IDP Dynasty Sleepers, Week 9

Photo: USA Today Sports

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

Tre'Von Moehrig (S - LVR): Moehrig has consistently underperformed for the Raider defense, especially when Jonathan Abram was at his peak, gobbling up tackles and big play stats. Well, now Abram is long gone, and there's no one else really competing for tackles, unless you could Marcus Epps, who's even more inconsistent than Moehrig ever was. Moehrig has a 5-game streak of double-digit fantasy points and only has one game under 10 points this season. He seems like a pretty high-floor type of play right now, so if you're looking for a solid DB2, you could do much worse.

Keanu Neal (S - PIT): Minkah Fitzpatrick will be on the shelf for a bit, so Neal will see a ton of snaps for this Steeler defense. Neal has produced in the past, so there's no reason to think he won't be able to once again. He put up seven solos and an assist in Fitzpatrick's absence last week against the Jags.

DaRon Bland (CB - DAL): Serving as Dallas' de facto #1 cornerback, Bland has had a few real big outings. He should be plenty busy against A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith this coming week. He's just 24, so he has plenty of tread on the tires and may still prove to be a solid fantasy option once Trevon Diggs is back on the field.

Linebackers

Leo Chenal (KCC): From what I've read on a few Chief fan sites, the team really likes Chenal, and now he's got a nice opportunity in front of him with Willie Gay Jr injured and Nick Bolton already shelved. Drue Tranquill looks like he will be okay, but with Gay out, Chenal's role is set to increase. Chenal won't be a volume tackler but should manage 4-6 solos and can make some splash plays. A nice fill-in for the next few weeks and won't be a waste of space on your roster since he'll continue to have upside past this season.

Amari Burney (LVR): When Divine Deablo went out, most industry folks thought Luke Masterson would step right in like he did last year. Well, rookie Amari Burney, who had a grand total of zero snaps before this past week, out-snapped Masterson 39-28. Burney has some skills, coming out of Florida, and offers a nice size-speed combo. He has a ton more upside than the pretty vanilla Masterson. So perhaps they will allow the rookie to get more snaps alongside the very surprising Robert Spillane. Worth a shot.

Jack Cochrane (KCC): If you're in a bigger format where perhaps Leo Chenal is already rostered, Cochrane is not a terrible consolation prize. He got 14 snaps this past weekend (Chenal got 49) and came away with two solos, two helpers, and a pass breakup. If Gay's injury persists, Cochrane may see a bigger role, especially if Chenal disappoints.

Defensive Linemen

Carl Granderson (DE - NOS): I only highlight players here that I can find on at least one of my many IDP dynasty leagues. In this case, Granderson was available in a 12-team dynasty where we start 2-3 defensive linemen. Granderson should NOT be on ANY waiver wire at this point. He has clearly surpassed Cameron Jordan as the main pass rusher for the Saints and has double-digit fantasy points in four straight games. To boot, he has a cherry matchup against the Bears this coming week. If, by chance, your leaguemates have passed on him, he's worthy of spending some of your dynasty bucks on.

Charles Omenihu (DE - KCC): Yes, another Chief. Since returning from suspension, the big ex-Texas Longhorn has 8.5 and 9.5 points, respectively, in his first game action. He's stuffed the stat sheet already with a pass defense, 1.5 sacks, and five solo stops. The matchup against the Dolphins isn't great, and then the Chiefs are on bye, and not to mention, after the bye they face the Eagles. But brighter days are ahead with games against the Raiders, Packers, and Patriots left on the schedule.

Christian Barmore (DT- NEP): Patriot linemen are not my favorite fantasy adds, but in this case, Barmore's pedigree and snap counts make him a pretty safe play. Since a pretty quiet month's worth of games to start the season, Barmore has been much better, with two sacks, two passes defended, and 9 solo stops in the past three weeks. He's a great play against the Commanders, who have clearly mailed this season in.