NFL News & Analysis

Best players at every position for Week 6

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) watches warm up's prior to an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

There were some big box score performances on Sunday, as the yards flowed for quarterbacks, and the sacks flowed for pass rushers. But beyond that, who would the tape determine worthy of a place on the PFF Team of the Week roster?

Let’s find out.

Quarterback: Carson Palmer, Cardinals (+5.6)

An ugly interception may have ruined the perception of Palmer’s performance, but despite the Cardinals' disappointing defeat, he continued his tremendous season with a number of pinpoint throws.

Running back: Chris Ivory, Jets (+2.5)

Another big day from Ivory, who is relishing life under Todd Bowles. He forced another three missed tackles on his way to 146 yards on the ground.

Fullback: Michael Burton, Lions (+2.7)

You wouldn’t think Burton was a rookie with how well he’s taken to the NFL. He was excellent against the Bears, not for the first time this season.

Tight end: Jimmy Graham, Seahawks (+3.0)

The Seahawks may have lost, but they possibly unleashed Jimmy Graham for the first time. The former Saint just beat out Ben Watson for the spot on this team, with his 140 yards on 10 targets.

Wide receivers: Keenan Allen, Chargers (+5.8) and DeAndre Hopkins, Texans (+3.7)

Our two receivers had an incredible 29 targets between them. It’s not about the volume of targets they had, though, but rather what they did with them that got them on this team. Allen caught every single ball thrown his way, while Hopkins is making the Texans competitive on offense with his brilliance.

Tackles: Chris Hairston, Chargers (+4.3) and Chris Clark, Texans (+5.8)

Not two well-known names around the league, but two who nonetheless were excellent in Week 6. Clark is on the team due to the strength of some fantastic run blocking, while Hairston was superb in pass protection, allowing just one hurry.

Guards: Andrew Norwell, Panthers (+4.3) and T.J. Lang, Packers (+4.3)

Cap purgatory has forced the Panthers to outperform the rest of the league come draft season, especially when it comes to undrafted free agents. Norwell highlights this with a big run blocking effort, continuing a season in which he is earning legitimate Pro Bowl consideration. Lang is a more familiar name, and while he has had a couple of poor games by his standards, he was at his best against the Chargers.

Center: Ryan Kalil, Panthers (+5.5)

The best center in the league? It’s been Kalil this year, and performances like the one against Seattle show why.

 

Each week we put forward a hybrid defense that features two edge rushers (4-3 defensive ends or 3-4 outside linebackers), three players on the “interior” of the defensive line (3-4 defensive ends or defensive tackles) and two linebackers (all inside linebackers and 4-3 outside linebackers).

Defensive interior – ends: J.J. Watt, Texans (+7.1) and Kawann Short, Panthers (+5.4)

It was the good Watt this week, who was phenomenal rushing the passer with 11 quarterback disruptions. The excellent Short was fantastic himself, with six of his own along with some strong work in the run game.

Defensive interior – nose: Brandon Williams, Ravens (+5.8)

No nose tackle is playing as well as Williams. He disrupts A-gaps like it’s going out of fashion.

Edge Rushers: Cameron Wake, Dolphins (+7.8) and Cameron Jordan, Saints (+5.1)

Our two edge rushers combined for a somewhat decent seven sacks between them. Not too bad at all. Wake looked unleashed under the Dolphins new management, while Jordan showed his ability to win whatever technique he’s lined up at.

Linebackers: Luke Kuechly, Panthers (+3.5) and Christian Jones, Bears (+2.7)

You think Kuechly was happy to be back on the field? 11 tackles, eight of them defensive stops, highlight a player who was all over the field. Jones wasn’t quite as disruptive, but made a mark with positive marks in coverage and against the run.

Cornerbacks: Malcolm Butler, Patriots (+3.4) and Patrick Peterson, Cardinals (+3.0)

After getting taken to town by Antonio Brown in Week 1, Butler has really delivered as the Patriots' top cornerback, with his effort against Indy his best yet. Peterson is one of the “name” cornerbacks who is actually playing up to his reputation level, with his grade against Pittsburgh his highest of the year.

Safeties: Earl Thomas, Seahawks (+4.6) and Marcus Gilchrist, Jets (+4.0)

Our safety combo combined for two interceptions and three pass breakups to make this team. Thomas, in particular, was fantastic, giving a glimpse into why he is regarded so highly.

Kicker: Chris Boswell, Steelers

A reassuring effort after the recent struggles from Josh Scobee.

Punter: Pat McAfee, Colts

His brilliance makes that decision to fake punt all the more, shall we say, interesting.

Returner: Adam Jones, Bengals

Always likely to change field position.

 

For the worst players at every position in Week 6, click here.

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