We have reached double digits in Week 10. For some, the fantasy playoffs are mere weeks away, and every roster spot becomes increasingly important.
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 Za’Darius Smith, Cleveland Browns
Rushing on the edge opposite of Myles Garrett – what a fruitful position that would be! Well, that’s where the 31-year-old Smith is lining up. He has sacks in two of the last three games, but the middle game, he had just a single assisted tackle. So Smith will have peaks and valleys, but you have to love the potential opposite of Garrett.
DE Bryce Huff, New York Jets
He has sacks in four straight games and five total sacks during the stretch. Huff played only 48 percent of the snaps in Week 9, though, and that’s where the potential problem prevents itself. With this kind of production, though, you can’t ignore it over a four-game stretch.
Linebackers
LB Tyrel Dodson, Buffalo Bills
The 25-year-old had a season-high 10 tackles in Week 9. Before that, he had five and seven tackles the previous two weeks. He has the Denver Broncos and New York Jets the next two weeks, and he could continue his hot stretch against those lesser foes.
LB Kyle Van Noy, Baltimore Ravens
This one is strictly an option for leagues that reward sacks more than others. Van Noy has just eight tackles over the last four games. He also has five sacks during that stretch. He has a solid matchup against the Cleveland Browns in Week 10.
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LB Zach Cunningham, Philadelphia Eagles
He’s on a bye this week, so keep that in mind when weighing this option. He had his second 10-tackle game of the season in Week 9 with LB Nakobe Dean (foot) suffering another injury. Cunningham made five tackles and two pass defenses two weeks ago, so he’s starting to leave bread crumbs of a viable fantasy option. This late in the game, it’s hard to find 10-tackle guys. Keep him in mind if you have the roster space and Dean isn’t available post-bye.
Defensive backs
CB Kenny Moore II, Indianapolis Colts
Moore is one of the highest-scoring DBs in fantasy over the last three weeks. He tallied 27 tackles and 1.5 sacks in the last three games, including two interceptions returned for touchdowns and two PDs in Week 9 alone. Obviously, you can’t count on the TDs, but his other counting numbers have been great.
SS Keanu Neal, Pittsburgh Steelers
FS Minkah Fitzpatrick (hamstring) is likely out again this week, which will put more pressure on Neal on the strong side. He has had seven tackles in two straight games and seems to be thriving without Fitzpatrick. He has the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns the next two weeks to prove it.
FS Jonathan Owens, Green Bay Packers
Owens took over when Darnell Savage went on IR a couple of weeks ago. It took two games, but he had his breakout with eight tackles, a forced fumble, and a sack in Week 9. He’ll have some run over the next few weeks to build on it with Savage out.