What they’re thankful for: LB Roquan Smith

Smith is playing at an All-Pro level. The inside linebacker leads the NFL with 15 tackles for loss and ranks tied for third with 96 total tackles through Week 11. Smith, 23, arguably has been the best player on Chicago’s ferocious defense — a unit that also features former Pro Bowlers Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Eddie Jackson and Kyle Fuller. The eighth overall pick of the 2018 NFL draft, Smith’s upside is enormous. The Bears might perpetually struggle on offense, but the defense should be in good hands with Smith for years to come. — Jeff Dickerson

Week 11 ranking: 17

What they’re thankful for: LB Fred Warner

Since good health certainly isn’t on the list of things the Niners can be thankful for this season, their appreciation for their middle linebacker’s continued ascent to stardom undoubtedly is. While much of their star power has been lost to injury, Warner has been the one constant in the middle of the defense, offering durability, productivity and leadership in large doses. Warner is finally getting the recognition he deserves as one of the league’s best linebackers and is in line for a massive contract extension, perhaps as soon as the coming offseason. — Nick Wagoner

Week 11 ranking: 18

What they’re thankful for: RB James White’s presence

The outpouring of support for White on Sept. 20, when he was preparing to play a prime-time game against the Seahawks before learning that his father was killed in a car accident, speaks to how revered he is across the NFL. His presence and the class and leadership he exudes on a daily basis make the Patriots better on and off the field. — Mike Reiss

Week 11 ranking: 19

What they’re thankful for: LBs Eric Wilson and Eric Kendricks

These two are the glue that has held the Vikings’ defense together. Kendricks is having another All-Pro-type season while Wilson has emerged in the absence of Anthony Barr and leads all NFL linebackers with three interceptions. Minnesota’s defense has experienced constant ups and downs given injuries and the youth/inexperience on the defensive line and in the secondary. Kendricks and Wilson are critical factors in maintaining stability, and Wilson’s play on special teams (he blocked an extra point against Dallas) is worth noting, too. — Courtney Cronin

Week 11 ranking: 20

What they’re thankful for: QB Teddy Bridgewater

Moving on from franchise quarterback Cam Newton drew criticism and angst from many outside Bank of America Stadium, but Bridgewater has proved to be everything the coaching staff was looking for, and more. He has handled the transition with class and dignity and has shown that he is more than worthy of replacing the best quarterback — maybe best player — in franchise history. Bridgewater has shown you can perform at a high level and be humble and fun-loving without being the center of attention, as Newton often was because of his celebrity status. — David Newton

Week 11 ranking: 23

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