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Linebackers

Robert Spillane (PIT): Now that T.J. Watt’s back, Spillane has had some room to operate. He has eight solos and five assists in his past two contests and even mixed in a pass breakup this past week. He has a chance to rack up some tackles over the next few weeks if you’re desperate to fill your third linebacker spot.

Tyrel Dodson (BUF): Consider Dodson a must-have handcuff for Tremaine Edmunds. When Edmunds is out, Dodson has been brilliant in terms of racking up solos. 13 total tackles last week against the Browns. Edmunds may be back so this may just be a stash for now, but the undrafted product out of Texas A&M really shines when he’s given opportunities.

Uchenna Nwosu (SEA): Nwosu is a stat-sheet-stuffer, with seven sacks and three pass breakups on the season. He had a down game against the Bucs in Week 10 before being on bye this past week, but upcoming games against the Raiders, Rams, and Panthers may prove fruitful. He’s worthy of a look, especially in big-play formats.

Defensive Linemen

Carl Granderson (DE - NOS): With Cameron Jordan missing his first game ever, Granderson stepped up and chipped in with three solos, four helpers, and 1.5 sacks against the Rams. Jordan is no spring chicken and Granderson is just 25, so there’s hope that he may become more than just a part-timer in the coming years. For those with deep benches, Granderson’s worth a look.

Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (DE - HOU): He may not fit the mold as an outside pass rusher, but he’s chipped in with eight solos and six assists over the past two weeks. The Texans are desperate for any kind of playmaker, so they’ll be giving guys like Okoronkwo an extended look down the stretch.

Andrew Billings (DT – LVR): For those in leagues that break apart the defensive line position into tackle and end, Billings is worth a look for the stretch run. There will be some matchups that should feature plenty of running right at Billings, so he could be a high-floor volume tackler over the final month or so of the season.

Defensive Backs

Will Harris (S – DET): The Lions defensive backfield is a tough nut to crack in terms of who does what and when, but right now, it looks like Harris is getting consistent enough snaps to serve as a decent DB2 in larger leagues. The upcoming Thanksgiving Day game should provide plenty of tackle opportunities. If you’re looking to bolster your defensive backs, he comes with only minimal risk.

Rodney McLeod (S –IND): Speaking of safe, high-floor safeties, McLeod is a veteran who will always chip in with tackles and the occasional pass breakup. He has four straight double-digit outings, and while he does have a bye coming up, the remainder of his matchups should prove productive.

Charvarius Ward (CB – SFO): Ward was productive for the Chiefs, and now he has been doing the same for the Niners. He almost always gets a pass breakup and can be a volume tackler. His upcoming schedule is quite favorable in terms of both tackling and potential for big plays.