Linebackers
James Burgess (NYJ): C.J. Mosely is shelved for the season and since Week 9, Burgess has logged double digits in every contest. He's racked up 26 solos (half of those coming in the past two weeks) and has stuffed the stat sheet with other plays as well. Mosley's signed long-term so there isn't huge potential here, but there might be a battle between Burgess and Blake Cashman come training camp. If you're looking to add an LB2 for the fantasy playoffs that might pan out in 2020 and beyond, Burgess should be your first look.
Donald Payne (JAC): If the Jags shut Myles Jack down for the season, Payne could put up outstanding numbers for the rest of the season. We have no idea what Telvin Smith Sr's future is, so there could be a hole at one of the productive LB spots next year. Quincy Williams has been impressive in spots, but so has Payne. A good dice roll that could pan out for the fantasy playoffs and the future if Smith stays away and Williams doesn't impress in camp.
Dante Fowler (LAR): In big-play leagues, Fowler should be rostered. Still just 25 years old, Fowler has always shown that he can sack the opposing quarterback and even adds some batted passes to the box score from time to time.
Defensive Linemen
Chris Odom (DE - WAS): Maybe not worthy of an add just yet, but keep him on your watchlist. Odom, who was pulled up from the Redskins' practice squad last week, had a nice debut. He tallied three sacks and forced a fumble in only 41% of the snaps. As a situational pass-rusher, Odom could see an increased workload in 2020. Jonathan Allen and Matthew Ioannidis will likely dominate the snap counts so just keep an eye on Odom for now.
D.J. Reader (DT - HOU): With J.J. Watt out, the Texans have been bereft of a pass rush and big plays along their front line. Reader has only 2.5 sacks and no other "big plays", but does have 23 solos and 19 helpers on the season. In leagues that start DT separately, he's certainly worthy of a roster spot. He's massive and moves well for his size.
Taco Charlton (DE - MIA): There will be snaps abound for the Dolphin D in 2020. Charlton is the most talented edge guy the Fins have right now, but has seen inconsistent snap counts and the production to match. In terms of talent and opportunity, though, you will not likely find anything better on your league's waiver wire.
Defensive Backs
Tre Boston (S - CAR): Since Week 8, Eric Reid has been "en fuego", but Boston has held his own alongside him. Boston has yet to miss a snap all season and has put up lower-level DB2 type stats for the second half of the season. If you want a stable DB2, Boston is your guy.
Bradley Roby (CB - HOU): Roby, when healthy, has been a playmaker, both on the Broncos and now for the Texans. The Texans do play fairly straight-up on the back end, but Roby has shown he can make the big play regardless of this. In leagues that break apart CB and S, Roby's worth a look. Seems like the guy's been around forever, but he's just 27. So he definitely has some useful years ahead for the Texans D.
D.J. Swearinger Sr (S - OAK): The Raiders defensive backfield could be crowded in 2020, but Swearinger is unique from the rest of the safeties currently rostered in Oakland. He's a big hitter that can rack up the tackles. A solid dice roll for 2020 and beyond.
