What We Learned This Week
The Vikings defense was… well… terrible on Sunday. Minnesota gave up 43 points and 522 yards at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings defensive backs are young and inexperienced, which puts a lot of pressure on veterans like Eric Kendricks, Harrison Smith, and Anthony Barr. Expect extra IDP opportunities for the Vikings as they struggle with coverage.
The Saints defense dismantled the Tom Brady-led Buccaneers. As a whole, the squad produced two interceptions, a fumble recovery, a blocked kick, three sacks, and a touchdown. I expect New Orleans to continue to make big plays all season long.
The Washington Football Team proved one point on Sunday… that they can rush the passer. Washington racked up eight sacks on Carson Wentz and the Eagles offense. If Washington can continue to make plays in opponent backfields, they’ll be able to win many more games than originally predicted.
Top Player Performances
Jerome Baker – LB, MIAMI DOLPHINS
Baker exploded out of the gates in week one. The third-year pro made a ridiculous 16 total tackles, along with a sack and a forced fumble. Coming into the game, Baker was a bit of a question mark before the start of the season, but he is not so anymore.
Marcus Maye – S, NEW YORK JETS
All Maye did in his first game without Jamal Adams is produce the best game of his career. Maye put up 10 total tackles, two sacks, and two passes defensed. Keep an eye on Maye, if he’s asked to rush the passer as he was against the Bills, his ceiling rises significantly.
Aldon Smith – DE, DALLAS COWBOYS
Smith, putting all of his off-field turmoil behind him, produced like an all-pro on Sunday Night Football. The 10-year vet recorded 11 tackles, a tackle for loss, and a sack. Smith could terrorize opposing teams if he can stay on the field for a full season.
Notable Injuries
Leighton Vander Esch – LB, DALLAS COWBOYS
Vander Esch suffered a fractured collarbone on Sunday against the Rams. Vander Esch will be placed on injured reserve but is expected to return to the field later in the season. His absence will be detrimental to the Cowboys defense. That said, Joe Thomas is a must-add in all IDP formats.
Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano – LBs, BUFFALO BILLS
Both of the Buffalo star linebackers were dinged up in week one. Tremaine Edmunds (shoulder) and Matt Milano (hamstring) needed to exit the game early. Edmunds injury does not seem serious, but Milano may miss a week or two. If either player misses major time, AJ Klein could move into a more prominent role.
Drue Tranquill – LB, LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Drue Tranquill left very early in the Bengals game after having his left leg put into an air cast in the first quarter. On Monday, it was confirmed Tranquil has a broken ankle and will miss major time. Emeke Egbule and Nick Vigil should see increased snap counts in his place.
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