Most undervalued player of each AFC squad

Although Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill deserve much of the credit for Miami’s potent offense, there are other Dolphins who are enjoying excellent seasons on that side of the ball as well.

Miami’s offensive production is also fueled by a running back who has a career average of 5.4 yards per carry. The most undervalued player on each AFC team, according to Yardbarker NFL writers, is listed below:

AFC East

BUFFALO BILLS | Defensive tackle Ed Oliver:

Some gave the $68 million, four-year deal some thought. Oliver overpaid for his contract last summer, but the 2019 first-round pick is surpassing it already that he has tied his career best of five sacks. Oliver leads all defensive linemen in pressures (41) and pressure rate (16.8%, min. 150 pass rushes) despite only appearing in nine games, per Next Gen Stats.

MIAMI DOLPHINS | Running back Raheem Mostert: 

Miami’s strong running game has been obscured by its second-best passing attack, and although Mostert has been a reliable source of production, freshman De’Von Achane may be the team’s most explosive tailback. Not only is Mostert tied with Christian McCaffrey for the most touchdowns in the NFL with 13, but he also leads the league in yards per carry (5.6) and rushing yards (605).

NEW YORK JETS | Linebacker C.J. Mosley: 

Although the star-studded defense of New York is mostly attracted to its outstanding cornerback tandem and formidable set of pass-rushers, Mosley also plays a significant role in the team’s sixth-place ranking in terms of scores and passing yards allowed. The five-time Pro Bowler is having another All-Pro-caliber season. He is the highest-rated linebacker (90.1) on Pro Football Focus and ranks seventh in the NFL in tackles (96).

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS | Linebacker Jahlani Tavai:

At the age of 27, the adaptable linebacker has blossomed for the Patriots and is headed for career highs in almost every major statistic. In terms of tackles (61) and pass breakups (four), Tavai is third on the squad. Tavai has received criticism for his coverage abilities, but considering that he has only allowed 76 yards in 186 covering snaps versus wideouts, he has done better than some may have predicted in that area. — Dell Colum

AFC West

DENVER BRONCOS | Cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian:

He was an unsung backup when the season started, but he soon rose to prominence. He leads the team in tackles for loss (five) through nine games, and he ranks third among CBs with an 85.9 grade from Pro Football Focus.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS | Defensive end George Karlaftis:

Karlafitis, in his second season, is becoming a very good pass-rusher. The former Purdue Boilermaker leads the team in pressures (23) and sacks (six) through nine games. He has elevated the defense to a new plane; it is now tied for third in sacks (31) and second in points allowed (15.9).

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS | Linebacker Robert Spillane:

After standout DE Maxx Crosby, Spillane is the team’s second-best defensive player. He leads the club in tackles (81) and interceptions (three) through ten games. After a Week 10 victory over the Jets, the 27-year-old was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS | Linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu:

Although the Los Angeles defense has performed poorly, the rookie linebacker’s rise to prominence is encouraging. The Southern California product, selected in the second round, ranks second on the team in tackles for loss (seven) and fourth in sacks (four). He is among the top 10 candidates for Defensive Rookie of the Year according to oddschecker as of Thursday. — Dalton Clark

AFC North

BALTIMORE RAVENS | Defensive tackle Justin Madubuike:

Halfway through the season, Madubuike (who leads the club in sacks) is having a career year, which is largely due to the defense’s dominance. The defense features far more well-known players like Roquan Smith, Jadeveon Clowney, and Patrick Queen, but the fourth-year defensive lineman is also a formidable scorer of games.

CLEVELAND BROWNS | Guard Joel Bitonio:

Bitonio is a dominant people mover in the trenches, but offensive linemen rarely get the respect they deserve. According to Pro Football Focus, the 10-year veteran protects his quarterback, allowing zero sacks on 605 snaps. He’s also a major factor in the Browns’ second-best rushing average (147.9) in the league.

CINCINNATI BENGALS | Wide receiver Tyler Boyd:

In Week 10, Boyd had a season-high eight catches for 117 yards, but the conversation among fans was about his mishandled potential touchdown ball late in the Houston loss. It’s unfortunate since over the course of his eight-year career, the seasoned wide receiver has been reliable, averaging at least 762 yards receiving and four touchdown catches between 2018 and 22. At wideout, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins receive the majority of the praise, but Boyd shouldn’t be overlooked.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS | Linebacker Alex Highsmith:

Highsmith isn’t playing as well as he did in 2022 (14.5 sacks), but he is still causing havoc in front of LB T.J. Watt. The fourth-year linebacker has two forced fumbles, a pick-six, and the second-most sacks (4.5) among Steelers linebackers. What is not seen, though, are his demands. According to Next Gen Stats, he led the league in scoring in Week 9 with 11. — Aaron B.

AFC South

HOUSTON TEXANS | Defensive end Jonathan Greenard:

Although the defense is still developing, it would be in much worse position without Greenard, who unassumingly has seven sacks, good for seventh place among the NFL’s top 12. The 26-year-old edge rusher is second behind rookie Will Anderson in both hurries (16) and quarterback hits (seven), and he is tied with Anderson for the team lead in pressures (31). Despite missing half of the season in 2022, he recorded eight sacks in 2021 and is on track to record double-digit sacks for the first time in his career.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS | Cornerback Kenny Moore II:

Many media experts were speculating about trade scenarios involving individuals Indianapolis should chase to replace Isaiah Rodgers after he was suspended for the whole season for breaking the NFL’s gambling policy and then released. They must have forgotten just how dependable and steady Moore has been throughout his seven seasons with the Colts. With three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns, he is tied for the team lead.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS | Wide receiver Christian Kirk:

Due to his $18 million annual compensation, he was a contentious addition to the team over the summer, but after a season and a half, he is making every dollar of the agreement. Kirk leads the team in targets (71), receiving yards (624), and touchdown catches (3) this season. He is routinely targeted seven or eight times per game.

TENNESSEE TITANS | Defensive end Denico Autry:

When it comes to Titans pass-rushers, Autry is on par with or perhaps better than Jeffrey Simmons and Harold Landry, especially since Autry joined the organization in the 2021 summer. Autry has accumulated 142 pressures, 90 hurries, 25 QB hits, and 23 sacks since 2021. Autry leads the Titans in tackles for loss (six) and sacks (six) this season. — Gallagher Michael