This article is part of our IDP Analysis series.
RISING
Jeremy Chinn, S 
Chinn got off to such a slow start this season that it made us question last year's dominance to some degree, but he's back on track. The 2020 second-round pick has posted 48 tackles and a pass breakup over the past five games, and he nearly picked off a pass in Sunday's loss to the Falcons. One of the reasons for his success is that he's still a part-time linebacker. He lined up in the box on 28 of 68 defensive snaps this week, per Pro Football Focus. The Panthers' next two opponents – the Bills and Buccaneers – throw the ball a ton, which can lower Chinn's floor, but Chinn has worked his way into "set it and forget it" territory.
Josh Woods, LB 
Woods stepped into Sunday's game after Alex Anzalone left with an ankle injury, and he immediately took on significant responsibilities, calling the plays for Detroit's defense and racking up 13 tackles (10 solo), including two for a loss. The Lions will probably be cautious with Anzalone, so Woods could earn a Week 15 start depending on the status of Jalen Reeves-Maybin (shoulder). If Woods earns a start, he should carry significant fantasy upside once again.
Neville Hewitt, LB 
Kamu Grugier-Hill had been one of the bright spots for the Texans this season, but he was carted off the field with a knee injury during Sunday's loss to the Seahawks. He'll likely miss some time, though there hasn't been
RISING
Jeremy Chinn, S
Chinn got off to such a slow start this season that it made us question last year's dominance to some degree, but he's back on track. The 2020 second-round pick has posted 48 tackles and a pass breakup over the past five games, and he nearly picked off a pass in Sunday's loss to the Falcons. One of the reasons for his success is that he's still a part-time linebacker. He lined up in the box on 28 of 68 defensive snaps this week, per Pro Football Focus. The Panthers' next two opponents – the Bills and Buccaneers – throw the ball a ton, which can lower Chinn's floor, but Chinn has worked his way into "set it and forget it" territory.
Josh Woods, LB
Woods stepped into Sunday's game after Alex Anzalone left with an ankle injury, and he immediately took on significant responsibilities, calling the plays for Detroit's defense and racking up 13 tackles (10 solo), including two for a loss. The Lions will probably be cautious with Anzalone, so Woods could earn a Week 15 start depending on the status of Jalen Reeves-Maybin (shoulder). If Woods earns a start, he should carry significant fantasy upside once again.
Neville Hewitt, LB
Kamu Grugier-Hill had been one of the bright spots for the Texans this season, but he was carted off the field with a knee injury during Sunday's loss to the Seahawks. He'll likely miss some time, though there hasn't been a clear diagnosis. Because the team inexplicitly cut Zach Cunningham last week, Hewitt should step into a starting role for the foreseeable future.
Marcell Harris, LB 
Azeez Al-Shaair – who has enjoyed a dominant season – suffered an elbow injury Sunday and will need an MRI on Monday. Harris entered the game out of necessity because Dre Greenlaw (groin) was inactive. Greenlaw's groin injury has lingered all year, so he likely won't be 100 percent even if he suits up in Week 15 against the Falcons, meaning Harris could see increased reps. You should probably wait until we have clarity on Al-Shaair's injury before making a move, however.
Aaron Robinson, CB 
Robinson missed the first seven games while on the PUP list, but he has now started the last two games, registering 16 tackles (11 solo) and a pass breakup in the process. Even when Adoree' Jackson (quadriceps) returns, Robinson should handle a nickel corner role. The rookie is still a bit raw in coverage, but that can actually help him rack up tackles for IDP purposes.
Dre'Mont Jones, DL 
After starting the season with no sacks through the first seven games, Jones has surged over the past six weeks, recording 16 tackles, including six for a loss, and 5.5 sacks. The Bengals' offensive line hasn't shown an ability to slow down the pass rush, as QB Joe Burrow has been sacked 21 times over the past five games. Jones is a solid streamer in Week 15 for leagues that utilize a DL spot.
FALLING
Marcus Davenport, DE 
Davenport returned to the lineup in Week 14 but recorded just one tackle. The 2018 first-round pick has been fairly impressive this season with 5.5 sacks through the first six games while handling more than a 62 percent snap share in five of seven outings. However, fantasy managers should be wary of his Week 15 matchup against the Buccaneers. QB Tom Brady has been sacked on a league-low 2.7 percent of his dropbacks.
Jayon Brown and Rashaan Evans, LB 
The Titans claimed Zach Cunningham off waivers this week. Cunningham was a healthy scratch in Week 14 against the Jaguars, but he'll be involved soon. There's no indication of who will be left out of the rotation, and it's worth noting that David Long (hamstring) will be back soon as well. Fantasy managers shouldn't drop any of these players if they can afford to hold them, but understand that their starting roles are not guaranteed in Tennessee.
Dont'a Hightower, LB 
Hightower hasn't played more than 77 percent of the defensive snaps since Week 2, and he has yet to record more than four solo tackles in a game this year. Ja'Whaun Bentley has been handling more playing time, and he has played at least 86 percent of the snaps in back-to-back weeks. Neither player has been explosive, so they're both unreliable on a weekly basis.
