This article attempts to immediately highlight defensive players whose production was significantly better or worse than normally expected for the prior week of games. Note there is sometimes limited information available when this article is written, but I will try to give everyone an early look at players who are moving up or down in value among IDP circles. When warranted, I'll also call out some players under No Change that tries to explain why the stat lines may be misleading. It’s difficult to give waiver advice for IDPs since there is such a wide variety of lineups and scoring systems, but hopefully, the information provided can help inform your waiver, trade, and upcoming lineup decisions. If you have any questions about specific players or situations, feel free to email me or reach out via twitter.
Email: rudnicki@footballguys.com
Twitter: @a_rudnicki
INDIANAPOLIS @ NEW ENGLAND
Upgrades:
S Devin McCourty, NE (11 solos, 3 asst, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 PD)
S Patrick Chung, NE (3 solos, 8 asst, .5 sack, 1 QH, 1 INT, 1 PD)
Both Patriots safeties led the way for the Patriots this week as Andrew Luck generated 38 completions on 59 pass attempts. As long as the Patriots offense can start putting up points like as did here, the pass attempts this defense faces should certainly improve and that will create more opportunities for both safeties. Both players have been disappointing to start the year and may be available on waiver wires in most leagues, but McCourty, in particular, is a proven fantasy performer who is coming off an 80-solo season.
Downgrades:
DE John Simon, NE (1 solo)
Simon had a great debut for the Patriots a week ago and seemed poised for another big outing here against the team that cut him prior to week 1. Unfortunately, he only lasted 5 snaps (6%) before leaving the game with a shoulder injury that leaves his status for next week in doubt.
DT Denico Autry, IND (1 solo, 2 asst, 1 TFL)
Autry lasted just 28 snaps (41%) before leaving the game with a hamstring injury. He was coming off a huge 9-tackle, 2-sack outing a week earlier and was on his way to another productive start.
LB Anthony Walker, IND (1 solo, 2 asst)
Walker was coming on strong the past couple games but he only lasted 14 snaps (20%) this week before leaving the game with a concussion. That’s always a concern, but especially so for a middle linebacker whose primary responsibility is stopping the run. The Colts were already short-handed in this game without Darius Leonard so they had to rely heavily on Zaire Franklin (1 solo, 10 asst) and Najee Goode (4 solos, 4 asst, 1 INT).
S Clayton Geathers, IND (3 asst)
Geathers has been very productive with 29 solo stops through the first 4 games but he was limited to just 20 snaps (29%) this week. He originally left the game to be evaluated for a concussion, which he was cleared from but was then held out with a neck injury. There is reason for concern here as a serious neck injury is what forced him to miss significant time in the past two seasons. Backup safety Matthias Farley also left the game early with a hamstring injury this week.
TENNESSEE @ BUFFALO
Upgrades:
DE Jerry Hughes, BUF (4 solos, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 FF)
Hughes continues to play at a very high level and he’s now up to 17 solos, 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles on the year. This has the makings of a career season for the 30-year old pass rusher who has averaged just 5 sacks/year for the past 3 seasons and has never reached double digits.
DE DaQuan Jones, TEN (6 solos, 3 asst, 2 TFL)
Jones had just started to heat up for the Titans a year ago with 3.5 sacks over a 2-game stretch before he tore his biceps and went on IR. He’s had a very quiet start to this season with just 3 solos and 3 assists in the first four games before exploding for 9 tackles this week. Probably don’t need to run out and sign him but he could be a player to watch at the shallow defensive end position to see if he can build off this next week.
Downgrades:
CB Ryan Lewis, BUF (2 solos)
Lewis got the start at cornerback this week but gave way to Phillip Gaines as the game went along and wound up seeing just 16 defensive snaps (30%). Taron Johnson was once again very productive as the nickel back with 4 solos and an interception on just 27 snaps (50%).
N.Y. GIANTS @ CAROLINA
Upgrades:
DT B.J. Hill, NYG (3 solos, 2 asst)
The rookie defensive tackle has seen a rise in his playing time for the past couple games, going from 21% to 34% to 45% this week. He came into the game with a sack in back-to-back games and was very active again this week with 5 tackles on 32 snaps.
S Mike Adams, CAR (5 solos, 1 asst, 2 INT, 2 PD)
Adams is a 15-year veteran who proved he still has something to offer with a multiple-interception effort. The team also signed Eric Reid (3 solos) over their bye week and gave him 48 snaps (86%) at strong safety in his first game as a Panther. Note there weren’t many tackle opportunities (40) in this game for Carolina as the Giants couldn’t get their running game going.
CB Eli Apple, NYG (5 solos, 1 FF)
Apple missed the past two weeks with a groin injury but returned to the starting lineup this week and was one of three Giants defenders to play all 71 snaps. He’s had a rough start to his career since the Giants took him 10th overall in 2016 but may be able to turn things around under the new coaching staff.
Downgrades:
LB Shaq Thompson, CAR (2 solos, 1 asst, 1 TFL)
Thompson got a chance to play 100% of the defensive snaps over the first 4 games while Thomas Davis served his suspension but didn’t take full advantage. He had two productive games and two quiet games and now could potentially lose some nickel snaps to Davis when he returns next week.
MIAMI @ CINCINNATI
Upgrades:
LB Vontaze Burfict, CIN (4 solos, 3 asst)
Burfict returned to the starting lineup this week and still finished 2nd on the team with 7 tackles despite only seeing 34 snaps (53%). The Bengals kept his snap count low as they work him back into their defense but he can likely expect to see more playing time in Week 6 with a huge game coming against the Steelers.
S Reshad Jones, MIA (7 solos, 1 asst, 1 TFL, 2 PD)
Jones returned to the lineup for the first time since week 2 and led the team in tackles. While the Dolphins have made some upgrades around him, Jones clearly remains an elite fantasy safety when healthy.
No Change:
DE Michael Johnson, CIN (2 solos, 1 asst, 1 INT, 1 PD)
Johnson came up with a rare interception this week which masks the fact he was only on the field for 22 snaps (34%). Sam Hubbard made a bigger impact, including a game-clinching fumble return for a touchdown on just 28 snaps while Carl Lawson and Jordan Willis (31 snaps each) also saw more work than Johnson this week.
Downgrades:
DE Robert Quinn, MIA (1 solo, 1 asst, 1 QH)
Through 5 games, Quinn has collected just 9 solo tackles and 1 sack. Much more was expected of him given his talent level and the fact that nearly every other pass rusher in Miami seems to be getting injured. Despite those injuries, the coaches continue to consistently give him less than 70% of the defensive snaps each week.
BALTIMORE @ CLEVELAND
Upgrades:
DE Emmanuel Ogbah, CLE (1 solo, 4 asst, 1 QH, 1 PD)
Since returning to the lineup a week ago, Ogbah has played exactly 80% of the defensive snaps in two straight games. While he didn’t get a sack, he’s still been productive with 3 solos, 5 assists, and 3 passes defensed over both games combined. Any time a defensive end is getting that much playing time, you have to feel good about keeping them in your lineup.
LB Jamie Collins Sr CLE (8 solos, 4 asst, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QH)
Collins saw an increase in playing time from 57% last week to 79% this week. If that trend continues, he could be more valuable to fantasy owners even with a healthy Christian Kirksey back in the lineup. Over the past two games, while playing less than a full-time role, Collins has 10 solos, 7 assists, and a pair of sacks.
S Tony Jefferson, BAL (8 solos, 1 asst, 1 TFL)
Jefferson had a quiet first season with the Ravens a year ago with just 55 solo tackles but he’s off to a much better start this year. He’s averaging 5 solo tackles per game and seeing plenty of time up in the box for extra run support.
No Change:
DT Larry Ogunjobi, CLE (0 tackles, 3 QH)
Ogunjobi didn’t generate any points in leagues that don’t count QB hits but he was still out there for 75 snaps (86%). The 3 quarterback hits provide additional evidence that he was very close to having a huge game. Given his incredibly high workload (65 snaps/game), he should remain one of the most productive fantasy defensive tackles.
CB Jimmy Smith, BAL (1 asst)
Smith returned to action this week after serving a 4-game suspension. The team has been happy with their cornerback play thus far so he was worked slowly into the lineup with just 35 snaps (44%). That ranked him equal with Anthony Levine and well behind the top-3 of Brandon Carr, Marlon Humphrey, and Tavon Young.
GREEN BAY @ DETROIT
Upgrades:
DE Romeo Okwara, DET (3 solos, 2 sacks, 1 TFL, 3 QH, 1 FF)
Okwara was on the field for 73 snaps (90%) this week and picked up a pair of sacks on Aaron Rodgers. That now gives him 3 in the past two games combined, although he hasn’t made much of an impact against the run with 3 solos that didn’t come on sacks. As long as Ezekiel Ansah remains out, Okwara should continue to see plenty of playing time.
DT DaShawn Hand, DET (4 solos, 1 sack, 1 QH, 1 FF, 1 FR)
Hand is quickly emerging into a force that offenses have to pay special attention to. His playing time has spiked from 23 to 48 to 62 snaps in the past few weeks and he showed why when he beat a double team to strip sack Aaron Rodgers and somehow come up with the ball.
S Glover Quin, DET (10 solos, 3 asst, 1 QH)
Quin was certainly given a boost by the game script as Detroit got to play with a lead while Aaron Rodgers threw the ball 52 times. That helped boost the tackle numbers for most of the Lions secondary but Quin was the one who really stood out with 13 tackles which nearly doubled his totals from the first four games.
Downgrades:
DE Mike Daniels, GB (2 solos, 1 QH)
Daniels has averaged nearly 30 solo tackles and 5 sacks over the past four seasons but he’s been nowhere near that pace this year with just 5 solos and 1 sack through 5 games. The switch to a new defensive scheme appears to be limiting the playmaking chances for the defensive ends from what they did in the past. Daniels continues to see plenty of playing time as he was on the field for 49 snaps this week but didn’t have much to show for it.
JACKSONVILLE @ KANSAS CITY
Upgrades:
None
No Change:
S Tashaun Gipson, JAX (2 solos, 1 INT, 2 PD)
Gipson picked off Patrick Mahomes in the game but also saw just 81% of the snaps after leaving early with a hamstring injury. His absence created more playing time for rookie Ronnie Harrison who added 2 assists in 24 snaps.
Downgrades:
LB Justin Houston, KC (2 QH)
Houston had 3 sacks in his prior two games and once again looked like a dominant edge rusher. Unfortunately, he hit a speed bump this week as he was forced to leave the game early with a hamstring injury after just 22 snaps (27%). It was a clear missed opportunity for him too because the Jaguars were forced to throw the ball 61 times in the game and gave up 5 sacks. His absence created an opening for Terrance Smith, who recorded the first sack of his career on 53 snaps. Dee Ford was also ejected for taunting in the game, but not before picking up 4 solos, 3 QB hits, and a sack.
S Eric Murray, KC (0 tackles)
Murray has been moderately productive while filling in for Eric Berry but he was forced to leave the game early this week with a leg injury. He was only out there for 4 snaps and was replaced in the lineup by Jordan Lucas, who posted 6 tackles with an interception in 56 defensive snaps.
DENVER @ N.Y. JETS
Upgrades:
DE Derek Wolfe, DEN (2 solos, 1 asst, .5 sack, 1 QH, 1 INT, 2 PD)
Wolfe has played more than 70% of the defensive snaps for the Broncos this year, which is significantly higher than any other Broncos lineman. While his sack numbers have dried up, he did get a partial sack this week and also been effective at deflecting passes with 4 in the past 3 games. He also added the first interception of his career on a tipped pass this week.
DE Leonard Williams, NYJ (2 solos, 3 asst, 2 sacks, 2 TFL, 3 QH)
Williams posted just 2 sacks in 16 games last year and looked like he was just going through the motions at times. He appears to be back on track now, however and came through with a huge 2-sack game against the Broncos this week after adding 4 solos and a sack last week as well. He has a pretty favorable matchup coming up next week against the Colts too.
S Marcus Maye, NYJ (6 solos, 2 asst, .5 sack, 1 INT, 1 PD, 1 FF)
Maye returned to the lineup last week after sitting out the first three games. He’s been on the field for all 77 snaps in both games and has provided a spark in the Jets secondary. Maye was very active this week as he finished 2nd on the team in tackles while also filling up the stat sheet with a partial sack, interception, and forced fumble.
Downgrades:
LB Darron Lee, NYJ (4 solos, 1 asst)
There were high expectations for Lee this year following the free agency loss of Demario Davis, but he appears to be taking a step back instead. After a huge game in week 1 that saw him pick off two passes and return one for a touchdown, Lee has been very mediocre. He has been credited with just 13 solo tackles and 9 assists over his last 4 games while averaging 70 snaps per week. While not terrible, those numbers are more in line with a backup than the fantasy starter he was expected to be.
ATLANTA @ PITTSBURGH
Upgrades:
LB L.J. Fort, PIT (6 solos, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 3 QH, 1 FR)
Fort paired up with Tyler Matakevich to replace the injured Vince Williams at inside linebacker this week. They both wore a green dot on their helmet, which meant only one of them could be on the field at a time to communicate with the coaches and get the defenses lined up. Fort was only on the field for 27 snaps (38%) compared to 41 snaps (57%) for Matakevich, but Fort was much more productive during his playing time and may turn out to be a hidden gem for the Steelers.
LB T.J. Watt, PIT (6 solos, 2 asst, 3 sacks, 3 TFL, 3 QH, 1 FF)
Watt opened up the year with a 10-tackle, 3-sack game against the Browns before going quiet for 3 straight games. Then he blew up again this week with an 8-tackle, 3-sack outing against the Falcons. While he normally doesn’t post enough tackles to be a reliable starter each week, the huge upside he has displayed so far will make it tough to bench him.
S Jordan Richards, ATL (4 solos, 3 asst)
With all the holes in the front seven, there were plenty of tackle opportunities for the safeties to clean up this week. Richards saw his playing time increase from 26% of the snaps a week ago to 77% this week and led the team in tackles, so looks like he could be in line for a bigger role moving forward.
Downgrades:
LB Duke Riley, ATL (3 solos, 1 asst)
LB DeVondre Campbell, ATL (1 solo, 2 asst)
On a day where the Steelers ran the ball 29 times, you’d normally expect the opposing team’s linebackers to fill up the stat sheet with tackles. That didn’t happen for Riley and Campbell this week, however, as both missed a lot of tackles and allowed James Conner to average over 5 yards per carry while adding 75 yards through the air. The Falcons are a mess defensively but there may not be any linebacker upgrades available.
CB Brian Poole, ATL (2 solos)
Poole has struggled in coverage regardless of where he’s been lined up for the Falcons this year. While that normally is good news for his fantasy value as teams should continue to throw at him, he wasn’t very active this week and also saw a reduction in playing time to a season-low 37 snaps (61%).
OAKLAND @ L.A. CHARGERS
Upgrades:
DE Melvin Ingram III, LAC (5 solos, 2 asst, 1 sack, 2 TFL, 1 QH, 1 INT, 1 PD)
Ingram got his season back on track with a huge game against the Raiders that included the first interception of his career even though he spent much of his early years at outside linebacker. He also was very active in shutting down Marshawn Lynch and finished tied for the team lead in tackles with 7. This was a much-needed rebound after he posted just a pair of solo tackles in his last two games combined.
CB Daryl Worley, OAK (7 solos, 1 asst, 1 TFL)
Worley came back from suspension this week and wound up leading all Raiders cornerbacks with 49 snaps (77%). He replaced Gareon Conley, who started the game but was benched and wound up seeing just 20% of the snaps.
Downgrades:
DE Arden Key, OAK (1 solo)
Key was one of the players expected to try and fill the hole created by the trade of Khalil Mack. The rookie 3rd round pick is seeing extensive playing time (77% of the snaps this week) but has yet to record a sack. Through 5 games, he has just 6 solos and 3 assists credited to him.
LB Jatavis Brown, LAC (2 solos, 1 TFL, 1 FF)
With Kyzir White sitting out this week, Brown was expected to repeat his every-down role from last week. The Chargers limited his workload to just 23 snaps (44%), however, as Adrian Phillips saw his role increase dramatically. Phillips had a strong game and appeared to return to his role from 2017 as the team’s nickel linebacker. Brown came through with a forced fumble but may no longer have a clear path to an every-down role.
MINNESOTA @ PHILADELPHIA
Upgrades:
DE Brandon Graham, PHI (3 solos, 1 sack, 2 TFL, 2 QH, 1 PD)
Graham had been held back by the coaches due to a lack of playing time as he received fewer than 60% of the snaps the past two games. With Derek Barnett sitting out this week, however, both Graham and Michael Bennett played approximately 80% of the game and it was Graham who took advantage while recording his first sack of the year.
DT Linval Joseph, MIN (4 solos, 1 asst, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QH, 1 FR, 1 TD)
Joseph was already an elite fantasy defensive tackle but he mostly generated value with his tackle production. This week he took things to a whole new level as he added a sack as well as a 64-yard fumble return for a touchdown. Interestingly, his snap count this week was the lowest it’s been all year as he only saw 33 snaps (56%) while he’s played close to 90% in the past three games.
No Change:
DT Fletcher Cox, PHI (1 solo, 4 QH)
Cox was credited with just a single solo tackle this week in most IDP leagues, which makes it seem like he wasn’t very effective. There were 4 quarterback hits credited to him in the game by the NFL, however, so it certainly seemed like he was causing a lot of disruption but just couldn’t capitalize with a sack. On a team that loves to rotate all their linemen in, he’s also seen at least 79% of the defensive snaps in all 5 games so he should remain a strong DT1 if you can live through some down weeks like this.
Downgrade:
S Corey Graham, PHI (0 tackles)
One week after playing all 71 snaps, Graham was replaced by Avonte Maddox and saw just 3 snaps in the game. Maddox finished with 3 solos on defense while playing all 62 snaps this week but the Eagles still got the same result as they couldn’t quite slow down the opponent’s passing attack.
L.A. RAMS @ SEATTLE
Upgrades:
DT Ndamukong Suh, LAR (3 solos, 4 asst, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QH)
Suh hasn’t been a huge sack threat of late with an average of 5 per year over the last three seasons. He has often derived much of his fantasy value from his play against the run but that has changed now that he’s with the Rams. He extended his sack streak to 3 games this week while again playing 90% of the snaps and tying for 2nd on his team in tackles with 7.
LB Mark Barron, LAR (5 solos, 4 asst)
Barron returned to the lineup this week after missing the first month of the season and led the Rams in tackles. He was on the field for 48 snaps (80%) while fellow inside linebacker Cory Littleton played the entire 60 snaps. Barron is their best cover linebacker and should take over the full-time role soon.
LB Barkevious Mingo, SEA (6 solos, 1 asst, 1 QH)
With Mychal Kendricks getting hit with a league suspension and K.J. Wright still out with an injury, Mingo saw his workload increase this week. He was on the field for 64 of 66 defensive snaps and posted a solid stat line with 7 tackles that was just one fewer than Bobby Wagner.
Downgrades:
DE Dion Jordan, SEA (0 tackles)
Jordan sat out last week with an injury but has seen a role as a pass rush specialist when healthy enough to play. After posting 4 sacks in 5 games last season and showing some of the potential that got him drafted 3rd overall, he has contributed nothing this year. He has just 2 solo tackles and a pass deflection on 71 total snaps.
ARIZONA @ SAN FRANCISCO
Upgrades:
Cardinals IDPs
There were too many huge games from IDPs on the Cardinals this week to mention all of them. The reason for that was the lopsided nature of the game as the 49ers offense generated 72 tackle opportunities while the Cardinals offense only generated 31. The trio of safeties all had very productive days with Budda Baker (11 solos, 4 asst, 1 sack) and Antoine Bethea (9 solos, 4 ass) leading the way. Middle linebacker Josh Bynes collected 11 tackles with a sack and fumble return for a touchdown while Haason Reddick started in place of Deone Buccanon and finished with 8 solos plus a sack and forced fumble. At corner, Bene Benwikere also kept his solid run going with 6 tackles and an interception.
S Jaquiski Tartt, SF (3 solos, 1 asst, 1 TFL)
Tartt returned to the lineup after missing the last two games with a shoulder injury. He was on the field for 50 snaps (98%) in the game and tied for the team lead in tackles. Note that 49ers numbers had low numbers across the board due to the tackle opportunity disparity mentioned above. The Arizona offense only generated 31 tackle opportunities on 51 snaps in this game.
Downgrades:
LB Deone Bucannon, ARI (0 tackles)
Bucannon saw 73% of the snaps a week ago but was only on the field for 4 snaps this week as Haason Reddick appeared to take his place. There were also reports that indicated the team had put Bucannon on the trade block and were listening to offers for him. Maybe a change of scenery would do him good in the long-term since the new coaching staff may not value him all that highly. Either way, his fantasy value is likely taking a short-term hit.
DALLAS @ HOUSTON
Upgrades:
LB Jaylon Smith, DAL (6 solos, 6 asst, 1 sack, 3 TFL, 2 QH, 1 PD)
LB Leighton Vander Esch, DAL (11 solos, 3 asst)
If you watched this game, it would be hard not to come away impressed with the play of Jaylon Smith. He certainly has the look of a player who is turning into a star before our eyes as he was fast and physical and looked like the clear leader of this Cowboys defense. Similarly, Vander Esche showed off his range by making tackles all over the place while holding down an every-down role in place of the oft-injured Sean Lee.
S Justin Reid, HOU (5 solos, 1 asst, 1 INT, 1 PD)
The rookie safety saw an increased workload this week as he was on the field for 56 snaps (90%) as the Texans appeared to use three safeties in their base defense. Starting safeties Kareem Jackson and Tyrann Mathieu are both playing well but Reid is giving them quality depth at the position for the first time in years.
Downgrades:
CB Chidobe Awuzie, DAL (3 solos)
Although it may have been injury-related, it looked like Awuzie was benched in the game. He had been a weak spot in the Cowboys secondary all season but only saw 36 snaps (45%) this week while Jourdan Lewis saw his first extensive action of the season with 33 snaps.
Summary
Upgrades:
DE Melvin Ingram III, LAC (5 solos, 2 asst, 1 sack, 2 TFL, 1 QH, 1 INT, 1 PD)
DE Jerry Hughes, BUF (4 solos, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 FF)
DE Brandon Graham, PHI (3 solos, 1 sack, 2 TFL, 2 QH, 1 PD)
DE Leonard Williams, NYJ (2 solos, 3 asst, 2 sacks, 2 TFL, 3 QH)
DE Emmanuel Ogbah, CLE (1 solo, 4 asst, 1 QH, 1 PD)
DE Derek Wolfe, DEN (2 solos, 1 asst, .5 sack, 1 QH, 1 INT, 2 PD)
DE DaQuan Jones, TEN (6 solos, 3 asst, 2 TFL)
DE Romeo Okwara, DET (3 solos, 2 sacks, 1 TFL, 3 QH, 1 FF)
DT Ndamukong Suh, LAR (3 solos, 4 asst, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QH)
DT Linval Joseph, MIN (4 solos, 1 asst, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QH, 1 FR, 1 TD)
DT DaShawn Hand, DET (4 solos, 1 sack, 1 QH, 1 FF, 1 FR)
DT B.J. Hill, NYG (3 solos, 2 asst)
LB Vontaze Burfict, CIN (4 solos, 3 asst)
LB Mark Barron, LAR (5 solos, 4 asst)
LB Jaylon Smith, DAL (6 solos, 6 asst, 1 sack, 3 TFL, 2 QH, 1 PD)
LB Leighton Vander Esche, DAL (11 solos, 3 asst)
LB T.J. Watt, PIT (6 solos, 2 asst, 3 sacks, 3 TFL, 3 QH, 1 FF)
LB Jamie Collins Sr CLE (8 solos, 4 asst, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QH)
LB Barkevious Mingo, SEA (6 solos, 1 asst, 1 QH)
LB L.J. Fort, PIT (6 solos, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 3 QH, 1 FR)
S Reshad Jones, MIA (7 solos, 1 asst, 1 TFL, 2 PD)
S Tony Jefferson, BAL (8 solos, 1 asst, 1 TFL)
S Devin McCourty, NE (11 solos, 3 asst, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 PD)
S Patrick Chung, NE (3 solos, 8 asst, .5 sack, 1 QH, 1 INT, 1 PD)
S Marcus Maye, NYJ (6 solos, 2 asst, .5 sack, 1 INT, 1 PD, 1 FF)
S Jaquiski Tartt, SF (3 solos, 1 asst, 1 TFL)
S Glover Quin, DET (10 solos, 3 asst, 1 QH)
S Jordan Richards, ATL (4 solos, 3 asst)
S Mike Adams, CAR (5 solos, 1 asst, 2 INT, 2 PD)
S Justin Reid, HOU (5 solos, 1 asst, 1 INT, 1 PD)
CB Daryl Worley, OAK (7 solos, 1 asst, 1 TFL)
CB Eli Apple, NYG (5 solos, 1 FF)
No Change:
DE Michael Johnson, CIN (2 solos, 1 asst, 1 INT, 1 PD)
DT Fletcher Cox, PHI (1 solo, 4 QH)
DT Larry Ogunjobi, CLE (0 tackles, 3 QH)
S Tashaun Gipson, JAX (2 solos, 1 INT, 2 PD)
CB Jimmy Smith, BAL (1 asst)
Downgrades:
DE Robert Quinn, MIA (1 solo, 1 asst, 1 QH)
DE John Simon, NE (1 solo)
DE Mike Daniels, GB (2 solos, 1 QH)
DE Dion Jordan, SEA (0 tackles)
DE Arden Key, OAK (1 solo)
DT Denico Autry, IND (1 solo, 2 asst, 1 TFL)
LB Deone Bucannon, ARI (0 tackles)
LB Darron Lee, NYJ (4 solos, 1 asst)
LB DeVondre Campbell, ATL (1 solo, 2 asst)
LB Duke Riley, ATL (3 solos, 1 asst)
LB Anthony Walker, IND (1 solo, 2 asst)
LB Justin Houston, KC (2 QH)
LB Shaq Thompson, CAR (2 solos, 1 asst, 1 TFL)
LB Jatavis Brown, LAC (2 solos, 1 TFL, 1 FF)
S Clayton Geathers, IND (3 asst)
S Eric Murray, KC (0 tackles)
S Corey Graham, PHI (0 tackles)
CB Brian Poole, ATL (2 solos)
CB Chidobe Awuzie, DAL (3 solos)
CB Ryan Lewis, BUF (2 solos)
