Encompassing the weeks that lead up to the halfway point, October rarely disappoints—goes light on the candy, if you will—when it comes to the NFL. Fan bases, organizations, the players on the team, can tell a lot about where the season is headed, too. If this year’s squad is the real deal, or just dressed up like one. Tricks? Or treats?
And with pressure building, the time quickly elapsing, there’s also an excellent chance to see some incredible performances. Guys stepping up, helping lead the team to a “W” while also providing highlight-reel theatrics—the stuff of pigskin legend, causing fans to jump right off the couch or barstool, and text the football group: “Whoa! Did you see that?”
And in case you missed it—any of it—here’s a look back at the 45 “scariest” performances from a wild NFL October.
Deshaun Watson: Week 5 vs. Atlanta
Deshaun Watson was a one-man show against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5. The Texans quarterback was 28-of-33 for 426 yards and five touchdowns, ending the day with a perfect passer rating (158.3). And just to keep the Falcons’ defense completely puzzled, Watson also added 47 yards on the ground on only four attempts.
Week 5 :: Week 6 :: Week 7 :: Week 8 :: Week 9
Teddy Bridgewater: Week 5 vs. Tampa Bay
No Drew Brees? No problem. Teddy Bridgewater proved that his first two starts (both victories) were not a fluke. The Saints quarterback took care of divisional foe, Tampa By Buccaneers, in Week 5, finishing the day 26-of-34 for 314 yards and four touchdowns.
Marlon Mack: Week 5 vs. Kansas City
The Colts headed down to Kansas City in Week 5 to take on the undefeated Chiefs. And while much of the matchup was about the unstoppable Patrick Mahomes-led offensive attack for the Chiefs, it was the Colts’ running game, led by Marlon Mack’s 132 yards on 29 carries, that received the most attention—and helped win the game.
Josh Jacobs: Week 5 vs. Chicago
Not many people gave the Oakland Raiders a chance in Week 5, when they headed over to London for a game against the Bears—a team with a stout, top 5 defense. However, Raiders rookie running back Josh Jacobs’ 123 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries helped teach the Bears a proper lesson about the unknown in the NFL.
Christian McCaffrey: Week 5 vs. Jacksonville
The Jags rolled into Charlotte in Week 5 full of Gardner Minshew Mania! But it was Christian McCaffrey’s performance that grabbed the headlines. The Panthers dual-threat picked up 176 yards on the ground, with two touchdowns. And he needed only 19 carries to do it!
Aaron Jones: Week 5 vs. Dallas
The Cowboys can only handle one “Aaron” on the Green Bay Packers at a time, apparently. Aaron Jones took it to the Cowboys’ defense in Week 5, gaining 107 yards on 19 carries. Oh! And if the picture doesn’t already give it away, Jones had four touchdowns on the day, too.
Brandon Graham: Week 5 vs. NY (Jets)
While people have questioned Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s schemes, Brandon Graham was singing a different tune in Week 5 against the Jets—a Sammy Hagar rendition that went something like, “You can’t block—55!” The defensive end finished the day with three sacks, five hits, four tackles, and two assists, helping the Eagles ground the Jets, 31-6.
Nick Bosa: Week 5 vs. Cleveland
Nick Bosa and the sturdy 49ers’ defense welcomed the Cleveland Browns to Santa Clara, and then destroyed them. Bosa was unstoppable, ending the day with two sacks, five hits, four tackles, one forced fumble and recovery…and, one flag-planting reenactment from 2017 that made the folks in Ohio smile and forget they were Browns fans—at least, for a brief moment.
Will Fuller: Week 5 vs. Atlanta
While DeAndre Hopkins usually gets most of the attention from the opposing team’s defense, it was Will Fuller who sat atop the receiving core during the Week 5 matchup against the Falcons. His 14 catches for 217 yards and three touchdowns helped the team put a 53-spot on Dan Quinn’s struggling defense.
Amari Cooper: Week 5 vs. Green Bay
Although the Cowboys lost to the Packers in the Week 5 matchup, people were reminded, once again, that the trade for Amari Cooper was worth it. His 226 yards and one touchdown on 11 catches proved that the stars at night can be big and bright in Texas.
Michael Gallup: Week 5 vs. Green Bay
Amari Cooper wasn’t the only Cowboys receiver tormenting the Packers’ secondary in Week 5. Michael Gallup introduced himself to the national audience with 113 yards and one touchdown on (only!) 7 catches.
Adam Thielen: Week 5 vs. NY (Giants)
Coming off a rough loss to the Bears in Week 4, the Vikings’ offense was under the microscope of public opinion—including the on-field chemistry between Kirk Cousins and Adam Thielen. But Thielen’s 130 yards receiving and two touchdowns quickly squashed any rumors—and the Giants.
Justin Tucker: Week 5 vs. Pittsburgh
Let’s hear it for the kickers! Often overlooked—until they do something awful, like miss a kick—Justin Tucker was the hero of the Week 5 matchup against the Steelers. The Ravens kicker was a perfect 4-for-4 on the day, with a long of 48 to tie the game and a 46-yarder—into the open end of Heinz Field, which isn’t easy—to win the game in overtime.
Week 5 :: Week 6 :: Week 7 :: Week 8 :: Week 9
Kirk Cousins: Week 6 vs. Philadelphia
Kirk Cousins followed up his effort against the Giants in Week 5 with a knockout performance in Week 6—proving that he can handle both the offense and some of the chirping about his abilities from its key components. The Vikings quarterback torched the Eagles’ shaky secondary for 333 yards and four touchdowns, completing 22-of-29 passes, on the way to a 38-20 victory.
Lamar Jackson: Week 6 vs. Cincinnati
The picture says it all—in this case, it is worth 152 yards and one touchdown, on 19 carries, in the Week 6 victory over the Bengals.
Chris Carson: Week 6 vs. Cleveland
The Seahawks headed east—which is never an easy task, time difference and all—to take on the Browns in Week 6. And the game was close, maybe more than anyone expected. But Chris Carson’s solid day on the ground, gaining 124 yards on 24 carries with one touchdown helped take some of the pressure off Russell Wilson as the team squeezed out a 32-28 victory.
Stefon Diggs: Week 6 vs. Philadelphia
Following Adam Thielen’s standout performance against the Giants in Week 5, Stefon Diggs took it to the Eagles’ secondary in the Week 6 matchup. The flashy wideout had seven receptions for 167 yards and three touchdowns, also adding 18 yards on the ground in two attempts.
Sam Darnold: Week 6 vs. Dallas
While 23-of-32 for 338 yards and two touchdowns isn’t exactly a groundbreaking performance, the fact that Sam Darnold put up those numbers against the theoretical Super Bowl-bound Dallas Cowboys in Week 6, after battling mono, an enlarged spleen, and—and!—the Jets hadn’t won a game all year…that might take home the pumpkin, or deserve extra candy, at least.
Robby Anderson: Week 6 vs. Dallas
Behind every quarterback’s reliable performance, there is usually one or two wideouts who made impactful contributions toward the effort. Robby Anderson was that guy during the Week 6 upset of the Dallas Cowboys. Anderson had an absolute breakout game, catching five balls for 125 yards and one touchdown. Not a bad way to help your mending QB get back in the swing of things.
Vernon Butler: Week 6 vs. Tampa Bay
The Panthers rolled into Tampa Bay in Week 6, looking to slow down a confident Buccaneers’ offense that put up 55 against the Rams and put in another solid effort against the Saints. And Ron Rivera’s group was up to the challenge, led by Vernon Butler’s relentless pressure that ended with two sacks and two forced fumbles.
Week 5 :: Week 6 :: Week 7 :: Week 8 :: Week 9
Brett Maher: Week 7 vs. Philadelphia
The second kicker to make the list, Maher one-upped himself in Week 7, following his 62-yard field goal in Week 6 with a 63-yarder against the Eagles. The kick ties him for second-longest in the NFL and puts Maher atop the Kicker Hierarchy with three 60-plus yard field goals in his career.
Aaron Rodgers: Week 7 vs. Oakland
Aaron Rodgers was perfect in Week 7 against the Raiders—metrically and historically. The Packers QB threw for 429 yards and five touchdowns, completing 25 of 31 passes. That’s a passer rating of 158.3: the highest that metric goes. And, amazingly, it’s the first such perfection in Packers history.
Jacoby Brissett: Week 7 vs. Texas
The Colts welcomed divisional rival Houston Texans in Week 7, hoping to knock off the first-place team and prove, again, that this squad is something special—without Andrew What’s His Face. And Jacoby Brissett didn’t disappoint, leading an offensive attack that defeated the Texans 30-23. While many focused on Texans QB Deshaun Watson, it was Brissette’s final numbers—26-39, 326 yards, four touchdowns—that were the standout performance.
Kirk Cousins: Week 7 vs. Detroit
Making his second appearance, Kirk Cousins continued to shine at quarterback for the Vikings in Week 7. The Vikings QB picked apart the Detroit Lions’ defense, completing 23-of-34 for 338 yards and four touchdowns, on the way to a 42-30 victory over the NFC North foe.
Latavius Murray: Week 7 vs. Chicago
The Chicago Bears, with a defense that makes the fan base see 1985. At home. Taking on a Saints team that, while impressive, would not have Alvin Kamara or Drew Brees. But, they still have Latavius Murray—who reminded the Bears about that, too. His 119 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries helped lead the Saints to a hard-earned 36-25 victory.
Lamar Jackson: Week 7 vs. Seattle
The AFC North’s top team headed to Seattle in Week 7, up against a tough Seahawks bunch—and the questions surrounding the Ravens’ ability to stay consistent, especially outside of their weak division. And while Lamar Jackson’s passing wasn’t anything special, he displayed his ability to hurt defenses with his legs—a la Russell Wilson. The Ravens QB ran for 116 yards and one touchdown, helping lead the team to a surprising 30-16 win.
Dalvin Cook: Week 7 vs. Detroit
Don’t forget about Dalvin Cook! While Kirk Cousins, Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs were getting a lot of attention for helping correct the issues within the Vikings’ offensive convoy, Cook sent out a notice that his running ability is not to be overlooked. The Lions received the message—unfortunately too late, though: 142 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries.
Chase Edmonds: Week 7 vs. NY (Giants)
Fantasy Football team owners and Google Searches were on fire in Week 7, when Arizona Cardinals running back, Chase Edmonds, ended his day against the Giants. Edmonds’ 126 yards and three touchdowns were an essential factor in the Cardinals’ 27-21 win, helping the team pass a difficult road test in the rainy conditions.
Eric Ebron: Week 7 vs. Texas
Sure, Eric Ebron’s four catches for 70 yards and one touchdown in the Week 7 matchup against the Texans wasn’t earth-shifting. But—oh man!—the athletic talent he displayed to make that one touchdown grab was something that belongs in the “Or not” section of Ripley’s.
Chandler Jones: Week 7 vs. NY (Giants)
The Cardinals’ big road win against the Giants in Week 7 also included a few great defensive performances. And Chandler Jones was the headliner. The Cardinals’ defensive end was a nightmare for Giants QB Daniel Jones—not only did Chandler have four sacks on the day, but he also forced a fumble and recovered it.
Marcus Peters: Week 7 vs. Seattle
Marcus Peters didn’t wait long to show his new team—and the Seattle Seahawks—his coverage skills. The now-Baltimore Ravens cornerback was the recipient of Russell Wilson’s first interception of the season, which the newly acquired Peters took back for a touchdown.
New England Patriots’ Defense: Week 7 vs. NY (Jets)
New England’s defense was terrifying in Week 7 against the Jets. Belichick’s squad held New York to 154 yards total—total! They had six turnovers—six! They didn’t allow a point—zilch! And, they made Sam Darnold see ghosts—BOO!
Week 5 :: Week 6 :: Week 7 :: Week 8 :: Week 9
Cooper Kupp: Week 8 vs. Cincinnati
Cooper Kupp must’ve been well-rested on the flight over to London, and cared not for any “jet lag” excuses. The Rams wideout put up monster numbers in the 24-10 win over the Bengals, ending his Week 8 performance with 220 yards and one touchdown on seven catches.
Mike Evans: Week 8 vs. Tennessee
The Buccaneers lost a close one in Week 8 against the Titans, 27-23. But that didn’t completely overshadow Mike Evans’ impressive performance. The Bucs receiver caught 11 balls for 198 yards and two touchdowns.
Drew Brees: Week 8 vs. Arizona
It was a thumbs-down situation for Brees when the Saints quarterback was forced to sit out five weeks with a ligament tear in his right thumb. But Brees came back in Week 8 against the Cardinals like he didn’t miss a snap. He connected on 34-of-43 attempts for 373 yards and three touchdowns, leading the team to a 31-9 victory over the Cardinals—while receiving a collective thumbs-up from the fan base.
James Conner: Week 8 vs. Miami
The beginning of the game against the Dolphins caused a few raised (and very concerned) eyebrows from the Steelers fan base—down 14-0 to a winless team will do that to you. But the Steelers eventually settled down and gained the needed momentum on offense. Conner’s hard running certainly helped lead the way, too. The Steelers’ back gained 145 yards—his first clip over the century mark this year—on 23 carries with one touchdown.
Tevin Coleman: Week 8 vs. Carolina
How “scary” was Tevin Coleman’s performance in Week 8?
Well, I bet you didn’t even realize he was with the 49ers—don’t lie. It’s OK. That image was meant to see if you were Sleep-Scrolling.
If caught it, then kudos to you and Happy Halloween!
About this Tevin Coleman fella, though—while the 49ers’ defense was yet again smothering, it was Coleman’s offensive output in Week 8 against the Panthers that was the real shocker. The ex-Falcons back ended up with four touchdowns—one receiving, three rushing. He gained 105 yards on the ground on only 11 carries, while adding 13 yards on two catches in the 51-13 win.
Aaron Jones: Week 8 vs. Kansas City
Jones makes his second appearance on the list, coming off a tight victory in Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Although the Chiefs’ passing defense is ranked 15th in the league, Jones made it clear on the national Sunday Night stage that he was more than just a run-only running back, exposing some of the holes in K.C.’s coverage. His seven catches for 159 yards and two touchdowns highlighted that he is undoubtedly a dual-threat—while helping the team get a 31-24 win.
Michael Thomas: Week 8 vs. Arizona
Reunited and it feels so good!
Thomas and Drew Brees picked things back up in Week 8, reminding defenses that tormenting and simply overmatching won’t be an uncommon occurrence. The Saints’ top wideout caught 11 passes for 112 yards and one touchdown in the thrashing of the Cardinals, 31-9.
Julio Jones: Week 8 vs. Seattle
It’s difficult to believe that Julio Jones has been overshadowed by the Falcons lousy start in 2019—because, as usual, the guy is genuinely incredible. And, even though it was another loss, Jones reminded everyone—especially the Seahawks’ secondary—that he’s not an easy cover (to put it mildly). The Falcons receiver caught 10 balls for 152 yards, making plays regardless that he is always a big part of the defenses’ game plan.
Nick Bosa: Week 8 vs. Carolina
It’s Take 2 for Bosa and his scary performances on the field in October. The 49ers said hello to the Panthers in Week 8—and, like the Browns outcome, they destroyed Carolina. Bosa went off again, covering the field with such tenacity that it seemed like there was more than one of him (which is funny because of Joey Bosa). Anyway, Nick Bosa had three sacks for 25 yards lost and also intercepted a Kyle Allen pass that he darn near took in for a touchdown.
Maybe next time—because you know there’s going to be the “next time.”
Christian McCaffrey: Week 8 vs. San Francisco
Leave it to Christian McCaffrey to leave his calling card, regardless if the 49ers’ second-ranked overall defense was causing havoc for the Panthers’ offense. McCaffrey’s 117 yards on only 14 carries, with one touchdown—complemented with four catches and 38 yards—was pretty much the only output worth roaring about during the Week 8 matchup with San Fran.
Deshaun Watson: Week 8 vs. Oakland
Deshaun Watson should have his own list for October, with the Week 8 comeback display against the Raiders as the introduction. The Texans’ QB was 27-of-39 with 279 yards passing and three touchdowns. The touchdown play to seal the game, though—where he slipped, spun, took a kick to the head/eye, and still kept his balance while finding the open receiver… Wow. Wow. Wow!
Week 5 :: Week 6 :: Week 7 :: Week 8 :: Week 9
Kenyan Drake: Week 9 vs. San Francisco
Coming over from the Miami Dolphins, Kenyan Drake had quite the “Hi, I used to play for the Dolphins but not anymore” party on Thursday night. The Cardinals’ back was effective in both the running attack and the passing game. Although the Cardinals’ effort came up short, Drake’s numbers—110 yards on 15 carries, one touchdown; four catches, 52 yards—were really eye-opening.
Jimmy Garoppolo: Week 9 vs. Arizona
Jimmy Garoppolo loves Halloween! (Well, at least, Halloween 2019.)
The 49ers quarterback—formerly known as Tom Brady’s backup—performed brilliantly in the Week 9 Halloween matchup against the Cardinals. It was a close one, no doubt. But Garoppolo outlasted the Cardinals’ late push, finishing 28-of-37 for 317 yards and four touchdowns (a career-high), and turning the out the lights on the NFL’s October 2019.
