As the season progresses it is hard to find those diamonds in the rough or that guy that no one has heard of. This week we are going to examine the plethora of injuries across the league and who the most likely successor is to that starting job as well as highlight some prime matchups as well as surprising performers to this point. This article will also highlight a few long-term and speculative players that could see their value rise over the course of the season.
Linebackers
LB Eric Wilson (MIN vs CHI):
The Vikings seem to have made a complete 180 on their season over the past few weeks and Wilson has been a big part of that on defense. He is coming off a game with 8 solos, 5 assists, .5 sack, 1 QB hit, 1 pass defended, and an interception. Minnesota has a date with Chicago on Monday Night football and the offense has struggled under Nick Foles. Look for Wilson to continue dominating in the middle and have a shot at double-digit tackles again this week.
LB Bobby Okereke (IND vs TEN):
Even while sharing the field with Anthony Walker, Okereke has been solid. He is coming off a game against Baltimore with 9 total tackle, a TFL, and a fumble recovery. He is producing even when sharing the field and only playing 78% of defensive snaps. This week he will take on a Titans team that loves to run the ball with Derrick Henry and there should be tackle opportunity galore. Look for another solid tackling day from Okereke against the Titans.
LB Tyrell Adams (HOU vs CLE):
It is time to take Adams seriously in Houston. He has taken over the play-calling duties for the defense and is coming off back to back games with double-digit tackle performances. Zac Cunningham has always been the linebacker to have in this defense, but he has seen his playing time dip to below 80% and Adams continues to excel. He also has a great matchup against the Browns this week and should see plenty of tackling opportunity against their run-first offense. Do not miss your chance at another big week for Adams against the Browns.
Defensive Linemen
DE Trey Hendrickson (NO vs SF):
The Saints must feel like they have a wealth of pass rushers because Hendrickson is only seeing the field at a rate of 60% of defensive snaps per game. He has a sack in four out of his last five games and was an absolute wrecking ball against Tampa Bay last week. He sacked Tom Brady on three straight plays with only two counting due to a poor defensive holding call. Hendrickson has earned more playing time in this defense and has a prime matchup against a banged-up 49ers team.
DT Jerry Tillery (LAC vs MIA):
Defensive tackles often go overlooked unless your league requires you to start one. Tillery has been solid enough to roll out even without the position requirement. He is coming off back to back games with a sack, is tied for eighth for sacks across all defensive tackles, and had a forced fumble and recovery last week. Miami looks much different than last year, but he was able to record 0.5 sacks and a solo tackle against them in 2019. Look for Tillery to continue his solid performances again this week.
DE Leonard Williams (NYG vs PHI):
He has been mentioned here before because of a great matchup and he gets the nod again this week. The Giants have been playing better football lately and Williams will line up against a Philadelphia offensive line that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing defensive ends by a wide margin. He has a sack in 3 of his last 4 games and has a great shot at keeping that momentum going this week.
Defensive Backs
S Kamren Curl (WFT vs DET):
It seems like he came out of nowhere last week after he racked up 6 solos, 5 assists, 1 TFL, a sack, and 2 QB hits on 100% of defensive snaps against the Giants. Washington has lost Landon Collins for the season and Curl has stepped up and seized the opportunity at safety. He has a great matchup against the Lions this week who have struggled to find any real identity on offense. Curl could be a sneaky add for the rest of the season and not just in his matchup against Detroit this week.
CB Breon Borders (TEN vs BAL):
It has been a quick turnaround for Borders this season. He was elevated from the practice squad after the team released Jonathan Joseph and he was slated to start against Chicago last week. Borders played 100% of defensive snaps opposite of Malcolm Butler and was targeted heavily. He came away with 7 solos, 2 assists, and a pass defended. Look for Baltimore to look his way a lot again this week a pick on the new corner. Borders does not have big-play upside but should see a high volume of targets with tackle potential this week.
S Rodney McLeod (PHI vs NYG):
We may not see the tackle numbers from McLeod that we want from a safety, but he has big-play ability every week and has a solid matchup against a poor Giants offense this week. The Eagles are coming off their Bye week and are playing for the top of the division. The team is getting healthier with each passing week and McLeod has performed all along the way. He has DB1 upside with several big-name safeties on a Bye this week. Look to McLeod if you need to fill a hole in your roster this week.
Last Week:
- ILB Christian Kirksey (GB vs SF): Was not activated by Packers for Thursday game.
- OLB Dre Greenlaw (SF vs GB): 4 solos, 3 assists, 97% defensive snaps
- ILB Josey Jewell (DEN vs ATL): 9 solos, 1 assist, 1 TFL, 1 QB hit, 96% defensive snaps
- DE Denico Autry (IND vs BAL): 1 solo, 1 assist, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QB hit, 66% defensive snaps
- DE Carlos Dunlap (SEA vs BUF): 3 solos, 2 assists, 1 sack, 3 TFL, 2 QB hits, 68% defensive snaps
- DE Josh Allen (JAX vs HOU): 2 solos, 2 assists, .5 sack, 2 QB hits, 89% defensive snaps
- S Josh Jones (JAX vs HOU): 3 solos, 2 assists, 66% defensive snaps
- S Jabrill Peppers (NYG vs WFT): 4 solos, 3 assists, 3 passes defended, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, 100% defensive snaps
- S Donovan Wilson (DAL vs PIT): 3 solos, 78% defensive snaps
