We’ve reached the one quarter mark of the season, and although it’s still early, teams are starting to realize if they’re contenders or pretenders and if moves need to be made. But odds are that if you have any of the following players on your team, you’re in decent shape at this point of the season. Let’s take a look at some of the players who had outstanding games this week.
Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker, Paul Posluszny, finally played at the high level that was expected of him this season. Against the New Orleans Saints this week, Posluszny posted 10 solo tackles, 12 total tackles, 1 tackle for a loss, 1 sack, and 2 passes defended. He had come into this week with a 4.7 PFF rating while playing 178 snaps over his first three games, so it was only a matter of time until opportunity met results for Poslusny.
Buffalo Bills safety, George Wilson, continued his breakout season against the Cincinnati Bengals. One of the top fantasy defensive backs this season, Wilson racked up 10 solo tackles, 12 total tackles, 1 tackle for a loss, 1 interception, and 2 passes defended. He came into this week with a negative 2.3 PFF rating, making him an attractive play moving forward.
For yet another week, Navorro Bowman outplayed his all-pro teammate, Patrick Willis. The San Francisco 49ers linebacker had another outstanding game against the Philadelphia Eagles with 6 solo tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 1 pass defended, and 1 fumble recovery. Expect his current 7.6 PFF rating to rise after that showing.
Navorro Bowman wasn’t the only San Francisco player who had a great game. Safety, Dashon Goldson, was also a big help in the 49ers upset of the Philadelphia Eagles. He put up a big line with 10 solo tackles, 1 pass defended, and 1 fumble recovery. After coming back last week, Goldson had a 0.2 PFF rating, and this is the type of performance that fantasy owners should be accustomed to going forward.
One the other side of the field from Bowman and Goldson was Philadelphia Eagles defensive end, Jason Babin, who caused all sorts of trouble for San Francisco quarterback, Alex Smith. Babin had a huge game with 3 sacks and 1 pass defended. He had come into this matchup with a negative 0.1 PFF rating, while accumulating 4 sacks, 1 quarterback hit, and 4 quarterback pressures, and should continue to find the quarterback on a regular basis as the season goes on.
Miami Dolphins safety, Yeremiah Bell, was the high tackler of the week with 14 solo tackles against the San Diego Chargers this week. His stat line was empty beyond that, but 14 solo tackles are enough alone to carry a fantasy team. He continues to be an attractive fantasy defensive back with this high level of production and a negative 1.7 PFF rating so far.
Kansas City Chiefs pass rushing linebacker, Tamba Hali, ran wild against the Minnesota Vikings to the tune of 5 solo tackles, 2 tackles for a loss and 2 sacks. One of the top pass rushers in the league, Hali entered the game with a 3.4 PFF rating, while generating 2 sacks, 2 quarterback hits, and 3 quarterback pressures over the first three games. These are the types of performances that owners should see Hali produce as the season progresses.
After being drafted as one of the top cornerbacks in most leagues, Green Bay Packers cornerback, Charles Woodson, finally had a big game against the Denver Broncos. This week, Woodson had 3 solo tackles, 4 total tackles, and 1 interception for a touchdown. Going into this week, Woodson had an uncharacteristically low negative 3.6 PFF rating, while only generating 1 quarterback pressure, and being thrown at 26 times over his first three games. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come for the Green Bay Packers standout.
Questions and comments are always welcome via Twitter – @Eric_Yeomans
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