Linebackers
Brock Coyle (SFO): If your name is "Brock", you're most likely playing football, and most likely linebacker (apologies to Mr. Huard). This Brock actually led the Niners defense in snaps (all 70) last week with Reuben Foster nursing an injury. It was a known that Foster had injury concerns coming out of college, so there will always be some opportunities for whoever sits behind him on the depth chart. In this case, it's Coyle and we all know how productive the Niners middle and weak-side linebackers have been fantasy-wise. More on this later, but Coyle is worth an add based on not only opportunity this year, but with Eric Reid's future with the team in doubt, there may be an open spot come 2018.
Barkevious Mingo (IND): Speaking of names, Mingo's got one of the NFL's best. And with the pickings on the slim side in terms of dynasty sleepers this week, I'm looking at him as a guy who can be rostered in big-play formats. Mingo will never tally a ton of tackles but has some playmaking ability which could prove useful in leagues that give bigger points for non-tackle stats. Starting for John Simon last week, Mingo had his season high in tackles and caused/recovered a fumble. Once a prized draft pick by the Browns as the 6th overall pick in 2013, Mingo has yet to live up to the expectations.
Shaquil Barrett (DEN): Another guy who's more rosterable in big-play formats, Barrett is a guy who will not put up tackles but playing opposite Von Miller could give him some opportunities. Unfortunately for Barrett, Shane Ray saw 51 snaps (to Barrett's 24) last week after being activated off IR; a sign of things to come perhaps, as Ray is someone that's been on the dynasty radar for awhile himself. So perhaps this is more of a situation to watch rather than a call to add Barrett.
Others to Watch: Marcus Smith II (SEA) and Bud Dupree (PIT)
Defensive Linemen
Mario Addison (DE - CAR): Addison made this list before after stringing together a couple of double-digit outings and will so again here this week. As with most defensive linemen, his fantasy production is directly tied to big plays, and most notably, sacks. It's when they can also get you a handful (or just a few) tackles is when they start to merit weekly starts. If you can find a guy like Addison who's got a nice schedule upcoming, you add and plug him in if you're in win-now mode. At 30 years old, his longer-term dynasty prospects aren't super-rosy, though.
Bennie Logan (DT - KCC): If you're not able to find a lineman who's stringing together big play games, find one that's putting up linebacker-level tackle stats. Logan has 8 solos in the past two weeks and threw in a half-sack for good measure. Playing the Cowboys, who may be operating with a less run-oriented offense without their star Zeke Elliott, may prove to push Logan back into obscurity. But in leagues that require you start defensive tackles, I suggest you keep an eye on him. He's been getting consistent snaps in the middle for the Chiefs.
Other to Watch: Brandon Williams (DE - BAL)
Defensive Backs
Eric Reid (S - SFO): Reid is likely rostered in most formats, but if there's a way to add him on the cheap and you can hoodwink his owner, do it. I was a fan of Reid's coming into this season as I understood he would be playing in the box a whole lot more. Now it seems he will be not only doing so, but doing so as the team's weakside linebacker. It sounds like Reid will enter free agency in 2018, but could conceivably come back to the Niners either as a safety or possibly as a linebacker. We've seen situations like this before, and in most cases, it's resulted in production regardless of where the player lands. Reid is an adept tackler and can make the big plays as well. If the current Reid owner isn't in the position to wait and see and you are, it may be to your benefit. Bottom line, go get him.
Adrian Phillips (S - LAC): Very similar goings-on here as well. Phillips has been - essentially - a linebacker for the Chargers with their true linebackers ailing. Those players are on the mend so it could be that Phillips goes back to putting up only a handful of tackles every week. But for those that added and have been starting him after our recommendation here a couple weeks back, you've been getting linebacker-level production from a defensive back. Based on the opportunity here, he's worthy of adding to see how the situation plays out.
Eli Apple (CB - NYG): Apple is an extremely talented football player who, as a rookie, put up decent stats. As a 2nd-year pro he's been in double digits every game and regardless of who is on the opposite side, has been putting up ample tackle stats and has multiple passes defensed in 3 out of 7 games this season. In leagues where you start cornerback, he's a weekly start. Given the Giants' defensive scheme, Apple is a solid long-term dynasty option.
Others to Watch: Tramon Williams (CB - ARI) and Trae Elston (S - BUF)
