If you are reading this looking for players to add this coming week, you either are playing in your league’s championship (congrats) or are already looking to improve your dynasty team for next year (also, congrats). Either way, I appreciate you taking some time to read over this week’s recommendations. We will keep this week brief as I am sure you are busy this time of year winning championships and spending time with family and friends. Let’s dive into Santa’s gift bag one more time and see if he has just one more gift for you this fantasy season.
Defensive Line
Previous Weeks: Carl Granderson, Drake Jackson, Harrison Phillips, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Jonathan Cooper, Jarran Reed, David Onyemata, Nik Bonitto, Josh Uche, Tuli Tuipulotu, Yetur Gross-Matos, Zach Allen, Justin Madubuike, Darrell Taylor, Mike Hoecht, George Karlaftis, Jermaine Johnson, Kyle Van Noy, Kentavius Street, BJ Ojulari, Mike Hoecht, Leonard Floyd, YaYa Diaby, Andrew Van Ginkel, Samson Ebukam, Jadeveon Clowney, Kobie Turner, Jonathan Greenard, DJ Wonnum, Bryan Bresee, Charles Omenihu
Christian Barmore, New England Patriots
Christian Barmore was a one-man wrecking crew on Sunday versus the Broncos. Barmore had 9 tackles, 3 sacks, and a forced fumble. He now has a 3 sack-game streak and 4 in his last 5 games. As of Monday, Barmore is the DL1 in most leagues. He is a must-start in leagues that require a DT, but has been playing so well as of late, he should be considered a starter as a DL2/3 in most standard IDP leagues. Barmore is rostered in just 11.5% of leagues and gets a great matchup against the Bills, who have been a top 6 team for opposing defensive linemen over the last 3 weeks.
Zach Harrison, Atlanta Falcons
Zach Harrison is a third-round pick from Ohio State from this year’s draft who has just started to get consistent snaps over the last few weeks. In Week 15, Harrison played his most snaps of the season and recorded 4 tackles and his first sack of his career. In Week 16, Harrison earned himself a few more snaps and responded with 3 more tackles and 2 sacks. Harrison is a great dynasty stash as he plays alongside some aging vets in Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree who could move on after the season, opening the way for a second-year breakout for Harrison. Harrison and the Falcons take on the Bears next week who are a top 10 option this season for opposing DL.
Defensive Back
Previous Weeks: Reed Blankenship, Christian Gonzalez, Camryn Bynum, Jason Pinnock, K’Von Wallace, Jordan Whitehead, Daxton Hill, Rudy Ford, Juju Brents, Devon Witherspoon, Marcus Maye, Darious Williams, Sam Franklin Jr., Jaylon Johnson, Cam Taylor-Britt, Sydney Brown, Xavier Woods, Nate Hobbs, Johnathan Owens, Keanu Neal, Paulson Adebo, Jordan Battle, Ji’Ayir Brown, PJ Locke, Trenton Thompson, Mike Hilton, John Johnson III, Jordan Howden, Geno Stone/Marcus Williams, Ifteatu Melifonwu, Taylor Rapp
Eric Rowe, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers secondary has been a turnstile of players in recent weeks. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Keanu Neal, and Damontae Kazee — all have had their run this season, and for various reasons, have been sidelined. It’s truly a next-man-up mentality for the Steelers. The next man up is Eric Rowe. Rowe has been in the league for many years and was called upon this weekend and responded with a great statistical game. Rowe had 5 solo tackles, 2 assisted tackles, and an INT. Rowe played all but 3 snaps in the game and could be an option next week versus Seattle as both teams have a lot to play for. Rowe was a top-10 safety this past weekend and is only rostered in 3% of leagues, making it very likely he is available.
Nick Cross, Indianapolis Colts
Nick Cross was last year’s hot name before the start of the season. Cross was expected to come in and be the starter after the sudden retirement of Khari Willis last season, but after a few games, it was clear the game was too fast for him as a rookie. A year later, Cross may get his chance once again to claim that role with an injury to Julian Blackmon. Blackmon left Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury and was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game. An MRI will confirm more on the extent of the injury, but in the meantime, Cross makes for an interesting short-term, and long-term, addition to your roster. Cross finished the game with 5 tackles and is currently rostered in 11% of leagues, so he should be an option in most of your leagues.