Week 16.

Off the list: TJ Watt, Justin Herbert.

8- Deebo Samuel- Not exactly a winning effort on Thursday night against the Titans but still he was the focal point of the 49ers offense and he had another spectacular game – this time as a WR. 9 catches, 159 yards – to go with 5 carries for 32. No one in the league is gadget-ing like Samuel, he is the definition of a Swiss Army Knife.

7- Josh Allen- He’s been a little up and down this season, but he’s coming off the heels of arguably his biggest regular season win of his career. Going into Foxborough, where he typically struggles, and dominating – 30/47 for 314, 3 TD’s, and 64 yards rushing – and he was clutch in the 4th quarter. This dude made Isaiah McKenzie relevant for a weekend, and he’s enabled Dawson Knox to the point that he looks like an elite TE. He IS the Buffalo Bills and they’ve now reclaimed their spot at the top of the AFC East.

6- Pat Mahomes- Yawn. Just another 11 win season for the Chiefs. 8 straight wins for Mahomie, the only man who is winning more consistently than Tua (had to throw that in there). I’d have him higher but his defense is really pulling the load. This Chiefs team is mighty dangerous given the way they’re playing on both sides of the ball. Its funny how this felt like a down year for Mahomes, but if you look statistically, he’s basically step for step with what he produced last year.

5- Cooper Kupp- Extra week or no extra week, Cooper Kupp is just 230 yards away from Calvin Johnson’s record for most yards in a single season (1,964). Truly remarkable, especially when you consider he’s been in the league for 5 seasons and only has one season where he cracked 1k yards. No doubt an MVP candidate.

4- Tom Brady- Tom is holding onto this spot because of his ability to steady a sinking ship. He hasn’t been producing monster numbers recently but he’s been winning games – 5 of the last 6 to be exact. Plus, even with some down weeks, he still leads the league in passing yards…and have I mentioned how old he is?

3- Joe Burrow- Color me impressed! Call me a prisoner of the moment, go ahead, I can take it! Joe Burrow is cooler than the other side of the pillow and he’s the singlular reason the Bengals have 9 wins and are cruising to an AFC North title. A prediction that NO ONE had prior to the season starting. We had all 3 other teams potentially winning, but Joe has put this team and this sorry organization on his back. Flowers my man, flowers.

2- Aaron Rodgers- In a season of inconsistency, Aaron Rodgers has proven to be the most consistent player in the league. I’m not even sure its close, watch his games, look at his game log, he is the same amazing QB every single week. 200+ yards, 3 scores, no turnovers. Literally, every week…and the Packers are the best team in football because of it.

Number 1!- Jonathan Taylor- I’m convinced the Colts would be fighting with the Texans and the Jags at the bottom of the AFC South if not for this man, he has carried the load for the Colts this season, and has truly put together one of the most remarkable RB years we’ve ever seen. Which is made even more impressive when you consider, WE’RE IN A PASSING LEAGUE! Taylor is currently on pace for 328 carries for 1,843 yards with 21 rushing touchdowns and 44 catches for 408 yards with two touchdowns.