Week 10 NFL Advanced Analytics Superstars

Quarterback: Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins
20 for 25, 324 Yards, 4 Touchdowns
NEP: +21.45

Kirk Cousins was once again on fire this week, as he dissected a weak New Orleans secondary for 324 yards, 4 touchdowns, and zero picks. He completed 80% of his throws, connecting on 20 of 25, and is just the 13th quarterback to ever throw for over 300 passing yards, 4 passing touchdowns, zero interceptions, and complete 80% of his passes. In his last four home games, Kirk Cousins has scored 11 total touchdowns and thrown no interceptions.

Cousins orchestrated almost solely on the short pass, as his 3.9 yards per aimed throw trailed only Teddy Bridgewater (3.1) this week according to ProFootballFocus. His receivers piled up the yards after catch as time after time they made a quick catch and then were able to follow their downfield blocks for additional yardage. Cousins' biggest play of the game came on a short outlet pass to running back Matt Jones who was able to read his blockers and race down the field for a 78-yard touchdown.

His +21.45 NEP was the highest of the week, and his performance also led to the highest fantasy point outing of all quarterbacks in standard scoring. He is now ranked 12th in both Passing NEP and in Passing NEP per drop back on the season.

The rest of the top quarterbacks were led by Cam Newton, who also joined Cousins in the 80% completion club this week and his +13.40 NEP. Jay Cutler was right behind him, completing 19 of 24 for 258 yards and 3 touchdowns, including some big surprising plays to tight end Zach Miller. Eli Manning and temporary bench-warmer Ben Roethlisberger both finished the day with a +8.55 NEP as both eclipsed the 300-yard mark and threw for multiple touchdowns. Aaron Rodgers threw a career-high 61 passes in a last-second loss to Detroit but was able to finish with over 300 yards and a pair of scores.

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