Week 7 Results
Minnesota (vs Indianapolis) - 4 sacks, 1 INT
This was disappointing even though it wasn't truly a dud. To be fair to the Vikings, D/ST scoring across the league was lower than usual in Week 7. Daniel Jones had many "almost" turnover plays.
A Look Ahead: @DET BUF @GB - We'll stick with the Vikings in a good test for both sides against the Lions
Cincinnati (at Baltimore) - 4 sacks, 1 INT
Consider that the Bengals were down 13-0 at the half in this game. It was a good enough D/ST performance, in fact, a top five performance in this down week for team defenses.
A Look Ahead: TEN @ATL PIT - The Bengals D/ST is a must-start this week, and they might be a rent-a-defense that you keep in the lineup for most of the rest of the season.
Cleveland (at Tennessee) - 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery, 1 INT
Denzel Ward picked off Cam Ward (no relation) and Carnell Tate lost a fumble for the second time this season (third overall), but otherwise the Titans hung tough in this game.
A Look Ahead: @PIT @NO HOU - We'll go away from the Browns D/ST for now, but know that they are a relatively safe, if unspectacular choice when we need them away.
NY Jets (vs Miami) - 2 sacks
We might not have Malik Willis to kick around in this column anymore. He led touchdown drives of 60, 76, and 91 yards in the first half coming out of the bye and turned up the heat under Aaron Glenn's already broiling seat.
A Look Ahead: LV @KC BUF - Fly free, Jets D/ST
San Francisco (at Atlanta) - Nada. Zilch. Bubkes.
The 49ers actually jumped out to a 14-3 lead in this game, and it looked like they were going to work out as a rent-a-defense. The 49ers, not the Falcons, committed four turnovers after that, and they were knocked out of the unbeaten column.
A Look Ahead: BYE LV @DAL - We'll drop the 49ers D/ST, but monitor whether they become a more dangerous unit when Nick Bosa returns, which will hopefully be in Week 9.
Carolina (vs Tampa Bay) - Nothing from Nothing leaves Nothing.
Whew, did this game go the opposite of expectations. The NFC South, everyone!
A Look Ahead: @GB DEN @NO - Maybe we will come back to the Panthers if their corners get healthy, but for now we release them into the jungle.
Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda
Tampa Bay (at Carolina) - 5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 INTs, 1 DEF TD, 1 DEF 2pt
The Panthers were a disaster in every way. Even when they finally scored a touchdown after a 17-0 start, the extra point was blocked and returned for a defensive two-point play. We'll definitely consider the Bucs D/ST most weeks going forward.
Atlanta (vs San Francisco) - 2 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 INTs
Turns out when Christian McCaffrey gets banged up and has to leave the game, and Brock Purdy's starting wide receivers are Jordan Watkins and Brandin Cooks, the 49ers offense may have some problems with turnovers. The bye is coming at exactly the right moment for them.
Week 8 Candidates