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

 

Josh Allen, Jaguars DE (1)

Last week (@ CIN)

2 tackles, 1.0 sack, 1 tackle for loss

Season stats

21 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, 1 forced fumble

Allen now has 5.0 sacks in seven games to start his career, and he continues to contribute despite playing a season-low 54% of the snaps last week. On Sunday, the rookie will have a chance to extended his sack streak to four games against the team that passed on him with the No. 3 overall pick in April’s draft, as the Jets may have a difficult time keeping edge pressure away from Sam Darnold.

 

Christian Wilkins, Dolphins DL (3)

Last week (@ BUF)

No statistics recorded

Season stats

18 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended

I said last week that Wilkins might have a chip on his shoulder against the Bills because they took Ed Oliver over him in the draft, but he came out a little too fired up and was ejected for throwing a punch after just two plays. The actions were out of character for Wilkins, and it was good to see him take full accountability after the game (even though much worse has gone unnoticed during NFL games). We’ll see if he can bounce back on Monday Night Football.

 

Deandre Baker, Giants CB (6)

Last week (v ARI)

4 tackles, 1 pass defended

Season stats

25 tackles, 2 passes defended

Baker was able to put on another impressive performance in Week 7, including a pass breakup on a deep ball intended for the speedy Damiere Byrd, which was encouraging because he got his head around to make a play. The former Georgia standout has the length to compete with Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones on the outside this week, but it will be a challenge.

 

Dexter Lawrence, Giants DL (7)

Last week (v ARI)

2 tackles

Season stats

19 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked kick

I thought Lawrence would be able to dominate last week against the Cardinals, but it was probably his worst game so far, as he failed to make a noticeable impact on a day where Chase Edmonds rushed 27 times for 126 yards and three touchdowns. New York should have more success this week against the Lions (who will be without Kerryon Johnson).

 

A.J. Brown, Titans WR (9)

Last week (v LAC)

6 receptions, 64 yards // 1 rush, -2 yards

Season stats

20 receptions, 337 yards, 2 touchdowns // 1 rush, -2 yards

The playing time didn’t increase for Brown in Ryan Tannehill’s first start, but he saw a season-high eight targets, and the offensive line gave the receivers time to find space in the secondary. The Titans should continue featuring Brown, including this week against a very beatable Tampa Bay secondary.

 

Brian Burns, Panthers OLB (10)

Last week (BYE)

No statistics recorded

Season stats

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

Burns underwent a wrist procedure during the bye week, but he is expected to suit up for a big game against the undefeated 49ers. Winning the turnover battle could be the difference on Sunday, so getting to Jimmy Garoppolo as he’s protected by a pair of backup offensive tackles would be huge for Burns and the Panthers.

 

Daniel Jones, Giants QB (18)

Last week (v ARI)

22/35 (62.9%), 223 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT // 4 attempts, 35 yards

Season stats

61.1%, 1,144 yards, 6 TD, 7 INT // 19 attempts, 121 yards, 2 TD

Weather was a factor for Jones last week, but aside from three fumbles (two lost), he played well enough to keep New York in the game with a chance to win in the final minutes. Unfortunately, the offensive line wasn’t great (eight sacks allowed), and Evan Engram was surprisingly shutdown with just one reception on five targets. The struggling Lions—who could be without cornerback Darius Slay (hamstring)—are next up on the schedule.

 

Justin Layne, Steelers CB (19)

Last week (BYE)

No statistics recorded

Season stats

1 tackle

Layne is unlikely to see any defensive snaps coming out of the bye, but he will try to make an impact on special teams for Pittsburgh’s third primetime game of the year.

 

Jaquan Johnson, Bills S (23)

Last week (v MIA)

1 tackle

Season stats

1 tackle

Johnson has been active for three games in a row and should continue seeing snaps on special teams. Barring injury, though, Johnson is unlikely to see defensive snaps behind arguably the best safety duo in the league.

 

Chase Winovich, Patriots DE (32)

Last week (@ NYJ)

1 tackle

Season stats

9 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, 1 touchdown

He wasn’t able to get to Sam Darnold during New England’s dominant defensive effort on Monday night, but Winovich flashed a very quick spin move that resulted in a pressure, and his playing time will go up for the rest of the season with Michael Bennett now in Dallas.