Gonna go back to the "traditional" writeup this week with some of you in the playoffs, needing a guy to plug in this and/or next week to get you that well-deserved championship.
Linebackers
Josh Bynes (ARI): Super crowded situation but prior to last week's stinker he was putting up numbers. Karlos Dansby is a free agent in 2018 (and 36) and while Bynes is no spring chicken, we could see Bynes having an every-down role if Dansby is no longer on the Cardinals next year. Bynes may get the necessary snaps to matter in Weeks 15-17 and is a decent stash in larger formats.
Devon Kennard (NYG): Another fairly crowded situation but Kennard is a no-frills LB3 in deeper leagues for the rest of the season and at just 26 years old, likely figures into the Giants' plans at linebacker in 2018 and beyond. A bit of a dart throw but that's what you're gonna get at this point in the season.
Eric Lee (NEP): Who knows what to think about the Pats' linebacker situation. I mean, Kyle Van Noy has basically come out of nowhere to post ridiculous numbers just based on opportunity alone. Lee has been stuffing the stat sheet and has a nice athletic profile. If you can still grab him, he's a nice Week 15 add and could help in Week 16 too. And a nice sleeper for 2018 given how the Pats' defense typically shakes out.
Defensive Linemen
Denico Autry (DE - OAK): Autry has effectively taken the second end spot away from Mario Edwards, Jr. and anyone on that line not named Khalil Mack will rarely be doubled and will have the chance to make some plays. What I like about Autry is his ability to knock down passes along with getting to the quarterback. Just 27, Autry could prove valuable in 2018 and beyond.
Adolphus Washington (DT - BUF): We've seen what interior linemen are capable of doing here (see Marcell Dareus). Washington has averaged 11 fantasy points the past two weeks and this could be a sign of things to come. In leagues that start the tackle spot, he should be a waiver wire target.
Kawann Short (DT - CAR): Not much else other than I think he has another double-digit sack season in him. The guy is just too talented and gets a ton of snaps for the vaunted Panther D. A buy low candidate or waiver wire stash in smaller leagues.
Defensive Backs
Travis Carrie (CB - OAK): Is Gareon Conley a shutdown corner? If he is, and Carrie is the starter opposite him in 2018, it stands to reason that Carrie will get his fair share of tackle and pass breakup opportunities. In leagues that start cornerbacks, I like Carrie as a deep sleeper in 2018.
Ken Crawley (CB - NOS): It looks like Marshon Lattimore is definitely a shutdown corner in the making, so Crawley will most certainly benefit with plenty of opportunities. Crawley has skills so it's not like opposing quarterbacks will like throwing to his side much, but with Lattimore on the other side, they may not have a choice. That naturally leads to tackle and pass breakup chances.
John Johnson (S - LAR): Been a huge fan of this guy since before the NFL draft and he's finally putting some numbers up now that he's in a starting role and seemingly comfortable with Bum Phillips' scheme. Look out for this guy in 2018 and beyond. He will be the safety to own for the Rams moving forward.
Deshazor Everett (S - WAS): If Su'a Cravens hangs them up permanently, this guy could be a big-time sleeper in 2018. His running mate D.J. Swearinger Sr is a big hitter that puts up consistent points but Everett has been getting 100% of the snaps alongside him and over the past three weeks, has been also putting up consistent points.
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