NFL players of the week: Peyton Manning continues historic run

The Denver Broncos' quarterback is on pace to break every single record.

By James Dator Oct 1, 2013, 8:00am EDT

Peyton Manning is the best passer in the NFL, again. He's been the best quarterback three of the season's four weeks, and a late push by Philip Rivers wasn't enough to unseat Manning.

Passer of the week: Peyton Manning, 28/34 (82.4%), 327 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT

There's not much more to say about Manning's historic start to the season. He has 1,470 yards and 16 touchdowns without an interception. It seemed impossible to imagine this pace could be kept up, but Manning is starting to make a lot of us believers.

Every NFL record would be shattered if the Broncos can continue their run. Manning is on pace for 5,880 yards (a record), 64 touchdowns (another record), 75 percent completion (yet another record) and a season quarterback rating of 138.0 -- you guessed it, another record.

Any other week a 400-yard passing day with 83 percent completion would be enough but sorry Philip Rivers, maybe next time.

Rusher of the week: Adrian Peterson, 23 attempts, 140 yards, 2 TD

This is where we insert some sort of reference to The Clash right? It doesn't matter what city was calling, Peterson put on a rushing clinic at Wembley stadium.

Peterson averaged more than 6.0 yards per carry and consistently found gaps in a woeful Steelers' run defense. His 60-yard touchdown was the longest of the day, during which he made three Pittsburgh defenders miss their tackles.

It says something about Peterson that he's in a down year and still slated to finish with over 1,600 yards rushing.

Receiver of the week: Tony Gonzalez, 12 receptions, 149 yards, 2 TD

The only shame about Tony Gonzalez playing in the NFC is that he can't catch any passes from Peyton Manning in the Pro Bowl this year. The second of the NFL's ageless wonders is doing everything he can for the hapless Atlanta Falcons, but the team still lost Sunday.

Gonzalez has been Matt Ryan's favorite target for years. It will be fascinating to see how the quarterback handles being without his tight end in 2014 when Gonzalez retires.

Defensive player of the week: Sean Lee, 18 tackle, 1 INT, 1 TD

Dallas rewarded its star middle linebacker with a long-term contract extension this offseason and his play on Sunday really paid off. The Cowboys were unable to stop the San Diego Chargers' pass game, but Lee's stellar run coverage kept the game close.

Lee had a fairly poor start to the season, registering 16 tackles in three games. Sunday's game lifted his season projection to 136 tackles, and the Cowboys will hope he can keep it up.