NFL Week 16 Team of the Week: Nacua & Lawrence Shine

NFL Week 16 Standouts: Lawrence, Warren, and Stingley Lead the Charge

A weekly look at the NFL’s top performers, highlighting players who delivered exceptional performances and are driving their teams toward playoff contention.

Each week, the best of the NFL takes center stage, offering performances reminiscent of a dream fantasy football lineup. Throughout the season, analysts have been identifying one quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, and a tight end – a retrospective all-star team, if you will. Beyond the skill position players, recognition is also given to outstanding offensive lines, defensive stars, and special teams contributors. While repeat appearances are common, exceptional performances demand inclusion, even from those who shined just last week. This week’s standout players showcase the league’s depth and the rising stars poised to make a playoff impact.

Trevor Lawrence Leads Jaguars to Playoff Berth

For a moment, Matthew Stafford appeared poised to earn the nod. Despite a Thursday night loss, the veteran quarterback threw for an impressive 457 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. However, Trevor Lawrence’s dominant performance in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ victory over the Denver Broncos ultimately secured his spot. Lawrence delivered three touchdown passes and added a rushing score, solidifying the Jaguars’ playoff berth. This win is a statement, positioning head coach Liam Coen as a potential Coach of the Year candidate as the team continues to validate its success with significant victories. Lawrence and the Jaguars sent a clear message on Sunday in Denver.

Ashton Jeanty and Devin Warren Emerge in the Backfield

Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty had a breakout performance despite a close loss to the Houston Texans, rushing for 128 yards and a score while adding a 60-yard touchdown reception. While the game didn’t result in a win, it served as a reminder of Jeanty’s potential as a game-changing back in a more favorable offensive environment.

The competition for the second running back spot was fierce, but Devin Warren earned the selection with a remarkable performance. He rushed for 143 yards on just 14 carries, averaging an outstanding 10.3 yards per carry, and scored two touchdowns – both 45-yard runs in the fourth quarter of a close victory. “How do you not reward that?” one analyst commented. Despite strong showings from James Cook (117 rushing yards, two scores), Bijan Robinson (168 total yards, a touchdown), Kenneth Walker (164 yards, a score), and Saquon Barkley (132 yards, a score), none matched Warren’s late-game heroics.

Receiving Dominance: Olave and Smith-Njigba Shine

Even in a game where Davante Adams was sidelined, one receiver continued to dominate. He recorded 12 catches for 225 yards and two touchdowns, proving his ability to thrive as the focal point of the passing game. He now trails Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba by just 45 yards for the NFL receiving yards lead and leads the league with 114 receptions. Many believe both players are strong contenders for first-team All-Pro honors.

Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints also delivered a standout performance, contributing to the team’s three-game winning streak. He had 10 catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the season – his third time achieving this milestone in four NFL seasons – and extending his career-best touchdown total to eight. The Saints have already exercised Olave’s fifth-year option for 2026, but an extension could be a smart move, especially considering Jakobi Meyers’ $20 million annual contract. The Saints have the cap flexibility to make it happen.

Kyle Pitts Continues to Impress at Tight End

Kyle Pitts of the Atlanta Falcons earned the tight end spot once again. While his three-touchdown performance last week was undeniable, this week he secured the position with 57 receiving yards and a score in a win over Arizona. Harold Fannin Jr. had two touchdowns for the Browns, but Pitts’ yardage total was higher than other contenders like Benton Strange and Chig Okonkwo. In his last four games, Pitts has amassed 395 yards and four scores, timing his resurgence perfectly as a potential free agent in March.

Chicago Bears Offensive Line Stands Out

The Chicago Bears’ offensive line deserves recognition for their performance against the Green Bay Packers. They protected Caleb Williams, allowing zero sacks, and paved the way for 150 rushing yards in an overtime victory. The line, comprised of rookie Ozzy Trapilo, Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, Jonah Jackson, and Darnell Wright, even opened the game with a three-tight end set.

Defensive Stars: Rousseau and Burns Lead the Charge

Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau earned a spot on this list with 2.5 sacks and an impressive seven quarterback hits in a win over the Browns – the most quarterback hits by any player in a single game this season. Chris Jones previously held the record with eight in 2018. While Rousseau has only 6.5 sacks on the season, this performance was crucial for the Bills.

The choice for the second defensive end was difficult, with Cam Jordan and Aidan Hutchinson both recording two sacks. However, Brian Burns of the New York Giants ultimately earned the nod with two sacks and a forced fumble in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Despite Myles Garrett’s league-leading 22 sacks, Burns has had a strong year with 15 sacks and three forced fumbles. Burns showcased his elite pass-rushing skills on Sunday against the Vikings.

Schwesinger Leads Browns Defense

Linebacker Pete Schwesinger of the Cleveland Browns had a strong performance in a loss to Buffalo, recording 12 tackles and a sack. He now leads the Browns with 137 tackles for the year, ranking among the top 10 in the league. Despite playing for a struggling team, Schwesinger is a potential contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Stingley Shines for Texans

Texans defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. had a standout performance, intercepting a Geno Smith pass and returning it 31 yards for a pick-six. This score proved crucial in the Texans’ victory over the Raiders. Stingley has four interceptions this season and 14 over the last three seasons, adding a forced fumble to his Week 16 stat line. Houston’s defense has been instrumental in their seven-game winning streak and 10-5 record, with Stingley playing a key role in the secondary.

Shaheed’s Return Touchdown Sparks Seahawks Comeback

Seattle Seahawks return specialist Rashid Shaheed delivered a game-changing play with a 58-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Rams. This touchdown sparked a comeback, leading the Seahawks to a 38-37 victory. Shaheed has a punt-return and kickoff-return touchdown in seven games since joining the Seahawks and has contributed 242 receiving yards in those same games.

Greg Auman is an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports. He previously spent a decade covering the Buccaneers for the Tampa Bay Times and The Athletic. You can follow him on Twitter at @gregauman.