It is tough this time of year on the waiver wire, as it’s not always the easiest to find valuable additions. Sometimes it’s better to take safe, high-floor options over risky propositions.
I’d suggest this is more so the case with defensive linemen, where even the elite players can have head-scratchingly low-scoring games. So if you’re going to be cautious, do it at defensive line.
Linebackers need to be your wheelhouse, as they are a solid foundation of points scoring, but defensive backs — with their penchant for splash plays — offer the most risk-reward. You’ll find that mentality reflected somewhat in my suggested pickups this week as the final week(s) of the fantasy regular season force fantasy owners into a win-or-you're-out mentality.
Defensive Linemen
Olivier Vernon remains a must-add player if he’s still on your waiver wire this week. Although he’s just had two sacks in the last four weeks, his tackle totals have meant he’s scored 9.5 pts or more in each game, and on top of that he’s due a bigger fantasy payday, as he’s charted 11 hits and eight hurries in the same span. Not to mention, he’s led all 4-3 DE’s with a +15.4 pass rush grade over those four weeks, showing the Dolphins there is life without Cameron Wake.
I’ve mentioned Kony Ealy in the past, and he’s been a solid addition if you jumped on him several weeks back. He’s averaged 9.6 points per game in the last month and been a DE1 courtesy of a sack in each game (four) and three forced fumbles. His tackle numbers are much more concerning — just eight total — so he is going to be a boom-or-bust scorer, and is not worth it in tackle-heavy formats.
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Ross Miles is a Lead Writer for Pro Football Focus Fantasy. Follow him on Twitter – @RossMilesNFL
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