NFL Pass-Rusher Rankings Before Week 6: Hutchinsonβs Heating Up π₯
We all know quarterbacks usually get the spotlight β but letβs be real, nothing wrecks a game plan like a nasty pass rush. A strong D-line can completely throw off a QBβs rhythm, and thatβs where the magic (or chaos) happens.
Just look at the numbers: last season, 13 of the top 15 teams in PFFβs pass-rush grades finished with winning records. The year before, it was 15 of the top 16. The mathβs simple β if you can pressure the QB, youβre probably winning games.
Every week, PFF drops their updated pass-rusher rankings based on game grades. Things can move around fast early in the season β one big sack or pressure can shake things up β but by Week 5, the sample size is big enough to see whoβs legit and whoβs fading.
Hereβs where we stand heading into Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season π
Top 10 Pass-Rushers After Week 5
Rank | Player | Team | PFF Grade | Win % | Total Pressures |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Micah Parsons | Packers | 93.4 | 28.0 | 25 |
2 | Aidan Hutchinson | Lions | 92.9 | 25.5 | 31 |
3 | Myles Garrett | Browns | 92.0 | 29.4 | 24 |
4 | Joey Bosa | Bills | 91.5 | 17.3 | 21 |
5 | Maliek Collins | Browns | 91.4 | 21.6 | 17 |
6 | Jeffery Simmons | Titans | 90.8 | 19.6 | 24 |
7 | Danielle Hunter | Texans | 90.7 | 26.7 | 20 |
8 | Will Anderson Jr. | Texans | 90.5 | 32.0 | 29 |
8 | Jared Verse | Rams | 90.5 | 21.5 | 23 |
10 | Trey Hendrickson | Bengals | 90.3 | 21.8 | 21 |
Week 5 Highlights π¨
π₯ Best Pass Rusher: Trey Hendrickson (Bengals)
Hendrickson was an absolute menace this week. His 92.7 PFF pass-rush grade was the best in the entire league, and he sacked Jared Goff twice for good measure. Since 2023, no one has more sacks β dudeβs at 39 and counting.
πͺ Most Pressures: Aidan Hutchinson (Lions)
Hutchinson went crazy again with eight pressures in Week 5 β thatβs his third straight game with seven or more. Before his injury last season, he was on a record pace. Now heβs right back to terrorizing QBs every Sunday.
β‘ Highest Win Rate: Samson Ebukam (Colts)
What a comeback story! After missing all of 2024 with an Achilles tear, Ebukam looked explosive again, posting a ridiculous 42.9% win rate vs. the Raiders. Thatβs the only player to top 40% in Week 5.
πΆ Rookie Watch: Tyleik Williams (Lions)
The Lions rookie is coming alive! Williams, the 28th overall pick, notched a 76.3 PFF grade this week β second only to Hutchinson on Detroitβs line. Heβs already proving he can hang with the vets.
Season Leaders So Far
Best Overall: Micah Parsons (Packers)
Parsons and the Packers were on bye in Week 5, but his numbers are still insane. His 93.4 grade is tops in the league, and heβll be licking his chops facing a Bengals O-line ranked 29th in pass protection next.
Most Total Pressures: Aidan Hutchinson (Lions)
After a slow start, Hutchβs motor is running full throttle β 31 total pressures and five sacks in four games. Heβs the only player with 30+ pressures so far this season. Thatβs dominance.
Highest Win Rate: Will Anderson Jr. (Texans)
Andersonβs third year is looking special. His 32.0% win rate is the best in the NFL β and heβs the only guy above 30%. The Texansβ front looks scary right now.
Best Rookie: Abdul Carter (Giants)
Carterβs off to a dream start. The No. 3 pick leads all rookies with at least 50 pass-rush snaps in grade (82.4), total pressures (22), and win rate (13.9%). Heβs easily been the top rookie disruptor so far.
Players to Watch π
Micah Parsons: Still the gold standard. Can anyone knock him off top spot?
Aidan Hutchinson: Playing angry and confident after his injury comeback.
Will Anderson Jr.: Quietly becoming one of the most efficient edge rushers in the game.
Tyleik Williams: Rookieβs improving every week β sneaky good value in props.
Betting Tips π°
Hutchinson Over 0.75 Sacks β Detroitβs defense is peaking, and heβs been unblockable lately.
Parsons Anytime Sack β The Bengals O-line has been a mess. Easy pick.
Texans Team Sacks Over 2.5 β With Anderson and Hunter both cooking, that lineβs scary.
Final Thoughts π
Itβs shaping up to be a wild season for edge rushers. Parsons remains king, Hutchinsonβs reminding everyone who he is, and a few rookies are already flashing star potential. If you love defense, this is your kind of year.
Week 6βs battles are going to test some shaky O-lines β so expect more chaos, more sacks, and maybe a few new names climbing these rankings soon.