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 Neville Hewitt (NYJ vs KC):
It has been a strong start to the season for Hewitt who has played 100% of defensive snaps in all but a single game so far this season. His lowest tackling performance was 6 total tackles, and he has flashed double-digit upside twice this season. The Jets are taking on a Chiefs team that love to target the middle of the field and run between the tackles. There is a lot of tackling upside for Hewitt this week as he looks to add to his solid start to the season.
LB Avery Williamson (NYJ vs KC):
It may be hard to believe, but there are 2 Jets defenders on this list this week. Williamson is coming off back to back double-digit tackle performances and has looked solid up the middle. Add an interception and a 21-yard return to his resume and he has looked great this season. Just like with Hewitt, Williamson will face a Kansas City offense that attacks the middle of the field and should see plenty of opportunity for tackles. The Chiefs offense should have the ball a lot this week and someone has to make the tackles for the Jets.
LB Willie Gay Jr (KC vs NYJ):
This is one of the more interesting matchups for me this week and Gay is another linebacker to target. The Chiefs have been sporadic in his usage, but he has drawn the start in 3 of his last 4 games with 13 total tackles and a sack over that period. The Jets offense has not been very good and after the show Kansas City put on against Denver, this defense is lined up well for an encore. Gay saw a season-high in snaps last week and should only continue to build trust. He is a great play this week in a plus matchup and has value over the rest of the season as well.
Defensive Linemen
DE Yannick Ngakoue (BAL vs PIT):
It has been quite the ride for Ngakoue so far this season. From Jacksonville to Minnesota to Baltimore, he finds himself in the best position after his most recent trade. Paired with Patrick Queen on the other side and elite coverage corners, Ngakoue is primed for a big finish to the season. Ben Roethlisberger has a tendency to hold the ball to look down the field and Ngakoue should be in line for a sack in his first game with the Ravens this season.
Emmanuel Ogbah (MIA vs LAR):
Miami is coming off their Bye week and all of the headlines are about Tua Tagovailoa taking over as the starting quarterback. Ogbah has a 3-game sack streak on the line and the Rams have committed to running the ball in recent weeks. Jared Goff is not a mobile quarterback and the Miami defense is going to have to make some big plays to stay in this game. He is averaging about 77% of defensive snaps a game and is poised for another big game this week.
DE Romeo Okwara (DET vs IND):
He is coming off a monster 2 sack game last week against the Falcons and will be taking on an immobile quarterback in Philip Rivers this week. The Lions went out and added Everson Griffen to this defensive line and he should take a lot of attention on the other side. Okwara did see his defensive snaps dip last week from his usual 75% down to 54, but that should not be a major cause for concern. Look for him to get after the quarterback again this week and add to his 4 sacks on the season.
Defensive Backs
CB Malcolm Butler (TEN vs CIN):
If you are in a league that requires corners, look no further than Butler this week. He has registered at least 7 or more solo tackles in 4 of the Titans’ 6 games so far this season, he will also be taking on a Bengals team that has been throwing the ball all over the field and is allowing the most fantasy points to opposing corners. Butler has been having success in the tackle department this season and is in a great matchup this week.
S Micah Hyde (BUF vs NE):
He has seen his tackling numbers dip some in the past weeks but has shown double-digit type numbers earlier in the season. He has games of 9, 9, and 6 total tackles earlier in the season. This week he is taking on a Patriots offense that is allowing the most tackles to safeties by a wide margin. Cam Newton has also struggled with interceptions in recent weeks and the offense has not been clicking. The Buffalo defense has struggled some this season but hopes to build off the momentum they got going against the Jets last week.
S Jabrill Peppers (NYG vs TB):
He is coming off a very impressive week 7 where he had 4 solos, 2 assists, 1 sack, 1 TFL, and a QB hit. Peppers will also be very active against a Tampa Bay team that pounds the middle of the field with their running backs and add to his tackling opportunity. The offense does not control the ball very well and Peppers has had at least 4 solo tackles in each of his past 3 games. Look for him to add to those totals this week and be a solid play.
Last Week:
- ILB Robert Spillane (PIT vs TEN): 2 solos, 1 assist, 75% defensive snaps
- OLB Dre Greenlaw (SF vs NE): 3 solos, 3 assists, 1 TFL, 1 QB Hit, 1 sack, 77% defensive snaps
- LB Tyrell Adams (HOU vs GB): 5 solos, 6 assists, 1 TFL, 100% defensive snaps
- DE Leonard Williams (NYG vs PHI): 1 solo, 1 QB hit, 75% defensive snaps
- DT Grady Jarrett (ATL vs DET): 1 solo, 1 assist, 4 QB hits, 92% defensive snaps
- DT Sheldon Richardson (CLE vs CIN): 3 solos, 4 assists, .5 sack, 1 TFL, 4 QB hits, 81% defensive snaps
- S Deshazor Everett (WFT vs DAL): 3 solos, 1 pass defended, 100% defensive snaps
- CB Terrance Mitchell (CLE vs CIN): 4 solos, 2 passes defended, 99% defensive snaps
- S Kyle Dugger (NE vs SF): DNP ankle injury