NFL Best & Worst Week 6: Odell Beckham Jr. Finally Catches Fire

Every week, we’ll go through some of the best and worst of the notable Sunday performances and plays. Here they are for Week 6.

Offensive Player of the Week: Odell Beckham Jr., Giants

On Sunday, Beckham finally had the big game we’ve all been waiting for. He caught eight passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns. His scores came from 75 and 66 yards out, and the latter clinched the game for the Giants.

While Beckham was the best offensive player this week, his antics on the sidelines got far more press. He continued his love affair with the Giants kicking net, doing two celebrations involving it. After his game-winning touchdown he even proposed to it.

The sideline act is wearing a bit thin, but there’s zero doubt Beckham has finally hit his stride this season. When he’s locked in, he’s one of the most dynamic offensive players in the NFL, and on Sunday he was at his best.

Defensive Player of the Week: Jatavis Brown, Chargers

Who? That’s right, Jatavis freaking Brown is your defensive player of the week. The Chargers’ rookie linebacker racked up 14 tackles (13 solo), with a forced fumble and a sack. The fifth-rounder out of Akron has suddenly become a huge part of San Diego’s defense with Manti Te’o out for the season.

So far on the year, Brown has played in all six games, as 42 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles. He’s undersized at 5’11” and 221 pounds, but plays fast and has outstanding instincts. Chargers general manager Tom Telesco appears to have found a gem.

Most Impressive Rookie: Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys

Yet again, Zeke is the guy. The Cowboys’ prized rookie rushed for 157 yards on 28 carries (5.6 yards per carry), while also adding 17 yards on two receptions. He didn’t find the end zone, but he topped 150 yards from scrimmage for the fourth straight week.

After six weeks, Elliott leads the NFL with 703 rushing yards, is averaging 5.1 yards per carry and has been an all-around beast. There’s been a ton of talk about Dak Prescott’s development under center, but Elliott is the real star for the Cowboys.

Hottest Seat of the Week: Chuck Pagano, Colts

Pagano’s Colts fell to 2-4 after blowing a huge lead in Sunday night’s loss to the Texans. Indianapolis led 23-9 with less than three minutes remaining and couldn’t secure a win against a team with Brock Osweiler at quarterback. That’s embarrassing.

Pagano was already on thin ice entering the season and now the Colts sit in last place in the NFL’s weakest division. Pagano’s defensive background isn’t helping, either. Indianapolis ranks 30th in total defense (allowing 411.2 yards per game), 28th in points allowed (29.0 per game), 29th in pass defense (293.5 yards per game) and 25th in rush defense (117.7 yards per game). None of that is good.

Unfortunately for Pagano, things are likely to change in Indianapolis if he doesn’t somehow figure out a massive turnaround. The Colts are 10-12 in their last 22 games. That’s not going to cut it.

Randy Fasani Award: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jets

Man, Fitzpatrick was bad Monday night. The Jets quarterback was all kinds of awful as he completed 16 of 31 passes for 174 yards and a horrendous interception. His passer rating on the night was 55.0, and his Total QBR was truly horrendous 22.6 as the Jets fell 28-3 to the Cardinals.

Things gotten really awful for Fitzpatrick this season. How bad is it? He was pulled for Geno Smith on Monday night. Yeah. Geno Smith.

Through six games Fitzpatrick has completed 57.0 percent of his passes for 1,441 yards, with five touchdown and 11 interceptions. His passer rating of 63.4 ranks dead last in the NFL and his Total QBR of 47.5 ranks 26th.

Clearly the Jets need to start looking for other options under center.

*The Randy Fasani Award is given weekly to the NFL quarterback who turns in the worst performance. Fasani is the award’s namesake because he had one career start and turned in a 0.0 passer rating. That makes him the worst starting quarterback in NFL history.

Weekly Mike McCoy Update:

He’s still terrible.

Friendly Fire Moment of the Week: Sean Lee, Cowboys

Morris Claiborne clearly pissed Lee off at some point.

Nothing To See Here Moment of the Week: Julio Jones, Falcons

Pass interference? What pass interference?

Catch of the Week: Kenny Britt, Rams

How in the…? That’s just silly.

Fat Guy Touchdown of the Week: Dontari Poe, Chiefs

Now that is some amazing play calling.

Most Helpful Teammate of the Week: Richard Sherman, Seahawks

Thanks Sherm!

Miami Hangover of the Week: Lawrence Timmons, Steelers

Late night on South Beach, Lawrence?

New Jacket, Who Dis? Moment of the Week: Brett Favre

Given his history I really don’t want to know who or what Brett was texting there.

Mesmerizing Hurdle of the Week: Eddie Lacy, Packers

That GIF is legitimately majestic. I thought it would take a forklift to get Lacy that high off the ground.

Mild Disagreement of the Week: Dan Quinn, Falcons

“‘The Force Awakens’ was not genius, it was derivative tripe! Original trilogy or nothing!”