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Watt has been a dominant force for the 11-1 Steelers, who lead the ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íøwith a 39.6 percent pressure rate as a team. While Pittsburgh's pass rush has been a team effort, the star of the group has undoubtedly been Watt. The fourth-year pro leads the ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íøin three of Next Gen Stats' most important pass-rush metrics: QB pressures, pressure rate and pass-rush get-off. Watt's 17.9 percent pressure rate is the second-highest by any player in the Next Gen Stats era (since 2016) with at least 200 pass rushes. (Denver's Shane Ray tops the board with an 18.4 percent pressure rate in 2016.) If Watt can continue his dominance and the Steelers keep winning, look for T.J. to join brother J.J. as members of the Defensive Player of the Year fraternity.

After a fast start to the season, Garrett has slowed down a bit in recent weeks. Coming off a five-pressure performance in Week 13 vs. Tennessee, Garrett looks to finish the season strong as the Browns battle for their first playoff appearance since 2002. Garrett is one of the best defenders in the ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íøat forcing turnovers when pressuring the opposing QB, leading the league with seven such acts (six in the Browns' first five games). Despite missing time due to injuries and COVID-19 (66 percent playtime this season), Garrett leads the Browns with 41 pressures (eighth in NFL), and his 12.4 percent pressure rate ranks ninth among ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íøedge rushers (min. 200 pass-rush snaps). The Browns will look to ride their strong running game and Garrett's pass-rush ability to their first playoff win since Jan. 1, 1995.

Donald has led ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íøinterior defensive linemen in QB pressures in each season since 2017, and 2020 is no exception for the two-time ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøDefensive Player of the Year. Donald's 51 pressures is tops among interior DL, and it ranks second behind Pittsburgh's T.J. Watt among all ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íøplayers. Like Watt, Donald leads his respective position group in average pass-rush get-off (0.86 seconds), but Donald's 12.8 percent pressure rate trails that of Watt's teammate, Stephon Tuitt (13.4 percent), for the top mark among interior DL. Donald's supporting cast hasn't provided as much help as Watt's, but Donald's dominance might be enough to push the Rams past the Seahawks in the NFC West race.

In his debut season with Seattle, Adams has been used as a pass rusher more than any other defensive back in the NFL, and the Seahawks' defense is just different with the two-time Pro Bowler on the field. Adams has rushed the passer on 22.2 percent of his snaps (the highest rate among defensive backs), has the most pressures (19) and sacks (7.5) among DBs, and his 25.0 percent pressure rate ranks first among all players (min. 50 pass rushes). Adams and Bobby Wagner (15.1 percent pressure rate) have been the most effective pass rushers for the Seahawks, as every other Seattle defender has combined for a 6.9 percent pressure rate. While Adams has some room for improvement in coverage (118.6 passer rating allowed as the nearest defender in coverage), the 25-year-old's production as a pass rusher cannot be ignored.

Howard and his NFL-leading eight interceptions have played a major role in the Dolphins' surprising 8-4 record. The 27-year-old has proven to be worth the five-year, $76.5 million contract he signed prior to the 2019 season and is quickly becoming one of the premier lockdown CBs in the NFL. Howard has allowed a 40.0 passer rating as the nearest defender in coverage (lowest in the NFL, min. 25 targets) and a 47.1 percent completion percentage (third-lowest). His 16 passes defended is tied for the most in the ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íøwith Tampa Bay's Carlton Davis. Howard's play has rubbed off on the rest of his teammates, as the Dolphins' secondary ranks third with a -3.5 completion percentage below expectation, behind only the Rams' and Steelers' units.

Warner does it all for the 49ers' defense, flashing his ability as a pass rusher and in coverage this season. Among off-ball linebackers, Warner's 11 QB pressures put him in a third-place tie with the Falcons' Deion Jones, while his 19.0 percent pressure rate ranks behind only the Saints' Demario Davis' 19.1 figure. Manning the middle of the 49ers' defense, Warner's 45.8 passer rating and 51.5 percent completion percentage allowed as the nearest defender in coverage are the lowest among all ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íølinebackers. In fact, Warner has allowed opposing QBs to complete an incredible -20.9 percent of passes below expectation, the lowest mark for any LB in coverage. Warner's impact cannot be understated for a banged-up 49ers defense.