Let's take a quick look at a few linebackers, defensive linemen, and defensive backs who are either good grab-and-stash types or those that you should target in trades. Hope you enjoy the article and it opens your eyes to some of the gems that can be found on your league's waiver wires!
Linebackers
Troy Reeder and Travon Howard (LAR): Reeder is likely rostered in most leagues, but there’s a chance you can still grab him in shallower formats. With Ernest Jones sidelined, Reeder likely steps (back) into a role that usually produces well for fantasy. The Rams can’t seem to figure out who they want in this spot, but whoever gets the majority of the snaps usually puts good numbers up. Now, on the off chance they find they want Travon Howard in that role, that’s a wildcard. If Reeder is unavailable, grabbing Howard could be a savvy move at this point.
Jonas Griffith (DEN): This guy must be killin’ it in practice because he’s come out of nowhere over the past couple of weeks. All you need to know is that he has 14 solos and 8 helpers (7 just last week) over the past two weeks. With a host of injuries for the Broncos at linebacker, Griffith is – as they say – getting his shot.
Kevin Minter (TBB): Short-term add only here, with Lavonte David and Shaq Barrett both hurting. Minter has been serviceable whenever asked to step up, so we figure 5 solos and a couple of assists would be the floor this coming week. This is the kind of guy we like to roster in deep leagues, too, because with an injury to a guy like David or Devin White, he becomes an instant starter with history to back up performance.
Defensive Linemen
Carlos Dunlap (DE – SEA): Consider this a one-week add at best. Dunlap has exploded over the past two contests and now faces Jared Goff and the Lions. At worst 3-4 solos and a sack are possible. At 32 years old and in a rotation, he’s best left on waiver wires come 2022.
Zach Sieler (DE – MIA): We’ve highlighted Sieler here before, and it seems like he’s worthy of another mention here this week after sacking opposing quarterbacks in back-to-back weeks and going into a must-win against the Titans in Week 17. He should chip in with 2-3 solos and a couple of assists, so the floor is nice and high. He’s just 26 and fits the Miami scheme well, so the potential for 50% snaps in most contests keeps him valuable in deeper formats.
Christian Covington (DT – LAC): The 6’2”, 300 lb. product from Rice ate up a ton of space along the Charger line last week, and will likely do the same as the Broncos look to chew up clock by running Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams. Six helpers may not happen again, but 3 or so solos with a couple of assists is definitely doable. In leagues where you break apart DT, he’s worth a look to end the season.
Defensive Backs
A.J. Terrell (CB – ATL): Terrell has 5 pass deflections in the past two weeks, and should be tested early and often as the Birds visit the Bills. Josh Allen will have no issue throwing to whoever Terrell happens to be lined up against. 3-4 solos, a couple of assists, and at least 2 pass breakups are possible.
Jeremy Reaves (S– WAS): Injuries have riddled the Washington defensive backfield, so Reaves has stepped in and has been a tackling machine. Love the matchup against the Eagles this week. He could be a top-10 DB this week. Worth holding onto as well, since the WFT safety spots usually net decent fantasy production week to week.
Desmond King (CB – HOU): King likely draws Deebo Samuel in coverage, which could mean a ton of solos come Week 17. He “only” had 10 solos last week against the Chargers. Figure King will be one of the busier corners this week. He’s available in most formats.
