While star players often capture the spotlight in the NFL, it’s frequently those who go unnoticed that truly impact the game when it matters most. There could be several reasons for their underappreciation. Maybe they’re in a smaller market and don’t get enough media attention, or they’re buried in the depth chart behind more prominent names who aren’t quite delivering the goods. It’s also conceivable that a coach just hasn’t realized the potential of these players and hasn’t committed to showcasing their talents.
For whatever reason, we at SB Nation love to shine a light on underrated players through our offseason Hidden Gems and in-season Secret Superstars features.
So, with that in mind, here’s a look at our NFC Secret Superstars for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season. And, if you haven’t already, make sure to check out our app for more accessible reading and engagement with our content!
Kyle Monangai, RB, Chicago Bears
Bears head coach Ben Johnson has often gone unrecognized for crafting one of the most effective run offenses in the league.
During his time as the Lions’ offensive coordinator from 2022 to 2024, the standout performances of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs were well-noted, and now, this trend continues. Sure, there’s discussion around Caleb Williams’ development and electrifying passing plays, but Johnson deserves just as much attention for his innovative run schemes, which were evident in the Bears’ 59-37 rout of the Carolina Panthers in Week 1.
The Bears didn’t just set a franchise record for points in a season opener—which is quite something considering the franchise’s long history dating back to 1920—but they also partook in the highest-scoring Week 1 game in the history of the NFL. Williams threw for 269 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, completing 21 of 29 passes, compiling a passer rating of 124.1.
But while that was great, it was the Bears’ rushing attack that truly overwhelmed the Panthers, racking up 291 yards on 39 carries (averaging 7.5 yards per attempt) and scoring six rushing touchdowns. D’Andre Swift led with 18 carries for 129 yards and three touchdowns, yet Kyle Monangai, a second-year player, made a notable impact, gaining 100 yards on just 10 carries and average 8.4 yards after contact. His highlight was a spectacular 61-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter, showcasing his skill throughout the game.
The blocking efforts from tight end Cole Kmet and receivers Jahdae Walker and Luther Burden III emphasized the team’s commitment to the run game.
“I saw Jahdae making sure that the play turned into a touchdown,” Raymond remarked after the game. “It’s a testament to the blocking effort. It’s not just a first down; it’s a touchdown, and that matters a lot for our backs.”
Bears’ opponents, by this point, are beginning to grasp what many others have yet to realize—Ben Johnson is a standout even if he only focused on the run game.
Osa Odighizuwa, DL, San Francisco 49ers
Last year, the performance of the 49ers’ pass rush was drastically affected by the absence of Nick Bosa, who missed the final 14 games of the 2025 season due to a torn ACL.
With Bosa on the field (65 opposing dropbacks faced):
- 3 sacks (4.62% sack rate)
- 26 pressures (40.0% pressure rate)
Without Bosa (569 opposing dropbacks faced):
- 17 sacks (2.99% sack rate)
- 172 pressures (30.23% pressure rate)
These figures reflect not only Bosa’s impact but also highlight the struggles of the rest of the defensive line. Bryce Huff led the team with five sacks and 46 pressures, but apart from him and edge defender Sam Okuayinonu, few players reached consistently high pressure numbers. The interior defensive linemen had a particularly hard time generating pressure, as they collectively delivered only four sacks and 55 pressures.
That’s part of why the 49ers traded for Osa Odighizuwa from the Cowboys earlier this year, acquiring a solid player to bolster their defensive front. The contract he signed in 2025 was worth $80 million over four years. Odighizuwa is a good value at a $5.122 million cap hit for 2026, but that number climbs significantly to $23.407 million in 2027 and 2028 if he remains on the team.
In his debut for the 49ers, Odighizuwa faced the Rams and didn’t disappoint. While he didn’t record a sack, he pressured quarterback Matthew Stafford five times, leading to several incompletions. He has been more of a pressure producer than a sack guy throughout his career, which was evident in this game.
It’s a great asset to have a player like Odighizuwa who can disrupt plays even without sacks. His ability to impact the game across multiple gaps stood out during his performance.
Tyler Owens, Special Teams, Washington Commanders
How often do we see a special teams play that really stands out?
When the Washington Commanders faced the Philadelphia Eagles, a pivotal moment happened during the second quarter. Washington lined up for a punt on fourth-and-18 from their own 19-yard line. Tyler Owens, a safety for the Commanders, took full advantage of the situation, maneuvering past a double team and delivering a punishing hit on return man Michael Carter II.
It was a remarkable play, and Commanders coach Dan Quinn couldn’t help but praise it afterward.
“I didn’t catch the start of the play live,” Quinn reflected. “But I did see the tackle. That’s the sign of a good gunner—someone who can navigate through tight coverage.”
“What he did out there was one of the proudest moments for me. His speed and effort are always present, but to see it come together in such an impactful way was great.”
With Owens having a similar standout play earlier in the game, stopping returner Britain Covey, his performances showed that he has much more to offer, despite his limited time on the field as a defensive player.
Owens, an undrafted player from Texas Tech, has only had 67 regular-season snaps but is proving his value on special teams and might just earn a lasting role with the team.
