A star is born.
Week 8 has come to an end and just like that we are already halfway through the season. The midseason grind is in full force and burnout has peaked it’s ugly head up like a deranged gopher in Caddyshack. Every week more and more of my fellow fantasy football writers succumb or threaten to succumb to the burnout that is writing these fantasy articles every week for free then getting blasted by anonymous readers with burner profiles for the inevitable misses we all have.
Now, this isn’t my first rodeo so my weekly start or sit is absolutely loaded with phrases such as “if it were me I would” and “personally I would” along with “these are just suggestions, your lineup is ultimately your responsibility” etc. So I take less shit than most, I head that stuff off at the pass, etc. Hell even if you’re not a fantasy writer and just a guy playing in a lot of leagues this is getting into the rough part of the season. We are all fired up the first few weeks of the season and all completely tuned in and ready to rock. Everyone is setting their lineups in the first month or so.
Around now is where things get interesting though. I’ve got a league I’m getting destroyed in, it’s a good team they just never all go off at the same time and I’ve run into a buzzsaw in regards to “points against”. Since it’s redraft I don’t have the option of just shutting it all down, trading some veterans and loading up on picks for the 2020 draft and coming back next year to try again, it’s now or never and it’s a money league. Despite my two and six record I’m not even close to packing it in because I know something about this time of year that a lot of people don’t factor into their equation. It has to do with human nature.
Human nature is to lose interest in things you aren’t good at. That includes your fantasy teams that aren’t doing well. Also more and more these days people are bombarded with a plethora of entertainment options. It’s easier for football and fantasy football to fall through the cracks unless you’re a total diehard. Increasingly I’m seeing team after team forgets to set their lineups, leaving guys on IR in their lineups, forgetting to check inactives before kickoff and playing someone like Alvin Kamara or David Johnson on a week where they are inactive. Just like the modern fantasy game is increasingly about managing attrition it’s also about commitment, dedication, and discipline.
I have a routine I follow religiously and it gives me an advantage over many of my league mates season after season. Tuesday is waivers day, Wednesday I set my initial lineups, Thursday night check inactives before kickoff and reset lineups, between Friday and Saturday I pay attention to Twitter and keep my eyes peeled for situations like the Kamara and David Johnson injuries this last week. Sunday morning I set my lineups after checking the 11:40 am inactives, then I adjust them again as needed at 3:40 pm when I check the afternoon games inactives, and twice more for the Sunday night and Monday night games, rinse and repeat all season.
I NEVER have an inactive in my lineup, and I NEVER forget to set a lineup, I ALWAYS get my waivers in every single week. Just by being a fanatic with those things alone I give myself a huge advantage over a huge amount of my fantasy opponents, you would be blown away by how many people forget to do these simple things each and every week. And even if they do these things the odds of them doing it every single week for the entire season seemingly decrease season after season. We live in an ADHD society and more and more I find myself having to seek out the other psychopaths like myself to ensure that I end up in competitive leagues every season. For god’s sake, I’m in a 35$ buy-in IDP league where four people didn’t even show up for the draft!
So I guess my message for this week would be it doesn’t matter if your team is swirling the toilet you can still come back and win your league or at least trophy in it. Make sure you’re doing the little things cause I damn well guarantee you the farther we get into this season the less your league-mates will be doing them due to the same factors I discussed above. There’s only so much you can control in fantasy football, a decent portion of it comes down to luck if we’re all being honest here. What you can do though is make sure you aren’t missing any of the little things that all add up to wins and losses at the end of the day. Put yourself in the best position possible and if you still get butt stuffed by the fantasy gods after that at least you did all you could.
Be sure to follow all the IDP writers at idpguys.org for a faster take on waivers and to make sure you’re covered from all angles with your IDP information, @IDP_Dude and @Joeythetooth are must follows. Apologies that this article comes out after waivers but it’s either ALL of the detail and it comes out late or NONE of the detail and you’ll have it for Tuesday night waivers. Anyone that knows me knows I don’t do things “some of the way”. Anyways, let’s get into it and prepare to have our cheeks clapped by the football gods again this week.
Much like a solid poop, Matt Ioannidis has been a pleasant surprise this year.
Redskins @ Vikings
Washington Redskins
Performed as expected: Landon Collins (S) Jonathan Bostic (LB) Jonathan Allen (DT) Cole Holcomb (LB) Da’Ron Payne (DT) Matthew Ioannidis (DE)
Possible waiver adds: This defense has been pretty well picked over by this point, although Jonathan Allen (DT) and Matt Ioannidis (DE) might be available in shallower leagues and either would make an excellent bye week or short term injury replacement play.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Both Shaun Dion Hamilton (LB) and Montez Sweat (EDGE) are still just dynasty pieces for this season it would appear. Neither has had enough playing time to put up significant numbers or to have any kind of consistency. Ryan Kerrigan (EDGE) continues to stink up the joint every week but we bailed out of those shares weeks ago, right?
Minnesota Vikings
Performed as expected: Eric Kendricks (LB) Danielle Hunter (DE) Everson Griffen (DE) Anthony Barr (EDGE) Linval Joseph (DT)
Possible waiver adds: No real surprises or new possible waiver adds this week, it’s possible that Anthony Harris (S) is available in some leagues and wouldn’t make the worst bye week safety roll of the dice ever, he does play 100% of snaps and sometimes that’s the best option you have with these weeks where you lose a ton of starters to byes.
Flash in the pan: Ifeadi Odenigbo (DE) had a nice week with a sack and two solo tackles along with two tackles for loss but only played 16% of snaps and hasn’t played much more than that on the season, that little playing time means there’s no chance for any kind of consistency, pass.
Remain calm or abandon ship: With the news about Jayron Kearse (S) driving while intoxicated and possessing a firearm it’s safe to say you can probably abandon that ship, he didn’t get any snaps this week and this news won’t help that situation in the least. Harrison Smith (S) had a sub-par game but the Vikings played against a sub-par offense that didn’t run nearly enough total plays to ensure that everyone on the Vikings defense was able to eat in the IDP points department, he’ll be fine the next time they play against a real offense. Remain calm. Everyone else put up numbers or at least did what they were projected to do.
Look who decided to show up this week.
Seahawks @ Falcons
Seattle Seahawks
Performed as expected: K.J. Wright (LB) Mychal Kendricks (LB) Bobby Wagner (LB) Shaquill Griffin (CB) Jadeveon Clowney (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Marquis Blair (S) seems to have supplanted Bradley McDougald (S) as the other starting safety next to Tedric Thompson (S) this week but with the recent acquisition of Quandre Diggs (S) from the Lions we are yet to see how he fits into this equation. You can add Blair if you want, he’s put up numbers the last two weeks, but there’s no guarantee that Diggs won’t replace him as the other starter at safety. For me personally, I’m giving it a couple of weeks to see how this plays out before starting ANY Seattle safeties, the smart move is to try and add Blair and Diggs now and when we see how this plays out we already have the guy who will be getting the playing time and production.
Flash in the pan: Jamar Taylor (CB) and Akeem King (CB) had nice games this week but played 44% and 85% of snaps respectively and Tre Flowers (CB) was injured and out this week. So not enough playing time and one of them will likely be on the bench when Flowers returns, not a great scenario for adding either in waivers. Pass.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Jarran Reed (DT) only had one tackle assist this week but still played 82% of snaps. This was his second game of the season after returning from an early suspension, he has yet to produce anything significant in either game this season. However, the playing time is there so the opportunity is there. And anyone who remembers what he’s capable of should be with me in allowing him some time to get his feet under him and get back into form, I”m remaining calm and patient with him for now, it’s not like defensive tackle is loaded with waiver wire guys anyways so waiting for a guy like Reed to come around makes sense in the grand scheme of things.
Atlanta Falcons
Performed as expected: Grady Jarrett (DT) De’Vondre Campbell (LB) Damontae Kazee (S) Kendall Sheffield (CB) Ricardo Allen (S) Tyeler Davison (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Tyeler Davison (DT) has been on my radar for a while now and I’ve been taking advantage plugging him in for bye weeks and as an injury replacement in a couple all IDP leagues. I was scanning the season-long defensive tackle rankings by total IDP points so far and shockingly Davison wasn’t too far from the top of the mountain. Definitely consider him for a bye week guy or if you are being let down by someone like Damon Harrison (DT) or Kenny Clark (DT) and are looking for a change of scenery.
Flash in the pan: Vic Beasley (EDGE) had a nice day with five combined tackles but is only playing around 60% of snaps, 66% this week, on the season and has been generally disappointing. There are better options out there, trusting pretty much any of the Falcons pass rush on a consistent basis is a bad idea.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Deion Jones (LB) only had four combined tackles this week while playing 89% of snaps, he’s been consistently outperformed by Devondre Campbell (LB) this entire season and it’s blowing all of our minds. He’s still Deion Jones (LB) so you are going to get those massive weeks more often than most guys and in general he’s been solid and startable this season. He’s just not doing what everyone expected him to do. I’m not a film guy or a Falcons fan so I can’t pinpoint why this is but I will say this, I’m in the same boat as you guys and the thought of benching him for another option hasn’t even entered my mind. The light from that thought takes billions of years to travel through space just to reach me. He’s Deion Freaking Jones (LB). He’ll be fine.
For a guy who was “inactive” according to some fantasy sites Matt Milano sure put up a nice stat line.
Eagles @ Bills
Philadelphia Eagles
Performed as expected: Brandon Graham (DE) Nathan Gerry (LB) Malcolm Jenkins (S) Fletcher Cox (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Nathan Gerry (LB) has been an excellent short term option at linebacker while Nigel Bradham (LB) has been injured and out. We have no idea how his playing time and production will be effected when Bradham returns to the lineup but my guess is his numbers and playing time will resemble the Zach Brown (LB) role and stats from early this season. For right now though, at least as long as Bradham is out, you’ve got a nice option in Gerry. Also, Genard Avery (LB) was signed this week and could have an impact on Gerry’s playing time but likely not this week.
Flash in the pan: T.J. Edwards (LB) had five combined tackles but only played 24% of snaps this week and will likely play even less when Nigel Bradham (LB) comes back from injury, not enough playing time for any kind of sustainability, pass.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Derek Barnett (DE) had a sub-par game but still put up a half a sack, half tackle for loss and a tackle assist while playing 85% of snaps this week so it wasn’t a total loss. He put up a serviceable game and was the only IDP relevant defensive lineman to not have a monster game this week so I’m not even close to putting him in the abandon ship category. These guys never all go off at the same time, it will be his turn for a monster performance soon enough. Remain calm.
Buffalo Bills
Performed as expected: Matt Milano (LB) Tremaine Edmunds (LB) Jordan Poyer (S) Micah Hyde (S) TreDavious White (CB) Ed Oliver (DT) Levi Wallace (CB) Shaq Lawson (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Someone might have gotten cute and dropped Matt Milano (LB), pick him up if that’s the case. That was a mistake.
Flash in the pan: Jordan Phillips (DT) has been putting up solid games most of this season with well below what we would call “ideal” playing time, this week he had a sack, solo tackle, tackle for loss and a QB hit while only playing 48% of snaps, that technically qualifies for flash in the pan but if this guy has been able to put up points with little playing time like this consistently this season when do we just call him efficient and buy into it? Never, that’s when. It’s only a matter of time before the lack of playing time catches up to him, availability is the best ability. You can’t score IDP points from the sideline. Pass.
Remain calm or abandon ship: The Bills pass rush, Trent Murphy (DE) and Jerry Hughes (DE) have been pretty god awful this season. They were never more than a tier two option anyways in deeper leagues but they’ve really fallen off from what I remember from past seasons. Good pass-rush help is hard to find. If you can come up with a better option, by all means, go for it, they both played 59% of snaps this week as well so even their playing time leaves more to be desired. I’ve got these guys, one or the other, they’re the same person in my brain, in a couple of places and I’ve been keeping my eye open scanning the waiver wire for replacement options, I would suggest you do the same.
The Bosa brothers clapped some cheeks this week.
Chargers @ Bears
Los Angeles Chargers
Performed as expected: Joey Bosa (DE) Thomas Davis (LB) Rayshawn Jenkins (S) Melvin Ingram (DE) Jerry Tillery (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Melvin Ingram (DE) returned from injury this week, if someone dropped him in your league absolutely pick him up he would be a great help at defensive line. Roderic Teamer (CB) has caught my eye at cornerback as a possible streamer or starter next time he has an ideal matchup, he played 100% of snaps yet again and had a terrific stat line this week.
Flash in the pan: Damion Square (DT) had a terrific box score and played 73% of snaps this week, however, he has only six total combined tackles from every other game he’s played in this entire season. He stinks. Pass.
Remain calm or abandon ship: The Chargers linebacker’s situation continues to be a giant mess and a thorough pain in my ass. Thomas Davis (LB) still looks like the only one you can even semi trust. Denzel Perryman (LB) has seen an increase in snaps lately but his production has been mediocre at best. Drue Tranquill (LB) has had a couple of nice weeks in the box score but is playing less than 50% of snaps per game so expecting any kind of consistency from him is not realistic. Kyzir White (LB) and Uchenna Nwosu (LB) who were playing the majority of snaps just a few games ago are now both playing less than 30% of snaps per game and their production has plummeted as a result. This situation seems to change every week and no one, except for possibly Davis, has really stood out to the point where I actually trust them week-to-week. Abandon ship on the entire thing if you can, it’s not worth the headache.
Chicago Bears
Performed as expected: Kyle Fuller (CB) Danny Trevathan (LB) Roquan Smith (LB) Khalil Mack (EDGE)
Possible waiver adds: NA, this defense more than most is pretty well picked over. The rotting carcass of Roy Robertson Harris (DT) isn’t going to be much help to anyone going forward.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Eddie “Skidmarks” Jackson (S) had no stats of any kind this week despite playing every single defensive snap. He’s notoriously inconsistent and very much reliant on big plays for the majority of his IDP points, his tackle floor is nonexistent and he’s never been reliable. I’ve been telling people for two years now that this guy is going to lose you games when you need him to put up numbers for you. He has no floor, that’s the problem, it’s literally feast or famine and because there was more feast than famine last season he developed this reputation as a good IDP safety which is total horseshit. This guy will lose you matchups, abandon ship, I’m fine though I never got on it in the first place.
Trey Flowers decided to play some football finally. I feel like there was supposed to be something else I usually do with the Lions caption every week..can’t remember what it was…
Giants @ Lions
New York Giants
Performed as expected: Markus Golden (EDGE) Jabrill Peppers (S) Lorenzo Carter (LB) Alec Ogletree (LB) Dalvin Tomlinson (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Deandre Baker (CB) played 100% of snaps and had a really nice week at the corner, personally I’m a Jackrabbit or bust guy as far as Giants corners are concerned but Baker might be worth a stream or start down the road if an ideal matchup comes along.
Flash in the pan: Grant Haley (CB) had a nice game as well but only played 76% of snaps which isn’t nearly enough for any kind of consistency at cornerback, it’s hard enough to log any points with any kind of consistency at corner playing every snap, 76% won’t cut it. Pass.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Antoine Bethea (S) had a down week with only three combined tackles but still played 100% of snaps, he should be fine these things happen. David Mayo (LB) though is a different story, he was down in playing time again this week, 62% of snaps, and only had one solo tackle on the day. When combined with his sub-par effort last week and his declining playing time of late this paints a bad picture. It’s not even like Tae Davis (LB) has reclaimed his job or any playing time, he was inactive this week after just some special teams snaps the week prior. I think this is just a case of midnight approaching for Cinderella. Time to look for other options.
Detroit Lions
Performed as expected: Tracy Walker (S) Devon Kennard (LB) Jarrad Davis (LB) Christian Jones (LB) Trey Flowers (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Will Harris (S) and Tavon Wilson (S) both saw 82% of snaps this week, Harris has taken over for the recently traded Quandre Diggs (S) and Wilson will likely see a spike in playing time if the Tracy Walker (S) injury is significant, either could be a nice safety add for the time being. Harris is a better long term solution while Wilson had better production this week and will likely only be super relevant if Walker is out for a while.
Flash in the pan: Da’Shawn Hand (DE) had a nice day but only played 54% of snaps and hasn’t played much more than that this season. He hasn’t really caught my eye either so the consistency isn’t there either, pass.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Damon Harrison (DT) had yet another sub-par game and saw his playing time further decrease to only 42% of snaps played this week. This is not good, I as well as many other people spent solid draft capital on this guy expecting a return of investment at an extremely thin position, defensive tackle. This position falls off a cliff so losing a guy like this, or even worse not losing him just watching his playing time evaporate and his production dry up week after week is a nightmare scenario. I’ve been looking for other options everywhere I have him and have been doing so for weeks now, you should be doing the same. He just isn’t the same Snacks we are all used to seeing season after season, abandon ship.
Jayon Brown returned with a vengeance much like the runs after Chipotle.
Buccaneers @ Titans
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Performed as expected: Lavonte David (LB) Devin White (LB) Shaquil Barrett (EDGE) Vernon Hargreaves (CB) Carl Nassib (DE) Jason Pierre-Paul (DE) Vita Vea (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Andrew Adams (S) played 98% of snaps this week even with Mike Edwards (S) healthy and active in the lineup, it would appear Adams has supplanted Edwards as the other starting safety going forward, Adams had five combined tackles and a pass defended and could be a nice safety option if you need help going forward. JPP also did well his first game back and makes a solid piece if you need defensive line help.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Jordan Whitehead (S) only had two combined tackles but still played 94% of snaps this week, it wasn’t the most ideal matchup, the Titans aren’t exactly known for their offensive prowess and are less likely to run a ton of plays with long, sustained drives that ultimately lead to IDP points for opposing defenses. So I’m not too concerned at this point, if he has a game or two like this against a real offense then I’ll start worrying.
Tennessee Titans
Performed as expected: Rashaan Evans (LB) Logan Ryan (CB) Kenny Vaccaro (S) Kevin Byard (S) Jayon Brown (LB) Jurrell Casey (DT) Harold Landry (EDGE)
Possible waiver adds: NA if someone dropped Jayon Brown (LB) definitely takes advantage of that. Besides that, all the “known” IDP producers on this team should be owned already.
Flash in the pan: Kamalei Correa (LB) had a nice game with five combined tackles but only played 39% of snaps and is a player I didn’t know existed until this very moment, pass.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Everyone who was supposed to put up numbers did so this week, obviously abandon ship on Wesley Woodyard (LB) since Brown is back his playing time plummeted to just 13% of snaps, he won’t have any kind of significant playing time unless there’s another injury to Rashaan Evans (LB) or Jayon Brown (LB) so you can drop him in redraft unless you have a massive bench.
Well known shirker Darius Leonard surprised everyone by playing football for a second week in a row.
Broncos @ Colts
Denver Broncos
Performed as expected: A.J. Johnson (LB) Justin Simmons (S) Todd Davis (LB) Von Miller (EDGE) Kareem Jackson (CB)
Possible waiver adds: AJ Johnson (LB) saw his playing time rebound from last week’s dip and shoot back up to 91% of snaps played and his production followed along with it. He remains a solid linebacker option for waiver wire help.
Flash in the pan: Derek Wolfe (DE) had a really nice game but is a 3-4 defensive end and only played 69% of snaps this week, nice. He’s very inconsistent and someone that should only be considered as a bye week or short term fill in with very deep leagues, this kind of production is not going to be even close to consistent.
Remain calm or abandon ship: DeMarcus Walker (DE) saw his playing time fall to just 25% of snaps played this week and his Cinderella-like production took a dive along with it, only one solo tackle on the day. This was my concern that I voiced in previous weeks in this article, his playing time has never been ideal and he’s been lucky to put up the numbers he did with the few opportunities he gets. I know he’s IDP Twitters new darling but the bottom line is availability is the best ability, you can’t score IDP points from the bench. Until I see this guy logging meaningful playing time for at least a couple weeks in a row I’m steering clear and I would suggest you do the same.
Indianapolis Colts
Performed as expected: Darius Leonard (LB) Clayton Geathers (S) Anthony Walker (LB) Kenny Moore (CB) Rock Ya-Sin (CB) Malik Hooker (S) Jabal Sheard (DE) Justin Houston (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Malik Hooker (S) returned from injury and turned in a decent game in the box score department, five combined tackles and half a tackle for loss on 85% of snaps played, he would make a nice bye week fill in or help in deeper leagues at safety.
Flash in the pan: Bobby Okereke (LB) logged only 52% of snaps this week but that’s the most he’s played in a game this season where both Darius Leonard (LB) and Anthony Walker (LB) play as well, usually he’s the odd man out when those two are on the field. Personally I think this has more to do with matchup than any indicator that he’ll be receiving more playing time down the road, and even if he does, 52% of snaps isn’t enough for any kind of consistency. He’s definitely a hold in dynasty but I’m still passing on him in redraft.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Khari Willis (S) can be shit-canned and blown out the airlock now that both Clayton Geathers (S) and Malik Hooker (S) are back healthy and playing their normal amount of snaps. Denico Autry (DT) had a sub-par performance this week with only three solo tackles on 63% of snaps played. I’m not too worried about that honesty, nature of the position, defensive tackle isn’t an every week producer for IDP points. Even with guys like Aaron Donald (DT), DeForest Buckner (DT) or Chris Jones (DT) they don’t put up numbers every week so why should be expect someone light-years less talented than those guys like Denico Autry (DT) to do so? We shouldn’t, and he won’t. Remain calm he’ll be fine.
Aaron Donald is dominating once again.
Bengals @ Rams
Cincinnati Bengals
Performed as expected: Jessie Bates (S) Shawn Williams (S) Nick Vigil (LB) Preston Brown (LB) Carlos Dunlap (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Carlos Dunlap (DE) came back from injury this week and has been dropped in some leagues, I know I’ve been picking him up off waivers, he played 63% of snaps this week in his first action in nearly a month and had three solo tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass defended. He makes a terrific bye week guy in shallower leagues and the perfect defensive line help in anything bigger.
Flash in the pan: Tony McRae (CB) had a nice day and played 97% of snaps this week but will be back to being irrelevant as soon as Dre Kirkpatrick (CB) and Darqueze Dennard (CB) return from injury so he won’t be long for this world, pass.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Sam Hubbard (DE) and Geno Atkins (DT) both had sub-par games this week but played 80% and 68% of snaps respectively and have both been producing as they’ve been expected to all season, Hubbard as a surprise end of tier one defensive end and Atkins as a tier two defensive tackle. Nothing that happened this week changes my outlook on either of these guys, they’ll continue to produce as the season moves forward, nature of the position and all that, no defensive line guys put up numbers every single week. It just doesn’t happen. Remain calm.
Los Angeles Rams
Performed as expected: Taylor Rapp (S) Cory Littleton (LB) Jalen Ramsey (CB) Eric Weddle (S) Marqui Christian (S) Michael Brockers (DE) Dante Fowler (EDGE) Aaron Donald (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Taylor Rapp (S) has firmly established himself as the safety to own in the post John Johnson (S) era. He played 100% of snaps this week and had a massive game, definitely add him if you need safety help.
Flash in the pan: Troy Reeder (LB) only played 12% of snaps this week and was a non-factor in the box score, Kenny Young (LB) did not play a defensive snap at all, only logging some special teams time, and was also a non-factor in the box score. From what I’m seeing Samson Ebukam (LB) is the linebacker getting significant snaps besides Cory Littleton (LB) and he’s been anything but impressive with his production, at this point in time it would appear that Littleton is the only Rams linebacker worth owning. Everyone else was a flash in the pan.
Remain calm or abandon ship: We can probably abandon ship on Troy Reeder (LB). Kenny Young (LB) doesn’t look like he’s going to have much of a role. To be safe maybe hold either for another week or two if you have the room on your bench, I’ve already airlocked both of them though I can see the writing on the wall. Everyone else who was supposed to put up numbers this week did so including Aaron Donald (DT) who everyone was freaking out about just a few short weeks ago. I told you it would be fine.
As consistent as diarrhea after taco bell, Cameron Jordan.
Cardinals @ Saints
Arizona Cardinals
Performed as expected: Budda Baker (S) Jordan Hicks (LB) Patrick Peterson (CB) Byron Murphy (CB) Haason Reddick (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Joe Walker (LB) is a linebacker I’ve never heard of that out-snapped Haason Reddick (LB) this week 54% of snaps to 46%. He had one less combined tackle than Reddick while playing slightly more. This whole thing is weird, Reddick has been fine all season with both snaps and production and now this week all of a sudden his playing time gets slashed exponentially and this Joe Walker (LB) guy steps into the picture. I don’t follow the Cardinals so I don’t know the story here, I do know that if this trend continues Joe Walker (LB) could end up as the second IDP relevant linebacker on the Cardinals instead of Haason Reddick (LB). If that ends up being the case it’s not a bad idea to be ahead of the game and already have him rostered, especially in deeper leagues where you need linebacker help.
Flash in the pan: Jalen Thompson (S) had seven combined tackles but only played 57% of snaps this week and hasn’t been IDP relevant in prior weeks this season, not enough playing time or consistency, pass.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Chandler Jones (EDGE) and Terrell Suggs (EDGE) both had bad days but both had plenty of playing time, 93% and 72% of snaps played respectively. This is a nature of the position thing, I’ve been screaming into the heavens about the inconsistency of OLB and EDGE guys since week one, if you’ve ever read this article before you already know. These guys will never be every week producers, this is what you sign up for when you start them. Haason Reddick (LB) seeing his playing time plummet to 46% of snaps played this week is highly disturbing, his production was still decent but that won’t last if his playing time doesn’t rebound. Start unlatching the life rafts but for now, let’s see how next week pans out before panicking.
New Orleans Saints
Performed as expected: Demario Davis (LB) Vonn Bell (S) AJ Klein (LB) Cameron Jordan (DE)
Possible waiver adds: CJ Gardner Johnson (S) saw his playing time increase again this week as the Saints went with a three safety set for almost every defensive snap this week. Johnson played 98% of snaps and parlayed that into five combined tackles, a tackle for loss and two passes defended. Combined with last week’s effort and the trend of his playing time increasing he looks like he could be a nice safety option in the medium to deeper leagues going forward.
Flash in the pan: David Onyemata (DT) had a nice week but only played 41% of snaps and isn’t named Jordan, Davenport or Rankins so I’m not interested. Not enough playing time, no consistency and no chance of playing more with those guys ahead of him on the depth chart. Pass.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Sheldon Rankins (DT) is in a bit of a slump but still played 63% of snaps and is holding steady around that much playing time for the last couple weeks now. We all know what he’s capable of. He’s getting the playing time and opportunities so the production will happen, if he were less talented I might be more worried but he’s not. It’s going to happen. Jarran Reed (DT) has also done nothing the last two weeks and no ones ready to bail on him yet, same deal here. He’ll be fine.
Ngakoue and the Jags pass rush had Darnold seeing ghosts again this week.
Jets @ Jaguars
New York Jets
Performed as expected: Jamal Adams (S) Blake Cashman (LB) Darryl Roberts (CB) Brian Poole (CB) Leonard Williams (DE) Quinnen Williams (DT)
Possible waiver adds: If Neville Hewitt (LB) is injured and out again it will be James Burgess (LB) taking over for him, with Hewitt out this last week Burgess played 96% of snaps and logged five combined tackles and one tackle for loss. This is obviously only a short term option and for deeper leagues only.
Flash in the pan: Brandon Copeland (LB) had a nice day in the box score but only played 39% of snaps which isn’t nearly enough for any kind of consistency, pass.
Remain calm or abandon ship: NA, everyone who was expected to produce did so this week. The Jets IDP corps has really taken a beating this season with all the injuries. Things just haven’t panned out like we all were hoping they would. Can’t win them all I guess.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Performed as expected: A.J. Bouye (CB) Ronnie Harrison (S) Jarrod Wilson (S) Myles Jack (LB) Calais Campbell (DE) Yannick Ngakoue (DE) Josh Allen (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Austin Calitro (LB) is the hot waiver wire add this week. I get it, he played 83% of snaps this last week and led all Jags IDP production with six combined tackles and a tackle for loss. He is third on the depth chart behind both Najee Goode (LB) and Quincy Williams (LB), both of which are injured but not catastrophically injured and could return this week easily. The bottom line is if either Goode or Williams is able to go this week Calitro will be back on the bench so I wouldn’t waste your time here.
Flash in the pan: Austin Calitro (LB) for the exact reasons I specified above. I could be wrong about this and he could end up the starter going forward since Quincy Williams (LB) has been terrible and Najee Goode (LB) got injured before we could see what he could do but I don’t think I am. If that’s the case we’ll know next week or soon and I’ll update everyone as soon as the picture clears up.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Everyone who was supposed to put up numbers did so this week, there’s some concern over the Ronnie Harrison (S) injury but I haven’t heard anything calling it major so he should be back in our lineups sooner rather than later.
The younger Bosa brother was also clapping cheeks this week.
Panthers @ 49ers
Carolina Panthers
Performed as expected: Luke Kuechly (LB) Eric Reid (S) Tre Boston (S)
Possible waiver adds: Tre Boston (S) remains a decent bye week stab or option at safety in deeper leagues if you need it, 100% of snaps again this week and some really nice production recently.
Flash in the pan: Bruce Irvin (EDGE) had a really nice day but has been terrible most of the season and or his entire career and only played 63% of snaps this week, there are better EDGE guys out there if you want to go that route.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Shaq Thompson (LB) only had four combined tackles while playing 100% of snaps in an absolutely ideal matchup against a 49ers team that owned time of possession and ran the ball to the tune of 232 yards on 38 attempts. That last part is what gets me, that’s the absolute best case for opposing IDP linebackers like Thompson and Kuechly but somehow only Luke Kuechly (LB) was able to take advantage and put up nice numbers. Still, Shaq Thompson (LB) has had a terrific season so far and been a pleasant surprise so I’m not even thinking about pulling the plug I’m just disappointed he didn’t put up better numbers with such an ideal situation this last week.
San Francisco 49ers
Performed as expected: Fred Warner (LB) Richard Sherman (CB) Nick Bosa (DE) Arik Armstead (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Jimmie Ward (S) had a bit of a down week but that was due to the 49ers owning time of possession and so thoroughly blasting out the Panthers buttholes that he only played 79% of snaps and was able to sit and rest at the end of the game, he actually led all 49ers IDP in playing time this week, that entire defense basically sat the entire fourth quarter and were able to let the second team come in because this game was way out of reach by that point. He remains a nice safety option going forward if you need help there.
Flash in the pan: Ronald Blair (DE) and D.J. Jones (DT) both had sacks and a nice game this week but aren’t the known IDP producers on the 49ers defensive line and both don’t have ideal playing time to keep this going. If it’s not Bosa, Armstead, Buckner or Ford I’m not interested in regards to the 49ers defensive line. Pass.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Kwon Alexander (LB) had another disappointing day with only four combined tackles on 76% of snaps played this week, we discussed the lack of playing time earlier due to the blowout win but he’s been having trouble producing all season. @IDP_Dude and I discussed why this was in our most recent IDP Guys podcast, it is a product of success. The 49ers offense and in particular their run game is so good that they own time of possession in basically every game they play and the defense spends much less time on the field compared to other IDP units out there, plus when Alexander does get out there he has not only Fred Warner (LB) to compete for tackles with but that incredible defensive line as well that features one of the leading tacklers for defensive tackles the last two seasons in DeForest Buckner (DT). All of this adds up to a bad recipe for production for Alexander going forward this season if you have a better option it might be time to go with it.
This guy lives in my nightmares.
Browns @ Patriots
Cleveland Browns
Performed as expected: Joe Schobert (LB) Olivier Vernon (DE) Mack Wilson (LB) Denzel Ward (CB) Myles Garrett (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Morgan Burnett (S) will see significant playing time and possibly significant production as long as Damarious Randall (S) is injured and out, this is short term only though, as soon as Randal is back in Burnett lands back on the bench. Both Greedy Williams (CB) and Denzel Ward (CB) played their first games in some time this week in an ideal matchup and both did very well, Ward is a rock-solid cornerback streamer in ideal matchups going forward and Williams could be as well I’ve just seen less of him so I’m not positive.
Flash in the pan: Eric Murray (S) is a part-time safety, 72% of snaps this week, who I’ve never heard of before. No consistency and not ideal playing time, we can likely ignore his solid week in the box score and pass on him for now.
Remain calm or abandon ship: No one really filled their pants with poop this week, everyone who was supposed to put up numbers did so. Both Larry Ogunjobi (DT) and Sheldon Richardson (DT) only had three solo tackles each but that’s serviceable for the defensive tackle on weeks where they don’t blow up, both will be fine. Remain calm across the board.
New England Patriots
Performed as expected: Jamie Collins (LB) Jonathan Jones (CB) Stephon Gilmore (CB)
Possible waiver adds: No one, Jamie Collins (LB) if you’re feeling lucky, looks at his past production though you’ll see he either blows up or gives you nothing there’s no consistency whatsoever.
Flash in the pan: Every Patriots IDP player every week.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Abandon ship everywhere, if you don’t know why I say that by now just go back and read the last few week’s versions of this article I’m getting sick of writing it every week.
Death, taxes, JJ Watt season ending injuries.
Raiders @ Texans
Oakland Raiders
Performed as expected: Tahir Whitehead (LB) Karl Joseph (S) Maxx Crosby (DE) Lamarcus Joyner (S) Eric Harris (S) Daryl Worley (CB) Nicholas Morrow (LB) Johnathan Hankins (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Brandon Marshall (LB) was re-signed by the Raiders this week and could end up supplanting Nicholas Morrow (LB) down the line, he might be worth a speculative add in deeper leagues in case this does happen.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Clelin Ferrell (DE) hasn’t been what we were hoping for this season, he’s playing about 60% of snaps each week but unlike his fellow rookies Josh Allen (DE) and Nick Bosa (DE) it would seem he won’t be putting up any numbers until at least next season. Myles Garrett (DE) took a while to get going as well, he’s worth a hold in dynasty, but in redraft I would be looking for other options.
Houston Texans
Performed as expected: Zach Cunningham (LB) Whitney Mercilus (EDGE) Benardrick McKinney (LB) Justin Reid (S) J.J. Watt (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Brennan Scarlett (LB) led the Texans in overall IDP production out of nowhere and logged 84% of snaps this week, he could be a nice waiver wire linebacker but for now is just an add and hold in deeper leagues, I need to see it again before I start to believe it.
Flash in the pan: Brennan Scarlett (LB) for the same reasons listed about, time will tell either way.
Remain calm or abandon ship: J.J. Watt (DE) is obviously out for the season, abandon ship. D.J. Reader (DT) had a sub-par game but is not only a defensive tackle which is a spotty and inconsistent position but also a nose tackle which is the worst kind of defensive tackle for IDP purposes. He’s been decent this season and makes a nice defensive tackle two preferably three in deeper leagues going forward. He should get back to some decent production if you have those limited expectations going forward.
Blake Martinez, as constant as the Northern star.
Packers @ Chiefs
Green Bay Packers
Performed as expected: Darnell Savage (S) Blake Martinez (LB) Kevin King (CB) Jaire Alexander (CB) Za’Darius Smith (EDGE) Preston Smith (EDGE) Adrian Amos (S)
Possible waiver adds: Darnell Savage (S) was dropped in a ton of places, I know cause I’ve been picking him up, and obviously makes a really nice piece if you need safety help going forward. He has the playing time, skill and opportunity.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Kenny Clark (DT) only had two solo tackles this week playing 85% of snaps. If you have a better option feel free to go for it, but likely you don’t. Defensive tackle is naturally boom or bust and inconsistent and Kenny Clark (DT) is good enough that you eat these bad weeks and stick it out, he will have massive games down the line and you’re not likely to find a better option off waivers at this point in the season. Remain calm.
Kansas City Chiefs
Performed as expected: Damien Wilson (LB) Anthony Hitchens (LB) Juan Thornhill (S)
Possible waiver adds: Emmanuel Ogbah (DE) remains a nice waiver wire option for defensive line help as long as Frank Clark (DE) and Chris Jones (DT) are injured and out, once they return though it’s likely his playing time will decrease and his production along with it so this is short term only.
Flash in the pan: Ben Niemann (LB) only played 19% of snaps this week and was only IDP relevant when Anthony Hitchens (LB) was injured and out and he got the start in his place that one week, you can ignore his production since that small amount of playing time ensures it won’t be happening again or consistently any time soon.
Remain calm or abandon ship: There are no real abandon ship or remain calm guys this week, we’re all just basically waiting for Chris Jones (DT) and Frank Clark (DE) to come back from injury so we can start them again. Clark was just getting hot right before this injury and Jones has been a nice defensive tackle piece that we’ve been missing the majority of this season. It will be smooth sailing once those two return, for now, the guys who were expected to put up numbers did so. Remain calm.
TJ Watt would be my choice if you held a gun to my head and made me play an OLB in my LB slot.
Dolphins @ Steelers
Miami Dolphins
Performed as expected: Jerome Baker (LB) Raekwon McMillan (LB) Samuel Eguavoen (LB) Davon Godchaux (DT) Taco Charlton (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Vince Biegel (LB) has logged significant playing time the last two games and was in for 84% of snaps this week and had nine combined tackles. He could be a nice waiver wire linebacker if this continues, he’s an add and hold for now.
Flash in the pan: Ryan Lewis (CB) had a nice game but only played 71% of snaps, not enough for any kind of consistency going forward.
Remain calm or abandon ship: There aren’t very many IDP relevant guys on this Dolphins team but the ones we are familiar with did what they were supposed to do this week. It would be nice if Reshad Jones (S) would suit up and play soon, he was on his way to significant playing time and had a really nice week before the injury bug got him.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Performed as expected: Devin Bush (LB) Cameron Heyward (DT) Bud Dupree (EDGE) Mark Barron (LB) Vince Williams (LB) T.J. Watt (EDGE) Joe Haden (CB) Minkah Fitzpatrick (S)
Possible waiver adds: Mark Barron (LB) or Vince Williams (LB) could be a decent bye week fill-in but neither is playing enough to be an every-week option, everyone else that produces consistently here is already a known IDP piece.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score.
Remain calm or abandon ship: Terrell Edmunds (S) had a down week but still played 100% of snaps and should rebound nicely when the Steelers play against a better offense than Miami’s. He’s been a nice safety two this season and even with Fitzpatrick joining the team should continue to be a decent end of tier two guy going forward. Everyone else who was supposed to put up numbers this week did so, remain calm.
Thank you for reading this week’s edition of my (semi) instant reaction and defensive waivers. I’ll be here all season breaking down the crazy shenanigans that is the week in IDP production, playing time and consistency. Some may want to just know who to pick up off waivers but for the truly committed we want to know WHY. We’ll keep plugging together as we scrape and claw our way to those week sixteen title games just like we do every year.
Be sure to keep an eye out for my weekly start or sit article dropping Saturday mornings every week, for the Thursday night game that start or sit will be in tweet form, follow me @Orangeman3142 for that information. Also, our podcast drops every Wednesday morning or Tuesday night all season long as well. Be sure to follow @IDP_Dude and @Joeythetooth to be sure you get defensive waivers and reactions to the week’s production covered from all sides. All this can be found, for free, at your one-stop shop for all things IDP here at idpguys.org or @idpguys on Twitter. Good luck this week.
Follow Tony Johns
Nah, I didn’t forget. What are we without tradition? “Damon Harrison takes a shit on the field in front of thousands of horrified fans, Detroit USA circa 2019″
