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
LB David Long (TEN vs DET):
It may seem like a big reach after long only had 5 tackles last week, but Tennessee only faced 15 rushing attempts the entire game against Jacksonville. The most important things to note are that Long was calling the defensive plays and he played 100% of defensive snaps. The Lions are still going to throw the ball 40 times this week, but they have also run the ball more the past few weeks than at any other point in the season. Adrian Peterson and DAndre Swift continue to get carries despite the game script and there should be plenty of tackle opportunities for Long.
OLB Haason Reddick (ARZ vs PHI):
Reddick was an absolute wrecking ball last week against the Giants and came away with 5 sacks. That would be considered a productive season total for a linebacker, let alone a single game result. A performance like that will not keep a guy a sleeper for very long, especially when his next matchup is against a Philadelphia team that has allowed the 2nd most sacks to opposing defenses this season. The Eagles offense looked better with Jalen Hurts under center, but the offensive line is still a huge weak spot and Reddick could add to his sack totals again this week.
LB Jerome Baker (MIA vs NE):
Continuing the trend of linebackers who get sacks. Baker is coming off a very productive 2.5-sack game last week and has a great matchup against a run-heavy New England offense. Cam Newton has been prone to mistakes all season and the Miami defense has played well in recent weeks. Baker saw his usage slip earlier in the season before it jumped back to 98% of defensive snaps last week. Miami loves to send him on blitzes, and he could be the boom candidate you need in your playoff matchups.
Defensive Linemen
DE Dion Jordan (SF vs DAL):
Jordan has seen a bump in playing time over the past few weeks for a defense that has struggled with injuries all season. He is coming off sacks in back to back weeks and topped out at 78% of defensive snaps played last week. He was able to get to the immobile Alex Smith last week and should not have much trouble tracking down Andy Dalton behind a patchwork Dallas offensive line. Jordan has been trending in the right direction as the season winds down and the 49ers defense has been much improved overall.
DL Alex Highsmith (PIT vs CIN):
The Pittsburgh defense has struggled some since Bud Dupree went down. Highsmith has stepped up and filled those missed snaps over the past two weeks with over 80% of defensive snaps played in each game. He has not recorded a sack but has put constant pressure on the quarterback. This week, he will have a juicy matchup against a Bengals offensive line that has allowed the second-most sacks this season and will have a backup quarterback. This is a great week to chase a sack with Highsmith in what should be a dominant defensive performance for the Steelers.
Olivier Vernon (CLE vs NYG):
Vernon has played very well recently with Myles Garrett dealing with injuries and other things. Garrett exited the Browns Monday Night Football loss and Vernon again picked up the slack. He gets a great matchup against a struggling Giants offense this week. Vernon has 7 sacks in his last 6 games and the Giants just gave up 8 to the Cardinals last week. The entire Cleveland defensive line should see a bump this week and Vernon has as good a shot as anyone to come away with at least a sack.
Defensive Back:
CB A.J. Terrell (ATL vs TB):
Terrell has really stepped up over the past several weeks. He was regularly picked on earlier in the season, but he is making plays now. He is averaging seven solos per game over the past three weeks and is coming off a monster 13-solo game last week. He also has three forced fumbles and three pass breakups in the last month. He will take on a pass-heavy Tampa offense this week and should continue his string of strong performances.
S Eric Murray (HOU vs IND):
With Justin Reid out for the rest of the season, Murray will be asked to step up and assume more of a full-time role. He exploded for 10 solos last week and has a great matchup against a run-heavy Colts team this week. The Colts are currently allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing safeties and Murray will be asked to play in the box to try and slow down their rushing attack. Look for his string of productive games to continue.
S Kyle Dugger (NE vs MIA):
It has been an up and down season for Dugger and the Patriots so far and his usage has been maddening. Since Week 10 he has played no less than 72% of defensive snaps and has become more involved as the season has gone on. This week he takes on a depleted Miami receiver group as the Patriots look to play spoiler at the end of the season. Look for the defense to be fired up after laying an egg against the Rams last Thursday and for Dugger to be more involved this week.
Last Week:
- ILB Avery Williamson (PIT vs BUF): 9 solos, 2 assists, 1 QB hit, 89% defensive snaps
- ILB Todd Davis (MIN vs TB): 3 solos, 4 assists, 100% defensive snaps
- LB Jordyn Brooks (SEA vs NYJ): 34% defensive snaps
- DT Javon Kinlaw (SF vs WFT): 3 solos, 1 assist, 1 TFL, 70% defensive snaps
- DE Clelin Ferrell (LV vs IND): 1 assist, 11% defensive snaps, left early with a shoulder injury
- DE Jabaal Sheard (NYG vs ARZ): 2 solos, 1 TFL, 41% defensive snaps
- S Josh Jones (JAX vs TEN): 1 solo, 2 assists, 24% defensive saps, left early with a shoulder injury
- S Kamren Curl (WFT vs SF): 7 solos, 1 QB hit, 1 Int, 1 TD, 2 passes defended, 100% defensive snaps
- S Jeff Heath (LV vs IND): Placed on IR with a concussion