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 Claudin Cherelus, Carolina

Things always get super-interesting at this point of the season when it comes to teams that will not make the NFL Playoffs and them auditioning younger players like Cherelus.  Josey Jewell isn't going anywhere, but could Cherelus unseat a guy like Trevin Wallace in 2025 and moving forward?  That remains to be seen, but Cherelus was getting run up until he injured his toe.  If you're in a deeper format with some room on your taxi squad, why not grab him for a buck or two and see what happens next year?

Dynasty Sleeper: LB Malik Harrison, Baltimore

What the...?  Trenton Simpson owners were gifted a Goose Egg from the ex-Clemson Tiger this past weekend.  Simpson hadn't scored in double digits since Week 10 (just 11 points at that), and Harrison, when he filled in for Roquan Smith earlier this season, was a tackling machine.  Well, I guess the Ravens staff finally saw that Harrison was the more adept overall and will likely get the starting nod opposite Smith for the remainder of the season and perhaps even in 2025 and beyond.  Simpson is signed through 202,6 but his erratic play may open the door for Harrison to retain the middle linebacker spot.  Harrison is a fine start for the rest of the season and should be rostered in all formats now.

Dynasty Sleeper: LB James Williams, Tennessee

The Titans are down to fourth-stringers, making Jerome Baker a healthy scratch last week.  Luke Gifford will come into Week 16 with a questionable designation, perhaps opening the door for Williams to get a ton of action.  He scored 14 fantasy points last week and would be in line for another double-digit outing against AR5 and Jonathan Taylor this coming weekend.  If you need a spot start with some 2025 upside, Williams is your guy.

Dynasty Sleeper: DL Baron Browning, Arizona

Browning was once a solid prospect on the Broncos but has moved south to the desert and has been getting snaps for the Cardinals.  He got his first sack of the season last week and could be a disruptive force against Bryce Young and the Panthers this coming weekend.  As we all know, defensive line is a tremendously thin position, so you gotta play the hot hand and the matchup.  The former Ohio State Buckeye is still just 25 years old, so he could become a pass rush force for the Cardinals moving into next season as well.

Dynasty Sleeper: DL Chauncey Golston, Dallas

DeMarcus Lawrence was said to be close to returning, but with the 2024 season all but lost for the Cowboys, they may just shelve him for the rest of the year.  Enter Golston, who broke out with 13 fantasy points last week against the Panthers.  The matchup against the Bucs isn't as juicy, but with four solo stops last week, Golston proved he can add value even if he doesn't sack the quarterback.  For a thin position, you could do worse this week.  And with Lawrence not exactly a spring chicken, it stands to reason Golston may have a role in 2025.

Dynasty Sleeper: DL B.J. Hill, Cincinnati

If you're in a league that separates the two defensive line spots, Hill is definitely worth a look for the remainder of the season.  He's on a three-game sack streak and has eight solo stops in those games to boot.  Love him against Jameis Winston and the Browns this coming week.  And while he's probably on the tail end of his career, he could be a solid option in 2025.

Dynasty Sleeper: DB Dane Belton, NY Giants

Here's the week's biggest "no duh" upgrade/recommendation.  With Tyler Nubin out for the season, Belton comes in and will be tested regularly on the back end of the Giant defense.  Bobby Okereke is likely out as well, so Belton's opportunities will be plentiful for the remainder of the year.  Belton's always filled the box score when given the chance, so this is not really a surprise.  If he's somehow on the wire, get him into your lineup for Week 16, as he'll be a top DB once again.

Dynasty Sleeper: DB Will Harris, New Orleans

Harris is on a nice little three-game streak with double-digit fantasy points.  He has 17 solos in that time and will look to add to that total in what should be a hard-fought game at Lambeau on Monday Night Football.  He's a high-floor volume tackler who will likely get double digits once again, so if you're in a pinch, Harris is a safe option for Week 16 and then again to close the season out against a mistake-prone Raider squad in Week 17.

Dynasty Sleeper: DB Ahkello Witherspoon, LA Rams

Filling in for usual starters, Witherspoon was tested regularly last week and came through with three pass breakups.  He even chipped in with four solos.  The matchup in the Meadowlands is ideal since Aaron Rodgers will be peppering both Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson with targets, regardless of who's covering them.  If you're in a league that separates the defensive back positions, Witherspoon is a veteran you can count on this week.