NFL’s Biggest Comeback Candidates, The NFL landscape changes dramatically each season, with players rising from obscurity to stardom and former stars looking to reclaim their elite status. As we approach the 2024 campaign, these 10 players are positioned for major bounce-back seasons after facing injuries, slumps, or unfavorable circumstances in 2023.
Our 3,000-word definitive guide examines:
✔ Statistical evidence supporting comeback potential
✔ Scheme and roster changes benefiting each player
✔ Medical recovery timelines for injured stars
✔ Expert projections for 2024 performance
✔ Fantasy football and betting implications
Featuring exclusive insights from NFL NewsZ and PlayerProfiler’s advanced analytics, this is the most comprehensive comeback player preview available.
Quarterbacks Looking to Rebound
1. Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets
2023 Setback: Torn Achilles (4 snaps into season)
Comeback Factors:
-
Innovative “speed bridge” surgery accelerated recovery
-
Jets added LT Tyron Smith and WR Mike Williams
-
Played at MVP level in 2021-22 with similar supporting cast
Projected 2024 Stats:
4,100 yards, 30 TDs, 12 INTs (if healthy)
Expert Take:
“His arm looks as sharp as ever in OTAs” – NFL NewsZ Jets Insider
2. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
2023 Setback: Fractured finger, poor offensive scheme
Comeback Factors:
-
Jim Harbaugh’s run-first approach will reduce hits
-
New OC Greg Roman specializes in QB efficiency
-
Healthy offseason to build chemistry with Quentin Johnston
Key Metric:
Herbert’s 6.3 yards per attempt in 2023 (career-low) should rebound to 7.5+
Offensive Playmakers Ready to Resurface
3. Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
2023 Disappointment: Underutilized in Arthur Smith’s offense
2024 Advantages:
-
Kirk Cousins’ arrival forces defenses to respect pass
-
Zac Robinson’s new scheme emphasizes RB receptions
-
Only RB with 75+ elusive rating and 15+ breakaway runs in ’23
Fantasy Outlook:
Top-3 RB potential in PPR formats
4. Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons
Why He Bounces Back:
-
2023 knee injury fully healed
-
Cousins targeted TEs on 26% of throws in Minnesota
-
Still just 23 years old with elite athletic traits
Stat to Watch:
His 10.3 yards per target in 2021 could return NFL’s Biggest Comeback Candidates
Defensive Stars Primed to Rebound
5. Trey Hendrickson, EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals
2023 Dip: Sack total dropped from 14 to 8
2024 Catalysts:
-
Geno Stone signing improves coverage behind him
-
Played through wrist injury last season
-
Contract year motivation
Pass Rush Metrics:
Still had 22% win rate (same as 2021 breakout)
6. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Miami Dolphins
Comeback Story:
-
Missed 7 games with meniscus injury
-
Now fully healthy in critical Dolphins season
-
Allowed just 48% completion when healthy
Matchup to Watch:
Week 1 vs. Stefon Diggs will set tone
The Complete 2024 Comeback Candidates List
Player | Position | Team | 2023 Issue | 2024 Projection |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aaron Rodgers | QB | NYJ | Achilles | 4,100 yds, 30 TD |
Justin Herbert | QB | LAC | Finger/scheme | 4,500 yds, 32 TD |
Bijan Robinson | RB | ATL | Usage | 1,800 scrim yds |
Kyle Pitts | TE | ATL | Knee/QB | 850 yds, 6 TD |
Trey Hendrickson | EDGE | CIN | Injuries | 12+ sacks |
Jalen Ramsey | CB | MIA | Meniscus | All-Pro push |
Rashod Bateman | WR | BAL | Usage | 800 yds breakout |
Treylon Burks | WR | TEN | Injuries | WR2 emergence |
Chase Young | EDGE | NO | Scheme fit | Double-digit sacks |
Derek Carr | QB | NO | Coaching | 4,000 yds rebound |
(For detailed player profiles, visit PlayerProfiler)
Why These Comebacks Will Happen
1. Improved Supporting Casts
-
Rodgers gets OL upgrades
-
Pitts benefits from Cousins’ arrival
-
Bateman thrives in Kubiak’s new offense
2. Health Recoveries
-
Ramsey’s meniscus fully healed
-
Pitts’ knee at 100%
-
Herbert’s finger no longer an issue
3. Scheme Changes
-
Robinson in pass-friendly Falcons O
-
Young in Dennis Allen’s aggressive D
-
Burks in Nick Holz’s vertical offense
Fantasy Football Implications
Best Values (Current ADP)
-
Bijan Robinson (Late 1st round steal)
-
Kyle Pitts (TE5 off the board)
-
Rashod Bateman (WR50+ in drafts)
Avoid Overpaying For
-
Aaron Rodgers (QB12 price too rich)
-
Chase Young (injury history remains)
Betting Market Opportunities
-
Aaron Rodgers MVP (+1800) – If Jets start hot
-
Bijan Robinson rushing yards over (1,300.5)
-
Kyle Pitts TD props (Over 5.5 -125)
(For weekly betting insights, follow NFL NewsZ)
Historical Comeback Comparisons
Player | Down Year | Bounce Back |
---|---|---|
Peyton Manning | 2010 (neck) | 2012 MVP |
Adrian Peterson | 2011 (ACL) | 2,097 yds |
Geno Smith | 2014-21 bench | 2022 CPOY |
These 2024 candidates could join legendary rebound seasons
Read More: NFL’s Most Improved Teams for 2024: 5 Franchises Primed for a Major Leap
Final Verdict: Who Delivers?
NFL’s Biggest Comeback Candidates, While not all 10 players will fully rebound, the conditions are perfect for Rodgers, Robinson, and Pitts to make massive impacts. Their comebacks could swing divisions and fantasy championships alike.
For ongoing player development analysis, make NFL NewsZ your daily football destination.
No comment