We’re inching closer to the fantasy playoffs, and four more teams are on a bye this week. That could make another team’s roster crunch become a dire situation. So keep your eyes open for players that shouldn’t be let go.
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 Charles Omenihu, Kansas City Chiefs
He’s opening his 21-day practice window this week after missing the entire season due to a torn ACL thus far. You’ll want to stash Omenihu if you have the space, because he made an immense impact in his first season with KC last year. He had seven sacks and two forced fumbles in 11 games. The Chiefs are in the bottom half of the league with 19 sacks, and his return will be a welcomed one.
DE Kobie Turner, Los Angeles Rams
The 25-year-old was all over the field on Monday Night Football. He had six tackles, a sack, and a pass defense. He logged a sack last week as well and has had six tackles in three straight years.
Linebackers
LB Anthony Walker, Miami Dolphins
Walker was another player who stood out Monday night, grabbing his first INT of the season. He also had nine tackles after a 10-tackle performance in Week 9. His window of production is clearly open right now. Take advantage.
LB De’Vondre Campbell, San Francisco 49ers
Campbell was second on the team with seven tackles in Week 10. It was the second straight week he had seven stops. His numbers have been spotty this season, but the 31-year-old is worth a look as a flex or depth candidate.
LB Christian Rozeboom, Los Angeles Rams
Alongside having one of the most football-playeresque last names, Rozeboom has been great the last two weeks. He had three tackles, an INT, and three pass defenses Monday night and 11 tackles last week. A hit-or-miss option, but he’s hitting right now.
Defensive backs
DB Ugo Amadi, New Orleans Saints
After the team traded CB Marshon Lattimore, Amadi played in every defensive snap for the first time all season in Week 10. He answered the bell with nine tackles and a clutch pass defense near the end of the game. Amadi will continue to see more run.
S Taylor Rapp, Buffalo Bills
After a “meh” start to the season, Rapp started to pick it up around Week 6. He has had seven-plus tackles in four of the last five games, and he had 10 in Week 9. He picked off a pass in Week 10 to go with seven stops. He’ll present a low ceiling and a high floor with tackles in fantasy.
CB Carlton Davis, Detroit Lions
The 27-year-old has been busy the last two weeks. He had seven tackles and two PDs in Week 9. Davis managed four tackles, two INTs, and two PDs in Week 10. He has a couple of good matchups against Jacksonville and Indianapolis upcoming.
