The most surprising player on every NFL team so far

With DeAndre Hopkins and Rondale Moore sidelined to start the season, Dortch took full advantage. The undrafted fourth-year player had nearly 200 yards through his first three games, though he's mostly served as a punt returner since Moore's return.

A role player in his first two seasons, Walker is seeing regular snaps for Atlanta and making the most of them. He had 55 tackles, one interception, and one sack.

Rashod Bateman was expected to be the big beneficiary of the Marquise Brown trade, but it's Duvernay who has turned the most heads. An All-Pro returner before this season, he has 18 catches for 240 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver, catching 72% of his targets.

Buffalo needed someone to step into Cole Beasley's role as the slot receiver, and McKenzie has done a great job. He scored three touchdowns in his first four games before suffering a concussion.

There hasn't been much to brag about in Carolina this year, but Luvu has stepped up as a starter. He had 32 tackles and a pick-six in four games before sitting out Weeks 5 and 6 with a shoulder injury.

Herbert really made the most of his playing time while David Montgomery was sidelined. He had 39 carries between Weeks 4-5, finishing with 234 yards rushing and two touchdowns. It's clear running back is one position where the Bears don't have to worry.

Ja'Marr Chase was considered the alpha in the Cincinnati offense after last season, but it was Higgins leading the way until he sat out most of Week 5 with an ankle injury. Through his first four games, Higgins had 20 catches for 315 yards and two touchdowns.

Njoku's development has been slow since he was drafted in the first round back in 2017, but he's been a trusted outlet receiver for Jacoby Brissett in 2022. Through six games, he has 27 catches for 347 yards and a score.

With early-season injuries to Michael Gallup, James Washington, and Dalton Schultz, the Cowboys needed another receiver to step up. Brown has been the early answer with 20 catches for 289 yards and one touchdown.

Not all surprises are of the positive variety. Wilson was one of the favorites to win NFL MVP entering the year, but he's looked lost in his first five games. Wilson has failed to complete 60% of his passes and has only an 82.8 QB Rating.

Goff looked like the quarterback who dominated the league with Sean McVay in LA over his first four games, though he ran into a buzz saw in New England during Week 5. The overall performance has still been encouraging, as Goff has 11 touchdowns through five games and will get first-round rookie wideout Jameson Williams added to his arsenal soon.

With the losses of Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, the Packers have needed someone to step up at wideout. A fourth-round rookie, Doubs has taken to the task with 26 catches for 234 yards and two touchdowns.

After a few down seasons in Buffalo, Hughes seemed to only be hanging on by signing with the Titans at age 34. He's been much more than a footnote, with four sacks and 12 tackles in five games.

With star linebacker Shaquille Leonard missing most of the first six games, the Colts' defense has desperately needed Franklin to step up. He's done just that, leading the league with 66 tackles.

Travis Etienne was expected to be the Jags' top back with Robinson returning from an Achilles injury, but the former 1,000-yard rusher wasn't ready to give up the keys so quickly. He was the clear bell cow through the first three weeks and has over 300 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns.

Fans anticipated first-round pick Trent McDuffie would be a difference maker at corner, but a Week 1 injury allowed another rookie to get his chance. Watson has been a revelation as a seventh-round pick starter, announcing his arrival with a game-changing pick-six against the Chargers in Week 2.

The addition of Davante Adams was the headliner for the Raiders in the offseason, but Hollins has had nearly as big of an impact. The veteran journeyman has been a major deep threat with 17 catches for 273 yards and one score.

Everett has long shown flashes but hasn't been able to put it all together in his five NFL seasons. He's off to a nice start with 17 catches for 213 yards and two touchdowns in his first five games, filling the void in the Red Zone with Keenan Allen sidelined.

Allen Robinson was expected to be the Rams' No. 2 wideout behind Cooper Kupp, but he's been mostly quiet. Instead, Skowronek has been Matthew Stafford's second option, with 23 catches for 221 yards.

Chase Edmonds received big money from Miami in the offseason, but he's been upstaged by the 30-year-old Mostert. The former 49ers back has revitalized his career with Mike McDaniel, accumulating 373 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown in five games.

Known more for plugging up the middle of the defensive line, Tomlinson has made an early impression as a pass rusher with 1.5 sacks in six games. He's also added 18 tackles.

It has seemingly been a different receiver coming alive weekly for the Patriots. Regardless, Agholor's rebound so far has been a very pleasant surprise, with 14 catches for 225 yards and one touchdown after a disastrous 2021 season.

With the addition of Jarvis Landry and the return of Michael Thomas, it looked like Olave could have trouble emerging in his rookie season. It's been no problem despite a shaky quarterback situation, as he has 25 catches for 389 yards and two touchdowns before sitting out Week 6.

The Giants have invested heavily at wideout via free agency and the draft, so the emergence of the veteran James is a huge shock. The former 49er has 19 catches for 189 yards, continuing to see regular snaps as many of the other Giants wideouts are on the mend.

Coming off an injury-plagued season, Davis has managed to upstage youngsters Elijah Moore and Garrett Wilson so far. He had 19 catches for 351 yards and two touchdowns as a major deep threat for the Jets.

Entering the season, one of the only big questions for the talented Eagles was whether Hurts was up to the challenge. He's answered the skeptics with huge improvement early in the year, completing nearly 67% of his passes for 1,514 yards and six touchdowns plus six rushing scores.

Pittsburgh has been without T.J. Watt for most of the year, but Highsmith has picked up most of the slack. He has 6.5 sacks and 26 tackles in six games.

Few would have predicted a scenario that Garoppolo would be leading the 49ers in 2022, given the offseason trade rumors, but a season-ending ankle injury for Trey Lance in Week 2 forced the return of the Subway spokesman. As usual, Garoppolo has been an adequate game manager with 1,153 yards passing and 7/3 TD/INT in five games.

There were major doubts about the Seahawks quarterback situation after the team traded Russell Wilson. Smith has answered the doubters, completing over 73% of his passes for 1,502 yards and nine touchdowns through five games. The quarterback has turned out to be a strength for the team early in the season.

Nelson has seen limited snaps in his four seasons with the Bucs, but he's seen his playing time pick up this year. The result has been two sacks and 11 tackles so far.

With a shocking season-ending injury to star pass rusher Harold Landry before the season started, the Titans needed someone else to step up on defense. Weaver has answered the call in his second season with four sacks in five games.

Samuel was a big-money signing for Washington last year, but he had only six catches while plagued by a groin injury. He looks all the way back this year, easily leading the team with 34 catches, totaling 287 yards and two touchdowns.