It's that time of year again, when the dust settles on another NFL season and the number crunchers at Pro Football Focus (PFF) release their much-anticipated PFF 101. This isn't just a list; it's a deep dive into individual performances, a way to celebrate the players who truly shone on the field in 2025, irrespective of their team's success or their draft pedigree. Think of it as a season-end highlight reel, but with analytics backing every frame.
What's fascinating about the PFF 101 is its core philosophy: 'all positions are created equal.' This means they're not just looking at the quarterbacks, the most valuable position, but evaluating every player relative to the expectations of their specific role. It’s about who performed best within their own domain, making for a truly diverse and insightful ranking.
This year, Myles Garrett has rightfully claimed the top spot. After a stellar performance that saw him break the NFL single-season sack record, his 93.3 pass-rush grade speaks volumes. It’s a testament to his dominance, a clear signal that he was simply on another level in 2025.
And then there's Matthew Stafford. At 38, he's proven that age is just a number. Slotting in as the highest-ranked quarterback, his 91.9 PFF passing grade and impressive big-time throw rate are remarkable. It’s his first time cracking the 90.0 overall grade mark, a significant career achievement that highlights his enduring skill.
But the PFF 101 isn't just about the absolute best. It’s also about recognizing players who, despite challenges or perhaps a quieter season by their own lofty standards, still made a significant impact. Take Chris Jones, for instance. While his overall grade dipped slightly, his pass-rushing prowess remained elite, evidenced by his 90.7 grade in that area. It’s a reminder that even a slight dip for a player of his caliber is still world-class performance.
We also see players like Justin Herbert, who, despite facing immense pressure (literally, at the highest rate for his position), still managed a strong start to the season, ranking high in PFF grade when kept clean. And running backs like Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor continue to showcase their power and efficiency, leading the league in key rushing metrics and earning high PFF rushing grades. Taylor's 18 rushing touchdowns and Henry's yards after contact are just snapshots of their consistent impact.
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez, after a slow start, finished the season with a flourish, particularly in the Super Bowl, earning an impressive coverage grade. His ability to limit passer rating when targeted is a critical skill that PFF’s metrics capture effectively.
Even players like Julian Love, who missed a significant chunk of the season, can still make the list if their return is impactful enough. His strong coverage numbers in the latter part of the year, including the Super Bowl, earned him a spot, showing that quality over quantity can indeed matter.
The PFF 101 serves as a fantastic way to reflect on the 2025 season, highlighting individual brilliance and the nuanced ways players contribute. It’s a reminder that beyond the wins and losses, there are countless stories of exceptional performance waiting to be told, and PFF's grading system helps us uncover them.
