AJ Surace, QB, Rutgers
Just last week, AJ Surace was holding a clipboard, preparing to back up starter Dylan Lonergan. After Lonergan went down with an injury in a surprising Week 1 loss, the job now falls to Surace. He showed some promise in limited action, going 6-for-9 for 77
yards and a touchdown. But now, he's not just getting mop-up duty; he's the guy. Coach Greg Schiano had said the QB competition was close all summer, and Surace now has the chance to prove it and stabilize the Scarlet Knights' season.
MarShawn Lloyd, RB, Green Bay Packers
With starting running back Josh Jacobs placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List before the season, the Packers' backfield was already a question mark. The plan was a committee approach, but MarShawn Lloyd is the one with the highest ceiling. While he's had trouble staying healthy, his explosive, playmaking ability was on display in Week 1. Suddenly, a player who was supposed to be a rotational piece is now the key to the Packers' ground game and could be a flex-play fantasy football darling if he can maintain this role and stay on the field.
Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, Baltimore Ravens
The hype around the rookie from USC was palpable all preseason, with teammates comparing him to some of the greats for his size and catching ability. Still, he was expected to be the third option behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. After a solid debut in Week 1 where he proved to be a reliable target for Lamar Jackson, Lane's role looks to be expanding faster than anticipated. He isn't just a red-zone asset; he's becoming a go-to receiver, forcing defensive coordinators to account for another major threat in the Ravens' already potent offense.
Jonah Coleman, RB, Denver Broncos
Head coach Sean Payton has always preferred a running-back-by-committee, and Denver's backfield looked crowded with J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey. But Coleman, a rookie, has turned heads. Described as a bowling ball with great balance and vision, he's earned comparisons to Mark Ingram from NFL scouts. After a strong preseason and a solid showing in Week 1, he’s forcing his way into a much larger role. While Dobbins is still the lead back, Coleman's effectiveness in both the running and passing game means he's no longer just a handcuff; he's a vital part of the offensive game plan.
Drew Allar, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers drafted Drew Allar in the third round with the idea that he would develop behind their veteran starter. But after a Week 1 injury, the future is now. Allar, who showed promise in the preseason with his big arm and three-touchdown performance against the Packers, is suddenly tasked with leading a team with playoff aspirations. He gives the Steelers hope for the future, but the timeline has been drastically accelerated. His performance will determine whether Pittsburgh can stay in contention or if this becomes a lost season.
Ayden Garnes, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As an undrafted free agent from Duquesne and Arizona, Ayden Garnes was a long shot to even make the roster. Yet, he impressed so much in camp that he earned a spot as a backup. Following an injury to a starting corner in Week 1, Garnes was thrust into a significant role. According to scouts, his movement skills and knack for making plays have him ascending quickly. He's gone from a feel-good camp story to a critical piece of the Buccaneers' secondary, a player the team now needs to rely on every single Sunday.
