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Best players at every position from Week 11

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Doug Martin (22) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

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

Let’s find out.

 

Quarterback: Russell Wilson, Seahawks (+4.3)

This wasn't a standout week for quarterbacks, but Wilson was on the money. He had just five incompletions, three of which were throwaways, and another that was a drop.

Running back: Doug Martin, Buccaneers (+3.4)

It was going to have to be a special effort to keep Thomas Rawls out of this lineup, and so it proved, as Martin rumbled for a monster 235 yards against an overmatched Eagles' defense.

Fullback: Kyle Juszczyk, Ravens (+2.7)

Patrick DiMarco may have ended the day with two touchdowns, but the blocking of Juszcysk means he makes this team.

Tight end: Brent Celek, Eagles (+5.0)

A tough day for Philadelphia, but Celek had a big day with his blocking and contributed as a receiver with 79 yards.

Wide receivers: Julio Jones, Falcons (+3.8) and DeAndre Hopkins, Texans (+3.2)

You can’t slow Julio down; the Falcon ended up with 160 yards in a losing effort. Hopkins really had his way with Darrelle Revis, ending up with 118 yards and two touchdowns.

Tackles: Lane Johnson, Eagles (+3.7) and Charles Leno, Bears (+2.9)

Looking much better on the right side, Johnson was nearly flawless in a strong effort against the Buccaneers. Leno was the best of a very average bunch on the left side, and even he was badly beaten for a sack.

Guards: Evan Mathis, Broncos (+3.8) and Chris Chester, Falcons (+4.1)

In any other week, Mathis’ woes in pass protection would have prevented him from making this team. But his strong work in the run game and the struggles of linemen everywhere ensure he does. Chester had a good day, and his fit in Atlanta continues to be a great one.

Center: Travis Swanson, Lions (+2.4)

It’s been an up and down year (emphasis on down) for Swanson, but he had a productive outing against the Raiders.

 

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: Aaron Donald, Rams (+12.3) and J.J. Watt, Texans (+9.7)

Watt was fantastic, with eye-popping numbers. But even he is merely a supporting act to the excellence of Donald this week. The Rams' defensive tackle is a true force on the interior with his ability to ruin plays in such a fashion.

Defensive interior – nose: Damon Harrison, Jets (+6.7)

There are times when Harrison is unplayable. This was one of them, as he finished the game with a monster 10 defensive stops in the run game.

Edge rushers: William Hayes, Rams (+6.8) and Tamba Hali, Chiefs (+7.0)

Hayes has proven to be a really valuable part of the Rams' defensive line rotation, and starting the past five weeks, has really stepped up. He was excellent against Baltimore with some top-tier work in the run game complementing six quarterback disruptions. While Hali tends to play second-fiddle to Justin Houston, this week was all him, as he had seven QB disruptions, including two sacks.

Linebackers: Derrick Johnson, Chiefs (+5.8) and D’Qwell Jackson, Colts (+5.2)

Two members of the veteran linebackers club showed they still have it. Johnson did his best work in the run game, while Jackson feasted on making plays in coverage.

Cornerbacks: Desmond Trufant, Falcons (+3.3) and Johnathan Joseph, Texans (+3.3)

Our two cornerbacks allowed just five passes between them, while breaking up four balls themselves.

Safeties: Reshad Jones, Dolphins (+3.8) and John Cyprien, Jaguars (+2.3)

Credit Cyprien, who is much improved in recent weeks, really turning his career round. Jones is having another one of his brilliant seasons, and will be sure to challenge for end-of-season honors with efforts like this one against Dallas.

Kicker: Mason Crosby, Packers

Five-of-five shows Crosby at the peak of his powers.

Punter: Pat McAfee, Colts

McAfee is a true weapon. His ability to get distance and hang time with his kicks allow his coverage units time to get down the field.

Returner: Rashad Greene, Jaguars

He didn’t get a lot of touches, but he made them count with a game-winning contribution.

Thanks to the support from Ohio Film Office.

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