What We Learned This Week
The Buccaneers’ defense just keeps showing up. This week, they pulverized quarterback Justin Fields and his hapless Bears’ offense. When finished with their day, the Tampa Bay DST had compiled four sacks, two fumbles, three interceptions, and gave up only three points. With the Saints next up on the schedule, it is likely we will see more of the same from this unit next week. Players of IDP consequence this week were Jason Pierre-Paul, Devin White, Dee Delaney, and Jamel Dean.
The Tennessee defense put together a stellar effort against the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs on Sunday. In this battle with Kansas City, the Titans racked up four sacks, two fumbles, and an interception. Noteworthy Titans’ defenders during this game include David Long, Denico Autry, and Rashaan Evans.
Finally, in a bit of a surprise, the New York Giants played a stellar game against Carolina on Sunday. The entire team (mostly backups on offense) worked in harmony to take out the Panthers 25-3. A major bright spot was the six sacks, the safety, and the interception that the defense provided. I wouldn’t expect as much success next week against Kansas City, but I’ve been wrong before. Giants who starred in Week 7 were Azeez Ojulari, Jabrill Peppers, and Dexter Lawrence.Â
Top Player Performances
Demario Davis – LB – NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Davis had one of the best games of his career on Monday Night Football this week. The 10-year veteran created 10 total tackles, four TFLs, two sacks, and defended a pass to help beat the Seahawks. A consistent producer for many years, Davis remains a locked-in weekly starter in IDP fantasy football.Â
Deion Jones – LB – ATLANTA FALCONS
Jones is a special player when he’s healthy. At 26, after multiple lost seasons, Jones has put together an excellent front half of the 2021 NFL season. On Sunday, the former LSU stud balled out to help the Falcons get a big win against Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins. Jones’ line for the game included 15 total tackles, three TFLs, and a sack. If he stays on the field, Jones is a championship-caliber defender in all IDP league formats.
Josh Norman– CB – SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Norman had a terrific week versus the Colts in monsoon-like conditions Sunday night. Leading the 49ers’ defense, Norman produced 10 total tackles, three TFLs, forced two fumbles, and defended a pass from his cornerback position. At 33 years of age, and amassing relatively mundane stats so far this year Norman has very little long-term IDP value.Â
Notable Injuries
J.J. Watt – DE – ARIZONA CARDINALS
Watt will undergo surgery on his injured shoulder and is likely to miss the remainder of the 2021 season. Although his counting stats don’t jump off the page this year, Watt has 16 QB pressures and is a savvy run defender. The former Defensive Player of the Year’s contributions will be missed. Zach Allen and Michael Dogbe should see more playing time with Watt out.
Jabrill Peppers – S – NEW YORK GIANTS
As mentioned above for having a nice game in Week 7, Peppers was placed on injured reserve Tuesday after suffering a ruptured ACL in his right knee. The injury ends this star safety’s 2021 season. Julian Love will take over and handle the bulk of the snaps at strong safety.
Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to check out all the content we offer here at Dynasty Football Factory. Also, you can interact with me on Twitter at @FF_EvilEmpire. Now go forth and build your empire!
