Payne was a disruptive presence on defense, though a neutral zone infraction on him extended a Falcons drive that set up the potential game-tying FG.

Payne benefits from Kinlaw's inside presence, reducing doubles and allowing him to attack single-blocked gaps more often; his counting stats should rise as the front gains balance.

Payne’s interior disruption anchors Washington’s defense with a standout 90.6 PFF grade, signaling season-long IDP upside and a fantasy anchor against multiple rushing-heavy offenses.

Payne is noted as a possible outside option, returning to a role similar to last season when he lined up outside to seal the edge and still threaten the quarterback.

Payne delivered a sack and two pass defenses and anchored a red-zone defense that held the Giants to few points, highlighting Washington’s defensive resilience.