Let's take a quick look at a few linebackers, defensive linemen, and defensive backs who are either good grab-and-stash types or those you should target in trades. Hope you enjoy the article and that it opens your eyes to some of the gems that can be found on your leagues' waiver wires!
Defensive Backs
Trenton Thompson (S – PIT): With Minkah Fitzpatrick still on the mend, Thompson has come through with double-digit fantasy points in each of the last two weeks. Damonte Kazee is quite limited, upside-wise, so perhaps Thompson could be the box-score filler that Fitzpatrick usually is. It doesn’t seem like the Steelers want to rush Fitzpatrick back.
Rasul Douglas (CB - BUF): Douglas had some productive spans in Green Bay, and he’s found himself a nice home now in Buffalo. He is almost assured of at least one or two pass breakups every game and has shown a knack for volume tackling. He’s on by this week, but he’ll be busy come Week 14 against the Chiefs, then again against the Cowboys the following week and the Chargers to round out the fantasy season. A solid add in leagues that start cornerbacks separately.
Tyrann Mathieu (S – NOS): Is the Honey Badger back? Mathieu was a fantasy stalwart for years, but his production has since really tapered off. Over the past few weeks, though, he’s found a spark somewhere and has been all around the ball. He’s got some nice matchups to round out the fantasy season, so if you’re struggling at defensive back, you might want to ride the hot hand.
Continue reading this content with a ELITE subscription.
An ELITE subscription is required to access content for IDP (individual defensive players) leagues. If this league is not a IDP (individual defensive players) league, you can edit your leagues here.
Linebackers
Mykal Walker (PIT): He only has 11 points in two weeks, but with all the injuries to various Steeler linebackers, Walker saw 84% and 77% of the snaps. Elandon Roberts is more of a two-down thumper, and Walker was once an elite prospect with great overall linebacker skills. Worth grabbing for an extra body down the stretch.
Christian Elliss (PHI): On the other side of the state, the Eagles also have linebacker woes. Zach Cunningham may be sidelined, and Nakobe Dean is already shelved. Nicholas Morrow is there, but Elliss churned 12 fantasy points last week.
Isaiah Land (IND): Just a name to watch now that Shaquille Leonard has been let go. Yes, Zaire Franklin is a mega-stud, but E.J. Speed is really kind of limited, so perhaps the massive Land (6-foot-4, 225 lbs.) could make some things happen. Worth a stash on your DTS to hold and see.
Defensive Linemen
Jadeveon Clowney (DE – BAL): Clowney is really finding his stride with the outstanding Baltimore defense. Yes, he’s 30, but perhaps there’s a year or two left of big-play ability. If you’re in leagues that reward well for sacks and other big plays, Clowney’s someone to roster and plug in with the right matchup.
Anfernee Jennings (DE – NEP): I prefer not to duplicate recommendations from prior weeks, but I really like what Jennings has been doing for the Pat D. He seems to have a solid floor in terms of tackles, and he finally broke out with 1.5 sacks against the hapless Giants. Maybe a sign of things to come.
Kobie Turner (DT– LAR): He may not be an absolute game-wrecker like Aaron Donald, but there’s some Aaron Donald to Turner’s game. He has 4 sacks, 2 pass breakups and a solid amount of both solos and assists this season. He’s a great add against the Browns this week.