Baker Mayfield, quarterback, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers strengthened their grip on the NFC South by going on the road to Los Angeles, routing the Chargers 40-17 and lighting up their defense in a way no other team has been able to do this season. Mayfield was especially good by throwing for four touchdowns while completing 22-of-27 passes in the win.
Losers
Will Levis, quarterback, Tennessee Titans
This might be it for the Levis experiment in Tennessee. Not only has he not taken a step forward as the team’s starting quarterback, but he has regressed and been a turnover machine all year. He threw three more interceptions on Sunday (in only 12 attempts) before getting benched for Mason Rudolph. The Titans will have a high pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and need to think about quarterback.
Jameis Winston, quarterback, Cleveland Browns
The Browns should know that Deshaun Watson is not the long-term answer. Now, they should be finding out that Winston is not the answer, either. While he is capable of making some great plays and putting up points, the turnover issues are just too much. He threw three more interceptions on Sunday while the Browns are only 2-5 in his seven starts.
Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback, Miami Dolphins
Tagovailoa has been outstanding at protecting the football in recent weeks. He was not on Sunday, throwing three interceptions in a game the Dolphins had to have. Along with his two fourth-quarter interceptions to Stingley, he also threw a terrible interception before the half that helped set up Houston to steal three points.
Najee Harris, running back, Pittsburgh Steelers
Harris has had a strong season for the Steelers, But Sunday was not one of those days. Along with rushing for just 14 yards on six carries, he also had a costly third-quarter fumble when the Steelers were positioning themselves for a potential game-tying touchdown. The Eagles ended up turning it into points for themselves in what was a massive game-changing play. It was not even a matter of it being a great play for the Eagles. He simply dropped a pitch from quarterback Russell Wilson.
Jonathan Taylor, running back, Indianapolis Colts
There needs to be an investigation into why football players — in both college and the NFL — keep trying to celebrate by dropping the ball at the goal line. This should not keep happening. The Colts needed this game. They had a chance to take a commanding lead. Then this happened.
