The NFL’s 25 Hottest Players Heading Into Week 7
By Daniel
Sep 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) catches a touchdown pass over Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Alterraun Verner (21) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
20. Steve Smith – WR, Baltimore
The ‘old man’ is proving that wide receivers can play well at the age of 35 in the NFL — at least he can. Over his last three games he’s scored 3 touchdowns and caught 17 passes for a whopping 283 yards. Smith is seemingly on a mission to prove to Carolina that they shouldn’t have let him go and his best game was appropriately against the Panthers.
Hottest Game: Week 4 (7 receptions, 2 touchdowns, 139 receiving yards)
19. Roman Harper – SS, Carolina
The Panthers’ strong safety has come on strong the last few games. Interestingly enough Carolina is 1-1-1 over their last three games and Harper has been one of the playmakers on their defense over this stretch. He’s secured two interceptions and defended three passes and made 11 tackles since Week 4.
Hottest Game: Week 6 (1 interception, 2 passes defended, 3 tackles)
Sep 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) signals to the crowd during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium. The Titans won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
18. Justin Houston – LB, Chiefs
Houston is becoming one of the better playmakers on the defensive side of the ball in the AFC. He’s consistently playing at a high level for the Chiefs and has amassed four sacks over the last three games (with at least one in each game). He’s also made 14 tackles and defended one pass.
Hottest Game: Week 5 (2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 7 total tackles)
17. Matt Forte – RB, Chicago
The Bears’ most versatile player is their starting running back Forte. He’s leading the NFL in receptions, that’s right, as a running back. Over the last three weeks he’s scored three touchdowns, ran for 263 yards and caught 27 passes for 231 yards. He does it all and is doing it as good as anyone in the league right now.
Hottest Game: Week 6 (2 touchdowns, 80 rushing yards, 77 receiving yards)
16. Antonio Brown – WR, Pittsburgh
Brown has been one of the Steelers’ top playmakers all year and he’s only getting more consistent. In his last three games he’s caught 17 passes for 333 yards. He’s also caught two touchdowns. But his play isn’t exactly elevating the Steelers to victory as they’re still struggling as a team.
Hottest Game: Week 4 (7 receptions, 131 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns)