Sports Game-Changers: 10 Athletes Putting Up Insane Numbers
It's all about the numbers game. Whether we're talking about politics, math or sports, numbers dictate everything.
In sports, success can be translated to points scored, touchdowns thrown, steals, rebounds, goals and beyond. Stats run the world, and we are all forced to abide by them. Even in the offbeat universe of advanced statistics, number and formulas are still used to judge and rank athletes.
Using numbers as a concrete base, this slideshow takes a direct look at game-changers. We are presenting a list of 10 athletes who are in the midst of stockpiling insane numbers, using only sports that are currently in-season.
Click below and find out who made the final cut.
Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan
1 of 10
To say Matt Ryan has been outstanding this season is disrespectful to the word. Ryan has helped turn the Atlanta Falcons into an offensive juggernaut behind a 6-3 record.
For Ryan's part, the offensive numbers he's put up border on stuff you'd see in Madden NFL 17. He leads the NFL in passing yards with 2,980 and touchdowns at 23. He's also tossed just four interceptions.
Ryan certainly looks like he's capable of throwing 50 touchdowns this season on his way to guiding Atlanta to the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Watching him play showcases a strong sense of familiarity in the pocket. He stands tall, doesn't lose his focus down the field and makes plays when he has to.
Whether he's throwing to Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu or Devonta Freeman, Ryan has developed a masterful chemistry with all of his top targets. It's no wonder why FiveThirtyEight's Chase Stuart has named Ryan the site's midseason MVP. Few people in the National Football League have been as dynamic as the Falcons signal-caller.
Toronto Raptors G DeMar DeRozan
2 of 10
Early action in the NBA has turned Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan into a scoring machine. He's averaging 33.7 points per game and has done it using only 10 three-point attempts, completing two.
What we've seen from DeRozan is a slasher mentality. He's exercised his ability to get to the rim and used the mid-range jump shot to his benefit. These improved elements have turned him into a franchise player alongside Kyle Lowry.
They've also managed to transform the Raptors into a real offensive threat in the Eastern Conference. All is well in Toronto in terms of having impact players.
Dallas Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott
3 of 10
The Dallas Cowboys took a chance by drafting Ezekiel Elliott with pick No. 4 in the 2016 NFL draft. He's rewarded their courage by leading the NFL in rushing yards, vaulting himself into elite company as one of the league's top runners.
Elliott is a franchise halfback. He has the vision, strength and patience to take over a football game, similar to seven-time Pro Bowler Adrian Peterson. On 177 attempts this season, Elliott has trotted to the tune of 891 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging an impressive five yards per carry.
His dominance has been fascinating to watch. The Cowboys are 7-1, and Elliott turning heads is part of the reason why.
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Chicago Blackhawks C Artem Anisimov
4 of 10
Don't look now, but the Chicago Blackhawks are spreading goal-scoring joy in the Western Conference. One of the top reasons why is because of Artem Anisimov.
Anisimov has been a special offensive threat this season, netting 17 total points. He's found space all over the ice, using a balance of scoring and assists to put the Blackhawks atop the Central Division with a 9-3-1 record.
Paired with Patrick Kane, Anisimov has given the Blackhawks another genuine MVP candidate this season. His insane numbers have once again made Chicago a team to watch out for in the NHL's Western Conference.
New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees
5 of 10
Death, taxes and Drew Brees tearing up the NFL. The longtime New Orleans Saints quarterback is at it again, putting up huge numbers behind a talented offense.
In eight games, Brees has thrown for 2,688 yards, 21 touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 69.7 percent of his passes. The 37-year-old quarterback appears to be ageless when it comes to getting the ball out of his hands and moving the chains.
Brees' numbers this season have also been affected in a positive way thanks to Brandin Cooks, Mark Ingram, and rookie wide receiver Michael Thomas—not to mention Willie Snead. It's one of the most well-rounded, speed-induced attacks the Saints have had in years.
Between Thomas, Cooks and Snead, the trio has combined for 1,644 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. It's an offense that is going to be challenging to stop moving forward.
These game-changing numbers are a good sign for the Saints' outlook moving forward. As long as Brees can keep the ball moving and his wide receivers can create pockets of space, the Saints should be able to compete for a postseason birth despite being 4-4.
Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones
6 of 10
Matt Ryan has had a huge beneficiary of his staggering offensive totals this year. His name is Julio Jones.
Jones is the go-to, unstoppable option in Atlanta's dynamic offense. He's been targeted 81 times on the year, hauling in 51 of those passes for a league-leading 970 yards and five touchdowns.
At 6'3" and equipped with a 220-pound frame, Jones is tough for any opposing cornerback to slow down. He's not only strong, but top-level speed and sharp route running have created a Megatron-like weapon.
Fantasy football owners have to be beaming over the usage rate Jones has seen. The targets are there, and Ryan's white-hot performance this season means more will be on the way. The 6-3 Falcons are directly impacted by the play of Jones. For them to keep winning, he has to continue performing at a surreal level.
Houston Rockets G James Harden
7 of 10
The Dwight Howard-free Houston Rockets have turned into the James Harden Show, starring the bearded man himself, James Harden.
Harden's taken control of the team, finding an eerie sweet spot between scoring points and getting his teammates involved on the floor. To date, Harden's averaging 31.6 points, 12.7 assists and 7.1 rebounds per game.
He's been carrying the Rockets, and despite a 4-3 record, it doesn't look like those numbers are going away anytime soon.
Naturally, there will be some sort of downshift in Harden's stats. According to ESPN's tracking data, his point totals fluctuated—not by a ton—from around 31 points per game to 27 throughout the 2015-16 season. But you have to realize he's now without Howard on the court and has seemingly taken full control of the offense.
Harden looks like an MVP candidate once again and a genuine team leader. It's been fun to watch him play.
San Diego Chargers RB Melvin Gordon
8 of 10
Oftentimes you tend to lean on guys when injuries ramp up. For the San Diego Chargers, second-year tailback Melvin Gordon has experienced this phenomenon.
Season-ending injuries to wide receiver Keenan Allen and, more importantly, running back Danny Woodhead have opened the floodgates for Gordon to receive a major role in this offense. He's handled the lion's share of the carries, rushing for 768 yards on 193 carries.
Gordon's biggest impact has been scoring touchdowns. Among all active halfbacks, he's tied for first place with New England's LeGarrette Blount, punching nine scores into the end zone.
After a brutal start to his NFL career—Gordon ran for 641 yards and zero TDs last year—the Chargers tailback has rebounded nicely by putting up insane Year 2 numbers.
Chicago Blackhawks RW Patrick Kane
9 of 10
Another season of hockey means another year of Patrick Kane shredding nets and putting the Chicago Blackhawks near the top of the standings.
Kane is attempting to follow up on last season's dazzling Hart Memorial Trophy campaign—which topped out at a league-leading 106 points—with another spectacular year.
So far he's off to a good start. No. 88 is right behind his teammate, Artem Anisimov, with 16 points. Most of that damage has come by way of assists—Kane is tied atop the NHL with 11 assists.
Could he repeat as the league's Hart Memorial winner? Why not? He's already off to a blazing start. If the goals come pouring in to help out the assist totals and Chicago continues down a winning path, there's no reason to believe it won't happen again.
Barcelona F Lionel Messi
10 of 10
Nine games into La Liga's 2016-17 season, Lionel Messi has been tasked with carrying Barcelona's offensive aspirations. Being paired once again with Neymar and Luis Suarez has opened the door to additional creativity and opportunities to score.
Messi has lined up eight goals on 46 shot attempts to go along with three assists. He hasn't missed a beat, peeling back defenders and keeping this offense clicking.
Nothing has changed here. Messi continues to put up staggering totals. As Barcelona goes, so does Messi.
All stats, box scores and information via Sports-Reference.com, unless noted otherwise.
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