What happened: Dan Orlovsky included Buffalo Bills pass rusher Greg Rousseau in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation. Rousseau has 24 tackles and 7 sacks in 2026 through 7 games.
Why it matters: Buffalo is 7-1 and holds the top seed after a 23-6 win at Minnesota on Nov. 9, its fourth straight victory. Rousseau, the 30th pick in the 2021 draft out of Miami, has put his name into the award discussion on a defense leading a 7-1 team.
By the numbers: Rousseau, 2026 through 7 games: 24 tackles, 7 sacks. Bills: 7-1 through 8 games, W4, No. 1 seed.
What to watch: Watch whether Rousseau's sack total keeps pace as Buffalo defends its hold on the top seed.