As we usher in the new year, let’s reflect on the key moments from the NFL in 2024.

Top Comeback: Jim Harbaugh. Last year, Harbaugh was positioned for a national title with the University of Michigan. Now, he’s leading the Chargers back to the NFL playoffs after a disappointing 5-12 finish in 2023, once again proving he’s a winning coach wherever he lands.

Most Foolish Act: Rashee Rice. The receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs made headlines in March for drag racing on a busy highway in Dallas, resulting in a serious crash and multiple felony charges. Thankfully, no one was severely hurt, but Rice’s decision and subsequent escape from the scene painted a troubling picture for his future.

Best Career Revival: Sam Darnold. After being let go by the New York Jets, who drafted him third overall in 2018, Darnold has found new life with the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year deal. Now an MVP contender, he has helped secure a tie for the best NFL record at 14-2, despite the Vikings drafting J.J. McCarthy in the first round in April. This resurgence has put Darnold back on the radar as a valuable QB in a league that often struggles to find reliable talent.

Least Thoughtful Political Stunt: Nick Bosa. The San Francisco 49ers defensive player caused a stir when he interrupted a live interview to display a MAGA hat, earning himself an $11,255 fine—not for his political support but for breaching the league’s uniform regulations. Despite his nonchalant attitude towards the fine, his reluctance to clarify his stance contrasted sharply with Colin Kaepernick’s willingness to discuss his protests during the anthem.

Surprise Kicking Contribution: Matthew Wright. As a player who’d already been with eight different NFL teams since 2019, Wright made a dramatic impact by kicking a 31-yard game-winning field goal in December that ensured the Chiefs claimed their ninth straight A-West title. Despite being cut just days later due to activation of Harrison Butker from injured reserve, he still reached a notable achievement as part of a historical season for walk-off field goals.

Worst Investment: Kirk Cousins. The Atlanta Falcons signed the veteran quarterback to a $180 million deal back in March, fully guaranteeing $100 million. By December, Cousins was benched amid a league-high 16 interceptions, paving the way for rookie Michael Penix Jr. The Falcons, who haven’t reached the playoffs since 2017, might have benefited from spending that money on better talent elsewhere. To add salt to the wound, the team incurred a fifth-round pick penalty for violating anti-tampering rules.

Best on-the-Spot Play: Josh Allen. This season has showcased Allen’s remarkable capabilities as he became the first player in NFL history to achieve 40 combined touchdowns for five consecutive seasons. His standout moment came during a clutch 26-yard touchdown run against the Chiefs, which not only clinched the game but also shattered Kansas City’s winning streak.

Most Disappointing Legendary Impact: Aaron Rodgers. His attempt at a fresh start with the Jets fell flat after being sidelined by a torn Achilles tendon during 2023. Following a firing of coach Robert Saleh and a 4-12 performance, this season ranks as Rodgers’ worst ever, leaving fans wondering if his partnership with Davante Adams could have altered anything.

Best Rising Star: Jayden Daniels, who proved to be the quarterback the Washington Commanders desperately needed. Drafted second overall, Daniels led the team to its first winning record since 2016 and its first playoff appearance since 2020, while breaking records by throwing touchdown passes in the last moments of five different games. His impressive performances make him a strong contender for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Worst Trash Talker: Tyrique Stevenson. The Chicago Bears cornerback found himself in hot water after taunting fans at Washington while setting up for a crucial play. His gloating quickly turned into embarrassment as the Commanders executed a miraculous play, leading to a game-ending touchdown. A harsh reminder to keep talking to a minimum and let the game speak for itself.

Most Memorable Celebration: Josh Metellus and Camryn Bynum and his fellow Vikings safeties showcased their comedic side with an interception celebration in mid-December, performing an impeccable version of the dance from the club scene in the film “White Chicks,” featuring Shawn and Marlon Wayans. It’s hard to choose just one celebration because the Vikings are known for their lively displays, which they prepare for with lots of practice. Other inventive routines include a “secret handshake” from “The Parent Trap” and a well-choreographed rendition of “We’re All in this Together” from “High School Musical.”

Top free-agent signing: Saquon Barkley. For the star running back who plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, life is looking fantastic. He has made NFL history as the ninth player to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. As the regular season comes to a close, he only needs 101 more yards to break Eric Dickerson’s long-standing single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984. The situation is particularly poignant since his former team, the New York Giants, failed to secure him with a long-term contract, choosing instead to invest in now-released quarterback Daniel Jones. There’s also that unforgettable moment captured in HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” where Giants co-owner John Mara was heard expressing his worries about Barkley potentially joining a rival in the NFC East, saying, “I’ll have a tough time sleeping.” It’s surely a troubling thought for Mara.

Most controversial graduation speech: Harrison Butker. The Chiefs kicker stirred quite the controversy when he spoke to graduates at Benedictine College, a Catholic liberal arts institution in Atchison, Kansas. His comments on various topics—including abortion, homosexuality, Pride Month, COVID-19 vaccinations, and traditional gender roles—sparked significant backlash. In response, the NFL issued a statement distancing itself from Butker’s remarks. However, rather than letting him go, the Chiefs showed their support by signing him to a four-year, $25.6 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid kicker in the league.

Most impressive pick-six: Leonard Williams. The Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman recorded an astonishing 92-yard interception return. He made his mark during his return to New York in early December, burning both his former team and Aaron Rodgers with the longest interception-return touchdown ever by a defensive lineman, as well as the longest by a player weighing over 300 pounds in the 21st century. On this memorable day, Williams, who spent five seasons with both the Giants and Jets, also notched two sacks.

Worst Super Bowl aftermath: The San Francisco 49ers. It’s been a disastrous season for the reigning NFC champions (6-10), who have dropped from first to last in the NFC West. So, what went wrong? Injuries, especially to key star running back Christian McCaffrey, played a significant role. However, one has to wonder if things might have been different had 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan decided to kick off to the Chiefs after winning the overtime coin toss.