IDP Dynasty Sleepers, Week 16

Photo: USA Today Sports

Linebackers

Joe Thomas (CHI): It’s “next man up” for the Bears’ middle linebacker spot. Jack Sanborn was a revelation when Roquan Smith was dealt to the Ravens and Nicholas Morrow retained the weakside spot. Well, now with Sanborn shelved, it appears that Joe Thomas will take the spot. He’s certainly on the wrong side of 30, so this is really just a two or three-week add, but if one was a Sanborn owner and was going to rely on him in your fantasy playoffs, Thomas could fill in decently. He had three solos, three assists, and a sack in 43 snaps after Sanborn was injured last week.

Anthony Nelson (TBB): This is a big-play league recommendation, as Nelson doesn’t really chalk up many tackles. But games against the Cardinals and Panthers may result in a couple of sacks if he continues to get regular snaps. His snap count share has risen each of the past four weeks. Worth a shot if you’re struggling to find points in big-play formats.

Brian Asamoah (MIN): Jordan Hicks’ ankle has been giving him some problems over the past three weeks, and as a result, Asamoah’s snap count share has gone from 5% to 17% to 27%. He tallied four solos and four assists last week with only 21 snaps. That’s a great tackle-to-snap ratio. If the Vikings decide to rest Hicks, Asamoah could rack up some serious stats to round out the season. Hicks is only signed through 2023 so if you’re just looking to bulk up your taxi squad, this would be a solid add if he’s not already rostered.

Defensive Linemen

Joseph Ossai (DE - CIN): Another “next man up” scenario here. The duo of Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard are likely gone for the rest of the regular season, so enter Ossai, who’s shown he has some pass-rush chops both in college at the University of Texas in spot duty in the NFL. He saw half of the defensive snaps against the Bucs last week and finished with a couple of tackles, a pass breakup, and recovered a fumbled ball. Given the status of Hubbard and Hendrickson, Ossai is a solid add for the rest of the season and could be a nice asset moving forward.

Dayo Odeyingbo (DE - IND): This guy had a career week against the Vikings last week, tallying four solos, an assist, and a couple of sacks. Kwity Paye may be the bigger name, but look for Odeyingbo to make a name for himself next year should the Colts not resign Yannick Ngakoue.

Shy Tuttle (DT – NOS): More of a short-term, end-of-season add here, given the matchup against the run-heavy Browns (and the weather likely prompting a ton of handoffs) and the fact that he tallied five solos and a couple of helpers last week. And back in Week 12, he had four solos, an assist, and a sack. This big space-eater could be in line for another solid tackling effort.

Defensive Backs

Jason Pinnock (S – NYG): Julian Love continues to put up solid numbers, but somewhat surprisingly, Pinnock has double-digits in four of the past six contests. His prospects to continue piling up stats look good against both the Vikings and Colts. And at just 23 years old, he’d be a solid taxi squad add if you’re just looking to stash talent.

Kyler Gordon (CB - CHI): The rookie from Washington is back after a couple of games out with an injury and contributed three solos, a pick, and a fumble recovery against the Eagles last week. Expect him to get tested early and often against the Bills and Lions in the next couple of weeks. If you’re in a league that separates cornerbacks from safeties, this guy’s a solid play to round out the fantasy football season.

KVon Wallace (S - PHI): Reed Blankenship is likely out, and in his stead last week, Wallace led the Eagles with eight solo stops. Figure he’ll be extremely busy against the high-octane Dallas Cowboys offense this week in a big divisional matchup. He’s just 25 and could definitely be a major cog in the Eagle defense in 2023 and beyond. This has traditionally been a productive spot, so get this guy in your lineup to wrap up the season.