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
ILB Christian Kirksey (GB vs SF):
Kirksey has been on the IR since Week 3 and has been activated this week. There may be some concern about a snap count or being eased back into duty, but he has LB1 potential with a great matchup against the 49ers ground attack this week. All reports indicate he has been active in practice and should be all systems go again this week. Look for Kirksey to regain his leading role in this defense for the rest of the season.
OLB Dre Greenlaw (SF vs GB):
We have talked about Greenlaw in past weeks this season and now his situation has gotten even better. His main competition for playing time was Kwon Alexander and he was just traded away. Greenlaw should keep an every-down role for the rest of the season with 8+ tackles-per-game potential. This week he will take on a Green Bay offense that will be without their top 3 running backs and starting players just elevated from the practice squad. Look for his string of solid games to continue.
ILB Josey Jewell (DEN vs ATL):
He is coming off a double-digit tackle performance against the Chargers with 6 solos and 4 assists. He has another 10-tackle game against the Jets where he added 2 sacks as well. Jewell has the potential for a solid game every week on this defense. This week he takes on an Atlanta offense that has struggled to find its identity. While Todd Gurley scores touchdowns, they have not found success running the ball between the tackles. Look for Jewell to shut down the middle of the field with another double-digit tackle day possible.
Defensive Linemen
DE Denico Autry (IND vs BAL):
It may not look like the best matchup on paper, but Lamar Jackson looked human last week against Pittsburgh and made several mistakes. Autry is coming off a game with 2 solos, 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits, and 2 sacks on 54% of defensive snaps played. He had been averaging north of 70% of snaps per game till last week and has 2 games with 2 sacks so far this season. The Colts defense has been great so far this season and could look to capitalize on a Baltimore team that did not seem to click last week. Look for Autry to make an impact on that defensive line.
DE Carlos Dunlap (SEA vs BUF):
Sometimes players just get really lucky in a trade and go from a team that is rebuilding to one that is playing to make the Super Bowl. The Seattle defense has been picked on all season for their inability to cover anyone down the field. They brought in Dunlap to help get pressure on the opposing quarterback and he should find himself in a good spot. He will be on a team that is playing with a lead and all he will be asked to do is go after the quarterback. Dunlap should have sack potential each week and gets a matchup against Josh Allen who has a tendency to hold the ball too long sometimes. Look for a big play from Dunlap in his Seattle debut this week.
DE Josh Allen (JAX vs HOU):
It has been a very up and down career for Allen so far. He made the Pro Bowl as a rookie with a 10-sack campaign, but this year has been down due to injury and being on a bad team. However, Allen is coming off his Bye week fully rested and taking on a Houston offensive line that has struggled to keep Deshaun Watson upright his entire career. Jacksonville is turning to a rookie quarterback this week and will need big plays on defense to keep them in the game. Look for Allen to get back on track this week and flash that potential we saw his rookie year.
Defensive Backs
S Josh Jones (JAX vs HOU):
He is putting up elite tackle numbers for a defensive back halfway through the season and has had an extra week to prepare for Houston coming off their Bye. It is interesting to note that Jones does not have a single pass defended, forced fumble, fumble recovery, tackle for loss, or interception this season but that could all change with a plus matchup against Houston. Look for him to break that trend this week while putting up solid tackle numbers against a porous Houston offensive line.
S Jabrill Peppers (NYG vs WFT):
We highlighted him last week and he rewarded us with a 10-tackle game against a tough Tampa Bay offense. This week he gets the Washington Football Team who have struggled mightily on offense. He should provide help over the top on Terry McLaurin as well as plenty of opportunities to make tackles on Antonio Gibson. He also has a great matchup the following week against Philadelphia before going into a Bye week. Peppers should be a great play for the next 2 weeks.
S Donovan Wilson (DAL vs PIT):
It has been a very odd season for Wilson so far in regard to playing time. When he gets 80% of more of defensive snaps, he is putting up DB1 numbers and making plays all over the field. However, Dallas then likes to rotate his playing time other weeks and he falls flat. He is coming off a game with 92% of defensive snaps with 5 solos, a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. There should be plenty of opportunity for tackles down the field against Pittsburgh this week and it is just a matter of how much Dallas decides to play him. He should be a cheap option with a high upside this week.
Last Weeks
- LB Neville Hewitt (NYJ vs KC): 4 solos, 4 assists, 100% defensive snaps
- LB Avery Williamson (NYJ vs KC): 5 solos, 4 assists, 85% defensive snaps
- LB Willie Gay Jr (KC vs NYJ): 1 solo, 16% defensive snaps
- DE Yannick Ngakoue (BAL vs PIT): 1 solo, 64% defensive snaps
- DE Emmanuel Ogbah (MIA vs LAR): 1 solo, 1 assist, 1 pass defended, 1 forced fumble, 73% defensive snaps
- DE Romeo Okwara (DET vs IND): 5 solos, 1 assist, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 55% defensive snaps
- CB Malcolm Butler (TEN vs CIN): 5 solos, 3 assists, 2 passes defended, 100% defensive snaps
- S Micah Hyde (BUF vs NE): DNP concussion
- S Jabrill Peppers (NYG vs TB): 9 solos, 1 assist, 1 pass defended, 94% defensive snaps