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Best players at every position for Week 10

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) warms up before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Monday, Sept. 14, 2015. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

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 for Week 10?

Let’s find out.

(Editor’s note: Changes may be made following our review process and once the Monday Night Football game has been analyzed and graded. To view the worst individual performances in Week 10, see Bryson Vesnaver's Worst Team of the Week.)

Quarterback: Cam Newton, Panthers (+6.0)

The Carolina QB is at the top of his game right now, and was nearly flawless against the Titans. He ended the day with just three aimed passes off target.

Running back: Adrian Peterson, Vikings (+3.4)

Sunday brought a “wow” performance from Peterson, who has more yards after contact this week than any back had rushing. Stunning effort.

Fullback: Kyle Juszczyk, Ravens (+1.3)

It wasn’t a week for the lead blockers, but the Ravens' fullback did do some damage catching the ball out of the backfield.

Tight end: Zach Ertz, Eagles (+5.0)

It wasn’t just the receiving of Ertz that caught our eye, as he earned the best blocking mark of his career.

Wide receivers: Michael Floyd, Cardinals (+1.9) and Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (+2.7)

While Floyd was the deep threat who made two fantastic grabs to offset one criminal drop, Fitzgerald was the go-to chain-mover, causing the Seahawks' inside defenders all sorts of problems.

Tackles: Eugene Monroe, Ravens (+4.0) and Austin Howard, Raiders (+4.9)

Monroe had a nice game against his old team, really shining in the run game with some powerful blocking. Howard was as good in that regard, and even better in pass protection.

Guards: Logan Mankins, Buccaneers (+4.5) and Marshal Yanda, Ravens (+4.0)

Mankins rolled back the years with one of his better efforts in a Buccaneers jersey. As for Yanda, he just continued doing what he’s been doing all year.

Center: Joe Berger, Vikings (+5.3)

When you lose your starting center, bad things normally follow. But the play of Berger has been exceptional for the Vikings, with his showing against Oakland the best yet.

 

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: Mike Daniels, Packers (+5.5) and Aaron Donald, Rams (+11.7)

While the Rams lost, you can’t fault the brilliance of Donald, who continues his superb sophomore year. Partnering him, Daniels was one Packer who really stood out in a disappointing defeat to Detroit.

Defensive interior – nose: Linval Joseph, Vikings (+4.1)

This is two weeks in a row for Joseph on this roster, who is having himself some year.

Edge rushers: Olivier Vernon, Dolphins (+6.8) and Justin Houston, Chiefs (+8.9)

It was a monster day for Vernon, who landed a massive six hits on the quarterback. Over in Denver, the Chiefs' Houston was having himself a day as well, with 10 quarterback disruptions highlighting his impact.

Linebackers: Luke Kuechly, Panthers (+4.5) and Jasper Brinkley, Giants (+4.1)

This is the kind of season we might be talking about for some time if Kuechly can maintain his ridiculous level of play. How about Brinkley, though? That’s two excellent efforts in a row from the Giant, who is relishing his role in New York.

Cornerbacks: Terence Newman, Vikings (+7.3) and Sean Smith, Chiefs (+4.9)

It tells you how well these two played that Odell Beckman Jr.’s shadow (also known as Malcolm Butler) didn’t make the team. Newman allowed just three completions into his coverage, while intercepting two balls and breaking up two other passes. Meanwhile, Smith allowed just two completions and matched Newman’s number, but for one fewer pick.

Safeties: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Packers (+4.9) and Malcolm Jenkins, Eagles (+3.7)

An all-action display from Clinton-Dix, who added five stops to his pick in a career game. Jenkins, who is having a tremendous year, continued his fine form against the Dolphins.

Kicker: Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots

Gostkowksi just doesn’t miss, no matter the situation.

Punter: Brett Kern, Titans

Kern really made the most out of his five punts.

Returner: Ted Ginn Jr., Panthers

Ginn is a real difference-maker when returning punts.

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