Linebackers
Keenan Robinson (NYG): Robinson is back to occupying the weakside linebacker spot for the G-men. Since not seeing the field the first two weeks and then only 20 snaps Week 4, he has logged 60+ snaps in each of the past three weeks. B.J. Goodson's production has cooled significantly, opening the way for Robinson to start gobbling up some tackles. Tackles will be available on this defense and Robinson has produced before. Go get him.
Kemal Ishmael (ATL): The Falcons converted Ishmael to linebacker this past off-season, but prior to Duke Riley going out with a knee injury last week, had really yet to find a creative way to use the ex-safety. He responded with 9 total tackles and could start piling up the stats with Riley out at least a month. Riley wasn't really performing so it stands to reason Ishmael could be one of the snap leaders on an aggressive defense where tackles are plentiful.
Matt Milano (BUF): Told you to keep your eyes on the Bills' weakside linebacker spot in the off-season. Ramon Humber came out of nowhere to post significant stats but has been out after breaking his hand. In the meantime, Milano got his shot and produced against the Bucs. If Humber continues to sit, it will be Milano's time to shine and keep the spot. Definitely worth a grab-and-stash if you have the room on your taxi squad.
Najee Goode/Joe Walker (PHI): One of these guys will replace Jordan Hicks after Hicks popped his Achilles on Monday night. Goode got the majority of the snaps after Hicks' injury but Walker is listed as the next in line on a few depth chart sources. Throw a dart.
Others to Watch: Ben Gedeon (MIN) and Eli Harold (SFO)
Defensive Linemen
Eddie Goldman (DT - CHI): Big week for Bears named Eddie. Eddie Jackson went nuts in the defensive backfield and Goldman logged 5 solos, 1 assist and helped out on a sack. Goldman is logging serious time on the underrated Bear defensive line and may have been a little underrated coming out of Florida State. He has a quick first step for a guy pushing 325 pounds. A solid stash in all leagues; could even start in leagues that force you to start defensive tackles.
Chris McCain (DE - LAC): Any time you see a player post 20+ points (in most IDP formats), you have to take notice. What's nice about McClain, other than the 20+ points he put up in Week 7, is that he had a sack in each of his first 3 contests in 2017. He'll largely be a sack-dependent scorer, but in big-play leagues that may be all you need. Detractors will say he's not logging enough snaps, which could be true. Should Joey Bosa or Melvin Ingram III go down with injury though, McCain could be gold.
Kawann Short (DT - CAR): Short now has 4 sacks in his past 4 contests. He continues to get the majority of the snaps of all Panther interior linemen, and despite facing constant double-teams, has been producing well. The Panther D is getting better and will eventually have Luke Kuechly back, which is likely good news for guys like Short.
Other to Watch: Corey Peters (DT - ARI)
Defensive Backs
Malcolm Butler (CB - NEP): Butler has a pass breakup in all but two contests thus far in 2017 and has also been stuffing the stat sheet with other non-tackle numbers (2 INTs and 1 forced fumble). As opposing offenses continue to have to throw to keep up with Tom Brady's offense, guys like Butler will get a ton of chances. Especially when playing every single defensive snap.
Jairus Byrd (S - CAR): Byrd was once a high-flyer (see what I did there?) for the Bills and one would think he would produce with Kurt Coleman sidelined. Hasn't really been the case but we really like is the Panthers' remaining schedule. Should Coleman be shelved any longer, we are predicting Byrd's snap count to rise and his fantasy production to follow suit. Just a guy to watch right now.
Three "No Duh" Adds: Just in case.... if you find Eddie Jackson, Kevin Byard or Justin Simmons on any of your leagues' waiver wires, you can't hit the submit button fast enough. All three look to be future NFL and fantasy studs.
Others to Watch: Justin Evans/T.J. Ward (TBB) and Corey Graham (PHI)
