Every year there are surprise players throughout the league; players who, for whatever reason, soar beyond their expectations and impress even the most fickle of fans.

So, who are this year's surprise players?

I'll go a step beyond doing a "Top Ten" or even "Top Twenty", and instead I'll break down surprise players team-by-team (yes, even the lowly Lions...)

Arizona Cardinals: Steve Breaston, WR

Stats: 46 receptions, 624 yards, TD. 1 carry, 4 yards

It was very tough for me to not pick Tim Hightower here, but the Cardinals expected big things from Hightower right from the get-go. Breaston? Not so much.

Breaston was the number three receiver, a role which was not very generous stat-wise to last year's contestant, Bryant Johnson. In 2007, Johnson had 46 catches for 528 yards and 2 TDs.

If Breaston continues on his current pace, he is set to finish with 82 catches, 1109 yards, and 2 TDs.

Breaston's play in Anquan Boldin's absence also cannot be overlooked. In the two games Boldin missed, Breaston notched 15 receptions for 179 yards and a TD.

Atlanta Falcons: Erik Coleman, FS

Stats: 52 tackles, 5 passes defended, 3 INTs, 2 forced fumbles

Coleman didn't even start for the New York Jets last year. Considering how desperate the Jets were for a free safety last season, that says a lot.

Then he comes to Atlanta. And things change. He currently ranks 7th among all defensive backs in tackles, 9th in interceptions, and 3rd in forced fumbles.

Those are some impressive numbers. He looks rejuvenated this season, and is playing well enough to warrant Pro Bowl consideration. Don't believe me? Let's re-rank his stats, using only NFC free safeties instead of all NFL defensive backs:

• Tackles: 52 (1st)
• Interceptions: 3 (3rd)
• Forced Fumbles: 2 (1st)

The numbers don't lie. Coleman is playing out of his mind this season.

Baltimore Ravens: Jim Leonhard, SS

Stats: 36 tackles, 2 passes defended, 1.0 sack

Anyone want to guess who's 4th on the Ravens in total tackles? It's not Ed Reed, it's not Dawan Landry, and it's not Jarret Johnson. Nope, it's Jim Leonhard.

Leonhard has been the starter since the forth week and hasn't disappointed.

After Dawan Landry's injury, the team decided to turn to Leonhard over rookie Tom Zbikowski (to the dismay of many fans), and it proved to be a good decision.

Buffalo Bills: Fred Jackson, RB

Stats: 60 carries, 237 yards, TD. 23 receptions, 190 yards

Any Bills fan will tell you they knew about Fred Jackson from last year. But his stats this year are beyond what anyone could have anticipated.

Jackson had 300 rush yards all of last year, with 190 yards through the air. Obviously, he's well on his way to surpassing those numbers this year, even without a single start (compared to his one start last year).

If the Bills can get their offensive line healthy and back to being solid as run blockers, Jackson and Marshawn Lynch will be a solid two-headed monster for years to come.

Carolina Panthers: Chris Gamble, CB

Stats: 53 tackles, 13 passes defended, 2 INTs

There was some question as to whether or not Gamble would start over Richard Marshall next to Ken Lucas this year, and I think it's safe to say that Carolina made the right choice.

Right now, Gamble is playing extremely well, and is a major part to the Panthers success.

That secondary can rest easy knowing that they can leave Gamble out on an island and expect him to be just fine, not needing to bring over Chris Harris or Charles Godfrey over the top.

Chicago Bears: Kevin Payne, SS

Stats: 49 tackles, 1.0 sack, 5 passes defended, 3 INTs

If you're wondering why Matt Forte

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