3. Dameon Pierce, RB, Texans Pierce has been Houston's best player on offense for most of this season, which is rare for fourth-round picks to pull off in their rookie campaigns. He has succeeded despite the struggles of the passing attack, which makes his production even more impressive. Consider Thursday's game against the Eagles, when quarterback Davis Mills struggled and needed garbage time to get to 154 yards. Pierce's 27 carries produced 139 yards, and the Texans had more first downs on the ground (10) than they did through the air (eight). The Texans are a better run-blocking line than you might think, but Pierce is getting more than what's blocked. The 22-year-old has generated 118 RYOE and five first downs over expectation (FDOE). The latter mark ranks third among running backs, behind only Nick Chubb and Josh Jacobs. The 75-yard run Pierce broke off against the Chargers is probably a bit of an outlier given his speed, but Pierce is physical between the tackles and has offered more in the passing game than his college profile would have suggested. He's a legitimate building block for the Texans. Barnwell's midseason NFL awards: Picks for MVP, top coach, best comeback player, elite rookies
