Linebackers
Jordan Evans (CIN): Nick Vigil continues to rehab his knee, and Evans has made a name for himself. He started slowly during Week 7, logging four solos and two assists, but he exploded Week 8, totaling 11 tackles, a pick and 1.5 sacks. Vigil has the bye week to get healthy, but it looks like Evans has earned more playing time. With injuries (and possible suspensions) always looming for Bengal linebackers, Evans is a nice stash.
Dee Ford (KCC): Those in big play leagues need to add Ford. He already has eight sacks on the season (three last week against the Broncos) and faces the Browns and Cardinals next. He could get another three or four sacks in those weeks. With Justin Houston still out, Ford has been the primary pass rusher for the Chiefs. Even with Houston back, Ford could remain a force.
Reggie Gilbert (GBP): Oren Burks was a solid add in the last rookie draft and remains a nice asset, but Gilbert out-snapped him in the last contest and has been neck-and-neck with him most of the season. Blake Martinez is an absolute beast so the second inside linebacker for the Packers will always be left with scraps, but Gilbert is a name to watch, especially if Burks’ snaps continue to dwindle.
Defensive Linemen
Harrison Phillips (DT – BUF): Long-term speculative add here. Or just a watchlist guy. Kyle Williams has to retire at some point and will leave a void in the middle of a pretty aggressive Bills front line. Phillips’ snap counts have been steady since the start of the season, and he’s seen a slight increase in tackle totals the past couple of weeks. Only an add in leagues that start a defensive tackle and if you’re in a rebuild.
Grady Jarrett (DT – ATL): Can’t believe this guy is only 25. Seems like he’s been in the league a long time. Jarrett was out Weeks 5 and 6 and came back strong Week 7, logging a couple of sacks against the Giants. He has some solid matchups moving forward so he’s a strong add in leagues that start a defensive tackle.
Markus Golden (DE – ARI): The Cardinals desperately need another playmaker in their front seven. Golden has flashed promise before, notably during 2016 where he logged 12.5 sacks. He’s been fighting off injuries this season; so maybe his Week 8 performance (nine total tackles and one sack) is an indicator that he’s 100 percent and ready to rock. Worth a shot in deeper leagues.
Defensive Backs
Jermaine Whitehead (S – GBP): The Packers inexplicably traded Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, opening the door for Whitehead to come in and start. The Packers were already using a lot of 3-safety looks, so Whitehead is no stranger to a lot of playing time. He logged 96 percent of the snaps last week and totaled seven tackles. With Clinton-Dix gone, Whitehead’s role could shift over to a spot that will allow for more tackles and some big plays. It does look like Tramon Williams is getting work at safety, but Whitehead is still a solid add as roles could shift around in that backfield.
Eli Apple (CB – NOS): Apple picked up right where he left off in New York, with another double-digit scoring effort. Playing opposite his college teammate Marshon Lattimore is a boon for Apple’s value, as he’ll have a ton of tackle and big play opportunities. A must-add in leagues that start cornerbacks separately.
Patrick Chung (S – NEP): It seems like right around mid-season, the Patriots defense starts heating up, and a few players emerge as free agent gems. Chung is no spring chicken, so this add is for those dynasty owners that are looking to win this year. Chung probably only has a couple years left in him. But for the remainder of 2018, the schedule is favorable for a safety who comes up to the line to get tackles/sacks and dips back into coverage to get pass breakups and possible interceptions.
