Linebackers
Preston Smith (WAS): Smith is only addable in big-play formats for now. He has a sack in each of his past three games and also has added some pass breakups while collecting 20 solos. Obviously, the low tackle total makes him a risky week-to-week start, but for those in big-play leagues, he’s definitely someone that should be rostered.
Nicholas Morrow (OAK): Morrow’s been on my watchlist since last season, where he had 40 solos and 21 assists as the Raiders searched for quality linebackers. He’s back on the radar again, tallying 4 solos and a sack last week against the Ravens. His snap counts have risen the past few weeks. Just 23, the undrafted second-year pro could carve out a role for the talent-hungry Raiders. He has great matchups to close the season so he could be added and used in deeper leagues.
Elijah Lee (SFO): With Reuben Foster gone, there is likely a competition between the super-athletic Lee and journeyman Malcolm Smith, who’s been dealing with a leg injury. Lee is just 22 and shows tremendous burst off the snap. He logged 6 solos and a pass breakup last week against the Bucs and should be added in deep formats immediately. If he locks down either the weak or middle linebacker spot, he could be money.
Defensive Linemen
Rodney Gunter (DT – ARI): Gunter shows ability to get to the quarterback and make tackles, something you look for in a defensive tackle, fantasy-wise. He’s been on fire the past two weeks and is most certainly worth watching in leagues that break out DT from the DL position.
Carl Nassib (DE – TBB): We’ve featured Nassib here previously and believe he’s worth mentioning again. He currently has 5.5 sacks on the season, all while getting increased snap counts across from JPP. With Vinny Curry out with injury or just ineffective, Nassib has got his shot. He’s worth monitoring in larger leagues. He could provide you with a bye week filler in leagues that start 2+ DL or break apart DE from the DL position.
Christian Covington (DE – HOU): Anytime you play alongside wrecking balls like J.J. Watt and JadaveonClowney, you will have some opportunities at making big plays. Case in point with Covington last week against the Titans, where he logged 2.5 sacks. Not a must-add just yet, Covington is someone to keep on your radar as the 2018 season closes; if his snap counts rise, he could be a bye week filler in 2019.
Defensive Backs
Jeff Heath (S – DAL): Last week we recommended his defensive backfield mate, Xavier Woods. This week it looks like both safeties are worthy of being rostered. I once jabbed at Heath, claiming he was “just a guy”, with Dallas surely looking to add a bigger name. Well, the Earl Thomas rumors never materialized, so Heath keeps the FS job in Dallas, and has been putting up decent points. He is addable and startable in large formats.
Eric Murray (S – KCC): Until the “other” Eric gets back, Murray is certainly worthy of a roster spot in most formats. He has 21 solos in the past month’s worth of games. Doesn’t appear as if he will stuff the stat sheet with big-play stats, but the tackles are there. Even with Eric Berry back, Murray may retain his spot and continue to be roster-worthy.
Kyle Fuller (CB – CHI): Fuller is a pass breakup machine. He has 15 on the season, and usually gets two a game. Not only that, but he’s making tackles. 13 solos over the past two contests. He is an immediate add in leagues that start CB.
Last Week’s Numbers
Samson Ekuban (LB – LAR): BYE
Kyler Fackrell (LB – GBP): 2 solo tackles
Eric Wilson (LB – MIN): 0 (Barr returned)
Javon Hargrave (DT – PIT): 1 tackle, 3 assists, 0.5 sack
B.J. Hill (DE – NYG): 3 tackles, 1 pass defensed
Nathan Shepherd (DE – NYJ): 1 assist
Kenny Moore (CB – IND): 1 tackle, 1 assist, 1 pass defensed
Jordan Whitehead (S – TBB): 10 solos (yes, 10), 1 assist, 2 passes defensed
Xavier Woods (S – DAL): 3 solos tackles, 1 assist, 1 INT, 3 passes defensed
