{"id":363687,"date":"2025-12-23T11:43:32","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T11:43:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/363687\/"},"modified":"2025-12-23T11:43:32","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T11:43:32","slug":"nfl-week-17-power-rankings-2025-how-all-32-teams-stack-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/363687\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL Week 17 Power Rankings 2025: How all 32 teams stack up"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490193_882_espn_generic_m.jpg&#038;h=80&#038;w=80&#038;scale=crop.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\"\/><\/p>\n<p>NFL NationDec 23, 2025, 06:30 AM ET<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"icon-font-after icon-close-solid-after\" href=\"#\">Close<\/a>NFL Nation is made up of 32 team-specific reporters who cover the NFL year-round across ESPN.com, ESPN television shows, ESPN Radio, ESPN+ and social media platforms. It was established ahead of the 2013 season.<\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;re almost at the finish line of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/scoreboard\/_\/week\/15\/year\/2025\/seasontype\/2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2025 NFL regular season<\/a>, making this our second-to-last NFL Power Rankings of the year. There was plenty of movement near the top of the list after both No. 1 seeds (the Rams and Broncos) lost in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/scoreboard\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Week 16<\/a>. Plus, the bottom of the list shuffled after dominant wins by the Saints and Titans.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to the rankings, we asked our NFL Nation reporters to pick the rookie of the year for each team. From top quarterbacks to dynamic defenders, which first-year players stood out from the rest? Who could run away with the Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards?<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s get into all that, starting with a different team from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47315735\/nfl-week-16-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-offseason-contract-extensions\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">last week&#8217;s rankings<\/a>. Our power panel of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities evaluated how NFL teams stack up against one another, ranking them from 1 to 32.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\">Jump to a team:<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#ari\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">ARI<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#atl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">ATL<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#bal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">BAL<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#buf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">BUF<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#car\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">CAR<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#chi\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">CHI<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#cin\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">CIN<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#cle\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">CLE<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#dal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">DAL<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#den\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">DEN<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#det\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">DET<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#gb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">GB<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#hou\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">HOU<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#ind\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">IND<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#jax\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JAX<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#kc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">KC<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#lac\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">LAC<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#lar\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">LAR<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#lv\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">LV<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#mia\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">MIA<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#min\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">MIN<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#ne\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NE<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#no\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NO<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#nyg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NYG<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#nyj\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NYJ<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#phi\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">PHI<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#pit\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">PIT<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#sf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">SF<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#sea\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">SEA<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#tb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">TB<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#ten\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">TEN<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47389978\/nfl-week-17-power-rankings-poll-32-teams-2025-best-rookies#wsh\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">WSH<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/_end_rule.png\" width=\"100%\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490195_883_sea.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Beat the Rams <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772949\/rams-seahawks\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">38-37 (OT)<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 2<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Left guard <a data-player-guid=\"1edab696-2237-3a0d-ba9e-c4ff8138dac2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4693346\/grey-zabel\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Grey Zabel<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Zabel was the Seahawks&#8217; highest-rated interior offensive lineman prospect, and the 18th pick has shown why. He ranks first among all guards in run block win rate while starting all 15 games. This distinction could just as easily go to second-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"cf1af8ca-d4d3-37b9-96e8-c1af5a639b1e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4869523\/nick-emmanwori\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nick Emmanwori<\/a>, who has the third-best odds for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (+750 at DraftKings) as an almost-every-down playmaker at nickelback. The tie goes to Zabel because while Emmanwori missed three games and most of a fourth, Seattle&#8217;s left guard has played almost 99% of the team&#8217;s offensive snaps. &#8212; Brady Henderson<\/p>\n<p>Editor&#8217;s Picks<\/p>\n<p>2 Related<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490196_67_lar.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Lost to the Seahawks <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772949\/rams-seahawks\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">38-37 (OT)<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 1<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Tight end <a data-player-guid=\"897a7b37-1f13-3f52-b2ed-a45faef85eb1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4570037\/terrance-ferguson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Terrance Ferguson<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ferguson, a second-round pick, joined a crowded group of tight ends with the Rams. He was a healthy scratch in Weeks 3 and 4, but was active in Week 5 because starter <a data-player-guid=\"93f414a4-0330-7851-b0e0-752bbd975157\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2573401\/tyler-higbee\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tyler Higbee<\/a> was dealing with a hip injury. Since then, Ferguson has 9 catches for 177 yards and 2 touchdowns. He has been especially important as the offense has found its identity in 13 personnel (three tight ends). &#8220;He&#8217;s going to be a hell of a player, and he&#8217;s becoming a hell of a player before our eyes,&#8221; coach Sean McVay said earlier in December. &#8212; Sarah Barshop<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490196_790_den.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Lost to the Jaguars <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772913\/jaguars-broncos\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">34-20<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 3<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/sw_ye_40.png\" width=\"17\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Running back <a data-player-guid=\"bef79e03-5c24-4c6f-a1da-d3f18d34880d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4568490\/rj-harvey\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">RJ Harvey<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Harvey&#8217;s 11 total touchdowns (seven rushing, four receiving), lead the team and all rookie position players in the league. The second-round pick is also tied for 13th in scoring, one spot behind Lions wide receiver <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4374302\/amon-ra-st-brown\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Amon-Ra St. Brown<\/a> and one ahead of Bengals wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"f6207352-946a-a75a-aff5-28f316536d4d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4239993\/tee-higgins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tee Higgins<\/a>. And with <a data-player-guid=\"249571a5-6db7-2705-2aa0-10c3bca5b417\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4241985\/jk-dobbins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">J.K. Dobbins<\/a> on injured reserve (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46977556\/broncos-dobbins-goes-injured-reserve-season-likely-over\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">foot<\/a>) since Week 10, Harvey is without question the team&#8217;s RB1. &#8212; Jeff Legwold<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490197_427_ne.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Beat the Ravens <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772804\/patriots-ravens\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">28-24<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 4<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/sw_ye_40.png\" width=\"17\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Running back <a data-player-guid=\"714eed1f-95d7-3242-83da-3b34074b4424\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4432710\/treveyon-henderson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">TreVeyon Henderson<\/a><\/p>\n<p>He leads the team with 776 rushing yards on 146 carries (5.3 average), and has totaled seven touchdowns. Rookie left guard <a data-player-guid=\"003d3a7c-a5e0-3b5d-a478-6d9bf50c012e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4599198\/jared-wilson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jared Wilson<\/a> described Henderson&#8217;s big-play threat this way: &#8220;Any time he touches the ball, it could end up in the end zone.&#8221; Henderson has four touchdown runs of 50 yards or more. The Patriots might be without him this week, however, as he <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47386125\/treveyon-henderson-exits-patriots-ravens-head-injury\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">exited Sunday&#8217;s game<\/a> in the second quarter because of a concussion and didn&#8217;t return. &#8212; Mike Reiss<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490198_326_jax.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Beat the Broncos <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772913\/jaguars-broncos\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">34-20<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 6<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Running back <a data-player-guid=\"7c6344a7-ae7c-372e-8337-ed04ccb56cc0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4882093\/bhayshul-tuten\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bhayshul Tuten<\/a><\/p>\n<p>With cornerback\/wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"c39cf8be-f94e-3db4-9c3a-fcc72135a03f\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685415\/travis-hunter\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Travis Hunter<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46933393\/travis-hunter-season-lcl-injury-jacksonville-jaguars\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">out for the year<\/a>, the Jaguars&#8217; fourth-round pick has made the biggest contribution in 2025. Tuten has rushed for 284 yards (third on the team) and four touchdowns, while catching 10 passes for 79 yards and 2 touchdowns. As the main backup to <a data-player-guid=\"199fffca-dda8-1e70-55f5-bbbfa0823e33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4239996\/travis-etienne-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Travis Etienne Jr<\/a>., Tuten is also the Jaguars&#8217; leading kick returner (28.4 yards per return on 19 returns). He is likely to miss the rest of the regular season because of a finger injury he suffered in Week 15, but he is expected to return for the playoffs. &#8212; Mike DiRocco<\/p>\n<p><img class=\" lazyload lazyload\"\/>play<\/p>\n<p>0:45<\/p>\n<p>Orlovsky: Trevor Lawrence is the NFL&#8217;s most improved player<\/p>\n<p class=\"contentItem__subhead\">Dan Orlovsky has some praise for Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490198_539_sf.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Beat the Colts <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772824\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">48-27<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 7<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Cornerback <a data-player-guid=\"ae80113a-905c-37f7-9a7d-040f343a68c6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4565200\/upton-stout\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Upton Stout<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Stout has been the starting nickelback all season. Though he has had some bumps, he has also delivered some big plays in crucial moments, including a late-game pass breakup to set up the winning points in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772843\/cardinals-49ers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Week 3<\/a> and a goal-line forced fumble to preserve a victory in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772885\/49ers-cardinals\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Week 11<\/a>. Stout has played the sixth-most snaps of any Niners defender and is among the top three in total tackles (72). &#8212; Nick Wagoner<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490198_741_buf.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Beat the Browns <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772802\/bills-browns\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">23-20<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 5<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Tight end <a data-player-guid=\"4fe2c646-8b68-42e8-687c-8832bbc5ebee\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4573699\/jackson-hawes\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jackson Hawes<\/a><\/p>\n<p>This is very close between Hawes and defensive tackle <a data-player-guid=\"3f15b443-59d1-3969-b059-f77ea96a63b1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4831989\/deone-walker\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Deone Walker<\/a>, who has started 14 games this season. The edge goes to Hawes, a fifth-round pick, for his significant impact in helping <a data-player-guid=\"cdce4094-c5b8-d8ee-8849-810e285a6323\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4379399\/james-cook\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">James Cook III<\/a> to one of the best rushing seasons in team history (1,532 yards). Despite being drafted as a blocking tight end, Hawes has also emerged as a solid target for quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"237b9f2a-4701-8fc3-60eb-250978af9893\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3918298\/josh-allen\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Josh Allen<\/a>, catching 15 of 18 targets (13 first downs) for 187 yards and 3 touchdowns. He should receive an even bigger role moving forward. &#8212; Alaina Getzenberg<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490199_165_chi.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Beat the Packers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772613\/packers-bears\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">22-16 (OT)<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 10<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Tight end <a data-player-guid=\"678445c0-543b-31f1-b924-67545f33ebbb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4723086\/colston-loveland\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Colston Loveland<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The No. 11 pick introduced himself to the NFL in Chicago&#8217;s wild fourth-quarter comeback in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772765\/bears-bengals\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Week 9<\/a> with a 118-yard, two-touchdown performance that included the 58-yard winner against Cincinnati. Since then, he has gotten no fewer than four targets a game from quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"dd15176c-3004-333f-beaa-149216c42968\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431611\/caleb-williams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Caleb Williams<\/a>. The Bears utilize 12 personnel (two tight ends) at one of the highest rates in the league, and that&#8217;s reflected in Loveland&#8217;s 57.8% season-long snap count (fourth highest among the team&#8217;s skill players). He creates every bit of a mismatch nightmare that Chicago expected when it selected him. And Loveland&#8217;s willingness as a blocker is critically important to the NFL&#8217;s No. 2 rushing offense. &#8212; Courtney Cronin<\/p>\n<p>Best of NFL Nation<img decoding=\"async\" data-lazyload=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/r1592547_2_1296x729_16-9.jpg\" class=\"round lazyload\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47384999\/is-san-francisco-49ers-robert-saleh-open-being-head-coach-again-2026\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Is Saleh back in head coach talks?<\/a><br \/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47250685\/former-nfl-number-1-picks-current-nfl-matthew-stafford-myles-garrett-jadeveon-clowney\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Looking at all 13 active No. 1 picks<\/a><br \/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47384479\/with-lions-loss-bears-clinch-first-playoff-berth-5-years\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bears clinch 1st playoff berth since &#8217;20<\/a><br \/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47386626\/denver-broncos-defense-struggles-jaguars-third-missed-tackles\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Broncos&#8217; defense has rare misstep<\/a><br \/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47386414\/cleveland-browns-carson-schwesinger-path-walk-2025-rookie-star\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Schwesinger: Walk-on to rookie star<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490200_745_lac.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Beat the Cowboys <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772910\/chargers-cowboys\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">34-17<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 11<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"33a8b56f-7466-3118-bccb-5ebff76f4590\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4686612\/tre-harris\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tre&#8217; Harris<\/a><\/p>\n<p>If not for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47224413\/source-chargers-rb-omarion-hampton-expected-return-monday\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">injury<\/a>, this honor likely would have gone to running back <a data-player-guid=\"757d9056-88c7-3df1-b2e3-f6f8f186780b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685382\/omarion-hampton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Omarion Hampton<\/a>. Instead, it goes to Harris, who has emerged as a surprisingly impactful run blocker and made several big plays in the passing game recently. The latest came in a win over the Chiefs in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772798\/chargers-chiefs\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Week 15<\/a>, when Harris hauled in a 37-yard reception that set up a momentum-shifting touchdown just before halftime. &#8220;This is a guy who played three positions in the last game with zero mental errors,&#8221; offensive coordinator Greg Roman said. &#8220;That&#8217;s a testament to him, and it bodes very well for his future.&#8221; &#8212; Kris Rhim<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490200_667_phi.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Beat the Commanders <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772612\/eagles-commanders\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">29-18<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 8<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Linebacker <a data-player-guid=\"23e1997f-707c-3915-b745-94a119996c4a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685287\/jihaad-campbell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jihaad Campbell<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Campbell, a first-round pick out of Alabama, has 63 tackles, an interception, two passes defensed and a forced fumble. His playing time decreased when <a data-player-guid=\"e36c925b-d493-de94-32cc-1048741e72ec\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426340\/nakobe-dean\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nakobe Dean<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46545449\/eagles-activate-key-linebacker-nakobe-dean-pup-list\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">knee<\/a>) hit his stride around the midway point of the season, but he has maintained a role in coordinator Vic Fangio&#8217;s defense and stepped up his production when Dean exited Saturday&#8217;s win because of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47373049\/eagles-lb-nakobe-dean-ruled-hamstring-injury\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">hamstring injury<\/a>. &#8212; Tim McManus<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490200_133_gb.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Lost to the Bears <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772613\/packers-bears\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">22-16 (OT)<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 9<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"c5e38ead-375e-3df1-8989-1d7b334915a7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4701936\/matthew-golden\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Matthew Golden<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The only other candidate here would be second-round offensive tackle <a data-player-guid=\"9487390f-5f68-324a-85f7-ced409f92846\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4873706\/anthony-belton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Anthony Belton<\/a>, who has played slightly more snaps than Golden. Though the first-round pick hasn&#8217;t lived up to preseason expectations after his big plays in training camp, he hasn&#8217;t done anything to make anyone think that production can&#8217;t happen soon. He was the fourth receiver taken but is tied for eighth in receptions (27) among pass catchers in his class. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47072860\/source-packers-rb-josh-jacobs-knee-play-vs-vikings\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Injuries<\/a> (three missed games) and a lack of opportunities have played a part. &#8220;I think we haven&#8217;t gotten him the ball enough this year,&#8221; quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"f19ea9a5-ca4d-79b9-3e49-543e438cd336\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4036378\/jordan-love\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jordan Love<\/a> said recently. &#8212; Rob Demovsky<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490201_276_pit.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Beat the Lions <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772806\/steelers-lions\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">29-24<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 14<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Defensive tackle <a data-player-guid=\"dda3e155-2461-3379-8a26-0218bf5962c7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4682980\/derrick-harmon\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Derrick Harmon<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Harmon is the obvious choice. The rest of the Steelers&#8217; draft class, which didn&#8217;t include a second-round pick because of the <a data-player-guid=\"c6727be7-1ac0-315c-437d-e281fe9a2e84\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4047650\/dk-metcalf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">DK Metcalf<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/44184542\/sources-seahawks-trading-star-wr-dk-metcalf-steelers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">trade<\/a>, hasn&#8217;t had a big impact this season. Harmon, though, is the exception. He was named a starter from Day 1 and has been a key run defender. In 10 games with the first-round pick in the lineup, the Steelers have allowed 87.9 rushing yards per game. Without Harmon, who has missed five games because of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47097599\/steelers-rule-lt-broderick-jones-de-derrick-harmon-vs-bills\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">knee injuries<\/a>, the Steelers have allowed 165.6 rushing yards per game. &#8212; Brooke Pryor<\/p>\n<p><img class=\" lazyload lazyload\"\/>play<\/p>\n<p>1:32<\/p>\n<p>Why Cam Newton calls the Steelers&#8217; offense &#8216;fool&#8217;s gold&#8217;<\/p>\n<p class=\"contentItem__subhead\">Cam Newton criticizes the Steelers&#8217; offense for being inconsistent all season.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490201_359_hou.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Beat the Raiders <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772805\/raiders-texans\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">23-21<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 13<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/sw_ye_40.png\" width=\"17\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Left tackle <a data-player-guid=\"f2b340f9-1160-3aee-8008-86622e61b37e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4429693\/aireontae-ersery\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Aireontae Ersery<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ersery has flashed potential while replacing Pro Bowl left tackle <a data-player-guid=\"0634573a-c005-bef4-552c-bc7dfd85b082\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3051890\/laremy-tunsil\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Laremy Tunsil<\/a>, who was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/44195693\/sources-commanders-trade-texans-ot-laremy-tunsil\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">traded<\/a> to the Commanders in March. Ersey has been the best and most available rookie for the Texans, helping protect quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"147e6862-2ac0-3a97-8f36-e3b1c0147320\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4432577\/cj-stroud\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">C.J. Stroud<\/a> as they make their final push for the playoffs. Ersery has given up nine sacks this season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, and his pass block win rate is tied for 51st out of 69 eligible tackles. But there have still been enough positives for Houston to feel it got its long-term answer on Stroud&#8217;s blind side. &#8212; DJ Bien-Aime<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490201_625_det.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Lost to the Steelers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772806\/steelers-lions\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">29-24<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 12<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"e7dc0c49-11ca-35bf-b192-93fa1f54389a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/5123663\/isaac-teslaa\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Isaac TeSlaa<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Although TeSlaa has received limited action, the rookie receiver has been a star in his role. Five of his 12 receptions have gone for touchdowns. He has also produced several jaw-dropping plays, including a ridiculous one-handed grab for his first career touchdown in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772722\/lions-packers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Week 1<\/a> against the Packers. TeSlaa is the fourth rookie wide receiver in franchise history to log at least five touchdown receptions, joining Amon-Ra St. Brown (2021), Titus Young (2011) and Roy Williams (2004). &#8212; Eric Woodyard<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490202_755_ind.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Lost to the 49ers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772824\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">48-27<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 16<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Tight end <a data-player-guid=\"0f413f35-0856-304f-8a14-953ee7532190\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431459\/tyler-warren\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tyler Warren<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Only wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"f9ac7a55-5934-2bf7-e70a-9c1d04cac2eb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4035687\/michael-pittman-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Michael Pittman Jr<\/a>. (104) has more targets than Warren&#8217;s 99 on the team, a fact that speaks to the rookie&#8217;s sizable role in the Colts&#8217; offense. His production has tailed off in recent weeks, much like the rest of the team because of the difficult quarterback situation since <a data-player-guid=\"5ad1bcc2-57bc-bb72-bcd0-0cdd0d945444\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3917792\/daniel-jones\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Daniel Jones<\/a>&#8216; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47157620\/colts-continue-skid-qb-daniel-jones-battles-injury\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">fibula injury<\/a> and subsequent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47236840\/colts-qb-daniel-jones-suffers-achilles-injury-ruled-out\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">torn Achilles<\/a>. But few tight ends have asserted themselves at every level the way Warren has &#8212; out of the backfield, on screens, on intermediate routes and on deep routes. He looks like a foundational player for the franchise. &#8212; Stephen Holder<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490202_214_car.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Beat the Buccaneers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772912\/buccaneers-panthers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">23-20<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 20<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"5b060a16-d491-3595-b199-6ba05b4d9391\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685472\/tetairoa-mcmillan\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tetairoa McMillan<\/a><\/p>\n<p>He leads all rookie receivers with 65 catches for 924 yards and 7 touchdowns, in addition to being Carolina&#8217;s receiving leader. He&#8217;s quarterback <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685720\/bryce-young\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bryce Young<\/a>&#8216;s most dependable target and a big reason the third-year QB&#8217;s stats have improved significantly in 2025. The Offensive Rookie of the Year award seems inevitable for McMillan, justifying Carolina drafting him No. 8. &#8212; David Newton<\/p>\n<p><img class=\" lazyload lazyload\"\/>play<\/p>\n<p>1:52<\/p>\n<p>Bryce Young: &#8216;I feel like I&#8217;ve grown as a player and a person&#8217;<\/p>\n<p class=\"contentItem__subhead\">Panthers quarterback Bryce Young discusses his improvement and growth since his rookie season.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490202_224_tb.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Lost to the Panthers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772912\/buccaneers-panthers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">23-20<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 21<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"48fb595b-ecda-3de2-9c05-fcc8090c4b84\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4567750\/emeka-egbuka\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Emeka Egbuka<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Though Egbuka has seen a drop in production in the second half of the season, what he gave to the team when its receiving corps was decimated can&#8217;t be overstated. His 163 receiving yards <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46504726\/bucs-hail-outstanding-emeka-egbuka-latest-late-win\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">against the Seahawks<\/a> remains the highest single-game receiving performance on the team; his 910 receiving yards and six touchdowns are second most among rookies. He should be a key player for the Bucs in the future. &#8212; Jenna Laine<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490202_384_bal.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Lost to the Patriots <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772804\/patriots-ravens\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">28-24<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 15<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Safety <a data-player-guid=\"832256e6-12a3-32d5-aa4c-19bdccdf6113\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685530\/malaki-starks\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Malaki Starks<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Starks has lived up to the expectations of being the No. 27 pick. He is one of three rookie defensive backs to record over 70 tackles and multiple interceptions this season. The Ravens have been impressed with his maturity and awareness. &#8220;He&#8217;s conscientious, so he always wants to do things right,&#8221; coach John Harbaugh said. It&#8217;s a difficult decision to choose Baltimore&#8217;s top rookie, considering the team drafted three immediate starters in 2025 &#8212; Starks, edge rusher <a data-player-guid=\"8e7ca22f-9fd7-3e99-8411-d65a5f6643c6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4683188\/mike-green\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mike Green<\/a> (second round) and inside linebacker <a data-player-guid=\"02233a87-7a28-32de-aa05-e87da69468a1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4698244\/teddye-buchanan\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Teddye Buchanan<\/a> (fourth round). On special teams, kicker <a data-player-guid=\"16f0a87e-34cf-34ca-ad36-1c2245aa36e9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4697745\/tyler-loop\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tyler Loop<\/a> (sixth round) and return specialist <a data-player-guid=\"c302c2a2-a74a-3966-8b85-1c3b66ab565b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4690143\/lajohntay-wester\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">LaJohntay Wester<\/a> (sixth round) have also been impactful. &#8212; Jamison Hensley<\/p>\n<p>Breaking news from Adam Schefter<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/contributor\/adam-schefter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/schefter_adam.png\" width=\"40%\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Download the ESPN app and enable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/contributor\/adam-schefter\" target=\"new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Adam Schefter&#8217;s news alerts<\/a> to receive push notifications for the latest updates first. Opt in by tapping the alerts bell in the top right corner. For more information, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/espn\/story\/_\/id\/43511398\/introducing-espn-reporter-breaking-news-alerts-faq-fans\" target=\"new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490204_92_min.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Beat the Giants <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772911\/vikings-giants\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">16-13<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 22<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Left guard <a data-player-guid=\"e1dd2f9d-c20f-3d03-8a8a-0c5b0519d654\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431553\/donovan-jackson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Donovan Jackson<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jackson is the only Vikings rookie who has played more than 300 snaps this season, so the list of options here is limited. But the No. 24 pick has proven he belongs since Day 1. He has been especially effective as a run blocker, ranking No. 6 in the NFL in run block win rate among guards. Whether he develops into a Pro Bowl-level player remains to be seen, but he at least can be counted on as a long-term starter. &#8212; Kevin Seifert<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490204_576_dal.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Lost to the Chargers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772910\/chargers-cowboys\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">34-17<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 17<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Right guard <a data-player-guid=\"c29b3fdb-69ff-3ffe-8d3f-f816b9589110\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685263\/tyler-booker\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tyler Booker<\/a><\/p>\n<p>All he had to do was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/43941412\/source-cowboys-all-pro-guard-zack-martin-retire-nfl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">replace a future Hall of Famer<\/a> in Zack Martin. Booker has not disappointed. The No. 12 pick missed three games because of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46479075\/cowboys-least-three-offensive-linemen-vs-jets\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">high ankle sprain<\/a> but has elevated his play in the past month. Booker has played a part in the Cowboys having a 4,000-yard passer (<a data-player-guid=\"5f09781b-6b0b-7325-049b-a91e60d794e6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2577417\/dak-prescott\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dak Prescott<\/a>), 1,000-yard rusher (<a data-player-guid=\"0e04df01-7c44-1b1e-01a3-f73ab6f4eb61\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361579\/javonte-williams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Javonte Williams<\/a>) and two 1,000-yard receivers (<a data-player-guid=\"2994891b-8927-33cb-6999-e809560d0545\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4241389\/ceedee-lamb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">CeeDee Lamb<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"ab0fe70b-0fb4-fc8e-55e1-8f5204851a9d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426354\/george-pickens\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">George Pickens<\/a>). But what has set him apart is his demeanor. He plays with a professionalism not normally seen in a rookie, and he has a mean streak that helps get the dirty work done. &#8212; Todd Archer<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490205_986_atl.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Beat the Cardinals <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772914\/falcons-cardinals\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">26-19<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 24<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Edge rusher <a data-player-guid=\"87402464-c2ff-30bc-8742-23aaaf9ba9ba\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/5081394\/james-pearce-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">James Pearce Jr<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The Falcons had three potential candidates; edge rusher <a data-player-guid=\"046f3cb8-d17d-3fc5-b2b6-82615dadde28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685597\/jalon-walker\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jalon Walker<\/a> and safety <a data-player-guid=\"138f98fa-b2b6-318b-a1df-8d0bb7edd8a9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431005\/xavier-watts\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Xavier Watts<\/a> have been very good as rookies, but Pearce has put together the most impressive numbers. His 8.5 sacks are the most any Falcons player has had since 2019, and the most by a Falcons rookie since the stat became official in 1982. Pearce has at least half a sack in seven straight games, and his sack rate (3%) is 10th best in the NFL. Among rookies, Pearce is the best in sacks, sack rate and quarterback pressure rate (14%). &#8212; Marc Raimondi<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490205_244_kc.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Lost to the Titans <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772803\/chiefs-titans\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">26-9<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 18<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Left tackle <a data-player-guid=\"cbe294e4-5bb4-3ae5-ad79-b3e6c2688442\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4569659\/josh-simmons\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Josh Simmons<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Although he played in just eight games, the Chiefs&#8217; first-round pick proved he has the talent to be the blind-side protector for quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"37d87523-280a-9d4a-0adb-22cfc6d3619c\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3139477\/patrick-mahomes\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Patrick Mahomes<\/a> in the future. Before his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47192079\/chiefs-lt-josh-simmons-least-4-games-wrist-surgery\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">season-ending left wrist injury<\/a>, Simmons allowed a pressure rate of just 6.6%, the third-lowest mark among left tackles and the second lowest by a rookie left tackle since 2018 (minimum 150 pass blocks), according to NFL Next Gen Stats. &#8212; Nate Taylor<\/p>\n<p><img class=\" lazyload lazyload\"\/>play<\/p>\n<p>0:40<\/p>\n<p>Adam Schefter: Chiefs moving to Kansas for 2031 season<\/p>\n<p class=\"contentItem__subhead\">Adam Schefter reports on the Chiefs&#8217; plan to build a new stadium and play in Kansas for the 2031 season.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490205_992_mia.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Lost to the Bengals <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772934\/bengals-dolphins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">45-21<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 19<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Defensive tackle <a data-player-guid=\"ee9ad8d7-97e4-24e7-4067-37ce7646bfd0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4837188\/jordan-phillips\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jordan Phillips<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Dolphins&#8217; rookie class needed to play immediately and has slowly come along during the season. Though first-round defensive tackle <a data-player-guid=\"d61e7059-5c25-3367-a37c-efe6952bb766\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4894654\/kenneth-grant\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kenneth Grant<\/a> leads the team in run stop win rate, Phillips has started every game since Week 2. His stats don&#8217;t necessarily jump off the page, but a defensive tackle&#8217;s responsibility is often to make an impact that doesn&#8217;t show up on the stat sheet. He helps set the tone at the line of scrimmage and looks like a hit as a fifth-round pick. &#8212; Marcel Louis-Jacques<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490206_981_no.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Beat the Jets <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772801\/jets-saints\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">29-6<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 25<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"0eb2837a-e6ed-bbd7-d7d5-cbeb2cd7ab11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360689\/tyler-shough\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tyler Shough<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Shough has a 4-3 record since <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46757650\/source-saints-start-qb-tyler-shough-spencer-rattler\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the Saints announced<\/a> he would start over <a data-player-guid=\"8a3a5113-e81b-582c-e5a2-e097ed7a1813\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426339\/spencer-rattler\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Spencer Rattler<\/a> in Week 9, including wins in the past three games. Even though he has played without several injured players on offense, the excitement around the second-round pick hasn&#8217;t dampened. Shough became the Saints&#8217; first 300-year passer in two years Sunday. Though most of the Saints&#8217; rookies have contributed this season, it was Shough who turned around the second half of the season. &#8212; Katherine Terrell<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490206_693_cin.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Beat the Dolphins <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772934\/bengals-dolphins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">45-21<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 23<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Linebacker <a data-player-guid=\"cb8bdc1f-b7cd-396b-9675-ea08924284f0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431519\/barrett-carter\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Barrett Carter<\/a><\/p>\n<p>There aren&#8217;t a ton of great options to choose from, given Cincinnati&#8217;s season, but Carter has done an admirable job in trying circumstances. After five games, he was made the full-time starter at middle linebacker. That role gave him major defensive responsibilities, from relaying the playcalls to aligning the front of the defense. It was an unanticipated workload for the fourth-round pick, but he has learned on the job and gained experience that should be helpful for the Bengals in 2026. &#8212; Ben Baby<\/p>\n<p>Look ahead to the 2026 NFL draft<img decoding=\"async\" data-lazyload=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nfl_jordan-reid-mock-draft_5x2.jpg\" class=\"round lazyload\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Early mock drafts: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/draft2026\/story\/_\/id\/47243299\/2026-nfl-mock-draft-first-round-predictions-32-picks-field-yates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Yates<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/draft2026\/story\/_\/id\/47000736\/2026-nfl-mock-draft-first-round-predictions-32-picks-matt-miller\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Miller<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/draft2026\/story\/_\/id\/46583887\/2026-nfl-mock-draft-first-round-predictions-32-picks-jordan-reid\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Reid<\/a><br \/>\u2022 Early rankings: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/draft2026\/story\/_\/id\/46573669\/2026-nfl-draft-rankings-mel-kiper-big-board-top-prospects-players-positions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Kiper<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/draft2026\/story\/_\/id\/47190881\/2026-nfl-draft-rankings-matt-miller-top-prospects-players-positions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Miller<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/draft2026\/story\/_\/id\/47027232\/2026-nfl-draft-rankings-jordan-reid-top-prospects-players-positions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Reid<\/a><br \/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/draft2026\/story\/_\/id\/47097046\/2026-nfl-draft-questions-top-prospects-qb-class-risers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">30 questions<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/draft2026\/story\/_\/id\/45531306\/2026-nfl-draft-notebook-questions-latest-updates-risers-cfb-prospects\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CFB notes<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/draft2026\/story\/_\/id\/46532548\/2026-nfl-draft-ranking-top-quarterbacks-hot-board-team-fits-strengths-weaknesses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">QB Board<\/a><br \/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/draft2026\/story\/_\/id\/46149416\/2026-nfl-draft-rankings-top-prospects-position\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Best by position<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/draft2026\/story\/_\/id\/46146676\/2026-nfl-draft-order-projections-32-first-round-picks\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Draft order<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/draft\/news\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">More<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490208_492_wsh.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Lost to the Eagles <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772612\/eagles-commanders\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">29-18<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 26<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/sw_ye_40.png\" width=\"17\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Right tackle <a data-player-guid=\"ee076108-1639-3f88-a354-c2800308a669\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685326\/josh-conerly-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Josh Conerly Jr<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Running back <a data-player-guid=\"7c9f28d6-5924-d767-999d-582e169a5cd3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4575131\/jacory-croskey-merritt\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jacory Croskey-Merritt<\/a> has thrived with 671 rushing yards and six touchdowns, but Conerly is the lone Commander to play every snap from scrimmage this season. He struggled early this season while facing pass rushers such as <a data-player-guid=\"ce3ca19e-f098-3c39-f922-18cad8eafb5e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4035631\/brian-burns\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Brian Burns<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"19e0d5a6-9c4e-83d1-c9c2-5cfa322727f5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361423\/micah-parsons\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Micah Parsons<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"edb9517c-ee97-3c68-ce94-2d1309042d04\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3916655\/maxx-crosby\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Maxx Crosby<\/a> in his first three games. But he settled in and has steadily improved, saying he&#8217;s more confident. &#8220;Had some tough moments [early],&#8221; offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said, &#8220;but &#8230; I&#8217;ve been really impressed by the work ethic and just the mental toughness he&#8217;s displayed.&#8221; &#8212; John Keim<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490209_358_ten.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Beat the Chiefs <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772803\/chiefs-titans\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">26-9<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 31<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gn-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"570f2134-7526-3cea-ac53-012280ed5613\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431268\/chimere-dike\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chimere Dike<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Dike is the NFL leader in all-purpose yards (2,269), and he set a Titans franchise record with 1,535 kick return yards. He&#8217;s the fourth rookie in NFL history with at least four receiving touchdowns and multiple punt return touchdowns (two) in a season. Perhaps the best example of Dike&#8217;s impact is how he affects the game without touching the ball. Playcaller Bo Hardegree said he has designed plays with fake end arounds and jet motions to force defenses out of position when they focus on Dike, allowing a different player to find open space. &#8212; Turron Davenport<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490209_304_ari.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Lost to the Falcons <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772914\/falcons-cardinals\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">26-19<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 28<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/sw_ye_40.png\" width=\"17\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Cornerback <a data-player-guid=\"db08bb2d-2af0-3abb-86e1-a411c1460254\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4432668\/denzel-burke\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Denzel Burke<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The fifth-round pick was thrown into the starting rotation because of injuries and role changes, but he has flourished as his playing time has increased. He has a team-leading three interceptions with 35 tackles and nine passes defended. Burke&#8217;s three picks are tied for the most among rookies, and he has done it in 410 fewer snaps than his counterpart for the lead &#8212; Atlanta safety Xavier Watts. &#8212; Josh Weinfuss<\/p>\n<p>All of ESPN. All in one place.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/plus.espn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"imageLoaded\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/r1531432_1296x729_16-9.jpg\" width=\"100%\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Watch your favorite events in the newly enhanced ESPN App. Learn more about what plan is right for you. <a href=\"https:\/\/plus.espn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Sign Up Now<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490211_430_cle.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Lost to the Bills <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772802\/bills-browns\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">23-20<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 29<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/sw_ye_40.png\" width=\"17\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Linebacker <a data-player-guid=\"265dea72-f88b-38e4-be49-2a85cc9e0181\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4876017\/carson-schwesinger\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Carson Schwesinger<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year (-1400 at DraftKings), Schwesinger has been at the center of the action all season for one of the league&#8217;s top defenses. The No. 33 pick leads all rookies in total tackles (147) and tackles for loss (11), and he is tied for second among rookies with two interceptions. Schwesinger, a former walk-on at UCLA, has also worn the green dot all season to relay the defensive play calls. &#8212; Daniel Oyefusi<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490211_77_nyj.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Lost to the Saints <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772801\/jets-saints\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">29-6<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 30<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/sw_ye_40.png\" width=\"17\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Right tackle <a data-player-guid=\"1c641907-6330-300a-b0d7-59aeff07cb8a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4789907\/armand-membou\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Armand Membou<\/a><\/p>\n<p>A no-brainer. The No. 7 pick has been terrific since Day 1. Among tackles, he ranks 12th in run block win rate and 21st in pass block win rate. He has started and finished every game, rarely looking like he&#8217;s overmatched even against the best competition. It certainly looks like general manager Darren Mougey nailed his first draft pick. With Membou and second-year left tackle <a data-player-guid=\"a7b3ceb6-2fb6-3c72-b2f2-dc35acd5873b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431809\/olu-fashanu\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Olu Fashanu<\/a>, the Jets should have their bookend tackles for years to come. &#8212; Rich Cimini<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490212_765_nyg.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Lost to the Vikings <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772911\/vikings-giants\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">16-13<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 27<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rd-arrow.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"13e97d3e-2171-371b-9a7a-2c44670b5a62\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4689114\/jaxson-dart\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jaxson Dart<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The rookie quarterback has hit a recent rough stretch after his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47130570\/jaxson-dart-concussion-start-giants-mnf-game-vs-pats\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">concussion<\/a>, including Sunday&#8217;s ugly 33-yard passing performance. But it hasn&#8217;t soured the Giants&#8217; view on Dart. Interim coach Mike Kafka still believes he&#8217;s playing good football. Dart has 20 total touchdowns and seven turnovers in 10 starts. He has also rushed for over 400 yards. Several impending free agents on the team have said Dart&#8217;s presence is a significant selling point to return. &#8212; Jordan Raanan<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766490212_998_lv.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Week 16 result: Lost to the Texans <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772805\/raiders-texans\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">23-21<\/a><br \/>Week 16 ranking: 32<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/sw_ye_40.png\" width=\"17\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rookie of the year: Running back <a data-player-guid=\"fb81ea34-8566-3bda-9997-f9bf0a4ba991\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4890973\/ashton-jeanty\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ashton Jeanty<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jeanty, the No. 6 pick, hasn&#8217;t had the season he and many others expected. But his performance against the Texans (188 total yards and two touchdowns) was a reminder of why the Raiders drafted him so high. Despite the Raiders&#8217; run-blocking struggles, Jeanty has still gained 828 yards and 10 total touchdowns. &#8220;I&#8217;m sure there&#8217;s people questioning and doubting [Jeanty],&#8221; coach Pete Carroll said Sunday. &#8220;It can mount on a young guy, can mount on anybody. For him to show like that, it&#8217;s a beautiful expression of who he is and what he&#8217;s all about.&#8221; &#8212; Ryan McFadden<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"NFL NationDec 23, 2025, 06:30 AM ET CloseNFL Nation is made up of 32 team-specific reporters who cover&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":363688,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[436],"tags":[49,48,514,82],"class_list":{"0":"post-363687","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nfl","8":"tag-ca","9":"tag-canada","10":"tag-nfl","11":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/363687","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=363687"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/363687\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/363688"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=363687"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=363687"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=363687"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}