QB
Justin Herbert / LAC – Round 1
While the Chargers’ week 11 opponent is at the base of everybody’s NFL power rankings, Herbert’s continued progression took another step forward against NYJ. He threw for 366 yards on 37-49 passing. He threw 3 touchdowns and added to his league lead in completed 50+ yard completions. He made a few throws that displayed easy looking, elite arm talent.
RB
Antonio Gibson / WAS – Round 3
Washington is slowly turning things around, as they have won 2 of their last 5 and their three losses have been by 1, 3, and 3 points respectively. Gibson led the team in rushing for the fourth week in a row, this time finishing with a 16-94-1 stat line. He also added a catch for 10 yards, passing the 100 total yard mark for the third time this year.
WR
CeeDee Lamb / DAL – Round 1
There were a few rookie receivers that finished with more yards, but Lamb made multiple impact plays in the Dallas win at Minnesota that need to be highlighted. His touchdown catch may be in the running for the league’s unofficial catch of the year award and he gained 48 yards on 3 punt returns that were crucial in their second half seesaw battle with the Vikings.
TE
Adam Trautman / NO – Round 3
Another week, another group of crickets from the rookie tight end group. Trautman takes it home, however, with a 1 catch / 19 yard performance on his long target from new QB Taysom Hill.
OT
Mekhi Becton / NYJ – Round 1
Becton faced off against Chargers star defensive end Joey Bosa a couple handfuls of times and came out on top in every one of their head to head battles. In an offense that lacks spark and playmakers, Becton still shines with what he does against defenders when he squares them up. His footwork post-snap has substantially improved as well, putting him on a trajectory that could lead to the left tackle spot being locked up for a decade.
OG/OC
Jonah Jackson / DET – Round 3
There wasn’t much the Lions' offense could walk away from Carolina being proud about, but Jackson is one of them. Mr. Reliable has been winning his one on one battles routinely in both the run and pass game.
EDGE
Chase Young / WAS – Round 1
Young was disruptive all afternoon even though he didn’t walk away with a sack. He had 3 pressures added to his total that currently leads all NFL rookies. He also added 3 tackles / 1 PD / 1 forced fumble.
DT
John Penisini / CAR – Round 6
The Lions have a steady and deep rotation along the inside of their defensive line. As the season progresses, Penisini is seeing his playing time grow and the production is following. He had 4 tackles and a sack, showing plus speed and hustle in pursuit while also doubling as a space eater inside.
LB
Isaiah Simmons / ARZ – Round 1
We said the coming out party for Simmons was coming, and this may have been it. He finished with 10 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 TFL in their loss against SEA. Simmons played a season-high 68% of the defensive snaps and his role appears to be increasing. His coverage grade was outstanding and he is finding his way behind the line of scrimmage. Big things are coming from him at the perfect time.
CB
AJ Terrell / ATL – Round 1
Terrell finished with 5 tackles and a solid cover-grade against the Saints in the Falcons’ loss. His run support off the edge has been an impressive element to his game but he is going to make his money playing man coverage like he did against Michael Thomas in this one. ATL has a good one here.
S
Jordan Fuller / LAR – Round 6
On the Monday night national spotlight, Fuller stole the show as the LAR defense came up huge on the road against Tom Brady and the potent TB offense. Fuller picked Brady off two times while adding 4 tackles. A right place-right time defender, Fuller has become a key cog in the Rams defense is on a trajectory that could land them deep in the postseason.