Six teams are off in what is the final week of byes in the NFL, so rosters will start to take shape for the fantasy playoffs or the stretch run. Whether you’re new to the column or a vet, we’ll have something to help you make the competition sweat.
Each week, we’ll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.
Defensive linemen
DT Leonard Williams, Seattle Seahawks
The former No. 6 overall pick in 2015 has wreaked havoc the last two weeks. He had six tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a PD in Week 12 before four tackles, a pick-6, two sacks, and a PD last week. He has another good matchup against Arizona this week.
DT Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers
The 14-year vet has played really well the last four weeks. In that span, Heyward tallied 17 tackles, three sacks, and six passes defensed, evenly spread out for those who place a premium on consistency. He has a great matchup against Cleveland this week.
Linebackers
LB Devin White, Houston Texans
Starting LB Azeez Al-Shaair was suspended three games for an illegal hit during Week 13, and White appears to have an opening. If his name rings a bell, that’s because he had 100-tackle seasons with Tampa from 2020-22, and he’s still just 26 years old.
LB Mack Wilson, Arizona Cardinals
He had some big-time performances earlier this season and then fell off a cliff. He made his presence known in Week 13 with seven tackles, two sacks and a PD. It’s slim pickens on LBs this late in the year, and he has the upside to be a contributor the rest of the way.
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LB Akeem Davis-Gaither, Cincinnati Bengals
Davis-Gaither stepped in for Logan Wilson (knee) and grabbed a team-high 13 tackles last week. His value will hinge largely on Wilson’s status, but he’s a good play against Dallas if he starts.
Defensive backs
FS Geno Stone, Cincinnati Bengals
Stone broke out with nine tackles and a fumble recovery in Week 11 before the bye week. He followed it up with seven tackles last week. He has Dallas and the Tennessee Titans the next two weeks.
SS Justin Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
The 27-year-old won’t jump off the page at you with fantasy numbers, but he provides a solid baseline. He has seven, six, six, and six tackles the last four weeks. He doesn’t add a lot else, but his high floor, low ceiling could be of use this late in the year.
CB Byron Murphy, Minnesota Vikings
Murphy is a corner with some upside. He has five-plus tackles in three straight weeks. He picked off passes in four of six games and recorded three PDs last week. He’ll face the generous Atlanta Falcons this week.