Eight-year NFL veteran Jamie Winborn is getting a new chance to make an impact in the league as a starter in the Broncos defense.
After being a waiver-wire resident for the beginning of the year, injuries opened the door for Winborn to get back into regular playing time. Since we haven't heard much from him since 2004, it was sort of a surprise to see Winborn land in the Broncos' starting lineup as a strong-side linebacker.
In five games as a starter, he's totaled 48 tackles with half a sack and six passes defensed. For those owners in IDP leagues that count those stats, Winborn is a late-season boon.
As a result, Winborn's Fantasy ownership has gone from zero percent to 14 percent over four weeks. That number should continue to rise as long as he continues to be in on stopping the run game for the Broncos.
Here are some other linebackers on the rise in Fantasy play:
Eric Barton, Jets: Like Wilborn, Barton is an aged veteran finding the fountain of youth at the right time. He's totaled 42 tackles in his last four games, and that's been the crux of his production both this year, and over the course of his career. He's unowned in 79 percent of leagues here at CBSSports.com.
Bradie James, Cowboys: Owned in less than 20 percent of CBSSports.com leagues, James has been worth at least nine points in all but one of his last five games in leagues that reward tackles. He also has five sacks in his last six games, a sign that the Cowboys are using him as a blitzer. He's also had at least 10 total tackles in three of his last four contests.
Rocky McIntosh, Redskins: It looks like Washington has let their prized young linebacker free over the last two months as he's totaled 40 tackles with 1.5 sacks, an interception and five passes defensed in that span. Furthermore, McIntosh could be more productive starting this week as the Redskins might be without starting middle linebacker London Fletcher, who has been an ironman over the course of his career.
David Vobora, Rams: St. Louis will give their rookie a chance in the middle of its run defense in Week 13 vs. Miami, and judging by the likely game plan of their opponent, he could be a sleeper for eight-plus total tackles. Vobora will also wear the radio and call the formations and plays in the huddle.
LB matchups
Ravens vs. Bengals O-line/run game: OK, this one is obvious, but with Cincinnati placing two offensive linemen on Injured Reserve and a third, left tackle Levi Jones, a question mark for Sunday, the Ravens' D-linemen shouldn't have much trouble shooting the gaps.
Players to watch: Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Bart Scott, Jarret Johnson
Bears vs. Vikings run game: Don't count on many stats other than tackles from the Bears linebackers since they're going to have her hands full with Adrian Peterson on Sunday. The Vikings' game plan against the Bears in each of their last three meeting has been to run, run, run.
Players to watch: Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher, Hunter Hillenmeyer
DB matchups
Jets vs. Broncos pass game: With New York's run game expected to bottle up Peyton Hillis, Jay Cutler's going to have to throw quite a bunch. The Jets haven't been great against the pass, but they'll have the chance to pick off a couple of passes.
Players to watch: Darrelle Revis, Kerry Rhodes, Dwight Lowery
Buccaneers vs. Saints pass game: Let's face it, the Saints will struggle to run the ball against Tampa Bay, and they love to throw anyway. Brees has been picked off seven times on the road (compared to four on the road) and four times outdoors when his receivers tend to struggle.
Players to watch: Ronde Barber, Tanard Jackson
Dolphins vs. Rams pass game: Steven Jackson is expected to play, but not take on a full workload. With Miami hogging the time of possession, the Rams are going to be forced to throw. Even though Miami's secondary is a weakness, some of their DBs should come out ahead statistically.
Players to watch: Yeremiah Bell, Will Allen, Renaldo Hill
