Linebackers
Troy Reeder (LAR): Talk about coming out of nowhere. He hadn't seen a snap until Week 4, and then it was only 24%. But the undrafted rookie out of Delaware made the most of his 54 snaps last week, logging an impressive eight solos and five assists. Cory Littleton can't do it all, so this may not be an anomaly. Reeder has a nice matchup this week so if the bye week blues have hit your squad and Reeder is available, this might be more than a grab-and-stash situation as he could potentially put up LB2-type stats against the run-heavy Niners.
A.J. Johnson (DEN): Josey Jewell is still on the mend and honestly, Todd Davis is just a guy. Jewell does have promise but there's certainly enough snaps and opportunities for two linebackers to put up solid stats for this defense. In Jewell's stead, Johnson racked up a solid stat line last week in playing all but five of the defense's snaps. Johnson has a nice upcoming schedule so we'll see what he's made of.
Josh Bynes (BAL): With nine years of NFL service under his belt, this is not a suggestion for those that are rebuilding. But if your third linebacker is hurt or you're suffering from bye weeks, Bynes could be a decent fill-in now and the rest of the season. In just his first game back with the Ravens, he was on the field for 72% of the snaps. Kenny Young has become an afterthought. Patrick Onwuasor is steadily racking up tackles but does little else. Bynes was fairly solid for the Cards in 2018 so there's no reason to think he can't put up stats here with the Ravens.
Defensive Linemen
Dexter Lawrence (DT - NYG): Lawrence was likely grabbed in larger leagues or leagues that split up DE and DT, but in smaller leagues or leagues that combine the positions, he could be out there. Lawrence demonstrated his potential last week, logging his second sack of the season and forcing a fumble. The Giants' defense badly needs playmakers, so it stands to reason that Lawrence could be the guy. He's seen an uptick in snaps the past couple of weeks, a sign that the team is confident in his play. If you're weak at DL and need a spot play, you certainly could do worse. He is getting better.
Larry Ogunjobi (DT - CLE): Here's a guy that's not necessarily doing it with flash, but is a model of consistency. He's usually right around 8 fantasy points per game by way of logging 14 solos and 3 sacks in five games. With Myles Garrett causing havoc on the edge, Ogunjobi has been free to patrol the middle and make some plays himself. A solid add in all formats if you need bye week fill.
Sebastian Joseph-Day (DE - LAR): Joseph-Day is MASSIVE. Checking in at 6'4" and 310 pounds, the two-year pro out of Rutgers has been logging consistent snaps since the start of the season and has really come around in the past two outings, where he has six solos, three assists, and a sack to his credit. Maybe not an instant-add, but one to watch over the course of the coming week or two.
Defensive Backs
Logan Ryan (CB - TEN): Another recommendation for our readers whose teams are in win-now mode. If you're in a smaller league or one that combines the two backfield positions, Ryan could be on your wire. And he shouldn't be. Few corners "do it all" the way Ryan does. Sacks, tackles, pass breakups, they're all on the menu for Ryan. Before the Titans Week 11 bye, there are a few very solid matchups so if your defensive backfield needs some help, Ryan can deliver. And he could certainly be counted on for another couple of years, too.
Desmond King (CB - LAC): King was a do-everything corner in college who projected better as a safety in the pros. He's been a Swiss Army knife for the Bolts, who desperately need help with so many injuries in their defensive backfield. King has been really heating up the past few weeks, even logging 2.5 sacks against the lowly Dolphins. King has been making plays despite a decrease in snaps. Maybe a player/situation to monitor rather than a quick add.
George Odum (S - IND): Pressed into service with injuries to Malik Hooker and Clayton Geathers, Odum was on the field for 100% of the snaps against a tough Chief offense last week and really shined, logging six solos and forcing a fumble. Let's see if Hooker and Geathers get healthy after the Colts' bye, otherwise, Odum could be a hot pickup.
