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 Malik Harrison, Baltimore
Harrison has been fairly inconsistent when given regular time in the past, save for the past couple of weeks. It's clear that he can gobble up tackles, but only if Roquan Smith is out. Harrison had 20 fantasy points against the Chargers this past Monday night and would be an every-week play (especially against run-heavy teams) if Smith were to ever miss more time. If nothing else, he's a solid handcuff if you have the bench room.
Dynasty Sleeper: LB Nick Niemann, LA Chargers
Denzel Perryman will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025, and Daiyan Henley can't make all of the tackles for the Chargers. Niemann has had flashes where he puts up decent numbers and is only 26 years old. The ex-Iowa linebacker fits the Chargers' defensive scheme well lining up next to Henley and could be a cheap source of tackles if Perryman misses extended stretches and/or is not brought back next season.
Dynasty Sleeper: LB Yasir Abdullah, Jacksonville
Consider this recommendation with a grain of salt, as Abdullah has only chipped in with the occasional tackle or two when given playing time this season, but fellow backup 'backer Chad Muma hasn't exactly wowed anyone when either Devin Lloyd or Foyesade Oluokun has been out. Abdullah is just 24, and the Jags could easily cut bait with Muma and let the ex-Louisville product back up the two stud Jag linebackers. Consider Abdullah someone to watch as the season wraps up and then into the off-season.
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.
Dynasty Sleeper: DL Arden Key, Tennessee
If you're looking ahead to not only this coming week but the fantasy championship week, Key could be a key add if you're hurting at DL, as he'll face Jacksonville both weeks. Key has five sacks since Week 7 and will look to build on that total against the Jaguars. Key could be a starter opposite Harold Landry III in 2025 and beyond, too.
Dynasty Sleeper: DL Gervon Dexter Sr, Chicago
Dexter is a giant of a man, standing at 6-6 and 312 lbs., and has been a fire plug for the Bears' rush defense this season. Additionally, he showed off his pass-rush chops by logging four sacks in their first five games. The sacks have cooled, but Dexter remains a key part of the Bear defense. He is worth a look in leagues that break apart tackles and ends. And in case you're a film junkie, here is some tape on Dexter
Dynasty Sleeper: DB Jack Jones, Las Vegas
Not only can this guy bat a pass down (nine on the season thus far), but he's proven to be a capable tackler (13 solos in the past two contests). With games against the Chiefs, Bucs, and Falcons coming up, he is sure to be busy. He looks locked in as a starter for the Raiders and is a nice option in leagues that start cornerback independently.
Dynasty Sleeper: DB Elijah Molden, LA Chargers
The Bolts have been moving Molden, Alohi Gilman, and Derwin James Jr. all over the secondary. If Gilman misses any time after getting knocked out of this past week's MNF contest, Molden may see an uptick in tackle opportunities. However, Molden's not to be added except in the deepest of leagues, as his upside is somewhat limited. But he could come through in a pinch in leagues that break apart the safety and corner spots.
Dynasty Sleeper: DB Tyson Campbell, Jacksonville
Campbell has been quite busy making tackles the past couple of weeks, notably against pass-happy teams. He gets the Texans this week and very well could log 5+ solos once again. Campbell is an intriguing option if you're in a league that separates corners from safeties. More notable, though, is that he's just 24 years old and will likely be one of the starters in 2025 and beyond.