The ranking from my 2019 NFL Draft Big Board is listed in parenthesis.

 

Josh Allen, Jaguars DE (1)

Last week (@ IND)

2 tackles, 1.0 sack

Season stats

27 tackles, 8.0 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, 2 forced fumbles

Allen quickly made an impact last week with a third down sack of Jacoby Brissett on the Colts’ opening possession, but after that, Jacksonville was basically dominated as Indy ran for over 200 yards on the ground in a 33-13 defeat. For his sack, Allen was able to beat right tackle Braden Smith on an inside move, and he is now alone atop the rookie leaderboard in quarterbacks takedowns (ahead of Nick Bosa: 7.0).

 

Christian Wilkins, Dolphins DL (3)

Last week (v BUF)

4 tackles

Season stats

36 tackles, 1.0 sack, 2 tackles for loss, 1 pass defended

Miami had no answers for the Buffalo offense in Week 11, but the run defense was solid by holding Frank Gore and Devin Singletary to a combined 3.9 yards per carry on 26 attempts. The highly praised 2019 defensive lineman class hasn’t quite lived up to early expectations as a whole, but the Dolphins should be very happy with getting Wilkins outside the top ten in April’s draft. Stopping Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt won’t be easy this weekend.

 

Deandre Baker, Giants CB (6)

Last week (BYE)

No statistics recorded

Season stats

38 tackles, 3 passes defended

The final six games of the season will give Baker a chance to build momentum into 2020, and I have optimism that the bye could have him refocused. He should mostly avoid Allen Robinson in coverage on Sunday, but Baker has the length to stick with him when matched up.

 

Dexter Lawrence, Giants DL (7)

Last week (BYE)

No statistics recorded

Season stats

26 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked kick

If Matt Nagy’s play-calling last week and most of the season is any indication, the Giants will mainly be attacked through the air in Week 12, so Lawrence should have a chance to get after Mitchell Trubisky with pressure up the middle. At this point, I would say Lawrence is the New York player most deserving of a Pro Bowl nod with voting recently opening.

 

A.J. Brown, Titans WR (9)

Last week (BYE)

No statistics recorded

Season stats

27 receptions, 446 yards, 3 touchdowns // 1 rush, -2 yards

Brown caught just one-of-five targets for four yards in September’s loss to the Jaguars, but he could be positioned for a bigger game this week with Jalen Ramsey now in Los Angeles and Corey Davis potentially drawing the coverage of A.J. Bouye. I’d like to see a run-first, play-action based attack that funnels looks in Brown’s direction.

 

Brian Burns, Panthers OLB (10)

Last week (v ATL)

No statistics recorded

Season stats

16 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 1 touchdown

As expected, Burns (wrist) was limited again in Week 11, as he played just 16 snaps and didn’t record a tackle. Carolina probably doesn’t feel comfortable with the rookie on the field to stop the run at less than full strength, so Burns may not be utilized much until if/when the Panthers are able to play from ahead—which probably won’t happen this week in New Orleans.

 

Daniel Jones, Giants QB (18)

Last week (BYE)

No statistics recorded

Season stats

63.0%, 1,984 yards, 15 TD, 8 INT // 32 attempts, 208 yards, 2 TD

The Giants were able to upset the Bears last season by keeping the ball on the ground, and I expect the formula will be the same to protect Jones before the easy schedule kicks in for December (v GB, @ PHI, v MIA, @ WAS, v PHI). Hopefully we are able to see the entire offense healthy for an extended stretch starting in Week 13.

 

Justin Layne, Steelers CB (19)

Last week (@ CLE)

No statistics recorded

Season stats

1 tackle

I thought Layne would get a chance to eventually start at right cornerback for the Steelers this season, but surprisingly strong play by Steven Nelson has left the rookie with no chance to climb the depth chart. Pittsburgh’s third-round pick likely needs an injury to see his first defensive action.

 

Jaquan Johnson, Bills S (23)

Last week (@ MIA)

1 tackle

Season stats

4 tackles

Johnson has continued to play the majority of special teams snaps over the past month, and it must have felt good to make a tackle in his homecoming game versus the Dolphins. Like Justin Layne, the rookie is simply stuck behind a stout group of defensive backs.

 

Chase Winovich, Patriots DE (32)

Last week (@ PHI)

3 tackles

Season stats

14 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, 1 touchdown

I had a feeling Winovich would be able to make an impact last week in Philadelphia despite waning playing time in recent games, and he did with two quarterback hits of Carson Wentz on his most snaps played (30) since the opener. Winovich could be a big factor for games against Dallas, Houston, and Kansas City over the next three weeks.