Congratulations to those of you who made your fantasy league’s playoffs! If you’re reading this, you might have already advanced a round or two.
The carnage of Week 14 is a not-so-friendly reminder to keep grinding all the way to the end of the season. Players who left the field with injuries include 49ers’ LB Fred Warner, Cardinals’ IDL Jordan Phillips, Bears’ CB Jaylon Johnson, and no fewer than four Eagles: CB Darius Slay, CB Avonte Maddox, S Rodney McLeod, and DT Malik Jackson. Three starting Raiders – DE Clelin Ferrell, LB Nicholas Morrow, and S Johnathan Abram – were sidelined, and the Raiders’ 44-27 loss to the Colts got defensive coordinator Paul Guenther canned.
The players recommended below are available in at least two-thirds of IDP leagues on MyFantasyLeague.com (MFL). Recommendations are position-specific for lineups requiring including cornerbacks and defensive tackles (or interior defensive linemen) unless noted otherwise.
Maurice Hurst, DT – Las Vegas Raiders
Current defensive line coach and former Cowboys’ defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli succeeds Guenther. Marinelli is known for deploying a three-technique defensive tackle he calls the lynchpin of his 4-3-under defense. The Raiders signed Marinelli pupil Maliek Collins from Dallas in free agency, but he was a bust and is now on IR.
The Collins signing was a perplexing one for Raiders’ fans because the roster already featured a player who looked capable of filling the role – DT Maurice Hurst. Draftniks considered Hurst a first-round prospect in 2018, but health concerns caused him to slide all the way to the fifth round. Hurst began to emerge in the second half of 2019 and seemed poised to blossom in 2020.
The breakout just might be happening now. Hurst got his first start of the season in Week 14 and earned his largest snap share of the season (62%).
Hurst draws the Chargers on Thursday night. The Raiders’ divisional rivals allow the second-most points to defensive tackles of all 32 NFL teams.
Dion Jordan, DE – San Francisco 49ers
Your writer waffled between Football Teamer Ryan Kerrigan and 9er Dion Jordan, fresh off waivers, at DE2 in a 20-team league. Unfortunately for me, I won’t have to make that choice again next week since Kerrigan was quiet in Week 14.
Jordan scored a strip-sack in a rotational role in Week 13. His performance earned Jordan his first start in the NFL since 2018. He made good with 3 tackles, including a sack against Washington. Jordan set a season-high in snaps at 49 (78%).
Jordan faces Andy Dalton and the Cowboys in Week 15. Despite losing 30-7, the Bengals sacked Dalton twice in 25 dropbacks.
David Long, LB – Tennessee Titans
Titans starting linebacker Jayon Brown was a top-20 fantasy option at the position in Week 11 when he was lost for the season to injury. David Long was on the NFL’s Reserve/COVID-19 list at the time.
Long emerged as Brown’s full-time replacement in Week 14. Long’s box score isn’t exciting (five tackles), but the role will provide a range of five to 12 tackles per game if Brown’s weekly performances are any gauge.
Duke Riley, LB – Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles starting linebacker TJ Edwards left the field with an injury in Week 13 with a hamstring injury. That development escaped my attention in writing last week’s edition of this column. Riley was an obvious, strong play against QB Taysom Hill and the run-oriented Saints offense.
Riley’s six tackles and interception will make him an attractive (read: expensive) option on the waiver wire for those with FAAB dollars available. Long versus Detroit is an equally good start to Riley vs. Arizona in Week 15.
Eric Murray, Safety – Houston Texans
Romeo Crennel retired as the Texans’ defensive coordinator after the 2019 season. His 39-year-old protege Anthony Weaver succeeded him. The younger man has varied the Texans’ approach in 2020, moving JJ Watt around more and using safeties more aggressively. Justin Reid would have doubled his pass-rush attempts from the safety position had he stayed healthy.
Texans starting safety Eric Murray scored big with 11 tackles and two sacks in Week 14. With running mate Justin Reid on the sidelines, Murray should assume the role of aggressor in the Texans defensive backfield in Week 15.
Houston’s next opponent QB Brandon Allen and the reeling Cincinnati Bengals are an attractive target for defensive backs looking for big plays.
Lonnie Johnson, Safety – Houston Texans
Houston’s third safety, Lonnie Johnson began the season as a cornerback but changed positions after Week 1. As a result, he maintains the cornerback position designation across fantasy football platforms.
Johnson should rise to a full-time role in light of Justin Reid’s season-ending hand injury. He’s the cheat code that could fuel a semifinal victory in CB-required leagues.
Happy Bidding!
If you’re reading this article but out of contention for a championship in your fantasy league, then I thank you for your interest and dedication to the game! There’s always an edge to be gained, so keep grinding!
Fantasy gamers in dynasty formats should make Mo Hurst a priority add or cheap trade target. This could be the absolute buy-low point for top talent at defensive tackle.
Best of luck to you in Week 15 and September 2021!
Clemson and Michigan alum…Panthers and Cowboys fan…I try to see both sides of every debate and each trade. Find me on Twitter @DynastyTripp.
