What We Learned This Week
The Denver Broncos had a sweet day beating the Washington Football Team on Sunday. On the afternoon, the offense did not look great, but the defense took care of business, racking up five sacks, two interceptions, and two blocked kicks in the game. Defenders of consequence in Week 8 were Justin Simmons, Malik Reed, and Baron Browning. After the win, things turned a bit sour with the news that the Broncos brass traded away franchise cornerstone Von Miller to the Los Angeles Rams. However, Denver’s management shouldn’t be blamed for trading away their aging star for a second-round and third-round pick next season.
New Orleans did it again. After dominating the Seahawks in Week 7, the Saints filled the stat sheet against Tom Brady to beat the Bucs 36-27. Overall, the Saints’ defensive unit produced two interceptions, a fumble, three sacks, and scored a touchdown to lead New Orleans to victory. Players who made important IDP contributions were P.J. Williams, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, and Kwon Alexander.
Philadelphia’s defense dominated the Detroit offense on Sunday. Over 60 minutes of play, the Eagles D created six sacks and returned a fumble for a touchdown. If you started Philly defenders like T.J. Edwards, Josh Sweat, and Milton Williams, you were feeling great Sunday evening.
Top Player Performances
Josh Allen – DE –JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
The Jaguars drafted Allen seventh overall in the 2019 NFL draft. That pick is paying big dividends for Jacksonville this season. The edge rusher is producing top defensive end performances consistently, with Week 8 being no exception. Allen’s slash line included six total tackles, four TFLs, and two sacks against the Seahawks. IDP managers can continue to start Allen as an elite edge rusher in all formats.
Jordan Poyer – S – BUFFALO BILLS
Poyer’s production has been brilliant over the last four years, and nothing has changed in 2021. In Week 8, Poyer produced 10 solo tackles to go along with a TFL, a pass defended, and an interception. At this point, it might be tough to buy Poyer, but if you can trade for him at a good price, his short-term dynasty value is super solid.
Rasul Douglas – CB – GREEN BAY PACKERS
I had to bring up the player who sealed a Packers’ victory over Arizona on Thursday Night Football. Douglas, who started the season with the Cardinals, fashioned nine solo tackles, two passes defended, and the interception of Kyler Murray on the last Arizona drive of the game. As an IDP asset, he’s not a top week-to-week option, but for week eight, he was terrific.
Notable Injuries
Danielle Hunter – DE – MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Hunter will miss the rest of the season with a torn pectoral muscle injury. For IDP managers, this is a huge blow, as Hunter finishes his 2021 season with 38 total tackles and six sacks. As a result of the injury, D.J. Wonnum is likely to take over Hunter’s starting defensive spot opposite Everson Griffen.
Khari Willis – S – INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
A reliable starter in 2021, Willis suffered a calf injury early in Sunday’s game against Tennessee. The Michigan State man missed Indy’s week nine game against the Jets last night, and if he misses more time, George Odum will continue starting at strong safety until Willis comes back.
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