Winner No. 3
Sonny Styles - Commanders LB
It seems as if rookie linebacker Sonny Styles finds himself on this list as a winner every week. But it's nothing more than what the No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft deserves.
The Washington Commanders struck gold with Styles. He is an absolute revelation at the defensive second level, providing coordinator Daronte Jones with a versatile chess piece who can make a difference in all phases of play.
Whether it's against the run, rushing the passer on blitzes, or working in coverage, there is nothing Styles cannot do effectively. While other first-year defenders are gaining more hype, the Ohio State product is staking a strong claim for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with eight games remaining.
Styles is starting to see things like a seasoned pro. He's disciplined, reacts quickly to what's happening in front of him, and has the closing speed to get to the football quickly.
That's a dangerous combination. And the Commanders probably don't win this game without him.
Loser No. 1
Chig Okonkwo - Commanders TE
This wasn't Chig Okonkwo's best day at the office. The veteran tight end left the game briefly with a back issue, so he may have been feeling the effects. However, he didn't make the most of his opportunities.
It was somewhat surprising, given how well Okonkwo has performed of late. Even so, he had a couple of disappointing drops throughout the contest, and his inability to come back to the football also stood out for someone who's made real strides in recent weeks.
These efforts gave Ben Sinnott a chance to show what he could bring in an expanded role, and he took full advantage. Okonkwo is still the top dog, and hopefully this subpar display will be nothing more than a blip.
Okonkwo has talent, and he did bring in four of his eight targets for 24 receiving yards. Still, opportunities were there for a big night on prime time, and he didn't capitalize.
Winner No. 4
Quan Martin - Commanders DB
Most fans deemed Quan Martin a lost cause after his disastrous 2025 campaign. However, the versatile defensive back is becoming more influential as he regains confidence.
While Martin is still behind the starting safety tandem of Nick Cross and Jeremy Reaves, defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' versatile alignments are giving him chances to impress. Not for the first time in recent weeks, the Illinois product caught the eye against the Giants.
Martin may not have been noticed all that much, but after how things unfolded last season, that's a good thing. His positional sense is more sound, and it's clear that working with Jones and Steve Wilks is bringing more out of him.
The 2023 second-round pick is no longer a weak link. And if the same trend continues over the next eight games, his expected departure in free agency might not be clear-cut after all.
Wouldn't that be something...
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