IDP Dynasty Sleepers: Week 16

Dynasty Sleepers examines an array of linebackers, defensive linemen, and defensive backs you should target. Depending on the makeup of your leagues, these players could be trade targets or solid grab-and-stash types who might be found on the waiver wire.

Dynasty Sleeper: LB Claudin Cherelus, Carolina

Things always get super-interesting at this point of the season when it comes to teams that will not make the NFL Playoffs and them auditioning younger players like Cherelus.  Josey Jewell isn't going anywhere, but could Cherelus unseat a guy like Trevin Wallace in 2025 and moving forward?  That remains to be seen, but Cherelus was getting run up until he injured his toe.  If you're in a deeper format with some room on your taxi squad, why not grab him for a buck or two and see what happens next year?

Dynasty Sleeper: LB Malik Harrison, Baltimore

What the...?  Trenton Simpson owners were gifted a Goose Egg from the ex-Clemson Tiger this past weekend.  Simpson hadn't scored in double digits since Week 10 (just 11 points at that), and Harrison, when he filled in for Roquan Smith earlier this season, was a tackling machine.  Well, I guess the Ravens staff finally saw that Harrison was the more adept overall and will likely get the starting nod opposite Smith for the remainder of the season and perhaps even in 2025 and beyond.  Simpson is signed through 202,6 but his erratic play may open the door for Harrison to retain the middle linebacker spot.  Harrison is a fine start for the rest of the season and should be rostered in all formats now.

Dynasty Sleeper: LB James Williams, Tennessee

The Titans are down to fourth-stringers, making Jerome Baker a healthy scratch last week.  Luke Gifford will come into Week 16 with a questionable designation, perhaps opening the door for Williams to get a ton of action.  He scored 14 fantasy points last week and would be in line for another double-digit outing against AR5 and Jonathan Taylor this coming weekend.  If you need a spot start with some 2025 upside, Williams is your guy.

Dynasty Sleeper: DL Baron Browning, Arizona

Browning was once a solid prospect on the Broncos but has moved south to the desert and has been getting snaps for the Cardinals.  He got his first sack of the season last week and could be a disruptive force against Bryce Young and the Panthers this coming weekend.  As we all know, defensive line is a tremendously thin position, so you gotta play the hot hand and the matchup.  The former Ohio State Buckeye is still just 25 years old, so he could become a pass rush force for the Cardinals moving into next season as well.