As we approach the half way point of most season it is time to start gearing our focus toward matchups and tweaks to improve our teams for the stretch run. This year however, we are dealing with a multitude of injuries and there are two more weeks on the horizon with six teams on a bye at a time. The combination of the two situations has many of us struggling to field competitive lineups between now and week twelve. The good news is that most of our competition is in the same predicament. It is sort of like the old cliché about two guys running from a bear. You don't have to out run the bear, just the other guy. Just like we hear so many coaches and players say, we need to take this one game at a time.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals were in nickel or dime sub packages on roughly 80% of the snaps in Sunday's game against Denver. As a result we saw Kevin Minter on the field for only 17 snaps. The other side of that coin is that Deone Bucannon saw action on 63 of 81 defensive snaps as the nickel and dime linebacker. That made him the team's second leading tackler in the game. With attrition taking a serious toll on this defense, we may be seeing a lot of Bucannon the rest of the way. Larry Foote has looked average at best over the last couple of games but the Cardinals have no one else to plug in at inside linebacker other than recent addition Desmond Bishop. John Abraham, Matt Shaughnessy and Darnell Dockett are gone and now Calais Campbell will be spending a few weeks on the shelf as well. Surprisingly Tyrann Mathieu played fewer than 20 snaps against Denver, which suggests that he is not yet completely healthy. The bottom line here is that the only consistently valuable fantasy options Arizona gives us at this point are safeties Tony Jefferson, Rashad Johnson and possibly Bucannon. With the losses in the front seven, they should all have a great deal of opportunity going forward. We should continue to keep an eye on Desmond Bishop here just in case.
Atlanta Falcons
In last week’s column I talked about Kemal Ishmael who replaced William Moore at strong safety. Ishmael stepped up to tie with Paul Worrilow for the team tackle lead against the Giants at 9-5-0. While Ishmael's totals were even better than anticipated, it was not a surprise to see him produce. Moore has never been the most physical of safeties, nor has he ever really excelled in run support despite having plenty of opportunity. Ishmael simply was able to take advantage of the opportunity that comes with playing strong safety for a team that is struggling to stop the run. He is young, hungry and looking to impress while he has the chance. We obviously cannot expect 9 tackles out of him every week and he is likely to come back to earth a bit once the adrenalin wears off. That said, Ishmael has an excellent matchup against the Bears this week and the potential to be a quality answer for us the rest of the way.
Prince Shembo posted a strong 7-7-0 but nothing has changes significantly with his situation. He is still a two down inside linebacker who will be on the bench for roughly 35% of the Falcons defensive snaps on most weeks.
Baltimore Ravens
Not only has Matt Elam been moved back to free safety, he is now losing time at that position. Elam was on the field for 55 of 85 defensive plays on Sunday while rookie Terrence Brooks is seeing his role steadily increase. Brooks is now seeing time in both sub packages and with the base defense. Anyone who is clinging to hope that Elam will somehow turn it around, is simply wasting a valuable roster spot.
C.J. Mosley has earned a spot as an every week starter for us, and Darryl Smith is not all that far behind him. Most owners will be hard pressed to find better options on most weeks but consider that Thomas Davis, James Laurinaitis, Alec Ogletree, Paul Worrilow and Curtis Lofton all recorded 5 or fewer solo tackles against Tampa Bay. Lawrence Timmons and Luke Kuechly are the only linebackers thus far to produce double digit fantasy points with this matchup.
The Ravens are working Lardarius Webb back into action slowly. He was the Ravens third corner in week five when he finished as the team's second leading tackler with 6 solo stops on about half of the defensive snaps. Webb came through the game with no setbacks and the injury to Asa Jackson could hasten Webb's return to the starting lineup. When healthy he is one of the fantasy games most productive corners.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo linebacker position continues to be a moving target. With Nigel Bradham out nursing a knee injury, Brandon Spikes got the call as a three down middle linebacker in week five. He joined weak side linebacker Preston Brown in the nickel packages as week four starter Keith Rivers returned to his familiar role as a two down strong side backer. Brown was the solo linebacker in the dime package calls against the Lions. As a result, Spikes led the club in tackles for week five. There has been little talk about why Spikes was not more involved in previous weeks. It is believed by many that he was having issues with swelling and soreness in the same knee that has given him trouble in the past. It is hard to say what role he is going to have going forward but he should certainly be on our radar. Keep in mind that Spikes was brought in to be an every down MLB next to Kiko Alonzo. For this week there is also the extra incentive of facing his former team.
Brown posted only a 2-1-0 against Detroit but we should not panic here. The Lions have been a weak matchup for linebackers in general. Brown's poor outing smells like a simple matchup based fluke at this point. I like his chances of rebounding this week against the Patriots.
With Da'Norris Searcy injured and unlikely to go this week, we will finally see what Duke Williams can do with a full time role at safety. From what we have seen thus far, I do not have much expectation.
Chicago Bears
Chris Conte suffered another concussion in week five. This being his second in less than two months, it is a pretty good sign he will miss at least this week's game and possibly more. Danny McCray continues to work as the Bears third safety and will once again be pressed into action. McCray has shown well on the field when called upon and has been a factor in the box scores when playing full time dating back into the preseason. The Bears face off with Atlanta this week. The Falcons have struggled defensively but their high powered offense has kept them in games and has provided IDP owners with strong matchups along the way. Ryan Mundy is a solid starting option for us this week and McCray could prove to be a sneaky sleeper play.
The Bears also lost Jon Bostic to a back injury in week five. The interesting twist here is not who replaced him, but rather the fact that middle backer D.J. Williams moved into the three down role after Bostic left the game. Keep an eye on the Bears practice reports this week. If Bostic sits, Williams should have an expanded role and the potential is there for quality numbers.
Cincinnati Bengals
Early last week there were rumors that the Bengals would have Vontaze Burfict back in action against the Patriots. That fire was soon doused as he was never more than a limited participant in any practice and was ultimately ruled out yet again. Much like the situation with Nick Roach in Oakland and others we have seen in recent years, I fear we may not be seeing Burfict on the field for a while. Vincent Rey is not the same quality of player but he did post big numbers late last season and is currently joining Emmauel Lamur as the Bengals sub package linebackers. The Bengals matchup with Carolina this week is marginal in terms of tackle potential, so I would not want to count on either of these guys as more than a decent LB3 with a little upside for this week. Those sitting on Burfict may want to grab Rey as the handcuff just in case this drags out. Keep in mind the Cincinnati is at the Colts in Week 7.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are already getting a rematch of their week one game with the Steelers. We rarely see two games play out the same way, but it is worth mention that Donte Whitner blew up for 12 solo stops in the first meeting. Expecting a repeat would be a mistake but expecting another productive game from Whitner would not.
Pittsburgh targeted Justin Gilbert in the opener and the rookie corner finished with a mark of 6-1-0 in the game. He has since been relegated to spot duties for the most part but could see his role expand again if Joe Haden is not able to play through his hip injury.
Karlos Dansby went 5-1-1 with a pair of passes defended in the first meeting while Christian Kirksey, Jabaal Sheard and Paul Kruger all contributed with sacks. Dansby has been a little less consistent than we would like but remains an every week must play. Owners in big play based leagues may want to strongly consider Sheard, Barkevious Mingo or Kruger this week.
Dallas Cowboys
As expected the Cowboys opened week five with Justin Durant on the strong side, Rolando McClain in the middle and Anthony Hitchens on the weak side. Also as expected, it was Durant and McClain in the sub package roles. It may not have been expected, but anyone who has followed the career of Rolando McClain was not surprised to see him leave the game early with yet another injury. As of Wednesday afternoon all we know about this latest ding is that it is a leg issue. We also know that Bruce Carter is not expected back until at least next week. If McClain is not able to go it means another shot at a three down role for Hitchens. The rookie made the most of his three down opportunity in week three by going 10-3-0 with a pass breakup. Seattle has not been a great matchup for our tackle producing IDPs in general but then neither have the Rams who Dallas played in week three. Keep an eye on the practice and injury reports out of Cowboys camp this week. If McClain is going to sit, Hitchens could be a sneaky strong play.
Denver Broncos
With both Brandon Marshall and Nate Irving playing well, there was a lot of varying speculation about what the Broncos would do at linebacker when Danny Trevathan returned. He was back in action against the Cardinals on Sunday so we have a little clarity in some ways but the water may be even more cloudy in others. Trevathan was not on the field for the opening snap but was ultimately in the game for 56 of 59 plays. The important point for owners who have been sitting on him is that Trevathan led the team in tackles at 6-1-0 and was the every down linebacker. It is the owners of Irving and Marshall who are left with decisions to make. Playing time between these players broke down to 38 snaps for Marshall and 21 for Irving. The other interesting twist here is that Trevathan lined up at middle linebacker on a few snaps. This may still be somewhat of a work in progress. It is probably safe to say that Irving will have a two down role at best going forward. Those who have been playing Marshall may want to sit on him for one more week just to see what happens. It is obvious that he has earned the trust of the defensive coaches enough to have some fairly significant role.
Green Bay Packers
Brad Jones was active in week four but saw action on only 7 snaps. It is hard to tell if this was a matter of easing him back into the mix or if the club has made the decision to stick with Jamari Lattimore as their starter next to A.J. Hawk. Considering how he was treated last season and how bad as Jones looked before the injury, I will be somewhat surprised if Lattimore goes back to the bench. Regardless of how that plays out, Hawk looks like the guy to have of the group going forward. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers does a good job of masking Hawk's coverage weakness by having him rush or cover underneath zones so that there is plenty of help behind him. He is a stud versus the run and the Dolphins do a lot of running. I like Hawk's chances of posting strong numbers this week.
Houston Texans
Andrew Luck does not throw a lot of interceptions but if you are looking for tackle opportunity at the corner positions the Colts are among the game's best matchups. Jonathan Joseph is the only corner that has posted double digit fantasy points in all five weeks thus far. He has yet to record his first interception of the season but has forced and recovered 2 fumbles and is currently on pace for 102 solo tackles. Joseph is a must start at corner in balanced or tackle heavy leagues that break out the defensive back positions and would make a quality DB3 or better for nearly anyone this week.
Jacksonville Jaguars
In most instances I advise strongly against ambulance chasing but with the rarity of production from the defensive tackle positions, it is hard to tell anyone not to consider Arby Jones. Before you pick him up though, let me give you some background info to chew on. Jones was an undrafted free agent out of Georgia in 2013. As a junior in 2011 he totaled 48 tackles and 4 sacks for the Bulldogs. As a senior he was not as productive even before suffering an ankle injury. He is a versatile 6'4", 312 pound road block who is not particularly quick off the ball nor particularly athletic for his size. He can however, hold his ground at the point of attack. The Jaguars picked him up as a developmental player to add depth at the interior line positions. He had 8 tackles and half a sack as a rookie and has earned a role in the rotation this year. Jones has seen at least 21 snaps in every game this season but has not yet played more than 27 in any contest. The Jaguars have Ziggy Hood and Ryan Davis also in the mix for snaps behind starters Sen'Derrick Marks and Roy Miller, so the chances of Jones getting a big boost in playing time is slim. Unless of course, he continues to make hay when the sun shines.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs give us another case where ambulance Chasing could come into play. James-Michael Johnson posted an eye catching career best of 9-2-0 with a forced fumble against San Francisco. This is a player that has some upside but thus far in his short career has struggled with both consistency and coverage skills. He has been in the starting lineup since Derrick Johnson was lost in week one but remains a two down base package only option for the Chiefs. His big game was a product of matchup and the fact that San Francisco does not use a lot of multiple receiver sets. As a result Johnson was on the field for a little over 80% of the Chiefs defensive snaps in week five. With the exception of a couple matchups down the road, Unless something changes here there is no reason to expect more than the 3 to 5 solos a week we have seen previously.
Miami Dolphins
After going 20-9-1.5 with a forced fumble over his first two starts, Jelani Jenkins posted just 3 solo tackles in week four. That left fantasy owners to ponder which was the real Jenkins while the Dolphins enjoyed their bye week. Let me just say that if you read too much into the box score from week four when Miami faced an offensively challenged Raiders squad, you will talk yourself out of starting Jenkins against the Packers who are anything but offensively challenged. Green Bay finally got Eddie Lacey going last week. The big back has not yet carried the ball more than 17 times in a game, but that is coming.
Minnesota Vikings
Harrison Smith injured his ankle early in Thursday night's game. He managed to finish the game but afterward the ankle swelled. Reports suggest the MRI showed no structural damage yet is it noteworthy that Smith was in a walking boot on Friday. Keep an eye on this situation. If Smith is out, Andrew Sendejo would be the next man up. Robert Blanton could be the biggest benefactor though. Blanton has given us solid tackle production and remains a viable DB3 start.
Gerald Hodges is coming off back to back starts but has still done nothing to speak of in the box scores. That said, it is noteworthy that his 4-2-0 against the Packers Thursday was only 1 tackle short of the team lead in that game. He has certainly been a disappointment but two games does not make a career. We have not yet heard where Chad Greenway is in his recovery from his broken hand and ribs but regardless of who is at linebacker for Minnesota this week, bench them against Detroit who has been a poor matchup for tackle producing linebackers.
On the other hand, we need to start our Vikings pass rushers this week. Last week I called out some Buffalo linemen as players that should be started. Marcell Dareus owners were singing all the way to the bank after his 3 sack performance. Jerry Hughes added a couple of sacks and Mario Williams got one as well. In all the Lions have allowed 12.5 sacks to defensive linemen in the past four games and 2 more to outside linebackers in 3-4 schemes. Everson Griffen is a must this week as is Sharrif Floyd for those in tackle required leagues. I would also consider Brian Robison and Linval Joseph as sleepers with this matchup.
New York Giants
After a great 2013 season Antrel Rolle got off to a slow start this year. In hind sight I think his box score struggles had a lot to do with scheme and the fact that the coaching staff was asking him to cover for Stevie Johnson a little too much. Rolle was moved around often over the first few games as the coaches looked for the right combination. Now that Quintin Demps has settled in at free safety it allows Rolle back into his comfort zone at strong. The Eagles have been a good matchup for safeties this year and I expect they will be even better once they get LeShon McCoy and the running game back on track. That could happen as soon as this week. Over their next six game New York has the Eagles, Dallas twice, Colts, Seahawks and 49ers. If Rolle is somehow available in your league, get him on your roster and plug him in this week.
New York Jets
Antonio Allen turned in what seemed like a respectable 5 solo tackles against the Chargers in week five. Those numbers become flat impressive when you consider he only played 25 snaps in the game. I am still trying to figure out what happened here and plan to take a long look at the game rewind at some point in the next day or two. What I do know is that no injury has been reported. Allen had been playing a lot of corner due to injuries. With the return of Dee Milliner, Allen actually shifted back to free safety where he started ahead of a disappointing Calvin Pryor. The Jets face Denver this week and the injury to Darrin Walls should put Allen back in his previous role if he is healthy. Hopefully we can get more information about this situation later in the week. It would sure be nice to start him in this matchup; especially when you consider that he was covering Calvin Johnson all over the field just a few weeks back and could draw Demaryius Thomas this week. As of Wednesday afternoon starting Allen would be a high risk move that could pay big dividends.
After shifting back and forth between the safety positions last year and into the first couple of weeks this season, Dawan Landry has finally settled in at strong safety. This is not a player who will catch the eye with big plays or blow up box score numbers on any given week, but he has been quietly dependable for us. While he is not much of a big play threat, Landry is currently on pace for 86 solo tackles and 45 assists. He has averaged a little over 11 fantasy points a game and has fallen short of double digits only once this year. Considering his consistency, a quality matchup with Denver and the state of affairs in general with the Jets, Landry is a player that will be in my lineup everywhere I can get him this week.
While Denver has been a quality matchup for defensive backs, they have not been so friendly for our linebacker and pass rushers. To date only two linebackers have posted more than 4 solo stops against the Broncos and none have exceeded 6. Seattle's K.J. Wright has turned in the best fantasy score with this matchup at just under 10 points. Demario Davis looked good for a couple of games but has just 8 solo stops over the last two games and turned in a very average 4-3 last week against a San Diego offense that has been a stellar matchup. If you are pressed to start Davis or David Harris this week, have reasonable expectations.
If Muhammad Wilkerson or Sheldon Richardson are an every week must start for you then plug them in. Keep in mind however, that Denver has allowed only 1 sack to a defensive lineman in four games.
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are coming off a much needed bye but have the daunting task of facing the red hot Chargers in week six. San Diego has been an excellent matchup for nearly all our IDPs with the exception of those who make a living rushing the passer. At the least Charles Woodson is a must start with this matchup. Usama Young took over for the injured Tyvon Branch in week four and posted decent numbers. Young is a marginal talent at best but he does own a helmet, shoulder pads and a Raiders game jersey. That could be enough to land him 5-6 solo tackles in this game. The question mark here is at the linebacker positions. There has been no word out of Oakland on the recovery of Sio Moore from the Ankle injury he suffered in week two. Likewise we have heard nothing more on Nick Roach's status since he was questionable with the concussion and ultimately sat out week four. Keep a close eye on the Raiders practice reports this week. If either or both of these guys can go, they should put up good numbers.
Philadelphia Eagles
The bad news for Eagles fans is that DeMeco Ryans left Sunday's game with a groin injury. This is not uncharted waters for him as Ryans has been hampered by groin injuries in the past. He managed to play through one late in his Houston career but the injury had a substantial impact on both his play and production. The team has expressed hope that Ryans will be able to go against the Giants in week six. While New York presents a strong matchup option for fantasy owners, as one who has him in a couple of leagues I hope they sit Ryans this week. Philadelphia has a bye in Week 7 so he would have the extra time to recover. If he is a go in week six I would advise caution despite the matchup.
The good news on the Eagles front is that Mychal Kendricks returned to practice on Tuesday. This is not a sure sign that he will play in week six but it does lend a lot of reason for optimism. at worst we know that he is close and will return after the bye. If he can practice fully and suffer no setbacks, this would be an excellent week to have Kendricks back in our lineups.
With or without Ryans and Kendricks, this is a good week to plug Malcolm Jenkins into your lineup and possibly even Nate Allen if you are in a pinch. Since week two Tony Jefferson, Rashad Johnson, Kendrick Lewis, Ryan Clark, Brandon Meriweather and Kemal Ishmael have averaged nearly 8-4 in the tackle columns with a pair of takeaways, a sack and 3 passes defended between them to boot.
Pittsburgh Steelers
When Ryan Shazier went down many of us expected Sean Spence to step right in and be productive. Spence has done a quality job on the field but has made little impact in the box scores. Fortunately for fantasy owners it now looks as if Shazier will be back soon. He was expected to take part in some portion of Wednesday's practice so that the team could gauge his progress in the recovery from the sprained knee. It is unclear if he will be a go versus Cleveland this week but it looks like he should be back by Week 7. That would be just in time for a couple of excellent matchups with Houston in Week 7 and Indianapolis in week eight. Owners in shallow leagues where he may have been dropped due to the injury should look to get Shazier on your roster.
San Diego Chargers
For those of us who have him Eric Weddle is an every week start. Donald Butler started slowly but has posted decent numbers for us over the past three games despite a couple of bad matchups. Both of these guys are strong candidates to sit this week against an Oakland club that is struggling greatly on both sides of the ball. Only one defender has been able to muster more than 5 solo tackles against the Raiders and Jerod Mayo has turned in the best fantasy totals with this matchup at 3-8-0.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are a different defense at home and I have to admit that I’ll likely be starting Michael Bennett in at least one league out of necessity, but consider that Dallas has not allowed a sack to a defensive lineman or a 3-4 outside linebacker in 3 games. They have faced both J.J. Watt and Robert Quinn in that stretch.
I will however, be starting Byron Maxwell in several leagues this week. He continues to see an accelerated number of opportunities as opponents tend to lean away from Richard Sherman even if they are not avoiding him completely. Maxwell is giving us consistently solid tackle numbers and we all know that Tony Romo has a tendency to force some throws when he is under pressure. Quarterbacks playing in Seattle feel the pressure on every snap even if there are no defenders around them. Hats off to the 12th man.
San Francisco 49ers
For owners who have been sitting on Navorro Bowman all season with expectations that he will help come playoff time, the news on Tuesday was disheartening. Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio said that he may return later than the original target date. Fangio stated "He still has to miss two more games and he'll be out several after that". This puts Bowman in serious danger of being out until December and who knows where he will be then.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers may have struck gold with Danny Lansanah. This is one of the great feel good stories the NFL creates year after year. Lansanah was actually a rookie in 2008. Since that time he has been bouncing around from practice squad to practice squad and even spent some time playing in the United Football League. At the ripe old age of 29 he is finally getting his shot. Lansanah has replaced Jonathan Casillas at strong side linebacker and he played more snaps on Sunday (93) than any other Tampa Bay defender. He rewarded the coaching staff for their faith by recording his second interception for a touchdown in three games. It will be interesting to see if Lansanah continues in the three down role once Mason Foster returns, but it is a safe bet that he will be in the base packages. For now he is a three down strong side linebacker with enough potential to grab our attention. Lansanah could turn back into a pumpkin when the adrenalin wears off but there is always that chance that he will stick. Fantasy owners with room on the roster for a stash or a need at the position should be moving on this guy just in case.
Tennessee Titans
Avery Williamson continues to see his role expand. He landed a starting job next to Wesley Woodyard in week five and continued to look good. Williamson played 54 of 78 snaps against the Browns while Woodyard played 57. The Titans used a lot of safeties in passing situations and strangely had no consistent three down linebackers in this game. That will likely change with Bernard Pollard out of action. Williamson out played Woodyard on the field and out produced him in the box scores in week five. The more I see of the rookie the more optimistic I am about his future potential.
Pollard landed on IR this week with a torn Achilles. That likely makes George Wilson the starting strong safety. Wilson had a couple of highly productive years as a starter in Buffalo before signing with Tennessee and could be a pleasant surprise in the box scores. That said, it will not be a big surprise if Michael Griffin picks up much of the slack and becomes the better fantasy option. His monster 10-4-1 with a pick against Cleveland sure makes it easy to think that way.
Washington
It took five weeks but Perry Riley finally had his break out game. With 7 tackles and a couple of assists, Riley was on a roll right up until the time that he was helped off the field with a knee injury late in the game. Reports on Tuesday say that it is only a sprain, so hopefully he will not miss much time.
That does it for another edition. Best of luck to everyone this week.
