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Will Anderson Jr. Ties With Steelers T.J. Watt for the Most Sacks Through Week 8 Bye Week
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- Will Anderson Jr. Ties With Steelers T.J. Watt for the Most Sacks Through Week 8 Bye Week
The Houston Texans did not take the field in Week 8, but their defensive star continued to hold his place among the NFL's leading pass rushers. Will Anderson Jr. has recorded 7.5 sacks, matching Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt, who also has 7.5.
The Steelers veteran has also been productive, matching Anderson's sack total while continuing to lead Pittsburgh's pass rush. Anderson's ability to maintain his position during the bye week reflects how productive his first seven games have been. Anderson, however, is producing despite Houston's defensive struggles. The Texans' defense has fallen short of the standard, with missed tackles, communication breakdowns, and explosive plays allowed that have repeatedly hurt the team.
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Buffalo Bills' Greg Rousseau and New Orleans Saints' Chase Young follow with seven each. Jacob Martin and Minnesota's Andrew Van Ginkel have 6.5, while Elijah Ponder and Dallas Turner have six. Through seven games, Anderson has registered 33 total tackles, including 17 solo tackles, along with 10 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He has been effective against the run and continues to create problems for opposing offensive lines.
Will Anderson Jr. also emerges as the favorite for NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Anderson's consistent production has put him at the front of the Defensive Player of the Year conversation. According to Bleacher Nation, Anderson is the favorite at +230. Fred Warner follows at +700, while Watt and Aidan Hutchinson are both at +1,100.
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Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has praised more than just his defensive end's production. Ryans particularly admires Anderson's accountability and preparation. He described him as "the definition of a true leader" and praised the way he takes responsibility for the team's defensive struggles. Ryans also stressed that the entire defense must improve, saying, "We got to go finish games."
Houston now faces the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, November 8. Justin Herbert has faced considerable pressure this season, and Anderson will have an opportunity to add to his sack total. Capitalizing on that matchup would give his DPOY campaign yet another boost.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
