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
Vince Williams (PIT): Let's start out with a shorter-term add for those of you ramping up for the playoffs. Robert Spillane will miss some time with a knee injury, and Williams will likely be the one to reap the benefits. Avery Williamson's snaps may rise, but we prefer Williams, who's been in the system for several years now. Look for Williams' stats to bump up a bit, possibly helping a borderline team as an LB3. Those just trying to build for the future can skip over Williams at this point.
Tae Crowder (NYG): Crowder is off the IR and in his second game back, put up a real nice stat line: six solos, an assist, and a sack. We all know that Blake Martinez gobbles up most of the tackles for the Giants' linebacking corps, but there is certainly room for a second linebacker to put up some stats too. Crowder, who was the 2020 NFL Draft's Mr. Irrelevant, got those stats with only 54% of the snaps, which is twice as much as he played Week 12. Look for his snaps to continue to rise as Kyler Fackrell was put on IR. His long-term prospects are pretty good, especially in big-play leagues.
Matt Judon (BAL): Judon may be getting up there in age, but his value in big-play leagues is still fairly good. He seems to blend just enough tackles with sacks and pass breakups. If you're in a larger league that has big-play scoring, Judon is certainly worth owning. His snaps are not really in much jeopardy. He's still listed as being on the COVID list, so this is truly a speculative add for the very end of the season and/or 2021. He could be a solid LB3 or bye week filler in those larger, big-play leagues.
Defensive Linemen
Adam Butler (DT - NEP): The Pats do rotate interior linemen in and out, and Vince Wilfork he is not, but Butler has put up some good stats over the past couple of weeks and has shown some promise. He's got 2 sacks and 2 pass breakups in those two games, and a handful of tackles to boot. Those in leagues that start DT should be intrigued by his size, usage, and production.
Marquis Haynes (DE - CAR): The Panthers do have a bevy of young, talented linemen, so we are adding Haynes to this list as a watch only at this point. If the likes of Yetur Gross-Matos does not pan out, Haynes may be in for a lot of snaps in 2021 and beyond. Just keep an eye on him, as his talent is evident and his size/speed combo is impressive.
Poona Ford (DT - SEA): Ford is kind of the opposite of Butler; that being he doesn't fill up the box score with big-play stats, rather he remains consistent with tackles. The big space-eater out of Texas gets consistent snaps and in larger leagues that start defensive tackles, could be a decent bye week filler in 2021.
Defensive Backs
Troy Hill (CB - LAR): We featured Hill here a month back, but his name bears repeating. Playing opposite Jalen Ramsey gives this guy so many opportunities, and he's making the most of it. If you need some punch at your DB2 for the remainder of the season, look to Hill. His remaining schedule is a bit of a gamble, in terms of tackle potential, but big plays can be there. Or if you're looking for a solid DB2 for 2021 and beyond, we continue to recommend Hill.
Kevin King (CB - GBP): King started the season off slowly, then got hurt. Well, since his return in Week 11, he has 13 solos and had a game with three pass breakups. Playing with Jaire Alexander has its benefits. King has a ton of talent, good size, and showed in 2019 that he can put up some solid stats from the corner spot. His remaining schedule looks favorable, and he's a good prospect for 2021 and beyond as quarterbacks increasingly avoid Alexander.
Jimmie Ward (S - SFO): Ward is a safe add for the remainder of the season as the only safety for the Niners that can consistently make tackles and pass breakups. We absolutely love the remaining schedule for the Niners and while he may be a risky proposition for 2021 and beyond, he is a solid second safety in leagues that start the position apart from cornerback.
