Week 4 NFL Advanced Analytics Superstars

Quarterback: Andy Dalton

Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
17 for 24, 321 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 3 Rushes, 16 Yards
NEP: +22.73

Andy Dalton's +22.73 NEP paced the league this week, as he led the Bengals to a very efficient 36-21 win at home. Completing 17 of his 24 pass attempts, Dalton passed for 321 yards and a touchdown while rushing for another 16 yards. The Bengals running game was able to hammer home drives (four rushing touchdowns), but it was Dalton who helped the Bengals pick up big chunk plays and successfully move the ball.

The now 4-0 Bengals own the best Adjusted Passing NEP per play (0.46) in the league, as Dalton has spearheaded an efficient aerial attack so far in his fifth season. He operated both in the short and deep parts of the field connecting on both successfully. His average depth of throw (per ProFootballFocus.com) was the third highest this week at 12.8 yards, and 6 of Dalton's 17 completions surpassed 20-plus yards.

Through four weeks Dalton ranks first in Passing NEP and second to only Ben Roethlisberger in Passing NEP per drop back. He'll face a much tougher test this week at home against the Seahawks, but Dalton has shown enough promise to begin the season that early Vegas lines have an even point spread.

For the rest of this week's top quarterback performances, Drew Brees' late-game heroics were able to give the Saints the overtime win as he connected with C.J. Spiller for an 80-yard go-ahead win. Philip Rivers had a big game as well throwing for over 350 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. His team got lucky with a penalty allowing rookie kicker Josh Lambo a second chance to hit the 39-yard game winner.

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