10) Brandon Brooks, PHI (G) 

A week ago, the Philadelphia Eagles announced they signed right guard Brandon Brooks to a four-year contract extension through the 2024 season. Ian Rapoport reported the deal was worth $54.2 million with $30 million guaranteed – making him the highest-paid guard in the league. Brooks has been arguably the best guard in football and was named to PFF’s 2019 Midseason NFL All-Pro team at the end of October. Through nine weeks he was graded as the best player in football (93.4). In 690 snaps his allowed just one sack and has been flagged just once. 

9) Zach Ertz, PHI (TE)

In comparison to other tight ends, Zach Ertz is first in targets this season (82), fourth in receptions (55), third in receiving yards (621), but 20th in touchdowns (2). Despite being held to two receptions for 38 yards against Dallas, the seventh-year pro is capable of exploding at any time. He logged nine catches for 94 yards against New England and another nine for 103 against Chicago.

8) Jamie Collins, NE (OLB)

Patriots’ versatile outside linebacker currently leads his team in sacks (7) and is second on the team in interceptions (3). His ability to find the ball is no coincidence as PFF graded him as “the best linebacker in the AFC” through 11 weeks. Along with his two forced fumbles, he has recorded 48 total tackles on the season and five pass deflections. 

Jamie Collins with the most disrespectful INT return. Started jogging at the 30 🤣

(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/vEL7onqDjd

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 15, 2019

7) Stephon Gilmore, NE (CB) 

According to Player Profiler, Patriots’ cornerback Stephon Gilmore is fourth in the league in pass breakups with nine and has yet to allow a touchdown this season. Against JuJu Smith-Schuster, he was targeted six times and gave up five catches for 52 yards. Against Odell Beckham Jr., he was targeted eight times and surrendered six catches for 73 yards. He has three interceptions on the season and is first in passer rating allowed.

Stephon Gilmore – punch up through the WR’s hands when they go up towards the catchpoint

Best CB in football pic.twitter.com/CgYn842B7Z

— Brad Kelly (@BradKelly17) October 11, 2019

6) Tom Brady, NE (QB) 

Tom Brady has been productive this season but far from his usual self. Seventh in yards, 17th in touchdowns, 90.1 quarterback rating are all solid numbers. However, it isn’t what we’re accustomed to with arguably the greatest QB in history. Still, I wouldn’t want to bet against Brady.

5) Devin McCourty, NE (S)

Tied for first in interceptions with five, New England safety Devin McCourty has helped the Patriots solidify the best defense in the NFL this season. Quarterbacks have just a 53.6% passing percentage against this defense (best in NFL). Their secondary is also allowing a league-best 5.3 yard average per pass. Collectively, quarterbacks have averaged a 49.2 quarterback rating against New England. 

4) Fletcher Cox, PHI (DT)

The flashy numbers may not be there, but it is no questioning his impact in the middle of the Eagles line. He’s a large part of the reason Ezekiel Elliott has been the only runner this season to surpass 100 yards rushing. Vikings running back Alexander Mattison is next closest with 62 yards. His 88.7 PFF rating is just second behind Aaron Donald.

3) Jalen Ramsey, LAR (CB)

Arguably, the best cornerback in the NFL. In the three games before Ramsey’s arrival, the Rams gave up 105 total points, 896 passing yards, and eight passing touchdowns. The three games after their new addition, 730 yards, and two touchdowns. He’s surrendered just one touchdown this season.

Jalen Ramsey laying the wood on A-Rob pic.twitter.com/BpQf5tf9GU

— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) November 18, 2019

2) Khalil Mack, CHI (OLB) 

34 tackles, six sacks and four forced fumbles all makeup the problem Khalil Mack has been for opposing tackles. Mack has suffered a dip in production. Much to do with the lack of consistent rushers around him. Mack has one sack over his last five games — or, to put it another way, he has one sack since Akiem Hicks suffered a gruesome elbow injury that landed him on injured reserve. 

1) Aaron Donald, LAR (DT) 

The best defensive player in the league. Arguably, the best player in the league. Highest graded defensive player. First in sacks (8). Second in forced fumbles (2). Top-20 in tackles by defensive linemen. After a slow start to the season, Donald has five straight games with sacks. – two with multiple sacks. 

Aaron Donald moves in fast forward 😤😤 @AaronDonald97 pic.twitter.com/jfNZKmT0Dm

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) November 18, 2019