Philip Rivers, quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers
Coming off a strong win in Baltimore against the Ravens, Rivers and the Chargers were expected to compete and perhaps even dethrone Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s Patriots in New England. Sadly for the veteran quarterback, the Patriots took care of the Chargers, winning 41-28. Rivers had a decent day with 331 yards, three touchdown passes and one interception, but the Chargers defense could not stop Brady and New England’s juggernaut offense. Rivers finishes the 2018-19 campaign with a strong 13-5 record and will look to next season to contend for a Super Bowl.
Final season stats: 4,308 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 105.5 RTG
Nyheim Hines, running back, Indianapolis Colts
It was another typical day at the office for Hines, who again found himself serving more as a role player behind Marlon Mack in the Colts’ backfield. The Colts matched up against the Chiefs in Kansas City, where the Colts could not make much work in the snowy conditions. Hines finished his day with three carries for 24 yards and zero receptions on a day where the Colts only scored one offensive touchdown. The Colts will want to mostly forget about this one, as the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs rolled to a 31-13 win. Hines, along with the 11-7 Colts, will carry strong momentum into his second year, as Hines will likely enjoy an increased role in Indianapolis next season (take note, fantasy owners).
Final season stats: 85 attempts, 314 rushing yards, 63 receptions, 425 receiving yards, four total touchdowns
Joe Thuney, guard, New England Patriots
The Patriots left Foxborough with a convincing 41-28 win against the Chargers, with much of that credit owed to Thuney and the Patriots’ offensive line. The Chargers came into Sunday’s game with one of the NFL’s better defenses and an elite pass rushing duo with Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa. However, today was not Los Angeles’ day, as its defense did not sack Tom Brady throughout the entire game. Thuney has started in every game since his rookie year in 2016 and will continue to do so as the Patriots travel to Kansas City next week for a chance to get back to the Super Bowl.
Justin Jones, defensive tackle, Los Angeles Chargers
Jones continued to contribute to the Chargers’ defense Sunday, even on a day when the entire defense struggled. Jones managed to rack up two total tackles against an elite Patriots offense. The Chargers ended their season with a 41-28 loss, but Jones can look back on this season with a performance he can be proud of, as his playing time increased as the year progressed. Like Nyheim Hines, look for Jones to have an increased role in Los Angeles next year.
Final season stats: 0.5 sacks, seven solo tackles, 17 total tackles
