Week 14 NFL Advanced Analytics Superstars
Running Back: Rod Smith, Dallas Cowboys
Rod Smith, RB, Dallas Cowboys
6 Rushes, 47 Yards, 1 Touchdown
5 Receptions, 113 Yards, 5 Targets, 1 Touchdown
Performance Score: 100
Just one week after Alfred Morris ran for a season-high 127 yards, it was backup Rod Smith's turn to shine. The former practice squad player turned just 11 touches into 160 yards and 2 touchdowns, highlighted by a quick slant pattern that he took 81 yards to the end zone.
He topped our metrics with a perfect 100 Performance Score on the week, finishing with a Reception NEP of 9.95 and a Rushing NEP of 4.30. He was efficient with each touch, showing off an intriguing blend of speed and agility for a 230-pound back.
A relatively unknown player after being dismissed from Ohio State following an underwhelming college career, Smith's ability as a runner and a receiver suggests the Cowboys have found a gem. Although with Morris still dominating touches and Ezekiel Elliott due back in Week 16, it appears unlikely that he will replicate this type of performance again.
Best of the Rest
| Running Backs | Rush | Rush Yards | Rush TDs | Rec | Rec Yards | Tgts | Rec TDs | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Collins | 18 | 120 | 1 | 2 | 46 | 2 | 0 | 99 |
| Todd Gurley | 13 | 96 | 2 | 3 | 39 | 5 | 0 | 99 |
| Le'Veon Bell | 13 | 48 | 2 | 9 | 77 | 10 | 1 | 98 |
| Jonathan Stewart | 16 | 103 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 96 |
| Jordan Howard | 23 | 147 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 95 |
