Philip Rivers, Quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers’ offense looked sharp against the Cleveland Browns, much to Rivers’ credit. Rivers passed for over 200 yards and led his team to a 24-point victory. All signs point to the Chargers making the playoffs in the AFC this year. This will be due to Rivers and the multitude of offensive weapons he carries, such as wide receivers Keenan Allen and Tyrell Williams, who accounted for a combined 180 yards and two touchdowns, and running back Melvin Gordon. The growth of receiver Mike Williams will be something to watch, as his connection with Rivers is also growing. The maturity of Rivers and the explosiveness of this offense as a whole puts the Chargers in a good position.
Final stats: 207 passing yards on 55 percent completion, two touchdowns, one interception
Russell Wilson, Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
Like Rivers, Wilson led his team to a victory with a 27-3 domination of the Oakland Raiders with 242 all-purpose yards. Receivers Doug Baldwin and David Moore were the lead targets for Wilson, with a combined eight receptions on 11 targets for 138 yards. The Seahawks are having a middling season, but are looking to bounce back and snag a wildcard position in the deep NFC. There is no doubt that with Wilson at the helm, they can accomplish just that.
Final stats: 222 passing yards on 74 percent completion, three touchdowns, one interception, 20 rushing yards on six carries
Bradley Chubb, Linebacker, Denver Broncos
Chubb was dominant against the Los Angeles Rams with three sacks on Rams quarterback Jared Goff. Chubb is showing that he is growing into a great defensive piece for the Broncos, and looks to be a candidate for defensive rookie of the year. The Broncos do not look great this year, but their linebacker core is dominant to say the least.
Final stats: Three sacks, five tackles
Stephen Hauschka, Kicker, Buffalo Bills
Hauschka accounted for over half of the Bills’ point total in a loss against the Houston Texans, with seven total points accounted for. Hauschka showed he was reliable once again with 100 percent completion, and showed his power with a long field goal from 52 yards.
Final stats: 2 for 2 field goals with a long of 52 yards, 1 for 1 extra points, seven points
B.J. Hill, Defensive Tackle, New York Giants
Hill had a relatively quiet week in a blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, only recording two tackles. However, Hill has been a strong defensive piece for the Giants and will look to bounce back against the Atlanta Falcons in their next game.
Final stats: Two tackles
Nyheim Hines, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts
Hines had a quiet week, but only because of his lack of carries and targets. Hines has been reliable thus far this season, and showed his consistency once more with averages of 4.7 rushing yards and 10.5 receiving yards. His averages show that if he had been targeted more, he would have likely been more productive for a Colts team that lost to the New York Jets 42-34.
Final stats: 14 rushing yards on three attempts, 21 yards receiving on two receptions
David Grinnage, Tight End, Jacksonville Jaguars
Grinnage is a new face to Pack Pros, as he spent last season on the Jaguars’ practice squad and was recently promoted to the 53-man roster after an injury to fellow tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins. The Jaguars were obliterated 40-7 by the Dallas Cowboys, but Grinnage recorded his first pro catch on a seven-yarder from quarterback Blake Bortles, and will likely see many more snaps after another Jaguars tight end, Niles Paul, was sidelined for a month.
Final stats: Seven yards on one catch and target
