- Garett Bolles has been sensational for the Broncos: The longtime Denver star leads all qualifiers with a 90.0 PFF pass-blocking grade, permitting only seven pressures and zero sacks across nine games.
- Cor’Dale Flott has turned heads with the Giants: His 79.6 PFF coverage grade is fourth among corners to play 200 or more snaps, and his 62.6 passer rating when targeted slots eighth.
Estimated Reading Time: 21 minutes
Even though the 2025 NFL season started less than two months ago, it’s already halfway complete. As usual, a fresh slate has brought unexpected breakouts (hello, Colts and Patriots), surprise disappointments (looking at you, Raiders) and everything in between.
With nine weeks already logged, it’s a perfect time to assess every NFL team’s best player by overall PFF grade, minimum 100 snaps. On top of that, below is each squad’s burgeoning force so far, plus a key stat to recognize.
Click here to jump to a team:
ARZ | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF | SEA | TB | TEN | WAS
Arizona Cardinals
Highest-Graded Player: T Paris Johnson Jr.
Johnson has continued where he left off last season, playing like one of the better tackles in football. The Ohio State product is 10th among qualified tackles with an 80.3 PFF pass-blocking grade.
Biggest Surprise: QB Jacoby Brissett
Few expected Brissett to play at all this season. But in his stead as Kyler Murray’s backup, Brissett has been more than solid. Across three games, the veteran has posted a 73.5 PFF passing grade — actually higher than Murray’s (69.5) — with five big-time throws and only one turnover-worthy play. That performance has warranted Brissett the long-term starting job.
Stat to Know: Without James Conner, Arizona’s rushing EPA per play has fallen to 25th.
Atlanta Falcons
Highest-Graded Player: WR Drake London
Although Atlanta’s offense has been a rollercoaster this year, London has remained one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. His 89.0 PFF receiving grade is the third-best among receivers with 45 or more targets.
Biggest Surprise: LB Divine Deablo
Before suffering a forearm fracture that may keep him out for the rest of 2025, Deablo was an anchor on Atlanta’s upstart defense. The 27-year-old played to an 86.0 overall PFF grade — third among qualified linebackers — with a 78.6-plus mark in both run defense and coverage.
Stat to Know: The Falcons rank 28th in offensive scoring drive rate (33.3%).
Baltimore Ravens
Highest-Graded Player: WR DeAndre Hopkins
Even at 33, Hopkins has stayed a valuable asset for Baltimore’s passing attack. He’s accrued only 15 targets this season, but his 90.2 PFF receiving grade is the fourth-highest at the position. What’s helped buttress that mark is Hopkins hauling in six of his nine contested catch opportunities.
Biggest Surprise: CB Chidobe Awuzie
The Ravens entered 2025 with questions at cornerback, but Awuzie has helped quiet them. The former Bengal has turned back the clock with a 74.5 PFF coverage grade, his best since 2021.
Stat to Know: Since the Ravens acquired safety Alohi Gilman in Week 6, they place 10th in defensive EPA per play and eighth in success rate.
Buffalo Bills
Highest-Graded Player: QB Josh Allen
The reigning MVP is at it again. Allen’s 87.9 overall PFF grade is fourth among all quarterbacks, and his 1.0% turnover-worthy play rate is the lowest among qualifiers. The superstar narrowly edged running back James Cook (87.8) for this claim.
Biggest Surprise: EDGE Joey Bosa
The Bills hoped that Bosa would infuse much-needed juice in their defense when they signed him this offseason, and he’s done just that. The former Charger has not only stayed healthy, but produced: His 91.5 PFF pass-rushing grade is tied for fourth among qualified edge defenders.
Stat to Know: Buffalo’s offense is sixth in both passing and rushing EPA per play.
Carolina Panthers
Highest-Graded Player: G Damien Lewis
Lewis has certainly lived up to his billing as a big-ticket free agent signing by Carolina. Lewis ranks among the eight best qualified guards in both PFF pass- and run-blocking grades this year.
Biggest Surprise: RB Rico Dowdle
Most anticipated that Dowdle would serve as the backup to Chuba Hubbard in 2025, but Dowdle has been so good that the roles have reversed. The former Cowboy has flourished with an 82.1 PFF rushing grade and 3.80 yards after contact per attempt, both of which are top-four among qualified running backs.
Stat to Know: The Panthers rank in the top 10 in both rushing yards before and after contact per attempt this season.
Chicago Bears
Highest-Graded Player: T Darnell Wright
Now in his third pro season, Wright continues to ascend. His 87.3 PFF run-blocking grade is the second-best among qualified tackles, and his 82.0 overall mark is fifth in that group.
Biggest Surprise: WR Luther Burden III
Perhaps it’s unfair to say that a team’s second-round rookie is a “surprise,” but Burden has arguably played like Chicago’s best receiver already. The Missouri product leads Bears wideouts in PFF receiving grade (73.7) and yards per route run (2.76).
Stat to Know: One year after quarterback Caleb Williams took a record 68 sacks, Chicago ranks ninth in sack rate (4.7%) thanks to a rebuilt offensive line.
Cincinnati Bengals
Highest-Graded Player: WR Ja’Marr Chase
With or without Joe Burrow, Chase has played like the dominant receiver we’re accustomed to watching. Among receivers with 40 or more targets, he ranks fifth in PFF receiving grade (86.4), tied for sixth in yards per route run (2.37) and tied for second in first downs accrued (41).
Biggest Surprise: QB Joe Flacco
When the Bengals acquired Flacco in an early October trade, many expected it to be a Band-Aid type of move. Instead, Flacco has played like one of the foremost quarterbacks since arriving in Cincinnati. In the four games with his new franchise, Flacco has registered an 82.2 PFF passing grade with a 4.4% big-time throw rate.
Stat to Know: Cincinnati’s defensive EPA per play has somehow fallen from even last year, ranking dead last at 0.169.
Cleveland Browns
Highest-Graded Player: EDGE Myles Garrett
Another year means that Garrett finds himself perched atop many advanced statistical leaderboards. The Browns star leads all defensive players in overall PFF grade (92.2) and is tied for second in PFF pass-rushing grade (92.6) among those with 350 or more snaps.
Biggest Surprise: Dl Maliek Collins
When Collins inked a two-year deal with the Browns, it could’ve easily been perceived as a depth signing — especially with fifth overall pick Mason Graham being added along the team’s defensive line. Instead, Collins has played like one of the better interior defenders in football. His 90.4 PFF pass-rushing grade is the second-best at the position among qualifiers.
Stat to Know: The Browns have generated the fewest explosive plays (51).
Dallas Cowboys
Highest-Graded Player: QB Dak Prescott
Prescott has thrived in his return from a season-ending hamstring injury in last year’s campaign. His 86.4 PFF passing grade is the third-best among qualified quarterbacks, tossing 18 big-time throws compared to only seven turnover-worthy plays.
Biggest Surprise: RB Javonte Williams
The Cowboys sought remedies to an ailing run game this offseason, and taking a flier on Williams has been instrumental. The former Bronco has looked revitalized in Dallas, accumulating a career-high 83.0 PFF rushing grade with 4.01 yards after contact per attempt.
Stat to Know: After trading away Micah Parsons, Dallas’ defense has cratered to 31st in EPA per play and 32nd in success rate. The Cowboys hope that adding Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson at the trade deadline can serve as remedies.
Denver Broncos
Highest-Graded Player: T Garett Bolles
Bolles has been one of the foremost offensive linemen in the NFL this season. The longtime Broncos star leads all qualifiers with a 90.0 PFF pass-blocking grade, permitting only seven pressures and zero sacks across nine games.
Biggest Surprise: RB J.K. Dobbins
The Broncos brought in Dobbins after facing him last season, and the move has looked shrewd. The former second-round pick has found new life with an 80.7 PFF rushing grade and 27 missed tackles forced, both of which rank in the top 10 among qualified rushers.
Stat to Know: Denver’s offense ranks third in EPA per play in the fourth quarter but just 22nd in the three prior frames, demonstrating the team’s knack for marvelous comebacks.
Detroit Lions
Highest-Graded Player: T Penei Sewell
Somehow, Sewell has been even better during the 2025 NFL campaign — which feels almost unfair. His 95.7 overall PFF grade is the highest among any player with 100 or more snaps, and would be the foremost in his illustrious career.
Biggest Surprise: EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad
The Lions have long pursued a running mate to Aidan Hutchinson at edge rusher, and they may have found a surreptitious candidate in Muhammad. The 30-year-old has produced a 76.0 PFF pass-rushing grade with 31 pressures and a 17.8% pass-rush win rate this season.
Stat to Know: The Lions rank in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive EPA per play, proliferating their two-way success from 2024.
Green Bay Packers
Highest-Graded Player: EDGE Micah Parsons
The king’s ransom paid to acquire a player of Parsons’ caliber has been well worth it so far for Green Bay. Parsons’ 92.6 PFF pass-rushing grade is tied for Garrett to lead all edge rushers, and his 23.4% pass-rush win rate is fourth among qualifiers.
Biggest Surprise: TE Tucker Kraft
Kraft was enjoying a breakout campaign prior to a torn ACL in Week 9. The third-round pick ranked fourth in overall PFF grade (78.1) and second in PFF receiving grade (82.9) among tight ends with 40 or more targets.
Stat to Know: Green Bay’s remodeled defense has surrendered the fewest explosive plays (46).
Houston Texans
Highest-Graded Player: EDGE Will Anderson Jr.
Anderson has hit his stride in Year 3, rounding into one of the best defensive players in the league. The former third overall pick leads all qualified defensive linemen with a staggering 29.2% pass-rush win rate.
Biggest Surprise: G Ed Ingram
Houston’s offensive line has climbed to ninth in PFF pass-blocking grade, and Ingram’s improvement is a large factor. The guard has compiled a career-high 73.9 overall PFF grade so far this season while allowing only one sack on 276 opportunities.
Stat to Know: Even with new offensive coordinator Nick Caley, the Texans are still 30th in offensive success rate.
Indianapolis Colts
Highest-Graded Player: EDGE Laiatu Latu
The Colts have craved a star edge rusher for some time, and Latu has provided exactly that in his sophomore season. The 2024 first-round pick has broken out with a 90.2 overall PFF grade, featuring a 76.3 PFF pass-rushing grade and a 78.0 PFF run-defense mark.
Biggest Surprise: QB Daniel Jones
When training camps broke in late July, it would’ve been nearly unfathomable to consider Jones not only being Indianapolis’ starter, but playing like an above-average one at that. Jones has produced a 73.4 PFF passing grade thus far, although he’s recorded more turnover-worthy plays (11) than big-time throws (8).
Stat to Know: The Colts lead the league in both offensive EPA per play and success rate.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Highest-Graded Player: LB Devin Lloyd
Lloyd has capitalized on his contract season by playing like one of the better linebackers in pro football. His 91.5 overall PFF grade is the second-best among linebackers with 240 or more snaps, with his 91.6 PFF coverage grade No. 1 in that bunch.
Biggest Surprise: T Anton Harrison
Harrison has continued improving in Year 3 to become one of the more solid right tackles in football. His 73.2 PFF pass-blocking mark is sixth among qualified right tackles in 2025, and he’s one of nine tackles yet to give up a sack this year.
Stat to Know: The Jaguars pace the NFL in dropped pass rate (8.8%), something that new wideout Jakobi Meyers can help assuage.
Kansas City Chiefs
Highest-Graded Player: C Creed Humphrey
The NFL’s best center has been undeniably great in yet another season. Humphrey’s 89.4 overall PFF grade is the second-best among any qualified lineman, trailing only Sewell. Moreover, he’s produced an 83.6-plus grade in both pass- and run-blocking.
Biggest Surprise: CB Jaylen Watson
The Chiefs were known to boast Trent McDuffie in their secondary, but they have another star brewing in Watson. Watson’s 74.9 overall PFF grade ranks eighth among qualified cornerbacks, placing in the 81st percentile in PFF coverage grade at outside corner.
Stat to Know: The Chiefs have punted on just 26.2% of their offensive possessions, the second-lowest frequency.
Las Vegas Raiders
Highest-Graded Player: TE Brock Bowers
Even though a lingering knee injury sidelined him for multiple games, Bowers hasn’t experienced any sort of sophomore slump. His 89.1 overall PFF grade and 90.5 PFF receiving grade are each the best among tight ends to play 200 or more snaps.
Biggest Surprise: LB Jamal Adams
The Raiders’ defense hasn’t been extremely stout this season, but Adams has enjoyed a bit of a resurgence. Playing primarily at linebacker, the former Jet has played to a 72.3 overall PFF grade, permitting only 113 yards into his coverage.
Stat to Know: Even after adding both Geno Smith and Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders are 29th in offensive EPA per play.
Los Angeles Chargers
Highest-Graded Player: QB Justin Herbert
Herbert has transcended turmoil to the offensive players around him this season. His 90.4 overall PFF grade is third among qualified quarterbacks, and his 74.1 overall mark when under pressure trails only Prescott.
Biggest Surprise: Dl Teair Tart
The Chargers needed someone to fill Poona Ford’s presence along the interior, and Tart has done exactly that. Tart’s 90.4 PFF run-defense grade is the second-best among interior defenders with 200 or more snaps.
Stat to Know: No quarterback has been pressured more than Herbert this season (155 dropbacks), and his pressure rate (41%) is the second-highest.
Los Angeles Rams
Highest-Graded Player: WR Puka Nacua
Nacua has gotten even better in his third pro season. His 93.3 overall PFF grade is the third-highest in pro football among players with 200 or more snaps, and his 93.4 receiving mark tops all receivers.
Biggest Surprise: EDGE Byron Young
The Rams’ defensive line has wreaked havoc this season, in part due to Young’s breakout. His 84.8 PFF pass-rushing grade is 10th among qualified edge rushers, and he’s added 31 pressures while working next to Jared Verse.
Stat to Know: The Rams are top-five in both offensive and defensive EPA per play.
Miami Dolphins
Highest-Graded Player: WR Jaylen Waddle
The Dolphins elected to retain Waddle at the trade deadline, and his elite production is the biggest reason why. Waddle hasn’t been fazed by a down season from Tua Tagovailoa, placing sixth in PFF receiving grade (85.0) and ninth in first downs attained (30) among receivers with 40-plus targets.
Biggest Surprise: TE Darren Waller
Before suffering a pectoral strain, Waller had looked every bit like the vintage version we saw prior to his brief retirement. The new Dolphin posted an 82.6 receiving grade with four touchdowns across his first four games this season.
Stat to Know: The Dolphins have allowed opposing offenses to score at the third-highest rate (48.9%).
Minnesota Vikings
Highest-Graded Player: WR Justin Jefferson
Although the Vikings have already played three quarterbacks, Jefferson has remained undeniable. Arguably the NFL’s top wideout is in the midst of his sixth straight year with an 81.0-plus PFF receiving grade to begin his storied career.
Biggest Surprise: Dl Jalen Redmond
The Vikings upgraded their defensive interior with big-time names in Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, but their answer may have been internal via Redmond. His 73.4 PFF pass-rushing grade leads the Vikings, and he’s contributed with 22 pressures.
Stat to Know: Brian Flores’ defense yet again leads the NFL in blitz rate (47.8%).
New England Patriots
Highest-Graded Player: QB Drake Maye
Maye’s emergence has been one of the NFL’s signature storylines in Year 2. The former third overall pick has been the sports’ fifth-most-valuable player this season, according to PFF’s Wins Above Replacement metric.
Biggest Surprise: S Jaylinn Hawkins
New England made several flashy additions to its defense in the offseason, but it’s a returning player who has improved in a huge way. Hawkins’ 80.2 overall PFF grade is tied for second among qualified safeties. The veteran has netted a 76.7 mark or better in all four categories (coverage, run defense, pass rush, tackling).
Stat to Know: New England leads the league in explosive passes (61).
New Orleans Saints
Highest-Graded Player: EDGE Chase Young
Young was sidelined to start the year with a calf injury, but he’s been nearly unblockable since he debuted in Week 6. In that four-game span, Young’s 90.7 PFF pass-rushing grade is second among qualified edge rushers.
Biggest Surprise: QB Spencer Rattler
Rattler was benched by the Saints in Week 8, but his collective performance this year demonstrated improvement. The Oklahoma alum produced a 66.2 PFF passing grade with 11 big-time throws, although his 17 turnover-worthy plays are the most among any quarterback.
Stat to Know: The Saints have missed the most tackles in the NFL this year (96).
New York Giants
Highest-Graded Player: T Andrew Thomas
Thomas’ comeback from a foot injury has been special to watch. He’s surrendered only eight pressures and zero sacks in his seven contests this season, including matchups with teams like the Broncos, Eagles and Chargers. All told, Thomas’ 82.6 overall PFF grade ranks fourth among qualified tackles.
Biggest Surprise: CB Cor’Dale Flott
The Giants reloaded their secondary going into 2025, but Flott has been the biggest standout in that room. His 79.6 PFF coverage grade is fourth among corners to play 200 or more snaps, and his 62.6 passer rating when targeted slots eighth.
Stat to Know: Even with a talented defensive line, the Giants are just 18th in total pressures generated (155).
New York Jets
Highest-Graded Player: Dl Quinnen Williams
Unfortunately for the Jets, their highest-graded player this season is no longer with the team. Williams’ 90.8 PFF run-defense grade is the best at his position, something he’ll bring to the Cowboys after a trade deadline stunner.
Biggest Surprise: CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
The Jets may no longer boast Sauce Gardner, but they field another underrated corner on their roster. Since coming to New York in Week 5, Brownlee has played to a 75.0 overall PFF grade with a 77.9 coverage mark — the fifth-best among corners with 100 or more snaps in that span.
Stat to Know: Jets quarterbacks have combined to compile just the 22nd-highest PFF passing grade this year (66.5).
Philadelphia Eagles
Highest-Graded Player: EDGE Josh Uche
The Eagles haven’t experienced the same level of disruptiveness from their pass rushers this year, although Uche has been a pleasant surprise. He’s contributed with an 83.1 PFF pass-rushing grade and a 17.1% pass-rush win rate, although on only 131 pass-rushing snaps.
Biggest Surprise: G Brett Toth
Landon Dickerson has been in and out of the lineup this year, but Toth has done well to fill in for the star. Toth’s 85.3 PFF run-blocking grade is the second-best among guards to play 200 or more snaps, and he sits in the 99th percentile in positively-graded run blocks.
Stat to Know: Unsurprisingly, the Eagles rank fifth in fourth-down conversion rate (76.5%).
Pittsburgh Steelers
Highest-Graded Player: EDGE Nick Herbig
Pittsburgh’s defense wields several elite players, but none has performed better by overall PFF grade than Herbig (90.4) this year. His 85.8 PFF pass-rushing grade is eighth among qualified edge rushers.
Biggest Surprise: G Isaac Seumalo
In his third year with the Steelers, Seumalo has played like his Philadelphia self. His 74.9 PFF pass-blocking mark is his best since 2022, and ranks sixth among qualified guards.
Stat to Know: No quarterback has thrown a higher proportion of quick passes (2.5 seconds or less) than Aaron Rodgers (56.2%).
San Francisco 49ers
Highest-Graded Player: LB Fred Warner
Warner was enjoying yet another spectacular season prior to an unfortunate ankle injury in Week 6. His 93.2 overall PFF grade is still the best among any linebacker this year and was on track to be the highest in his prolific career.
Biggest Surprise: EDGE Bryce Huff
The 49ers have been severely injured along their defensive front seven, but Huff has stepped up. Reuniting with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Huff has generated a team-high 24 pressures with an 85.9 PFF pass-rushing grade.
Stat to Know: Even with Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall and others out for much of this season, San Francisco is still 10th in offensive success rate.
Seattle Seahawks
Highest-Graded Player: QB Sam Darnold
Seattle added Darnold on a $100.5 million deal this offseason, and he’s been worth well more than that. Darnold leads all quarterbacks in both overall PFF grade (93.5) and passing grade (92.6) while tying for the lead with 21 big-time throws.
Biggest Surprise: S Ty Okada
Seattle’s defense is extremely deep and good, and perhaps no player better represents that than Okada. Playing with Julian Love out, Okada has earned a 76.6 overall PFF grade with a 71.2-plus mark in all four departments.
Stat to Know: Seattle’s 204 pressures accrued are the second-most in football, with five players collecting 20 or more.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Highest-Graded Player: CB Jamel Dean
Tampa Bay’s defense ranks fourth in EPA per play, and Dean’s performance in the back end has been a driving force. His 90.7 overall PFF grade is the best for any qualified cornerback, and his 30.2 passer rating when targeted is also the lowest among that bunch.
Biggest Surprise: CB Jacob Parrish
The Buccaneers’ secondary has no shortage of playmakers, and Parrish is one. The rookie has stepped up promptly with an 81.4 PFF run-defense grade, the third-best among qualified cornerbacks.
Stat to Know: The Buccaneers have committed only five offensive turnovers this season, tied for the second-fewest among any team.
Tennessee Titans
Highest-Graded Player: Dl Jeffery Simmons
The Titans recognized that Simmons was too good to give up before Tuesday’s trade deadline. The 28-year-old has been the most valuable interior defender in football this season, and his 91.1 PFF pass-rushing grade leads the pack at the position.
Biggest Surprise: LB Cedric Gray
Playing behind Simmons, Gray has quietly enjoyed a solid season. The 2024 fourth-round pick is second in PFF run-defense grade (91.4) among qualified linebackers, having missed only 5.4% of his tackles.
Stat to Know: Tennessee is 27th or worse in both offensive and defensive EPA per play, which points to why Brian Callahan was fired.
Washington Commanders
Highest-Graded Player: QB Marcus Mariota
Mariota has played much more than expected, as Jayden Daniels has endured a slew of difficult injuries in his second year. Still, Mariota has been effective, registering an 83.8 PFF passing grade with a gaudy 7.2% big-time throw rate. That figure is second to only Darnold among quarterbacks with 100 or more dropbacks.
Biggest Surprise: RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Croskey-Merritt attracted considerable buzz when Washington traded away Brian Robinson in the preseason, and he’s met it so far. The rookie has notched a 77.4 PFF rushing grade with 3.34 yards after contact per attempt on 94 carries.
Stat to Know: The Commanders have yielded an explosive passing play at the highest rate in football (18.1%).
