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The ‘Cats pushed playoff contenders closer and closer to their goal of playing in February with strong defensive performances.
Anthony Walker Jr.: Indianapolis Colts, LB
Walker combined for 11 tackles—seven solo and four combined, a pass deflection and the game-sealing fumble recovery in a stellar outing.
Walker rebounded from an underwhelming performance against Derrick Henry with his best game. With less than 90 seconds left and the Colts up six, the Texans had the ball on the Indianapolis two-yard line before Walker pounced on a botched snap and ended the game.
The fumble that ended it for Texans pic.twitter.com/x32yeqjQwv
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 6, 2020
The Colts face a Raiders team that nearly failed to beat the Jets in a Week 14 matchup that should lead to another productive performance from the fourth-year pro.
Week 14 matchup: at Las Vegas Raiders (3:05 pm CT, 12/13)
Ifeadi Odenigbo: Minnesota Vikings, DE
The edge rusher had a standout day in Minnesota’s overtime win over the lowly Jags. Take it from Inside NU alum and current Vikings writer Will Ragatz.
#Vikings OL/DL notes:
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) December 7, 2020
* Ifeadi Odenigbo had a season-high 8 pressures, including a sack/safety. Easily his best game.
* Jordan Brailford posted two pressures on just 11 snaps.
* Dakota Dozier allowed 6 pressures and graded very poorly. I’d go with Brett Jones at LG next week.
The fourth-year Northwestern product forced a safety early in the fourth quarter with a fantastic bull rush that put him in prime position to bring down Mike Glennon in the end zone.
Ifeadi Odenigbo and @Jbrailford2 force the SAFETY!!!
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 6, 2020
: https://t.co/EYGyNNxBPN pic.twitter.com/0ZzLcpHzYe
That safety ended up saving the game for the Vikings. Odenigbo will look to continue helping the resurgent Vikings make a playoff push in Week 14 against Tom Brady and the Bucs.
Week 14 matchup: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12:00 pm CT, 12/13)
Dean Lowry: Green Bay Packers, DE
Lowry had one sack and six tackles while playing 50% of the Packers defensive snaps against the Philadelphia Eagles.
On a day where the Packers defense took down the Eagles’ quarterback group a combined seven times, Lowry got in on the fun and added one sack of his own.
Week 14 matchup: at Detroit Lions (3:25 pm CT, 12/13)
Tyler Lancaster: Green Bay Packers, DE
Lancaster continued his 2020 woes, accruing one tackle as his snap count decreased for the second consecutive week.
Week 14 matchup: at Detroit Lions (3:25 pm CT, 12/13)
Hunter Niswander: Dallas Cowboys, P
After an impressive Thanksgiving, Hunter the Punter is back in action Tuesday night against Baltimore due to some COVID schedule adjustments.
Week 14 matchup: at Cincinnati Bengals (12:00 pm CT, 12/13)
Nate Hall: Houston Texans, LB
Coming off of a career week against the Lions, Hall did not register a tackle on the 19 special teams snaps he played against the Colts.
Week 14 matchup: at Chicago Bears (12:00 pm CT, 12/13)
Justin Jackson: Los Angeles Chargers, RB
Jackson remained on IR in Week 13, and there is no timetable for his return.
Week 14 matchup: vs. Atlanta Falcons (3:25 pm CT, 12/13)
Sherrick McManis: Chicago Bears, S
McManis played 67% of the Bears’ special teams snaps in their 34-30 loss to the Detroit Lions.
Week 14 matchup: vs. Los Angeles Rams (12:00 pm CT, 12/13)
Clayton Thorson: New York Giants, QB
Thorson did not play in the Giants’ upset win against Seattle but was the active backup to Colt McCoy with Daniel Jones injured. He’s back to the practice squad this week.
Week 14 matchup: vs. Arizona Cardinals (12:00 pm CT, 12/13)
Practice squad members: Joe Gaziano (Los Angeles Chargers), Montre Hartage (New York Giants)