Offensive Player of the Year: Rivers isn’t Iced over yet
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It’s still Philip Rivers in control, but right now things are so tight at the top you could quite comfortably give it to a number of different players and be comfortable with the choice.
Be sure to keep checking back because with each week and with each game there’s a certain former Atlanta Falcons quarterback who is going to challenge the more snaps he gets. But right now he’ll have to settle for something other than first place in our Offensive Player of the Year top ten.
1. Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego (+36.7)
Our highest-rated pure passer remains top after his bye week. But with the top five quarterbacks all playing so well this year, we ask the question: How long can he hold them off? Last week: 1st
2. Brandon Lloyd, WR, Denver (+17.8)
It might be a surprise to see Lloyd up this list, but he deserves it. Has a receiver rating that’s twice as good as his nearest rival and had another big game against the Chiefs. What a comeback. Last week: 3rd
3. Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta (+36.8)
Previously not ranked, there was no way of ignoring another great display from Ryan in leading the Falcons to victory. Has been near flawless in the Falcons’ past four games. Last week: Not ranked
4. Jake Long, T, Miami (+20.4)
It would be a shame if this injury Long picked up not only takes him off the field, but affects him when he returns. He’s having the kind of season in which, if he played a skill position, he’d be putting up crazy numbers. Instead, we have one crazy number for you: 1. That’s how many pressures per game Long is giving up. Last week: 6th
5. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis (+34.7)
It feels weird to have Manning rated so low. The Colts may be reliant on him, but with a second straight sub-standard performance, Manning is losing ground to those ahead and giving the chasing pack a prize target to focus on. Last week: 2nd
6. Carl Nicks, G, New Orleans (+20.7)
Drops on his bye because of NFC South foe Ryan’s rise to the top. Nicks remains the league’s best guard. It was nice of the Saints to set a benchmark for a guard’s contract with Jahri Evans, wasn’t it? How much does Nicks get? Last week: 5th
7. Peyton Hillis, HB, Cleveland (+17.9)
The best all-around back in the league? He may not be the best runner, but he’s pretty damn good and when you factor in everything else he does, it’s amazing to think this time last year he was so unwanted by Josh McDaniels. Last week: Not ranked
8. Jamaal Charles, HB, Kansas City (+14.4)
His worst performance in some time against the Broncos (in fact the lowest grade we’ve given him since 2008) sees him drop down the rankings. Couldn’t get anything going and his 2.9 yards per carry were less than he is averaging after contact this year. Last week: 4th
9. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay (+34.9)
May be the fifth-best quarterback at the moment (it’s only the lack of playing time of Michael Vick that has him so low). Still, that shouldn’t take away from another very good year from Rodgers. Last week: 8th
10. Adrian Peterson, HB, Minnesota (+16.0 rushing)
If all Peterson had to do was run the football, he’d probably be in the top three if not pushing for first place. He makes a mockery of less-than-stellar blocking and has a pure rushing grade higher than anyone (by some distance). But he is just useless when the Vikings pass. Can’t block and drops too many passes. Such a shame. Last week: 7th
Dropped Out: Ahmad Bradshaw (Giants) and Kareem McKenzie (Giants)
In the Mix: Andre Johnson (Texans), Antonio Gates (Chargers), Matt Birk (Baltimore), Percy Harvin (Vikings), Roddy White (Falcons), D’Brickashaw Ferguson (Jets) and Michael Vick (Eagles)
