5 NFL Weekend Storylines

Michael Ginnitti
Michael Ginnitti, Managing Editor & NFL/MLB ExpertDecember 02, 2024
© USA TODAY Sports

NFL MVP Conversation

QB Josh Allen, -230
RB Saquon Barkley, +500
QB Lamar Jackson, +1100
QB Jared Goff, +1100
QB Patrick Mahomes, +1500

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Bills QB Josh Allen still holds a commanding grip on the MVP, an honor that would bag him an additional $1.5M this season. An upcoming game against Jared Goff and the Lions could be a very big step forward or backward in this race.

RB Saquon Barkley is on pace to approach Eric Dickerson’s 2,105 rushing yard figure, and if he gets there - could really contend for this honor, despite not being a quarterback.

Lamar Jackson (and the Ravens) suffered a demoralizing loss to Philadelphia this weekend, seemingly dialing back whatever hype or momentum surrounding the Baltimore franchise until further notice.

Philly’s refusal to go away should keep Goff & the Lions motivated all the way through Week 18, but it won’t be an easy run for Detroit: Green Bay, Buffalo, @ Chicago, @ San Francisco, Minnesota.

Mahomes doesn’t have the surface stats to belong in this conversation, but his efficiency and timely clutch performances along with a sparkling 11-1 record keep him relevant (for now). 

Kirk Cousins’ Downslide

Despite losing three straight, the Falcons still find themselves atop a miserable NFC South. In those three losses, QB Kirk Cousins has posted a 61 Passer Rating, throwing for 0 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. The fanbase is now on high alert, especially with newly drafted Michael Penix, Jr. awkwardly waiting in the wings.

Contractually speaking, Cousins $27.5M salary for 2025 is already fully guaranteed. A $10M roster bonus for 2026 will become fully guaranteed on March 16th. An outright release next March means $65M of dead cap. A trade next March means $37.5M of dead cap (though Cousins holds a full no trade clause). At this point, the contract is still telling us that Cousins likely remains with Atlanta through 2025, but patience may prove to be impossible soon.

Christian McCaffrey’s 2024 Finale

After months of intense rehab to repair an achilles injury, RB Christian McCaffrey’s return to the field appears to be short-lived, after a PCL injury against Buffalo likely has him sidelined for the remainder of 2024.

McCaffrey signed a renegotiated contract with the 49ers this past June that put him under contract through the 2027 season, including $8.5M guaranteed through 2025. Assuming a return to full health, the 28 ½ year old should be back to collect another $16.2M total next season, raising his career earnings to nearly $98M.

Trevor Lawrence Torpedoed

Following one of the dirtier plays in years, Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence sustained a serious head/brain injury that will likely end his 2024 campaign, furthering the concern for Jacksonville’s clear roster deficiencies this offseason.

Lawrence is finishing out Year 1 of a 7 year, $306.3M contract that includes $202M of practical guarantees through 2028. His team-friendly $17M cap figure for 2025 should aid in the continued build-up of the roster, though this weekend’s injury will be something to monitor for the remainder of his career.

Taysom Hill’s Tenure in New Orleans

Despite a plethora of passing-oriented incentives built into his contract, Taysom Hill never developed into an NFL-worthy QB. That didn’t stop him from becoming one of the most impactful Saints players over the past 5 years, as a tight end, rusher, & special teamer.

A serious knee injury this weekend almost certainly ends his 2024 campaign, but will it also bring his tenure in New Orleans to a close as well? The 34-year-old  has 1 year, $10M (non-guaranteed) remaining on his contract.


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