This is a look at the top players in the NFL right now, not taking into account previous seasons or career resume.
With players rising and falling every week this list will look much different at the end of the season but as of right now here are the best players in the NFL.
JJ Watt
the Texans defensive end is playing incredible football at the moment and is a force to be reckoned with. With 26 tackles, four sacks, six passes defended and a staggering two defensive touchdowns, Watt is a defence to himself.
With a 79-yard fumble recovery for touchdown and 80-yard pick six, Watt has delivered the big plays that ruin an offense. But even without the big splash plays his work on the interior against the run for the Texans is invaluable.
DeMarco Murray
With six straight 100 yard games that is only matched by the great Jim Brown, nobody is running the ball like Murray at the moment. With 785 yards on the season and six touchdowns Murray has been near unstoppable so far and is a huge reason for the Cowboys’ great record. For years in Dallas they have been looking for a running game and Murray is finally delivering.
Andrew Luck
The third year quarterback is putting up big game after big game as he leads all quarterbacks in yards and touchdowns. With 1987 yards and 17 touchdowns he has lead the Colts back from an 0-2 start to now being 4-2.
Philip Rivers
The wily veteran is not only playing well statistically but is driving his team to big wins. After making a statement by dominating the perceived best defence in the NFL in Week 2 by taking down the Seattle Seahawks, Rivers has elevated himself into the upper echelon. In that statement game he went 28/37 for 284 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.
Jordy Nelson
Receiving balls from one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, Nelson has turned in a great start to the season. With 43 receptions for 632 yards and five touchdowns, Nelson leads all receivers in the NFL. A complete receiver, he provides quarterback Aaron Rodgers with a security blanket the size of the entire field as he catches anything in his direction.
LeVeon Bell
Pittsburgh’s feature back looks renewed this season as he has dropped weight and looks much quicker in and out of his cuts. Going from a power back to a shifty back is a tough change but Bell has done this and is driving the Steelers offense. Rushing for 542 yards this season he moves the chains for the Steelers but has not found the endzone too much this season with only one touchdown.
DeAndre Levy
This selection may come under fire due to his lack of statistics but Levy is the centre of the turned around Lions defence. A huge reason for the change in Detroit, Levy has been the point of attack for the defence. A natural nose for the ball see’s Levy in position to make big tackles and get the Lions off the field on third downs.
Peyton Manning
The Sheriff himself is backing up his record-setting play from last season with another history making season in 2014. As he approaches the all-time touchdowns record, Manning is as perfect as ever at the line of scrimmage. He has never had a huge arm and currently still doesn’t, but his football IQ is at an all-time high and his pre-snap diagnosis is second to none.
Richard Sherman
One of the more controversial players in the NFL for his penchant for speaking out, Sherman is the focus of a lot of elite speculation. After being so dominant last season the expectations placed on Sherman are high. His play is of a level that when the rare player gets a catch on him they turn to Twitter and tell the world that they did the impossible. Sherman is a passionate a prideful player whose ability is only matched by his drive.
Steve Smith
The 14-year veteran has drunk from the fountain of youth as his new home in Baltimore looks good on him. With 35 receptions and 573 yards with four touchdowns, Smith is a force this season. One of the angriest players in the NFL, Smith has been a human highlight reel this season for big plays and aggressive ones. Whether it be scoring a touchdown or throwing a defender to the ground, Smith is dominating the NFL right now.
neily_b
Roar Rookie
A couple of weeks ago this list would have had Russell Wilson for sure but they've started to struggle in the last 2-3 weeks. You've got Rivers but not Antonio Gates? Surely he has been as much a part of their success so far? Always hard to narrow down just 10 player this early in a season so though pretty decent list!
mushi
Guest
You look at football outsiders O-line rankings and they actually have the Rams as the best blocking line, when you look at the numbers they are getting their backs into more holes, they just don't have Murray running through those holes
mushi
Guest
Nerval if you aren't throwing at someone it is because they are winning the match-up and the receiver either isn't getting separation or isn't expected to get separation. As a defence you can then say "we are going to force you to play without your best option" That's is a major tactical advantage. Not saying Sherman is necessarily great this year but the number of times a CB is targeted when covering the first or second best receiver is probably a better indication of their skills than the number of interceptions, which are often a product of the QB taking a chance against a defender.
Sam Rigney
Expert
I'd put Julius Thomas on this list - set to break all sorts of TD records this season - and Antonio Brown. Brown has been incredible, not just statistically, but some of his catches and big plays have been game changers for the Steelers.
Ash
Guest
I agree. Sherman was great last year but to actually be the 'best corner in the league' he needs to do it over a sustained period of time. Go Peyton and Denver!
nerval
Guest
I love watching the NFL, but I remain genuinely puzzled as to the greatness of some of these players. I freely acknowledge that this is my problem, not theirs! For example, what makes Richard Sherman a great footballer? There was the recent game when Aaron Rodgers refused to throw a ball in his direction - does that make Sherman great, or Rodgers just plain timid? Where does Sherman's athletic prowess or skill lie? I can look at Peyton Manning and see how he dictates play in a manner not too dissimilar to a great rugby league half-back. I can see a running back - such as my all time favourite, Barry Sanders - or a wide receiver in the Randy Moss mould and be in awe of their genius. But Sherman?
Nate
Guest
Not sure I would put Kuechly there but he is certainly close. Beast for sure.
Distant Knight
Guest
No Luke Kuechly either??? Drop Manning or Sherman for him for sure!
Dooggy
Guest
Who? Next you will be asking where is Tim Tebow?
Nate
Guest
Agreed, even as a rabid Broncos fan I would not put Peyton on here because he has not really stood out. Then again, not like he's bad, just not the usual high standard we would normally expect.
Steve Kerr
Roar Rookie
Could we put Joe Thomas from the Browns on this list? He's not exactly one of the big names, but for work-rate and effectiveness I'd say he's pretty near the top tier.
Steve Kerr
Roar Rookie
Sherman has really dropped off- he's the odd man out on this list, because right now, he's not up to par.
Steve
Guest
If we're talking top players right now, at least a couple of the members of the Cowboys OL should make this list. The QBs on this list are interesting. Rivers is clearly a cut above everyone else so far this season and would be the only QB I'd have here for best players 'right now'. Manning and Luck don't stand out from a number of other QBs (e.g. Rodgers has a higher passer rating than both and has thrown fewer interceptions).
Nate
Guest
Also, Sherman has markedly dropped off this year. QBs are throwing at him and having success. Seems when you can't play pass interference as much he is not so feared. He may have been on the list last year but no way does he belong there at the moment.
Nate
Guest
I would have had Demaryius Thomas in there. I know it's been a slow start to the season but he still has 31 catches, 4 TDs and a 15.8 ave. Not to mention the guy has an amazing ability to pile on YAC. He's just getting started. Then of course there is that other Thomas from Denver. He does have 9 TDs in 5 games. Not a terrible start. As for Watt, he has been on fire this year. He is one of your picks that I most certainly agree with. Having seen how Von Miller and Watt were going toe to toe in their rookie years, I just hope that Miller can continue to raise his level to get back up there again. He has been playing better but Watt has left him behind at the moment. Then again, injuries, suspensions, etc have not helped Miller. I have a feeling he will be back and probably pushing this list this time next year.
Simon Smale
Roar Guru
Jordy Nelson is a colossus for Green Bay, and has become Rogers go to receiver. A couple of seasons ago the Packers had so many wide receiving options with which to hurt teams, retirements and trades have thinned the receiving core a little, but Nelson has stepped up and taken it upon himself to lead the Packers forward.
Billy
Guest
Where's Jarryd Hayne on this list???