The season rolls right along into Week 3. We hope you’re 2-0, but regardless, there are key decisions to make as bye weeks inch closer and closer.
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
DE Patrick Jones II, Minnesota Vikings
Jones has begun a breakout season through two weeks. He had 5 career sacks in three years entering the year, and he has 4 sacks in the first two weeks. He has 13 tackles and a forced fumble to go with it. Make him an elevated option on waivers.
DE Keion White, New England Patriots
While his torrid pace is unlikely to last, White is one of the top DL in fantasy from the first two weeks. He had four tackles, a forced fumble and 2.5 sacks in Week 1. The second-year pro followed it up with seven tackles and 1.5 sacks in Week 2; look his way in all conventional formats.
Linebackers
LB Germaine Pratt, Cincinnati Bengals
He could have been drafted in deeper leagues, but he’s getting the job done without a lot of flair. He has increased his tackle output every year in the league, topping it off with 118 last season, and Pratt is off to a fast start with 24 tackles through two games. If he’s out there, change that.
LB Jamien Sherwood, New York Jets
After a ho-hum, four-tackle Week 1, Sherwood emerged with 12 tackles and a pass defense last week. Sherwood becomes a prime candidate this week, because MLB C.J. Mosley missed practice Monday due to a toe injury. The Jets play the New England Patriots Thursday night, and Sherwood makes a banger of a play.
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LB Henry To’oTo’o, Houston Texans
The second-year man has flashed his versatility through two weeks. Head coach DeMeco Ryans was one of the best linebackers of the last 25 years, and he has clearly worn off on the former fifth-round pick. To’oTo’o has 20 tackles, 1 sack, and a PD.
Defensive backs
S Chamarri Conner, Kansas City Chiefs
Conner plays in a lot of nickel packages, and he has flashed through two weeks. He had six tackles in Week 1 and really showed his potential in Week 2. He had six tackles, a sack, and returned a fumble for a touchdown.
CB Alontae Taylor, New Orleans Saints
The former second-round pick’s game lines will pop out your eyeballs. He had six tackles, 3.0 sacks, and a pass defense in Week 1. He backed it up with nine tackles in Week 2. Corners are dicey, but you can’t deny his hustle, especially if Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) misses more time.
CB Andru Phillips, New York Giants
The third-round rookie is making plays early in his career. He had four tackles and forced a fumble in Week 1, notching 12 tackles and a sack in Week 2. Pick him up to see what’s in store against the Cleveland Browns in Week 3.