Danielle Hunter continues to clap cheeks at an elevated rate compared to most people.
Week fifteen is in the books, fantasy semi finals are in the books and this season overall is just about in the books. It always goes by so fast. That’s part of why we love it, every game is massively important and there’s a finite amount of it overall. It’s been another crazy season just like they all are, we had our ups and our downs, we made some smart moves and some stupid moves. We did our best and took care of what we could control and left the rest up to the fantasy gods.
There were stars born this season, Tracy Walker, Josh Allen (the one who plays defense), Jordan Phillips and many others. There were some of our old reliable favorites who had career seasons, Jonathan Allen, Cameron Heyward, Grady Jarrett, Everson Griffen and many more. There were disappointments, Deion Jones, Damon Harrison, Justin Reid and Von Miller among the most noteworthy. The injury grim reaper got his due all throughout the season, the names are far too many to list. We took all of it in stride and made wild, batshit crazy moves to use smoke and mirrors to win us weeks and crawl into playoffs starting guys like Donald Payne and Kevin Pierre Louis. We did what we had to do.
We all learned things that will help us going into next season and beyond, I know I for one will be checking for more “hidden safeties”, cornerbacks who are really playing safety since it’s a massive advantage plugging safety type production and consistency into a naturally spotty and unreliable cornerback slot. I know I’ll be drafting my teams focusing more on handcuffing players that own a productive position on a team rather than just going after fliers once my starters are drafted on both sides of the ball. This season has shown that the person who navigates the ridiculous amount of attrition we all deal with in the modern NFL the best usually is in the best position going into playoffs. Players get hurt at a rate we have never seen before and it only seems to be getting worse, best ball style draft strategy seems to be something that will need a really good look next season and beyond.
We had our over reactions just like every year, Shaq Barrett didn’t break the sacks record and Whitney Mercilus and Jamie Collins didn’t finish the season anywhere remotely close to the top five or even top ten of IDP linebackers. The first few weeks of this season had me feeling like I had lost my damned mind but things returned to normal eventually. This was the “year of the OLB” with guys like Shaq Barrett, TJ Watt, Chandler Jones, Whitney Mercilus, Preston & Za’Darius Smith and many others putting up solid seasons for a regular IDP linebacker never mind a specific EDGE or OLB slot. These players have shown that while using EDGE or OLB in a regular linebacker slot is still very risky it was overall far less risky this season than in seasons past.
People freaked out about Aaron Donald and Frank Clark and then they started clapping cheeks like they always do. People freaked out about Minkah Fitzpatrick claiming he should win defensive player of the year and in the end he remains a poor man’s Eddie Jackson. By and large the things that were supposed to happen went as planned. The guys we thought would be studs are studs, the weird patterns of production ended up as outliers and not the norm. In the end the only thing that kept the studs from doing what they were supposed to do this season was the injury grim reaper and De’Vondre Campbell.
It was another terrific year and the playoffs, actual playoffs not fantasy, look to be loaded with talented teams with no real front runners for the Super Bowl. Sure, the Ravens look like they should be there but the Chiefs already beat them this season and if they get the Patriots again with Belichick getting another shot at them I would not be surprised if they ended up getting destroyed in the rematch. The NFC is as wide open as ever and the eventual title game should be a great one. I for one am looking forward to being able to enjoy the games without having to worry about fantasy, sure I’ll play some FanDuel tickets like always but those stakes aren’t nearly as high.
It’s been fun writing this for you guys all season, for those of you who translated the German each week I’m surprised you’re still here, there was some twisted shit in there lmao. Those of you who enjoyed the captions and expressed that on Twitter thanks for the feedback, they crack me up as well. The best two were definitely “Matt Ioannidis takes a break from splitting firewood to split Aaron Rodgers butt cheeks” and “Damon Harrison squats and takes a shit in front of tens of thousands of shocked and horrified fans”. That Snacks one was an instant classic so I had to sneak some version of that into every weeks article all year after it’s initial use.
We always keep it real with you here at idpguys, yeah we could definitely tone it down and be more palatable for the masses but that’s not who we are. I could write these articles without the occasional swearing or references to Snacks Harrison shitting his pants but that’s not who I am. Besides, you need to be legitimately a little crazy to read this thing in the first place, this article is basically for the deepest of deep IDP leagues and to grab the not so obvious guys before your league mates do. When we’re talking about the third defensive tackle for the Falcons, Tyeler Davison, who’s playing 45% of snaps and how that works in an all IDP league where you start four defensive tackles each week you know you’re way down the rabbit hole and have left normal fantasy football players in another solar system. That’s us, we’re all a little bit nuts.
I wanted to thank all of you for reading this every week. It’s been one hell of a ride once again. I’ll be back next season doing this article once again, as for the start or sit I’m probably going to retire that and use that time to start something for college fantasy football since that’s the future and I want to make sure we’re in on the ground floor of it. The podcast will be going through Christmas week then we’ll take a small break until the AFC & NFC title games and after we’ll hopefully have our usual Superbowl interview with Dr. Superbowl. We’ll take another break after that then be back for the draft, free agency and the lead up to next season. We aren’t going anywhere and we’ll keep cooking up new stuff for next season.
Thanks again for reading all season. Good luck to you all in your finals matchups and I hope you take home that hardware. May your players all join the Ultra Mega Cheek Clapper Ten Thousand Club. Protect Baby Yoda, Follow Tony Johns, cram Tom Brady‘s spice melange up my ass! Let’s break down week fifteen.
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.
James Burgess returned to earth this week with a pedestrian performance against the Ravens.
Jets @ Ravens
New York Jets
Performed as expected: Daryl Roberts (CB,S) James Burgess (LB) Marcus Maye (S) Neville Hewitt (LB)
Possible waiver adds: It was brought to my attention that Daryl Roberts (CB) is actually playing snaps at safety for the Jets in relief of injured and out Jamal Adams (S). Whenever you can plug a corner into a corner specific slot and get safety type production and consistency that’s a cheat code. Absolutely pull the trigger if that’s the case. He also played 97% of snaps this week so the playing time is there as well.
Flash in the pan: Tarell Basham (LB) only played 59% of snaps and hasn’t done much else of note this season so we can ignore his slightly elevated production this week. Pass.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Everyone who was supposed to produce this week did so with the semi noteworthy exception of Quinnen Williams (DT) who didn’t even play, he might be injured who knows. It’s finals week and he’s just a dynasty piece so I’m not even going to check if he was injured, if you need to play him this week you’re in deep shit anyways. Remain calm across the board.
Baltimore Ravens
Performed as expected: Jimmy Smith (CB) Marlon Humphrey (CB) Jaylon Ferguson (LB) Chuck Clark (S)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers this week.
Flash in the pan: Domata Peko (DT) only played 34% of snaps, at nose tackle no less, and is about a million years old and hasn’t been IDP relevant in years. Pass.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Earl Thomas (S) and Matthew Judon (EDGE) were the only IDP relevant pieces to disappoint this week and they both had serviceable games and not complete disasters. This team really doesn’t have any real “studs” so I doubt many of you are relying on any of these guys, maybe Chuck Clark (S) who saved his game with an interception and maybe Judon as a EDGE two preferably three in deeper leagues but that’s it. This is who they are, it’s been this way all season, the production is always spread out and it’s usually someone different at the top of their box score every week.
Sam Hubbard continued his magical season this week.
Patriots @ Bengals
New England Patriots
Performed as expected: Jamie Collins (LB) *Somewhat, this is why I said never play a Patriots IDP, just have a gander at this weeks box score. That explains it all. A shitload of names no ones ever heard of all at the top*
Possible waiver adds: No one unless it’s Stephon Gilmore (CB) and he’s somehow available.
Flash in the pan: Every Patriots IDP every week.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Abandon ship always, I never boarded it.
Cincinnati Bengals
Performed as expected: Germaine Pratt (LB) Andrew Billings (DT) Carlos Dunlap (DE) Nick Vigil (LB) Jessie Bates (S) Darqueze Dennard (CB) Sam Hubbard (DE)
Possible waiver adds: NA, no new producers this week.
Flash in the pan: Andrew Billings (DT) played 80% of snaps which is plenty, and he plays a lot every week but is a nose tackle which is traditionally not a very IDP relevant position. He’s still playable in all IDP or extremely deep leagues but I wouldn’t count on another huge day like this in week sixteen.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Geno Atkins (DT), Shawn Williams (S) and Carl Lawson (DE) were the only members of this absolutely jam packed with producers Bengals defense to disappoint this week. Williams still turned in a serviceable game and played 100% of snaps and is having a fine year overall, he should bounce back soon. Atkins lost out to Andrew Billings (DT) who is the other defensive tackle who sees significant snaps on this defense but is usually far less IDP relevant than Atkins season to season, he’ll be fine as well as long as you keep in mind that he’s a defensive tackle two preferably three in deeper leagues, perspective is everything. Carl Lawson (DE) saw a reduction in snaps this week with the return of a healthy Sam Hubbard (DE), he played only 46% of snaps this week and came back to earth with his production as well. He remains a great dynasty option, the future is him and Hubbard, Atkins and Dunlap have been around forever and aren’t long for this life. As for IDP relevance this championship week I would only play Lawson in the deepest of deep leagues unless Hubbard or Dunlap is inactive due to injury, in that case he instantly becomes a really nice option for this week. Besides that everyone else on this loaded defense did their job. The Bengals defense is gods gift to IDP.
Shaq Barrett has read all of the fifty shades novels, twice.
Buccaneers @ Lions
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Performed as expected: Sean Murphy Bunting (CB) Lavonte David (LB) Shaq Barrett (EDGE) Carlton Davis (CB) N’Damakong Suh (DT)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers.
Flash in the pan: Jamel Dean (CB) only played 64% of snaps this week and isn’t someone I knew existed on this planet until this very second, pass.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Devin White (LB), Jason Pierre Paul (DE) and Jordan Whitehead (S) all had sub par games this week, mostly due to the massive pile of shit known as the Lions offense that had like two yards at half time or something crazy like that. Whitehead also got hurt and only played 47% of snaps this week, far fewer than is normal 100% per game. Between the ineptitude of the Lions offense and the fact that the Bucs owned time of possession 33 minutes to 27 minutes this was never going to be a slam dunk for the Bucs IDP corps, it’s a miracle as many of them had nice days as they did this week. Remain calm they all should be much better against a real offense.
Detroit Lions
Performed as expected: Tracy Walker (S) Tavon Wilson (S) Jahlani Tavai (LB) Damon Harrison (DT) Devon Kennard (LB) Romeo Okwara (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Jahlani Tavai (LB) was up to 93% of snaps this week with Jarrad Davis (LB) sent to IR for injury and being generally terrible and a waste of a draft pick. Tavai may not have had a huge impact on the box score with just five combined tackles and a pass defended but the Bucs offense isn’t exactly built to run the ball effectively and generally IDP relevant linebackers get their tackle floor from easy run stopping tackles. Those didn’t exist this week, Tavai should have a much better game against literally any other team that runs the ball better than the Bucs.
Flash in the pan: All the right names at the top of the box score this week.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Trey Flowers (DE) was the only noteworthy IDP relevant member of the Lions defense to let everyone down this week, Darius Slay (CB) only put up a serviceable game in an absolutely ideal matchup which is disappointing but not the end of the world, cornerback is massively inconsistent anyways and we’re just throwing darts with a tiny bit better accuracy by streaming for ideal matchups. Flowers still played 61% of snaps and had three solo tackles on the day so it wasn’t a total disaster but it should’ve been better. The Bucs drop back and pass a shitload. There’s no reason why Romeo Okwara (DE) should be outsnapping someone like Flowers who they paid a ton of money for and is a key piece of this defense. But I digress. Remain calm, this Lions defense will get plenty of chances to produce going forward because their offense is garbage so they’ll be on defense constantly.
Blake Martinez has not read any of the fifty shades novels.
Bears @ Packers
Chicago Bears
Performed as expected: Eddie Jackson (S) Kevin Pierre Louis (LB) Nick Kwiatkowski (LB) Akiem Hicks (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Akiem Hicks (DT) and Kevin Pierre Louis (LB) played 61% and 80% of snaps respectively and are solid options if you need defensive tackle or linebacker help in week sixteen. Hicks is a traditional IDP defensive tackle with good reliability and consistency, for a defensive tackle that is. Louis should be getting production by default once again this week and makes a decent linebacker three or four in deeper leagues.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Khalil Mack (EDGE) and Ha Ha Clinton Dix (S) were the only noteworthy IDP pieces from the Bears to let everyone down this week.
Green Bay Packers
Performed as expected: Blake Martinez (LB) Jaire Alexander (CB) Kenny Clark (DT) Preston Smith (EDGE) Kevin King (CB)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers this week.
Flash in the pan: Rashaan Gary (EDGE) only played 21% of snaps and hasn’t done much else of note this entire season, pass, still just a dynasty piece. Chandon Sullivan (CB) is the fourth corner for the Packers and only played 67% of snaps and isn’t named King or Alexander, not interested.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Za’Darius Smith (EDGE) was the only noteworthy IDP producer on this defense to have a bad week, everyone else either produced as expected or at least turned in a serviceable performance like in Darnell Savage‘s (S) case. Za’Darius played 92% of snaps and overall has had rock solid start of tier two EDGE production, he’s playing more than enough and has done it enough this season that I’m not worried about him one bit, if you need to play him this week he has just as good a chance as always to put up a nice week. Remain calm across the board.
Zach Cunningham has been as hot as Chipotle induced diarrhea recently.
Texans @ Titans
Houston Texans
Performed as expected: Zach Cunningham (LB) Bernardrick McKinney (LB) Justin Reid (S) Brennan Scarlett (LB) Tashaun Gipson (S) DJ Reader (DT) Charles Omenihu (DE)
Possible waiver adds: No one I haven’t already talked about at some point this season.
Flash in the pan: All the right names at the top of the box score.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Everyone who was supposed to produce this week even including the massively unreliable Justin Reid (S) and the previously hyped but currently not all that good Charles Omenihu (DE). The corners could’ve had a better day but both IDP relevant corners turned in serviceable games and play the Bucs this week so I’m expecting big things from both Roby and Joseph or Hargreaves this week. So yeah, nothing to see here, move along.
Tennessee Titans
Performed as expected: Jayon Brown (LB) Logan Ryan (CB) Rashaan Evans (LB) Kenny Vaccaro (S)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers, Kenny Vaccaro (S) was back to 100% of snaps this week after seeing a decrease due to a minor injury the week prior.
Flash in the pan: Kamalei Correa (LB) still only played 56% of snaps this week and hasn’t done much over the course of the season, it’s a little late in the game to screw around with a guy like this. Especially when you consider the majority of his IDP points came from the one sack on the day that will be massively hard to reproduce again this week. Pass.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Harold Landry (EDGE) and Jurrell Casey (DT) were the noteworthy IDP pieces to have a bad week for the Titans this week. They played 89% and 71% of snaps respectively. Landry is an EDGE guy so we know his production is going to be naturally spotty and inconsistent, nature of the position, he’s as good a roll of the dice as any if you need to start an EDGE guy this week. Casey wasn’t in an ideal matchup this week, when you think run game your first thought isn’t the Texans, it might be closer to your last thought to be honest. Defensive tackles do well in matchups against run first and run often teams, this usually gives them a nice tackle floor from easy run stuffing plays and likely a tackle for loss or two as well from run blitzes. In a matchup against a team like the Texans you won’t get any of that and Casey ends up far more likely to have a bad day just due to matchup, that’s the kind of stuff I’m thinking about when I rank him into a tier in my start or sit article. He has a much better chance this week against a New Orleans team that runs Kamara and company exponentially more than Houston ran the ball this last week. Besides those two everything went according to plan this week.
Todd Davis had another outstanding day this week.
Broncos @ Chiefs
Denver Broncos
Performed as expected: Todd Davis (LB) Justin Simmons (S) Chris Harris (CB) Von Miller (EDGE)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers this week.
Flash in the pan: Shelby Harris (DT) did play 84% of snaps this week which is a ton for defensive tackle but he hasn’t done anything else of note this season and is a nose tackle which is traditionally not an IDP relevant position most of the time. Pass.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Alexander Johnson (LB) was the biggest letdown this week, the Broncos corners should’ve had a better week but the weather impacted the Kansas City passing game significantly so this wasn’t a massive surprise. Johnson played 91% of snaps but only recorded three solo tackles on the day. I believe this had more to do with the Chiefs style of offense and less to do with Johnson himself who still played plenty of snaps. The Chiefs are a pass first offense and the lack of enough easy run stopping tackles likely hurt Johnson’s floor this week, he should be OK against the Lions this week but it’s definitely not a slam dunk, the Lions offense is hot garbage so if you have another option I might roll with that.
Kansas City Chiefs
Performed as expected: Chavarious Ward (CB) Tyrann Mathieu (S) Damien Wilson (LB) Juan Thornhill (S)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers this week.
Flash in the pan: Alex Okafor (DE) only played 8% of snaps and then left with injury, how he managed to get a sack and two combined tackles in that minuscule amount of playing time is mind blowing but true. He’s done for the season I thought I saw so no need to think about him going forward.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Frank Clark (DE), Chris Jones (DT) and Anthony Hitchens (LB) were the noteworthy IDP pieces that had a bad week for the Chiefs this week. The Chiefs offense dominated time of possess 34 minutes to 26 minutes so the defense wasn’t on the field all that much so opportunities were limited overall. That helps explain the lack of production for these guys, the bottom line though is Jones and Clark are defensive linemen and they will never give us every week production, their positions are naturally inconsistent we can only hope that they clap some cheeks this week for the fantasy championships. Hitchens played only 56% of snaps this week and was outsnapped by someone named Demone Harris (LB) who led the Chiefs linebackers overall with 69% of snaps this week, nice. I’m not recommending Harris cause I’ve never heard of him and I’m not crazy, no way I’m telling anyone to pick up a guy I’ve never heard of who barely plays enough to be relevant and had only played one week this entire season so far as I’ve seen with fantasy championships on the line. The more concerning part here is that this no name guy got more snaps than Hitchens this week. Hitchens has been the leader in Chiefs linebacker snaps all season so seeing this the week before championship games is not ideal at all if you’ve a Hitchens owner. I would look for another option this week, there are more than a few guys in this weeks article I would roll with over Hitchens and I mention some on the podcast that dropped Wednesday as well. Besides that everything went as expected.
Julian Love has been like a breath of fresh air after being trapped in a room with Damon Harrison who is a known pants-crapper.
Dolphins @ Giants
Miami Dolphins
Performed as expected: Jerome Baker (LB) Vince Biegel (LB) Davon Godchaux (DT) Nick Needham (CB)
Possible waiver adds: Adrian Colbert (S) played 96% of snaps at free safety this week and about the same last week and was fairly productive this week with five combined tackles on the day, he’s a decent safety three or four in deeper leagues if you need help.
Flash in the pan: Jomal Wiltz (CB) only played 87% of snaps this week and hasn’t done much else of note this season, plus the Dolphins secondary has been in flux recently with almost never the same lineup going out twice, bottom line he doesn’t play enough and it’s too big a risk to start him in championship week, pass.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: There are very few reliable IDP options on this defense overall, the few that we do look to weekly did their job this week. Among the deeper IDP options on this defense most of them put up at least a serviceable week. This defense much like the Lions is in a state of flux as players are rotated in each week to get playing time in an effort to see if they’ll remain on the team for next season, there’s too much turnover here to be comfortable with anyone except Baker, Rowe, Needham and maybe Biegel and that’s about it. Anyone else is a risk.
New York Giants
Performed as expected: David Mayo (LB) DeAndre Baker (CB) Julian Love (CB,S) Antoine Bethea (S) Dalvin Tomlinson (DT) Markus Golden (EDGE)
Possible waiver adds: Sam Beal (CB) would appear to be the Janoris Jenkins (CB) replacement, he played 100% of snaps and had a massive week in the box score. He could be a nice option if you need cornerback help this week, personally though I’m not screwing around with this, we’ve only seen one week of the guy and it’s apparent from his box score that the Dolphins picked on him all game long, that’s not a recipe for longevity as a cornerback in today’s NFL. It’s technically there if you need it, I’m not doing it though.
Flash in the pan: Deone Bucannon (LB) and RJ McCintosh (DE) played 48% and 25% of snaps respectively this week, neither of which is nearly enough playing time for any kind of consistency. Bucannon hasn’t been IDP relevant in years and McCintosh is a true flash in the pan, this is the first time I’ve ever seen his name, pass on both.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Alec Ogletree (LB) and Leonard Williams (DE) both had sub par weeks against the Dolphins. They played 100% and 52% of snaps respectively. Ogletree should be fine, the Dolphins run game isn’t all that great so those easy run stopping tackles that make for a nice floor weren’t around this week, he still plays plenty of snaps and will have plenty of opportunities to make plays this week. Williams was terrible on the Jets and now he’s terrible on the Giants. Same shit different team, you can go ahead and blow him out the airlock unless you don’t have a better option in a massively deep league.
Jonathan Allen has been an absolute monster all season.
Eagles @ Redskins
Washington Redskins
Performed as expected: Jonathan Allen (DT) Cole Holcomb (LB) Montae Nicholson (S) Landon Collins (S) Jon Bostic (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Ryan Anderson (EDGE) has replaced Ryan Kerrigan (EDGE) since he went to IR, he played 83% of snaps this week and had a great box score, he’s still just an EDGE guy though so the odds of him replicating this kind of production for week sixteen aren’t great, only worth an add in deepest of leagues if you need a shot in the dark that’s sack dependent for points with one last week to go.
Flash in the pan: Danny Johnson (CB) only played 71% of snaps this week and hasn’t done anything else of note this season, pass.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Matt Ioannidis (DE) unfortunately let everyone down this week. This really saddens me. He’s had an excellent season overall and is a man who likes to split firewood as often as he splits opposing quarterbacks butt cheeks. He should be fine, he’s been awesome all year. He played 66% of snaps and remains a nice defensive end two or three in medium to deep leagues. Everyone else who was supposed to produce this week did so, remain calm.
Philadelphia Eagles
Performed as expected: Nigel Bradham (LB) Rodney McLeod (S) Brandon Graham (DE)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers.
Flash in the pan: Avonte Maddox (CB) only played 70% of snaps this week and isn’t named Mills or Darby so I’m not interested, pass.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Derek Barnett (DE) didn’t play due to injury, Mills and Darby didn’t have great days but they weren’t supposed to, streaming or starting either against this Redskins passing attack would’ve been batshit crazy. I had Eagles corners as a sit or tier three this week, probably a sit I’m not going to go back and look it’s late and I need to finish this thing. Everyone else either produced as expected or turned in a serviceable game (Jenkins & Cox) and everyone who was supposed to have significant playing time got it. This defense should perform much better overall against the Cowboys and a real offense this week, remain calm there should be some big games in store for this IDP corps this week.
Luke Kuechly is a man.
Seahawks @ Panthers
Seattle Seahawks
Performed as expected: Bobby Wagner (LB) Quandre Diggs (S) Tre Flowers (CB) Bradley McDougald (S) KJ Wright (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Cody Barton (LB) remains a decent option as long as Mychal Kendricks (LB) is injured and out, he played 81% of snaps and had a really nice box score, he’ll be irrelevant as soon as Kendricks comes back though.
Flash in the pan: All the right names at the top of the box score.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Jarran Reed (DT) was the only noteworthy member of the Hawks IDP corps to underperform this week. He played 76% of snaps but only had two tackle assists on the day in an absolutely ideal matchup against a Panthers team that ran and threw short passes to CMC all day long, not ideal at all. He plays a naturally spotty and unreliable position but much like fellow defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (DT) he’s been unable to replicate the prior seasons success. He remains a defensive tackle two preferably three and a shot in the dark for week sixteen. Besides that everyone else did their job.
Carolina Panthers
Performed as expected: Luke Kuechly (LB) Eric Reid (S) Shaq Thompson (LB) James Bradberry (CB) Vernon Butler (DE) Bruce Irvin (EDGE)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers.
Flash in the pan: All the right names at the top of the box score.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Gerald McCoy (DT) turned in a somewhat serviceable game and played 67% of snaps, he’s been much better lately and remains a defensive tackle two preferably three going into week sixteen. Mario Addison (EDGE) played 72% of snaps and is having a great season overall, he is an EDGE guy so it’s either a big week or nothing at all, it’s been that way all season for him. Hopefully next week he gets a sack and lights up the box score.
Will we get one more week of Donald Payne or will the Jags yank the rug out from under us?
Jaguars @ Raiders
Jacksonville Jaguars
Performed as expected: Donald Payne (LB) Austin Calitro (LB) Ronnie Harrison (S) Yannick Ngakoue (DE) Calais Campbell (DE) Josh Allen (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Donald Payne (LB) and Austin Calitro (LB) played 100% and 75% of snaps respectively and both had great box scores against the run first Raiders. Both are excellent waiver wire IDP linebacker options but both could be benched this week just like there was serious talk of this last week. The Jags have done this to us multiple times all season, if you do choose to start either of them I would highly recommend you keep an eye on the Jags news and beat writers all the way until kickoff, they threatened to sit both and start Giles-Harris and Jacobs at WLB and MLB this last week but thought better of it a day or two before kickoff. If they play they should be productive but it’s equally likely they get the rug pulled out from under them and you end up starting someone who gets a zero. Buyer beware.
Flash in the pan: Leon Jacobs (LB) only played 52% of snaps and will not be able to replicate this kind of production against the run last Falcons this week, pass unless he ends up starting at WLB or MLB which is possible, we won’t know until closer to kickoff so monitor Jaguars Twitter for a better idea.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Tre Herndon (CB) and AJ Bouye (CB) both had either serviceable or sub par games in a sub par matchup where not much was really expected of them. They have the Falcons this week though and both will be excellent corners to stream against that passing offense. Besides those two everyone else who was supposed to produce this week did so. Remain calm.
Oakland Raiders
Performed as expected: Raiders Corners, Tahir Whitehead (LB) Jonathan Hankins (DT) Maxx Crosby (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Will Compton (LB) played 100% of snaps and led the Raiders in overall IDP production this week, he would appear to be their new starting inside linebacker and if this occurs again this week would make an excellent IDP waiver wire linebacker. I can’t guarantee that will happen so only make this move if you need to roll the dice. I warned you ahead of time if this goes south.
Flash in the pan: Dion Jordan (DE) only played 56% of snaps and hasn’t done anything else of note this year, pass.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Tahir Whitehead (LB) and Nicholas Morrow (LB) both saw a drastic reduction in playing time this week. Whitehead played 60% of snaps and Morrow was down to 39% this week, both of these guys were playing 100% or close to it just a week or two ago. It would appear the Raiders know their season is over and are giving other guys a shot at starting, in this case Will Compton (LB). This isn’t ideal at all because it raises a ton of questions going into week sixteen, I’d avoid this linebackers situation entirely if possible.
Jordan Hicks and the Cardinals put the final nail in the coffin that was the Browns season. So much for the hype.
Browns @ Cardinals
Cleveland Browns
Performed as expected: Greedy Williams (CB) Damarious Randal (S) Mack Wilson (LB) Sheldrick Redwine (S) Joe Schobert (LB) Larry Ogunjobi (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Sheldrick Redwine (S) played 100% of snaps this week and is playing the other starting safety position next to Randal, he’s had three good weeks of production in a row now and his playing time is where we want to see it, pull the trigger if you need safety help.
Flash in the pan: Justin Burris (CB) was down to just 66% of snaps this week and isn’t playing safety anymore it would appear. Redwine has supplanted him and it looks like he’s cornerback three now, not ideal at all, go ahead and shitcan him, his slightly elevated production this week can be ignored especially when you consider the less than ideal playing time.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Sheldon Richardson (DT) and Chad Thomas (DE) were the only significant members of the Browns IDP corps to underperform this week. They played 79% and 77% of snaps respectively and should have a great chance to bounce back this week against a Baltimore team that is peaking while the Browns are swirling the toilet. Both play inconsistent and spotty positions so this isn’t a huge surprise. I would have confidence in either as a defensive tackle two and defensive end three respectively.
Arizona Cardinals
Performed as expected: Jordan Hicks (LB) Patrick Peterson (CB) Joe Walker (LB) Budda Baker (S) Chandler Jones (EDGE) Jalen Thompson (S)
Possible waiver adds: No one I haven’t talked about already at some point.
Flash in the pan: All the right names at the top of the box score.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Everyone who was supposed to produce this week did so, remain calm across the board.
Look who’s sitting at the top of the Chargers box score this week?!
Vikings @ Chargers
Minnesota Vikings
Performed as expected: Eric Kendricks (LB) Harrison Smith (S) Danielle Hunter (DE) Anthony Barr (EDGE) Anthony Harris (S) Trae Waynes (CB)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers.
Flash in the pan: Ifeadi Odenigbo (DE) only played 48% of snaps and isn’t likely to score a touchdown again this week.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Everson Griffen (DE) and Linval Joseph (DT) were the only guys to underperform this week. They played 77% and 44% of snaps respectively. Griffen remains a start of tier two defensive end who’s having a terrific season, he won’t be putting up numbers every week that’s not how defensive end works. Joseph has been seeing fewer snaps recently unfortunately, but they’ve got a nice matchup with the Packers this week I would still feel comfortable playing Joseph as a defensive tackle two preferably three.
Los Angeles Chargers
Performed as expected: Derwin James (S) Thomas Davis (LB) Joey Bosa (DE) Drue Tranquil (LB) Melvin Ingram (DE)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers.
Flash in the pan: Denzel Perryman (LB) only played 42% of snaps and hasn’t played much more then that all season, not enough playing time for any consistency and the Chargers LB situation continues to be a mess, pass.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Everyone who was supposed to produce this week either did so or put up a serviceable game and no one lost snaps of any significance. Remain calm.
Sean Lee helped annihilate the pitiful Rams this week, How about them Cowboys?!?
Rams @ Cowboys
Los Angeles Rams
Performed as expected: Cory Littleton (LB) Taylor Rapp (S) Clay Matthews (EDGE) Dante Fowler (EDGE) Eric Weddle (S) Micheal Brockers (DE)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers.
Flash in the pan: All the right names at the top of the box score.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Aaron Donald (DT) and Jalen Ramsey (CB) were the only noteworthy members of the Rams IDP corps to have bad days. Nature of the position for both, Donald should be back to clapping cheeks this week and Ramsey remains a good corner to start or stream against good passing offenses.
Dallas Cowboys
Performed as expected: Sean Lee (LB) Jourdan Lewis (CB) Chidobe Awuzie (CB) Jaylon Smith (LB)
Possible waiver adds: No one I haven’t already talked about at some point.
Flash in the pan: Justin March (LB) only played 41% of snaps and isn’t someone I knew existed until just now, pass.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: The Cowboys pass rush as a whole didn’t show up this week, Quinn, Lawrence and Bennett should be back to clapping cheeks against the Eagles leaky offensive line, remain calm. Everyone else did as expected.
Fred Warner bounced back nicely this week.
Falcons @ 49ers
Atlanta Falcons
Performed as expected: Devondre Campbell (LB) Isiah Oliver (CB) Deion Jones (LB) Damontae Kazee (S) Grady Jarrett (DT) Vic Beasley (EDGE)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers.
Flash in the pan: All the right names at the top of the box score.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Everyone who was expected to produce this week did so.
San Francisco 49ers
Performed as expected: Fred Warner (LB) Emanuel Moseley (CB) Nick Bosa (DE) Dre Greenlaw (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Marcell Harris (S) remains a nice safety option if Jaquiski Tartt (S) is injured and out again this week, he played 100% of snaps and had another outstanding week in the box score.
Flash in the pan: Sheldon Day (DT) only played 36% of snaps and hasn’t done anything else of note this season, not enough playing time and no consistency, pass.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Deforest Buckner (DT) still played 90% of snaps this week and was due for a let down, he’s been on fire for weeks now and defensive tackle isn’t an every week producing position. Jimmy Ward (S) also had a sub par day despite playing 100% of snaps and this being an ideal matchup, as far as I can remember this is his only bad game this year so the odds are good he’ll bounce back as well. Remain calm.
People were once worried about this guy this season. Not this guy. Not even for a minute.
Bills @ Steelers
Buffalo Bills
Performed as expected: Tremaine Edmunds (LB) Matt Milano (LB) Jordan Poyer (S) Tra’Davious White (CB) Jordan Phillips (DT) Shaq Lawson (DE) Trent Murphy (DE)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers.
Flash in the pan: Taron Johnson (CB) only played 81% of snaps and isn’t named White, not interested. Same deal with Levi Wallace (CB) who only played 66% of snaps.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: All the big guns did what they were supposed to this week. Ed Oliver (DT), Jerry Hughes (DE), Micah Hyde (S) and Lorenzo Alexander (LB) all had down days in the box score but are only IDP relevant in much deeper or all IDP leagues. They all played the same snaps as usual, nothing changed of any significance and with the Patriots coming to town this week this entire defense should put up some monster numbers, remain calm.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Performed as expected: Terrell Edmunds (S) Cameron Heyward (DT) Steven Nelson (CB) Vince Williams (LB) Devin Bush (LB) TJ Watt (EDGE) Marc Barron (LB)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers.
Flash in the pan: All the right names at the top of the box score.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Bud Dupree (EDGE), Javon Hargrave (DT) and Minkah SHITpatrick (S) all had sub par games this week. They all played their normal snaps and none of this is shocking, all three either play a position that is naturally inconsistent or have a production style that is spotty and unreliable, COUGH MINKAH COUGH. I’m giving Minkah one more chance this week if he doesn’t show up I’m blowing his ass out the airlock and never drafing him ever again. Rich man’s Eddie Jackson (S), that’s all he is. He hasn’t done shit in weeks. Over hyped, unreliable, inconsistent and worthless for over a month now. WAKE UP BUDDY. Anyways, nothing crazy to see here, this defense is loaded with producers they all aren’t going to produce every week. Remain calm unless you’re starting Minkah Fitzpatrick (S) this week.
Demario Davis did Demario Davis things against the Colts.
Colts @ Saints
Indianapolis Colts
Performed as expected: Darius Leonard (LB) Rock Ya Sin (CB) Khari Willis (S) Anthony Walker (LB)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers.
Flash in the pan: Bobby Okereke (LB) only played 49% of snaps and usually plays less then that, not a great option and still just a piece for dynasty.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Justin Houston (DE), Malik Hooker (S) and Denico Autry (DT) all underperformed this week. They all played their normal snaps. Houston has been super consistent this season and should be fine. Autry has sucked all season I would only play him if you have to. Hooker is decent but there are better safety options out there. Other then that everything went according to plan.
New Orleans Saints
Performed as expected: Eli Apple (CB) AJ Klein (LB) Demario Davis (LB) Trey Hendrickson (DE)
Possible waiver adds: CJ Gardner Johnson (S) remains a nice option if Vonn Bell (S) is injured and out again this week, that will cease to be nearly as good looking if Bell plays this week so keep that in mind.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score.
Remain calm or Abandon ship: Cameron Jordan (DE) was the only major letdown this week. The Saints corners had a shitty matchup and I told everyone to sit them, the Colts passing attack is terrible. Jordan however is a leading member of the Ultra Mega Cheek Clapper Ten Thousand Club and needs to get back to the business of pillaging and plundering booty holes. Let us pray. Lord, will you grant our messiah, UMCCTTC member Cameron Jordan (DE), who is a clapper of cheeks at an elevated rate compared to most humans, the strength to return to his booty clapping ways this week. In baby Yoda’s name we pray, Amen.
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 in your matchups this week.
idpguys.org, leaning into the crazy since 2017
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Damon Harrison tries to hide the fact that he just shit his pants, Detroit USA Circa 2019
