This weekly segment will highlight the best performances of the week in the NFL. Every position and player is eligible, all it requires is a truly epic showing. It’s not always stat driven, or analytics grade driven, though those things help you get on this list.
1. Derek Carr, QB, Oakland Raiders
I took him a late score in overtime against the Bucs to avoid being the 3rd tie of this season, but Carr lit up the Bucs secondary going 40 for 59 for 513 yards, 4 touchdowns and no interceptions.
2. Khalil Mack, LB, Oakland Raiders
On the other side of the ball from Carr, Mack was a one man wrecking crew. He had 3 sacks, 2 more QB hits, 5 hurries and 5 defensive stops. The Bucs couldn’t block him.
3. Jordan Howard, RB, Chicago Bears
The injury to Jeremy Langford may have turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it gave Howard an opportunity. He’s been clearly the best back for the Bears since he took over. In the upset win over the Vikings, Howard rushed for a league high 153 yards this week on 26 carries to go with a score. He added another 4 catches for 49 yards.
4. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots
We may need to reserve a permanent spot on this list for him each week. I wonder if the Patriots will consider sitting him the first 4 games of 2017, too? He’s playing the best football of his career. This week it was a ho-hum, 22 of 33 for 315 yards and 4 touchdowns. His rating is 133.9 for the season and he’s yet to throw a pick in 4 games (12 TDs)
5. Tyler Eifert, TE, Cincinnati Bengals
It’s good to see Eifert back on the field and he made his impact felt immediately. Not only did he put up a nice stat line (9 catches for 102 yards and a touchdown), he also graded very highly in his run blocking efforts (per PFF). The Bengals’ offense is that much scarier with him back.
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