The Anointed One.
Welcome to “The Monster”. Those of you who aren’t new here skip down to the “Week Four Questions” section for the start of the article, this preamble is for any new people. There are always a few.
The vast majority of you are already familiar with this article but if you aren’t this is where we come every Thursday morning to read a bible length article about every IDP relevant player and their performance, playing time, etc from the previous week of games. We look at things like snaps, role, production, opportunity, injuries, replacements for those injuries (waivers) and real football performance since that can lead to huge changes in all of those factors listed above (see Jaylon Smith).
If things didn’t go how we thought they would we’ll try and figure out why that was, if someone we’ve never heard of went off for a massive week we’ll find out if they’re worth picking up on waivers or if they’re just barely playing and just lucked into a sack or splash play and it likely won’t happen again any time soon. We’ll follow up on weird or iffy situations with information from beat writers and whatever else I can find to connect the dots. The idea behind this article is that the “why” is just as important as the “what”.
I am most certainly not an analyst, this isn’t my job, and while our site does pay it’s writers this is just another hobby for me. So I won’t be following the standard fantasy football article rules and I will keep this fun. Besides no one is an analyst around here, Twitter people just love to throw that into their Bio to feel better about themselves, I’m a realist, Matthew Berry is an analyst. I’m just a guy who’s been doing this for a long time and is pretty good at it.
I’m another degenerate like you are. I’ve been playing IDP fantasy football for the better part of two decades and am working on crossing the 30 championship threshold this season so while I don’t call myself a professional I surely do know how to win these leagues and will mix in some of the things I’ve learned over those years in an effort to further make this article a key piece of your weekly information that helps you take home your titles this season. More qualifications and credentials are available in the author bio at the bottom.
You’ll understand by the end of the article if your bathroom break at work is long enough to get through it. And if you decide this article isn’t for you that’s cool too, thank you for giving it a try and we hope you’ll be able to find what you need elsewhere on the site or with our team. Also we don’t expect anyone to wait for Thursday for waivers information etc, that is available from @KBellf54 every Tuesday morning just like every other site runs theirs on that day as well. This article is a deep dive into everything relevant for each team’s IDP production and the waivers mentioned are typically for deeper leagues only, we cater to the 32 team single copy type leagues as well as shallow leagues here at the site. The obvious guys will be obvious, you can come here for help in those leagues where your options are fewer.
We all have the freedom to choose who we trust and follow for our information and really all I can say is the team we have here and the people we work with in the community are the best of the best and our trophy cases back that up. Regardless thanks for giving this article a shot today. Alright let’s get into it.
The Week Four Questions
We got the week started with a pretty exciting game in Cincy with the Jags getting out to a quick lead and then choking it away as is tradition. We got another excellent Logan Wilson game and another solid Andrew Wingard game plus a bounce back for Reyshawn Jenkins as well. We’ll see if the Jags did any better in the time of possession battle in this one (spoiler, they did) and if so were their IDP producers still able to give us what we needed when not spending 36 minutes on the field. We’ll also check in on the health of Jessie Bates and have a look at the Bengals cornerback corps now that Trae Waynes is back and there’s been some movement there, same with the Jags they got Tre Herndon back so both units will look a little different, we’ll diagnose and adjust so we know the best streaming options going forward.
From there we’ll head over to check out the Falcons and Football team, they had an excellent shootout back and forth affair and there’s plenty to look at in this one. Was Chase Young able to bounce back this week? If he wasn’t how many more shares can I collect in redraft for the second half of the season and playoff run? Please and thank you. We’ll check out the Washington linebackers situation as usual and their safety corps as well, plenty of fluctuation in both so far this season no doubt, anything but settled. For Atlanta not a ton going on but we’ll check on AJ Terrell in his first game back after a concussion and will check if Richie Grant is a thing yet, I’m guessing no.
Out in Buffalo we got exactly what we thought we’d get, a massacre. Zach Cunningham was out with Covid for this one so we’ll see if it was Kamu Grugier Hill or Neville Hewitt who got the nod in his absence, this will be good information since Cunningham feels about as solid as my number two after Taco Bell this season. For the Bills we didn’t get Jordan Poyer or Taron Johnson this week due to injury so we’ll check if there’s a possible short term waiver option there if this injury continues into week five. Not a ton to see here beyond that but we’ll check for surprises as usual.
Next we’ll check in on the Bears and Lions where Justin Fields was able to pass for more than one yard this week and we got a David Montgomery sighting as well, but that’s dirty offense we don’t discuss that around here. We’ll check in on the solid and predictable Bears defense and then slowly lose our minds as we look at the sporadic, unreliable and always maddening Lions defense. Who played linebacker this week for them? Did they let Tracy Walker play? How bad is the Romeo Okwara injury? Did the Derrick Barnes train leave the station yet? We shall see.
Over in Dallas the Cowboys continue to look excellent and we’ll answer questions like what kind of role did Micah Parsons have this week? With another week of no Keanu Neal what did the linebacker situation end up looking like? Was Randy Gregory able to get his season started and is Trevon Diggs the second coming of Prime Time? (Yes and yes). For the Panthers we’ll see if Jeremy Chinn was able to have a nice week for everyone now that a real offense was across from him, same thing for Shaq Thompson and company. They’ve had a cupcake schedule and have dominated time of possession as a result, were things any different with a real team and a real offense in the building? Plenty to look at here.
Down in sunny Miami the Colts stunned the Dolphins and we’ll get another look at Darius Leonard and see if the return on investment is there yet or if getting Bobby Okereke many rounds later, like I did everywhere, was the better move. (lol it was, punt linebacker you can always find linebackers) Without Khari Willis this week what did the Colts safety situation look like and I saw there was possibly an injury at corner as well, the defensive line was pretty depleted going into this one also so we’ll see if there are any options if those injuries persist into week five. For the Dolphins we’ll spend as little time as possible with that just as maddening as the “Pats or Lions” defense. We’ll do our due diligence though.
Out in Minnesota the Browns and Vikings was not the points fest many of us thought it would be but we did get some nice production from many of our favorite weekly options, for the Browns we’ll see if JOK’s playing time is moving in the correct direction, we’ll see if we can get any more information on the return of Anthony Walker from short term IR and we’ll see if the somewhat fluctuating safety corps has settled down any. For the Vikings it was another week of Anthony Barr inactive before kickoff, every week that happens is another nail in the coffin for uninformed IDP players who now just expect Nick Vigil to own that other linebacker slot all season, not the case, we’ll dive into that for sure and also check if Danielle Hunter is back to parting opposing quarterbacks butt cheeks like Moses parted the Red Sea.
The Giants were able to stun the bipolar Saints in New Orleans, it was clearly a down swing week for the Winston and company if they let the Giants take them out. We’ll find out what happened to Peppers this week, where did he go? Why was Giants Twitter saying that “His coverage skills make Landon Collins look like Ed Reed“, it can’t be that bad can it? I was told he was good, a special investigation may be in order. We’ll also see if Tae Crowder was everything we wanted him to be and will give the (much less chaotic) Saints IDP options a look over as well, Pete Werner lit up the box score and saw a rather large bump in playing time last week so that will be interesting to see if that trend continued this week against the Giants.
In New York the Jets stunned the Titans and we’ll use this as another chance to check in on the Jayon Brown, Rashaan Evans and David Long situation that frustrates basically everyone every week. We’ll also check out the Titans second safety situation that’s been in flux recently. For the Jets there’s a rumor that CJ Mosley is completely back and looking like 2017 Ravens CJ Mosley and even played more than 100 snaps this week, that would be wild, he was available ROUNDS PLURAL later than guys like Darius Leonard and it would be completely crazy if you could legitimately get the same (or better) linebacker production by punting it until later and using that draft capital on things like a better offense or at positions of scarcity like defensive line, could it be that perhaps people like Sirius XM Radio’s own Justin Varnes (@downwithIDP) and PFF’s own Jon Macri (@PFF_Macri) know what they’re talking about while others do not? We’ll investigate further I’m sure but early reports are CJ Mosley is absolutely killing it this season and guys like Devin White and Darius Leonard are “just OK”. We’ll also check in on the Jets safety situation with the return of Ashtyn Davis and the injury to Marcus Maye so we’ve got a few things to look at in this one.
Down in Philly we got what we all expected, a bounce back game for the Chiefs and we’ll use this as an opportunity to check things like the two linebackers of interest in Philly, the safety corps as well and also the defensive line in the aftermath of the Brandon Graham injury and exit for the season. For the Chiefs we’ll look at Dirty Dan Sorensen who always lights up the IDP box score but never the PFF ratings board, can he hold onto that position for the rest of the season? And how did the Chiefs defensive line shake out in week two of no Frank Clark? A few relevant questions to answer here.
In beautiful Los Angeles we all were expecting an excellent, competitive back and forth affair and what we got instead was a blood bath, but all is not lost we’ll use this as an opportunity to check in on the Cardinals linebackers once more and maybe see if I’ll consider changing my mind in regards to Jalen Thompson as well. For the Rams most things are set in stone but we’ll have a look at their linebacker of choice, Kenny Young, and see how he’s doing since that seems to most to be anything but set in stone for the rest of the season.
Staying in California, the land of grapes and poopy sidewalks, well in San Francisco at least, we’ll check out how close Dre Greenlaw is to returning and that will let us know how many more times we can fire up Azeez Al Shaair before our first great waiver wire linebacker of this season is no more. Emmanuel Moseley is now back in the mix for the Niners cornerbacks corps too so we’ll check on his second week of action as a bonus. For the Seahawks most things are set in stone with the noteworthy exception of their defensive line which is anything but settled, we’ll see if anything is starting to make sense for that until after our fourth week of games.
A mile high in Denver the Broncos played their first real opponent of the season and it did not go so well for them. For IDP however it was a blessing indeed, without that Denver offense all but guaranteed to win the time of possession battle the defense finally got to spend some time on the field and finally had a real offense across from it for the first time this season. Were those two rather important differences enough to turn around the production for guys like Justin Simmons and AJ Johnson? (Yes) And for the Ravens was Chuck Clark able to go, how bad is the DeShon Elliot injury and why the down week for Patrick Queen? Many important answers in this one.
Out in the land of cheese the Packers pounded another nail into the Steelers coffin and won this one easily, we’ll use this as a chance to look at De’Vondre Campbell, the Packers pass rush without Za’Darius Smith once again and check in on the two IDP relevant safeties there. There was also an Eric Stokes sighting due to the injuries to both Jaire Alexander and Kevin King so we’ll see if we can find any information on the severity of those events and also see how Mr. Stokes did in his first major playing time (he might have seen some snaps earlier this season but he was actually needed this week legitimately). For the Steelers most things were solid going into this one now that Watt is back but I did see a questionable tag for at least one of their important cornerback options so we’ll give this whole defense a once over to see what’s what.
Sunday night it was the most overhyped game of the century, thankfully it ended up being a competitive and excellent affair and we’ll get to go through the Patriots IDP situation as fast as possible since we dislike all their options always due to the nature of their defense. But for the Bucs we definitely need to look at the Carlton Davis injury and get whatever information we can about that plus check out Richard Sherman‘s box score in his first game in a Bucs uniform. We also got another week of no JPP so we’ll see if the Joe Tyron Shoyinka experiment worked out better the second time around. Some good stuff to look at here.
And to wrap up the week we got a really nice AFC west battle with the Chargers and Raiders battling it out in Los Angeles for Monday night football. What’s the status of Kenneth Murray after that freak injury in practice and what does the Chargers linebackers situation look like if this is going to be a long term issue? For the Raiders was Denzel Perryman able to maintain that excellent playing time we saw last week and was Maxx Crosby able to get back to his productive ways as well? How did Joey Bosa look? The last time we saw him he was really hobbled and wearing enough tape on his leg to legally apply to the mummy association of America, whatever I tried it’s late my brain is fried. Regardless we’ll see what there is to see in this one just like we do with all of them every week.
It’s week four, this is the monster, let’s get this party started.
The Week Four Answers
Logan Wilson is finally a thing
Jaguars @ Bengals
Jacksonville Jaguars
Produced as expected: Reyshawn Jenkins (S) Tyson Campbell (CB) Myles Jack (LB) Andrew Wingard (S) Damien Wilson (CB) Shaq Griffin (CB)
Flash in the pan: Tre Herndon (CB) was back this week after injury, he could end up being the other full time corner here along with Shaq Griffin (CB) thereby displacing the rookie Tyson Campbell (CB) but until we actually see it he’s just a corner who played 67% of snaps this week and had efficient production considering that less than ideal playing time, pass for now, we’ll see what the future brings.
Possible waivers: Adam Gotsis (DE) was in for 60% of snaps and landed a sack, I personally wouldn’t do this but he’s playing enough and had a nice stat line with that sack, all the trimmings and another three combined tackles plus a QB hit, maybe worth a stab in much deeper leagues but it feels more like a flash in the pan despite the perfectly acceptable playing time.
Misc notes: Josh Allen (DE) was in for 71% of snaps but had another down week, one good week and three bad to start the season. He’s playing plenty so the good weeks will come. It’s just an expectation thing and where you have him, as your defensive end one or as a linebacker in your linebacker slot when you could have a combined tackle flood guy there instead equals not great. As your defensive end two preferably three even four in deeper leagues this is fine and he’ll be fine. Better weeks to come.
The Jags offense was better this week, they only lost the time of possession battle 32 minutes to 28 instead of their customary 24 minutes of offense to 36 so that was nice for them, even in a closer game like this all of their weekly relevant IDP options (besides Allen) gave us what we needed production-wise so that was excellent to see. Their overall time of possession ranking improved slightly, they only spend 35 minutes a game on defense now (lmao). Still a great defense to have options from, the best ability is availability and these IDP producers in Jacksonville are available plenty, approximately 35 minutes a game this season. Not much else to see here this week, we’ll circle back after they get destroyed by whoever they play in week five. Also do we think that blonde dancing on Urban Meyer at the bar was Lawrence or a coed? Ahh I kid. Seriously though, what kind of absolute idiot puts themselves in that situation to begin with, this wasn’t Buffalo Wild Wings it was a college bar loaded with college girls decades younger than him, he’s a married dude and one of the most famous coaches on this planet. Play stupid games win stupid prizes. No sympathy whatsoever for that moron. Think before you act, it’s one of those good life rules that most people are aware of by the time they’re 57 years old.
Cincinnati Bengals
Produced as expected: Logan Wilson (LB) Sam Hubbard (DE) DJ Reader (DT) Vonn Bell (S) *somewhat* Eli Apple (CB)
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week.
Possible waivers: Germaine Pratt (LB) and Trae Waynes (CB) played 79% and 95% of snaps respectively this week, I’ve been hesitant to even say anything about Pratt because I’ve seen this movie before and it sucked. However this is a new season so I need to be better about carrying over my past biases from previous seasons into this current one. This season he’s been productive and he’s playing enough to start in deeper leagues, end of story. If that changes I’ll yell it out as soon as I see it. For Waynes he’s returned from injury and had a nice initial week back in the box score and in terms of playing time, it looks like it will be him and Eli Apple (CB) as the two best streaming corner options going forward. For now at least, Chidobe Awuzie (CB) will throw a wrench into that at some point when he returns to the lineup as well.
Misc notes: Trey Hendrickson (DE) was in for 86% of snaps this week and did nothing of note, also he’s been getting some pretty generous scoring from the NFL stat crews, PFF has his actual season production far less than what shows up in our Yahoo, MFL or ESPN fantasy apps. That means he’s been lucky so far, beware of that. He’s playing plenty though and has had a couple nice weeks so no reason to really freak out yet, down week this week it happens at defensive line, nature of the position. He should be fine as long as he continues this type of playing time.
Brandon Wilson (S) and Jessie Bates (S) will return to normalcy next game it would appear, Jessie Bates (S) was given this game off as an inactive in what is being described as a “minor injury” and that by missing this week it would give him an extended break to get back to 100% for week five, so we don’t even need to discuss Brandon Wilson (S) as a short term wavier wire safety option because it won’t exist next week. Besides the only thing that was nice about him this week was his 100% of snaps played, the two combined tackles were not something worth chasing down anyways.
Larry Ogunjobi (DT) was in for 64% of snaps this week and had a down week with only three combined tackles on the day, nature of the position he’ll be fine. He’s had a couple nice games this season and has been a really productive IDP defensive tackle in recent history so we know he’s more than capable of that production for us and our IDP defenses. Logan Wilson (LB) continues to impress and is the linebacker one in most places so far this season, I don’t know if that will hold all season, my guess would be no, but he was in for 100% of snaps for the first time this season and has come out of the gate red hot so that’s nice for those of you that were able to either draft him or grab him off waivers early. It’s been a long time since the Bengals had a legit IDP linebacker weekly, let’s all enjoy it while we can. Nothing else to see here this week, nice win for the Bengals. We’ll reevaluate after week five.
CJ Mosley has fully returned to form
Titans @ Jets
Tennessee Titans
Produced as expected: Harold Landry (OLB) Rashaan Evans (LB) Kevin Byard (S) Jeffrey Simmons (DT) Kristian Fulton (CB)
Flash in the pan: NA, Rashaan Evans (LB) could qualify but with all the uncertainty with the Titans linebackers unit currently it’s safe to say none of us have any idea how this is going to shake out currently.
Possible waivers: David Long (LB) was in for the most linebacker snaps again this week for the Titans with 98%, it only translated into three combined tackles but we’ve seen excellent production from him this season when he’s had that kind of playing time, this was more a result of the Jets offense being less than ideal for opposing IDP production and not having as much to do with Long’s playing time or role. I’m trying to get him wherever I can, the more we see the Rashaan Evans (LB) and Jayon Brown (LB) story play out the more it looks like Long is the best option here.
Dane Cruikshank (S) was in for 97% of snaps this week and had five combined tackles but with Amani Hooker (S) designated to return from short term IR week five this is extremely short term and something where you’d have to monitor Hooker as well and make sure he’s inactive before plugging in Cruikshank, so a lot of hoops to jump through for five combined tackles, might want to skip this one.
Misc notes: Rashaan Evans (LB) and Jayon Brown (LB) played 70% and 31% of snaps respectively this week, for Evans that’s much closer to his traditional 80% or so of snaps each week but the issue here is the hamstring injury for Jayon Brown (LB) clearly still has him hobbled. After checking local Titans beat writers though there is a belief that this could be more long term than we think though. The smart play here is to try and acquire Long and bench the other two while this thing settles. It’s anybody’s guess as to how this shakes out but the one consistent recently is that David Long (LB) has seen a massive increase in playing time and it’s stuck. We’ll circle back after week five.
Janoris Jenkins (CB) played his usual amount of snaps but had a down week with only three solo tackles on the day and no other stats, not shocking at all this was the Jets passing attack not the greatest show on turf, he was an avoid for me unless you were in a crazy deep league with no options for streaming corner this past week so that tracks. He’ll be fine against a better passing offense. Not much else to see here, we need to keep an eye on the linebacker situation and see what happens when Amani Hooker (S) comes off of IR but beyond that everything looked normal here.
New York Jets
Produced as expected: CJ Mosley (LB) Quincy Williams (LB) Bryce Hall (CB) Michael Carter (CB) John Franklin Meyers (DE) Bryce Huff (DE)
Flash in the pan: Javelin Guidry (CB) saw a decent bump in playing time this week and as a result a pretty big increase in production as well, up to 85% of snaps and ten combined tackles on the day, we haven’t seen this yet this season so I hesitate to call it a streaming corner option, Bryce Hall (CB) has really only been the safe option here so far but we’ll keep an eye on it going forward.
Folurunso Fatukasi (DT) was in for 50% of snaps this week which is the most he’s seen this season and had a really nice day in the box score but unless there’s an injury to Sheldon Rankins (DT) or Quinnen Williams (DT) he’s probably not going to play enough for any kind of consistency this season, pass for now.
Possible waivers: A ton of people are going to be scrambling to add Quincy Williams (LB) off waivers this week after his monster performance, all well and good and he’s been a waiver wire add in this article for a minute now so no change there, however with Jarrad Davis (LB) coming off the short term IR in the next couple weeks this will be a short term thing only, keep an eye on Davis and make sure he’s inactive before plugging in Quincy weekly. Ashtyn Davis (S), see more below.
Misc notes: Ashtyn Davis (S) only saw 38% of snaps in his first week back from short term IR, Jarrod Wilson (S) saw the other part of that safety role, 62% of snaps, but we all know he will fade out as Davis gets back up to speed, we may want to wait on that until Davis is back up to the playing time was saw last season though. For now neither of those safety options is safe at all, we wait until it’s settled and then Davis should be an excellent waiver wire safety for us at that point.
Shaq Lawson (OLB) saw 59% of snaps this week and didn’t do anything with them, he continues to be a disappointment this season. CJ Mosley (LB) had an absolute monster of a game and has been an incredible value later in drafts going into this season, he’s been more productive than guys like Darius Leonard (LB), Isaiah Simmons (LB) and Fred Warner (LB) and cost exponentially less. This is why you prioritize positions of scarcity, linebackers will always be available later in drafts that give you comparable production to those “top tier” options, and we haven’t even mentioned the waiver wire linebackers, guys like Azeez Al Shaair (LB) and Tae Crowder (LB) cost nothing more than a mouse click and paying attention and give you essentially the same production as those same top end options for a fraction of the cost, play smarter. Everything else looked good here for the Jets, we’ll see what next week brings.
Another LB1 day for Roquan Smith
Lions @ Bears
Detroit Lions
Produced as expected: Alex Anzalone (LB) Amani Oruwariye (CB) Will Harris (S)
Flash in the pan: Derrick Barnes (LB) and Bobby Price (S) played 31% and 60% of snaps respectively this week, for Barnes most think it’s only a matter of time before he becomes the other inside linebacker here replacing the Jamie Collins (LB) role and playing next to Alex Anzalone (LB). That time is not now though, even with this weeks acceptable production we can’t roll out a guy only playing 31% of snaps a week and expect anything resembling consistency, bench for now and hopefully it gets better. For Price this could end up being something down the line but for now the entire safety corps is in flux and none of those options look real safe at the moment. It’s a wait and see, but personally I’m avoiding this entire defense like the plague.
Possible waivers: Charles Harris (OLB) was in for 90% of snaps and landed a sack along with four combined tackles and two QB hits on the day, this would appear to be the Trey Flowers (DE/OLB) replacement, Flowers has a knee injury and there was also some chatter that he (along with Jamie Collins who they recently airlocked) were on the outs with the organization so this could end up being a long term thing if that goes as well for Flowers as it did for Collins, regardless this defense is a nightmare in general. Nothing is set in stone, everything change and fluctuates week to week and it will only get worse the more games they lose. We always see teams start to play the “who do we have” game once their season is swirling the toilet, well the Lions season is already swirling the toilet, I’m just staying away from this defense entirely unless I’m forced into a corner in a much deeper league.
Misc notes: Tracy Walker (S) saw 60% of snaps this week and as a result only had just two solo tackles on the day, nothing else, it’s time to abandon ship I think. Another promising IDP producer down the drain in Detroit.
Romeo Okwara (DE) suffered a torn achilles and is done for the season, we’ll see if there’s a waiver wire option with this next week but frankly I’m less than enthused even if there is for reasons already mentioned in this section. We’ll see what next week brings for Detroit but so far not a whole lot to be excited about here either in IDP land or as a real defense or team.
Chicago Bears
Produced as expected: Alec Ogletree (LB) Roquan Smith (LB) Robert Quinn (OLB) Duke Shelley (CB) Khalil Mack (EDGE)
Flash in the pan: Trevis Gipson (LB) was only in for 34% of snaps and lucked into a sack along with a handful of combined tackles and two tackles for loss, not likely to happen again any time soon with that kind of (far less than ideal) playing time.
Possible waivers: Deon Bush (S) was in for the injured and out Tashaun Gipson (S) this week, if that injury lasts into next week or longer Bush was in for 100% of snaps and recorded nine combined tackles, not bad at all but also likely to be a short term option only and one that’s entirely dependent on Gipson being inactive again next week.
Misc notes: Danny Trevethan (LB) was designated to return from IR this week but did not play any actual snaps, I did mention that it’s always safer to wait and see it first before plugging in a guy like him or even Ashtyn Davis (S) in immediately after designation from return from IR, this is why. I read today from local Chicago beat writers that this other inside linebacker position is now a legit competition, and local Bears expert @ZmagsIDP, also an excellent writer on staff here, mentioned that there’s some chatter that his rehab may be taking a bit longer than expected and that Ogletree, despite still having some tackling issues, has really upped his game these past few weeks and has really taken advantage of the opportunity. So you’re guess is as good as mine, clearly we can’t start Trevethan any time soon, we’ll see what next week brings but I still think he’s worth an add if you need linebacker help, Ogletree has been injury prone in the past and he’s a bad game or two away from getting yanked if he does end up retaining that job once Trevethan is 100% healthy. Beyond that everything else here looked normal, no fluctuations in playing time or anything, it was an up week for Mack and a down week for Skidmarks Jackson, that could easily flip next week both of those guys are boom or bust. We’ll reevaluate after week five.
A better day for Leonard this week
Colts @ Dolphins
Indianapolis Colts
Produced as expected: Darius Leonard (LB) Bobby Okereke (LB) Xavier Rhodes (CB) Grover Stewart (DT)
Flash in the pan: Kemoko Turray (DE) only saw 46% of snaps this week and lucked into two sacks with all the trimmings, the slightly increased playing time was only due to Kwity Paye (DE) being injured and out to begin with. Even if this was a long term injury for Paye, which it isn’t, not that I’ve heard anyways, 46% of snaps is not great, especially at defensive end. Pass for now unless you want to point chase which is always a bad idea.
Possible waivers: Andrew Sendejo (S) was in for 100% of snaps this week with Khari Willis (S) injured and out but only recorded four combined tackles, only two of those solo, and a pass defended, nine points in most of my leagues which isn’t terrible but also not great. This could be an option in much deeper leagues if you need a short term spot start but the Willis injury isn’t something that should keep him out an extended period of time so it probably isn’t worth putting a ton of effort into, plus you’d have to ensure that Willis is inactive again this week before locking in Sendejo.
Misc notes: DeForest Buckner (DT) and Kenny Moore (CB) played their usual snaps, 85% and 100% of snaps respectively, but both had a down week. Nature of the position for both and both produce weekly FAR more often than most others at their respective positions so I would just chalk this one up as a bad week and keep it moving, they’ll be fine.
Julian Blackmon (S) and Al Quadin Muhammed (DE) played 100% and 83% of snaps respectively this week which is normal playing time for both here as well. Bad week for both of these guys as well, it was the Dolphins offense in town this week not the 2007 Patriots so it wasn’t completely shocking to see a bunch of the Colts IDP options have a subpar week for production, you need good opposing offense for your IDP to eat. They’ll be fine as well but remember Blackmon has never been consistent and Muhammed isn’t super talented he just plays a ton, for him the ability is availability. Everything else here was normal, the cornerback corps is a little dinged up so we’ll keep an eye on that.
Miami Dolphins
Produced as expected: Jason McCourty (S) Eric Rowe (S) Christian Wilkins (DT) Emmanuel Ogbah (DE) Xavien Howard (CB)
Flash in the pan: Literally everyone else, those guys up top play enough (most of the time) week to week for some kind of consistency. This defense in general fluctuates wildly week to week.
Possible waivers: No new producers this week but it looks like Jason McCourty (S) has taken over that second safety slot next to Eric Rowe (S), that’s anything but set in stone though knowing this defense, this is one of the cursed defenses along with New England and Detroit, stability is not an ability for those defenses.
Misc notes: Jevon Holland (S) only played 27% of snaps this week and his playing time is now going backwards two weeks in a row, plant him on the bench and I’ll yell it out loud when he’s playable again.
Jaelen Phillips (DE) same deal, backwards to just 41% of snaps this week, frustrating to say the least. He’s probably still playable in the deepest of leagues but with the fluctuations that already happen week to week on this defense you’re playing a dangerous game relying on him in any capacity until his playing time looks more like Emmanuel Obah’s (DE).
Brandon Jones (S) was a thing last week after lucking into two sacks with like 40% of snaps played, he only played 3% this week and put up zero statistics of any kind. This is a real world example of what point chasing will get you, especially in situations where the playing time is really not ideal at all. Follow the snaps to production. The usual circus here in Miami, maybe next week will bring some stability and maybe pigs will fly.
Hunter was back to parting opposing quarterbacks cheeks like Moses parted the Red Sea
Browns @ Vikings
Cleveland Browns
Produced as expected: Malcolm Smith (LB) Myles Garrett (DE) Troy Hill (CB) Denzel Ward (CB)
Flash in the pan: Greedy Williams (CB) saw a massive jump in playing time due to the Greg Newsome (CB) injury and inactive this week. The normal order of operations is Denzel Ward (CB) every week every snap, Greg Newsome (CB) every week most snaps, Troy Hill (CB) every week around 70% of snaps, Williams has been the odd man out all season that only changed this week due to injury, I wouldn’t go chasing this. Takkarist McKinley (DE) also hasn’t done anything significant since the Carter administration, he was in for 57% of snaps this week but that was likely gamescript with Minnesota behind and having to throw 38 times to try and get back in to this one, ask anyone who’s either a Falcons fan or has been playing IDP for more than a cup of coffee what they think of Tak McKinley as an IDP option and be prepared for an earful. We can pass on that.
Grant Delpit (S) also saw a large increase in playing time due to an untimely concussion for Ronnie Harrison (S) who exited this one after only 3% of snaps played. That’s not normal either, he was topping out around 40% of snaps until this week so don’t fall for this one either.
Possible waivers: Jeremiah Owusu Koramoah (LB) saw another slight bump in playing time up to 52% of snaps played this week and had a nice game in the box score with seven combined tackles, five of them solo, in the words of Mike Woellert (@Mike_Woellert) “He’s the best linebacker option they have”. My only concern is Anthony Walker (LB) is designated to return in week five, so that could throw a wrench into the works, if it was just Malcolm Smith (LB) he had to worry about I’d say this is money in the bank but it’s not, still I’d add him in redraft if your bench is big enough and sit on it. It’s clear that he’s talented and he’s been productive on far less than ideal playing time, if he does get his legit shot we could have a monster producer on our hands here.
Misc notes: John Johnson (S) once again played every snap but only had two solo tackles and one QB hit on the day, it’s been clear since week one that this roll here in Cleveland is light years different than what he was asked to do in Los Angeles. The real football talent and playing time hasn’t gone anywhere but what they’re asking him to do isn’t ever going to allow him to be consistent for us week to week for IDP purposes. It really stinks, a lot of us drafted him highly and he’s been a reliable option for us for years but the faster we adjust to this and find another option the better, it is what it is.
Malcolm Smith (LB) gave us another 76% of snaps this week and eight combined tackles, six of those solo along with one tackle for loss, his time as a wavier wire linebacker has been terrific. But alas that time is drawing to a close, whether it’s JOK or Anthony Walker (LB) we’re probably only getting another week out of him at most, and even that feels iffy right now. I’m pulling the plug personally, the Browns have the Chargers this week which should be excellent but with the uncertainty discussed above I’d rather avoid this entirely. To each their own but this feels risky if we take it any further. Beyond those few notes everything looked fine here for the Browns.
Minnesota Vikings
Produced as expected: Eric Kendricks (LB) Xavier Woods (S) Harrison Smith (S) Danielle Hunter (DE) Everson Griffen (DE) Dalvin Tomlinson (DT)
Flash in the pan: Blake Lynch (LB) and Sheldon Richardson (DT)
Possible waivers: No new producers this week but Anthony Barr (OLB) is coming back one of these weeks I keep on being told. When that happens those Nick Vigil (LB) shares will be in trouble.
Misc notes: Cameron Dantzler (CB) and Bashaud Breeland (CB) basically reversed playing time this week due to an injury to Breeland that took him out of the game only 8% of snaps into this one. Breeland has seen ideal playing time all season so unless this is a serious injury, and it doesn’t appear to be, it will be him once more upon return. He was suffering from an illness heading towards kickoff and thought he would be good to go but couldn’t play and ultimately came out. It will be Peterson and Breeland in all likelihood next week as usual as the two best streaming corner options here.
Nick Vigil (LB) played 100% of snaps yet again this week but finally came back to earth with only four combined tackles, only one of those solo, this was probably good timing from the fantasy Gods since some of the uninformed will abandon ship and completely miss the disaster on the horizon that is Anthony Barr (OLB) returning from injury and reclaiming that linebacker slot from Vigil. DJ Wonnum (DE) continues to play plenty and do precisely nothing with those snaps, no change there. Everything else looked good here this week, the guys we really look to for production gave us everything we needed and more. The looming linebacker situation is the only big thing on the horizon here in Minnesota, we’ll see what next week brings in regards to that after we circle back post week five.
Foye Oluokun has quietly been excellent every game this season
Football Team @ Falcons
Atlanta Falcons
Produced as expected: Foye Oluokun (LB) Deion Jones (LB) Erik Harris (S) Duron Harmon (S) Fabian Moreau (CB) Steven Means (DE) *somewhat*
Flash in the pan: Avery Williams (CB) saw 75% of snaps as the third corner this week only due to an injury to Isaiah Oliver (CB), we can disregard unless it’s a long term thing, and even then third corner playing time isn’t something we should ever really be looking at when 100% of snaps a week corners are so readily available throughout the league.
Possible waivers: No new producers this week.
Misc notes: AJ Terrell (CB) was back to 100% of snaps played this week after returning from injury but the two combined tackles were more about Taylor Heineke (QB) and the lack of weapons for the Football Team and less about Terrell’s talent or production in ideal matchups, he’ll be fine, especially when the Bucs or Cowboys are in the building in coming weeks.
Steven Means (DE) played 82% of snaps and recorded three combined tackles and one tackle for loss, seven points in most of my leagues, he’s a very similar option to Al Quadin Muhammed (DE) with the strength being time spent on the field, he’ll luck into production just like Muhammed every couple few weeks, this is obviously not an option for medium or shallow leagues but we cater to leagues of all types around there parts so this is something I’ve mentioned in the past for those 32 team single copy dynasty salary cap bad boys, guys like Means and Muhammed are the life blood of IDP production in those leagues where all you can do is get someone who plays a ton and hope they do something for you, just mentioning it. I’ve got him going in a couple crazy deep leagues and this week was acceptable for sure.
Grady Jarrett (DT) and Dante Fowler (EDGE) played 79% and 78% of snaps respectively this week but both had a down week, nature of the position for both, Jarrett is coming off a beautiful week and Fowler hasn’t really been great in a couple seasons but showed us something the last two weeks and had an acceptable game this week if your league scores tackle for loss correctly. Regardless both will be fine so long as you manage your expectations, defensive tackle two preferably three and an IDP flex in a much deeper league is about what to expect. Richie Grant (S), still not a thing, special teams snaps only again this week. Everything else looked good here this week.
Washington Football Team
Produced as expected: Cole Holcomb (LB) Landon Collins (S) Jonathan Allen (DT) Bobby McCain (CB) Kendall Fuller (CB) Chase Young (DE) & Daron Payne (DT) *somewhat* Montez Sweat (DE)
Flash in the pan: Kamren Curl (S) had a decent week with five combined tackles but is still only topping out at 79% of snaps played, less than ideal still, at least we got some good news with the other IDP relevant safety here, more below. For now just temper expectations if you choose to roll out Curl weekly, without that full playing time his ceiling is hampered.
Possible waivers: With Jon Bostic (LB) injured, torn pec and done for the season, it’s officially Jamin Davis (LB) time. It was trending this way anyways but now it should be a done deal. You all likely know this by now but just making sure.
Misc notes: Landon Collins (S) saw 100% of snaps this week! Finally! Along with that good news came eight combined tackles, five of those solo, best news possible. Does that mean he’s completely safe to fire up weekly again? No idea. Is it the first good news we’ve gotten in regards to this situation all season? Yes, and we will take it. I’d like to see it one more week before I trust it but I will be adding him in waivers in several places this week with the expectation that he’ll be good to go once again very shortly.
Matt Ioannidis (DT) saw 58% of snaps this week as part of the rotation, the good news is that early season injury seems to be past time, he practiced this week and didn’t carry the questionable tag into the game for the first time this year if I recall correctly. He’s been a nice depth piece in much deeper leagues and is guaranteed to be on someone’s roster in every deep league I’m in. Good news here as well, four combined tackles as well which is perfectly acceptable for the type of leagues where he’s actually being started.
Cole Holcomb (LB) led all Washington IDP producers in the box score this week but only topped out at 83% of snaps, that was the most of any Washington linebacker but still it’s something to mention, this likely had more to do with Atlanta’s style of offense as a pass first team traditionally but I wanted to say it out loud at least just in case this is the first of several dominoes in regards to his playing time. Everything else here looked great, Chase Young (DE) still didn’t land a sack but had four combined tackles, three of them solo, one tackle for loss and one QB hit which is good for ten points in most of my leagues and if your defensive linemen are hitting double digits it’s a good day, doesn’t matter how they get there we’ll take it. The sacks will come. Onwards.
Tremaine Edmunds had a really nice game this week
Texans @ Bills
Houston Texans
Produced as expected: Lonnie Johnson (CB/S) Christian Kirksey (LB) Kamu Grugier Hill (LB) Justin Reid (S) Terrence Mitchell (CB) DeMarcus Walker (DE) Whitney Mercilus (EDGE)
Flash in the pan: Tavierre Thomas (CB) only saw 64% of snaps as the fourth corner here and only had significant production due to the massive differential in stats in this one, the Bills won time of possession 39 minutes to 21, the Texans only produced six first downs total and only 109 total yards of offense all game long. Thomas was on the field as part of this overall defense that was on the field for two thirds of the entire game, this is a true flash in the pan situation, pass.
Possible waivers: Desmond King (CB) displaced Vernon Hargreaves (CB) as a starting corner this week, lightning does strike twice, this happened a couple seasons ago when he played for Tampa Bay as well. It was the week after he tackled CMC on fourth down to win the game, I remember it like it was yesterday. So we adjust and move forward, the bigger picture is if they’re playing games like this on defense there could be some other changes coming down the line as well, yet another negative sign for Zach Cunningham (LB) perhaps? We shall see.
Kamu Grugier Hill (LB) remains the option whenever Zach Cunningham (LB) isn’t available for whatever reason, covid, no showing to preseason games or practices, being late, etc. If Cunningham is out Grugier Hill is in. I for one enjoyed his free seven combined tackles, four of them solo, and one tackle for loss this week in many of my deeper leagues where I’m already getting my cheeks split by the injury grim reaper at linebacker. It was nice for a week but unless the covid IR stint lasts into week five that’s likely it for Mr. Hill.
Misc notes: As mentioned briefly above the Texans defense spent two thirds of the game, 39 minutes, on the field this week. This led to their overall production being as dangerous and bloated as my lower intestines after Chipotle. Guys we’ve never heard of like Tavierre Thomas (CB) put up decent numbers this week as a result of this. These kind of results often lead to misleading production from guys we’ve never heard of that then result in the uninformed among us grabbing these guys off waivers and then wondering why the fourth cornerback on the Texans who only plays 64% of snaps, and even then only against a truly epic passing attack like the Bills have, don’t put up any numbers for them in the following weeks. Outside factors, that’s why. Not much else here of note, keep an eye on Cunningham he should be back this week but if not Kamu is a great option and we’ll circle back on the corners after this next game and see if that’s settled down somewhat as well.
Buffalo Bills
Produced as expected: Tremaine Edmunds (LB) Micah Hyde (S) Ed Oliver (DT) *somewhat* “Boogie” Basham (DE)
Flash in the pan: Cam Lewis (CB) only saw significant playing time and production due to Taron Johnson (CB) being inactive this week, more below on that but the short version is we can skip this. Star Lotuleilei (DT) also lucked into a sack playing only 47% of snaps on a defense that was only on the field for 21 minutes this week, talk about threading the needle, sheesh. He has landed a sack earlier this season so it could be a thing but the playing time is still less than ideal, much deeper leagues only if you want to give this a go. Tyler Matakevich (LB) only played 15% of snaps and got a lucky interception, obvious pass on that one.
Possible waivers: The injury to Jordan Poyer (S) is not a huge deal, more below, but if he can’t got next week for whatever reason it was Jaquan Johnson (S) who replaced him this week, 100% of snaps with three solo tackles, one interception and one pass defended for a nice box score. Probably won’t be an option this week but you never know.
Misc notes: Matt Milano (LB), Jordan Poyer (S) and Taron Johnson (CB) were all either inactive or injured in this one but thankfully all three injuries are being described as “minor” and “day to day” so we’ll take that good news for sure. The Yang to the Texans defensive playing time’s Yin is that this Bills defense only spent 21 minutes on the field this week and only had six first downs and just over 100 yards of opposing offense to eat from, less than ideal for IDP production that’s for sure. So we got a down week across the board for this defense but at least we know why. They get the Chiefs this week so we’ll be getting the polar opposite of the situation these known and relied upon IDP producers faced this week against the Texans. Greg Rousseau (DE) was only in for 38% of snaps this week but I would think that has more to do with this being over early and a blowout from start to finish, even Tremaine Edmunds (LB) was subbed out early to rest this week along with many of the known IDP producers here. Strange game all around for this Bills IDP corps, they luckily had four interceptions that helped guys like Edmunds and Hyde save their box scores but the usual combined tackle floor was nowhere to be seen this week with the Texans offense putting up so little to work with, as mentioned earlier next week should be better with the Chiefs in town.
The disappointing season continues for Mr. Peppers
Giants @ Saints
New York Giants
Produced as expected: Logan Ryan (S/CB) Tae Crowder (LB) Adoree Jackson (CB) Deter Lawrence (DE) Xavier McKinney (S) James Bradberry (CB)
Flash in the pan: Julian Love (S/CB) only saw 69% of snaps this week due to the Peppers injury, depending on the severity of it he could see similar playing time for the duration of that injury but it’s a short term thing if anything, still not the worst idea in the world in much deeper leagues for however long Peppers is out, this is a flash in the pan though because he usually only plays a fraction of these snaps.
Possible waivers: Tae Crowder (LB) was everything we wanted, grab now if you still can, 100% of snaps and nine combined tackles on the day, beautiful waiver wire linebacker and yet another example of “linebackers grow on trees” which can’t be said for defensive ends or tackles, that’s why we draft positions of scarcity first. Crowder was dinged up last week and was iffy to play in this one, if he can’t go it would be Carter Coughlin (LB) as his replacement, that could be key information at some point this season. Xavier McKinney (S) was up to 100% of snaps this week, part of that I’m sure was the Peppers injury, more below, but it’s worth noting. If he can keep that playing time he’ll be an option for us once more, I’m not playing him this week but I am holding and keeping an eye on the Peppers injury as well, if he can’t go I’d feel much better about plugging in McKinney, especially against that excellent Dallas offense. What a beautiful offense out there in Dallas.
Reggie Ragland (LB) saw a pretty decent bump in playing time as part of the fallout from the Blake Martinez (LB) injury and linebacker shuffle that followed, he played 78% of snaps this week and recorded eight combined tackles, four of them solo, not bad at all. If you need a deeper waiver wire linebacker option this could be legit, next week will tell us more but it can’t hurt to pull the trigger now and sit on it while it plays out.
Misc notes: Jabril Peppers (S) pulled his hamstring in this one after getting torched in coverage, as is tradition, early in the second quarter after only 28% of snaps played. The disappointing season continues. We’ll see what happens but between being such an obvious liability in coverage that basically all of Giants Twitter was calling for his head after the first quarter and the hamstring injury now this doesn’t look to be a good option any time soon. Tae Crowder (LB) was in for all 100% of snaps this week and looks to be an excellent waiver wire option so far, could be a cheap knockoff version of Blake Martinez (LB) with the warm body production by default, I don’t care though I’m here for it. So far so good.
Azeez Ojulari (OLB) played his customary (not great at all) 54% of snaps this week but didn’t land a sack or splash play, without the combined tackle floor that non rush linebackers have this was essentially a death sentence for his production this week. If he doesn’t land a sack he’s getting you nadda. And his last name isn’t Bosa, Jones or Watt so his chances of landing said sack or splash play are not great overall. I’ve been saying this was a trap for weeks, here’s why. Everything else was business as usual here, we’ve got a few things to keep an eye on going forward and we’ll be right back here next week to have updates on all of them.
New Orleans Saints
Produced as expected: Malcolm Jenkins (S) DeMario Davis (LB) Marcus Williams (S) Paulson Adebo (CB) *somewhat*
Flash in the pan: Tanoh Kpassagnon (DE), somewhat, he was only in for 41% of snaps this week and recorded three combined tackles and a pass defended, depending on how your league scores pass defense it could have been an acceptable game, he got eight points in most of my leagues which is pretty out there for a guy playing this little week to week. Regardless he’s not an option anywhere but the deepest of deep leagues or on Adam’s team where the injury grim reaper has clapped his cheeks in regards to defensive end.
Possible waivers: Pete Werner (LB) played 63% of snaps this week which still isn’t ideal but his playing time has been increasing in recent weeks, he recorded ten combined tackles and a tackle for loss which is obviously something that will perk up the ears of many scouring the waiver wire for linebacker help this week, it’s definitely an option but I wouldn’t do it unless in a much deeper league due to the lack of ideal playing time. It’s improving no doubt so even if you add him in medium leagues, like I did, and sit on it, like I am, that’s not a bad idea either. Time will tell.
Misc notes: Cameron Jordan (DE) was in for a massive 92% of snaps this week but only recorded four combined tackles, he’s got a huge week coming that’s for sure, the playing time is beyond ideal, the talent is there, the historical production is there and the rest is just a waiting game. Point chasing at defensive end or tackle is the worst thing you can do, the best thing you can do is pick the guys with the talent (check), opportunity/playing time(check) and have shown us they’re capable of excellent production over the course of the season before (check). That last part was important, over the course of the season, defensive end and tackle will never be an “every week” position, you’re just looking for more good weeks than bad and that describes Jordan over the vast majority of his career. Besides, what the hell else are you going to find that’s better? 92% of snaps and five ten or more sack seasons over the course of his career, it’s highly doubtful there’s something “better” sitting on waivers right now that everyone magically missed the first month of the season, also there are rarely ever defensive line waivers to begin with. Linebacker? Yes. Safety? Yes. Corner? Always. Defensive end or tackle? No, it’s exceedingly rare for there to be “surprise” producers at those positions, that’s why we draft them early and often in startups, positional scarcity. If we miss on linebacker we can replace that with the Tae Crowder (LB) and Azeez Al Shaair’s (LB) of the world, also the Logan Wilson (LB), Devondre Campbell (LB), Kenny Young (LB), Cole Holcomb (LB), Nick Vigil (LB), Denzel Perryman (LB), Quincy Williams (LB) and Damien Wilson’s (LB) of the world. You can find linebackers and safeties in season, you can’t find defensive line in season. And if you’re rolling out a bunch of shmucks against my Myles Garrett (DE), Danielle Hunter (DE), Nick Bosa (DE) and Brian Burns (DE) shares every week I’m going to absolutely destroy you in those matchups early and often. There’s a reason why every single known, respected and relevant IDP content producer we’ve interviewed over the years has answered the “How do you approach your IDP drafts” question the same way, by drafting positions of scarcity first and fixing linebacker and safety during the season, it’s because that’s how you win IDP leagues. Anything else is just nonsense for attention.
Marshon Lattimore (CB) and Chauncey Gardner Johnson (CB) played 100% and 89% of snaps respectively this week, so normal playing time, but neither had a great game, which was somewhat expected. It’s the Giants passing attack not the 1994 San Francisco 49ers they were up against so this wasn’t ideal in the first place. They’ll both be fine in a more ideal matchup, nothing to see here. Everything else looked fine, we’ll see what happens with Werner going forward and circle back next week.
The Monster season continues for Hargrave
Chiefs @ Eagles
Kansas City Chiefs
Produced as expected: Daniel Sorensen (S) Tyrann Mathieu (S) L’Jarius Sneed (S/CB)
Flash in the pan: Mike Hughes (CB) saw elevated playing time and production due to the Chavarious Ward (CB) injury this week, if Ward can’t go again this week against Buffalo then this is an option again but it’s not likely therefore it’s just a flash in the pan we can ignore.
Possible waivers: Mike Danna (DE) was in for the constantly hurt and out Frank Clark (DE) this week and gave us two sacks plus four combined tackles playing 74% of snaps, this is the second week he’s been an option and we can’t argue with the production, this is now a decent short term option for however long Clark is out, you’ll have to make sure Clark is inactive before playing him though.
Misc notes: Chris Jones (DT) and Nick Bolton (LB) played 78% and 50% of snaps respectively this week, neither had a good game but that’s just the nature of the position for Jones, for Bolton however this is less than ideal, Willie Gay (LB) isn’t even back in the lineup yet and his playing time is already taking a hit. See more below.
Willie Gay (LB) was able to return to the lineup this game but didn’t as he continues to recover from a turf toe injury, coach Reed said “He was close” this past week so the Nick Bolton (LB) playing time and production are now in pretty legit danger. Keep an eye on local Kansas City beat writers as we get closer to kickoff this week if you’re planning on playing either Gay or Bolton, neither are a great option currently until this thing plays out and we see what this lineup and playing time look like with both healthy and available. Daniel Sorensen (S) has a 40.4 PFF grade currently but is still playing almost every snap while Juan Thornhill (S), 42% of snaps and a 65.6 PFF grade, remains on the outside looking in. There has been some discussion in the IDP Twitter world about why Thornhill hasn’t overtaken Sorensen yet as the other full time safety here in Kansas City, no idea. But it’s definitely a legit possibility and something I would plan for if you’re someone who’s starting Daniel Sorensen (S) weekly, that gravy train could be coming to an end at some point this season. Everything else here looked good, Frank Clark (DE) and his injury will be something we’ll need to keep an eye on and obviously the Sorensen stuff as well but beyond that and the Bolton/Gay shenanigans we’re looking good here in Kansas City.
Philadelphia Eagles
Produced as expected: Eric Wilson (LB) Alex Singleton (LB) Avonte Maddox (CB) Javon Hargrave (DT) Darius Slay (CB)
Flash in the pan: NA, all names that make sense at the top of the box score this week.
Possible waivers: Rodney McLeod (S) is healthy and has displaced Marcus Epps (S) as expected, only 72% of snaps this week but that could improve, four solo tackles on the day. Could be a decent waiver wire safety option in deeper leagues.
Misc notes: Eric Wilson (LB) and Alex Singleton (LB) played 84% and 73% of snaps respectively this week, that’s not three of four weeks that Singleton has been the guy playing more, they’re both tackling at an efficiency that isn’t sustainable but at least Singleton has a better shot at maintaining that with the slightly better playing time week to week. This is a perspective thing once again, either of these guys as your linebacker three or so in a deeper league is great, either of these guys as a linebacker two or one in a medium to shallow league is less than ideal.
Javon Hargrave (DT) was in for 66% of snaps this week and had his fourth monster week in a row, not to be the bearer of bad news but unless we really think an interior defensive lineman, a freaking defensive tackle, is on his way to shattering the Michael Strahan (DE) record playing only like 65% of snaps a game all season this can and will come back to earth at some point. Likely soon. If you’ve got him going in a defensive tackle specific slot then you’re looking excellent, as a DL in baby IDP (sleeper) fine but less ideal, as an IDP Flex when you could be starting a combined tackle floor guy even less than ideal. He’s been great, he’s always been great, I’ve been banging the drum for him for multiple seasons, check legitimately any of my Monster articles from last season and you’ll see his name mentioned as an excellent option at defensive tackle for the Eagles, but I’m also a realist, the good times will come to an end eventually, nature of the position. He’ll still likely end the season as a top five defensive tackle, especially with the start he’s off to, but this every week is a monster game stuff just isn’t how it works.
The Eagles defensive line beyond Hargrave had a down week, playing time though was fine with Sweat leading the way with 69% of snaps and Barnett at 57% of snaps so no changes there. Fletcher Cox (DT) also saw 69% of snaps this week but has been quiet all season long, there have been some articles out there discussing his decline, which wasn’t entirely unexpected, he’s getting old. Still not the worst idea in the world in deeper leagues if you need a bye week option, short term injury replacement or waiver wire defensive tackle if and when we lose one of these options to the injury grim reaper. Everything else looked good here in Philly, onwards.
Micah Parsons continues his DROY season
Panthers @ Cowboys
Carolina Panthers
Produced as expected: Jeremy Chinn (S) Shaq Thompson (LB) Brian Burns (DE)
Flash in the pan: Sean Chandler (S) and Jermaine Carter (LB) played 79% and 66% of snaps respectively this week and have both seen massive fluctuations in playing time all season as this part of their defense shifts week to week to best matchup against whatever opposing offense is in the building. You really can’t trust either unless in a much deeper league where you have far fewer options.
Possible waivers: Kamal Martin (LB), see more below, to possibly replace Shaq Thompson (LB) for a few weeks.
Misc notes: Shaq Thompson (LB) was hurt in this one and will “miss a few weeks”, everything I read about this is saying Kamal Martin (LB) will be his replacement for the duration of the injury, the safe move is to add him and sit him this week while we see if he’s the guy or if Jermaine Carter (LB) sees additional snaps and moves over to Thompson’s role, if you’re backed into a corner it is what it is but that’s the safe move here.
The Panthers actually won the time of possession battle 34 minutes to 26 minutes this week so their defense was not on the field as much as we thought it would be, fortunately for us Dallas provided enough opposing offense for Jeremy Chinn (S) and Shaq Thompson (LB) to have acceptable games and Brian Burns (DE) was able to give us enough combined tackles for an acceptable non sack non splash play game at defensive end this week.
Derrick Brown (DT) and Haasan Redick (OLB) both played their usual snaps, 74% and 77% respectively, but neither had a great game at all, nothing to see here just nature of the position, they’ll be fine.
Donte Jackson (CB) and the Panthers secondary was a pretty significant shakeup this week in the fallout of the Jaycee Horn (CB) injury, it was still Donte as the primary option with 97% of snaps played but beyond that it gets weird quick with AJ Bouye (CB) at 80% played, Rashaan Melvin (CB) and CJ Henderson (CB) at 34% and 30%, we should probably just wait for this to settle down a bit, I legit didn’t even know AJ Bouye (CB) was on the team, add that to the CJ Henderson (CB) recent acquisition and we’ve got some instability all around here, I’m steering clear until we see an established pattern of who to trust here beyond Donte Jackson (CB). Beyond those couple things we’re tracking everything else here looks decent, this team continues to dominate time of possession every week even against a better team like Dallas, this ultimately hurts their defense and their opportunities as a defense, less time on the field overall means less time available to make tackles etc. Nothing we can do about it but it continues to be an issue and has been limiting guys like Chinn, Thompson and anyone else who’s combined tackle floor we need to be there weekly. We’ll see what next week brings.
***UPDATE 10/6/21*** The Panthers just traded for Stephon Gilmore (CB), I wouldn’t start him this week but he instantly becomes the other option here next to Donte Jackson (CB) going forward and will be back to being an excellent streaming corner option, grab him and plant him on the bench this week while he learns the defense etc, we’ll have a look at his snaps and whatnot and hopefully he will be ready to rock for week six.
Dallas Cowboys
Produced as expected: Anthony Brown (CB) Jayron Kearse (S) Trevon Diggs (CB) Randy Gregory (DE) Micah Parsons (LB)
Flash in the pan: Leighton Vander Esch (LB) and Jaylon Smith (LB) continue to be the beneficiaries of Keanu Neal (LB) being on the Covid IR list and Micah Parsons (LB) seeing snaps on the defensive line. More below on this, short version is it probably won’t last forever. UPDATE: LVE sees a slight bump in snaps with the Jaylon news. More below.
Possible waivers: Chauncey Golston (DE) saw 70% of snaps and recorded a sack with all the trimmings plus five combined tackles and a QB hit, this could be a really nice option until DeMarcus Lawrence (DE) comes back from injury somewhere down the line this season, we’ve only seen one week of it but it was a nice looking week indeed. Tarrell Basham (DE) very similar with 61% of snaps played and an impressive but a little less impressive box score, either would be decent in deeper leagues short term until Lawrence returns. Osa Odighizuwa (DT) with 59% of snaps has had a couple nice weeks in a row as well but I’m not sold yet, still the defensive tackle landscape is as barren as the tight end landscape so when we see production it’s always worth a look, he could be worth an add as well. Or this could just be random one off where the entire Dallas defensive line went nuts and destroyed the Panthers offensive line for five sacks on the day and they all come back to earth next week against the Giants, not likely, it’s the Giants, but it could be. Anyways I’m saying it all out loud especially for those of you in much deeper leagues that really need to look at stuff like this.
Misc notes: Micah Parsons (LB) played 71% of his snaps (97% played overall) as an off ball linebacker this week and 24% on the defensive line, he recorded four combined tackles, three of them solo, along with a sack and all the fixings. Even with the far fewer pass rush snaps this week he still landed a sack and even having only done this kind of thing a couple weeks he’s in the conversation with all rookie pass rushers for the pressure’s lead this season. The dude can play, I officially revoke anything negative I said around draft time when I wanted a corner instead, turns out we have a corner, he’s awesome, and now we have a ridiculously talented linebacker as well who can rush the passer if we need him to and do it well.
Leighton Vander Esch (LB) saw some nice playing time with Keanu Neal (LB) out again this week, 57% of snaps, he returned to practice though and with the return of Randy Gregory (DE) and the emergence of Chauncey Golston (DE) it will likely be Keanu Neal (LB) and Micah Parsons (LB) back as the main two linebackers with maybe Jaylon Smith (LB) or LVE seeing like 50% of snaps if we’re lucky since Parsons clearly showed he has some pass rush chops, I could see him doing some of that and Jaylon or LVE seeing a decent but still not great role weekly as a result. The problem is we don’t know which one will see the bigger role week to week between Smith and Esch (UPDATE, we do now it’s LVE), they’re going to hijack each others chances of a linebacker three in deeper leagues type role I think. We’ll have to see how this shakes out. Those are the big things in Dallas right now, figuring out this defensive line and linebackers unit as we deal with the fallout from the Lawrence injury and the demotion to Jaylon Smith (LB) and acquisition of Keanu Neal (LB) as well as finding the best place for Micah Parsons (LB) to play week to week. We’ll circle back after next week. ***UPDATE*** 10/5/21 Jaylon Smith (LB) released!!! LVE instantly gains some stock, same for Jabril Cox (LB), I still think it will be Keanu Neal (LB) and Micah Parsons (LB) as the normal order of operations, once again a real life example of poor play eventually coming back to bite you in the ass, COUGH COUGH ZACH CUNNINGHAM AND DANIEL SORENSEN, PEPPERS TOO COUGH.
Was Bobby Wagner able to take advantage of a near perfect matchup against the run happy Niners this week?
Seahawks @ 49ers
Seattle Seahawks
Produced as expected: Bobby Wagner (LB) Quandre Diggs (S/CB) Jordyn Books (LB) DJ Reed (CB) Jamal Adams (S)
Flash in the pan: Ryan Neal (S) was only in for 34% of snaps this week and lucked into some extra production because this Seahawks defense is at the top of the league for spending the most snaps on the field along with Jacksonville and several others, however it’s not due to bad offense, anything but. The offense has such a quick pace and can score on big plays so often that it has the same effect as the Jags going three and out and turning the ball over often does for their defense. Darrell Taylor (DE) managed to land an outlier sack playing only 43% of snaps this week, more on this situation below but the short version is the entire defensive line is in flux.
Possible waivers: Sidney Jones (CB) has replaced Tre Flowers (CB) as right cornerback on this defense, this was one of those “out of the blue” things and was the second known IDP relevant cornerback that was replaced this week along with Vernon Hargreaves (CB) with the Texans. So this happens, especially in the secondary, it also happed to Jaylon Smith (LB). Poor play in real football will result in a demotion or losing your job and will have a huge impact on your IDP defense, that’s why we monitor situations like Peppers, Sorensen and Cunningham, they’re all playing poorly in terms of real football and are all in danger of losing their jobs as a result.
Misc notes: The Seahawks defensive line continues to be completely unpredictable, this defensive line with the exception of Poona Ford (DT) who usually clocks in around 60% of snaps or so a week, is a true rotation. Week to week it could be Kerry Hyder (DE), Rasheem Green (DE) or Carlos Dunlap (DE) as the leader for snaps but the issue is we can’t know who the best option will be each week since it’s been completely random so far this season. Most of these guys are playable in deeper leagues but expectations need to be managed, if you’re starting Dunlap, Green or Hyder as your defensive end three or four in a deeper league it’s fine, trying to rely on any of these options as anything other than that is going to end up being less than ideal. Beyond that though the other big story this week was Tre Flowers (CB) getting demoted and replaced by Sidney Jones (CB) as the new RCB, that’s pretty large for streaming corners going forward, we’ll keep an eye on it. Everything else was good though, no changes anywhere else besides that corner slot and the always changing defensive line playing time.
San Francisco 49ers
Produced as expected: Fred Warner (LB) Azeez Al Shaair (LB) Nick Bosa (DE) Emmanuel Moseley (CB)
Flash in the pan: Dee Ford (DE) managed two sacks playing just 21% of snaps this week and will be a popular waiver wire option for those that are uninformed and believe this to be the norm and or something that is going to be consistent and reliable. It won’t be, he’s not even playing a quarter of the snaps, this is true flash in the pan production.
Possible waivers: Emmanuel Moseley (CB) continues to be the best streaming corner option here by far with 100% of snaps played and a beautiful box score if your league scores pass defense correctly. Dre Kirkpatrick (CB) is a recent addition to the corners unit here with 100% of snaps played this week as well and three combined tackles plus a tackle for loss, he was only signed by the Niners a few weeks ago and this cornerbacks corps has been in flux most of the season so he could just be the flavor of the week. This week’s flavor is the Cardinals however, so it will be tasty. I’m firing up Moseley literally everywhere and Kirkpatrick could be a sneaky corner stream in much deeper leagues where people haven’t caught on to the fact that he has a legit role again yet. Just an idea, Moseley is safe, Kirkpatrick not as much but in those crazy deep leagues you need to roll the dice early and often and this is one dice roll I like this week quite a bit.
Misc notes: Javon Kinlaw (DT) was in for 55% of snaps this week but had a down week overall, nothing to see here just nature of the position. He remains a decent defensive tackle three or four in deeper leagues but that’s it.
The 49ers safeties, Ward and Tartt, both played 100% of snaps but neither had a game worth discussing in the box score. This is typical for both, neither of these guys has ever been super consistent, they should both have a better game with the Cardinals in town this week, that offense is red hot and should provider plenty of IDP production for everyone on this 49ers defense in week five. Beyond those couple things everything else here was fine, Deommodore Lenoir (CB) is no longer an option either due to injury or being displaced by Kirkpatrick, I couldn’t find anything saying why but for now that’s what it is. Business as usual besides that. Onwards.
Byron Murphy continued his red hot season in a perfect streaming matchup this week
Cardinals @ Rams
Arizona Cardinals
Produced as expected: Jalen Thompson (S) Jordan Hicks (LB) Marco Wilson (CB) Byron Murphy (CB) Budda Baker (S) Isaiah Simmons (LB) Robert Alford (CB)
Flash in the pan: NA, all the correct names at the top of the box score this week.
Possible waivers: No new producers this week.
Misc notes: Jalen Thompson (S) has had three great weeks in a row and continues to play 100% of snaps a week, my initial hesitation came from watching his playing time, and the decision as to who actually gets this second safety slot, fluctuate all last season here in Arizona. This season it would appear he really does own that role, playing time and the production has followed. I can admit when I’m wrong. I even pulled the trigger myself in a couple places where I need safety help, until it goes south we can’t argue with this. We’ll keep an eye on it though.
Byron Murphy (CB) left this one early after only 71% of snaps played with a minor injury, he’s considered day to day and should be fine for the 49ers game this week. He’s been excellent all season as a streaming corner option and if Trey Lance (QB) gets the start I’d absolutely fire him up, if it’s Jimmy Beautiful though I’d be hesitant, they won’t sling it nearly as much with our prince at the helm.
Zaven Collins (LB) only saw 6% of snaps this week while Isaiah Simmons (LB) was in for 96%, the most this season for Simmons and the least this season for Collins. Jordan Hicks (LB) was in for 100% of snaps as is tradition this season. So no movement there.
Chandler Jones (OLB) and JJ Watt (DE) played 90% and 72% of snaps respectively this week and neither did anything of note, nature of the position for both, there will be better days ahead. You can point chase with guys like Dee Ford (DE) who play less than a quarter of the snaps and had two sacks this week or you can be patient with guys like Jones and Watt, Chase Young (DE) also, and the production will happen. It’s just a matter of time. If you haven’t seen this approximately 9,792 plus times like I have (18 years x 17 weeks a season x roughly 32 box scores each week, one for each team) then you’ll probably be more likely to freak out, panic and make a rash move chasing points. Don’t do it, the production will happen. For guys like Jones and Young I’m actually happy to see this because even if they land just under what their projection for the season was before the year started that means the majority of their production is still coming and that means we’ll get a good chunk of it when we actually need it, during the run up to playoffs and during fantasy playoffs themselves. Unless we all suddenly think that Chandler Jones (OLB) will end the season with just those four sacks from week one or that Chase Young (DE) or JJ Watt (DE) will finish the season with zero sacks? Didn’t think so. Patience is a virtue. Your opponent is dealing with the same thing week to week, defensive line and pass rush is sporadic and unpredictable, all you can do is have the best options available and wait for them to do their thing, they will soon enough. Other than those couple things all is well in Arizona.
Los Angeles Rams
Produced as expected: Taylor Rapp (S) Sebastian Joseph Day (DT) Jordan Fuller (S) David Long (CB) Jalen Ramsey (CB) Darious Williams (CB) Kenny Young (LB) Leonard Floyd (OLB)
Flash in the pan: Terrell Lewis (LB) was in for 56% of snaps this week and lucked into a sack along with all the trimmings that come with that, tackle for loss, QB hit, etc. He also had four solo tackles on the day, not bad at all but my concerns are numerous. I’ve never heard of this guy, he’s not playing enough and the vast majority of his IDP points came from the sack. Relying on splash play production can and will bite you, especially with a guy who doesn’t play enough and we didn’t know existed until just now. It’s dangerous with guys like Chandler Jones (OLB) and Khalil Mack (OLB) so it’s really dangerous with Terrell Lewis (OLB). Ask the Azeez Ojulari (OLB) people how they’re doing this week. They’ve been rolling out a sack or splash play dependent outside linebacker that isn’t playing enough since week two and they got exactly nothing from him this week. That’s the end game with options like this, pass.
Possible waivers: No new producers this week.
Misc notes: Aaron Donald (DT), defensive player of the year and better player than TJ Watt (OLB), was in for a massive 92% of snaps this week but had his first bad game of the season with just four tackle assists on the day. Still not a total loss but clearly not what he usually gives us. Obviously he’ll be fine, even the best options on the defensive line, defensive tackle in particular, have off weeks. Nature of the position. Everything else was business as usual here in Los Angeles. Great game tonight against the Seahawks, should be solid for IDP producers on both sides no doubt.
Devin Bush took a break from tweeting stupid thoughts on social media and getting hurt to do something for his share holders this week, a pleasant surprise indeed!
Steelers @ Packers
Pittsburgh Steelers
Produced as expected: Minkah Fitzpatrick (S) Cameron Heyward (DT) Joe Schobert (LB) Terrell Edmunds (S) Devin Bush (LB) Joe Haden (CB) TJ Watt (EDGE/OLB)
Flash in the pan: NA, all names that make sense at the top of the box score this week.
Possible waivers: No new producers this week.
Misc notes: Alex Highsmith (OLB) and Melvin Ingram (OLB) played 56% and 49% of snaps respectively this week, that’s the first time this season we’ve seen Highsmith play more than Ingram and could be the first indication of a changing of the guard at that other outside linebacker pass rush position. We’ll keep an eye on it, neither did anything of interest in the box score. Well Highsmith got you five combined tackles, only two of them solo, which is something I guess, but without the sacks or splash plays neither of these guys is playable week to week in terms of a combined tackle floor.
Joe Schobert (LB) and Devin Bush (LB) played 96% and 90% of snaps respectively this week, the most either of them have seen this season if I recall correctly. They both had nice games in the box score which was good to see as well. The slightly increased playing time may have had more to do with Pittsburgh getting behind in this one and trying to slow down the Green Bay rushing attack as they killed the clock but however it happened we’ll take it, especially in regards to Devin Bush (LB) who’s made of glass and doesn’t play nearly as often as his shareholders would like him to.
The Terrell Edmunds (S) roller coaster in terms of playing time continued this week as he shot back up to 100% of snaps played after hovering around 80% or so last week, last season he really never cleared that 80% mark so the fact that he’s seen every snap on defense a couple times this year is good news for sure. We’ll keep an eye on it but it’s clear both in terms of production and overall playing time that he’s more valuable this season. Beyond that same Steelers different week, no Steelers fan shit their pants at the game so far as I know, if that’s the case then their overall pants shitting rate is at 25% this season, hopefully they can pump those numbers up.
Green Bay Packers
Produced as expected: DeVondre Campbell (LB) Rashaan Gary (OLB) Adrian Amos (S) & Kenny Clark (DT) *somewhat*
Flash in the pan: Oren Burks (LB) and Kingsley Keke (DE) played 60% and 50% of snaps respectively this week, not terrible in much deeper leagues but the issue with Burks is he saw that time in the first place due to the Krys Barnes (LB) injury, Barnes has a concussion so his return should be this week, we can ignore Burks completely. For Keke I’ve actually started this guy in some sixteen team, 53 man roster, start minimum four defensive end leagues, but beyond something that deep you’re never going to fire this guy up. And even there the only reason I did is because Frank Clark (DE) was out again this week with a hamstring injury and there’s no one on waivers. UPDATE With the Jaylon Smith (LB) signing we can really ignore Burks.
Isaac Yiadom (CB) only played 30% of snaps and lucked into five combined tackles playing far less than acceptable cornerback playing time, he only even saw those snaps because Kevin King (CB) and Jaire Alexander (CB) were both injured and out at that point. We can pass here as well.
Possible waivers: Eric Stokes (CB) played 100% of snaps and had a monster game in the box score, with King and Alexander banged up the odds are good he gets at least one more game of every snap before this cornerback corps starts to return to normal. Whether or not you believe in it he is a rookie so the rookie cornerback rule could apply here, Gary Davenport thinks it’s real and he’s been doing this forever and has forgotten more about IDP than I’ll ever know so I’d probably side with him on that issue. Regardless the Bengals are in town this week and Tee Higgins (WR) is likely playing, if that’s the case then it’s Joe Burrow (QB) and an absolutely loaded wide receiver corps in town for an epic shootout, Stokes would make an excellent streaming corner option this week. Just check local Green Bay beat writers before kickoff to make sure he’s likely to play first since we’ve only seen one week of this.
Misc notes: Jaire Alexander (CB) and Kevin King (CB) are both banged up, I talked about King above, he should be back this week it sounds like, for Alexander though will miss “significant time” with a shoulder injury, that opens the door for Eric Stokes (CB) who we talked about above and will also likely result in a bump in playing time for Chandon Sullivan (CB) who could be an option in deeper leagues this week at streaming corner with the Bengals excellent passing attack in town.
Preston Smith (OLB) was in for 60% of snaps this week, roughly the same playing time as Rashaan Gary (OLB), 63% of snaps this week, but failed to record a sack or splash play so he got you nothing. Outside linebackers don’t have a combined tackle floor, it’s all or nothing, boom or bust.
Darnell Savage (S) was in for 100% of snaps this week but came back to earth with just one solo tackle on the day and no other stats of any kind. Less than ideal for a guy that many expected to break out this season, so far not great. Adrian Amos (S) has been the far better option, perhaps because far more of his snaps are in the box? Strong possibility. We’ll see what next week brings, that’s it for the Packers this week.
***UPDATE*** 10/6/21 Jaylon Smith (LB) likely to the Packers, initial reactions from local Packers expert @KBellf54 indicates he will likely be depth and or the Krys Barnes (LB) role to start with, we’ll see from there, no danger to DeVondre Campbell (LB) this week in all likelihood, we’ll keep an eye on it from there***
Was Justin Simmons able to bounce back with a real offense finally across the field?
Ravens @ Broncos
Baltimore Ravens
Produced as expected: Chuck Clark (S) Calais Campbell (DE) Justin Houston (DE/OLB) Odafe Oweh (OLB) Anthony Averett (CB)
Flash in the pan: Chris Board (LB) and Malik Harrison (LB) played 48% and 52% of snaps respectively this week, much like LJ Fort (LB) in the past there are just the latest of the “other” linebackers to cycle through here, if it’s not the 100% snap rate inside linebacker, Patrick Queen (LB) in this case, then there won’t be any consistency. We played this same game last season with Fort and others and it ended the same way this will, not well. I’d pass on this.
Justin Madubuike (DT) played only 39% of snaps and lucked into a sack, not likely to happen again any time soon, not playing enough and someone we’ve never heard of. Pass.
Possible waivers: Tyus Bowser (LB) technically, I wouldn’t do it though. He was in for 72% of snaps this week and had a really nice box score but we’ve only seen it once, for both the playing time and production, it happened and technically he plays enough, but it will likely be production tied to sacks or splash plays and this is anything but set in stone. I’m not doing it but it exists for those of you in much deeper leagues.
Misc notes: Marlon Humphrey (CB) played 100% of snaps but had a down week overall, the Ravens defense only spent 27 minutes on the field and the Broncos only passed for 148 yards on nineteen completions on the day, there wasn’t much to eat here in regards to the passing game for Humphrey this week. I mentioned this in my streaming corners article, every Friday all season long only at idpguys.org, so it tracks. This was the Broncos passing attack led by Teddy Bridgewater (QB) not the Rams passing attack in 1999 led by Kurt Warner (QB), it was never going to be ideal. He’ll be fine, they get the Colts this week so it’s not a ton better but after that it’s the Chargers, Bengals and Vikings in a row and all of those will be excellent cornerback streaming weeks for Mr. Humphrey.
Patrick Queen (LB) was in for 93% of snaps this week but only recorded three combined tackles on the day, @PFF_Macri has an excellent breakdown of the issues going on with Queen, among them is that he’s leading the league in missed tackles currently and his PFF grade sits at 32.6 for the season, which is obviously not great. We can probably add him to the “danger list” along with Sorensen, Cunningham, etc. The danger of him losing his job if his play continues at this low a level is real, buyer beware. That’s probably the biggest story here in Baltimore, we’ll keep an eye on it but it’s safe to say finding a backup option is probably a good idea just in case, we’ll see what next week brings.
Denver Broncos
Produced as expected: Kareem Jackson (S) Justin Simmons (S) Alexander Johnson (LB) Patrick Surtain (CB) Von Miller (EDGE) Kyle Fuller (CB)
Flash in the pan: Mike Purcell (DT) and Caden Sterns (S) played 55% and 10% of snaps respectively this week, for Purcell that’s fine in much deeper leagues but he’s typically not someone we talk about for IDP production and he’s been in the league since 2013, that’s why this is an outlier in my eyes. Sterns played 10% of snaps, need I say more?
Possible waivers: No new producers this week.
Misc notes: There were no new producers this week but the old producers magically gave us production with a real offense across the field from them, truly wild. It’s almost like I’ve been talking about this for weeks and guaranteed that guys like Simmons, Johnson and company would have a bounce back game this week now that it’s not the Jets, Giants or Jags across the field spending the entire game going three and out and turning the ball over. The Broncos defense spent 33 minutes on the field this week, by far the most they’ve spent in any game yet this season. Now that the cupcake portion of the schedule is done with we can start to plug guys like Simmons and Johnson, even Strnad at some point too, he saw 81% of snaps this week and will produce for us eventually I truly believe. The Broncos have the Steelers this week which is iffy, that could go either way honestly, but after that they play the Raiders, Browns (nice and nice), Washington (iffy), Dallas and Philly (nice and nice), Chargers and Chiefs (nice and nice) followed by the Lions (iffy), Bengals, Raiders and Chargers (nice x 3). With only a couple iffy games left on their schedule we should see really solid production in terms of a combined tackle floor for this defense the majority of the rest of the season. The good times are back for our favorite IDP options here, the bad times are starting for this team in terms of actual football competition. So no real issues here in Denver currently, on the contrary I have a feeling the overall production here is about to get much better for the rest of the season.
Will the Bucs defense allow Mac Jones to ever sleep without nightmares again?
Bucs @ Pats
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Produced as expected: Lavonte David (LB) Antoine Winfield Jr (S) Devin White (LB) Shaq Barrett (EDGE)
Flash in the pan: William Gholston (DE) and Ross Cockrell (CB) played 47% and 59% of snaps respectively this week, Gholston is like the fourth or fifth option in terms of pass rush here so the lucky outlier sack was that and nothing more based off less than ideal playing time. For Cockrell he could have a role depending on the severity of the Carlton Davis (CB) injury but long term he won’t be an option.
Possible waivers: Richard Sherman (CB) and Joe Tyron Shoyinka (OLB) played 98% and 85% of snaps respectively this week, Sherman should have a nice role here with all the injuries at corner and he’s good enough to remain the second option there beyond Carlton Davis (CB) for the rest of the season anyways so this could make a nice streaming corner option if the matchup is correct. For Shoyinka this is just an outside linebacker that’s sack or splash play dependent for production and only for the duration of the JPP injury but he’s shown the ability to make those plays so in big play scoring leagues I could see the appeal, just remember this is directly tied to the health of JPP, if he plays Shoyinka doesn’t.
Misc notes: Carlton Davis (CB) was only in for 54% of snaps this week due to a quad injury that took him out early, look for more news on this as the week progresses but they’ve got the Dolphins this week anyways so it’s not a great week for him as a streaming corner to begin with, we can sit on this and circle back after next week.
N’Damakong Suh (DT) and Vita Vea (DT) played 73% and 69% of snaps respectively this week but didn’t do anything of note, nature of the position, they both play enough, the production will come. Patience.
Jason Pierre Paul (DE) was “hopeful” to return this past game against the Patriots so it’s looking good on the timeline for his return shortly, keep that in mind if you’re thinking about rolling out Joe Tyron Shoyinka (OLB) as mentioned above.
Jordan Whitehead (S) was in for 81% of snaps this week but had a quiet game against a very mediocre Patriots offense, this was never going to be a matchup where every single one of the Bucs options produced for us, the Patriots offense just isn’t capable of giving us that much offense for that to have happened. He was the odd man out this week, at least we got decent production for the majority of the known and relied upon options here on this Bucs defense. We’ll see what next week brings.
New England Patriots
Produced as expected: Jonathan Jones (CB) Kyle Dugger (S) Matt Judon (EDGE) JC Jackson (CB)
Flash in the pan: NA, all names that make sense at the top of the box score this week.
Possible waivers: No new producers this week.
Misc notes: Stephon Gilmore (CB) was released by the Patriots today 10/6/21, this was obviously pretty shocking and does nothing at all to help with the stability of their cornerback corps. That unit has been in flux without Gilmore, who traditionally has been the only reliable weekly option there in terms of playing time and production. So now it looks like we’ll just have to do our best guessing whether it will be JC Jackson (CB) or Jalen Mills (CB/S) seeing the most snaps weekly, Jonathon Jones (LB) almost never gets that honor.
Beyond that it was the same story different week here for the Pats, the defense as a whole saw massive fluctuations in who was asked to do what and how much they all played this week just like every other week. This defense is cursed for IDP but at least we got what we thought we’d get out of this matchup, the Patriots corners went to town and Kyle Dugger (S) gave us an excellent game, those things we thought would happen. Beyond that nothing was guaranteed here. If you want to know more about this defense for IDP purposes feel free to do the research, I’m all set. Moving on.
Derwin James, so hot right now
Raiders @ Chargers
Las Vegas Raiders
Produced as expected: Cory Littleton (LB) Denzel Perryman (LB) Jonathan Abram (S) Tre’Von Moehrig (S)
Flash in the pan: Amik Robertson (CB) and Darius Philon (DT) played 65% and 35% of snaps respectively this week, Robertson only even saw snaps due to the injuries at corner, more below, so we can skip that. And for a defensive tackle playing barely one third of all the snaps on defense would you expect sacks and splash plays on a week to week basis? Didn’t think so, pass there as well.
Possible waivers: No new producers this week.
Misc notes: Yannick Ngakoue (DE) and Maxx Crosby (DE) played 73% and 75% of snaps respectively this week, neither did much of note but at least the playing time for Ngakoue is back up to a nice level. Both will have better days this season, nature of the position and whatnot. We’ll see what happens after next week.
Trayvon Mullen (CB) and Damon Arnette (CB) were both hurt in this one, thankfully the Raiders have the Bears this week so we’ll be skipping it entirely for streaming purposes in the first place, that will give it a week for this to shake out and when we circle back we can see what the new look, post injury, cornerback corps looks like here. No idea currently.
It was Cory Littleton (LB) with 97% of snaps and then Denzel Perryman (LB) with 80% of snaps as the two IDP relevant linebackers this week, they both continue to have really nice seasons, Perryman in particular, and although his playing time fell a bit from last week he’s still doing plenty with it like he has all season, no reason to worry about either currently. The safeties both did well and were also the only two Raiders defenders to play 100% of snaps so that was excellent as well. Not a ton to see here beyond the corners situation and we’ll circle back on that next week. Home stretch.
Los Angeles Chargers
Produced as expected: Derwin James (S) Michael Davis (CB) Nasir Adderley (S) Drue Tranquil (LB), Kyzir White (LB) & Linval Joseph (DT) *somewhat* Asante Samuel Jr (CB) Jerry Tillery (DT)
Flash in the pan: Kyler Fackrell (LB) managed a sack playing 51% of snaps, he will never possess a combined tackle floor so you’d be relying on splash play production from a relatively unknown guy who only plays half the snaps, pass.
Possible waivers: Drue Tranquil (LB) appears to be the best option while Kenneth Murray (LB) is injured and out, Kyzir White (LB) also a nice option for that short term IR stint however long it lasts. More below.
Misc notes: Drue Tranquil (LB) and Kyzir White (LB) played 89% and 77% of snaps respectively this week and will both be popular waiver wire linebacker additions this week, what many will forget or may not even know in the first place is that Kenneth Murray (LB) had seen two weeks of tumbling playing time before that freak injury at practice and these two had already displaced him as better linebacker options on this team, the word from beat writers was that “Murray was having trouble adapting to the new defense”. So while many may consider this just a waiver wire move for the duration of the Murray IR stay it could end up being something more long term, factor that into your decision on these two going forward. Not a ton of production from either this week but acceptable from both and it’s not like this Raiders offense was it’s typical self this week either, there wasn’t a ton to eat here in the first place. Solid options both of these guys in medium to deeper leagues.
Joey Bosa (DE) was in for 82% of snaps this week, had a sack and a forced fumble and is looking much better on the health front. All systems are go once more.
Chris Harris Jr (CB) could return to the Chargers lineup as soon as this week according to what I just read, this can and will shake up the normal order of operations here at corner for this team but I think Asante Samuel Jr (CB) has played well enough that it will be Michael Davis (CB) who sees the short end of the stick, we’ll find out soon enough and besides it’s the Browns in town this week it’s less than ideal for streaming purposes to begin with so we can look elsewhere beyond the Chargers options this week. Everything else looked good. We’re on to week 5.
Thank you for reading the week four edition of the monster. Just wanted to thank all of the readers of this article and the streaming corners article, listeners to DF$$ and the IDP Show Preview Show biweekly with me and @AdamIDP, The Big Nickel with @PFF_Macri and myself monthly during the season and all the subscribers at the site. This has been our most successful season ever and it’s barely even started. We’ve been lucky enough to be able to pay our writers, partner with a couple really great investors that are awesome dudes and huge football fans (also wildly successful businessmen) and get several sponsorships and partnerships with other sites that are going to allow us to really turn up the volume across the board and let us do basically whatever we want going forward. We’ve completely dominated the SEO game to the point where I can sleep safely at night knowing that even if my stupid mouth gets me in trouble on Twitter it means literally nothing because Twitter means nothing. Google is the big show, and we do it well. If I get canceled and we’ll just hire “Jimmy the Italian” to write “IDP Bible Length Shenanigans, The Creature” the week after, and that article will probably look strikingly similar to this one, that guy might even stream corners too.
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