By C.J. Herman, Sports Staffer
Quarterback:
1. Matthew Stafford
Being one of the league’s last few pure pocket passers, Stafford continues to deliver elite production with 1,119 passing yards and a 67.6% completion rate. His arm talent and decision making allow his receivers to produce at an elite level every game.
2. Josh Allen
Allen started the year with 964 passing yards, a 7 to 1 touchdown-interception ratio, 159 rushing yards, and 3 touchdowns. His MVP level play carries over from last season, and his dual-threat dominance has the Buffalo Bills at 4-0 on the season.
3. Jared Goff
With 9 touchdowns and 2 interceptions while also adding three straight wins versus the Bears, Ravens, and Browns shows off Goff’s true potential. When protected, he is a dangerous passing threat.
4. Lamar Jackson
Having a 10 to 1 touchdown to interception ratio is not an easy feat for any quarterback. Despite many team miscommunications, Jackson’s efficiency and scrambling remain unlike any other player. He is the reason Baltimore is as competitive as they are.
5. Justin Herbert
Herbert starts off strong this year with1,063 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. With Keenan Allen back on his old team, Herbert is thriving in the passing game. Number four in passing yards and climbing with his elite receiving core.
Running back:
1. James Cook
With 401 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. Cook is leading the league in rushing touchdowns while also putting up exceptional yards each week. There is no doubt he belongs at the top.
2. Jonathan Taylor
After putting up 414 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns so far, we are seeing flashes of his 2021 self in this new season. He leads the league in rushing yards amongst all backs through 4 weeks.
3. Bijan Robinson
Bijan posted 181 total yards (75 rushing 106 receiving) in a win over the Washington Commanders in Week 4, showcasing his dual threat ability to also be an elite pass catcher out of the backfield.
4. Travis Etienne Jr.
After putting up 124 yards and a lone touchdown over the 49ers, Etienne had his best week yet and is projected to reach a career high of 1,600 rushing yards, a personal best for the fifth year back from Clemson.
5. Javonte Williams
Being sixth in rushing yards at 312 and tied for touchdowns with four, Williams is showing positive signs of reviving his young career in Dallas. He brings the physicality this Dallas run game has been missing out on for many years prior.
Wide Receiver:
1. Puka Nacua
On pace for 2,100 receiving yards, Puka is changing expectations in his third season as a Ram with his explosive consistency on a weekly basis. Nacua averages over 100+ receiving yards through four weeks.
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba
With 402 receiving yards and multiple 100+ receiving yard games this season, we have seen a major step up in Smith-Njigba’s progression as a wide receiver one in this new Seattle offense.
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown
St. Brown leads the league in receiving touchdowns with six so far. He will continue to be Goff’s number one target in this high-powered Detroit offense as the season progresses.
4. Justin Jefferson
With 326 yards and a projection of around a 1,300+ yard season ahead, Jefferson continues to be the most reliable target on this Minnesota offense despite recent quarterback struggles.
5. Quinten Johnston
Johnston’s 337 yards and 4 touchdowns through four weeks is putting him on track for a career high 1,400-yard campaign. A breakout all Chargers fans were hoping for.
Tight End:
1. Tucker Kraft
With 225 yards and 2 touchdowns, Kraft is emerging as a top target for Jordan Love and a pass heavy scheme in Green Bay. His production and usage over four weeks are what puts him at the top spot.
2. Trey Mcbride
McBride remains the consensus number one option for Kyler Murray, with 234 receiving yards and a touchdown to go with it. He is continuing his role as the lead pass catcher, and Kyler’s go to weapon since being drafted in 2022.
3. Tyler Warren
The rookie out of Penn State is projected to surpass 1,100 receiving yards this season. This is nothing short of a rare feat for any rookie receiver let alone a tight end. His ability to be a consistent pass catcher while also being a solid blocker is what puts him above many.
4. Brock Bowers
Bower’s usage has dipped with new weapons in the Las Vegas offense, but his athleticism is something that should not be ignored. With Geno Smith playing in a spread approach, we see a reduction in Bower’s volume and target share.
5. Hunter Henry
Henry has 15 receptions with 13.6 yards per catch and 3 touchdowns to go with it, emerging as a top redzone target for Drake Maye’s heavy pass offense. His physicality and route running make him an easy quick target for Maye as we have seen through four weeks.
Leave a Reply