Will Anderson Jr. leads the 2026 NFL sack race with 7.5 through five weeks, ahead of Greg Rousseau (6.0) and Dallas Turner (5.5), while several edge rushers including rookie David Bailey sit at 5.0. This early pace positions top defenders on track for 15-plus sacks if they sustain production across the remaining 12 games, though historical variance in pass-rush volume, quarterback protection schemes, and injury management often alters trajectories. Team defensive fronts like Houston’s and Buffalo’s have generated consistent pressure, while veterans such as T.J. Watt and Aidan Hutchinson trail slightly but benefit from favorable upcoming matchups and established roles. Schedule strength, bye weeks, and any late-season load management for star edge players remain key variables that could shift individual totals and trader consensus on the 15-sack threshold.