Let's face it, dynasty is tough. Owners in leagues of all sizes and scoring systems are always looking for an edge over their competition. The goal of this article is to highlight a trio of linebackers, defensive linemen, and defensive backs that can either help you right away or represent good grab-and-stash adds. These players were found in at least one of my many leagues (some 12-team, some 14-team, some 16-team), representing a variety of scoring (standard, big play, etc.). I try to not be too reactive to big scoring occurring in the prior week, but sometimes those outbursts can't be ignored. Hopefully, these players represent good value for your dynasty teams moving forward!
Linebackers
Terez Hall (NEP): Hall is a solid run-stopper who has drawn praise from HC Bill Belichick. He has taken the place of JaWhaun Bentley and has logged 65 and 83 percent of the snaps over the past two weeks. In those two games, he has 9 solos and 7 helpers. He's not the kind of linebacker that is going to fill up the box score with passes defensed, sacks, or fumble-related stats, but he looks to be a reliable tackler for this Patriot defense. The anemic Texan run game may not present him with many opportunities this coming week, but the next three weeks following will give him the chance to rack up some serious tackle stats. And looking forward, Dont'a Hightower may get his starting spot back in 2021, but Hall is a nice prospect that is performing well with regular snaps.
Matt Judon (BAL): Big-play league owners should take a look at Judon, who seems to not only fill the box score with sacks and pass deflections but has recently been more than capable in the tackle category as well. The Ravens' remaining schedule appears favorable for Judon's style of play, so those looking to add some depth can look to the 28-year old for some help down the stretch.
Reggie Ragland (DET): Like Hall, Ragland is a traditional 2-down thumper who has been getting increased snaps over the past couple of weeks. Jahlani Tavai has fallen out of favor and the steady Ragland has picked up the slack. Don't expect fumbles forced, pass breakups, or picks, but you can rely on Ragland for 3-4 solos and 1-2 assists with regularity. In larger leagues, he's a solid bye week filler. The matchup against the Panthers this week is favorable.
Defensive Linemen
Foley Fatukasi (DT - NYJ): Gotta love this guy's name, first of all, and love the fact that he's been active in the run-stuff game with 6 assists over the past couple of weeks. Also like the fact that he has a pass breakup and forced fumble on his resume as well. This beast of a man has seen decent snap count numbers even when Quinnen Williams was healthy. Now that Williams is on the mend, Fatukasi will likely pick up the slack. The next couple of weeks bode well for his chances at racking up some tackles. Those in leagues that start defensive tackles should take notice.
DreMont Jones (DE - DEN): After taking a few weeks off, Jones has come back guns blazing, ripping off a couple of sacks, a pass breakup, and a handful of both solo and assisted tackles. The ex-Buckeye comes with a solid pedigree and with a couple of regular Bronco ends dealing with COVID-19, Jones will see more work. Definitely one to watch for the remainder of 2020 and beyond, especially in big-play leagues.
Da'Quan Jones (DE - TEN): Jones is heating up. 24.5 fantasy points over the past two weeks in standard IDP scoring. He's making tackles and finding his way to the opposing quarterback. Jones could certainly have a handful of double-digit fantasy weeks left in him for the remainder of the season. If you're hurting at DL and are shooting for the playoffs, this is a player that can help you right now and perhaps even serve as a solid DL3 in 2021.
Defensive Backs
D.J. Reed (S/CB - SEA): Reed is classified as a safety in MFL, but with all the injuries that the Seahawks have dealt with at corner, he's slid over to the edge and has produced big-time over the past three weeks. Should either of the 'Hawks regular corners be out again, Reed is a solid start against the Cardinals this week. They are having a terrible time stopping the pass so opportunities will be plentiful.
Nassir Adderley (S - LAC): Yes Derwin James will be back in 2021 and will gobble up most of the defensive backfield stats for the Bolts, but don't sleep on Adderly, who has shown he can rack up the tackles. He has 18 solos over the past three weeks and has a few very favorable matchups on the docket.
Lamarcus Joyner (CB - LVR): Joyner is once again proving he can line up virtually anywhere in the defensive backfield and produce stats. He's 29 so don't think of him as a grab-and-stash, rather he is the kind of player that you can rely on for the remainder of this season.
