As the NFL season races toward its conclusion, standout performances continue to shape narratives across the league. Here’s a breakdown of what caught our eye from this week’s action and standout stats for the season, team by team.
Arizona Cardinals
Safety Budda Baker remains a force against the run, leading all defensive backs with 32 defensive stops this season. His ability to read plays and close gaps has made him a cornerstone for the Cardinals’ defense.
Atlanta Falcons
Linebacker Kaden Elliss has redefined pass-rushing from the linebacker position, tallying a league-high 43 pressures. His disruptive presence has been instrumental in keeping the Falcons’ playoff hopes alive.
Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson thrives under pressure—literally. His league-leading 90.8 grade against the blitz has allowed the Ravens to adapt to aggressive defenses, making him a top MVP contender.
Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen continues to dominate, matching Lamar Jackson with 11 big-time throws over the past four weeks. Both quarterbacks are firmly in the MVP conversation as they lead their teams into the postseason hunt.
Carolina Panthers
Rookie Bryce Young showcased his deep ball skills this week, tying Sam Darnold with four completions on throws over 20 yards. Young’s development offers a silver lining for Carolina’s rebuilding season.
Chicago Bears
Veteran wideout Keenan Allen has been a deep threat machine since Week 13, hauling in six catches on passes over 20 yards—the most in the NFL during that span.
Cincinnati Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase’s 26 first downs against man coverage this season highlight his elite ability to dominate one-on-one matchups and secure clutch plays for the Bengals.
Cleveland Browns
Myles Garrett continues his defensive dominance, leading the league with 79 total pressures. His relentless pursuit of quarterbacks has kept Cleveland’s defense formidable.
Dallas Cowboys
Micah Parsons is unstoppable, registering 30 pressures over the past five weeks—more than any other defensive player. Parsons remains a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
Denver Broncos
Zach Allen is having a career year, racking up 73 pressures, the second-most among interior defensive linemen. His consistency has been a bright spot for the Broncos’ defense.
Detroit Lions
Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta is turning heads with his seven catches on deep balls this year, the most among all tight ends. His versatility is becoming a key weapon for Detroit’s offense.
Green Bay Packers
Josh Jacobs has forced a league-high 34 missed tackles since Week 13, showcasing his elusive running style and ability to make defenders look silly.
Houston Texans
Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has been a run-stopping force, posting a 12.3% run stop percentage—the second-highest among linebackers with at least 200 snaps in run defense.
Indianapolis Colts
Zaire Franklin’s seven defensive stops this week were the most of any player. His physicality and football IQ make him a standout in the Colts’ front seven.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Josh Allen (the linebacker) dominated this week with nine pressures, leading all defenders. His efforts anchor Jacksonville’s defense heading into the final stretch.
Kansas City Chiefs
Tight end Travis Kelce remains the go-to guy against man coverage, converting 18 first downs this season. His chemistry with Patrick Mahomes is second to none.
Las Vegas Raiders
Ameer Abdullah tied Saquon Barkley with eight missed tackles forced this week. His agility and shiftiness give the Raiders’ offense a spark in key moments.
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert’s 94.3 play-action grade ranks second only to Lamar Jackson. Herbert’s ability to sell the run and attack defenses deep keeps the Chargers’ offense unpredictable.
Los Angeles Rams
Rookie Puka Nacua carved up zone coverage this week, leading the league with 113 yards. His emergence as a reliable target has been a boon for the Rams.
Miami Dolphins
Calais Campbell leads all interior linemen with an 88.4 run defense grade, making him a key piece in Miami’s defensive resurgence.
Minnesota Vikings
Jonathan Greenard, tied with Myles Garrett, leads the league with 58 pressures in true pass sets. His relentless pass rush is a major asset for the Vikings’ defense.
New England Patriots
Anfernee Jennings’ 33 stops against the run are the most of any edge defender. His ability to seal the edge has been crucial for the Patriots’ defensive scheme.
New Orleans Saints
J.T. Gray boasts the highest special teams grade (91.3) among players with at least 200 snaps, proving invaluable in field position battles.
New York Giants
Slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson has moved the chains 28 times from the slot, ranking third among all receivers. His quickness and route running are a perfect fit for the Giants’ system.
New York Jets
The Jets’ run defense is a two-headed monster, with Quincy Williams (35 stops) and Jamien Sherwood (34 stops) ranking among the top six defenders in the league.
Philadelphia Eagles
Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell has forced 15 incompletions, second only to Denzel Ward. His lockdown coverage is a key part of the Eagles’ defensive success.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers boast three edge rushers in the league’s top eight: Nick Herbig (third), Alex Highsmith (sixth), and T.J. Watt (eighth). Watt also ranks first in run defense snaps.
San Francisco 49ers
Ricky Pearsall and Drake London tied for the league lead this week with 71 yards each against man coverage, showing their ability to win physical matchups.
Seattle Seahawks
Linebacker Jordyn Brooks and cornerback Devon Witherspoon led the league this week with four defensive stops in coverage, epitomizing Seattle’s aggressive defensive approach.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tristan Wirfs continues to dominate in pass protection with a league-leading 93.2 pass-blocking grade, solidifying his status as one of the NFL’s best tackles.
Tennessee Titans
Jeffery Simmons’ 33 defensive stops are second among interior linemen. His combination of size and quickness makes him a disruptive force.
Washington Commanders
Sam Cosmi earned the highest zone run-blocking grade (91.2) among offensive linemen this week, showcasing his dominance in the trenches.
These performances continue to redefine the league as players make their cases for individual accolades and their teams fight for playoff positions.
