Before we get into bye week armageddon again, Robert Quinn and Cameron Jordan owners rejoice, right? Both where superb in week eight with two sacks each (finally).  Not to mention those were Jordan’s first sacks of the season. Let’s hope this continues. We can also be thankful not many injuries hit us in week eight, and a couple standout IDP’s are on their way back (Calais Campbell and Mychal Kendricks) while one is on his way out (Brian Cushing).

We’ve already passed mid-season and we have a pretty good feeling on whether or not you’ll make a run for the playoffs or are on the verge of a rebuild if you’re in a dynasty/keeper league.  My thoughts are, if you have solid depth between your IDP positions and have some valuable pieces like a Jelani Jenkins or Brandon Marshall, I’d do what I can to move them to a contender for some upside.  The waiver wire is getting real slim here, so let’s hope you built that depth along the way and you can manage the week nine bye disaster we’re about to hit.  If not, I’ve got some spot starters for you that could help you this week.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN:

Ryan Davis, Jaguars:  With Andre Branch now out for the season, Davis gets a bump in value and is a sleeper pick ROS.  The only downfall for him is he plays roughly about 50% of the snaps. The upside is he makes every snap worth it.  Davis put up two sacks in week eight against the Dolphins and has five for the season.  He faces a pretty solid Bengals OL in week nine but still has the potential to get at least one sack.  If you’re suffering from injuries or are in need of a bye week starter, I’d give Davis a shot as a DL2 flier.

Demarcus Lawrence, Cowboys:  The rookie will be activated for week nine (finally!).  If he’s still floating around your waivers, especially dynasty, I’d definitely go pick-up Lawrence.  He may not start or get majority of the snaps right away, but his potential is solid, especially on a team that needs a pass rush.  He was my DL1 in my off-season rookie rankings, and I still stand strongly by that. He can definitely make some noise in the second half of the season.

Allen Bailey, Chiefs:  Bailey makes a decent bye week filler (if needed).  He faces the Jets in week nine and has put up 3.5 sacks on the season. There’s a definite risk/reward playing him.  Bailey has a decent floor to get you 3-5 tackles and 1 sack but also can give you 1-2 tackles and 0 sacks. In deep league’s I’d consider him.

LINEBACKERS:

James (JT) Thomas, Jaguars:  Thomas was the hot add last week with Posluszny out for the season, but if he’s still available he’s worth a pick-up.  He’s become a 3-down linebacker with the upside of racking up a bunch of tackles rest of the season; remember Worrilow’s stretch last season? Thomas can put up tackle numbers simliar to that or at least float between 8-12 on a weekly basis. Thomas has some solid LB3 value rest of season.

Telvin Smith, Jaguars:  I know I mentioned him last week, but I will again because his upside is too good to leave on waivers.  With Posluszny out for the season, Telvin definitely gets more snaps but is still seeing only nickel.  Coaches realize Telvin brings quickness and athleticism to the defense, so that’s another positive for him to get increased snaps going forward.  He has the potential to contribute in all categories and already has 1-interception and 2-sacks on the season.  Telvin has some LB3/4 value going forward and is definitely someone I’d target in dynasty leagues, too.

Devon Kennard, Giants:  Jon Beason is now out for the season and the Giants have holes to fill.  While McClain will take over the middle now, Kennard is looking to see some snaps at strong side and help the pass rush.  In dynasty leagues, I’d definitely consider rostering Kennard now (if you can) before he blows up (he will). The Giants are excited for Kennard and are intrigued by what he brings to the defense.  Kennard probably won’t see your starting lineup right away, but he’s worth the stash for now and worth keeping an eye on.

Mike Mohamed, Texans:  With Cushing out for a couple weeks, maybe longer, Mohamed will see some increased time.  He led the team in tackles (10) in week eight and could definitely do the same for the near future.  If you need a LB to fill in during the bye week(s), Mohamed is a decent option at LB3 maybe even a solid LB4 for deep leagues or leagues that start 3-4 Linebackers.

Notables:  Avery Williamson (Titans) and Christian Jones (Bears) should all be rostered right now. Williamson holds a low-tier LB2 value rest of season and Jones is rising as Briggs/Bostic are hurt.

DEFENSIVE BACKS:

Here are some solid options to consider to stream for week nine or even own for a few weeks or until end of season.

Bashaud Breeland, Redskins:  Breeland had a great game on monday night football against the Cowboys (6 tackles, 1 FF and 4 PD). He’s been solid the last couple weeks and faces the Vikings in week nine; he could easily get 5-7 tackles and 1-3 pass deflections with an upside of getting an interception against Teddy.  I picked him up last week for the rest of the season as my DB2 and am feeling confident about it, too.

Chris Harris, Broncos:  There’s a possibility he’s still sitting there on your waivers. If so, I’d go pick him up for week nine as he faces Brady and the Patriots.  In what could be a potential high-scoring game, Harris will have a busy night that could lead to a 6 tackle, 2-3 pass deflection performance.  You could be also hurting in the DB department in week nine, and Harris would be a solid filler and then some.

Joe Haden, Browns:  Haden has had his share of good games worth starting, and after his 9 tackle, 1 FR, 2 PD game against Oakland he could ride the momentum against the Bucs in week nine.  He’s going to get a lot of opportunity whether he’s covering Evans or Jackson so the 7-9 tackle range is doable.

Josh Norman, Panthers:  Norman faces the Saints on Thursday night and should be in for a busy night.  He makes a decent case to stream as a DB2 this week as he’s coming off a 6-tackle, 1-interception performance against the Seahawks in week nine.

Shareece Wright, Chargers:  Wright is probably glad he doesn’t have to face Demaryius Thomas this week, but he does face Mike Wallace and the Dolphins. With Verrett and Flowers hurt, the opportunity to post decent numbers is there.  In tackle heavy leagues I’d recommend Wright this week as a DB2 as tackle numbers could float between 5-7 plus a couple deflections.