of this summer. While the No. 3 overall pick’s footwork/mechanics remain a work in progress, he flashed in the preseason, causing first-year Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo to sing his praises. Jacoby Brissett might ultimately be the Week 1 starter, but the veteran’s bridge certainly seems far shorter than previously anticipated. In an offense lacking firepower, Stevenson figures to carry a heavy load as a rusher and handy outlet in the passing game. Who’ll be the top target in the aerial attack? Good question. Freshly paid vet Kendrick Bourne is still working his way back from a torn ACL, while second-round pick Ja'Lynn Polk has spent a lot of time working with the 1s in August. But I think last year’s team leader in receiving yards, Douglas, will pace this group. Despite standing just 5-foot-8 and primarily lining up in the slot, “Pop” is the team’s most consistent separator and catch-and-run playmaker.

• Quarterback: Bo Nix (Age: 24)
• Running back: Javonte Williams (Age: 24)
• Pass catcher: Courtland Sutton (Age: 28)

Last August, Kenny Pickett tore up the preseason, leading the Steelers to touchdowns in each of his five drives and recording a perfect passer rating over his three appearances. I fully bought into the quarterback’s Year 2 breakout, picking the Steelers to win the toughest division in football. Once the games counted, Pickett immediately spit the bit, eventually lost his starting job and ultimately was traded across the state of Pennsylvania less than two years after being his draft class’ lone first-round QB. Why am I talking about Pittsburgh in Denver’s blurb? Because I’m trying to maintain proper perspective on Nix’s encouraging preseason showing. It’s not surprising that the No. 12 overall pick officially won the starting job -- after all, he started more college games (61) than any quarterback in NCAA history -- but he did so with aplomb, showcasing his signature accuracy and some athleticism that was largely overlooked in the pre-draft process. All of those draftniks who suggested Nix would be a perfect fit in Sean Payton’s system look pretty good right now, but again, we need to keep preseason returns in context.

One thing that could really help the rookie signal-caller: Williams being fully healthy again. Nearly two years removed from a multi-tear knee injury, the physical back heads into a contract season with Payton praising his trimmed-down frame. 

• Quarterback: Daniel Jones (Age: 27)
• Running back: Devin Singletary (Age: 27)
• Pass catcher: Malik Nabers (Age: 21)

The excitement around Nabers is palpable. A dynamic playmaker with a dog mentality? Yeah, it’s not hard to understand why the Big Apple’s buzzing about this year’s No. 6 overall pick. But what about yesteryear’s No. 6 overall pick? Jones’ half-decade with the Giants has basically reflected the franchise’s efforts since Tom Coughlin’s resignation, with one word springing to mind: underwhelming. Sure, Jones and the G-Men logged an impressive road win in the 2022 playoffs, but outside of that season, the quarterback has gone 13-30 as the starter, seriously struggling with injuries and inconsistency. In defense of “Danny Dimes,” Nabers already looks like he’ll be the best receiver -- comfortably -- Jones has ever had on his team. But can the 27-year-old passer bounce back from last November’s ACL tear and reconvince Big Blue he’s worth $40 million per season? Color me skeptical.

• Quarterback: Gardner Minshew (Age: 28)
• Running back: Zamir White (Age: 24)
• Pass catcher: Davante Adams (Age: 31)

Adams has long been one of the league’s most widely appreciated receivers -- not just among fans but also his fellow players, who routinely laud his route-running chops. But despite posting another 1,000-yard season in 2023, the veteran missed the Pro Bowl for the first time since 2016 and snapped a three-year streak of earning first-team All-Pro honors. As we saw on Netflix's Receiver documentary, Davante wasn’t the happiest camper last season when it came to his surrounding offensive talent, or lack thereof. While the draft brought some enticing reinforcements to the unit (first-round TE Brock Bowers and second-round OG Jackson Powers-Johnson), the most critical position remains suspect after Minshew beat out Aidan O’Connell in the least-inspiring quarterback competition of this offseason. Will Las Vegas’ play under center draw Davante’s ire once again? And if so, could he spice up this year’s trade deadline??

At running back, White showed some promise last season while filling in for the injured Josh Jacobs over four games, but is he ready to spearhead a ground game over four months?

• Quarterback: Deshaun Watson (Age: 28)
• Running back: Nick Chubb (Age: 28)
• Pass catcher: Amari Cooper (Age: 30)

You typically know what you’re going to get from Cooper -- 1,000-plus yards with a few spike weeks where he looks like the best receiver in the league -- but the other two figures in this triumvirate ooze uncertainty.

Watson hasn’t come close to validating his fully guaranteed $230 million contract with the Browns. His 2023 campaign ended prematurely due to injury, but the far more disconcerting aspect is his general ineffectiveness. Simply put: Deshaun hasn’t been the same player since claims of sexual misconduct -- and a resulting 11-game suspension -- upended a career that began with two division titles and three Pro Bowl bids in his first four seasons. Kevin Stefanski has enjoyed success with other quarterbacks in Cleveland -- allowing him to earn Coach of the Year honors twice in just four seasons on the job -- but can he revive the most expensive player in franchise history?

Chubb is attempting to overcome a second gruesome injury to his left knee. He'll miss at least the first four games of the season, but I can’t bet against him eventually reclaiming RB1 duties in this backfield. After all, the dude was squatting insane amounts of weight eight months after his surgery.

• Quarterback: Will Levis (Age: 25)
• Running back: Tony Pollard (Age: 27)
• Pass catcher: DeAndre Hopkins (Age: 32)

No single player is as important to the present and future of the Titans as Levis. And Hopkins, who just bounced back with his seventh 1,000-yard season, probably still doesn’t get the credit he deserves for consistently producing in less-than-ideal environments. But I’d like to concentrate on a question that continues to confound the fantasy community ...

Who is Tennessee’s RB1: Tony Pollard or Tyjae Spears?

I chose Pollard for this exercise because A) the Titans gave him pretty good money in free agency and B) he looks to be running with the kind of juice we saw prior to his leg fracture in the 2022 playoffs. But Spears, who displayed enticing running and receiver skills last season as the spell back for Derrick Henry, is no afterthought. In fact, with the way new Titans coach Brian Callahan has been talking about both RBs all summer, it really feels like this will be a split backfield. Definitely not music to the ears of fantasy fiends, but for a transitioning team looking to fill a King Henry-sized hole, the more productive backs, the merrier.

• Quarterback: Justin Fields (Age: 25)
• Running back: Jaylen Warren (Age: 25) 
• Pass catcher: George Pickens (Age: 23)

Allow me to answer the first two questions that popped into your head:

1. Yes, I’m Team Fields at quarterback. Right before publishing, Mike Tomlin named Russell Wilson the starter for Week 1, but I'm sticking to my guns in this projection. With Russ past his prime, this feels like a classic ceiling-vs.-floor argument. Wilson's beginning the season under center, but how long is the leash? How long should it be? I really think Pittsburgh’s best path to success this season is allowing new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to let his freak flag fly in the ground game. By combining Fields’ electric legs with two solid backs and an athletic offensive line, Smith could cook up a hellacious rushing attack.
2. Yes, I also envision Warren leap-frogging Najee Harris in the Steelers’ backfield. Pittsburgh notably declined Harris’ fifth-year option, meaning this could be the former first-round pick’s last year with the franchise. Warren just established himself as a multi-purpose weapon in Year 2 (SEE: 784 rushing yards at 5.3 per carry and 61 receptions) and he’s in line for restricted free agency after the coming campaign. Both RBs will get solid burn, but I see Warren corralling the lead role and then signing a new deal with the team next offseason.

• Quarterback: Sam Darnold (Age: 27)
• Running back: Aaron Jones (Age: 29)
• Pass catcher: Justin Jefferson (Age: 25)

With No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy out for the season, Darnold, a former No. 3 overall pick himself, is in plum position. This is the best opportunity of his professional career -- by a mile. With a cohesive offensive line, a sharp coach who coaxed wins out of three different quarterbacks last season (Kevin O’Connell) and an unstoppable force at wide receiver (Jefferson), the table is set for a post-hype renaissance in the Geno Smith/Baker Mayfield vein. Can the 27-year-old rise to the occasion? He played only one series in the preseason, but a beautifully layered throw on a dagger concept had the Darnold hive swooning once again. No one’s ever questioned the natural arm talent. And his underrated mobility should play well in O’Connell’s play-action-heavy scheme. But playing on a one-year prove-it deal, can the guy curb the recklessness? That’s the million-dollar question. In fact, a breakthrough season would net him a lot more than seven figures. 

• Quarterback: Baker Mayfield (Age: 29)
• Running back: Rachaad White (Age: 25)
• Pass catcher: Mike Evans (Age: 31)

Am I allowed to talk about an offensive lineman in the triplets article? Because first-round center Graham Barton could be a boon to all aspects of the Buccaneers’ offense, helping these three skill players do their thing. But enough of my loosely related preseason musings.

The biggest question here is whether Baker’s career revival in Tampa will continue after Dave Canales’ departure to become head coach of the Panthers. Mayfield played under a whopping seven offensive coordinators in his first six NFL seasons, but Canales got the most out of the former No. 1 overall pick, with the quarterback making his first Pro Bowl this past season. On the plus side, Mayfield’s familiar with new play-caller Liam Coen, having worked with the coordinator during a late-season spell with the Rams in 2022. The freshly paid signal-caller has been complimentary of Coen’s scheme, praising its versatility. That’s alluring acclaim for an offense that finished dead last in rushing in 2023.

• Quarterback: Jayden Daniels (Age: 23)
• Running back: Brian Robinson Jr. (Age: 25) 
• Pass catcher: Terry McLaurin (Age: 28)

Preseason football isn’t the be all, end all. We all know this. But that doesn’t make it irrelevant. It’s a box-checking exercise, especially for rookies. Essentially, do you look out of place on an NFL field? Daniels did not. The No. 2 overall pick efficiently executed Kliff Kingsbury’s offense over two appearances, completing 12 of 15 passes for 123 yards while showcasing a quick release off a read-option concept and exquisite touch on one beautiful deep ball down the sideline. And in terms of the electric running ability, he gave us a taste -- too much of a taste for Dan Quinn’s liking.

Long story short: Daniels’ game looked like a nice mix of maturity and magnetism, albeit in an extremely limited glance against professional competition. Commanders fans have every right to be as enthused about the franchise as a whole as they’ve been in memory.

• Quarterback: Justin Herbert (Age: 26)
• Running back: Gus Edwards (Age: 29)
• Pass catcher: Josh Palmer (Age: 24)

How low can you place a trio that’s headlined by one of the game’s most talented arms? This low! Jim Harbaugh’s arrival seriously shook up the skill positions on this roster, draining star power in what appears to be a significant shift in Los Angeles’ offensive approach. But the Chargers still have a preternaturally gifted passer. That said, I am indeed concerned about Herbert’s plantar fascia injury. That’s one of those ailments that can diabolically linger beneath the surface across an entire season, only getting its due blame from the affected party once the campaign is complete. On the plus side, Herbert’s been back in action for more than a week now, earning rave reviews from onlookers and practice adversaries. And shoot, the man showed courage in the face of everyone’s nightmare: elevator confinement.

“It was hot,” Harbaugh told reporters, describing the two-hour ordeal that had Herbert among a host of Chargers stuck together in the small space at a Dallas hotel prior to last week’s game against the Cowboys. “As each person came off the elevator, sweating and some had the shirt off. Justin Herbert, his hair was a little wet. But his shirt was completely dry. That was another thing that blew me away.”

Clearly, the NFL is a better place with Harbaugh in it. And judging by Harbaugh’s long track record of quarterback whispering -- going all the way back to when he helped make a star of Josh Johnson at the University of San Diego -- Herbert will reap the benefits.

• Quarterback: Derek Carr (Age: 33)
• Running back: Alvin Kamara (Age: 29)
• Pass catcher: Chris Olave (Age: 24)

Are we sure Spencer Rattler shouldn’t be fronting this group? I kid, I kid -- but after the fifth-round pick’s impressive preseason showing, these are high times for The Agenda. Truth be told, Carr didn’t have a bad debut season in New Orleans, playing his best ball over the final five weeks (SEE: 74 percent completion rate, 14:2 TD-to-INT ratio) while rallying the Saints to a 4-1 finish that nearly netted an NFC South title. Now, following Pete Carmichael’s January firing after 15 years in the coordinator post, it’s a new offensive era in NOLA. Insert Klint Kubiak. As the son of a Super Bowl-winning head coach, the Saints’ new play-caller has a wealth of experience working under some of the better offensive minds in the game, including Kyle Shanahan and Kevin Stefanski. His biggest challenge will be putting together a viable offensive line, which is crucial, given Carr’s well-documented struggles with pressure.

Kamara and Olave are at opposite ends of the career spectrum, but both enter this season looking to prove something. For the 29-year-old running back, it’s all about showing he still has gas in the tank to put some more money in the bank. Meanwhile, the third-year receiver is aiming to demonstrate that he’s much more than just a speedy home-run hitter -- or, in his words, “to go from a good player to an elite player.”

• Quarterback: Kyler Murray (Age: 27)
• Running back: James Conner (Age: 29)
• Pass catcher: Marvin Harrison Jr. (Age: 22)

Now a full season removed from his ACL tear, Kyler’s a captivating figure entering his age-27 season. We got a glimpse of what the former No. 1 overall pick can be in Drew Petzing’s offense during Murray’s abbreviated 2023 campaign, but that felt like an appetizer. I’m ready for the main course. In fact, I’m champing at the bit, seeing how the quarterback didn’t take a single snap in the preseason. When he’s right, Kyler packs quite the arsenal into his 5-foot-10, 207-pound frame, combining hyper-twitchy athleticism with a cannon arm and a gift for off-schedule playmaking. Yeah, he still has a ways to go when it comes to mastering the finer points of quarterbacking, but the guy’s just plain fun to watch, damnit! And now he’s flanked by one of the most exciting rookies in the 2024 draft class. Harrison played just three preseason snaps and wasn’t targeted, but all reports out of Cardinals camp support what everyone expects from the son of a Hall of Fame wide receiver: His game is refined well beyond his 22 years of age. I can’t wait to see what this pitch-and-catch duo can accomplish this season and beyond.

• Quarterback: Trevor Lawrence (Age: 24)
• Running back: Travis Etienne (Age: 25)
• Pass catcher: Christian Kirk (Age: 27)

Oh, how quickly the narrative changes! At this time one year ago, Lawrence was a sexy MVP candidate and the Jaguars were poised for an extended reign over the lowly AFC South. Now? The shouting shows are disparaging the quarterback’s new contract and the Jags are struggling to generate buzz in a division bursting with intrigue. Honestly, this does feel like a crucial hinge-point season for Jacksonville, and not only because owner Shad Khan continues to hammer home a win-NOW edict. We all need answers about what happened last season once the calendar flipped to December, when the Jaguars went from seriously contending for the AFC’s No. 1 seed to missing the playoffs entirely. Now, injuries obviously took a toll. Lawrence clearly wasn’t right down the stretch and even missed the first game of his professional career due to a shoulder injury. Kirk -- who edged out tight end Evan Engram for the pass catcher role in this exercise -- went down early in Week 13 with a core muscle injury that ultimately cost him the rest of the season. And Etienne, who finished with the third-most total touches in the league, just seemed to wear down as the season wore on, with his production significantly decreasing. Jacksonville needs a bounce-back season, with these three guys playing major roles from stem to stern.

• Quarterback: Geno Smith (Age: 33)
• Running back: Kenneth Walker III (Age: 23)
• Pass catcher: DK Metcalf (Age: 26)

Is this ranking too low? Feels like it could be. Am I a Geno hater? I don’t think so. While he did just make his second Pro Bowl in as many seasons, last year’s bid came via replacement, and it felt that way. All of the quarterback’s numbers dipped from the lofty levels of his breakout campaign in 2022. But this new season brings a whole new offense, with Ryan Grubb taking the reins as coordinator. Having worked his way up through the college football ranks, Grubb earned national recognition over the past couple seasons for his inspired effort at the University of Washington, where he helped design a devastating aerial assault that produced a pair of top-10 picks (QB Michael Penix Jr. and WR Rome Odunze) and two more Day 2 selections (second-round WR Ja’Lynn Polk and third-round WR Jalen McMillan) in April’s draft. Consequently, Seattle’s offense is a subject of great fascination entering the 2024 campaign. Walker has displayed explosive playmaking ability over his first two NFL seasons, and now Grubb has been teasing us all offseason about an expanded role for the “three-tool back.” Is this the season when Kenny Three Sticks makes his first Pro Bowl? And is this the season when Metcalf goes FULL FREAK with 1,500-plus yards? Yeah, I think I’m too low on this trio.

• Quarterback: Anthony Richardson (Age: 22)
• Running back: Jonathan Taylor (Age: 25)
• Pass catcher: Michael Pittman Jr. (Age: 26)

Yes, I’m shooting my shot on Richardson. I know it’s rash, but I can’t help myself. 

It’s not just that the 6-4, 244-pounder is one of the rarest physical specimens in football today -- although that’s certainly part of it -- but Richardson is operating under the tutelage of a potentially beautiful offensive mind. I inserted that “potentially,” because Shane Steichen is still pretty new to the scene, but his work over the past few years has been impressive, to say the least. As Eagles offensive coordinator, he helped transform Jalen Hurts into an MVP runner-up. And after Steichen departed Philadelphia to become Indianapolis’ head coach last season, the Eagles’ offense took a significant step back. Meanwhile, Steichen lost his starting quarterback for the season in early October, yet the Colts still finished with a top-10 scoring offense. And going back to that starting quarterback, Richardson logged just 173 snaps as a rookie, but he still seduced us with true take-over-the-game ability. If AR can just learn to protect himself better -- no small ask, to be sure -- he is supported by a plus O-line, a running back with immense potential to bust back out (Taylor) and a sneaky-good receiving corps fronted by an underrated big-bodied target (Pittman).

• Quarterback: Caleb Williams (Age: 22)
• Running back: D’Andre Swift (Age: 25)
• Pass catcher: DJ Moore (Age: 27)

Yes, I’m shooting my shot on Caleb. I know it’s rash, but I can’t help myself.

Williams enters the NFL with enough hype to power Chicago’s electrical grid through the rest of the year. And in my humble opinion, it’s valid. A five-star recruit coming out of high school and a Heisman Trophy winner in college, the pedigreed passer enters the NFL with every club in the bag. (That’s where the Patrick Mahomes comparisons come from.) Now he just needs to learn how to properly deploy -- and at times scale back -- his aggressiveness. (That’s the underappreciated aspect of Patrick Mahomes’ singular supremacy.) Don’t get it twisted: I’m not crowning Caleb. (Honestly, Patrick Mahomes shouldn’t even be uttered in the same breath at this point. Sorry ‘bout that.) But the upside is undeniable -- not just because of No. 18’s personal ability, but because of the abnormally stout roster he joins as a No. 1 overall pick. When healthy, Swift is a dynamic threat -- as a runner and receiver -- who’s fresh off his first Pro Bowl nod. Moore might be the most underappreciated WR1 in the league today, as a versatile pass catcher who just set career highs in catches (96), yards (1,364) and touchdowns (8) in his debut season with the Bears. And I haven’t even mentioned fellow first-rounder Rome Odunze, veteran route artisan Keenan Allen or underrated tight end Cole Kmet. Chicago's new quarterback is loaded for bear.

• Quarterback: Jordan Love (Age: 25)
• Running back: Josh Jacobs (Age: 26)
• Pass catcher: Jayden Reed (Age: 24)

What’s holding this trio back from a top-10 slot? Reasonable questions at all three spots ...

QB: What is Love? Yup, it’s the Haddaway query for a new generation. Less than 10 months ago, the Packers sat at 2-5, and Love’s long-term future with the franchise appeared very much in question. Then the quarterback finished the regular season on an epic heater (18:1 TD-to-INT ratio over the final eight games), obliterated the Cowboys in a road playoff win (three touchdown passes with a nearly perfect QB rating) and ultimately signed a megadeal (four years, $220 million -- or a record-tying $55M per). Will Love’s rocket ascent continue unabated in the 2024 season?

RB: Who’s the real Josh Jacobs? The hard-charging back won the league rushing title in 2022, rumbling for 1,653 yards at 4.9 a pop. But his production in the seasons before (872, 4.0) and after (805, 3.5) was lacking. That’s a confounding sandwich. Will we get the bread or the meat in 2024?

PC: Who is WR1? OK, do not ask Matt LaFleur that question. Unless you’re ready to supply a barf bag. But for this exercise, it’s a legit question! Reed gets the nod here. That was my initial instinct, and then I was spurred on when I came across this clip of offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich stressing the importance of getting the ball into the second-year pro's hands as many times as possible.

• Quarterback: Kirk Cousins (Age: 36)
• Running back: Bijan Robinson (Age: 22)
• Pass catcher: Drake London (Age: 23)

Is the (fantasy) football world’s long national nightmare over?! Does Atlanta finally have a quarterback -- and an offensive play-caller -- to maximize the Falcons’ talented weaponry?!?

Maybe.

It’s wise to express a measure of restraint because A) Cousins is a 36-year-old quarterback coming off a torn Achilles and B) Zac Robinson is a 37-year-old offensive coordinator calling plays for the first time. (And yes, I’m well aware that Atlanta backed up the nine-figure signing of Cousins with the top-10 selection of Michael Penix Jr. But the rookie doesn’t seem to be in the Falcons’ plans in 2024, so in this space, I’m assessing whether the veteran can exploit the athletic marvels at his disposal.)

Robinson has been getting dark-horse Offensive Player of the Year buzz, and understandably so. He’s no Christian McCaffrey at this point -- who is? -- but the second-year back has the kind of all-around skill set that just earned CMC the award last season. With a significant upgrade at quarterback, London could be poised for a major breakout in Year 3. Cousins should be able to take full advantage of the 6-4, 213-pounder’s limitless catch radius.

• Quarterback: Dak Prescott (Age: 31)
• Running back: Ezekiel Elliott (Age: 29)
• Pass catcher: CeeDee Lamb (Age: 25)

I don’t get why the Cowboys dragged their feet so long on Lamb’s contract, I’m having a difficult time understanding what the Cowboys are doing with Prescott, and I’m at a loss with the Cowboys’ plan at running back. But here we are.

As the No. 4 overall pick in 2016, Zeke immediately took the league by storm. But his days as a true RB1 are long gone. In fact, the 29-year-old’s rushing production has steadily declined since his transcendent rookie season. No, seriously:

• 2016: 108.7 ypg
• 2017: 98.3 ypg
• 2018: 95.6 ypg
• 2019: 84.8 ypg
• 2020: 65.3 ypg
• 2021: 58.9 ypg
• 2022: 58.4 ypg
• 2023: 37.8 ypg

With apologies to the Rico Dowdle truthers out there, Dallas heads into the 2024 campaign with serious backfield concerns. And no, the Dalvin Cook addition doesn't put everything at ease. So, why are they even ranked this high? Well, I know a lot of people memory-holed it after a highly disappointing finish to last season, but Prescott finished second in MVP voting. And Lamb, of course, earned first-team All-Pro honors with a league-best 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. 

• Quarterback: Josh Allen (Age: 28)
• Running back: James Cook (Age: 24)
• Pass catcher: Dalton Kincaid (Age: 24)

Is this Josh Allen’s MVP season? The narrative is certainly falling into place. First, Buffalo parted ways with Stefon Diggs, leaving the offense for dead. Then Matt Milano tore his biceps, leaving the defense for dead. Time for the Bills’ Superman to don his cape and save Orchard Park!

OK, that’s a bit melodramatic. But you know what I’m getting at. Since winning the AFC East title (again) and suffering a gutting playoff loss to the Chiefs (again), the Bills have suffered significant attrition on both sides of the ball this offseason. But they still have the 6-5, 237-pound cheat code with the rocket launcher for an arm. And contrary to popular belief, that guy still has some nice weapons at his disposal. Finishing sixth in the NFL with 1,567 scrimmage yards, Cook really broke out in his second year in the league -- and it feels like Kincaid could follow suit in 2024. Don’t be surprised if the tight end leads this team in targets, with OC Joe Brady leaning on 12 personnel.

• Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers (Age: 40)
• Running back: Breece Hall (Age: 23)
• Pass catcher: Garrett Wilson (Age: 24)

As I touched on with Kirk Cousins above, I don’t really know what to expect from an Achilles rehab at age 36. So ... how about at age 40?! Rodgers himself recently acknowledged his football mortality in an interview with The MMQB’s Albert Breer: “I'm not just on the back nine, I'm on the 18th tee right now and trying to finish.” Take that how you will, but I’m going to take the opportunity to shift focus to the two emerging Jets stars who are just beginning to make their mark on the league. 

Hall burst on the scene as a playmaker extraordinaire in 2022, but his rookie season came to an abrupt end when he tore his ACL in Week 7. In Year 2, he immediately bounced back, ranking fourth in the league with 1,585 scrimmage yards, including 191, 126 and 190 over the final three games of the season. What can we expect in 2024, with Hall a full season removed from knee surgery and the Jets' offense poised to be in a much better place overall? Home. Runs.

As for Wilson? All he’s done is open his professional career with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons while catching passes from Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, Mike White, Chris Streveler, Trevor Siemian and Tim Boyle. Enough said.

• Quarterback: C.J. Stroud (Age: 22)
• Running back: Joe Mixon (Age: 28)
• Pass catcher: Nico Collins (Age: 25)

Who says Michigan and Ohio State don’t get along? Stroud just produced one of the most impressive rookie seasons in memory with Collins playing lead guitar, as the two connected 76 times for 1,279 yards and seven touchdowns during the regular season, then hooked up 11 more times for 164 yards and a score over a pair of playoff games. And while everyone else spent all offseason fawning over Stroud, the former Buckeye offered up quite a comp for his teammate from The School Up North.

“First of all, I’m just proud of that guy,” Stroud said, when asked about Collins signing a three-year, $72.5 million extension. “My brother Nico -- he’s shown up and shown out. When his number is called, he always makes a play. He's a generational talent. He’s like our age’s Andre Johnson, in my opinion, of just how fast he is, how he gets in and out of his breaks, his releases, how strong he is. And I think last year is just a preview of what’s to come for him.”

Can’t wait to see the sequel!

• Quarterback: Joe Burrow (Age: 27)
• Running back: Chase Brown (Age: 24)
• Pass catcher: Ja’Marr Chase (Age: 24)

After staging a contract hold-in for much of the summer, Chase returned to practice in full this past Sunday. On Tuesday, as the Bengals and their star receiver continued discussions on a long-term extension, Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor said he expects Chase to play in Week 1 vs. New England. But then on Wednesday, Chase arrived to the facility in street clothes and did not practice, with Taylor stating, "I probably put my foot in my mouth, speaking too quickly." The head man didn't seem overly concerned about the situation, though, so maybe we're getting closer to a resolution? Who knows. At this point, I'm more preoccupied with a different burning question pertaining to this trio ...

How is Burrow’s surgically repaired wrist?

The star quarterback played one series in the preseason opener and looked just fine, completing five of his seven passes for 51 yards and a touchdown. After that brief showing, Burrow declared himself ready to rock for the regular season and didn’t take a snap in either of Cincy’s final two preseason games. I have no reason to doubt the man’s personal assessment and sincerely hope his throwing arm’s in tip-top shape. But I still want to see how it looks over an entire game, when he has to make all the throws. Burrow’s never had the strongest arm -- he wins with computer-grade processing and pinpoint accuracy -- but a decrease in zip would further test the limits of precision quarterbacking.  

Now, I imagine some of you might have a question for me: Brown over Zack Moss at running back? Yeah, I’m taking a swing at the explosive upside play over the bruising known commodity.

• Quarterback: Tua Tagovailoa (Age: 26)
• Running back: De’Von Achane (Age: 22)
• Pass catcher: Tyreek Hill (Age: 30)

This might have been the most difficult trio to rank in this entire exercise, and you all know exactly why: 

The Tua question.

In a vacuum, I really don’t know where to rank Tagovailoa in the league’s QB hierarchy. But my god he's a superb trigger man in Mike McDaniel’s breakneck offense. My colleague Bucky Brooks often talks about Tua playing quarterback like a blackjack dealer, and that’s really the perfect visual. He deftly distributes the ball to Miami’s band of burners with a sleight of hand that feels positively Houdinian. And when you can swiftly deliver the ball to guys like Tyreek and Jaylen Waddle in space, well, that’s how you wind up leading the NFL in passing yards.

Funny thing is, McDaniel’s offense really cooks when the ground game gets going. And while I do feel slightly preposterous listing Achane over veteran Raheem Mostert -- who just led the entire league with 18 rushing touchdowns -- I think the second-year pro could run wild with better health luck.

• Quarterback: Matthew Stafford (Age: 36)
• Running back: Kyren Williams (Age: 24)
• Pass catcher: Puka Nacua (Age: 23)

This feels like the most blue-collar group in the upper crust of this triplets rundown. Ever since Stafford’s rookie year back in 2009, when he threw a game-winning touchdown pass one play after suffering a separated shoulder, the swashbuckling signal-caller has been known as one of the game’s true tough guys. His No. 1 target nowadays, Nacua, is a rugged beast who racks up yards after contact and blocks like a player trying to lock up a roster spot. And Williams is a grinder whose unremarkable physical traits theoretically should stand in contrast to the simple statement of adulation Sean McVay offered up this past December: “No doubt, we're different when he plays.”

That said, this trio ranks sixth for a reason: spectacular production. All three players earned a Pro Bowl bid last season, with Williams ranking third in rushing yards (1,144) and Nacua ranking fourth in receiving yards (1,486). And in the back half of Year 15, Stafford played some of the best football of his career.

• Quarterback: Jared Goff (Age: 29)
• Running back: Jahmyr Gibbs (Age: 22)
• Pass catcher: Amon-Ra St. Brown (Age: 24)

Goff’s resurrection in Detroit -- where the quarterback has become a folk hero, prompting Lions fans to randomly chant his name in locations far and wide -- is a feel-good story of overcoming adversity. Over the last two years, Goff ranks second in the NFL in passing yards (9,013, trailing only Patrick Mahomes) and is tied for third in passing touchdowns (59, trailing only Mahomes and Josh Allen). The former No. 1 overall pick has played a leading role in transforming one of American sports’ most downtrodden franchises into a legit powerhouse. Of course, he’s not alone in this endeavor.

Over the past two years, St. Brown ranks top five in catches (225), receiving yards (2,676) and receiving first downs (143), while leading all NFL wideouts with 1,199 yards after catch. And anyone who’s derisively calling him a “slot-only” receiver is just plain wrong, as PFF charted him with 43.6 percent of his snaps in a wide alignment last season. Sun God is a well-rounded -- and well-paid -- stud.

Truthfully, though, Gibbs is the player I’m most excited to watch in the coming season. The 22-year-old is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, a true home run hitter. The Lions brought him along a little slowly during his rookie season, but he certainly made his mark by season’s end. I expect him to hit the ground running -- FAST -- in Year 2.

• Quarterback: Lamar Jackson (Age: 27)
• Running back: Derrick Henry (Age: 30)
• Pass catcher: Zay Flowers (Age: 23)

Surprised this group doesn’t make the top three? Yeah, I hear ya. After all, the Ravens boast the reigning MVP under center, a future Hall of Famer at running back and an emerging star at wide receiver. So, what gives? Well, I’m a little worried about how those first two components fit together.

Over the past five seasons, Jackson and Henry have been two of the most dynamic -- and unique -- players in the NFL. So, naturally, there was plenty of fanfare when Henry signed with the Ravens in March. But here’s the thing: They've largely been operating in divergent offensive systems. Since his first full season as Baltimore’s starting quarterback in 2019, Jackson has primarily operated out of the shotgun. But over that same span, Henry took 69.4 percent of his snaps with a QB under center, per PFF. So, will the Ravens be able to find a happy medium that maximizes both players? Asked about this during a press conference this offseason, offensive coordinator Todd Monken didn’t seem all that concerned. It goes without saying that Monken has forgotten more about offensive strategy than I’ll ever know, but I still need to see this combo flourishing together before I fully buy in.

• Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes (Age: 28)
• Running back: Isiah Pacheco (Age: 25)
• Pass catcher: Travis Kelce (Age: 34)

I know what I stressed in the intro: Don’t fall into the trap of just producing another quarterback ranking. I know! And for the most part, I believe I followed that directive. But when it comes to this particular quarterback, I couldn’t help but allocate some bonus points. I’m only human -- unlike Mahomes -- and couldn’t stomach producing a list with No. 15 outside of the top three. Be grateful I didn’t slot the Chiefs in at No. 1. (It was a consideration.) 

And by the way, Mahomes’ teammates in this exercise aren’t exactly chopped liver. Kelce’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer who’s putting together a strong case for G.O.A.T. status at tight end. Did he show signs of aging during the 2023 regular season? Sure. Then he caught 32 balls for 355 yards and three touchdowns in the playoffs. And I’m a card-carrying member of the Isiah Pacheco fan club. If you’re not energized by his full-throttle running style, you might need to check your pulse.

• Quarterback: Brock Purdy (Age: 24)
• Running back: Christian McCaffrey (Age: 28)
• Pass catcher: Brandon Aiyuk (Age: 26)

The biggest question about this trio is whether Aiyuk will still be a part of it when the season kicks off. On Wednesday morning, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo said there’s no real update on this front, so for the purposes of this exercise, I’m proceeding with Aiyuk in red and gold. Clearly, that’s the resolution Niners Faithful want, considering the wideout is fresh off a second-team All-Pro season in which he established himself as the clear No. 1 option in San Francisco’s passing game. Amazingly, his individual effort in 2023 ranked third in this loaded trio.

McCaffrey and Purdy finished third and fourth, respectively, in MVP voting last season. CMC then reset the running back market -- again -- by signing a lucrative extension this offseason. Purdy isn’t eligible for an extension until next offseason, so he’ll continue to be the league’s biggest bargain in 2024, playing on a base salary of $985,000. Don’t cry for Mr. Irrelevant, though -- he’s probably one solid season away from breaking the bank.

• Quarterback: Jalen Hurts (Age: 27)
• Running back: Saquon Barkley (Age: 27)
• Pass catcher: A.J. Brown (Age: 27)

San Francisco nearly claimed this lofty perch atop Triplets Mountain. I have no problem with anyone who believes it’s the 49ers’ rightful slot, as I went back and forth on the decision myself. But in this undeniably nebulous ranking, I eventually settled on an arbitrary tiebreaker ...

VERSATILITY! The more you can do, right?! And lemme tell you, these three Eagles can do it all.

Let’s start with Hurts, who’s a true dual-threat dynamo at quarterback. Nowhere was this more evident than on the game’s biggest stage two Februarys ago. In Philly’s narrow Super Bowl LVII loss to Kansas City, the dude completed 71 percent of his passes for 304 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 70 yards and three scores. Patrick Mahomes earned game MVP honors, but Hurts was the best player on the field.

Barkley took the league by storm as a rookie back in 2018, stuffing the stat sheet to a staggering degree: 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing; 91 catches for 721 yards and four scores. He hasn’t replicated those eye-popping figures in the years since, dealing with injuries and flawed Giants rosters, but I’m quite bullish on his debut season in Philadelphia.

Despite earning second-team All-Pro honors last season, Brown still feels underrated to me. It’s a golden age for wide receivers, so we’re flooded with stars at the position, but how many of them excel in as many areas as Arthur Juan? Catch-and-run playmaking? Check! Winning downfield? Check! Contested catch? Check! Earning tough yards across the middle? Check! The 6-1, 226-pounder is a certified beast, which helps explain why I’m forecasting him to win Offensive Player of the Year.