NFL Week 16 Star Performers

We are really at the sharp end of proceedings at this stage and with the playoff picture taking shape it’s time for the big boys to step up and shine. Merry Christmas, all. Here’s is week 16 of our star performers:

T.J. Hockenson

TE, Minnesota Vikings, W 27-24 vs Giants

The young Thomas James pulled in 13 catches for 109 and a pair of scores. The former Detroit man has settled in supremely well into a Vikings side who can’t seem to help but pick wins out of close games, helped in no short amount by their receiving corp.

Hockenson has really been a superb addition since his trade in November which looks like an absolute bargain now. He’ll be invaluable to the Vikings given their playoff run aspirations. Kirk Cousins isn’t getting any younger and will be looking to go deep this season.

Dak Prescott

QB, Dallas Cowboys, W 40-34 vs Eagles

Dak went up against one of the most aggressive D-lines in the game right now and (just) came out on top. He took six sacks, but he protected the ball well enough. Going 27 of 35 for 347 and three scores with just the one interception is a good return for the man who throws the prettiest spiral in football.

His run of fives straight games with at least one INT is worrying and his D aren’t giving him as much help as they were in the early part of the season but I have faith that the fans in Arlington should be watching one of the contenders for the NFC Championship game if Dak stays healthy and keeps his head.

Greg Joseph

K, Minnesota Vikings, W 27-24 vs Giants

Kickers don’t get enough credit and since Justin Tucker started doing Justin Tucker things with his foot it’s become far too ‘normal’ to blast it between the sticks from 60 yards.

I enjoyed Joseph’s walk-off effort over the weekend because he isn’t what I would term to be an ‘elite’ kicker but he absolutely smashed it under pressure. The Vikings could still secure the elusive One Seed if the Eagles fail to win both remaining fixtures as they have the head-to-head over Minnesota from their Week Two matchup.

A week to forget for… Nathaniel Hackett

Didn’t even make it through a full season. Hackett was an unmitigated disaster working with a former league-MVP-level QB and then in his final game (probably ever) as an NFL coach. The final string was watching the LA Rams put up 51 points in an absolute Christmas demolition job against his D.

The defense that has been the only line in the sand that have stopped the Broncos from being a laughing stock for the year. This was the nail in the coffin – a Baker Mayfield led, barely stitched together roster making you look like an absolute MVP-level chump. Goodnight and good riddance, my man.