Ranking 20 best players left in NFL playoffs

With one round of the NFL postseason complete, theScore ranks the top 20 players still alive in the chase for the Lombardi Trophy. This list isn't a ranking of their historical accomplishments but rather an assessment of their current playing form.

20. Caleb Williams, QB, Bears

Williams has played his best in the biggest moments, offsetting occasional misfires early in games with numerous big-time throws down the stretch. He engineered an 18-point comeback against the Packers in the wild-card round, looking unstoppable by the end. His arm strength, mobility, and aggressiveness are reminiscent of the best quarterbacks in the league.

19. Christian Gonzalez, CB, Patriots

New England made Justin Herbert look ordinary, and Gonzalez had a lot to do with that. The Patriots' top cornerback has yet to register an interception this season, but his sticky pass coverage is a key feature of their top-10 defense. Gonzalez allowed only one touchdown catch during the regular season, according to PFF.

18. Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Broncos

Bonitto often gets overlooked in conversations about the NFL's top pass-rushers, which is strange considering he's generated 27.5 sacks over the last two years. An explosive first step allows Bonitto to regularly pile up quick pressures (under 2.5 seconds), creating big plays for the Broncos' defense.

17. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Seahawks

Every elite defense needs a premier cornerback. Enter Witherspoon, one of the leaders of Seattle's stout unit. A physically tenacious defensive back, Witherspoon sets the tone for the group every week. The three-time Pro Bowler has left no doubt that the Seahawks made the right call by drafting him fifth overall in 2023.

16. Nico Collins, WR, Texans

Collins may not receive as much credit as other No. 1 wideouts, but he's managed three 1,000-yard campaigns and averaged 15.6 yards per catch over the past three seasons. The 6-foot-4, 222-pounder is a matchup nightmare due to his size, speed, and route-running ability. With an exceptional defense supporting the team, the Texans usually only need a few big plays from their offense. Collins is their go-to guy.

*Collins is currently in concussion protocol and likely to miss the divisional-round game versus the Patriots.

15. Pat Surtain II, CB, Broncos

Surtain is widely considered the NFL's best cornerback. Although a pectoral injury prevented him from contending for another Defensive Player of the Year award, he still frequently dissuades quarterbacks from throwing his way. Denver's defense wouldn't be this good if not for Surtain, who registered 10-plus pass breakups for the fifth straight year.

14. James Cook, RB, Bills

Big brother Dalvin was known as the more physical runner, so you might be surprised to learn that James ranked fourth in yards after contact this season. The younger Cook's trademark, however, is his silky-smooth running style. He weaved through traffic brilliantly during the regular season, capturing his first rushing title with 1,621 yards on the ground.

13. Leonard Williams, DT, Seahawks

Few Seahawks have benefited more from playing in Mike Macdonald's system than Williams, who's arguably posted his two best NFL seasons after turning 30. The All-Pro defensive lineman is crucial for Seattle's top-ranked unit; he's a great run defender and an even better pass-rusher, leading the team in sacks (tied with two others) and pressures this year.

12. Joe Thuney, G, Bears

Thuney has quietly been one of the best interior linemen of the last decade, and he has four Super Bowl rings to show for it. Chicago acquired him from Kansas City in an offseason trade that deserved more attention than it received. Now, he's leading a much-improved line for the Bears, and the Chiefs are probably wishing they'd kept him.

11. Zach Allen, DT, Broncos

Allen has remarkably transformed from a solid rotational defender for the Cardinals early in his career to an All-Pro lineman and a cornerstone of an elite Broncos defense. His 73 pressures in 2025 led all interior defensive linemen, according to PFF.

10. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, Texans

The Texans' defense is outstanding at all three levels, and Stingley is to their secondary what Will Anderson Jr. is to their pass rush. Stingley's exceptional coverage skills help him shut down some of the NFL's best receivers. The two-time All-Pro allows only a 66.4 passer rating when targeted.

9. Garett Bolles, LT, Broncos

Holding penalties were the bane of Bolles' existence early in his career, but he's largely rectified those issues by refining his technique. The 33-year-old, who hasn't allowed a sack this season, is the anchor of an impressive unit in Denver.

8. Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers

In a season with so many players lost to injury, the 49ers had to rely on McCaffrey more than ever. And while his rushing efficiency took a hit, his overall production ticked up. He posted 2,126 scrimmage yards (the second most of his career), and nearly half of his 102 receptions went for first downs. Kyle Shanahan's creative play-calling suits McCaffrey's game beautifully.

7. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seahawks

Take notice of Smith-Njigba's route running the next time you watch Seattle. He established himself as one of the NFL's most unstoppable pass-catchers this year, leading the league with 1,793 receiving yards. The All-Pro selection flirted with the single-season yards record before tapering off later in the campaign. JSN is the top playmaker on a dangerous Seahawks team.

6. Trent Williams, LT, 49ers

There isn't a scarier run-blocker in the NFL. During the 49ers' wild-card win in Philadelphia, Williams put Eagles defensive lineman Moro Ojomo on the ground, face-first, on three occasions. Even at 37 years old, Williams has the athleticism and fundamentals to stick with young, explosive pass-rushers.

5. Drake Maye, QB, Patriots

Every Patriots quarterback in the post-Tom Brady era has faced immense pressure to fill his shoes, and Maye has thus far delivered. His numbers indicate an MVP candidate, but his impact goes beyond stats. Maye's vision, accuracy, and rushing ability have helped him orchestrate New England's turnaround. He's set the franchise up for another prolonged run of contention.

4. Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams

Stafford is the MVP favorite for a reason. He led the league in passing yards (4,707) and set a career high with 46 touchdown passes this season, finally earning a first-team All-Pro selection at 37 years old. Seven of his nine interceptions this campaign (including the playoffs) have come in the past seven weeks, but he's still the head of the snake for a prolific Rams offense.

3. Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Texans

Anderson didn't lead his team in sacks, but he's still every bit the game-wrecker that a guy like Myles Garrett is. The third-year edge rusher generated the most hurries and third-most pressures in the NFL, not to mention his vital role in Houston's dismantling of Pittsburgh on the road.

2. Puka Nacua, WR, Rams

A rare drop on a surefire touchdown against the Panthers doesn't diminish Nacua's greatness, especially considering he scored on two other plays. The third-year sensation is one of the best separators in the game and a yards-after-catch machine. But Nacua also possesses the hands and acrobatic skills to win contested catches. He posted a league-leading 129 receptions, 1,715 receiving yards (trailing only Smith-Njigba), and 11 total touchdowns in the regular season.

1. Josh Allen, QB, Bills

He won't win the MVP this year, but there's no denying that Allen is still the guy you fear most in crunch time. He proved it yet again in the wild-card round, using his arm and legs to stack back-to-back touchdown drives in the fourth quarter and snatch victory from the Jaguars.