We're already entering Week 9 of the fantasy season, so the number of viable starters available in your IDP leagues have likely thinned out. But as long as players continue to suffer injuries, there will always be another option available with the chance to come in and increase their fantasy value.
Here are a few guys to consider adding as you head into the second half of your season.
Madieu Williams, FS, Vikings - A neck injury late in the preseason has kept Williams on the sidelines until now, but he might finally be ready to make his Minnesota debut in Week 9. That should mean an instant upgrade for your team's defensive backfield. Williams averaged about six tackles per game in his four seasons with the Bengals. He could provide a nice boost to your tackle numbers at the defensive back spot the rest of the season.
Chris Long, DE, Rams - Long might have been let loose by a frustrated fantasy owner prior to Week 8, as he had just two sacks on the season. Still, he has continued to post nice tackle numbers for a defensive end and burst back onto the IDP scene with a two-sack performance against the Patriots. If he's a free agent in your league, pick him up now before it's too late. Long faces the Cardinals, Jets and 49ers over the next three weeks. All of these teams allow plenty of sacks to opposing defenses.
Jerod Mayo, ILB, Patriots - The rookie has started all seven games thus far and is one of the midseason front runners for Defensive Rookie of the Year. While you can't count on Mayo to provide you with the big-point statistics (as he has yet to log his first NFL sack or interception), he'll continue to offer consistent tackle numbers. Mayo lead the Patriots with 48 tackles and with Rodney Harrison out for the season, expect Mayo's tackle pace to increase into the seven or eight per game range.
Antoine Bethea, FS, Colts - Bethea was tabbed as a sleeper before the season, but he hasn't completely lived up to his billing. After two promising seasons to start his career, Bethea has failed to make the leap to IDP star, having posted a respectable 41 tackles but just one interception and zero sacks. Regardless of his unexciting first half, I still have hope that he'll provide a good amount of value the rest of the way. With Bob Sanders expected to return this week, quarterbacks will again have to avoid his side of the field and throw Bethea's way. Bethea still has a chance to match the four interceptions he recorded last season and should be good for another 40-plus tackles.
Dewayne White, DE, Lions - White has been a hot pickup in fantasy leagues the last couple weeks. Given the fact that he almost certainly wasn't drafted, however, he may still be available in leagues that are relatively inactive on the waiver wire. With 5.5 sacks on the season, he's already closing in on his career-high of 6.5. He's also gotten to opposing quarterbacks in five of his seven games. White's big-time sack production has come along with nice tackle numbers (32), as he's compiled 23 over the last three games. Those are phenomenal numbers for a defensive end.
Sabby Piscitelli, SS, Buccaneers - Jermaine Phillips, who posted 187 tackles, six interceptions and two sacks the past two seasons in Tampa Bay, will be out the next four to six weeks with a broken arm. Piscitelli will take over his role as the Buccaneers' strong safety and makes for a great pickup off the waiver wire. He has done well in limited opportunities with the Buccaneers thus far and should be a nice source of tackles with his new gig. Piscitelli also offers the potential for a few interceptions and both forced and recovered fumbles. He should be a viable starter for at least the next month and possibly for the rest of the season, depending on how well he performs.
Danny Goldin is a fantasy writer for Rotowire.com. For more information, please visit Rotowire.com
