Anybody sit Mr. Donald this week? Not this guy.
Week six is in the books and the world is starting to right itself, Shaq Barrett and Whitney Mercilus stunk up the joint again for the second week in a row and Aaron Donald clapped the cheeks of anyone who sat him this week. Things are still weird in some places, Devondre Campbell is still beating out Deion Jones weekly for top producer in the Falcons IDP corps and Quincy Williams and Josey Jewell have been relegated to riding the pine. We continue to adapt and move forward because it’s the only way to survive. There are some big names coming back this next couple weeks, Jason Pierre Paul and Jarran Reed so make sure and scan your waiver wire in redraft if you need help at defensive end or tackle. Those are the big name waiver wire guys this week but there are many more including a good amount of linebackers that stole a starting job in the last couple weeks I’ll make sure to cover them all.
If you missed my start or sit article on Saturday I had a come to Jesus moment regarding the Thursday night game. I screwed up the David Mayo start or sit due to conflicting information and not being able to get the right call out in time. If you ended up benching him and missed out on that monster game due to my recommendation I apologize for that, I’ll do better going forward. We admit it when we screw up here so I wanted to get that out in the open before moving on to this week.
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 this week.
Wenn Sie sich die Zeit genommen haben, dies zu übersetzen, wollte ich, dass Sie wissen, dass ich mich hinsetze, um zu pinkeln.
Markus Golden had a monster game and took one to the house Thursday night in New England.
Giants @ Patriots
New York Giants
Performed as expected: David Mayo (LB) Alec Ogletree (LB) Jabrill Peppers (S) Antoine Bethea (S) Markus Golden (EDGE)
Possible waiver adds: David Mayo (LB) remains red hot in the box score department but saw his snaps drop to 71% played. Tae Davis (LB) is also healthy and could be reclaiming his position from Mayo, the situation is up in the air. Still, Mayo has been an excellent waiver wire linebacker and many in the IDP community believe he’s taken that job for good, he’s still worth an add in case it works out and he steals the job from Tae Davis (LB) permanently.
Flash in the pan: Dalvin Tomlinson (DT) had a really nice game but only played 63% of snaps and all of them at nose tackle, a traditionally non IDP relevant position, and hasn’t done much else this year. This is probably more a result of the Patriots dominating time of possession 40 minutes to 20 minutes and running just shy of a billion offensive plays against the Giants defense that was on the field the majority of this game. Perfect storm for a solid week from a guy like this, I’ll pass for now.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: NA, everyone that was supposed to produce did this week and even some who weren’t supposed to still put up numbers. This was a terrific week for Giants IDP production due to the factors I talked about in Flash in the pan.
New England Patriots
Performed as expected: John Simon (DL) Chase Winovich (DE) Kyle Van Noy (LB) Stephon Gilmore (CB)
Possible waiver adds: NA, playing any Patriots IDP besides the obvious ones (Collins, Van Noy, etc) is dangerous, and even playing those guys is dangerous. Van Noy only had a good game because of the fumble return for a TD, Collins only had three solo tackles and a tackle for loss after being a monster most of this season. The production week to week is sporadic, same with playing time and there are no real set roles either.
Flash in the pan: Literally every Patriots IDP player every week.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Micheal Bennett is an obvious bail out this week with the one game suspension, he’s had far fewer opportunities to pass rush this season compared to what we all thought he would have as well. I’m ready to move on from him. Also if you even take a known and pretty consistently productive Patriots IDP like Jamie Collins (LB) or Kyle Van Noy (LB) and look at their playing time and production week by week going backwards you will see wild fluctuations in playing time and production due to the nature of the Patriots defense. They morph into who they need to be to win each week. There are no studs on this team. Everyone is replaceable and no one is special, that’s just how they roll. Playing any Patriots IDP is risky. Ever.
James Bradberry took advantage of an ideal matchup and went nuts against the Bucs in England
Panthers @ Buccaneers
Carolina Panthers
Performed as expected: James Bradberry (CB) Eric Reid (S) Luke Kuechly (LB) Gerald McCoy (DT) Dontari Poe (DT) Brian Burns (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Ross Cockrell (CB) has been doing a solid job filling in for the injured and out Donte Jackson (CB), I know Jackson was close to playing this week so it may be coming to an end soon but if he does miss another week or two Cockrell has been solid playing 100% of snaps and putting up nice games the last couple weeks.
Flash in the pan: Javien Elliot (CB) had a great game with six combined tackles and a pass defended but only played 84% of snaps and could be moved around when Donte Jackson (CB) comes back from injury. This is also the first time I’ve ever laid eyes on his name so the consistency isn’t there. Bottom line there are two corners worth owning long term on the Panthers, Bradberry and Jackson and that’s it. Pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Shaq Thompson (LB) had a slow week with only four solo tackles but should be fine. Tampa Bay didn’t run nearly as much as most teams do in this matchup so those easy run stopping tackles weren’t there for Thompson and also he was hobbled going into this week and was questionable all the way to kickoff. He’s been red hot all season and has been a top ten linebacker easily, no reason to fill our pants with poop over one (kind of) bad game. He’ll be fine. Mario Addison (EDGE) didn’t do much this week but that’s the nature of these edge rush linebackers, it’s either feast or famine. This week it was famine. Tre Boston (S) has seriously cooled off after a hot start to the season. With so many other free safeties putting up numbers this season there’s no reason not to shitcan him and find another option, abandon ship.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Performed as expected: Devin White (LB) Carl Nassib (DE) Lavonte David (LB) Vernon Hargreaves (CB) Jordan Whitehead (S) Vita Vea (DT) NDamakong Suh (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Devin White (LB) actually played this week and absolutely crushed it, he was in for 98% of snaps and led the Bucs in IDP production. If someone dropped him in your league grab him quick.
Flash in the pan: Andrew Adams (S) had a nice game and played the right amount, 98% of snaps, but only because Mike Edwards (S) was injured and out after being added to the injury report late in the week. The injury is being described as minor and with the Bucs on bye this week the odds are good Edwards is back in the saddle after week seven and Andrew Adams (S) becomes irrelevant again.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Shaq Barrett (EDGE) had just one solo tackle on 77% of snaps this week and has done nothing for the second week in a row now. So much for the sacks record. I’ve been calling this since week two when he became a thing, this is what happens with these edge rush linebackers. There will be many more weeks like this. There will also be more weeks of huge production based entirely off of big plays and sacks which are notoriously inconsistent and unpredictable. For me this is easy, if your league has an OLB or EDGE slot absolutely keep plugging in Shaq Barret (EDGE) into that slot, your opponent is taking the same risk as you because that’s how your league is set up.
If you’re plugging Barrett into a regular linebacker slot though I would say that’s a massive risk and will likely lose you matchups this season, if that is you how have the last two weeks worked out for you? Maybe I’m old fashioned but give me a reliable, consistent tackle floor guy every time and I’ll live with the pedestrian five combined tackle game every once in awhile instead of straight up losing because that guy was an edge rush linebacker instead and got me one solo tackle when he was projected for a monster game. It’s your call in the end but for me I don’t need to abandon ship I never boarded it in the first place.
KJ Wright has been red hot recently unlike the Browns.
Seahawks @ Browns
Seattle Seahawks
Performed as expected: KJ Wright (LB) Tedric Thompson (S) Bobby Wagner (LB) Tre Flowers (CB) Shaq Griffin (CB) Quinton Jefferson (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Jarran Reed (DT) is due to return this week or next, he’ll likely be eased into things much like Sheldon Rankins (DT) has been on the Saints but is still absolutely worth a pickup if he’s available even if it’s to trade him in a few weeks after he goes off for a monster game.
Flash in the pan: Tedric Thompson (S) is a free safety who only played 75% of snaps this week and had a monster game, I’ve recommended him before in much deeper leagues as a safety three or four but to expect this kind of production consistently is not a great idea. As anything more than a bye week or short term fill in with normal sized leagues or a safety three preferably four in deeper leagues he’s not going to be real valuable.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Bradley McDougald (S) and Jadaveon Clowney (DE) have both been underwhelming more often than not this season. For Clowney it’s likely that there aren’t any better options available via waivers unless you were quick on the trigger with guys like Robert Quinn (DE) or Sam Hubbard (DE). Defensive ends don’t grow on trees so all I can really say is keep your eyes open for a better option and be quick on the grab if and when that happens. It does look like it might be time to look for another option though. As for McDougald there are many great safeties out there you can replace him with including far more free safeties that have been consistent and productive compared to previous seasons, he should be easy enough to shitcan and replace, I know I already have, he’s just not what he used to be. Abandon ship.
Cleveland Browns
Performed as expected: TJ Carrie & Terrance Mitchell (CB) Jermaine Whitehead (S) Joe Schobert (LB) Damarious Randal (S,CB) Myles Garrett (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Jermaine Whitehead (S) continues to impress with his production as well as playing time, 100% of snaps again this week, it would appear him supplanting Morgan Burnett (S) is actually real and is going to stick. I’ve been adding him the last couple weeks now I’ve seen enough to feel comfortable doing so. If you need safety help and he’s available it’s a nice option.
Flash in the pan: TJ Carrie (CB) and Terrance Mitchell (CB) both had outstanding games this week but when Denzel Ward (CB) returns one of them will likely stop playing every snap and will lose a lot of value, I don’t know which cause I don’t really follow the Browns. All’s I’m saying is be careful, there are safer corners to start or stream that have guaranteed jobs for this entire season where you don’t have to worry about stuff like this. Those are the guys I would rather have. This is a stupid thing to have to worry about.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: The only guy to really fill his pants with poop this week was Larry Ogunjobi (DT) who only had one solo tackle while playing 83% of snaps, which is actually far more playing time than most tier one defensive tackles. For the season he’s only had one actually bad game and this is it. He’s had either excellent or serviceable games every other game this season and that kind of consistency and productivity is actually better than guys like Aaron Donald (DT) or Chris Jones (DT) this season. Defensive tackle by nature is an inconsistent and spotty position for production and there’s no such thing as an every week guy so looking at him globally he’s ahead of the curve and solidly in the tier one range for production this year. No reason to abandon ship or even start to think about it at this point, remain calm.
Frank Clark had a better showing this week but is still under performing for the season.
Texans @ Chiefs
Houston Texans
Performed as expected: Zach Cunningham (LB) Bernardrick McKinney (LB) Tashaun Gipson (S) DJ Reader (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Tashaun Gipson (S) is someone I’ve talked about in this article a few times this year, if you need safety help in deeper leagues he plays 100% of snaps but shouldn’t be used as anything more than a bye week guy or a short term fill in unless in a super deep league where could be a safety three or four. He’s a spotty free safety and the weekly playing time is the only thing really going for him but if you’re fed up with guys like Bradley McDougald (S) these are the kind of guys that will be available on the waiver wire to replace him, the cream of the crop is probably already gone unfortunately.
Flash in the pan: Phillip Gaines (CB) would qualify but no ones grabbing a corner off waivers for their three tackle performance so really NA this week.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Both JJ Watt (DE) and Justin Reid (S) had terrible games this week, Watt played 96% of snaps, which is a lot, like the most I’ve seen of any defensive end so far this week, so the playing time is there and he’s been on fire the last two or three weeks so he was due for a down week, nature of the position and all that. He’ll be fine keep plugging him in. Justin Reid (S) is a little more concerning, he played 100% of snaps and has been underwhelming this season after his monster 2018 campaign. I don’t own any shares of him so I don’t have to make this call but if you feel like it’s time to bail out I would recommend reading the rest of the article and if there’s a waiver wire safety that stands out for you pull the trigger and give it a shot instead of Reid. I did something similar with grabbing Tracy Walker (S) for the then under performing Justin Simmons (S) and it’s been one of the best moves I’ve made all season, Walker is an absolute stud and he was just a guy I saw while writing this article that looked promising and it worked out amazingly.
Kansas City Chiefs
Performed as expected: Tyrann Mathieu (S) Chavarious Ward (CB) Bashaud Breeland (CB) Damien Wilson (LB) Ben Niemann (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Ben Niemann (LB) remains a nice waiver wire linebacker option while Anthony Hitchens (LB) is injured and out, the moment he comes back though you can kiss that goodbye so buyer beware. Derrick Nnadi (DT) is looking like a serviceable defensive tackle option in deeper leagues while Chris Jones (DT) is injured and out, same scenario there as well.
Flash in the pan: Darron Lee (LB) lit up the box score but only played 51% of snaps and was likely only involved as much as he was due to the Anthony Hitchens (LB) injury. Even if he was to maintain 51% snaps for the rest of the season that little playing time won’t lend itself to any kind of consistency or reliability. Pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Frank Clark (DE) continues to underwhelm weekly, he played 70% of snaps this week and met his projection in most leagues due to a forced fumble that he fell on but was quiet besides that play. I only have him in one league and my other defensive ends are Garrett and Jordan so I can live with it for now, I know he’ll give me a solid week when I need it most, I have faith. But if you don’t I completely understand, he’s been extremely disappointing so far this season. All I can say is keep your eyes open for waiver wire help and replace him when you can. Just make sure it’s someone worth replacing him with, I won’t be benching him for someone like Derek Wolfe (DE) or Leonard Williams (DE) who are similar 3-4 defensive ends with spotty production. I still think Clark can figure it out and put some numbers up this season so if you do pull the plug I would make sure it’s with someone who will actually give you better production for the rest of the season. And that’s not an easy thing to find on the waiver wire, this isn’t linebacker or safety there aren’t a ton of options out there.
Guess who’s back???
Redskins @ Dolphins
Washington Redskins
Performed as expected: Landon Collins (S) Jon Bostic (LB) Cole Holcomb (LB) Quinton Dunbar (CB) Jonathan Allen (DT) Matt Ioannidis (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Jonathan Allen (DT) if somehow he’s still available. Shaun Dion Hamilton (LB) was spotted this week as well, only 41% of snaps but they literally came out of nowhere and with the change of leadership it’s possible they will be giving him another shot at a significant role in the near future. If you are truly desperate for linebacker help he could be worth an add as someone who could see a nice role in the near future. For now though I’d just add him and sit him, see what happens.
Flash in the pan: Fabian Moreau (CB) had a nice week but only played 81% of snaps and isn’t someone I’ve talked about yet this season. That means the consistency isn’t there and at corner it’s easy to get a guy who plays all the snaps so why would you settle for 81%? That added 19% of snaps could mean an added tackle or two and that added tackle or two could be the difference between winning and losing a close matchup. Pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Ryan Kerrigan (EDGE) had another god awful week. This is the year of the OLB and this guy, a yearly double digit sack outside linebacker or edge guy, is stinking up the joint while literally every other OLB or edge guy is having a career season. These guys are a dime a dozen this season, blow him out the airlock and find another one. Hell even Mario Addison (EDGE) is more consistent and productive than Kerrigan this season and that’s saying something. Abandon ship.
Miami Dolphins
Performed as expected: Reshad Jones (S) Jerome Baker (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Reshad Jones (S) saw a reduction in playing time to only 75% of snaps this week but once again was at the top of the Dolphins box score after playing nearly 100% of snaps the week prior and leading the Dolphins in overall IDP production. Anyone who’s played IDP for more than a couple years is intimately familiar with Jones and what he used to be, if there’s even a chance of him taking a trip down memory road this year he’s absolutely worth an add to get on that train. I know I have. Great option if you need safety help.
Flash in the pan: Raekwon McMillan (LB) led all Miami IDP production this week with ten combined tackles but only played 51% of snaps and hasn’t played anything more than that all season. He hasn’t been an every down guy since last season and he couldn’t do much with those opportunities when he had them. Bottom line he’s stunk up the joint all season this is just an outlier plus he doesn’t play enough to ensure any kind of consistency, pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Everyone pretty much sucks on the Dolphins on both side of the ball, no one should really be relying on anyone with this team. Taco Charlton (DE) had a bit of a down week compared to what he’s done since he joined the team but still had four combined tackles and played 93% of snaps. That massive amount of playing time guarantees that there will be plenty of chances for him to score IDP points for you and when you factor in how terrible the Miami offense is it makes playing him even more desirable. So yeah, remain calm in regards to him. Reshad Jones (S) should be pretty solid while he’s getting decent playing time, anyone else is a shot in the dark.
The Quiet Monster.
Eagles @ Vikings
Philadelphia Eagles
Performed as expected: Malcolm Jenkins (S) Rasul Douglas (CB) Fletcher Cox (DT) Brandon Graham (DE)
Possible waiver adds: With Zach Brown (LB) getting cut and Nigel Bradham (LB) getting injured it’s likely that Nathan Gerry (LB) will see some increased playing time and production and possibly Kamu Grugier Hill (LB) as well, either, neither or both could be worth an add. To be honest the Eagles linebackers corps as a whole hasn’t been super impressive this season but if you’re desperate either of those two could pan out, at least short term anyways. We’ll keep an eye on it and see what this week brings.
Flash in the pan: TJ Edwards (LB) only played 14% of snaps so please ignore his four solo tackles and forego considering him as a possible waiver wire linebacker going forward. Gerry and Hill are the likely winners from Zach Brown (LB) getting blasted out the airlock.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Nigel Bradham (LB) had a terrible game but was hurt early and only played 40% of snaps this week, he should be OK once he’s back to full health and full playing time. Derek Barnett (DE) also put up a stinker but played 80% of snaps and should be fine as a DE2 or preferably DE3 in deeper leagues going forward, it’s him or Graham or Cox each week but never all of them at once unfortunately. They’re all just kind of decent, Cox has more value than Barnett or Graham just due to positional scarcity with him being a defensive tackle and the dropoff being far worse at that position. None of them are going to win you your league but then again if you had the right expectations for them before the season and drafted any of the three as your DE2 or DE3 or DT2 in Cox’s case then you should be getting about what you expected from them so far.
Minnesota Vikings
Performed as expected: Anthony Barr (EDGE) Eric Kendricks (LB) Anthony Harris (S) Linval Joseph (DT) Danielle Hunter (DE) Everson Griffen (DE) Harrison Smith (S)
Possible waiver adds: Anthony Barr (EDGE) has been a nice EDGE or OLB piece this season with excellent playing time and about as consistent production as you can realistically expect from a naturally spotty position like that. Anthony Harris (S) I’ve talked about a few times as well, not a bad move at all if you need safety help.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Trae Waynes (CB) had a down week but still played 84% of snaps in a game where no defensive starter played all of the snaps due to the Vikings absolutely caving in the Eagles booty holes and being able to rest starters in the fourth quarter. So don’t worry about the playing time, he plays all the snaps when the Vikings play a competitive game and he’s only had two actually bad games this season of six played which is above average for cornerback. Corner, much like defensive line, is not an every week guaranteed production position and is spotty by nature. If you have a guy that gives you solid games half the time you’re sitting pretty, Waynes is doing better than that. No need to panic he’ll be fine.
Cameron Jordan was a one man wrecking crew this week.
Saints @ Jaguars
New Orleans Saints
Performed as expected: Demario Davis (LB) AJ Klein (LB) Cameron Jordan (DE) Marcus Williams (S) Marcus Davenport (DE) Marshon Lattimore (CB)
Possible waiver adds: Sheldon Rankins (DT) might still be available and even though he came back to earth this week his snaps are still slowly rising weekly since he came back from injury, we all know what he’s capable of from last seasons strong campaign so he still makes a great option if you need defensive tackle help.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Sheldon Rankins (DT) had a down week but still isn’t playing his full compliment of snaps yet, he should be fine within the next couple weeks and even 48% snaps Sheldon Rankins (DT) is better than 80% snaps Quinton Jefferson (DT) or Tyeler Davison (DT) or someone like that. He’ll be fine. Eli Apple (CB) had a down week as well but still had the playing time, 98% of snaps. The Jaguars really couldn’t muster much of a passing attack this week with their overwhelmed rookie quarterback constantly running for his life from this ridiculous Saints pass rush, he’ll be a nice cornerback option in future matchups against better passing attacks.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Performed as expected: Myles Jack (LB) Najee Goode (LB) Calais Campbell (DE) AJ Buoye (CB) Ronnie Harrison (S) Josh Allen (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Najee Goode (LB) is one of the best waiver wire linebacker adds this week hands down. He straight up stole Quincy Williams (LB) job and played 95% of snaps this week while filling up the box score nicely. Make him a priority if you need linebacker help.
Flash in the pan: Tre Herndon (CB) had a terrific week and played 100% of snaps this week and could be a good option going forward now that Jalen Ramsey (CB) has shipped off but I’ll need to see this more than once or twice before I’m comfortable recommending him as a cornerback worthy of starting or streaming. That’s an exclusive club for me and this guy hasn’t gotten past the bouncer yet.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Yannick Ngakoue (DE) had another bad week and only played 65% of snaps this week, he’s been far less of an option this season with the impressive rookie Josh Allen (DE) making a really nice impression so far. If you can find a better option I’d go for it, he’s really only had one good game this year and one acceptable game, if there are better waiver options available feel free to blow this fool out the airlock. Abandon ship.
Long dead are the days where I catch shit for recommending starting this guy.
Bengals @ Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals
Performed as expected: Nick Vigil (LB) Jessie Bates (S) Shawn Williams (S) Sam Hubbard (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Germaine Pratt (LB) still only played 38% of snaps this week but has been very efficient with his playing time so far this season, he’s more of a dynasty piece still but the more down the toilet the Bengals go likely the more playing time and opportunity Pratt will see as they find out what they have in the rookie with nothing to lose. Carl Lawson (DE) has seen an uptick in playing time the last two weeks and saw 77% of snaps this week and pretty solid production with three solo tackles and a sack, if you need defensive end help this is actually a really good option.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Dre Kirkpatrick (CB) had a really crappy game but that’s cause he got injured early and only played 20% of snaps this week. He’s been fantastic all season and will be fine when he gets back to full health. Geno Atkins (DT) played 76% of snaps and had zero stats of any kind this week which is not ideal at all. He’s been a fine defensive tackle two or three in seasons past but seems to be having trouble getting going this season, still though he has enough historical production and consistency that I won’t jump ship on him just yet, let’s see what the next couple weeks bring before making a call either way. I will say this though if he’s your defensive tackle one on your team you’ve got problems and need to make a move to change that.
Baltimore Ravens
Performed as expected: Matthew Judon (EDGE)
Possible waiver adds: Chuck Clark (S) has taken over the Tony Jefferson (S) role and playing time, 100% of snaps this week, unfortunately he hasn’t done much with his opportunity so far but if you need safety help in a deeper league he might be worth a shot. Playing time is the first step to consistency and I’d rather roll with a guy like Clark than take a chance on someone like Micheal Thomas (S) on the Giants who puts up the occasional numbers but only plays like 30% of snaps every week.
Flash in the pan: Maurice Canady (CB) had ten solo tackles this week but only played 63% of snaps. That little playing time ensures that he can’t be consistent or reliable going forward as a corner to start or stream. Pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Earl Thomas (S) has been pretty terrible this season. He’s been playing 100% of snaps but unlike his time with the Seahawks seems incapable of the occasional big play or any kind of week to week consistency. There are probably better options out there I would try and find one. Abandon ship.
Cory Littleton quiets the doubters for the time being with a huge performance.
49ers @ Rams
San Francisco 49ers
Performed as expected: Kwon Alexander (LB) Fred Warner (LB) Arik Armstead (DE) Deforest Buckner (DT) Solomon Thomas (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Jimmie Ward (S) came back from injury and made a huge impact immediately. He played 100% of snaps and had six solo tackles and two passes defended and could be a nice piece if you need safety help in deeper leagues going forward.
Flash in the pan: Dee Ford (DE) had four combined tackles and a sack and a half this week but still only played 40% of snaps, this is around what he’s been playing all season and isn’t nearly enough to ensure any kind of consistency or reliability week to week. Pass for now.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Nick Bosa (DE) came crashing back down to earth this week after his monster performance against the Browns. He still played 83% of snaps which is about what he played against the Browns so the playing time is there and if he can stay healthy the huge weeks will happen over the course of the season, no reason to panic this is just positional inconsistency. If guys like Myles Garrett (DE) can’t put up huge numbers every week we certainly can’t expect a rookie who just got healthy two weeks ago to be able to, he’ll be fine.
Los Angeles Rams
Performed as expected: Aaron Donald (DT) Cory Littleton (LB) John Johnson (S) Troy Reeder (LB) Micheal Brockers (DE) Sebastian Joseph Day (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Marqui Christian (S), not Taylor Rapp (S) was named by Sean Mcvay as the direct replacement for John Johnson (S) who was placed on IR after this game. I have no idea if he’s even going be a shade of what Johnson was but if you want to roll the dice on him be my guest. We’ll know more after we see the Rams play again sans-Johnson.
Flash in the pan: Samson Ebukam (LB) saw a spike in playing time and production this week seeing 91% of snaps and six combined tackles this week. He’s done nothing and not played much all season and with the recent addition of Kenny Young (LB) via trade and the emergence of Troy Reeder (LB) the odds of him keeping this kind of playing time and production aren’t great in my opinion. We’ll have to see how it plays out.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: NA, everyone who was supposed to put up numbers did so this week, including Aaron Donald (DT) who had a monster game. Never. Sit. Donald.
Devondre Campbell continues to outshine Deion Jones, up is down, left is right and I crap solid.
Falcons @ Cardinals
Atlanta Falcons
Performed as expected: Devondre Campbell (LB) Kemal Ishmael (S) Deion Jones (LB) Grady Jarrett (DT) Ricardo Allen (S)
Possible waiver adds: Damontae Kazee (S) and Kemal Ishmael (S) both saw bumps in playing time this week, Ishmael all the way up to 100% and Kazee to 81% of snaps. Ishmael and Ricardo Allen (S) are still the safeties to own here but I’ll keep an eye on Kazee’s production and snaps and shout it out if and when he’s worth a grab.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: The Falcons pass rush has been pretty horrible all season and no one should’ve probably been on any of these guys to begin with but if you do own Clayborn, Mckinley or Beasley etc it’s definitely time to look for other options. Besides that everyone who we expected to have a good game did their part this week. It’s still weird that Devondre Campbell (LB) is outproducing Deion Jones (LB) every single week but it’s been a weird year, we adapt and keep going that’s all there is to it.
Arizona Cardinals
Performed as expected: Jordan Hicks (LB) Haason Redick (LB) Budda Baker (S) Chandler Jones (EDGE)
Possible waiver adds: Corey Peters (DT) played 70% of snaps this week and has been a decent defensive tackle if you need a short term injury replacement or bye week guy but isn’t worth much more then that in my opinion. Patrick Peterson (CB) returns from his six game suspension this week or next as well and is a decent streaming or starting option at cornerback in matchups against efficient passing offenses.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week. Byron Murphy (CB) might not be as good when Patrick Peterson (CB) returns from suspension but we’ll have to see what that looks like when it happens.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Terrell Suggs (EDGE) has been pretty crappy even in the year of the OLB so I would try and find another option if you have him in an edge slot in your league. Also at safety no one has stepped into DJ Swearinger (S) role yet since he was cut, Budda Baker (S) is playing 100% of snaps and the next highest safety for playing time is Dionte Thompson (S) at 51% of snaps played. Thompson hasn’t done much in the box score department and that playing time isn’t nearly enough to guarantee any kind of sustainability or consistency so he’s a pass for now.
Rashaan Evans continues to shine under the radar while Jayon Brown caught the injury bug this week.
Titans @ Broncos
Tennessee Titans
Performed as expected: Rashaan Evans (LB) Harold Landry (EDGE) Kenny Vaccaro (S) Kevin Byard (S) Logan Ryan (CB) Jurell Casey (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Wesley Woodyard (LB) is an excellent option while Jayon Brown (LB) is injured and out, the second he comes back and plays though Woodyard will be back riding the pine so he’s a short term option at best.
Flash in the pan: NA, everyone at the top of the box score belongs there.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Jayon Brown (LB) had a seriously bad week but only due to injury, he only played 5% of snaps before going down with injury. Wesley Woodyard (LB) stepped in for him and did a fine job. Brown will be back to an every week auto start as soon as he’s back to full health, remain calm. Everyone else who was expected to produce did so this week and the Titans IDP corps is the gift that keeps on giving.
Denver Broncos
Performed as expected: Todd Davis (LB) Justin Simmons (S) Derek Wolfe (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Alexander Johnson (LB) played 86% of snaps this week and led all Broncos in IDP production, he straight up stole Josey Jewell (LB) job and production out from under him. He is an awesome option if you need linebacker help this week.
Flash in the pan: Demarcus Walker (DE) had a really nice game and is getting some buzz from the IDP community but only played 33% of snaps this week, Derek Wolfe (DE) played twice as much, 67% and had the same production also putting up two sacks and a handful of tackles. Wolfe also has the historical production so for my money I’d take him over Walker. For now Walker is a pass for me, 33% of snaps isn’t going to cut it.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Von Miller (EDGE) had another down week but still played 88% of snaps. He’s still Von Miller so there will be outstanding weeks to come down the line here but without Bradley Chubb (EDGE) to garner some attention on the other side of the line he will likely see more chips and double teams now that he’s the only serious threat in regards to pass rush. This could hurt his production this season so if you can find a better EDGE option it might be a good move. Sometimes the big name isn’t enough to get it done and you have to know when it’s time to move on.
Jamal Adams and the Jets took a huge steaming crap on the Cowboys chances for a special season.
Cowboys @ Jets
Dallas Cowboys
Performed as expected: Leighton Vander Esch (LB) Jeff Heath (S) Xavier Woods (S) Robert Quinn (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Heath and Woods (S) still aren’t owned in a lot of places and have both been pretty solid safety options this season, add either if you need safety help in deeper leagues.
Flash in the pan: Jourdan Lewis (CB) had a decent game but only played 60% of snaps, not nearly enough for any kind of consistency, pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Jaylon Smith (LB) had a down week but still played 80% of snaps and has been terrific all season, he should be fine. Demarcus Lawrence (DE) though has me a little more worried, he has been causing enough havoc that Robert Quinn (DE) has been able to take advantage and put up multiple sack games a couple times this year but Lawrence himself has not been great. He played 72% of snaps and is getting into the backfield to make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable but hasn’t been able to translate that into any sacks in a few weeks now, he’s good enough and has been consistently good enough for long enough that I’m not ready to jump ship yet but if I don’t see something in the next few weeks I will be.
New York Jets
Performed as expected: Jamal Adams (S) Marcus Maye (S) Neville Hewitt (LB) Quinnen Williams (DT) Blake Cashman (LB) Jets Cornerbacks, all three starters played well
Possible waiver adds: Quinnen Williams (DT) has really turned it on since coming back from injury and looks to be a nice option at defensive tackle if you need help in regular to deep leagues. He played 62% of snaps this week and has hovered around that number since coming back from injury and seems locked in around five or six combined tackles a game which is pretty good for a rookie defensive tackle only playing that much each week.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week. I still haven’t nailed down which if any of these corners is worth streaming but I’m sure a pattern will emerge soon enough. This isn’t a great division to stream corner in anyways, the Bills and Dolphins don’t exactly light up the box score with their passing attacks but that Patriots definitely do so a shot on either Poole, Roberts or Johnson this week against the Pats could work out well.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: NA, the guys who were supposed to produce did so this week. Leonard Williams (DE) had a crappy game but shouldn’t be used as anything more than a bye week dart throw in super deep leagues anyways. Remain calm across the board.
Tell me somethin’, girl
Are you happy in this modern world?
Or do you need more?
Is there somethin’ else you’re searchin’ for?
Steelers @ Chargers
Pittsburgh Steelers
Performed as expected: Devin Bush (LB) Mincah Fitzpatrick (S) Terrell Edmunds (S) Vince Williams (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Vince Williams (LB) continues to be a decent option in super deep leagues while Marc Barron (LB) is injured and out. When he comes back though that could change so buyer beware.
Flash in the pan: Artie Burns (CB) played 100% of snaps and had a nice week but hasn’t perked my ears up before this season so the consistency isn’t there yet. There are better options for streaming or starting corner, if he does this a few more weeks it could change my mind.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Stephon Tuitt (DE) ended up on IR after this game so you’ll need to find a replacement there. Cameron Heyward (DT) had a down week but still played 79% of snaps and is having an terrific season so we’ll remain calm there. TJ Watt (EDGE) had a down week as well but that’s just the nature of these OLB or EDGE guys they aren’t going to put up numbers every week, he’ll be fine going forward.
Los Angeles Chargers
Performed as expected: Thomas Davis (LB) Desmond King (CB) Denzel Perryman (LB) Reyshawn Jenkins (S) Joey Bosa (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Justin Jones (DT) has been raising some eyebrows here at IDPguys, he played 78% of snaps this week and led the Chargers in overall IDP production. He could be a nice defensive tackle option going forward, full disclosure here this recommendation is from some of the other writers at the site he wasn’t on my radar but these guys know their shit so I’m going with it.
Flash in the pan: Drue Tranquill (LB) had a decent game this week but only played 51% of snaps and hasn’t played anything north of that this season as far as I can remember, I’m not going to check it’s almost one in the morning and this guy isn’t going to be relevant. Pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Jerry Tillery (DT) saw his playing time drop to only 22% of snaps played and zero production of any kind this week. He’s still just a dynasty piece going forward despite a couple decent games this season and a playing time spike the last couple weeks. The same thing is happening with Ed Oliver (DT) but he’s at least still getting the playing time. Tillery probably won’t be relevant this season unfortunately.
Damon Harrison had a terrific game in Green Bay as he squats and takes a dump in front of thousands of horrified fans.
Lions @ Packers
Detroit Lions
Performed as expected: Jarrad Davis (LB) Tracy Walker (S) A’Shawn Robinson (DT) Damon Harrison (DT) Darius Slay (CB)
Possible waiver adds: Jahlani Tavai (LB) saw an uptick in playing time this week from essentially nonexistent to 59% this week, the production didn’t really follow, just three combined tackles, but this is the first step to consistency and production. If you are desperate for linebacker help you might want to add him now with the hope that he’ll be playing at least this much and hopefully more later down the road.
Flash in the pan: Will Harris (S) had a nice game with seven combined tackles but only played 49% of snaps and is a player I didn’t know existed until this very minute. Not enough playing time and no consistency, pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Trey Flowers (DE) had a down week and got hosed by the refs a couple times but still played 69% of snaps, nice, and was extremely close to a couple sacks. If you have him as a DE2 or preferably DE3 you can probably live with what he’s done this season but if he’s your DE1 this is not ideal and you need to make a move to fix that. For now I’m remaining calm with him he’s on pace for about what he had with the Patriots last season production-wise.
Green Bay Packers
Performed as expected: Blake Martinez (LB) Zadarius Smith (EDGE) Preston Smith (EDGE) Kevin King (CB)
Possible waiver adds: BJ Goodson (LB) saw yet another uptick in playing time to 58% of snaps this week and parlayed that into five combined tackles, he seems to have forced Oren Burks (LB) out of that second inside linebacker slot before he ever had a chance to show us what he was capable of. He’s still questionable as a linebacker add but if you’re in a super deep league it’s not the worst idea in the world.
Flash in the pan: Chandon Sullivan (CB) had a nice game but only played 36% of snaps which is not nearly enough for any kind of consistency. Pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Oren Burks (LB) crashed to 9% of snaps played this week and only had two combined tackles. The preseason hype train has gone off the tracks and exploded into a fireball. It’s possible either via injury or a BJ Goodson (LB) slump that he gets another shot at that second inside linebacker job next to Martinez but right now it’s not looking likely. I’ve already blown him out the airlock in the leagues I had him in and moved on, might be time for you to do the same.
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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