So what is NEP? By adding down-and-distance value to standard box score information, we can see just how much each play and each team as a whole influence the outcome of games. If a player passes for five yards on 3rd-and-2, it means more to the game than it does on 3rd-and-10, and those plays should be valued accordingly. For more info on NEP, check out our glossary.

Each play has an NEP value. Each play also changes the win probability (WP) of the game. I factored those values together to see which plays were the most impactful to the moment on the field and the game as a whole.

Below were some exciting moments from the week with big value swings in one category, but didn’t cut it in the other.

10. Denver Broncos punter Riley Dixon boots the ball away, and San Diego Chargers returner Travis Benjamin can’t hold on. Denver recovers on the San Diego 11-yard line (WP: 14.99, NEP: 5.11).
9. Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace races behind the New York Giants’ defense and reels in a 70-yard gain (WP: 19.84, NEP: 4.80).
8. New Orleans Saints tight end Coby Fleener snags a catch in traffic and rolls into a 50-yard touchdown (WP: 15.89, NEP: 6.13).
7. New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks sneaks behind the Carolina Panthers’ coverage and then burns them for 87 yards and a score (WP: 14.92, NEP: 7.72).
6. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers scrambles on the Dallas Cowboys’ 1-yard line, but defensive end David Irving punches the ball out (WP: 17.53, NEP: 5.77).

Now onto the top five plays of the week!