What we learned this week
The Ravens and Steelers swarmed around the football and hassled opposing quarterbacks this week. Combined, the two defenses accrued 11 sacks and created four total turnovers. Players we expect to continue dominating for Baltimore are Patrick Queen, Marcus Peters, Calais Campbell, and Marlon Humphrey. Steelers on that list include Devin Bush, Terrell Edmunds, TJ Watt, and Mike Hilton.
The Colts defense has been stingy so far this year. After two weeks, they’ve given up only 245 total yards and just three total offensive touchdowns. Indianapolis starters like Darius Leonard, DeForest Buckner, Kenny Moore, and Khari Willis (not Malik Hooker-see below) should continue to be high-end IDP assets.
The Green Bay defense is the only group (as of writing) to record a safety and a touchdown already this season. The Packers defense boasts IDP studs like Za’darius Smith, Jaire Alexander, Adrian Amos, and Kenny Clark (Clark missed the last game). With so many big-play weapons on that side of the ball, it’s no surprise that the Green Bay defense is producing splash plays at a high level.Â
Top Player Performances
Kenny Vaccaro – S – TENNESSEE TITANS
Vaccaro exploded week two at home against Jacksonville. The veteran safety posted 11 total tackles, two TFLs, a QB sack, and two defended passes. Vaccaro, the Texas alum, has played nearly every snap since starting for Tennessee in 2018, so be sure to continue starting him in all formats.
Micah Kiser – LB – LOS ANGELES RAMS
The third-year pro, who missed nearly all of his first two seasons, set a Rams single-game record with 16 total tackles on Sunday. Expecting that kind of performance from Kizer every week will leave you disappointed. However, Kizer has a nose for the ball, so solid IDP returns from the linebacker can be counted on.Â
Quinnen Williams – DE – NEW YORK JETS
Williams made his presence known against the 49ers Sunday. His line of seven total tackles, two TFLs, two sacks, and a forced fumble made him the top DL IDP performer of week two. At 22, the former Alabama stud has a bright future ahead.
Notable Injuries
Nick Bosa – DE – SAN FRANCISCO 49ers
The San Francisco star defensive end will be sidelined for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL. Coming off of a dynamic rookie year, many expected Bosa to take the next step into elite status. Instead, the former Buckeye will spend the rest of the year rehabbing. Ziggy Ansah has been rumored to be on his way to San Francisco and is a great Free Agent option to consider.
Anthony Barr – LB – MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Barr left Minnesota’s loss to the Colts in the first half and was ruled out soon after. Tests have revealed that he has a season-ending injury. Barr is an every-down player that produced 79 tackles last season. This is a major loss to a Vikings defense that has struggled early this season. Ryan Connelly or Troy Dye will likely start in his place.
Malik Hooker – S – INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Hooker has battled injuries ever since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2017. This year, he’ll miss 14 games, as he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Indianapolis. After Hooker departed Sunday, rookie third-rounder Julian Blackmon stepped in and played the rest of the game, and he’ll likely start at free safety for the rest of the season.Â
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