2022 NFL players of the season so far
Honourable mentions: Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Stefon Diggs, Justin Jefferson, Khalil Mack, Minkah Fitzpatrick
Patrick Mahomes – QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Mahomes is the best player in the football at the moment. His continued brilliance is remarkable, as demonstrated in the Chiefs’ emphatic 41-31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week Four.
The explosive Kansas City offense is still the most feared in the league, and it’s all down to their star quarterback. No Hill, no problem.
Heading into Week Five against the Raiders, expect more magic from Mahomes and co, as the Chiefs continue to build dangerous momentum for another Super Bowl run.
Josh Allen – QB, Buffalo Bills
Just behind Mahomes, MVP favourite Josh Allen looks to be getting better and better.
There have been parts of this season where Allen’s passing has been flawless. From the season opener against the Rams, to a brilliant comeback win over the Ravens. The Bills are playing outstanding football, and Allen is at the very centre of how they play.
Of course, there are still bits to improve on. Turnovers are an issue Allen needs to work on, having fumbled the ball four times to start the season. But discounting the defeat to the Dolphins in Week Three, this has been the perfect start for Allen, the Bills and their Super Bowl ambitions.
Saquon Barkley – RB, New York Giants
Saquon is one special, special player. Finally back to his best and an injury-stricken couple of years with the Giants, Barkley leads the lead in rushing yards with 463 after four rounds, has two touchdowns and an impressive long of 68.
The sky is the limit for Saquon. He really can go on to be one of the best ever in his position if he continues.
Comeback Player of the Year is the minimum in 2022. But Barkley will be targeting All-Pro honours after such a bright start to the season. Let’s hope his remains injury free and can keep up the standard he’s set himself.
Andrew Thomas – LT, New York Giants
The second Giants player on the list. Andrew Thomas is starting to emerge as one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL.
He’s the highest-graded player from PFF in the league this season (92.1) and has continued his fine form from 2021. Against the Bears in Week Four, Thomas didn’t surrender a single pressure on 26 pass block snaps, and has been excellent in supporting Saquon and the New York run game.
That quiet rookie year seems long in the memory now for Giants fans. He’s a valuable part of this team and will be protecting whoever starts at QB for the team for years to come.
Tyreek Hill – WR, Miami Dolphins
Tyreek was expected to struggle without Mahomes in 2022. Instead, after joining the Dolphins this summer, Hill has only seemed to get better.
The 28-year-old has continued to look like the premier receiver in football over the past few weeks, with impressive plays and second-to-none electricity on the field.
Hill leads the NFL in receiving yards with 477 and in tandem with Jaylen Waddle has formed one of the more formidable WR partnerships in the league.
The Dolphins are looking strong under Mike McDaniel. Hill adds that experience and winning mentality that came help Miami to go far in the post season.
Nick Bosa – EDGE, San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers defense is loaded with talent, with their star defensive end Nick Bosa leading the charge.
Six sacks, 30 QB pressures and emphasise just how dominant the former #2 overall pick has been for the 49ers so far this season. Bosa ran riot against Matt Stafford and the weakened Rams in Week Four, generating a career-high 12 QB pressures. And he’s only going to get better.
The blistering pace of his dominance has been frightening to watch throughout his career in San Francisco. In fact, in just 45 career games, Bosa has registered a whopping 38.5 sacks already.
Stay fit, and Bosa is a no-brainer for the Hall of Fame in years to come.
Micah Parsons – EDGE, Dallas Cowboys
After one of the most impressive rookie seasons in memory, Micah Parsons has continued to rise. Already in 2022, Parsons has single-handedly taken over games for the Cowboys this season.
Easily Dallas’ MVP, last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) has been one of the most dominant pass rushers in football once again this year. Four games, four sacks. With the Rams up next, Parsons could blow up once again against a depleted O-Line for Dallas.
Only two players in history have won DROY in their first year, then Defensive Player of the Year in their second (Lawrence Taylor and Luke Kuechly). Any room for a third? Don’t bet against it.
