QB
Justin Herbert / LAC – Round 1
While Herbert may have been up against one of the league’s worst passing defenses, he put the Chargers on his back in their first win at SoFi stadium and first win since week 1. He threw for 347 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding 66 rushing yards and another touchdown. He played behind a banged up offensive line missing its 3 best players while also missing their starting running back in Austin Ekeler. This team is one tough opponent and Herbert is the one leading the charge.
Joe Burrow / CIN – Round 1
We have a tie at QB of the week, as Burrow matched Herbert when it came to production. He threw for 406 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding 34 yards on the ground. Burrow came up huge as CLE and CIN traded scores in the fourth quarter but CIN fell just short. He has now thrown for 300+ yards in 5 of his 7 games this season.
RB
James Robinson / JAX – UDFA
Robinson has been the most prominent rookie on this list since the start of the year. The Jaguars knew they had something here when they released Leonard Fournette. Robinson once again broke the 100 total-yard mark for the fourth time this season, 119 on the ground and 18 through the air while adding a touchdown via both. He is gaining a lot of yards after contact via outstanding contact balance, vision, and a hungry downhill style.
WR
Tee Higgins / CIN – Round 2
Perhaps the next big time QB/WR duo in the league is blossoming before our eyes. Higgins and Joe Burrow are connecting more and more each week, with the former catching all 5 of his targets for 71 yards and a touchdown. The elite ball skills and space-awareness make him a tough cover in traffic.
TE
Harrison Bryant / CLE – Round 4
With Austin Hooper on the sideline with an injury and former first round pick David Njoku straddling the line of asset vs. liability to the Browns offense, it is the rookie Bryant who is stepping up. He caught another 4 balls for 56 yards while adding 2 touchdowns in CLE’s shootout against CIN.
OT
Jedrick Wills / CLE – Round 1
Yet another rookie standout from the CLE/CIN game. Wills’ pass protection continues to look near-flawless and even though his push in the running game could use work, one can easily point to him as a strong catalyst to why Baker Mayfield had a career game in week 7. He looks like a seasoned vet as a pass blocker week in, week out.
OG/OC
Damien Lewis / SEA – Round 5
While SEA may have its issues on defense, offensively they are really clicking and a large part is because of the offensive line resurgence. Lewis has added a sense of power and bullying they have lacked in recent years and his pass protection has been better than expected. He overcame an in-game injury to come back in and provide steady play for the rest of the second half.
EDGE
Chase Young / WAS – Round 1
In the dominant win over DAL and ravaged offensive line, Young and the Washington Football Team’s defensive line overpowered the Cowboys. The #2 overall pick continues to show strong and steady play with flashes of brilliance. He had 6 tackles, 1 TFL, and 4 pressures.
DT
DaVon Hamilton / JAX – Round 3
When JAX drafted Hamilton, it was part of their effort to get bigger and more physical to keep bodies off their linebackers. Hamilton, the Alpha-Male of any room he is, has done that but stepped his game up against LAC. He had 8 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 QB hits, and 4 pressures in their losing effort.
LB
Jordyn Brooks / SEA – Round 1
Perhaps SEA’s defensive woes can be solved with what has worked in the past, their young players. Brooks saw a season high 38 snaps (he had only 29 snaps all year under his belt heading into week 7) and finished with 7 tackles and a TFL. Brooks’ elite burst and speed were on display both in coverage and lateral pursuit. There aren’t many defenders who can run down Kyler Murray from behind and he did exactly that. The SEA defense keeps three linebackers on the field more than any team in the league and an athlete like Brooks will only strengthen that fact.
CB
Jaylon Johnson / CHI – Round 2
Johnson wasn’t tested much (thrown at just 3 times) but he had a key downfield pass break up and added 3 tackles. The LAR passing game appeared to be avoiding him and with good reason, as he has easily been the top rookie corner in the NFL so far this season.
S
Antoine Winfield Jr / TB – Round 2
The TB defense is turning into one of the best in football. They have a dominant front seven, notably against the run, and a young secondary that is starting to turn the corner. Winfield Jr recorded his first interception in their win over LV that highlighted his ball reactions and instincts. His range in deep coverage and ability to close gaps in a blink have been a huge asset for the unit.