Frank Clark celebrates his first sack of the year, as foretold here last week, and the Chiefs beat the Ravens in Kansas City USA circa 2019
As we wrap up week three and head into week four we will further diagnose that insanity that has been the start to this season. Can Shaq Barrett keep it up all season? Probably not. Will Aaron Donald and JJ Watt parlay their big weeks into the kind of production we expect year in and year out from them? Yeah that’s likely. How will we survive and adjust to the Keanu Neal injury? Tracy Walker. Will Tremaine Edmunds continue to make me look like an idiot? Good chance. Is Whitney Mercilus for real? No. All that and more in this weeks edition of my (semi) instant reaction and defensive waivers bible length weekly article. Found at your one stop shop for all things IDP, idpguys.org & @idpguys.
Let’s get into week three and get ready for another week of getting our cheeks clapped by the fantasy gods in week four.
Sam Hubbard puts up another excellent week as the early leader for IDP waiver wire pickup of the season, Buffalo New York USA circa 2019
Bengals @ Bills
Cincinnati Bengals
Performed as expected: Jessie Bates (S) Shawn Williams (S) Preston Brown (LB) Sam Hubbard (DE) Dre Kirkpatrick (CB) Geno Atkins (DT) Nick Vigil (LB)
Possible waiver adds: If you haven’t added Sam Hubbard (DE) yet it’s probably too late, if for some reason he is still available absolutely grab him, even if it’s just to trade him to someone who’s fed up with a slow start from one of their studs. Carlos Dunlap (DE) or Geno Atkins (DT) might have been dropped due to their slower than usual starts and are always excellent DE2 or DT2 options especially in larger leagues.
Flash in the pan: NA this week, all the names at the top of the box score are the ones that belong there.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Carlos Dunlap (DE) only had two solo tackles on the day but played 82% of snaps and has been and should continue to be an excellent DE2 in medium to larger leagues. Remain calm. Nick Vigil (LB) bounced back this week with a better week, five combined tackles and a couple QB hits while playing 86% of snaps this week so if you remained calm last week and have him as a linebacker two preferably three it was a solid week for him.
Buffalo Bills
Performed as expected: Jordan Poyer (S) Matt Milano (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Micah Hyde (S) had a better week with five combined tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass defense while playing 100% of snaps, Siran Neal (S) has had slightly better numbers on the season but is only playing half the snaps of Hyde so that production will eventually taper off, Hyde is a nice option in deeper leagues if you need safety help like perhaps if you just lost Keanu Neal (S) for the season.
Flash in the pan: Siran Neal (S) had five solo tackles and a tackle for loss but only played 49% of snaps this week and has hovered around that amount of playing time all season, in the immortal words of Admiral Ackbar “It’s a trap!” Don’t fall for it.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Tremaine Edmunds (LB) had a down week with three combined tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass defense while playing 100% of snaps. While this is definitely not the type of production we all signed up for it was a serviceable week and the last time the Buffalo Bills middle linebacker had less than one hundred combined tackles in a season was many many years ago, the first article I ever wrote for IDP guys talked about it, that MLB slot on that team is as close to a lock for year in and year out excellent production as there is in the history of the NFL, he’ll be fine.
Demarcus Lawrence celebrates after taking a huge dump and to a lesser extent beating the pathetic Dolphins in Dallas USA circa 2019
Dolphins @ Cowboys
Miami Dolphins
Performed as expected: Sam Eguavoen (LB) Christian Wilkins (DE) Davon Godchaux (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Jerome Baker (LB) or Sam Eguavoen (LB) both played 100% of snaps on a team with a so far historically bad offense. Logically that means this team will be on defense quite a bit this year and opportunity to make plays will be plentiful for both of these linebackers. Christian Wilkins (DE) and Davon Godchaux (DT) have been pretty serviceable so far this season and played 62% and 58% of snaps respectively and could be decent bye week or short term injury replacement options but not much else.
Flash in the pan: Walt Aikens (S) had a nice game with five combined tackles but only played 54% of snaps this week, that’s not even close to enough playing time at safety for any kind of week to week consistency, pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Raekwon McMillan (LB) had a little better week in the production department but still only played 29% of snaps on the day, he had promise, he had hype, we had hope. But alas, he flew too close to the sun and is no more. Abandon ship.
Dallas Cowboys
Performed as expected: Jaylon Smith (LB) Chidobe Awuzie (CB) Damarcus Lawrence (DE) Robert Quinn (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Robert Quinn (DE) recorded three solo tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss playing 63% of snaps in his first game this season after serving his two game suspension to start the season, he is an excellent candidate if you need defensive line help.
Flash in the pan: Darian Thompson (S) ended up replacing Xavier Woods (S) instead of Kavon Frazier (S). Woods shouldn’t be out much longer and despite the excellent playing time (100% of snaps) Thompson wasn’t able to do much with it so unless you are truly desperate for safety help I would pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Leighton Vander Esch (LB) had a serviceable game with six combined tackles, half a tackle for loss and a pass defense on 89% of snaps this week, not the kind of jaw dropping numbers we usually see from him but the Dolphins offense wasn’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard or going on long, sustained drives of the kind that lead to a lot of tackles by the Cowboys defense. This Dolphins offense wasn’t good enough to provide enough action to satisfy all the IDP mouths on this Cowboys defense and Vander Esch drew the short straw this week. He’ll be fine, remain calm.
Blake Martinez continues his dominance this season despite bubble guts from Chipotle as the Packers obliterate the Broncos at home, Green Bay Wisconsin USA circa 2019
Broncos @ Packers
Denver Broncos
Performed as expected: Josey Jewell (LB) Bradley Chubb (LB,EDGE,OLB)
Possible waiver adds: Todd Davis (LB) played his first game this season after staring the year injured and out and logged 98% of snaps but only three combined tackles. He should be fine it’s likely just rust and I doubt he feels 100% yet with either the injury or getting back to game speed, I personally will be playing him in a few places this week.
Flash in the pan: Shelby Harris (DT) had four solo tackles and a tackle for loss on 80% of snaps this week but plays nose tackle which isn’t traditionally IDP relevant or consistent and this is the first time I’ve noticed him, like ever, so that’s not a great sign either, I’d pass for now. If he shows some consistency I’ll make sure and shout it from the mountain tops.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Von Miller (EDGE,LB,OLB) has started the season extremely slow but is playing enough, 93% of snaps this week, and is talented enough and has been productive enough and consistent enough long enough that I’m not worried, in fact he was dropped in an all IDP league I’m in and I immediately scooped him and threw him in this weeks lineup. Keep the faith.
Green Bay Packers
Performed as expected: Blake Martinez (LB) Adrian Amos (S) Jaire Alexander (CB) Preston Smith (OLB,EDGE,LB) Zadarius Smith (EDGE,OLB,LB) Darnell Savage (S)
Possible waiver adds: Rashan Gary (LB,OLB,EDGE,DE) had his coming out party with four combined tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss playing 36% of snaps this week. That’s definitely not an ideal amount of playing time but it’s likely the rookie gains more snaps as the season progresses, especially with this kind of early production, this is a “get in on the ground floor” scenario so I would grab him even if you don’t plan on playing him this week. Also Oren Burks (LB) is close to coming back from injury, I would grab him now even if he doesn’t play this week if you wait on it someone else might end up with him.
Flash in the pan: Tyler Lancaster (DT) had seven combined tackles playing only 52% of snaps at nose tackle, not enough playing time and not a traditional IDP relevant position equals a bad idea to pick him up and expect this kind of thing this week, pass for now.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Kenny Clark (DT) only had four tackle assists this week playing 77% of snaps which actually isn’t completely terrible from a defensive tackle all things considered. He’s got many weeks of far better overall production in store for this season so remain calm and keep plugging him in as an end of tier one defensive tackle. The playing time and talent are both there, the production will follow.
Anthony Walker once again proves that sometimes the best ability is availability as the Colts shock the Falcons, Indianapolis Indiana USA circa 2019
Falcons @ Colts
Atlanta Falcons
Performed as expected: Deion Jones (LB) Damontae Kazee (S,CB) Davondre Campbell (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Kemal Ishmael (S) is the odds on favorite to replace Keanu Neal (S) who we lost for the season a second year in a row, the Falcons have also brought in TJ McDonald (S) and George Iloka (S) to try out for this safety slot as well, I might grab McDonald if you have the bench space, my money is on him out of these three he did some solid work in Miami competing against two studs in Minkah Fitzpatrick (S) and Reshad Jones (S) last season. Ishmael should be playing this coming week however so if you need safety help immediately pull the trigger on him.
Flash in the pan:
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Grady Jarrett (DT) had a bit of a down week but still serviceable with two solo tackles and two tackles for loss playing 66% of snaps this week. That’s doable for defensive tackle usually when they have a bad game it’s really bad, like Damon Harrison (DT) weeks one and two this season bad
Indianapolis Colts
Performed as expected: Anthony Walker (LB) was a start from me with Leonard out and had a massive game and played 100% of snaps. Clayton Geathers (S) Kenny Moore (CB)
Possible waiver adds: Khari Willis (S) will be replacing Malik Hooker (S) who is injured and out for up to six weeks. Bobby Okereke (LB) is just as good an option as Anthony Walker (LB) when Darius Leonard (LB) is injured and out, besides that Okereke has no current value and Walker drops to a LB3.
Flash in the pan: NA, the box score had the right names at the top of it this week.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Both Denico Autry (DT) and Justin Houston (DE) had sub par games this week but both played 75% of snaps and have performed in previous games this season. The addition of a healthy Jabaal Sheard (DE) will help both of them immensely and take some of the attention and double teams off of both, until that happens they may struggle but I’m still starting them weekly in the leagues where I own them.
Kendall Fuller helps the Chiefs turn the Ravens booty holes inside out in Kansas City USA circa 2019
Ravens @ Chiefs
Baltimore Ravens
Performed as expected: Patrick Onwuasor (LB) Tony Jefferson (S) Earl Thomas (S) Matthew Judon (OLB,EDGE,LB)
Possible waiver adds: Kenny Young (LB) had a massive step forward this week in both playing time (from essentially nonexistant to 59% of snaps this week) and production (from none to seven combined tackles and two tackles for loss this week) and could be on his way to securing the other inside linebacker role next to Onwuasor, while I don’t really recommend starting him this week it may be a good idea to pick him up and stash him in case he does solidify himself as that other inside linebacker.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names were at the top or near the top of the box score this week.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: I was definitely getting close to abandoning ship on both Tony Jefferson (S) and Earl Thomas (S) but they both had much better weeks. Part of this is certainly the offense they came up against, Kansas City, so I doubt they’ll keep putting up these type of numbers against “normal” offenses however they have both been consistent and productive in the past so this week gives me hope, I’m still not starting either of them against Cleveland and their pathetic excuse for an offense but I also haven’t blown either out the airlock on to waivers yet so it’s a wait and see for me.
Kansas City Chiefs
Performed as expected: Kendall Fuller (CB) Anthony Hitchens (LB) Frank Clark (DE) Damien Wilson (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Damien Wilson (LB) is still flying under the radar in a lot of places, he has secured the second inside linebacker position next to Anthony Hitchens (LB) and played 78% of snaps this week while recording five combined tackles and half a sack, grab him if you need linebacker help in deeper leagues.
Flash in the pan: Darron Lee (LB) and Emmanuel Ogbah (DE) had decent weeks in the box score department but played 18% and 45% of snaps respectively, not even remotely close to enough playing time for either to have any kind of consistency, pass and pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Chris Jones (DT) had an off week but still played 76% of snaps, he’ll be fine. Frank Clark (DE) roared back to life with three combined tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss playing 76% of snaps as well, I told you not to abandon ship.
Everson Griffen reminds IDP Twitter of who he was before he stopped taking his meds last season, Minnesota USA circa 2019
Raiders @ Vikings
Oakland Raiders
Performed as expected: Jonathan Hankins (DT) Vontaze Burfict (LB) Karl Joseph (S)
Possible waiver adds: Jonathan Hankins (DT) continues to put up decent weeks and is up to 74% of snaps played this week, he’s available in most leagues if you need defensive tackle help. Karl Joseph (S) played 97% of snaps and is doing a lot more work now that Jonathan Abram (S) is gone for the season, not a bad idea if you need safety help. Tahir Whitehead (LB) didn’t have a great game production-wise but played more than Vontaze Burfict (LB) did with 94% of snaps played to his 81% of snaps played, the production should catch up to the playing time soon enough and this has been his worst game this season and he still had three solo tackles on the day.
Flash in the pan: Erik Harris (S) had six combined tackles but only played 31% of snaps, that’s a trap, pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Clellin Ferrell (DE) had a sub par game with only three combined tackles and a pass defended but played 82% of snaps and has been pretty solid so far this year, unless you are absolutely loaded at defensive end you still want to be plugging him in every week.
Minnesota Vikings
Performed as expected: Eric Kendricks (LB) Trae Waynes (CB) Everson Griffen (DE) Danielle Hunter (DE) Harrison Smith (S)
Possible waiver adds: Anthony Harris (S) had a down week with only two combined tackles but continues to play 100% of snaps and has had two out of three weeks with solid production, he remains a decent option if you need safety help in deeper leagues.
Flash in the pan: Eric Wilson (LB,OLB,EDGE) had a massive game this week in relief of the injured and out Anthony Barr (LB,OLB,EDGE) and played 100% of snaps while he was at it, all wonderful things. Problem is Anthony Barr (LB) is practicing today and will likely be back this week and if that happens Eric Wilson (LB) becomes irrelevant again. You can pick him up if it looks like Barr has a surprise setback but if this thing goes according to plan he’ll be back to unimportant this Sunday, who knows though I’ve been wrong before.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Linval Joseph (DT) came back to earth this week with only two solo tackles playing 61% of snaps, he has been ridiculous to start the season and has been a reliable, consistent and productive defensive tackle for years now, continue to start him with confidence each week. Just for perspective here in one league I’m in Joseph has 35 points for the season while Aaron Donald (DT) only has 19 and Deforest Buckner (DT) has 37 with the vast majority of those coming in week three. You’re not sitting Donald or Buckner, you shouldn’t sit Joseph either.
Jamal Adams contemplates scooping his eyeballs out with a spoon as the Patriots annihilate the Jets in New York USA circa 2019
Patriots @ Jets
New England Patriots
Performed as expected: Jamie Collins (LB) Kyle Van Noy (LB) Micheal Bennett (DE)
Possible waiver adds: I’m all set, too inconsistent in both playing time and production as an entire defense, if you want to add and play one of these guys be my guest I won’t take the blame when it goes south though. Collins is obviously a decent roll of the dice right now, Bennett should be productive in that old Trey Flowers (DE) role, Winovich has shown some promise and either McCourty could blow up for you any given Sunday.
Flash in the pan: All of them, there hasn’t been anything even close to resembling consistent playing time for any of these guys, maybe Chung or Devin McCourty but even they fluctuate from week to week.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: I abandoned ship and then scuttled the ship with torpedoes years ago, If I’m desperate or in much deeper or all IDP leagues I’ll start some Patriots IDP but I’m sure as hell not going to recommend anyone do it on purpose then hold me accountable for that recommendation.
New York Jets
Performed as expected: Jamal Adams (S) Blake Cashman (LB) Neville Hewitt (LB) Jets Corners (Brian Poole and Daryl Roberts)
Possible waiver adds: Marcus Maye (S) continues to put up solid safety two or three numbers while playing 100% of snaps each week. He gets a bad rap for being a free safety but of all the free safeties he’s definitely one of the more consistent out there, not a bad option if you need safety help in a deep league.
Flash in the pan: Jets Cornerbacks, we all knew they would have a big week against the pass happy Patriots but nailing down which of them would have the big week or weeks has been difficult to say the least, prior to the season the odds on favorite to go crazy in a matchup like this would have been Trumaine Johnson (CB) and his massive contract. That has not been the case so far so I’m avoiding playing any Jets corners until we have a better grasp on who to trust in that secondary.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Just patiently waiting for Quinnen Williams (DT) and CJ Mosley (LB) to both get healthy and deliver on some of that preseason hype we all had to swallow by the gallon, remain calm.
Damn Harrison rips a giant wet fart as his digests the barbecue sauce covered remains of Carson Wentz, Philadelphia USA circa 2019
Lions @ Eagles
Detroit Lions
Performed as expected: Trey Flowers (DE) Damon Harrison (DT) Jarrad Davis (LB) Tracy Walker (S) Quandre Diggs (CB,S)
Possible waiver adds: Jarrad Davis (LB) played his first game this season and had six combined tackles playing 88% of snaps this week, if he’s on waivers for some reason absolutely grab him even it’s to trade him after a big week.
Flash in the pan: Jahlani Tavai (LB) didn’t have a big week at all so his flash in the pan could end up being the first two weeks of games he played without Jarrad Davis (LB) there to take snaps and production. He dropped to 36% of snaps played this week and only had two combined tackles.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Damon Harrison (DT) and Trey Flowers (DE) managed to stop the flooding this week but are still board life rafts with only 50% snaps played for Harrison and 70% and one good week out of three for Flowers. Jahlani Tavai (LB) is on abandon ship watch now, I would hold him for the time being but it doesn’t look good after seeing the role Davis had this week.
Philadelphia Eagles
Performed as expected: Zach Brown (LB) Malcolm Jenkins (S) Nigel Bradham (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Zach Brown (LB) has had his playing time increase each week since week one and played 82% of snaps this week and had eight combined tackles with one tackle for loss and one pass defended, he could be available in shallower leagues and has been an IDP stud in years past.
Flash in the pan: NA, the names at the top of the box score are the ones that belong there.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Brandon Graham (DE), Derek Barnett (DE) and Fletcher Cox (DT) have all had slow starts to the season but played 85%, 66% and 74% of snaps respectively this week. If we readjust our expectations they are still startable each week cause they will all put up numbers at some point this season, play Graham and Barnett as defensive end two or three in medium to large leagues and fade Cox to a defensive tackle two and their numbers look better, the preseason hype may have gotten the better of all of us in IDP Twitter with these guys.
Donte Jackson continues to be an excellent IDP corner as he picks off overhyped disappointment that is Kyler Murray twice on the afternoon, Arizona USA circa 2019
Panthers @ Cardinals
Carolina Panthers
Performed as expected: Shaq Thompson (LB) Luke Kuechly (LB) Eric Reid (S) Donte Jackson (CB) Tre Boston (S) Brian Burns (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Brian Burns (DE) could still be available in some shallower leagues if you need defensive line help and has been heating up in the last couple weeks. Tre Boston (S) is still playing 100% of snaps each week and is a solid option if you need safety help in deeper leagues.
Flash in the pan: Mario Addison (LB,EDGE,OLB) had a massive week but only played 61% of snaps and has traditionally not been a very good or consistent pass rusher, I’m all set, it could work as a dice roll but it’s not one I’m making.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Gerald McCoy (DT) has been underwhelming all season and only played 64% of snaps this week, defensive tackle is really shallow in general so there’s a strong possibility you have to play him if you own him in deeper leagues but if you can get out from under him I would.
Arizona Cardinals
Performed as expected: Jordan Hicks (LB) Haason Redick (LB) Budda Baker (S) Chandler Jones (OLB,LB,EDGE)
Possible waiver adds: DJ Swearinger (S) is playing 100% of snaps each week and is a nice safety option if you need help in medium to larger leagues, Haason Redick (LB) is now playing 100% of snaps and is a must have if available on waivers even if it’s just to trade or keep and play and trade someone else with better name value.
Flash in the pan: NA, the right names are at the top of this weeks box score.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Terrell Suggs (LB,OLB,EDGE) had an absolutely awful week with only one tackle assist while playing 65% of snaps this week. This is the year of outside linebackers wrecking havoc and lighting up the box scores so if there’s any time that you can find a better edge rush or outside linebacker to start this is it, blow him out the airlock and get yourself a Shaq Barrett (OLB) or one of the Smiths (Zadarius or Preston) in Green Bay.
Shaq Barrett looks to smash the single season sack record and silence consistent tackle floor people like the idiot writing this article, Tampa Bay USA circa 2019
Giants @ Bucs
New York Giants
Performed as expected: Antoine Bethea (S) Jabrill Peppers (S) Janoris Jenkins (CB) Markus Golden (DE,LB)
Possible waiver adds: Ryan Connelly (LB) played 92% of snaps and recorded seven combined tackles and a pass defended this week, with Alec Ogletree (LB) injured and leaving the game early he could be a sneaky waiver wire pickup if you need linebacker help.
Flash in the pan: Deandre Baker (CB) had a great game and played 100% of snaps this week, however the only cornerback I trust on the Giants is Jenkins at the moment. That could change over time but for now I’ll pass on Baker.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Dexter Lawrence (DE) was talked up in dynasty prior to this season and had a sack this week but has been awful to this point and only played 41% of snaps, I would look for other options if you’re relying on him for your defensive line.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Performed as expected: Shaq Barrett (OLB,LB,EDGE) Lavonte David (LB) Carl Nassib (DE)
Possible waiver adds: It’s probably too late to pull the trigger on Shaq Barret (LB) but do it if you can even if it’s to sell him to someone who doesn’t know he’s completely sack dependent for his points and that always ends in heart break. Mike Edwards (S) had a nice week and played 97% of snaps, he’s been pretty decent this year and is a decent option for safety help if you need it in larger leagues.
Flash in the pan: Shaq Barrett (LB,OLB,EDGE) is on pace for like 43 sacks this season, there will never be a day where he’s mentioned in the same breath as Micheal Strahan (DE), Mark Gastineau (DE) or Reggie White (DE) who have been holders of this record or close to it. Barrett isn’t in the same solar system as these guys, the sacks will stop and since it’s his main way of scoring IDP points so will his overall production and popularity. I could be wrong but I doubt it. Regardless it’s up to you guys I’m just speaking my mind on this one, my official recommendation is do whatever you want here I’m not getting involved.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Jordan Whitehead (S) and Vernon Hargreaves (CB) both came back to earth this week but also both played 100% of snaps and should both be fine. Hargreaves remains an excellent cornerback to start or stream against teams with solid passing attacks and Whitehead has better weeks in store this season, many of them I would guess.
JJ Watt welcomes the masses back to his hype train after the disloyal and yee of little faith abandon ship in week two, Los Angeles USA circa 2019
Texans @ Chargers
Houston Texans
Performed as expected: Justin Reid (S) Jonathan Joseph (CB) Bernardrick McKinney (LB) Whitney Mercilus (OLB,LB,EDGE) JJ Watt (DE) Zach Cunningham (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Tashaun Gipson (S) had a solid game while playing 100% of snaps, he’s a decent option for safety help in deeper leagues.
Flash in the pan: DJ Reader (DT) had a great week but only played 47% of snaps, he started last season hot as well but finished with week after week of nothing. I would look elsewhere for defensive tackle help.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: After telling everyone to remain calm with JJ Watt (DE) he recorded five combined tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss playing 95% of snaps. Even without Jadaveon Clowney (DE,OLB,EDGE) around to ensure Watt doesn’t see as many double teams this year Watt looks like he’s recovering after the slow start. As far as taking pressure off Watt Whitney Mercilus (OLB) has really stepped up his pressure on the quarterback and that should help ensure Watt isn’t double teamed as much going forward. Keep playing JJ with confidence weekly.
Los Angeles Chargers
Performed as expected: Thomas Davis (LB) Melvin Ingram (DE) Desmond King (CB) Joey Bosa (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Brandon Facyson (CB) and Denzel Perryman (LB) are two waiver wire adds I would consider, Facyson has been excellent in all three starts this season and played 100% of snaps this week while Perryman had his first real week of both playing time (63% of snaps) and production (six combined tackles) and is a good option if you need linebacker help.
Flash in the pan: Roderic Teamer (CB) had an excellent game while playing 100% of snaps but is a player and name I’ve never seen until today which doesn’t bode well for consistency, Desmond King (CB) is still the corner to own on the Chargers.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Kyzir White (LB) had no stats of any kind this week and his playing time dropped drastically to only 12% of snaps this week with the return of a finally healthy Denzel Perryman (LB). While most would see this as an obvious abandon ship Perryman has been injury prone most of his career and the Chargers IDP in general get hurt a lot so if you have the space I would hang on to White until the next injury thrusts him back into the spotlight.
KJ Wright asking why no one ever talks about him on IDP Twitter after he’s been consistent and productive for years, Seattle USA circa 2019
Saints @ Seahawks
New Orleans Saints
Performed as expected: Demario Davis (LB) Marcus Davenport (DE) Marcus Williams (S) Vonn Bell (S)
Possible waiver adds: It’s not Alex Anzalone (LB) or Kiko Alonso (LB) that has secured that second productive linebacker slot next to Demario Davis (LB) but instead it’s AJ Klein (LB) who played 100% of snaps this week while recording five solo tackles and a tackle for loss. He is a great option if you need linebacker help.
Flash in the pan: Marshon Lattimore (CB) is an excellent real life cornerback, for IDP he’s far too inconsistent and usually isn’t targeted enough to have any kind of reliability even in ideal matchups. Although he does play 100% of snaps he usually falls into that weird grey zone where “shutdown” corners don’t get targeted enough to be consistently IDP relevant.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: It’s probably pretty safe to blow Kiko Alonso (LB) out the airlock, Alex Anzalone (LB) might be worth holding on to for another week or so to make sure this AJ Klein (LB) thing is for real before letting him go. Cameron Jordan (DE) had a down week with only three tackle assists playing 98% of snaps but will be fine, defensive end is not an every single week of awesome production type of position, even the best of the best have bad weeks at defensive end.
Seattle Seahawks
Performed as expected: Bobby Wagner (LB) KJ Wright (LB) Bradley McDougald (S) Tre Flowers (CB)
Possible waiver adds: If KJ Wright (LB) is available absolutely grab him if you need linebacker help, he is fully healthy and playing close to 100% of snaps now (98% this week) and has been a reliable and consistent linebacker two for years now.
Flash in the pan: NA, the right names were at the top of the box score this week.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Jadaveon Clowney (DE) had a terrible week with one tackle assist playing 62% of snaps. He’s too talented not to start putting up numbers I think this has more to do with the lack of other pass rushing options. Guys like Ezekiel Ansah (DE), LJ Collier (DE) and Mychal Kendricks (OLB) don’t exactly strike fear into the hearts of opponents so it makes sense to double team or scheme around Clowney right now, as to whether or not that changes over the season I couldn’t tell you. Defensive line is always a roll of the dice and making that roll with Clowney is a better option than most so I’m going to keep playing him.
Minkah Fitzpatrick drinks a Gatorade bottle full of vodka as he ponders how he went from one dumpster fire to another, San Francisco USA circa 2019
Steelers @ 49ers
Pittsburgh Steelers
Performed as expected: Devin Bush (LB) Terrell Edmunds (S) Stephon Tuitt (DE) Cameron Heyward (DT) Minkah Fitzpatrick (S)
Possible waiver adds: Marc Barron (LB) had a terrible game but played 100% of snaps, he’s a decent roll of the dice if you need linebacker help in deeper leagues.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: TJ Watt (OLB,LB,EDGE) only had two solo tackles and two passes defended this week playing 91% of snaps, he was last years Shaq Barrett (OLB). This is what playing an OLB at LB looks like. There will be weeks like this, many of them. For every monster two or three sack week there will be an equal number of two tackle trash games like this one for Watt. It’s to be expected, continue to start with him with confidence if your league has an OLB slot but be prepared for weeks like this if you play him in a regular linebacker slot.
San Francisco 49ers
Performed as expected: Deforest Buckner (DT) Kwon Alexander (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Arik Armstead (DE) didn’t have a great week with production but is playing more (77%) than both Nick Bosa (DE) 74% and Dee Ford (DE) 30% and has all season, he looks like a better option than either of those two at defensive line right now but I don’t expect that to last. Still he’s an OK option for defensive line help in deeper leagues.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Fred Warner (LB) Jacquiski Tartt (S) Dee Ford (DE) and Nick Bosa (DE) all had sub par weeks but also played against a sub par offense led back a backup quarterback that got crushed in time of possession 37 minutes to 23 minutes overall. I expect this entire defense to perform better against a real offense and quarterback.
Aaron Donald daydreaming about clapping the cheeks of anyone who doubted him due to his slow start this season, Cleveland USA circa 2019
Rams @ Browns
Los Angeles Rams
Performed as expected: John Johnson (S) Eric Weddle (S) Aaron Donald (DT) Cory Littleton (LB) Micheal Brockers (DE) Dante Fowler (DE) Clay Matthews (EDGE,OLB,LB)
Possible waiver adds: Taylor Rapp (S) saw his playing time increase again to 76% of snaps this week, although it didn’t translate to the box score for him he’s already had two solid games this season and could be a solid option for safety help in deeper leagues.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names led the way this week.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Aaron Donald (DT) came roaring back to life this week with four combined tackles, one sack and two tackles for loss on 93% of snaps played, never in doubt. Always remain calm with Donald just like I said last week.
Cleveland Browns
Performed as expected: Joe Schobert (LB) Mack Wilson (LB) Myles Garrett (DE) Olivier Vernon (DE) Larry Ogunjobi (DT) Sheldon Richardson (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Mack Wilson (LB) didn’t make the article last week just due to weird timing on the announcement of Kirksey going to IR, his replacement is Mack Wilson (LB) who played 100% of snaps this week and is locked in to a solid role and playing time for the rest of the season, this is a must have add at linebacker even if it’s just to trade him away.
Flash in the pan: Eric Murray (S) had a really nice game and did play 100% of snaps so it’s theoretically possible for him to do this again it’s just that I’ve never heard of him so I’d like to see it a couple more times before having any confidence in recommending him.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Olivier Vernon (DE) finally woke up and got it going this week, he was due so it was nice to see him get in on the action. He played 94% of snaps as well so the opportunity is and will be there going forward, remain calm.
Bears @ Redskins
Chicago Bears
Performed as expected: Ha Ha Clinton Dix (S) Danny Trevethan (LB) Kyle Fuller (CB) Roquan Smith (LB) Khalil Mack (OLB,LB,EDGE)
Possible waiver adds: NA, this defense is pretty well over hyped and picked over, even the guys who shouldn’t be played like Roy Robertson Harris (DE,LB) I see getting started in leagues I’m in.
Flash in the pan: Buster Skrine (CB) had a very good game but only played 81% of snaps and isn’t named Fuller or Amukamara so I’m not interested, Fuller is the corner to own on this team and Amukamara is the poor mans Fuller.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Akiem Hicks (DT) had a terrible week and got hurt so he only ended up playing 45% of snaps, the injury report says he avoided serious injury though and is day to day so he should be fine. He’s a top ten defensive tackle when he’s playing his full compliment of snaps.
Washington Redskins
Performed as expected: Landon Collins (S) Cole Holcomb (LB) Jon Bostic (LB) Montez Sweat (DL,LB) Matt Ioannidis (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Jonathan Allen (DT) came back from injury this week and while only putting up three combined tackles while playing 70% of snaps should settle in to be the start of tier two defensive tackle we’ve known for years.
Flash in the pan: Cole Holcomb (LB) had a massive game and has been a hot ticket waiver wire add in most IDP leagues. He only played 48% of snaps though and if he only gets that kind of playing time each week these numbers will not be sustainable.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Shaun Dion Hamilton (LB) only played special teams this week with no defensive snaps played whatsoever. The preseason hype train has officially derailed, time to blow him out the airlock in redraft or demote him to taxi squad in dynasty.
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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