So what is NEP? By adding down-and-distance value to standard box score information, we can see just how much each play and each team as a whole influence the outcome of games. If a player passes for five yards on 3rd-and-2, it means more to the game than it does on 3rd-and-10, and those plays should be valued accordingly. For more info on NEP, check out our New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount sets the tone by rumbling for a 43-yard touchdown in the first quarter (WP: +10.41, NEP: +6.22).
9. Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton hits wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. for 55-yard end zone strike (WP: +14.00, NEP: +6.62).
8. Minnesota Vikings punt returner Adam Thielen gets stripped by Dallas Cowboys gunner Kyle Wilber, who recovers on the Minnesota 8-yard line (WP: +41.22, NEP: +5.52).
7. Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell strips Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins, and linebacker Markus Golden scoops the fumble (WP: +22.86, NEP: +6.17).
6. Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons picks off New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning in the red zone, returning the ball 58 yards (WP: +14.76, NEP: +7.23).

Now onto the top-five plays of the week!