IDP Dynasty Sleepers: Week 14

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 Akeem Davis-Gaither, Cincinnati

Davis-Gaither has been on the radar for a few years now as he's been the primary backup whenever guys like Logan Wilson or Germaine Pratt are on the mend.  Well, with Wilson out this past weekend, Davis-Gaither racked up an impressive NINE helper tackles, along with four solos.  That kind of volume tackling bears mention, and if you're in a larger league with fairly deep benches, this guy should at least be back on the radar as a plug-and-play high-floor volume tackler should one of the big two Bengal linebackers be out.

Dynasty Sleeper: LB Otis Reese IV, Tennessee

Not sure what Tennessee is going to be doing at linebacker in 2025 and beyond.  Kenneth Murray Jr. fills the stat sheet but isn't really a huge difference-maker in terms of actual football.  Jack Gibbens gets run, but is he "just a guy"?  Jerome Baker?  Feels like he's just a stopgap for the rest of this season.  Reese has nice size (6-3, 214 lbs.) for this position within the Titan defense, so watch the snap counts carefully here in the last month of the season.  Reese seems like the kind of linebacker who could sneak into a starting lineup and produce fantasy stats.  Also, as a bonus, take a look at James Williams.  Or perhaps even Luke Gifford if you're really digging deep.  Both Titan linebackers have been seeing some snaps.

Dynasty Sleeper: LB J.J. Russell, Tampa Bay

K.J. Britt rolled his ankle last Sunday, and the next man up was Russell.  Obviously Lavonte David is the linebacker to own on this defense, but he will be 35 years old soon and an unrestricted free agent in 2025.  We all know how productive Buccaneer linebackers can be, so mark Russell down as one to watch here these last few games of the season.

Dynasty Sleeper: DL Amaré Barno, Carolina

Barno was activated off IR and promptly went for three solos and a sack against the Bucs this past weekend.  The Panthers will be in a position to audition younger defenders like Barno for the last month of the season, as most of their edge guys are older or could be construed as stopgaps.  Long and rangy at 6-6, Barno has shown pretty good tape as an edge defender.  Worth a look, especially in those leagues that break apart DE/DT.

Dynasty Sleeper: DL Nolan Smith Jr., Philadelphia

As we all likely know, the Eagles tend to rotate their defensive linemen quite a bit, but with Brandon Graham out, Smith has taken on an expanded role.  Even with limited snaps, Smith showed a penchant for the pass rush and even has broken up a pass in his time with the Eagles this season.  As Graham is probably destined for retirement (or at minimum, a much lesser role), Smith is due for a huge breakout in 2025.  

Dynasty Sleeper: DL Christian Barmore, New England

He may be gone in leagues that separate DE/DT, as he was a top prospect coming out of Alabama a few years back.  But if he happens to be available in those leagues, and you're in a league that has deeper benches, he seems like a good stash for 2025 and beyond.  He's shown that he can not only make volume tackles (3 solos his first week back) but also sack the quarterback.  He is a good play against run-heavier teams.  

Dynasty Sleeper: DB Jordan Fuller, Carolina

Somehow, Fuller is still just 26 years old; lots of tread left on those tires.  Since returning from injury, Fuller has put up 8, 12, and 14.5 fantasy points.  He is clearly locked in as a starter next to the aging Xavier Woods.  The remaining schedule couldn't get much juicier for safeties, either:  Eagles, Cowboys, Cardinals and Bucs.  Get him in your lineup if you're soft in terms of secondary.  

Dynasty Sleeper: DB Keisean Nixon, Green Bay

Eventually, Jaire Alexander will be back to full strength and likely regain his status as a solid shutdown type of corner.  That will open the potential for Nixon to not only make tackles but knock potential catches down.  And what we really like about Nixon is that the Packers use him on the corner blitz (2 sacks this year).  His remaining schedule isn't terrible, so if you're really struggling for consistency at corner, he's worth a look.  If nothing else he's a solid stash for '25.

Dynasty Sleeper: DB Renardo Green, San Francisco

The Niners are going to be faced with some difficult "business decisions" in the offseason.  One of which may be who their starting corners will be moving forward.  Well, the rookie Green has made a name for himself the past month, with at least one pass breakup in each game and scoring double-digit fantasy points every week to boot.  Green will likely figure into the Niners' starting plans in 2025 and beyond, and if his last month's worth of games is any indication, he may be a huge value fantasy-wise.