Football is back! We have made it through the first week of the season and now the real work begins. The draft can only take you so far. As you know it’s managing injuries, bye weeks, production or lack of production, streaming based on matchups, playing the hot hand and ultimately who to target on the defensive waiver wire and why that makes the difference between competing for a title or missing playoffs entirely. If you are returning to this article series you already know what to expect. It might look a little different in the interests of saving time and streamlining the process but the overall information will be the same.
Anyone reading this article series for the first time first of all thank you for reading, second I would like to let you know what you will get here every week all season. In this article series I break down every matchup and every IDP relevant player, we discuss their playing time using snap percentages from nflgsis.com, production from their box scores, chances for similar or better production moving forward based on their situation and also any good candidates for short term injury replacement, bye weeks or to replace a player in a bad slump or whose situation has changed enough that they are no longer start-able.
My goal with this article series is to give you a distinct advantage over your league mates as far as IDP waivers are concerned. If you read this each week I fully expect you to have an excellent grasp on who the next Darius Leonard is and to be able to get him via waivers before your fellow competitors do. Just for some perspective and to perhaps ease the minds of anyone who hasn’t heard our podcast before (IDPGuys Podcast) or followed me on Twitter until now I can assure you this is not my first rodeo.
I have been playing IDP fantasy football since 2004, regular fantasy since 2003. I have a diamond rating in Yahoo with 21 titles and 48 trophies in 16 years of redraft. I am also in multiple dynasty and all IDP (no offense at all) leagues along with a hefty bankroll in FanDuel and over twenty best balls on the Draft App. Overall I’ve been watching football for 31 years and follow the league and in particular the defensive side of the ball extremely closely. I am definitely not new to this and will do my absolute best to get the best information to you the reader every week all season in this article series. Also be sure to check out @IDPGuys and idpguys.org on Saturday mornings for my weekly IDP start or sit article. Follow me on Twitter (@Orangeman3142) for the Thursday night games start or sit tweet.
Apologies for the longer than usual preamble, it is the first week of the season and for a lot of you this is the first time reading any of my stuff so I wanted to set some expectations. So without further ado let’s get into it.
Packers @ Bears
Green Bay Packers:
Performed as expected: Blake Martinez (LB) Kenny Clark (DT) Jaire Alexander (CB) All three of these guys were expected to have a good game and lived up to expectations. Continue to start Martinez always as long as he’s healthy. Clark is pretty much a weekly auto start as well but is better against run first teams like the Bears. Alexander is a good start against pass heavy teams but has shown enough talent to be a good roll of the dice regardless.
Possible waiver adds: Adrian Amos (S) and Darnell Savage (S) who both played 100% of snaps both stick out to me, especially with Oren Burks (LB) out for another few weeks. If you need safety help either of these guys isn’t a terrible idea. Preston Smith (LB) and Za’Darius Smith (LB) looked good as well but were and will be sack dependent for their points, so if your league has EDGE or OLB I would consider adding them, besides that I would not.
Flash in the pan: Kevin King (CB) and Tony Brown (CB) both had nice games but only played 58% and 37% of snaps respectively. That’s a trap, the only corner I would want here is Alexander. Tramon Williams (CB) also had a decent game and played 100% of snaps but has been traditionally inconsistent so I would need to see this a couple more weeks before pulling the trigger.
Abandon ship: TY Summers (LB) was talked up all week by IDP Twitter as coming in to replace Oren Burks (LB) who is out for 4 weeks. He had essentially zero playing time and one tackle assist. For the time being it doesn’t appear Green Bay is interested in starting another ILB next to Martinez, at least until Burks is healthy. Feel free to drop or bench Summers.
Chicago Bears:
Performed as expected: Kyle Fuller (CB) Khalil Mack (DELB) *No sack but a solid night overall, he’s weekly auto start at DE or EDGE/OLB anyways* Danny Trevethan (LB) Roquan Smith (LB) Akiem Hicks (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Ha Ha Clinton Dix (S) 94% of snaps played and decent production. Leonard Floyd (DE) 86% of snaps played and a huge game, I’m only buying if he’s DL in your league though. Prince Amukamara (CB) 100% of snaps played and nice production, a solid streaming option.
Flash in the pan: Roy Robertson Harris (DE) Only 41% of snaps played, great week but not enough playing time to be consistent.
Abandon ship: No one yet, Roquan and Mack didn’t put up their usual outlandish numbers but they will, patience is a virtue.
Rams @ Panthers
LA Rams:
Performed as expected: Cory Littleton (LB) John Johnson (S)
Possible waiver adds: Taylor Rapp (S) played only 48% of snaps, mostly after Weddle got injured, but made the most of it with 8 combined tackles. I would add him in dynasty if possible, there are better options in redraft and I explain why below. Dante Fowler (DE) had a massive game and played 82% of snaps this week, he is an excellent candidate for defensive line help if you need it. Micheal Brockers (DE) has also traditionally been a nice bye week sub or short term injury replacement guy and had some production while playing 73% of snaps this week.
Flash in the pan: Marqui Christian (S) only played 61% of snaps and likely got more time than intended due to game script (a lot of passing) and the Weddle injury. I wouldn’t fall for it just yet.
Abandon ship: Aaron Donald (DT) had a slow start but he did last year as well and ended with twenty plus sacks, keep plugging him in. Eric Weddle (S) Left due to injury and got absolutely showed up by the rookie Taylor Rapp (S). My bet would be Weddle is back in as the starter next to Johnson next week but Rapp has shown that he is the future, if you can acquire him in dynasty for cheap, maybe next week after his playing time likely goes back down, it could be a solid investment.
Carolina Panthers:
Performed as expected: Luke Kuechly (LB) Shaq Thompson (LB) Eric Reid (S) James Bradberry (CB) Donte Jackson (CB) Kawann Short (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Tre Boston (S) played 100% of snaps while putting up 9 combined tackles and was part of the Cardinals “Killer B’s” last season that was the most productive safety corps in the league by a mile. He is an excellent candidate if you need safety help.
Flash in the pan: Jermaine Carter (LB) had a decent game but only played 34% of snaps this week, I need to see more before any interest.
Abandon ship: Gerald McCoy (DT) only played 52% of snaps and had a terrible week with only one solo tackle. He has traditionally been a big name that under performs, I would still hold onto him if you can though since this lack of playing time and production could be for any number of reasons. He’s been on enough of my teams and done enough for me in the past to give him the benefit of the doubt for now but he’s on thin ice.
Titans @ Browns
Tennessee Titans:
Performed as expected: All Titans cornerbacks, I had them all listed as tier one starts this week against a pass happy Browns team and they all had huge games and lots of playing time. This Titans cornerbacks corps continues to be the most talented part of their defense. Kenny Vaccaro (S) Kevin Byard (S) Rashaan Evans (LB) Jayon Brown (LB) had 90% of snaps played and should be better moving forward.
Possible waiver adds: Rashaan Evans (LB) could be available in redraft, he played 79% of snaps and had six combined tackles in a game where the run was not featured a whole lot, he could be a nice option going forward if available.
Flash in the pan: Sharif Finch (LB) had a nice game but only played 56% of snaps this week, that’s not enough playing time for any kind of consistency. Plus the majority of his points came from a sack and 1.5 TFL. Cameron Wake (DE) had a monster game but only played 33% of snaps, that’s a trap, don’t fall for it.
Abandon ship: Wesley Woodyard (LB) only played 18% of snaps this week, while he could return to relevance with an injury or some poor performances from either young buck (Evans or Brown) it’s certainly not looking good right now. Jurrell Casey (DT) only had one tackle assist playing 64% of snaps this week but will be fine, keep plugging him in he’s a tier one defensive tackle it’s just an inconsistent position by nature.
Cleveland Browns:
Performed as expected: Joe Schobert (LB) Christian Kirksey (LB) Myles Garrett (DE) Sheldon Richardson (DT) Larry Ogunjobi (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Morgan Burnett (S) had an outstanding game and played 100% of snaps this week, if you need safety help this is a great option. Damarious Randall (SCB) is a great deal if you can get him as a corner and an OK option for safety, he played 98% of snaps this week and had an acceptable stat line.
Flash in the pan: NA
Abandon ship: Denzel Ward (CB) had a terrible game but this was somewhat expected, the Titans aren’t exactly known for their passing attack and Ward showed enough talent last season that it makes sense he would be somewhat avoided by opposing offenses this season. I would hold onto him for now and continue to start him in matchups against good passing offenses. Olivier Vernon (DE) played 92% of snaps this week but had no stats of any kind, I don’t expect that to continue he should bounce back soon.
Chiefs @ Jaguars
Kansas City Chiefs:
Performed as expected: Anthony Hitchens (LB) Kendall Fuller (CB) Frank Clark (DE) Tyrann Mathieu (S) Honey Badger had a little less than we all wanted but should be fine, it wasn’t like the Jags were lighting up the scoreboard, I expect his numbers to be far better against teams with a real offense.
Possible waiver adds: Juan Thornhill (S) had a massive first game with 8 combined tackles playing 100% of snaps played this week, the rookie safety is likely owned in most leagues but if not I would jump all over this.
Flash in the pan: Emmanuel Ogbah (DE) had a nice game but only played 36% of snaps this week, at that rate his production will not be sustainable, avoid this trap unless we see more playing time in upcoming weeks. Chavarius Ward (CB) had an excellent game as well playing 100% of snaps and could be a nice streaming option in shootout type matchups, as for a week to week cornerback though I have zero interest, Fuller is the corner to own with that role on this team.
Abandon ship: Chris Jones (DEDT) had a terrible game with only one solo tackle but played 78% of snaps and will be fine going forward, defensive tackle or defensive end are both inconsistent positions by nature, you drafted him for a reason and he will produce, it just wasn’t this week.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
Performed as expected: Ronnie Harrison (S) Jags Cornerbacks Calais Campbell (DE) Yannick Ngakoue (DE) No sacks for either but they had solid games besides that, the big plays will happen keep starting them.
Possible waiver adds: Jarrod Wilson (S) played 100% of snaps and had five solo tackles which is decent, not a bad idea for a spot play at safety or a short term option. Quincy Williams (LB) played 66% of snaps and had decent stats this week, it would appear he is going to be the guy next to Myles Jack (LB).
Flash in the pan: Najee Goode (LB) played 71% of snaps this week while Myles Jack (LB) only played 29% before getting himself ejected for stupidity, Goode replaced him in the lineup and will likely be back on the bench next week when Jack returns to the starting lineup, do not waste a waiver add on him.
Abandon ship: Josh Allen (DE) didn’t have much of an impact in the stats department but did play 75% of snaps this week, don’t lose faith he has the talent and playing time the stats will follow. Myles Jack (LB) got ejected and therefore only played 29% of snaps and had only two solo tackles, he’ll be fine in games where he plays his normal amount of snaps.
Ravens @ Dolphins
Baltimore Ravens:
Performed as expected: Patrick Onwuasor (LB) Tony Jefferson (S) Tony had fewer stats than I would have liked but the Ravens dominated time of possession 40 minutes to 20 minutes and when Miami did have the ball they weren’t doing much with it, I would expect Jefferson to have a better day against a real offense.
Possible waiver adds: No one I’m super interested in so far, likely there will be some guys next week.
Flash in the pan: Matthew Judon (LB) had a nice game but most of his points were from a sack which by its nature is an inconsistent play at best, I would look elsewhere for linebacker help.
Abandon ship: No one yet. Tony Jefferson (S) has his guys in the life raft but it’s still on the boat.
Miami Dolphins:
Performed as expected: Jerome Baker (LB) Minkah Fitzpatrick (S)
Possible waiver adds: Sam Equavoen (LB) had a nice stat line and more importantly played 88% of snaps on a team with a terrible offense that will be on defense a whole lot this season, sign me up. Christian Wilkins (DT) also had an acceptable stat line, especially for a waiver wire defensive tackle, and played 84% of snaps also on a team that will be on defense a lot this season, another great deal.
Flash in the pan: Eric Rowe (CB) played 94% of snaps this week and did well against a traditionally run first team, this is the first time I’ve ever heard of him though so I would still rather have Xavien Howard (CB) if I’m streaming using Miami corners. Walt Aikens (S) only played 23% of snaps this week but had really nice production, that’s not even close to enough playing time for any kind of consistency or sustainability though so I’ll pass.
Abandon ship: Raekwon McMillan (LB) only played 29% of snaps and was the odd man out for a very productive linebacker corps this week. I wasn’t a fan before seeing this so I’m definitely not a fan now, pass. Reshad Jones (S) had an acceptable stat line but only played 42% of snaps this week, same story here that’s not the kind of playing time you want with a starter, especially at safety where waiver wire replacements are a dime a dozen.
Falcons @ Vikings
Atlanta Falcons:
Performed as expected: Deion Jones (LB) Grady Jarrett (DT) Jones only played 62% of snaps this week and there’s some speculation he was shaken up when Dalvin Cook ran him over on a run play, he should be fine and will be a weekly auto start as long as he’s on this side of the dirt.
Possible waiver adds: Tyeker Davison (DT) played 77% of snaps and led all Falcons IDP in production this week, it’s the first time I’ve seem his name but the playing time is there and there are worse rolls of the dice if you need defensive tackle help.
Flash in the pan: De’Vondre Campbell (LB) also had a nice game and did play 100% of snaps but was massively inconsistent last season the entire time Deion Jones (LB) was out with an injury and it was his show to run, if he couldn’t succeed consistently then he won’t now with Jones and Keanu Neal (S) back healthy.
Abandon ship: Keanu Neal (S) only had one solo tackle but played 94% of snaps this week, I think it’s just rust considering he missed all of last season so I’m continuing to start him everywhere I own him, we’ll keep an eye on it though. DaMontae Kazee (CB) was supposed to be a hot corner stream this week but only had one solo tackle playing 21% of snaps, that’s not remotely close to enough playing time to be consistent so for now I would bench him while we see which way the wind blows.
Minnesota Vikings:
Performed as expected: Harrison Smith (S) Eric Kendricks (LB) Danielle Hunter (DE) Everson Griffen (DE) Linval Joseph (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Anthony Harris (S) did not have as good numbers as Kearse but played 100% of snaps so is the better long term waiver wire add if you need safety help.
Flash in the pan: Jayron Kearse (S) played only 58% of snaps so that could spell trouble long term, I would hold off on acquiring him until we see more playing time overall.
Abandon ship: Trae Waynes (CB) only had three combined tackles in an absolutely perfect corner matchup but has been good enough in the past that I’m willing to give him another shot or two next time the Vikings corners are a good streaming matchup.
Bills @ Jets
Buffalo Bills:
Performed as expected: Jordan Poyer (S) Matt Milano (LB) Tremaine Edmunds (LB)
Possible waiver adds: NA
Flash in the pan: Siran Neal (S) only played 46% of snaps this week which is not enough to sustain the kind of production he had, which was nice.
Abandon ship: Ed Oliver (DT) played 65% of snaps but had only two combined tackles, he’s talented enough and has enough playing time that the stats will come in time, keep plugging him in.
New York Jets:
Performed as expected: Jamal Adams (S) CJ Mosley (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Neville Hewitt (LB) looks like Hewitt will be the guy next to Mosley in that 3/4 defense, he had eight combined tackles and some splash plays on 99% of snaps played, he is the best linebacker waiver addition I’ve seen so far in this article, get him if you can. Marcus Maye (S) has traditionally been productive in the tier two range of safeties and played 100% of snaps this week, he is a nice option if you need safety help.
Flash in the pan: Jets cornerbacks, despite this not being even close to an ideal matchup for Jets corners both Trumaine Johnson (CB) and Darryl Roberts (CB) had excellent games while both playing 100% of snaps. Neither of these guys have ever been on my radar so I’m not trying to acquire them, there are better and more consistent corners out there but if that changes I’ll keep an eye on it.
Abandon ship: Quinnen Williams (DT) only played 35% of snaps this week and no stats in the box score this week, I know the kind of talent he has so I’m willing to keep plugging him in until I see results but if you’re playing redraft and can’t wait for that kind of development you might want to start looking for a backup plan. *Williams left with an ankle injury, this explains the lack of playing time and production*
Redskins @ Eagles
Washington Redskins:
Performed as expected: Landon Collins (S)
Possible waiver adds: Montae Nicholson (S) played 100% of snaps and had a nice game, not a bad option if you need safety help.
Flash in the pan: Cole Holcomb (LB) had a great game in the box score department but only played 68% of snaps, Bostic (LB) had more playing time and I expect to be a better option over the course of the season, it’s a marathon not a sprint. It is possible though that he could supplant Shaun Dion Hamilton (LB) though so we’ll keep an eye on that.
Abandon ship: Shaun Dion Hamilton (LB) and Jon Bostic (LB) both had terrible games. They played 88% and 41% of snaps respectively. Bostic seems to be the safer of the two to keep and start currently, I personally am looking for other options besides Dion Hamilton in the leagues where I have him.
Philadelphia Eagles:
Performed as expected: Nigel Bradham (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Andrew Sendejo (S) had a decent game but only played 57% of snaps this week, he has traditionally been a productive tier two safety and is off to a good start in Philly, I would add him in super deep leagues or all IDP leagues but in your standard redraft I would look elsewhere for safety help.
Flash in the pan: Tim Jernigan (DT) had a nice day but only played 37% of snaps, not nearly enough for any kind of consistency, Fletcher Cox (DT) is still the defensive tackle to own in Philly despite his slow start.
Abandon ship: Zach Brown (LB) only played 43% of snaps with two combined tackles, not what we all expected at all, I might hold on to him for another week or two but it’s not looking good so far. Fletcher Cox (DT) had a sub par game for him but played 66% of snaps and is a lock for solid production as the year progresses, stick with it.
Colts @ Chargers
Indianapolis Colts:
Performed as expected: Darius Leonard (LB) Clayton Geathers (S) Kenny Moore (CB) Denico Autry (DT) Justin Houston (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Anthony Walker (LB) He only played 56% of snaps but had a nice day in the stats department, we played this game all last year as well, in deeper leagues Walker is a good option despite the lack of playing time, if last year was any indication that playing time will increase as they realize he’s their best option besides Leonard at linebacker. Malik Hooker (S) is a good option in deeper and all IDP leagues at safety as well, he played 86% of snaps this week and had a nice game.
Flash in the pan: NA
Abandon ship: Bobby Okereke (LB) only played 23% of snaps this week and had one tackle assist. Not a great start for the rookie, he’s still a hold in dynasty but in redraft you don’t have years or months to sit around and wait for this guy to develop, drop him and move on.
Los Angeles Chargers:
Performed as expected: Joey Bosa (DE) Adrian Phillips (S) Melvin Ingram (DE) Desmond King (CB)
Possible waiver adds: Thomas Davis (LB) and Kyzir White (LB) are both excellent options while Denzel Perryman (LB) is banged up, we’ll have to see how their linebackers corps shakes out when Perryman gets back but for now either of those guys are terrific waiver wire adds, especially White if he is a DB in your league and you can plug him in there getting linebacker points at defensive back. That’s a cheat code.
Flash in the pan: Brandon Facyson (CB) played 92% of snaps and had a really nice day but has never been on my radar therefore has zero consistency, I’ll need to see it again before I start to buy it.
Abandon ship: Jerry Tillery (DT) only played 33% of snaps this week and had one tackle assist. In redraft I would try and find another option but we all know the kind of prospect he is for dynasty where he remains a hold for now.
Bengals @ Seahawks
Cincinnati Bengals:
Performed as expected: Carlos Dunlap (DE) Nick Vigil (LB) Jessie Bates (S) Shaun Williams (S) Preston Brown (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Sam Hubbard (DE) had a massive game and played 81% of snaps this week, this is a great addition for defensive line if you need help there.
Flash in the pan: NA
Abandon ship: Geno Atkins (DT) should be fine just a down week, still played 83% of snaps. Germaine Pratt (LB) Jordan Evans (LB) Both were in consideration for sleeper status coming into the season, they played 6% and 0% of snaps respectively, drop and move on unless it’s dynasty and you have the space to hold on to them.
Seattle Seahawks:
Performed as expected: Bobby Wagner (LB) Bradley McDougald (S) JaDaveon Clowney (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Mychal Kendricks (LB) played 90% of snaps and had a very nice game, not a bad move at all if you need linebacker help, same thing with KJ Wright (LB) who had a decent game and also played 90% of snaps this week.
Flash in the pan: Tre Flowers (CB) Although he did play 100% of snaps he wasn’t super consistent last year at cornerback, if he can keep up this kind of production though I will add him to my list of preferred players to stream at corner each week.
Abandon ship: NA
Lions @ Cardinals
Detroit Lions:
Performed as expected: Quandre Diggs (CBS) Jahlani Tavai (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Tracy Walker (S) played 100% of snaps and had a very productive game, good option if you need safety help.
Flash in the pan: Lions linebackers, this whole unit will get switched around when Jarrad Davis (LB) returns from injury in the next couple weeks, any starts you get from this group likely won’t be season long or the expected production level could change.
Abandon ship: Damon Harrison (DT) played only 30% of snaps this week and had only one solo tackle, not great at all for a top four defensive tackle for IDP purposes, this is likely due to his training camp hold out. I expect him to be up to his usual snap percentage and production soon enough.
Arizona Cardinals:
Performed as expected: Jordan Hicks (LB) Budda Baker (S) Chandler Jones (LBEDGE)
Possible waiver adds: DJ Swearinger (S) while not having the greatest week one stats did play 100% of snaps and looks like he has a permanent role with a lot of playing time lined up for this season, you could do worse if you need safety help.
Flash in the pan: Haason Redick (LB) played only 59% of snaps this week, he did have acceptable stats but we should back off our expectations of him this year.
Abandon ship: No one yet.
Giants @ Cowboys
New York Giants:
Performed as expected: Alec Ogletree (LB) Antoine Bethea (S) Jabrill Peppers (S)
Possible waiver adds: None yet
Flash in the pan: NA
Abandon ship: NA
Dallas Cowboys:
Performed as expected: Leighton Vander Esch (LB) Jaylon Smith (LB) DeMarcus Lawrence (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Xavier Woods (S) Jeff Heath (S) Both had huge days and played 99% and 90% of snaps respectively, they were up and down all last season so I don’t expect the consistency to be there but if you need a spot start or short term plan these two could work out.
Flash in the pan: NA
Abandon ship: Sean Lee (LB) only played 23% of snaps and hasn’t been IDP relevant in some time now, avoid.
49ers @ Buccaneers
San Francisco 49ers:
Performed as expected: Fred Warner (LB) Jaquiski Tartt (S) Kwon Alexander (LB) was on track for a great day before he got himself ejected for being an idiot Nick Bosa (DE) Dee Ford (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Tavarius Moore (SCB) Is listed as a safety in one place and a corner in another, regardless he played 100% of snaps and had a really nice game, if he does end up at safety even some of the game and you can plug him into a cornerback slot then you should definitely do that, huge advantage.
Flash in the pan: NA
Abandon ship: DeForest Buckner (DT) had only two solo tackles but played 76% of snaps and is an all star, he’ll be fine keep playing him.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Performed as expected: LaVonte David (LB) Devin White (LB) N’Damakong Suh (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Jordan Whitehead (S) while Justin Evans (S) was the safety to own on the Bucs last season he was nowhere to be seen in week one and Whitehead led the way for all Tampa IDP players while also playing 100% of snaps as well, a great option if you need safety help.
Flash in the pan: NA
Abandon ship: NA
Steelers @ Patriots
Pittsburgh Steelers:
Performed as expected: Devin Bush (LB) Cameron Heyward (DT) Terrell Edmunds (S)
Possible waiver adds: Marc Barron (LB) Looks like Barron will be the ILB next to Bush, he played 69% of snaps compared to Vince Williams (LB) 31% of snaps and had better production as well.
Flash in the pan: NA
Abandon ship: TJ Watt (LB) didn’t have his best day and is sack dependent for his points so his production will always be inconsistent, that’s why he’s best used in an EDGE or OLB slot if your league has one.
New England Patriots:
Performed as expected: Patriots cornerbacks, they had an ideal matchup and rose to the occasion.
Possible waiver adds: Chase Winovich (DE) played 58% of snaps in his first ever game, he’s likely owned in dynasty but just from watching the game I could see him having an impact this season in redraft just maybe not this soon.
Flash in the pan: D’Onta Hightower (LB) and Jamie Collins (LB) both had nice games however Kyle Van Noy (LB) will return next week and that entire linebackers corps will get moved around. Also the Patriots IDP has been and will likely continue to be inconsistent as a whole due to Belichicks morphing his defense to their individual opponents each week, there are almost never set and forget Patriots IDP players.
Abandon ship: Micheal Bennett (DE) played 57% of snaps this week, not as much as I was hoping and did not record any box score stats, not the start I was looking for. I figured him to take over the Trey Flowers (DE) role and play the majority of every game but it’s not looking that way so far, I’m not dropping him yet though it’s still early in the season so we’re all still learning and adjusting to this years NFL.
Texans @ Saints
Houston Texans:
Performed as expected: Justin Reid (S) Bernardrick McKinney (LB) Zach Cunningham (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Both Bradley Roby (CB) and Jonathan Joseph (CB) played 100% of snaps and had awesome games, they should be considered for cornerback streaming in matchups like this one against an effective passing offense in future weeks.
Flash in the pan: Whitney Mercilus (LB) had a great game but is only really valuable if your league has an EDGE or OLB slot, as a regular linebacker he will be massively inconsistent and sack dependent for his points.
Abandon ship: JJ Watt (DE) played 91% of snaps but had zero stats of any kind in this game, nature of the position he’ll be fine, keep starting him.
New Orleans Saints:
Performed as expected: Cameron Jordan (DE) DeMario Davis (LB) Eli Apple (CB) Marshon Lattimore (CB)
Possible waiver adds: NA for now, possibly Kiko Alonso or Anzalone after we see Kiko play and get a read on his playing time and position production. Vonn Bell (S) played 100% of snaps and is a decent option in bigger or all IDP leagues going forward.
Flash in the pan: Alex Anzalone (LB) had a great game but only played 46% of snaps this week. Also Kiko Alonso (LB) hasn’t played yet and I expect him to hurt Anzalones playing time and production once he does, so I would avoid Anzalone for now.
Abandon ship: Marcus Davenport (DE) had a poor stat line this week but played 75% of snaps, he will get his numbers be patient and keep playing him unless you have a better option. Also once Sheldon Rankins (DT) comes back I expect things to be a bit easier for Davenport overall.
Broncos @ Raiders
Denver Broncos:
Performed as expected: Josey Jewell (LB) Von Miller (LB) Broncos cornerbacks
Possible waiver adds: Josey Jewell (LB) played 100% of snaps and had 14 combined tackles this week, that will likely drop a bit when Todd Davis (LB) returns from injury but Jewell looks like a great waiver wire linebacker if available in your league for the moment.
Flash in the pan: NA
Abandon ship: Both Justin Simmons (S) and Bradley Chubb (LBDL) had bad games this week, I have faith in both however and will continue to play them. Simmons played 100% of snaps and Chubb played 90% so the opportunity is there. Chubb is best used in a OLB or EDGE slot though if possible, as a regular linebacker his production will be inconsistent and sack dependent.
Oakland Raiders:
Performed as expected: Vontaze Burfict (LB) Tahir Whitehead (LB) Jonathan Abram (S) Clelin Ferrell (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Karl Joseph (S) played 84% of snaps and had a nice game overall, he is listed as the SS and could be productive this year, he was a bust last year though so I would only consider him if you were truly desperate for safety help. LaMarcus Joyner (S) played 88% of snaps and had a nice game as well, I trust him a bit more than Joseph and think he’s a fine roll of the dice for safety help.
Flash in the pan: Maxx Crosby (DE) only played 36% of snaps this week do despite the solid box score numbers I would avoid this trap until he gets better playing time.
Abandon ship: Both Maurice Hurst (DT) and Jonathan Hankins (DT) had sub par games this week. Hurst played 50% of snaps while Hankins played 73%. Both have been talked about as up and coming or sleeper defensive tackles for this season but I’m not seeing it yet, I would start someone else if you have other options. Regardless I’ll keep on eye on both of them moving forward.
Thank you for reading. May all your waiver wire additions prove useful. Follow me on Twitter @Orangeman3142 for IDP and general shenanigans. Thursday night start or sit will be Tweeted, full article drops Saturday morning. This instant reaction and waivers article will drop weekly on Wednesday or Thursday morning. Feel free to contact me with any questions I am most easily reached on Twitter but you can also use the “contact us” box at idpguys.org. Good luck with your matchups this week!
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