Linebackers
Samson Ekuban (LAR): The Rams have all sorts of pass-rush firepower on their defensive line. Ekuban has flashed some talent and had his coming-out party against the Chiefs. He won’t be a high-volume tackle guy, but in big play leagues, he is certainly worthy of a roster spot. Just 23, he will be seeing single-team blocking for a long time.
Kyler Fackrell (GBP): By no means is he a Clay Matthews clone, but there are some similarities. Matthews is 32 and is certainly showing some signs of slowing down. Fackrell, just 26, has eight sacks on the season, including four in the past two games. He has two three-sack efforts this season. He’s also tallied nine solos in the past 2 games. His snap counts have risen significantly over the past month. A nice addition, especially in big play formats.
Eric Wilson (MIN): Filling in for Anthony Barr the past two weeks, Wilson has tallied 10 solos and logged his first sack last week against the Bears. Barr is due back this week but is a free agent in 2019 and the team will likely have to decide between him and Stefon Diggs. It very well could be that Wilson takes Barr’s spot in 2019. Stash and hold for now.
Defensive Linemen
Javon Hargrave (DT – PIT): Kind of crazy to think Hargrave is just 25. Seems like he’s been an integral part of the Steeler D for many years. He’s shown the ability to get to the quarterback (five sacks this season) and ability to tackle as well (10 solos the past two weeks). The former third-rounder sees the most snaps of any Steeler interior lineman. In leagues that start DT independently, he’s a solid weekly play.
B.J. Hill (DE – NYG): With Snacks Harrison now in Detroit, Hill’s snap counts have risen. Just 23, the Giant lineman has shown the ability to sack the quarterback and chip in with tackles. We featured Hill back in Week 8 and are standing by that recommendation.
Nathan Shepard (DE – NYJ): Not an add just yet, Shepard is seeing consistent snaps and had a two solo, three assist game against the Bills Week 10. As the season winds down, it’ll be interesting to see how the Jets divvy up the snaps for their front four. If Shepard’s snap counts rise, he will be an add candidate entering the 2019 season.
Defensive Backs
Kenny Moore (CB – IND): The undrafted second-year cornerback has 15 solos in the past two games and had three passes defensed against the Jags Week 10. He even assisted on a sack last week against the Titans. We like the stat sheet stuffing, and it stands to reason Moore will continue to get tackle and pick opportunities as the season winds down, and he’s a solid add for 2019 in leagues that separate CB.
Jordan Whitehead (S – TBB): A repeat recommendation here, but with Chris Conte still shelved (and a free agent in 2019), it would appear Whitehead is going to be in line for a ton of snaps. The Bucs have a nice, young 1-2 punch in Whitehead and Justin Evans. Both should put up plenty of fantasy points in 2019 and beyond.
Xavier Woods (S – DAL): The 23-year old isn’t coming off the field as of late, and has three straight double-digit fantasy games as a result. He’s shown the ability to tackle (seven solos last week) and break up passes (three Week 10).
Last Week’s Numbers
Preston Smith (LB – WAS): 3 tackles, 1 assist, 1 INT, 1 sack, 1 pass defensed
Jordan Evans (LB – CIN): 2 tackles, 1 pass defensed
Tanner Vallejo (LB – CLE): BYE
Chris Jones (DE – KCC): 6 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 pass defensed
Lawrence Guy (DT – NEP): BYE
Michael Bennett (DE – PHI): 2 tackles
Eric Reid (S – CAR): 5 tackles, 1 pass defensed
Bene Benwikere (CB – ARI): 6 tackles, 2 assists, 1 pass defensed
T.J. McDonald (S – MIA): BYE