Through the first six weeks of the 2022 NFL season, there have been some wild moments, and interesting players and teams come out, such as both the Vikings and Giants at 5-1. NFL odds from preseason definitely look different than expected, as the first six weeks are complete.
Outside of teams and looking into individual players, we take a look at players who come out of nowhere and surprise everyone, whether it be someone written off or unexpected success. On the flip side, there are also plenty of players who have major upside with a ton of hype going into the season that just doesn’t get things done.
As the completion of Week 6 now marks the first third of the season complete, there are players who definitely stand out as surprises this season, as well as players who have been disappointments to start the season. Below you will see a list of both the top 3 surprising players and the top 3 disappointing players through the first six weeks of the 2022 NFL season.
Surprising Players
Geno Smith
To kick off this list, it is someone who, as he said, “they wrote me off,” and that is Geno Smith. He stepped into the QB role for the Seattle Seahawks, which were pretty big shoes to fill for Russell Wilson. Heading into the season, it was expected that the Seahawks have a QB competition between Geno Smith and Drew Lock, which was won by Smith. Through the first six weeks, he has shocked everyone with 1502 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and just two interceptions. NFL lines have definitely changed with his success.
Miles Sanders
Following an uncertainty in his role with the team, Miles Sanders has surprised many as he not only still has his starting job as the Philadelphia Eagles running back, but he also has the fourth most rushing yards through Week 6 in the NFL. After a slower start to his career, many thought he would lose his starting job to Kenneth Gainwell at some point, but that is not looking like it will be the case as Sanders continues to be successful.
Josh Jacobs
Like Miles Sanders, many thought Josh Jacobs would lose his starting job at some point in the season, but it is also not looking like that will be the case seeing as Jacobs is third in total rushing yards and has scored three touchdowns so far this year. Josh Jacobs has also had his up and down-moments in his career but is proving any doubters wrong as he looks to maintain his starting position and run past the naysayers. Through Week 6, Jacobs has 490 rushing yards and three rushing TDs.
Disappointing Players
Russell Wilson
As he was already mentioned once under Geno Smith, Russell Wilson lands under the disappointing players list as he has been unimpressive so far this season. Vegas NFL odds were all over the Denver Broncos heading into the season with the addition of Wilson to the already talented offense, but they have so far managed just seven total TDs with only five passing TDs.
Baker Mayfield
Another QB on the list, Baker Mayfield, was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Carolina Panthers this offseason causing many to think this would be the turnaround his career needed. He was out due to injury in Week 6, but through his first five weeks, he passed for just 962 yards, four touchdowns, and a matching four interceptions, with the Panthers carrying a 1-4 record. Was it ever the Browns’ fault or just Baker’s?
Allen Robinson II
Following some shining moments with the Jaguars and disappointing times with the Bears, many thought Allen Robinson would get a “rebirth” with the LA Rams, but so far, that hasn’t been the case. Through the first six weeks, he has managed 17 receptions from 29 targets, 170 yards, and two touchdowns. Many thought he could slide in to replace OBJ, but that is not working out well for either the Rams or Robinson at this point. Like Baker Mayfield, is this on the team or the player? With just 170 yards through six weeks, it could be on the player as he sees targets.