Linebackers
Anthony Walker/Skai Moore (IND) – Moore did get the start but Indianapolis used mostly nickel and dime packages against the Bengals on Sunday, so he only got 27 of a possible 56 snaps. Anthony Walker was dealing with a groin injury in the preseason and we’re still not sure he’s going to amount to much. That said, Walker did out-snap Moore. There are tackles to be had for the Colt linebackers.
Duke Riley (ATL) – Goes without saying, but if he’s available, snatch him up. Deion Jones is gone for 8 weeks (if not the season) and while Riley pales in comparison skill-wise, it stands to reason Riley can put up meaningful stats as the starter in the middle for the Falcons.
DeVondre Campbell (ATL) – This Falcon may not be available but in 12-team leagues (he is in one of mine), but with Jones out, Campbell may be asked to do more. He’s already a stud in coverage (like his running mate Jones). Worth a speculative add especially if someone outbids you for Riley. Campbell may be the better long-term add anyways.
JaWhuan Bentley (NEP) – I snatched this guy up wherever I could in larger leagues. This guy’s really just a two-down thumper but could prove useful in said larger leagues. He led the Pats in snaps on Sunday against the Jags and could be a cheap source of tackles.
Defensive Linemen
D.J. Reader (DT- HOU) – As with most seasons, the pickings are slim for defensive linemen. What we like about Reader, though, is his ability to shift from the inside (he started at nose tackle on Sunday) to the outside. And once on the outside, he showed some nice burst and ability to rush and get to the quarterback. Only J.J. Watt out-snapped Reader on the Texans’ line on Sunday. So, for those of you in leagues that break apart defensive tackles from defensive linemen, he’s a surefire add right now.
Larry Ogunjobi (DT – CLE) – Like Reader, Ogunjobi is an instant-add in defensive-tackle leagues. I actually liked Ogunjobi over the more talented (on paper) Caleb Brantley coming out of their 2017 draft class. Ogunjobi only came off the field for 4 snaps on Sunday, a sign that the coaching staff can use him on every down. Only Myles Garrett had more snaps. So again, in defensive-tackle-start leagues, Ogunjobi is an add candidate right now.
Deatrich Wise (DE – NEP) – We still like Trey Flowers and Derek Rivers a little more, but Wise had a nice opening week. The Pats always shift things around and use a lot of bodies, so he’ll always be a risky start. But against the right opponent, Wise may prove useful. The 24-year old from Arkansas logged 1.5 sacks on Sunday while only playing in 31% of the snaps. Maybe just add Wise to your watchlist, and if his snap counts increase, go ahead and throw a buck at him in larger leagues.
Defensive Backs
Damontae Kazee (S – ATL) – Another no-duh add, and another Falcon. Kazee steps in for the Falcons’ other uber-stud defender, Keanu Neal. Kazee may be smaller in stature than your typical hard-hitting safety but flies around the field and will make a ton of big plays. If you had Neal, Kazee is a logical add. He may already be snatched up in 16-team leagues, but is probably available in smaller formats. Go get him.
Kentrell Brice (S – GBP) – Brice has taken over the Morgan Burnett spot in the Green Bay defensive scheme, which means he’s in line for some very meaningful stats. He played 100 percent of the snaps on Sunday night against the Bears and logged 8 solos, an assist and even sacked Mitchell Trubisky once. His eight solos led the team, which is saying a lot since Blake Martinez is usually a tackle machine. Brice is available in all league formats (somehow), so he should be looked at as your main priority if you’re hurting at defensive back.
Mike Hughes (CB – MIN) – Wow where did this guy come from? Well, Central Florida apparently. And playing opposite Xavier Rhodes may mean that he will have opportunities at making plays. The good old rookie-corner rule could be in full effect here. Hughes was in on 79 percent of the snaps on Sunday, and while Trae Waynes may have logged the start, it’s evident Hughes was the better corner. He’s a solid add in leagues that break apart cornerbacks from the defensive back position.