What We Learned This Week
This week was another fun one for the Kansas City defense. Playing Las Vegas for the second time in the four weeks was a blessing for the Chiefs, as they crushed the Derek Carr led Raiders 48-9. In this game, Kansas City produced four sacks, four fumbles, an interception, and a touchdown to help secure the victory. Since week nine, KC has given up a total of 48 points (fewer than 10 per game), while scoring two touchdowns and registering 13 sacks in that timeframe. Players that made IDP waves this week include Mike Hughes, Tyrann Mathieu, and Alex Okafor.
The Tennessee Titans annihilated the Jacksonville offense on Sunday, racking up three sacks and four interceptions in a shutout win at home. Players who made a statement for the Titans on Sunday were Kristian Fulton, Buster Skrine, and Rashaan Evans returning from injury.
Playing in Washington on Sunday, the Dallas defense showed out in a big win over a hot Football Team offense. The Cowboys combined to collect five sacks, four turnovers, a blocked kick, and a touchdown in the 27-20 win. Led by Dorance Armstrong, Jourdan Lewis, Randy Gregory, and Micah Parsons, Dallas owned the day in DC this week.
Top Player Performances
Mike Hughes – CB – KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Hughes was mentioned earlier in this article, but it is important we call out the game he had on Sunday. Playing 100% of the defensive snaps, Hughes produced massive results for the Chiefs. The former Central Florida star recorded nine total tackles, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and a touchdown in the game. For IDP purposes, Hughes likely won’t produce more games like he did Sunday, so leave the former first-round pick on waivers.
Azeez Al-Shaair – LB – SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Al-Shaair has been on fire for three weeks now. Since Week 12, the undrafted 49er linebacker has averaged over 11 total tackles, half a sack, a TFL, and a turnover per game. On Sunday against the Seahawks, the 24-year-old produced 11 total tackles, three TFLs, a sack, and a pass defended. Al-Shaair’s future is bright in San Francisco, but the hot defender may be relegated to fewer snaps the rest of 2021 if Dre Greenlaw comes back healthy.
Aaron Donald – DT – LOS ANGELES RAMS
Donald was an animal again in week 14 against the Cardinals in Arizona. In the win, the Pitt alum notched five total tackles, a pass defended, three TFLs, and three sacks. At 30-years-old, Donald continues his reign as the most disruptive interior defender in the league.
Notable Injuries
Roquan Smith – LB – CHICAGO BEARS
Smith left the Bears’ Week 14 game against Green Bay with a hamstring injury. Forced to miss 18 snaps on Sunday night, Smith’s availability for Monday’s Vikings game is questionable. Smith’s absence would leave Christian Jones and Caleb Johnson poised for increased roles.
Erik Harris– S – ATLANTA FALCONS
Harris, who played in 703 snaps this season, has finished his 2021 campaign. The seven-year veteran suffered a torn pectoral in Sunday’s win over the Panthers and has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. If you need emergency safety help, Jaylinn Hawkins will take over as the primary free safety in Harris’ absence.
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