Week 15 NFL Advanced Analytics Superstars

Quarterback: Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins
22 for 28, 319 Yards, 4 Touchdowns
3 Rushes, 11 Yards, 1 Touchdown
NEP: +26.52

Kirk Cousins continued his dominance at home, scoring five total touchdowns in a 35-25 victory over the Buffalo Bills.

His performance at home has been incredible, as only Tom Brady (+98.17) has a higher NEP at home games this season than Cousins' +93.93. Cousins completed 22 of his 28 drop backs this week, throwing for 319 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was also able to run for 11 yards and another score on just three attempts.

Cousins embodied efficiency this week, making first downs and allowing his receivers to make plays. Cousins threw all over the field at varying depths, keeping the Buffalo secondary at bay. He was able to make a huge play on 3rd-and-goal from the 13-yard line, rolling out on a bootleg and deciding to run for it before fighting through a tackle attempt and diving forward for the score. The Bills were unable to apply much pressure on Cousins, as his offensive line gave up only one sack on the day.

He helped raised his cumulative season-long Passing and Total NEP to ninth-highest among all quarterbacks, providing Washington a steady, efficient quarterback performance under center. Cousins' 35.9 fantasy points this week were the second highest of the week, trailing only Cam Newton's impressive five-touchdown outing. Cousins is averaging nearly 10 more fantasy points at home games than he is on the road this year.

Looking around the league at the other top performances by quarterbacks, Teddy Bridgewater had his most impressive performance of the year. Bridgewater completed 85% of his passes and scored five touchdowns himself. Russell Wilson has been on a tear of efficient quarterback play, scoring 19 touchdowns over his past five games without any interceptions. Philip Rivers bounced back after a few poor outings to throw for 300-plus yards and three scores this week at home against the Dolphins. Cam Newton continues to build his lead for MVP votes, as he became the first player in NFL history to throw for 300-plus passing yards, rack up 100-plus rushing yards, and score five touchdowns. Drew Brees fought through injury on Monday Night Football, but was unable to complete the comeback at home in New Orleans against the Lions.

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