PFF grades every player on every play, and these are the top rookies through 12 weeks of action.

Although there’s no signature metric for “clutchness,” PFF stats can help ascertain which players have been the best when the lights are the brightest.

As teams prepare for the stretch run to the postseason, many of these rookies will be called upon to help lead the charge.

The Titans' Cam Ward and the Browns' Mason Graham were among the first-round standouts in Week 12 of the 2025 season.

Christian McCaffrey totaled 142 yards and scored in his return to Carolina, powering the San Francisco 49ers to a 20-9 win despite Brock Purdy’s three first-half interceptions. San Francisco shifted to a run-heavy, short-passing approach after halftime, with McCaffrey’s 12-yard touchdown run and a Matt Gay field goal extending a lead the defense protected throughout. Bryce Young managed only 169 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, including a costly red-zone pick in the fourth quarter, as Carolina squandered multiple chances to keep pace and fell to 6-6.

We’re using PFF’s Premium Stats to dig into the numbers behind Shedeur Sanders’ first NFL start. And the data offers a clearer look at how he performed beyond the box score.

Myles Garrett continued to strengthen his Defensive Player of the Year case in Week 12, producing 11 pressures — including three sacks — and earning a 92.8 PFF pass-rush grade in another dominant outing. On offense, Jahmyr Gibbs exploded for 264 total yards and a 91.4 PFF grade, ripping off multiple long runs and forcing five missed tackles in the Lions’ overtime win.

Jahmyr Gibbs delivered one of Week 12’s most explosive performances, piling up 264 total yards and shredding the Giants defense with multiple long runs. Rashee Rice matched that impact on the Chiefs’ side, turning 12 targets into 141 yards while averaging 3.62 yards per route run as Patrick Mahomes’ top option.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued his breakout season with another explosive downfield touchdown, earning a +1.5 PFF grade on one of Week 12’s most impressive receptions. Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders matched that highlight with a +1.5 graded throw of his own, showcasing poise under pressure in his first career start.

We break down the advanced metrics after every game of the Week 12 slate, giving an in-depth look at the numbers behind every contest.

The Chiefs' defense put the clamps on the Colts' high-powered offense in Week 12, potentially saving their season in the process.

This year, PFF NFL game recaps have been reimagined to deliver more value than ever. Each game breakdown includes advanced box-score metrics, player participation, snap counts, initial PFF grades and key statistical takeaways — all powered by Premium Stats 2.0. It’s everything you need to quickly catch up on the action and dive deeper into team and player performance.

Matthew Stafford threw three first-half touchdown passes — two to Davante Adams — as the Los Angeles Rams raced out to a 31-7 halftime lead and cruised past the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34-7 on Sunday night.

The Eagles blew a 21-0 lead through several miscues, potentially reigniting the Cowboys' playoff hopes in the process.

Kirk Cousins threw two touchdown passes, including a 49-yard strike to Darnell Mooney in the fourth quarter, as the Atlanta Falcons pulled away for a 24-10 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 12.

The Jaguars outlasted the Cardinals 27-24 to move to 7-4. Parker Washington stepped up late with a nine-yard touchdown reception and a 25-yard gain in overtime, while Josh Hines-Allen and Jacksonville's defense did just enough to hold off Arizona's comeback try.

The Browns prevailed over the Raiders, winning Shedeur Sanders' first career start. Myles Garrett continued his Defensive Player of the Year campaign with three more sacks, while Cleveland took down Geno Smith 10 total times.