Linebackers
Nicholas Morrow (OAK): Justin Phillips may actually slide into Vontaze Burfict’s MLB spot, but it’ll likely be Morrow who sees an uptick in stats now that the aforementioned Burfict is suspended. Morrow logged 6 solos, an assist and a pass breakup against the Colts last week and should be in line for decent stats this week against the Bears. He’s only 24 and had some solid outings in the second half of the 2018 season too. Bonus call: if Phillips looks good in Burfict’s stead, he’ll be an add as well.
Avery Moss (MIA): This one’s a real deep dive, and he’s actually listed as an end on most depth chart sites. But on MyFantasyLeague, he’s a linebacker. Either way, worth a look, as he’s shown a nose for the football, as evidenced by his 5 assists Week 1 and 4 solos last week. He’s got the most consistent snap count numbers at his position and Miami is desperately seeking playmakers on defense.
David Mayo (NYG): Put the “hold the mayo” puns aside and take notice that the Giants are absolutely obliterated at this position. Last week we recommended Ryan Connelly, but he went and tore his ACL, so he’s toast. Enter Mayo, who put up 4 solos and 4 assists last week. If Alec Ogletree and Tae Davis continue to battle injuries, Mayo could be a real contributor. He doesn’t have too much long-term dynasty value but could certainly fill in as an LB3 with LB2 upside for the remainder of this season.
Defensive Linemen
Taco Charlton (DE – MIA): Since joining the Dolphins, the Cowboy-castoff has rendered once-starter Charles Harris to spot duty. Charlton is talented but really hasn’t been able to stay healthy and achieve consistency. With the amount of time he’ll spend on the field for the Fins’ D, this will be a prove-it type of season. He has a sack in each of his first two games as a Dolphin and had a respectable 4 solos and 2 assists last week against the Bolts.
Derrick Nnadi (DT – KCC): For those in leagues that break apart DT from the DL position, Nnadi is worth a look, especially after his 5 solos, 3 assist, 1 sack effort last week. What’s nice about Nnadi is that he faces the Colts, Texans, and Broncos over the next few weeks. If you are beset by injuries or the bye week blues are upon you, it could be a decent stretch from the 2nd-year pro out of Florida State.
Nick Williams (DE – CHI): If Akiem Hicks continues to miss time, Williams is worth a look in deeper formats. He has a sack in each of the past three contests, with a pair against the Vikings last week. A nice matchup this week against the Raiders in London. If Hicks is still banged up after the Bears’ Week 6 bye, Williams’ snap counts may continue to rise.
Defensive Backs
Roderic Teamer and Rayshawn Jenkins (S – LAC): Honestly, both of these guys are worth adding right now with Derwin James still shelved. That being said, neither one will prove all-too consistent. But against the right opponent, they’ll be startable now that we’re into the bye weeks. Teamer produced 6 solos and an assist Week 3 against the Texans but then did squat the next week. Jenkins was not productive at all this season until putting up 5 solos and an assist last week. It might be a situation where you want to monitor which one is putting up the better and more consistent numbers before grabbing one. Jenkins probably has the most upside.
Erik Harris (S – OAK): Even with Lamarcus Joyner and Karl Joseph producing, Harris has found a way to put up solid stats the past two games. If the Raiders continue to use 3-safety looks, Harris could be a solid bye week play in larger leagues. He may not be a long-term play but could help out in a win-now situation.
Chidobe Awuzie (CB – DAL): Awuzie looks like the best athlete in the Cowboy secondary every week. He’s got 4 pass breakups already this season and it looks like that trend will continue given his athleticism and nose for the football. He will hover right around 13-14 fantasy points in typical IDP scoring every week; something that could prove useful in deep leagues or if your league breaks apart CB from the DB position.
