Week 6 was intense. We saw one of the best defensive players in the game go down for the season in Aidan Hutchinson. When disaster strikes, we find the solutions.
Each week, we’ll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.
Defensive linemen
DE James Houston, Detroit Lions
There is no replacing Hutchinson, but Houston is in line to do it at left end. He actually had 8 sacks for the Lions in 2022. He’s a bit of a lottery ticket, but definitely give him a look in deeper leagues.
DE A.J. Epenesa, Buffalo Bills
The 2020 second-round pick has been quiet for much of the season, but he roared in Week 6 with four tackles, a forced fumble, and two sacks. He’ll have another great matchup against the Tennessee Titans in Week 7, so pick him up at least for a one-week play.
Linebackers
LB Justin Strnad, Denver Broncos
His surname may look like he’s missing a vowel, but he’s certainly not missing tackles. Over the last three weeks since taking over for Alex Singleton, he has four tackles and a sack, nine tackles, and seven tackles with a sack.
LB Krys Barnes, Arizona Cardinals
It’s time for our yearly tease from Barnes. After a couple of injuries at the position, Barnes erupted for nine tackles in Week 6. He’s a talented linebacker who has a propensity for injury, but he brings small pockets of dominance.
LB Payton Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Wilson is a high-floor, low-ceiling option in fantasy. Over the past three weeks, he has six, nine, and six tackles but nothing further. If you’re in a deep league or need a bye-week filler, his tackle potential does the trick.
Defensive backs
SS Rodney McLeod, Cleveland Browns
The elder statesman of the bunch, the 34-year-old McLeod has had two big weeks in a row. He had eight tackles and a PD in Week 5 and eight tackles plus a Pick-6 in Week 6.
S Tykee Smith, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Smith serves as the nickel back and has covered the safety spot for injuries in recent weeks. It’s not consistent, but he has potential to go off. He had eight tackles in Week 2 and 11 with a fumble recovery in Week 3. Last week, Smith posted five tackles, a forced fumble, INT, and two PDs.
CB Montaric Brown, Jacksonville Jaguars
The former seventh-rounder is making a name for himself on a bad team. His tackle numbers since Week 2: 11, seven, eight, eight, and seven. He doesn’t offer a lot more than that, but that’s enough for a pickup.
