Linebackers
Kareem Martin (NYG): A stat that really stands out for Martin is, when given regular playing time, he logs a ton of assisted tackles. This, to me, means that he's around the ball a lot and that those assists can easily turn into solos and most importantly, the "other" stats that make players fantasy-worthy. Martin's playing time dipped in the middle of the season after logging a lot of snaps to start the season. He, unfortunately, didn't do much with those snaps, which led to a decrease in playing time. His usage has risen and his stats have spiked a bit as a result. The Giants are going to need playmakers on defense in 2019 and beyond so Martin is a name to watch.
Hardy Nickerson (CIN): Maybe it's just me but I just don't trust that Vontaze Burfict is going to contribute on a regular basis. Whether it's injury-related or simply being suspended, I wouldn't want to be a Burfict owner. And I am, regrettably. Nickerson and Jordan Evans have split time filling in for Burfict and both have looked good in spurts. I think I prefer Evans but if he's been snapped up, you might want to keep Nickerson on your watch list.
Jason Cabinda (OAK): Truth be told this is the first I've heard of the guy, but he logged 5 solos while only playing 43% of the Raiders' snaps last week. Tahir Whitehead looks like a stud on this defense and we've mentioned Nicholas Morrow's name here, but why not throw a third name into the mix here. Cabinda projected as a "high motor thumper" coming out of Penn State. That being said he's not very explosive and is limited in pass coverage, but could figure into the Raiders' plans as an inside linebacker down the road. Given we're at the end of the 2018 season and are looking for some deeper sleepers, this is the kind of name you want to know just in case it starts to "click" in the off-season and to start the 2019 season.
Defensive Linemen
Tyler Lancaster (DT - GBP): Yeah, another "who?" guy. Lancaster got the start at one of the tackle spots against the Bears last week and came through with 6 solos and an assist. Borrowing a term from the great Dick Vitale, this guy is a "space eater". The undrafted rookie out of Northwestern has been used sparingly this season but we like the big solo number from an interior lineman. For those in leagues that start DT separately, perhaps this is a name you watch once the 2019 season kicks off.
David Onyemata (DT - NOS): This guy has looked disruptive in the past month or so. He sacked Dak Prescott three times a few weeks ago and got to the slippery Cam Newton once this past week. There's a lot to like on the Saint front four, and Onyemata is probably fourth in the pecking order, but mark him down as another name to watch in leagues that separate DT/DE.
Henry Anderson (DE - NYJ): There will be opportunities for snaps for the Jets' defense in 2019. Anderson got 70% of the snaps last week and came through with three sacks against the shifty Deshaun Watson. He's got six sacks on the season and has even broken up a few passes. Leonard Williams is entrenched on one side and can be a disruptive force, so the better he is, the more chances a guy like Anderson could get.
Defensive Backs
Adoree Jackson (CB - TEN): This guy benefited from the "rookie corner rule" last year, amassing 17 pass breakups and 61 solos. The tackles remained constant this season, but the pass breakups have dipped significantly. What I like about this guy is that he returns punts and can be electric in space. That, and he rarely comes off the field. Something tells me the pass breakups will rise in 2019, making Jackson a solid second corner in leagues that split apart CB from the DB spot.
Jordan Whitehead (S - TBB): Chris Conte is a free agent in 2019, and Whitehead, while putting up inconsistent stats, has flashed some ability to put up fantasy points. Just look to his 10 solos and 2 passes defensed against the Niners Week 12. When and if he's named the 2019 starter, he could put up decent DB3 type of numbers alongside Justin Evans.
Rasul Douglas (CB - PHI): If Douglas continues to start for the Eagles in 2019, he might be one of the better fantasy corners out there. He has posted gaudy numbers the past few weeks as the Eagles secondary has been completely decimated. Posting his name here as a fantastic Week 16 start likely shadowing the target hound DeAndre Hopkins. And, as stated previously, he might be a solid 2019 pick as well. Just 25, the former West Virginia Mountaineer has 26 solos in the past three weeks alone.
