Two weeks left in the season, and whether you’re in the fantasy playoffs or a season-long grind, there are important decisions to make on the defensive side of the ball.
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 Malcolm Koonce, Las Vegas Raiders
DE Maxx Crosby is drawing all the attention on the other side, and he hasn’t had a sack in the last two games. Koonce has five! He had two forced fumbles two weeks ago and six tackles last week. He faces the Indianapolis Colts this week, who have allowed the sixth-most points to the position the last five weeks. Put him atop your wish list.
DT Christian Barmore, New England Patriots
The 315-pound tackle has been feasting on quarterbacks the last two weeks. He has 12 tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble combined in the last two games. He has a “meh” matchup against the Buffalo Bills this week, but it’s hard to ignore what he has done of late.
Linebackers
LB Shaquille Leonard, Philadelphia Eagles
He may have been picked up and stashed when he signed with the Eagles, but it took a few weeks for him to get acclimated. He showed he still has some fantasy prowess left in the tank with seven tackles and a sack in Week 16. He has a midrange matchup against the Arizona Cardinals this week and is at least a flex candidate.
LB Duke Riley, Miami Dolphins
Riley has been steady at the position the last four weeks. He broke out with eight tackles in Week 13 and has delivered five tackles in three straight games. He sprinkled in a half-sack and a pass defense, but you’re not looking for elite counting numbers here. He provides a high floor, though.
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LB Myles Jack, Pittsburgh Steelers
He went back to the practice squad after a solid Week 16 game, so this may be a fringe candidate. However, he delivered six tackles and a sack in his first action of 2023. The Seattle Seahawks are the toughest matchup against LBs in Week 17, but he’s a good depth piece if you’re still playing come Week 18.
Defensive backs
SS D’Anthony Bell, Cleveland Browns
Bell has settled in as the starter and produced the last three weeks. In Week 16, he had six tackles, a forced fumble, and two pass defenses. Bell had five tackles and an INT in Week 15. So the production continues to increase, and he has a midrange matchup against the New York Jets.
CB Desmond King, Houston Texans
After 11 tackles in Week 16, King has at least 10 tackles in three of the last four weeks. He had a one-tackle game in there, too, and those are the ebbs and flows you deal with when using corners. He’ll have a midrange matchup against the Tennessee Titans this week.
S Jartavius Martin, Washington Commanders
Martin had his worst game in Week 16 over the last three weeks. He secured only six tackles. That shows how good he was in the two previous games with 10 tackles and a sack and seven tackles. There’s a midrange matchup against the San Francisco 49ers for him this week to build on his binge.
