As the season wears on and there is more data to go through it can be hard to find those diamonds in the rough or guys that not everyone else is on yet. Each week we will take a look at guys who are still widely available across leagues, have potential matchup value this week. Or maybe a long-term, guys to stash on your bench and see how the season shakes out. With the myriad of injuries across the NFL, there are young guys getting their chance to make an impact. Each week we will also take a look back at some of the top performers from last week’s list and see if they are worth keeping. We will highlight a list of defensive lineman, linebackers, and defensive backs each week.
Defensive Linemen
Jabaal Sheard DE (IND): Sheard makes this list only if he is dual position eligible in your league. Yahoo has given him both a DE and LB designation as he has spent time in both spots this season. Sheard has shown an ability to rush off the edge with 4.5 sacks and drop back into coverage when needed. With a Tennessee team that is struggling to protect Marcus Mariota, look for Sheard to be causing havoc in the backfield all game.
Jurrell Casey DT (TEN): Casey has been a consistent contributor all season long in his limited reps. He has managed 3 sacks to this point and has a great matchup against a banged-up Indianapolis line. This play is highly sack-dependent but could pay off if you need a dark horse lineman late the season.
Stephon Tuitt DE (PIT): With sacks in back to back games, Tuitt is finally starting to play his way on to the field more. With limited playing time and even time on the bench early in the season, Tuitt has not been a great option. However, his last two games have earned him more playing time and the trend should continue this week. Green Bay has struggled to protect any quarterback this season and should provide a good matchup.
Linebackers
Reuben Foster LB (SF): Foster has burst on to the scene after battling injuries early in the season. With 19 solos and 5 assists in the past two games, Foster has helped to bridge the gap left by Navarro Bowman. Coming out of the Bye week, the 49ers take on an angry Seattle team. Foster has worked his way on to the field in almost any situation and should have a high volume of snaps again this week.
Jon Bostic LB (IND): With 13 solos and 10 assists in his past 3 games, Bostic has been a lone bright spot for an otherwise dim Colt’s defense. The Colts also take on a beat-up Titan’s offense that has struggled to protect their quarterback. Look for Bostic to add to his 72 total tackles, and his single sack at home against the Titans this week.
Denzel Perryman LB (LAC): Perryman returned from the IR with a bang, registering 9 solos and an assist in his first game back. He followed that with a sub-par performance against Buffalo but looks to turn things around against Dallas. Perryman’s ankle finally seems to be 100% and he will be key in stopping the Dallas run game that is still without Ezekiel Elliot. The Chargers have had a very up and down season, but Perryman’s return should help.
Defensive Backs
Adoree Jackson CB (TEN): Jackson is coming off a monster game against Pittsburgh with 11 solos, 2 passes defended and over 100 return yards. He has had 3 straight games with more than 10 standard fantasy points and is poised to play a big role again this week against a very soft Indianapolis offense. Look for Jackson to continue his hot streak.
Deshazor Everett S (WAS): Everett has put up very poor numbers for the Redskins so far this season, but with how bad their corners have been beaten on the outside in recent weeks, Washington is going to rely on their safeties more than ever in the coming weeks. Sterling Shepard will be the main target this week and Everett is slated to provide help over the top. Without much of a run game, the Giants figure to throw the ball and give Everett ample opportunity to make plays this week.
Reshad Jones S (MIA): Jones has been a consistent performer all season for the Dolphins, never recording fewer than 5 total tackles in a game. Throw in 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, and a defensive touchdown and you have a guy that has played really well under the radar. New England is going to air it out with Tom Brady, and Jones should have a chance to make the tackle on several of those underneath throws. Look for a high tackle total from Jones this week, even if it is another blow-out loss to the Patriots.
Last Week
Adrian Clayborn DE (ATL): Clayborn only registered 1 solo on the day but did manage to scoop and score a Russell Wilson fumble for a 10-yard fumble.
Michael Brockers DT LAR): Brockers managed 1 solo and 2 assists in an all-around disappointing game for Los Angelos.
Trey Flowers DE (NE): With 2 solos, 2 assists, and half a sack, Flowers was all over the field in a Patriots blow out win against Oakland.
Christian Jones LB (CHI): With 6 solos, 2 assists, and his first sack of the season, Jones had his best all-around game of the season.
Derrick Morgan LB (TEN): Morgan’s only saving grace was his lone sack to go along with 2 solos and an assist against Pittsburgh.
Nigel Bradham LB (PHI): Bradham was having a bad day with 4 solos and 2 assists until he took a Dak Prescott fumble 37 yards for a touchdown.
Kenny Vaccaro S (NO): Vaccaro was a late scratch after reaggravating his groin injury.
Brent Grimes CB (TB): With 1 solo and 1 assist, Grimes was unable to find any opportunity against Jay Cutler and the Dolphins.
Mike Hilton CB (PIT): Hilton had the best day of any defensive back from this week’s list with 4 solos, 2 assists, a pass defended, and an interception.
This was a great week for IDP sleepers with 2 defensive touchdowns, 2.5 sacks, and an interception. The Vaccaro scratch was unexpected, and Brockers and Grimes both fell flat, but the rest of the list produced in a big way. Predicting defensive touchdowns, especially fumble returns. This was the best week for IDP sleepers of the season despite the overall low tackle totals.
