-
NFL NationESPN
We’ve reached the homestretch of the season, so every version of the NFL Power Rankings becomes more and more important. But the homestretch isn’t just important for ranking teams; it’s important for players in setting up the next part of their careers.
Whether you’re a young guy trying to establish a legacy or a veteran trying to preserve what is already built, December is when reputations are made and maintained. On that note, we asked our NFL Nation writers to pick the one player on the teams they cover for whom the last month of the season is most important. As you’d expect, the quarterback position is well represented here — from rookies trying to get a foothold (see the Big Apple) to veterans trying to close out in style (Pittsburgh Steelers fans can feel this) to current stars looking to reach that next level (such as the guy heading up America’s Team) — but there are non-quarterbacks who make the list, as well.
How we rank our Power Rankings: Our power panel — a group of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities — evaluates how teams stack up throughout the season.
Previous rankings: 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | Preseason
Jump to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Previous ranking: 2
Player who must step up: OL Josh Jones
The former third-round pick is the backup at both right guard and right tackle during a season in which he should have been starting at one or the other. If Jones doesn’t prove himself over the rest of the campaign, there’s a chance he might not be in the mix next year, especially with how well both RG Max Garcia and RT Kelvin Beachum have played. Considering how valuable quarterback Kyler Murray is, Jones needs to be as good as he possibly can to keep Murray healthy. — Josh Weinfuss
Previous ranking: 1
Player who must step up: K Mason…
Source : espn
