NFL Week 1-3: Who Are the Passing and Rushing Leaders for Each Week?

As the NFL season is underway, we’ve already seen some impressive performances in the first three weeks. Both established stars and emerging talents have been making waves, with big plays in both passing and rushing. Each week, the spotlight has shifted across the league, showcasing the dynamism and unpredictability of the sport. 

Let’s break down the top leaders in passing and rushing for each of the first three weeks of the 2024 NFL season.

Week 1: The First Impressions

Passing Leaders

In Week 1, we witnessed some spectacular quarterback performances. Patrick Mahomes led the pack with an impressive 291 passing yards as the Kansas City Chiefs took down the Baltimore Ravens 27-20. Jalen Hurts wasn’t far behind, with 278 yards in a 34-29 victory for the Philadelphia Eagles over the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, Jordan Love continues to develop his role as a key player for Green Bay, showcasing his ability to lead the offense and making strides that have fans excited for his future. 

Over in Buffalo, Josh Allen put up 232 yards in a narrow win over the Arizona Cardinals, demonstrating his arm strength and ability to connect on deep passes.

Rushing Leaders

On the ground, Lamar Jackson displayed his dual-threat capabilities by rushing for 122 yards, leading all rushers in Week 1, though it wasn’t enough to secure a victory against the Chiefs. Other standout performances included Saquon Barkley with 109 yards for the Eagles, helping propel them past the Packers, and Rhamondre Stevenson, who rushed for 120 yards, crucial in New England’s 16-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Week 2: The Stars Shine Brighter

Passing Leaders

Week 2 saw even more explosive action in the air. Dak Prescott shined with 293 passing yards as the New Orleans Saints crushed the Dallas Cowboys 44-19, asserting their dominance. Brock Purdy made waves with 319 passing yards for the San Francisco 49ers in a hard-fought 23-17 victory against the Minnesota Vikings, solidifying his role as a rising star in the league. In Houston, C.J. Stroud kept pace, throwing for 234 yards as the Texans edged the Indianapolis Colts 29-27 in a thrilling game.

Rushing Leaders

On the rushing front, Alvin Kamara led the pack with 115 yards for the Saints, contributing to their offensive juggernaut over the Cowboys. J.K. Dobbins showcased his running prowess with 131 yards for the Los Angeles Chargers, securing a dominant win against the Carolina Panthers. Joe Mixon of the Texans also put up stellar numbers, rushing for 159 yards to lead Houston to victory over Indianapolis.

Week 3: Emerging Dominance

Passing Leaders

Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season gave us some jaw-dropping passing performances. Dak Prescott was the undeniable star, throwing for a league-leading 379 yards in a close game where the Baltimore Ravens beat the Dallas Cowboys 28-25. Caleb Williams, with 363 passing yards, nearly led the Chicago Bears to victory but fell short as the Indianapolis Colts won 21-16. Meanwhile, Jalen Hurts kept the momentum going with 311 yards, although the Philadelphia Eagles struggled to edge out the New Orleans Saints 15-12.

Rushing Leaders

In the rushing game, Saquon Barkley exploded with 147 yards for the Eagles in their tight contest against the Saints. Jonathan Taylor was back to his elite form, rushing for 110 yards, key in Indianapolis’ win over Chicago. Derrick Henry once again proved why he’s one of the best in the game, rushing for 151 yards, although the Tennessee Titans couldn’t secure a win over the Green Bay Packers.

Conclusion: A Preview of the Season Ahead

The first three weeks have delivered thrilling performances, with quarterbacks and running backs alike showcasing their talents. As the season progresses, we can expect more surprises, shifting dynamics, and breakout stars. From Patrick Mahomes’ consistent excellence to Saquon Barkley’s dominant ground game, the 2024 season promises to be one for the books.