Photo: Jason Bridge, USA Today Sports

As the season progresses it is hard to find those diamonds in the rough or that guy that no one has heard of. This week we are going to examine the plethora of injuries across the league and who the most likely successor is to that starting job as well as highlight some prime matchups as well as surprising performers to this point. This article will also highlight a few long-term and speculative players that could see their value rise over the course of the season.

Linebackers

ILB Avery Williamson (PIT vs BUF):

We wrote up Robert Spillane a few times this season when he was thrust into a starting role due to injury. Now Williamson should get his chance with Spillane down with a knee injury. Spillane has not been ruled out officially, but he is expected to miss time. Williamson would be a great plug and play option against a Buffalo team that is trying to balance their offense and run the ball more. The Steelers defense has been great this season and that should continue with Williamson playing in the middle.

ILB Todd Davis (MIN vs TB):

Eric Kendricks went down with an injury last week and Davis stepped in to play every down for the Vikings. He came away with a team high 11 tackles and looked good in his fill-in role. If Kendricks is down again, Davis is a must-start. Even if Kendricks is back, Davis has earned more playing time for a Viking defense that has struggled this season. They have a tough matchup against Tampa Bay this week and will need to tackle up the middle if they want to continue their playoff push.

LB Jordyn Brooks (SEA vs NYJ):

Brooks has been a breath of fresh air for a Seattle defense that has struggled this season. He is averaging seven tackles per game over his last 3 starts and has seen his usage increase each week. Seattle seems very high on him and he should continue to see 65-80% of defensive snaps the rest of the way. He also has a great matchup against the Jets this week who are down to their third-string running back. Look for Brooks to have another productive week against the Jets.

Defensive Linemen

DT Javon Kinlaw (SF vs WFT):

Kinlaw is just starting to flash the high upside that made him a first-round pick. He has the speed to go from sideline to sideline and the athletic ability to make big plays. In the past three weeks, he has seven QB pressures, 8 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception returned for a touchdown. The 49ers defense is getting healthier and playing better at the right time. Look for Kinlaw to have a great matchup against a Washington Football Team that could be without its leading rusher and has a quarterback that is not mobile.

DE Clelin Ferrell (LV vs IND):

None of the stats for Ferrell this year scream that he is a good play. He did not even have a sack until last week when he got to Sam Darnold against a poor Jets offensive line. What makes him interesting this week is the Colts will likely be down to their 3^rd string offensive tackle. Philip Rivers is not a mobile quarterback and if there was ever a week to get a sack it would be this one. The Colts also love to run the ball and there should be some tackle potential on the outside. Look for Ferrell to build on his productive week against the Jets and put up solid numbers again this week.

DE Jabaal Sheard (NYG vs ARZ)

He is not a household name and does not light up the stat sheet, but he has been productive over the past few weeks and will be taking on a Cardinals offense that has struggled lately. Sheard has 1.5 sacks over his past two games and Kyler Murray has not been running as much and has been sacked more in the last three games than any other point in the season. The Giants are playing their best football right now and are coming off an upset of the Seahawks. Look for Sheard to have another productive game this week.

Defensive Backs

S Josh Jones (JAX vs TEN):

It seems like no matter who is playing safety for the Jaguars, they are going to have strong tackling numbers. Jones came off the four-week IR in week 13 and had 10 total tackles in his return. He had strong tackle numbers going into his stint on the IR and the defense has no shown that it is any better. Jones has a matchup against a Titans offense that was just embarrassed by the Browns and an angry Derek Henry. Look for him to be involved with a lot of tackles again this week.

Kamren Curl (WFT vs SF):

This is now the third time we have talked about Curl since he has taken over at starter and he may no longer qualify as a sleeper. He was solid again last week against the Steelers with seven solos and an assist and will be taking on a 49ers offense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing safeties. Curl is performing against every type of opponent so far this season. You can safely start him this week and for the rest of the year.

S Jeff Heath (LV vs IND):

Heath continues to see a bump in playing time with Lamarcus Joyner on the COVID list and Jonathan Abram out with injury. In his past two games, he has 16 solos and 2 assists. Abram has not been ruled out to this point but is in danger of missing again this week. Heath has a high ceiling for tackles and has a favorable matchup against a Colts defense that runs the ball a lot. This could be the last useful week for Heath before the Raiders defense gets healthy again.

Last Week:

• ILB Troy Reeder (LAR vs ARZ): 6 solos, 4 assists, 1 pass defended, 91% defensive snaps
• OLB Nicholas Morrow (LV vs NYJ): 3 solos, 2 assists, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 100% defensive snaps
• LB Cole Holcomb (WFT vs PIT): 4 solos, 5 assists, 1 TFL, 73% defensive snaps
• DE Randy Gregory (DAL vs BAL): 24% defensive snaps
• DE Chase Winovich (NE vs LAC): 3 assist, 2 QB hits, 1 INT, 1 pass defended, 72% defensive snaps
• DT Quinnen Williams (NYJ vs LV): 3 solos, 1 assist, 1 TFL, 3 QB hits, 1 sack, 82% defensive snaps
• CB Shaquill Griffin (SEA vs NYG): 4 solos, 1 assist, 1 TFL, 100% defensive snaps
• CB Bryce Hall (NYJ vs LV):7 solos, 100% defensive snaps
• CB Darnell Savage (GB vs PHI): 2 solos, 1 QB hit, 1 INT, 1 pass defended, 100% defensive snaps