OFFENSE
Quarterback: Ryan Tannehill, MIA (+9.9)
It feels odd to be going in a different direction from Tom Terrific, but his erratic play at this point has left the door wide open for the second year Dolphins quarterback to squeeze in. The highs have been higher for Brady, but the consistent play of the Miami man earns him the nod…for now.
Wide Receivers: Brian Hartline, MIA (+7.3), Danny Amendola, NE (+3.6) and Stevie Johnson, BUF (+2.1)
Hartline has benefited from the presence of Mike Wallace and has continued his productive ways. After that things got a little murkier, though Johnson deserves credit for the job he has done with the quarterbacks the Bills have used. The last choice was always going to be a slot receiver and but for injury Brandon Gibson would be that guy. Here’s hoping Amendola can stay healthy.
Guards: Richie Incognito, MIA (+6.3) and Kraig Urbik, BUF (+3.8)
Despite whatever is written about Incognito with his off the field behavior, he has played pretty well on the field. We’ll leave it at that with Logan Mankins letting himself down in pass protection to such a level I can’t choose him. Urbik is the right guard and owes a debt of gratitude to the ability of Willie Colon to keep drawing flags.
Center: Mike Pouncey, MIA (+7.9)
Nick Mangold has seen his form desert him and Pouncey is priming to set him up as the division’s top center. Pouncey really doesn’t get the respect he’s due.
DEFENSE
Edge Rushers: Mario Williams, BUF (+10.3) and Cameron Wake, MIA (+11.5)
He might not be worth the contract but he’s certainly making some of the plays expected out of him. A much better second year for Williams. Am I being a bit harsh on Rob Ninkovich by not including him here? Perhaps, but I like the extra pass rush Cameron Wake has brought even when he was half healthy.
Cornerbacks: Aqib Talib, NE (+8.2) and Brent Grimes, MIA (+8.0)
This is as good as Talib as played and it’s just a shame injuries have kept him off the field. Grimes earns a spot here despite his six missed tackle day against the Bengals. He’s been that good this year it can be ignored.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Punter, Brandon Fields, MIA (+6.9) Not at his best but still better than the rest of the AFC East.
