1. Dak Prescott, QB New England
Has he been perfect, no of course not, but he engineered a fourth quarter win in week two against a very competitive Jaguars team and currently leads the 3GML in passing yards and has scored 5 total touchdowns. The biggest factor though, is the Pats are 2-0 and are tied for the division lead. Four total turnovers isn’t going to help his cause, but his running ability coupled with almost 300 yards per game through the air puts him in spot 1 in week 2.
Stats through week 2: 586 yards, 3 TD, 76% comp, 9.3 YPA, 3 INT passing
72 yards 13 carries (5.5) 2 TD rushing
2. Rashad Jones, S/LB Miami
The week 2 defensive player of the week was dominant for Miami in week 2 and solid in week 1. He has two interceptions and leads the league in both tackles and tackles for loss through week 2. He’s simply been outstanding as one of the most underrated and under appreciated players in the league. Without him the Dolphins don’t have a chance to win week 2 and he was dynamic and could find himself as the first defensive player to win league MVP.
Stats through week 2: 16 tackles, 2 INT, 3 TFL, 2 PBU & DPOW (week 2)
3. Brandin Cooks, WR Buffalo
Cooks speed is the big x-factor in the NFL and his contributions in week 1 was paramount to a win. A quiet week 2 slowed his role but he’s still averaging over 100 yards a game and has a pair of touchdowns. In a wide open MVP race he’s as good as anyone in the 3rd slot for this race.
Stats through week 2: 11 receptions, 210 yards, 2 TD
4. Devante Parker, WR Miami
He was unstoppable when flexed out. The team used a variety of formations so he was never matched up one on one with Jalen Ramsey Parker has had two consecutive outstanding games and was tough in a simulation to handle. His consistency is a big reason Miami might surprise the NFL this year.
Stats through week 2: 9 receptions, 190 yards, 1 TD
5. Myles Garrett, DE Buffalo
He’s simply a dominant player and when teams continue to try to block him one on one he’s going to get a ton of sacks. While Vea pushes the pocket, Garrett comes from the outside and wreaks havoc. He’s equally skilled against the pass and the run.
Stats through week 2: 4 sacks, 9 tackles, 2 TFL
6. Rashaan Melvin, DB New England
His week 2 was quiet but his attributes in week 1 carry over for a 2-0 Patriots team. He has a handful of tackles and added a PBU this week as well and his 2 picks still are tied for the league lead. He might not hang around here this season but he’s the second biggest reason the Patriots lead the division.
Stats through week 2: 2 INT, 5 Tackles, 1 PBU
7. Tavon Austin, ATH Buffalo
Austin has been a game changer and it’s clear that him as a change of pace back is more of a he needs to play most of the time role. He’s the only player in the league with 50 yards rushing, receiving, punt returning, and kick returning and his impact on the offense and special teams typically adds juice to a lackluster Todd Gurley so far.
Stats through week 2: 6 PR, 65 yards, 5 KR 130 yards, 53 yards rushing, 68 yards rec. 1 TD
8. Ryan Tannehill, QB Miami
You can’t knock the guy who was number one off the list as he still has an OPOW award to his name and is playing good football. A couple turnovers in a sim against the Jets wasn’t the reason they lost. He’s played fairly well and continues to battle and play good complimentary football.
Stats though week 2: 479 yards, 4 TD, 9.2 YPA, 73% Comp, 2 INT Passing
8 rushes, 27 yards rushing
1 Offensive player of the week award
9. Duke Johnson, RB New York Jets
He’s not fancy and hasn’t done a ton yet but the Jets loss of David Johnson was a big loss as the former MVP will miss 5.5 games. Duke stepped up and leads the 3GML in rushing yards and had a really quality game against the tough Dolphins team. While they are going committee approach to rushing Duke has been steady and solid for a team looking for an offensive identity.
Stats through week 2: 27 Rushes, 137 yards, 0TD
3 Receptions, 10 yards
10. Zach Martin, G New York Jets
I can’t believe I don’t have a Jets defender on this list but I gotta go with Martin, he hasn’t allowed a sack in 131 downs and is the best lineman on the best line in the league. There’s nothing much more to say but this team is likely going to set records in rushing this season and Martin might be the most important player on that offense.
Stats through week 2: 131 downs, 0 sacks, team leads NFL in rushing yards
Just missed the cut:
A. Rodgers, J. Bosa, V. Vea, J. Kearse, M. Gesicki, T. Hill, C. Wake, J. Hankins, R. Darby
