Both offensive and defensive players decide games across the league, week in and week out, the actions of a player on the field can create history.
Number 5.-Myles Garret
CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 29: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns takes the field before playing the game against the Miami Dolphins at Huntington Bank Field on December 29, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
What can you say that hasn’t already been said about one of the leagues best ever pass rusher.
The 29 year old edge defender has been inflicting pain on tackles across football since he strapped on a helmet.
His outing against the NewEngland Patriots**** in week 8 was one for the ages, despite the browns falling short, Garret turned rookie tackle Will Campbell into a training dummy.
The edge rusher had a career day racking up six total tackles, 5 of them being sacks on sophomore quarterback Drake Maye,, resulting 33 sack yards.
Number 4.-Sam Darnold
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 15: Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks warms up prior to the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on August 15, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
Darnold is the epitome of everything NFL fans love about the gridiron, discarded by most of the league and picked up by qb guru Kevin O’Connell his career has taken a turn for the better.
His performance on Monday Night football was the culmination of all his hard work and a testament and work ethic.
Darnold threw a completion percentage of 87.5% (21/24) and 330 yards and an interception.
Not an uncommon stat line for a quarterback right? Darnold also threw for 4 touchdowns in the first quarter.
The Seahawks have proven that Darnold previous season was not a fluke and he is finally looking like the first round pick he was drafted to be.
Number 3.- Rico Dowdle
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 05: Rico Dowdle #5 of the Carolina Panthers carries the ball during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins in the game at Bank of America Stadium on October 05, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
The Udfa from 2020 has had a rather quiet career until this season, after getting picked up by the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 he made the move to the panthers in 2025.
After seeing limited carries through six weeks it was looking like a pedestrian season yet again for the back.
This was until week 7, when Dowdle boasted an all time running back performance against the Miami Dolphins.
The Panthers back carried the rock 23 times for a 9.0 average carry, as well as a massive 203 yards leading to a close Panthers win.
Number 2.-Jonathon Taylor
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 14: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts scores during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
the Indianapolis colts’ running back has proven he is a phenom time and time again and can quite literally step you in a phone box.
He has been a work horse for the entirety of his career when healthy and this season has been no different.
Multiple standout games to choose from, as he is on an all time pace and leading the colts to the playoffs.
His game against the Tennessee Titans is the best of an unreal bunch, 12 carries for an average of 12.8 yards a carry, 153 yards on the ground, two touchdowns and an all time long TD run of 80 yards.
Number 1.- Isaiah Rodgers
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 21: Isaiah Rodgers #2 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on after the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The best till last, an all time performance from the Minnesota Viking’s corner back, arguably one of the best defensive performances ever.
The Super Bowl winner was sat on the bench for the Philadelphia Eagles last season and looks to be the steal of free agency.
Already playing a major role in Brian Flores’ hellfire defence and has been making plays all year.
But when it comes to all time look no further than his game against the Cincinnati Bengals in week 3 of the NFL season.
Rodger’s posted an all time day with 3 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles, an interception returned for a touchdown, and a fumble returned for a touchdown.
Arguably one of the best performances’ ever.
Overall this NFL season has been filled with drama and surprises and a lot of outstanding performances across the league and a large amount of effort from players.