Linebackers
Foyesade Oluokun (ATL): Oluokun's snap counts have risen each week this season, a sign we like to see in a young defender. His snap count rose to 61 percent last week, higher than Duke Riley's snap count. With the increased usage came higher production, as Oluokun logged 7 solos and 3 assists. Deion Jones could return this season, but if the Falcons are out of playoff contention, the team could elect to just let him rest and rehab. In which case, Oluokun would be a nice play the rest of the season as he's obviously outplaying the incumbent Riley. The rangy linebacker hailing from Yale represents a decent long-term play as well.
Breeland Speaks (KCC): With Justin Houston shelved, Speaks saw all but a couple snaps against the Patriots. He made the most of the opportunity, collecting four assists, a sack, and a forced fumble. He would have had a second sack on Tom Brady had he not thought Brady already threw the ball. With Houston getting up there in age, Speaks is a nice long-term add.
Zaire Franklin (IND): He's back to a reserve role, but Franklin proved he can rack up tackles (a whopping 10 assists 2 weeks ago) when given regular playing time. Anthony Walker seems like just a guy and Darius Leonard has been hurt, so Franklin seems to be a decent speculative add if you're in a rebuild and have space on your taxi squad. He seems to have some talent.
Defensive Linemen
Fadol Brown (DE - OAK): Pickin's are slim on the waiver wire in terms of defensive linemen. But Brown has shown some promise, getting five solos last week against the Seahawks. The Raiders are desperately seeking warm bodies on defense, so put Brown on your watchlist. If, after the Raiders' bye, he has solid efforts against the Colts and Niners, it will be time to take notice.
Ronald Blair III (DE - SFO): This is really an eyeball-test recommendation. Blair was all over the field Monday night against Aaron Rodgers' Packers. He recorded a couple tackles for loss, including a sack. Blair (and Cassius Marsh) actually out-snapped starters Arik Armstead and Solomon Thomas. Something to watch, especially with the position as thin as ever.
Damion Square (DT - LAC): Sometimes it's a matter of scouring the box scores and seeing where there are players that are doing multiple things. In Square's case, he has a couple of pass breakups, a handful of tackles and a couple of sacks. Of six games, only two would be considered solid fantasy production. But in leagues where you must start a defensive tackle, Square is worth a look.
Defensive Backs
Curtis Riley (S - NYG): Anytime you flank Landon Collins, your upside will be limited, but there appear to be enough tackles to go around in the Giant defensive backfield. Riley's production hangs right around the double-digit mark, and will probably stay there for the rest of the season. If you are absolutely depleted at DB and need a surefire 10-11 points every week, Riley is a plug-and-play safety.
Mike Adams (S - CAR): Adams is old as dirt, but heating up. He has nine solos, three assists, two picks, and three pass breakups in his past two outings. The next four matchups look prime for production, so if Adams is available in your league and you're making a push for the playoffs, he can help you out.
Daryl Worley (CB - OAK): Worley is back from his suspension, and in just two games back, has pumped in 12 solos, a pick, and 2 pass breakups. He is a solid fantasy option at the corner spot and is still just 23 years old. Grab him now before it's too late.
