Death, Taxes, Vontaze Burfict doing something stupid. Burfict gets ejected in Indianapolis, USA circa 2019
Week four is in the books and the year of the outside linebacker is still going strong. Will these ungodly numbers continue? Will Shaq Barrett, Jamie Collins and Whitney Mercilus keep their strangle hold atop of the IDP points mountain all season? What the hell is wrong with Roquan Smith? We lost Bradley Chubb and standout waiver wire addition Ryan Connelly this week as well, the chaos and shenanigans continue as we dissect week four and prepare for week five in IDP fantasy football.
We learned that Burfict will be suspended for the season this morning and also got the news that Ryan Connelly and Bradley Chubb are done for the season with ACL tears. We’ll be sure to offer some waiver wire pickups and as usual we’ll be diving into the playing time, production, trends and waiver additions for every single team and IDP relevant player from week four going into week five.
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 along with @Oklahomiedoug. 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 in week five.
Blake Martinez is like a Chipotle fart, quiet but deadly. He continued his monster season this week against the Eagles.
Eagles @ Packers
Philadelphia Eagles
Performed as expected: Nigel Bradham (LB) Derek Barnett (DE) Zach Brown (LB) Eagles Cornerbacks
Possible waiver adds: Kamu Grugier-Hill (LB) played his first game of the season after starting injured from the preseason, he had an excellent preseason and was talked about as a sleeper by several in the IDP community, he only played 16% of snaps this week but he could be worth an add in deeper leagues with the hopes that they are just easing him in and he’ll end up being what some of us thought he would be prior to the season.
Flash in the pan: Andrew Sendejo (S) had a massive game playing 81% of snaps and I’ve written about adding him as a safety three or four in much deeper leagues and that’s still a good idea just don’t expect this kind of game from him every week.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Fletcher Cox (DT) only had three combined tackles playing 76% of snaps this week and hasn’t done much at all this season. In prior seasons he’s been a top ten defensive tackle easily and he’s still getting the playing time and opportunity so unless you have a slam dunk option, which isn’t likely on the waiver wire, I would just keep plugging him in he’ll put up numbers eventually.
Green Bay Packers
Performed as expected: Blake Martinez (LB) Kenny Clark (DT) Adrian Amos (S)
Possible waiver adds: Oren Burks (LB) should be back this next week or the week after, he was hyped as a possible Josey Jewell (LB) type inside linebacker next to Martinez for the Packers this season and is worth a roll of the dice if he’s available on waivers in deeper leagues where you will need linebacker help or bye week coverage in coming weeks.
Flash in the pan: Will Redmond (S) recorded eight combined tackles but only played 42% of snaps, that’s the definition of flash in the pan and is unsustainable, pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Both of the “Smiths” (Zadarius and Preston) went without putting up a sack in this game but have been red hot as OLB or EDGE players this season, as a regular linebacker this is what life will look like for guys like them who are sack dependent for their points, you’ll have huge weeks and you’ll have crap weeks like this. Both Jaire Alexander (CB) and Kevin King (CB) had off nights as well but the Eagles did most of their moving the ball on the ground this week with a massive effort from Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders to the tune of 159 combined rushing yards for the duo. Alexander and King will have better weeks against teams that end up throwing the ball most often, remain calm.
Jayon Brown had a massive game against the Falcons, like morning after drunken Taco Bell dump massive.
Titans @ Falcons
Tennessee Titans
Performed as expected: Rashaan Evans (LB) Jayon Brown (LB) Kevin Byard (S) Kenny Vaccaro (S) Jurrell Casey (DT) Harold Landry (EDGE) Titans Cornerbacks
Possible waiver adds: NA, everyone should be owned who performed as expected here.
Flash in the pan: Wesley Woodyard (LB) showed up in the box score this week with four combined tackles and a tackle for loss but only played 26% of snaps this week so he’s still not going to be consistent or relevant going forward and hasn’t been so far this season.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Cameron Wake (DE) did nothing this week but I’ve been telling you for weeks now not to play him anyways due to playing time issues, he played 32% of snaps this week and couldn’t put up any numbers in that limited amount of playing time. Abandon ship and no should of ever boarded it in the first place.
Atlanta Falcons
Performed as expected: Davondre Campbell (LB) Kemal Ishmael (S) Deion Jones (LB) Grady Jarrett (DT)
Possible waiver adds: I’m not a film guy but it looks to me like Ricardo Allen (S) moved over into the Keanu Neal (S) role with him injured and out for the season now, Allen played 100% of snaps while Kemal Ishmael (S), the waiver wire darling from last week, only played 62%. Damontae Kazee (S) also played some safety but was only in on 48% of snaps this week, despite Ishmael having a nice week I think Ricardo Allen (S) is the guy I want going forward here. Jonathan Cyprien (S) also came over in a trade this week and that could impact this situation as well, for now it looks like Allen is the guy to own, we’ll see what next week brings when it gets here.
Flash in the pan: Kemal Ishmael (S) had nine combined tackles this week but eight of them were assists and he only played 62% of snaps, a lot of people, me included, added him in waivers this week with him announced as the Keanu Neal (S) replacement. While he replaced him in the lineup it certainly looks like Ricardo Allen (S) is taking his role and responsibility on the team as well as his playing time.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Damontae Kazee (S) had a really nice season last year but hasn’t been able to have any kind of consistency this season and playing time has been and continued to be an issue this week with him only in on 48% of snaps, I am awfully close to abandoning ship here and will likely end up blowing him out the airlock by the time I finish this article since I’m sure I’ll find some far better options at safety before I’m done writing this thing, you might want to do the same.
Jordan Poyer continues his hot start to the season.
Patriots @ Bills
New England Patriots
Performed as expected: Kyle Van Noy (LB) Jamie Collins (LB) Devin McCourty (S) Patrick Chung (S) Chase Winovich (DE)
Possible waiver adds: John Simon (DE) had a monster week with six combined tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and one pass defended playing 69% of snaps this week, nice. He is, however, a Patriots IDP. So the odds of him having that kind of playing time and production again next week or ever again are small. On any other team if I saw something like this with the production, playing time etc I would say pull the trigger, but not with this team. Feel free if you want to but I told you so ahead of time.
Flash in the pan: Jonathan Jones (CB) had a nice game with five combined tackles but only played 59% of snaps and isn’t named Gilmore or McCourty so I’m all set, not enough playing time and I’ve never heard of him.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Micheal Bennett (DE) had a down week with just one solo tackle and one pass defended playing only 29% of snaps this week. His playing time has been crap all season and we were all wrong when some of us in IDP Twitter thought he would slide into last seasons Trey Flowers (DE) role and playing time (90% plus snaps per game most of last season). It appears Bennett is going to be just another cog in the pass rush machine and will be in the rotation instead of the one rotated around like Flowers was. Time to blast him into space without a suit on.
Buffalo Bills
Performed as expected: Tremaine Edmunds (LB) Jordan Poyer (S) Matt Milano (LB) Bills Cornerbacks
Possible waiver adds: Lorenzo Alexander (LB) had his playing time shoot up to 58% of snaps this week and recorded five combined tackles, he had a great season last year and might be worth an add in super deep leagues, it’s equally possible that he played the extra snaps just to help with run defense as well so if you have a better option for a waiver wire linebacker I would take it.
Flash in the pan: NA, the names at the top of this box score are all correct and belong there and are owned in the majority of IDP leagues.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: I told you not to panic with Tremaine Edmunds (LB). He’s gonna be fine. Jerry Hughes (DE) and Trent Murphy (DE) couldn’t get past the Patriots incredible offensive line, they’ll be fine as well they both still played plenty of snaps and will get their stats when they play the Jets again or Miami twice and or any team with a non Patriots offensive line. Ed Oliver (DT) played 65% of snaps and had no stats of any kind this week, he’s going to be a monster at some point but it doesn’t look like it’s going to be this season. I would taxi squad him in dynasty and find another veteran option, he’s droppable in redraft. He’s be a star one day just not today. Abandon ship.
Chris Jones stepped up big time against the Lions this week
Chiefs @ Lions
Kansas City Chiefs
Performed as expected: Chris Jones (DT) Damien Wilson (LB) Anthony Hitchens (LB) Tyrann Mathieu (S) Chiefs Cornerbacks
Possible waiver adds: Damien Wilson (LB) is still flying under the radar and continues to produce every week, his playing time held at 78% of snaps this week making him a nice LB3 in deeper leagues.
Flash in the pan: Derrick Nnadi (DT) had an excellent game but only played 52% of snaps and isn’t named Chris Jones (DT) so I’ll pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Frank Clark (DE) had another quiet week but still played 83% of snaps and is in an ideal situation with the Chiefs scoring so easily and often every game therefore allowing him to pass rush far more often that run stop the majority of the time, I’m going to keep playing him and remain calm.
Detroit Lions
Performed as expected: Tracy Walker (S) Trey Flowers (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Jarrad Davis (LB) may have had a quiet week but this was also not a great matchup with the Chiefs running very little overall offensively. He played 97% of snaps and has been injured all season until last week so there’s a chance he’s available on waivers in shallower leagues, if so he’s a solid linebacker add.
Flash in the pan: Tavon Wilson (S) exploded for eleven solo tackles and a tackle for loss playing 94% of snaps this week but is averaging around three combined tackles a game besides this weeks matchup, I’ll pass on that. Also Quandre Diggs (S,CB) got injured early in this one and Wilsons numbers likely had more to do with that than anything else.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Damon Harrison (DT) was down to 36% of snaps this week and did nothing in the box score department, this wasn’t an ideal matchup for him with the Chiefs far more likely to throw than run any given week but still he has been playing far less than normal this season and his production has suffered along with it. I would be looking for other options if Snacks is on your squad.
Burfict is gone for the season, can Nicholas Morrow be the next great waiver wire darling?
Raiders @ Colts
Oakland Raiders
Performed as expected: Tahir Whitehead (LB) Karl Joseph (S) Lamarcus Joyner (S)
Possible waiver adds: Nicholas Morrow (LB) is a must add with Vontaze Burfict (LB) getting suspended for the season, this should be his direct replacement and he impressed with seven combined tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass defended playing 79% of snaps this week, I expect that playing time to go up with Burfict gone and for Morrow to be a nice waiver wire linebacker. Erik Harris (S) has also been raising eyebrows recently and had seven combined tackles and a pass defended playing 100% of snaps this week, it looks like the Raiders will be going with three safeties more often and Harris could be a sneaky pick if you need safety help.
Flash in the pan: NA, the names at the top of the box score either belong there or are legitimately good waiver wire pickups this week.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Clellin Ferrell (DE) had a quiet week but still played 85% of snaps this week so the opportunity and playing time are there, he’s still a rookie so we can’t expect the kind of consistency we would from a guy like Myles Garrett (DE). He remains a solid dynasty option and should have a few nice weeks in redraft but probably not as many as we’d like.
Indianapolis Colts
Performed as expected: Anthony Walker (LB) Khari Willis (S) Clayton Geathers (S) Bobby Okereke (LB) Jabal Sheard (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Every week that Darius Leonard (LB) doesn’t play it’s a good option to play either Okereke or Walker, as soon as he gets back Okereke will be back to just a futures dynasty piece unless there are more injuries this season and Walker will return to his LB2 status.
Flash in the pan: EJ Speed (LB) had five combined tackles and a tackle for loss but only played 42% of snaps so this kind of production isn’t sustainable, pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Denico Autry (DT) and Justin Houston (DE) both had quiet games but played 69%, nice, and 66% of snaps respectively. Autry you have to keep plugging in, he’s capable of a monster game any week and defensive tackle is so shallow as a position that you likely don’t have any other options. Houston has been a bit of a disappointment so far this season but this was the first week in awhile that both him and Jabaal Sheard (DE) were on the field the same time, I would give him another shot next week, with Sheard there it’s harder to focus solely on Houston with double teams and chips off the line etc.
Melvin Ingram will be out a couple weeks, will that hurt Joey Bosa?
Chargers @ Dolphins
Los Angeles Chargers
Performed as expected: Desmond King (CB) Thomas Davis (LB) Joey Bosa (DE) Jerry Tillery (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Uchenna Nwosu (LB) had a sharp uptick in playing time this week to 79% of snaps, for me it’s still too early to pull the trigger but if you’re in a super deep league and desperate for linebacker help this could end up turning into something down the road.
Flash in the pan: Reyshawn Jenkins (S) had a nice day finally with six combined tackles and a tackle for loss but saw his snaps lowered to 87% this week, he has been at 100% all season and has been unable to do anything with that kind of playing time until this week, one good week in four doesn’t work for me I need to see this a couple more times before being convinced. I advocated for picking up Jenkins earlier in the season due to his playing time and opportunity but right now he’s basically productive 25% of the time he plays which isn’t great at all.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Melvin Ingram (DE) will be out for at least a couple weeks with injury but should be held onto unless you have a slam dunk alternative, he’s having a pretty solid season so far with three good weeks of the four total played. Find yourself a short term injury replacement fill in and hang onto him it should be worth it when he gets back.
Miami Dolphins
Performed as expected: Jerome Baker (LB) Taco Charlton (DE) Christian Wilkins (DE) Davon Godchaux (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Reshad Jones (S) came roaring back to IDP relevancy this week with nine combined tackles and one pass defended playing 99% of snaps this week. With Minkah Fitzpatrick (S) going to Pittsburgh this is perfect timing for a Reshad Jones (S) resurgence, I’m trying to pick him up where I can. This might not end well but I remember what he’s capable of when he’s playing the right position with the right amount of playing time, this is a risk I have no problem taking at all.
Flash in the pan: Raekwon McMillan (LB) produced a nice week again with not ideal playing time, 64% of snaps this week, and has done this a couple times this season. He may be beating the odds at the moment but they will catch up with him, he won’t be able to keep this up playing so little each week.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Sam Eguavoen (LB) did absolutely nothing this week and his playing time dropped to 73% of snaps. He’s fallen on his face a couple times this season and this was a pretty ideal matchup with the Chargers running the ball 33 times and owning time of possession 38 minutes to 22 minutes, there’s no reason this guy shouldn’t have put up numbers this week. I’m all set, feel free to hang onto him if you want but I’m blowing him out the airlock.
Jon Bostic turns in the tier one performance against the Giants.
Redskins @ Giants
Washington Redskins
Performed as expected: Jon Bostic (LB) Landon Collins (S) Matt Ioannidis (DE) Montae Nicholson (S)
Possible waiver adds: Montae Nicholson (S) continues to play all the snaps each week and is flying under the radar in most places, he’s a nice option if you need safety help in deeper leagues.
Flash in the pan: Cole Holcomb (LB) only played 55% of snaps this week after playing less than that in week three and his production level has finally dropped to meet his playing time, with only four combined tackles this week and only one of them a solo tackle my prediction from last week about his production level being unsustainable with the amount of playing time he’s been getting has now come true. It might be time to have him ride the pine but I wouldn’t airlock him yet he’s shown he can produce if given the chance.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: With this being “the year of the outside linebacker” and all it’s more than a little strange that Ryan Kerrigan (EDGE,OLB) hasn’t done much in the sack or big play department so far this season. He is getting the playing time, 69% of snaps this week, nice, and has been a pretty consistent double digit sack guy the past few years so it may not be time to abandon ship yet but if you can shitcan him and get someone like either of the “Smiths” (Zadarius or Preston) from Green Bay or Shaq Barrett (EDGE) I would definitely airlock him in that case and go with one of those guys.
New York Giants
Performed as expected: Ryan Connelly (LB) Jabrill Peppers (S) Janoris Jenkins (CB)
Possible waiver adds: David Mayo (LB) took over for Ryan Connelly (LB) who tore his ACL this week and had an excellent game, he could be a nice option if you need linebacker help although we don’t know what things will look like when Alec Ogletree (LB) comes back, for the short term though it could be a nice pick up. Also Markus Golden (DE) only had a half sack this week but had three QB hits which shows he’s applying pressure so the sacks will come and have been coming so far this season, he remains a nice option at defensive end if you need help there and a less nice option as a regular linebacker.
Flash in the pan: Grant Haley (CB) had a nice game this week but only played 88% of snaps and isn’t named Janoris Jenkins (CB), the only corner I’m interested in on the Giants. If he can do this a few more times I’ll maybe recommend him but the consistency isn’t there yet.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Antoine Bethea (S) had a bit of a down week but still serviceable. He still played 100% of snaps and this matchup was not the most ideal, the Giants dominated time of possession 37 minutes to 23 minutes and the Skins only ran 48 plays to the Giants 68, in other words the Giants defense wasn’t on the field that much and when they were the Skins were going three and out and there weren’t opportunities for the Giants IDP to make plays. Bethea will have monster games down the road when the Giants play a real team with a real offense. Remain calm.
Joe Schobert turns Lamar Jacksons booty hole inside out, Baltimore USA circa 2019
Browns @ Ravens
Cleveland Browns
Performed as expected: Joe Schobert (LB) Mack Wilson (LB) Sheldon Richardson (DT) Larry Ogunjobi (DT) Damarious Randal (S,CB) Olivier Vernon (DE)
Possible waiver adds: If you haven’t gotten Mack Wilson (LB) yet it’s probably too late, he’s the injury replacement for Christian Kirksey (LB) and is killing it, he played 100% of snaps and had seven combined tackles and a pass defended this week. He could still be out there in shallower leagues, if so grab him and plug him in then trade someone with “name” value for something else you need and plus Wilson into that other linebackers spot for similar production while also fixing another part of your team with that trade. You can think of Wilson as Christian Kirksey (LB) light. Jermaine Whitehead (S) played 100% of snaps and could be a nice option if you need safety help but that situation could change when Morgan Burnett (S) comes back so it might be short term help only.
Flash in the pan: NA, the names at the top of this box score are the ones that belong there.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Everyone did what they were supposed to do this week except Myles Garrett (DE) who still played 70% of snaps and has been a monster every other game this season. This is the nature of the position, there will be NO defensive end that has a great week all sixteen weeks, it doesn’t happen, ever. Garrett will be fine, remain calm.
Baltimore Ravens
Performed as expected: Earl Thomas (S) Patrick Onwuasor (LB) Tony Jefferson (S) Matthew Judon (EDGE,OLB)
Possible waiver adds: I’ve seen Tony Jefferson (S) available in quite a few leagues and while he probably isn’t the best every week option if you do need a bye week or short term injury replacement guy he’s not a bad roll of the dice at all, he played 100% of snaps this week and had six combined tackles and a pass defended. The only issue with him, and this defense in general, has been that the Baltimore offense is usually so dominant in time of possession that the defense is never on the field and when they are they force a lot of three and outs so there isn’t much opportunity for any of their IDP to make plays. That wasn’t the case this week as Cleveland smashed them on the ground with Chubb in a divisional showdown but most weeks what I previously explained hurts guys like Jefferson and Onwuasor. I’d feel far more comfortable playing either of them in either a divisional matchup like this or against an excellent offense that will be able to go on long and sustained drives against this Baltimore defense leading to many opportunities for IDP production.
Flash in the pan: The Kenny Young (LB) experiment took a hit this week as his playing time fell to 33% of snaps, he was still efficient while he was out there recording four combined tackles and a tackle for loss but after last weeks spike in playing time he wasn’t able to parlay that into a more consistent role, bench for now.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: NA, maybe abandon ship on Kenny Young (LB) but not in dynasty. For redraft I would definitely be looking for other options. Hopefully I’ll have some for you in this article.
Shaq Thompson was a one man wrecking crew this week.
Panthers @ Texans
Carolina Panthers
Performed as expected: Shaq Thompson (LB) Luke Kuechly (LB) Eric Reid (S) James Bradberry (CB) Mario Addison (DE) Brian Burns (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Tre Boston (S) had a terrible game but still played 100% of snaps so if you’re desperate for a safety in a super deep league that will at least have the opportunity to make plays he’s not a bad idea. Mario Addison (DE,OLB) is starting to pop up on peoples radars, he’s having a really nice start to this season and would make a nice addition if he’s listed as a DE in your league. As a regular linebacker it will be boom or bust but it’s been mostly boom so far this year for him.
Flash in the pan: Jermaine Carter (LB) had a nice week but only played 39% of snaps and is someone I’ve never heard of, not enough playing time or consistency to be relevant, pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Gerald McCoy (DT) had another absolutely garbage week while playing 69% of snaps, nice, and has been horrible all season even in a revenge game against his old team a couple Thursdays ago. Defensive tackle is an extremely hard position to find waiver wire help with in general but Quinnen Williams (DT) of the Jets is due back this week and could be available and Sheldon Rankins (DT) of the Saints played his first snaps of the year against the Cowboys this week, either one would be light years better than McCoy at this point. Abandon ship.
Houston Texans
Performed as expected: JJ Watt (DE) Bernardrick McKinney (LB) Zach Cunningham (LB) Justin Reid (S) DJ Reader (DT) Whitney Mercilus (OLB,EDGE)
Possible waiver adds: DJ Reader (DT) has managed another hot start this season despite his normally IDP irrelevant nose tackle position. The playing time is there, 66% of snaps this week which isn’t bad at all for defensive tackle, and he’s been solid three of four weeks so far this season which is better than the majority of defensive tackles we all drafted early this offseason. If you have a guy like Damon Harrison (DT) or Gerald McCoy (DT) that’s been letting you down since week one it can’t hurt to give DJ Reader (DT) a shot and let those guys ride the pine until they pick it up or it becomes clear
Flash in the pan: NA but I’ll say it again, this Whitney Mercilus (OLB,EDGE) thing will come back down to earth at some point unless you guys think he’s going to be the one to smash Micheal Strahans (DE) single season sacks record.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: NA, some people were boarding life rafts for the JJ Watt (DE) ship but he’s had two monster weeks in a row now and looks back to his normal form.
Is this the man that will shatter the single season sack record? Is OLB the new MLB?
Buccaneers @ Rams
Tampa Bay Bucs
Performed as expected: Shaq Barrett (OLB,EDGE) Jordan Whitehead (S) Kevin Minter (LB) Lavonte David (LB) Carl Nassib (DE) N’Damakong Suh (DT)
Possible waiver adds: If Devin White (LB) isn’t playing Kevin Minter (LB) is and you should definitely start him, especially in deeper leagues. Easy money. Mike Edwards (S) has been trending up recently, he played 100% of snaps this week and had six combined tackles and has been pretty solid so far this year. Not a bad option if you need safety help in deeper leagues.
Flash in the pan: MJ Stewart (CB) led all Bucs in IDP production this week while playing 93% of snaps, it’s the first time I’ve seen his name and you can always find corners that play all 100% of snaps rather than most of the snaps pretty easily, that 7% could make a difference. Also I’m only interested in Vernon Hargreaves (CB) for corners on the Bucs.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Devin White (LB) just needs to get back from injury and we can find out what he’s all about and Vernon Hargreaves (CB) had a down week in an ideal matchup but I’m not ready to jump ship on him yet. The Bucs will play the Falcons and other pass happy teams down the road and I’ll have no issue at all plugging in Hargreaves as a streaming corner those weeks and you shouldn’t either. Corner is a spotty position anyways, the best you can do is find the ideal matchups and plug in a guy who has a history of producing and has the opportunity (playing time) to do so.
Los Angeles Rams
Performed as expected: Eric Weddle (S) John Johnson (S) Cory Littleton (LB) Clay Matthews (EDGE,OLB)
Possible waiver adds: Micheal Brockers (DE) makes a nice bye week or short term injury replacement fill in and played 77% of snaps this week while having a solid output. He was even more valuable as a defensive tackle a couple seasons ago and was instrumental in me winning my first all IDP league. He may have lost some value but is still one of the guys on my short list for a bye week fill in or short term guy.
Flash in the pan: Sebastian Joseph Day (DT) had a monster game but only played 50% of snaps and is someone I’ve never heard of before so the consistency isn’t there either. Defensive tackle is a really hard position to find help at but I wouldn’t go chasing points with this guy, it’s far more likely this is the only time I mention him all season rather than this being the beginning of something consistent.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Aaron Donald (DT) had a down week but still played 88% of snaps and had four combined tackles and a tackle for loss which is serviceable for defensive tackle in the grand scheme of things. Remain calm there are monster weeks coming.
Clowney showed up in a big way this week.
Seahawks @ Cardinals
Seattle Seahawks
Performed as expected: Bobby Wagner (LB) Jadaveon Clowney (DE) KJ Wright (LB) Bradley McDougald (S)
Possible waiver adds: Mychal Kendricks (LB) and Ezekiel Ansah (DE) look like decent waiver adds going forward. Mychal has been consistent as a LB3 or LB4 in deeper leagues and played 84% of snaps this week, he also does a fair amount of pass rushing so the occasional sack could end up in his box score any given week, not a bad idea at all. Ezekiel Ansah (DE) is almost never healthy and is likely to get injured extremely soon, however when he does play he can put up numbers, he was on the field for 62% of snaps this week and could be a decent defensive end fill in for upcoming bye weeks or to help with any injuries just don’t expect him to last the season.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: This is going to sound weird but I’m still worried about Jadaveon Clowney (DE). He had a pick six to the house so his IDP points this week were excellent, however he played only 67% of snaps, not as much as you think a big budget pass rusher like him would, and hasn’t done much this season. Besides the pick six he only had one tackle assist and a pass defended this week so he was completely big play dependent for his points this week which is clearly not sustainable. You really can’t bench him with his cost but I would keep looking for other options if you own him just in case this thing does go south at some point.
Arizona Cardinals
Performed as expected: Jordan Hicks (LB) DJ Swearinger (S) *Was released this week* Terrell Suggs (OLB,EDGE) Hasson Redick (LB) Budda Baker (S)
Possible waiver adds: NA for now, we’ll see who steps into Swearingers position this week and I should have something for you next week.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: DJ Swearinger (S) was released by the Cardinals today so I’ll be keeping my eyes out for who steps into his shoes, obviously abandon ship on him for now. Chandler Jones (EDGE,OLB) had a really bad day but played 92% of snaps and is coming off a monster game the week before this one, he’ll be fine, nature of the position and whatnot and also the reason why you play him as an EDGE or OLB and not as a regular linebacker. Living proof, right there.
What the hell happened to this guy this week???
Vikings @ Bears
Minnesota Vikings
Performed as expected: Eric Kendricks (LB) Danielle Hunter (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Anthony Harris (S) saw a drop in playing time this week to 79% of snaps but I think it was mostly due to game script and Chicago not passing nearly as much as most teams do. He remains a decent safety option in deeper leagues and was still able to put up four combined tackles despite the reduced playing time this week.
Flash in the pan: Ben Gedeon (LB) had five combined tackles but only played 26% of snaps. That is the definition of flash in the pan, completely unsustainable and likely won’t happen ever again. Pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Alot of guys that normally kick ass didn’t show up this week, Everson Griffen (DE), Harrison Smith (S) and so on. It’s my belief that this has more to do with their opponent and their horrid offense than anything related to playing time or talent etc. If the Vikings had played a team with a real offense there would’ve been far fewer three and outs, far more long and sustained drives leading to multiple tackles per drive and therefore more IDP points for the Minnesota defense. They should all be fine when a real offense comes to town, remain calm.
Chicago Bears
Performed as expected: Danny Trevethan (LB) Kyle Fuller (CB) Ha Ha Clinton Dix (S) Khalil Mack (EDGE,OLB)
Possible waiver adds: Nick Kwiatkowski (LB) if Roquan Smith (LB) continues to have “personal issues”.
Flash in the pan: Nick Williams (DT) had a massive game and is on everyones must add list for waivers this week, it could be a great idea to add him, personally though I think this had more to do with Akiem Hicks (DT) missing the game than Williams being the next big waiver wire add at defensive tackle. That’s just my opinion though, my official recommendation on this one is do what you want I’m staying out of it.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Roquan Smith (LB) missed this game for “personal reasons” which at the time of writing this article still haven’t been discovered. The latest news is that he is likely to play in London this week and should be good to go. Just to be on the safe side get yourself some Nick Kwiatkowski (LB) to plug in to Smiths slot in your lineup if he does end up being a last minute scratch again. Also, set an alarm on your phone for 1130am and 330pm eastern time every Sunday and check the NFL.com inactives list at those times each week to prevent a surprise zero like a ton of people had from a “healthy” Roquan Smith (LB) this week. I had my alarm set so I saw the news in time but many of my opponents this last week clearly didn’t do the same and I benefited greatly from a big fat zero where Roquan Smiths normal ridiculous production would’ve been.
Never shovel dirt on this man. Ever.
Jaguars @ Broncos
Jacksonville Jaguars
Performed as expected: Quincy Williams (LB) Myle Jack (LB) Ronnie Harrison (S)
Possible waiver adds: Jarrod Wilson (S) has caught my eye a couple weeks now, he played 100% of snaps and led the Jags in IDP production this week, you could do far far worse in regards to safety help.
Flash in the pan: Tre Herndon (CB) did play 100% of snaps and did have a nice game but the majority of the time it’s AJ Buoye (CB) or Jalen Ramsey (CB) who have the IDP relevant weeks for cornerback on the Jags. I’ll need to see this a bunch more from him before I start believing it.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: None of the Jags pass rushers, Josh Allen (DE), Calais Campbell (DE) or Yannick Ngakoue (DE) did anything special this week but played 69%, nice, 82% and 82% of snaps respectively and have all had great weeks this season at different points, they should be fine. Remain calm.
Denver Broncos
Performed as expected: Todd Davis (LB) Justin Simmons (S) Von Miller (EDGE,OLB) Bradley Chubb (EDGE,OLB)
Possible waiver adds: With Chubb tearing his ACL we’ll keep an eye on who takes over for him and if they’re any good, I’ll let you know as soon as I do. Todd Davis (LB) came roaring back this week after a slow start in his first game back from injury the week prior, he might be available in shallower leagues and is a solid linebacker option if he is.
Flash in the pan: Da’Vante Bausby (CB) had a huge week for the Broncos and played 100% of snaps but is a name I’ve never seen before so the consistency isn’t there yet, I’ll need to see this a few more times before starting to believe in it.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: NA, I did however mention last week to remain calm on both Von Miller (OLB) and Todd Davis (LB) and they both went nuts this week. IDP is just like offense in the sense that guys have good and bad weeks, hardly any player ever is consistent every week all season it just doesn’t happen. Patience is a virtue.
Robert Quinn giving Sam Hubbard a run for his money as DL waiver wire pick up of the season so far.
Cowboys @ Saints
Dallas Cowboys
Performed as expected: Leighton Vander Esch (LB) Jaylon Smith (LB) Robert Quinn (DE) Demarcus Lawrence (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Robert Quinn (DE) is a no brainer if you need defensive line help. Both safeties, Jeff Heath (S) and Xavier Woods (S) played all or nearly all the snaps this week and are decent options in deeper leagues as a safety three or four.
Flash in the pan: Sean Lee (LB) had some tackles this week but still only played 41% of snaps which is not even close to enough for any kind of consistency going forward, pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: NA, everyone did their thing this week and they held the Saints to four field goals. The guys who were supposed to get sacks got sacks (Lawrence and Quinn) and the guys who are tackle monsters made a ton of tackles (Esch and Smith) plus the two IDP relevant safeties had decent games as well, remain calm across the board.
New Orleans Saints
Performed as expected: Demario Davis (LB) AJ Klein (LB) Vonn Bell (S)
Possible waiver adds: Sheldon Rankins (DT) made his first appearance of the season after starting the year injured. He played 66% of snaps and didn’t do much in the box score but was a monster last season after he found his footing. He is a must have if you need defensive tackle help and could bail you out if you’re stuck with an under performing guy like Gerald McCoy (DT) or Damon Harrison (DT).
Flash in the pan: Malcolm Brown (DT) had a pretty nice game but only played 41% of snaps which isn’t enough for any kind of consistency, Sheldon Rankins (DT) is the defensive tackle to own here.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Cameron Jordan (DE) and Marcus Davenport (DE) had quiet days but will be fine, they played 98% and 78% of snaps respectively and remain a DE1 and DE2 going forward, they’ll be fine, nature of the position and all that jazz.
Jessie Bates, proof that free safety can be IDP relevant.
Bengals @ Steelers
Cincinnati Bengals
Performed as expected: Nick Vigil (LB) Shawn Williams (S) Preston Brown (LB) Jessie Bates (S) Sam Hubbard (DE)
Possible waiver adds: NA, Sam Hubbard (DE) is the only new kid on the block and he’s long gone by now.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names are at the top of the box score.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Geno Atkins (DT) and Carlos Dunlap (DE) didn’t do much this week but played 79% and 90% of snaps respectively and should both be fine. Atkins is still a top ten defensive tackle and Dunlap, despite being overshadowed by Sam Hubbard (DE) this year, is still a DE2 that’s more consistent than most in that category, remain calm.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Performed as expected: Devin Bush (LB) Marc Barron (LB) Cameron Heyward (DT) TJ Watt (EDGE,OLB)
Possible waiver adds: Bud Dupree (EDGE,OLB) has had a couple nice games this season and played 89% of snaps this week, he’s best used as a bye week fill in or short term guy in an EDGE or OLB slot though. He’s far too inconsistent to roll the dice at a regular linebacker spot, I have trouble doing that with TJ Watt (EDGE) and he’s one of the best OLB out there.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Minkah Fitzpatrick (S) and Terrell Edmunds (S) along with Stephon Tuitt (DE) all had quiet weeks. Edmunds and Fitz I credit that more to the Bengals lack of a coherent offense, they both played 100% of snaps and are both having excellent seasons and will be fine once they play against a real offense. Tuitt is just a nature of the position thing, you can’t have a big week every week at defensive end, not even guys like Myles Garrett (DE) do it so you certainly can’t expect a guy like Tuitt to. He’ll be fine.,
Thank you for reading this weeks 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 weeks 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.
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