As the season progresses it is hard to find those diamonds in the rough or that guy that no one has heard of. This week we are going to examine the plethora of injuries across the league and who the most likely successor is to that starting job as well as highlight some prime matchups as well as surprising performers to this point. This article will also highlight a few long-term and speculative players that could see their value rise over the course of the season.
Linebackers
OLB Leonard Floyd (LAR vs TB):
It was quite the coming-out party for Floyd last week. He single-handedly dismantled the Seattle offensive line and came away with five solos, three sacks, two TFLs, and a fumble recovery on 91% of defensive snaps played. It was the type of week we all dream about having from an outside linebacker. This week he takes on a Tampa Bay offense that has played Jekyll and Hyde all season. Look for his role in the defense to continue to grow after his breakout last week. We may not see another three-sack game, but he is still in line for a productive week against Tampa Bay.
Robert Spillane (PIT vs JAX):
We are double-dipping on Spillane this season as he has another great matchup this week against Jacksonville. It is also worth noting that he did not see a dip in playing time after the trade for Avery Williamson. James Robinson has been a great story for the Jaguars, but he is going to find it hard to run up the middle against Spillane and company. Spillane is coming off a game with four solos, one assist, one TFL, and a sack against the Bengals. Look for a similar line this week against a reeling Jacksonville offense.
T.J. Edwards (PHI vs CLE):
We are looking at pure tackle upside in this matchup. Edwards is coming off back-to-back double-digit tackle performances and Cleveland loves to run the ball. Of his 12 total tackles last week, only four of them were solo but that is still producing at a high level. Edwards is locked in as long as Nathan Gerry continues to be out, and he should continue to lead this team in tackles. He has a chance to add a third-straight week of double-digit tackles if he can chase down Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb.
Defensive Linemen
DE Sheldon Richardson (CLE vs PHI):
The Eagles are a mess right now. They are coming off a loss to the Giants and have given up a league-leading 35 sacks so far this season. That bodes well for Myles Garrett and Sheldon Richardson this week and could lead to a very rough week for Carson Wentz. Richardson has 3.5 sacks on the season, including one last week against Houston. This could easily be one of his best games of the season in what is a plus matchup for the entire Browns’ defensive line.
DT DaQuan Jones (TEN vs BAL):
The Ravens already have more losses than they did all of last season and the offense has struggled to sustain consistent production. They rank in the bottom half of the league in tackles allowed and sacks to defensive tackles. Enter Jones, who has had steady production over the past week with 12 total tackles and 1.5 sacks in his last 2 games. It is only a matter of time before Baltimore gets back on track, but we can take advantage of their weakness in the middle right now with continued solid production from Jones.
DE Trey Hendrickson (NO vs ATL):
We highlighted Hendrickson here last week and while he did not perform, his defensive snaps played were still very encouraging. He had one quarterback hit and one pass defended but played 69% of the defensive snaps. He is playing more and more, even with Marcus Davenport back in the lineup. This week he takes on an Atlanta offense that has allowed the second-most points to opposing defensive ends. With Drew Brees projected to be out the defense is going to have to step up and that bodes well for Hendrickson in this matchup.
Defensive Backs
S Nasir Adderley (LAC vs NYJ):
With Derwin James still sidelined, Adderley has been locked in as a starter. He has gone largely overlooked because he lacks any peripheral stats other than a single interception this season. However, he has logged at least five tackles in each of his last three games and has a plus matchup against the Jets this week. Look for his strong tackling numbers to continue this week and for him to have his best chance to add to his stat sheet against a poor Jets offense.
S Jordan Fuller (LAR vs TB):
In his return from the Reserve/Injured list, Fuller registered three tackles against Seattle. He played 87% of defensive snaps in his return and should see that number increase this week with Taylor Rapp heading to the Reserve/Injured list. He will be the clear every-down player going forward and has a plus matchup against a Tampa Bay offense that likes to attack the middle of the field. Tom Brady loves to challenge safeties across the middle and Fuller has DB! Tackle potential this week.
S Daniel Thomas (JAC vs PIT):
We talked about Josh Jones earlier this season and the tackling production he has gotten with this defense. Now that he is headed to the IR it is Thomas as the next man up He had eight total tackles on 100% of defensive snaps last week when filling in and could see those numbers swell to double-digit with a plus matchup against the Steelers. The Steelers love to attack the middle of the field and push the ball to their receivers deep. Thomas will have a lot of opportunities for tackles this week.
Last Week:
- LB Eric Wilson (MIN vs CHI): 5 solos, 2 assists, 2 QB hits, 1 sack, 1 pass defended, 100% defensive snaps
- LB Bobby Okereke (IND vs TEN): 3 solos, 1 assist, 1 pass defended, 83% defensive snaps
- LB Tyrell Adams (HOU vs CLE): 5 solos, 2 assists, 100% defensive snaps
- DE Trey Hendrickson (NO vs SF): 1 QB hit, 1 pass defended, 69% defensive snaps
- DT Jerry Tillery (LAC vs MIA): 1 solo, 1 assist, 76% defensive snaps
- DE Leonard Williams (NYG vs PHI): 1 solo, 1 assist, 5 QB hits, 70% defensive snaps
- S Kamren Curl (WFT vs DET): 6 solos, 2 assists, 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 1 TFL, 100% defensive snaps
- CB Breon Borders (TEN vs IND): 5 solos, 100% defensive snaps
- S Rodney McLeod (PHI vs NYG): 3 solos, 2 assists, 1 TFL, 100% defensive snaps
