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.
Defensive Linemen
DE Isaac Rochell (LAC vs DEN):
Joey Bosa left last week after suffering his second concussion of the season and there is a good chance he does not play this week. Rochell had drawn the start in each of the past two weeks and has seen his playing time steadily creep up to around 68% of defensive snaps. He had five total tackles and a pass defended last week. This week he takes on a Broncos offense that has been hot and cold all season long. His playing time was tending in the right direction, even with Bosa on the field, and he could be in for an even bigger role if Bosa is ruled out this week. Drew Lock loves to take shots down the field and hold s the ball just a little too long. Upgrade the entire Chargers defensive line this week.
DE Dawuane Smoot (JAX vs CHI):
Jacksonville has had a hard time getting after the quarterback this year. Smoot leads the team with 5.5 sacks and has nearly double the closest player. Josh Allen has been injured off and on and their top draft pick has been nonexistent on the field. Smoot gets a good matchup with the Bears this week with Mitchell Trubisky under center. KLavon Chaisson will get another chance to step up but look to Smoot for the safest floor and the best chance at getting a sack this week.
DT Denico Autry (IND vs PIT):
Defensive tackles need love too. Autry is up to 7.5 sacks this season and that is tied with teammate DeForest Buckner for second in the league amongst defensive tackles. He is coming off a game with 4 total tackles and 1.5 sacks last week and has a game against a reeling Pittsburgh offense. It is only a matter of time before the Steelers get back on track, but this is going to be a tough week to do it against a good Colts defense. Look for Autry to have another sneaky good game and be a worthwhile consideration even if your league does not require a defensive tackle.
Linebackers
LB Todd Davis (MIN vs NO):
Davis and the Vikings have been hard to read so far this year. We highlighted him a few weeks ago and he was outperformed by Eric Wilson, but Davis is the proven commodity and should be the one trusted if Eric Kendricks continues to be out. Davis had 8 total tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss last week and will be taking on a New Orleans offense that is without many of their offensive weapons and has a rusty Drew Brees. Look for Davis to try and track down Alvin Kamara in the flat and have plenty of opportunity for tackles this week.
LB Terez Hall (NE vs BUf):
Late season injuries are tough, but with JaWhaun Bentley down with an arm injury it was Hall that came in to shine. After taking over an every-down role he walked away with 12 solo tackles and an assist. He led the entire team by nearly double. Some of those numbers have to do with the dolphins running the ball 40 times, but it is still impressive, nonetheless. If Bentley is down again this week, look for Hall to have a very productive game against Buffalo.
LB Josh Bynes (CIN vs HOU):
In what was the second-biggest upset of the season (just behind the Jets over the Rams) Cincinnati took down Pittsburgh last week. One of the biggest attributes to that was the strong play of Bynes in the middle. He had 9 total tackles on nearly 70% of defensive snaps and has started every game this season. He has a very safe average of around seven total tackles per game and will get a Houston offense that is missing several of its offensive stars. Look for Bynes and the Bengals to continue to surprise down the stretch.
Defensive Backs
S/CB Lonnie Johnson (HOU vs CIN):
It is worth checking your league settings on this one, but if you are required to start a corner and Johnson is eligible, he is a great start this week. The Texans have been playing him down in the box and at the safety position and he has had tackle opportunity aplenty. He came away with 9 total tackles last week and would be a great way to sneak some tackles into your secondary if you are required to start a corner. Look for Johnson to hover around 7+ total tackles this week as Houston tried to rebound against the Bengals.
S Donovan Wilson (DAL vs PHI):
Wilson came back from injury with a bang last week with 6 solos, 2 assists, 2 passes defended, and an interception. He is taking on a Philadelphia offense that looks much different with Jalen Hurts under center, but the Dallas defense also looks much different than the last time they met. The Eagles have allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing safeties and Wilson has DB2/1 upside this week with many of you fighting for a Championship. Wilson has a safe floor with big-play upside this week.
S Adrian Amos (GB vs TEN):
The Titans run the ball a lot and that bodes well for opposing safeties. Especially a safety like Amos who has been playing in the box more in recent weeks. Amos has 14 total tackles, 4 passes defended, and a sack in the past two weeks and has seen his role increase. On the flip side, Christian Kirksey has seen his role diminish over recent weeks due to the success of Amos playing in the box. Derek Henry may be tough to tackle, but Amos is going to be in on a lot of plays this week. Look for him to keep his 7 total tackle average of the past few games and have an outside chance at double0digit tackles against a run-heavy Titans offense this week.
Last Week:
- LB David Long (TEN vs DET): 6 solos, 6 assists, 1 pass defended, 98% defensive snaps
- OLB Haason Reddick (ARZ vs PHI): 3 solos, 1 assist, 1 TFL, 2 forced fumbles, 1 sack, 96% defensive snaps
- LB Jerome Baker (MIA vs NE): 7 solos, 1 assist, 1 TFL, 1 QB hit, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 100% defensive snaps
- DE Dion Jordan (SF vs DAL): 1 solo, 21% defensive snaps, left early with a knee injury
- DL Alex Highsmith (PIT vs CIN): 3 solos, 2 assists, 1 QB hit, 95% defensive snaps
- DE Olivier Vernon (CLE vs NYG): 2 solos, 1 assist, 1 TFL, 1 QB hit, 94% defensive snaps
- CB A.J. Terrell (ATL vs TB): 5 solos, 97% defensive snaps
- S Eric Murray (HOU vs IND): 3 solos, 2 assists, 1 pass defended, 100% defensive snaps
- S Kyle Dugger (NE vs MIA): 4 solos, 1 assist, 1 pass defended, 53% defensive snaps