IDP Dynasty Sleepers: Week 12

IDP Dynasty Sleepers examines an array of linebackers, defensive linemen, and defensive backs you should target. Depending on the makeup of your leagues, these players could be trade targets or solid grab-and-stash types who might be found on the waiver wire.

Dynasty Sleeper: LB Omar Speights, LA Rams

We've highlighted him here before, but it's time to call him out again.  He has a pair of double-digit fantasy outings over the past two weeks, and the rookie out of LSU could be plenty busy against upcoming opponents such as the Eagles, Saints, and 49ers.  If nothing else, grab him as a DTS stash to see what his role will be in 2025.

Dynasty Sleeper: LB Dee Winters, San Francisco

God forbid, but if anything ever happened to Fred Warner, I think we all know that Dre Greenlaw's (who's set to come back soon, FYI) stock would rise immensely. But we all know that the 49er defense can handle two linebackers who produce fantasy points. Winters is an interesting second-year pro out of TCU who the 49ers have said they really like. If you have room on your taxi squad, he's certainly worthy of stashing for the 2025 season and beyond.

Dynasty Sleeper: LB Curtis Jacobs, New England

It's hard to say what's going on with the Patriot linebackers;  one week, it's Jahlani Tavai; the next, it's Christian Elliss; and the week after that, it's someone completely different.  A couple of things to note on Jacobs, though: first, pedigree (he hails from "Linebacker U" - Penn State), and second, the nice size (6-1, 241 lbs.) / speed combo.  He may not see the field much over the next few weeks as he went out with an injury this past week, but he's nothing more than a "watch candidate" anyway.  

Dynasty Sleeper: DL Ogbo Okoronkwo, Cleveland

With Za'Darius Smith departed, Okowonkro could see some extended run opposite Myles Garrett.  Heck, he could even be the starter in 2025 on a defense that will again be one of the NFL's better units.  Of his 12 tackles on the season, three of them were also sacks.  So, for those of you in "big play" leagues, he's worth a look for the remainder of the season and perhaps even for depth in 2025.

Dynasty Sleeper: DL T'Vondre Sweat, Tennessee

It was fairly well-known that it'd probably take Sweat a good year or so to get acclimated to the NFL game.  He was absolutely dominant at the University of Texas, but his game would need to get a bit more refining to really get up to speed, especially as a fantasy performer.  You can't teach size, and Sweat has that (a massive 6-4, 366 lbs.).  Once fully seasoned, he could be a good gap defender who racks up the tackles.  He also has some pass-rush chops, so you may see a few sacks sprinkled in as he develops.  He's nothing more than a taxi squad stash in leagues that separate the defensive line positions, though.

Dynasty Sleeper: DL Brenton Cox Jr., Green Bay

Another "one to watch" here.  Cox got his first game action of the season this past weekend against the Bears and tallied a couple of tackles, an assist, and a sack.  There are definitely going to be some opportunities for the young lineman in 2025 and beyond, so keep your eye on this ex-Florida Gator.

Dynasty Sleeper: DB Evan Williams, Green Bay

Not sure what the Packers are doing with their safeties; sometimes Williams gets a lot of run (three games at or close to 100% usage). Other times, he barely plays or is completely out of the picture.  When he does play, though, he produces.  Defensive back is one of the deepest (if not THE deepest) positions in the hobby, so don't go blowing a ton of capital on him.  But if you have some room on your taxi squad and think he's better than Javon Bullard (he might be), then stash him for 2025.

Dynasty Sleeper: DB Marcus Jones, New England

Lots of things to like about Jones.  First, he's playing the nickel spot (which has been a fantasy producer more and more over the past couple of years).  Second, opposing quarterbacks seem to try and avoid Christian Gonzalez, which has been giving Jones more opportunities at pass breakups (five on the season), and tackles (34 solos this season, including six this past weekend).  If you're in a league that breaks apart the defensive backs, he's certainly worth rostering.

Dynasty Sleeper: DB Denzel Ward, Cleveland

Look, Ward has an absolutely ridiculous amount of pass breakups.  17 of them.  17!  Yes he's 27 years old and doesn't have a ton of tackles on the season, but opposing quarterbacks are throwing at him, and he's making the most of it.  With two games against the Steelers, a game against the Chiefs, and then the Bengals and Dolphins for the fantasy playoffs, he's the kind of dice roll you take in larger leagues that separate cornerbacks and safeties because the tackles could certainly come.