QB
Aidan O’Connell / LV (Round 5)
Overlooked in the dismantling of the Chargers by Las Vegas that led to the firing of Brandon Staley was O’Connell’s 120.7 passer rating. He passed for 248 yards on 20/34 passing. He was in control from start to finish with excellent footwork, tempo, and accuracy. His three big time throws were a season high.
Honorable Mention: Bryce Young / CAR
RB
Jahmyr Gibbs / DET (Round 1)
Gibbs scored his seventh and eighth touchdowns of the season, but one of those was his first through the air. He gained 108 total yards on just 13 touches, breaking 6 tackles and averaging over 4 yards per carry after contact.
Honorable Mention: Keaton Mitchell / BAL
WR
Jordan Addison / MIN (Round 1)
It does not matter who is throwing the ball to Addison. Whether it is starter Kirk Cousins, veteran backup Josh Dobbs, or third stringer Nick Mullens. He is producing more than every rookie receiver in the league. He brought in 6 catches for 111 yards and moved into fourth place league-wide on the season with two more touchdowns.
Honorable Mention: Rashee Rice / KC
TE
Sam LaPorta / DET (Round 2)
Also tied for fourth place in the league in receiving touchdowns is LaPorta (number one among tight ends). Three of his five catches against the Broncos were for scores. The 56 yards put him into fourth place league-wide at the position.
Honorable Mention: Michael Mayer / LV
OT
Wanya Morris / KC (Round 3)
His second straight start and third straight game of extended snaps because of the injury to starter Donovan Smith was the best we have seen of Morris to date. He did allow two pressures because of footwork but when he was set up and balanced, his power looked unbeatable against the underrated NE pass rush in a game where KC threw the ball 45 times on the road.
Honorable Mention: Paris Johnson / ARZ
OG/OC
O’Cyrus Torrence / BUF (Round 3)
The Bills' breakout offensive performance against one of the top defenses in the NFL was largely a result of their play up front. O’Cyrus Torrence allowed one pressure on 22 drop backs but more importantly made several key blocks in the running game. They averaged 5.4 yards per carry with James Cook leading the way with 7.2 per carry. Inside, Torrence was dominant whether he was pulling or staying home.
Honorable Mention: Cody Mauch / TB
ED
Zach Harrison / ATL (Round 3)
In a career high 29 snaps, Harrison has his best game of the season finishing with a sack (his first career one) and 2 tackles for loss. He also added a pressure. The athleticism at his size was on display on a play where he tracked down Bryce Young in wide open space with a good late adjustment. We saw him shifted into a slightly different role with injuries piling up on the line and it paid off.
Honorable Mention: Lukas Van Ness / GB
DT
Bryan Bresee / NO (Round 1)
The Saints' defense stayed hot as they hounded NYG quarterback Tommy DeVito all afternoon. With a series of stunts and twist games up front, Bresee ended with 2 sacks and 2 hurries. His ability to turn and burst in small spaces at his size is rare.
Honorable Mention: Calijah Kancey / TB
LB
Ivan Pace Jr. / MIN (UDFA)
Put Pace Jr. back on Saturday football and he goes off. His 9 tackles and 2 TFL help keep the Bengals at bay for most of the game. His run defense and ability to navigate through blockers has been impactful for the playoff-hopeful Vikings.
Honorable Mention: Jack Campbell / DET
CB
Tyrique Stevenson / CHI (Round 2)
The high-risk, high-reward style of Stevenson kept the Bears in the game and almost stole them a victory in Cleveland. He picked off Joe Flacco, giving the rookie corner two interceptions over his last three games. He also broke up another pass and added 5 tackles.
Honorable Mention: Kelee Ringo / PHI
S
Jordan Battle / CIN (Round 3)
Battle tied for the team lead 10 tackles in CIN’s comeback effort against the Vikings. His assignment-savvy style and sure tackling have been key variables to the CIN defense, and it shows up every game now.
Honorable Mention: Brian Branch / DET