Is the Gerry-pocalypse upon us?
What’s up my fellow IDP degenerates? How are we all doing this week twelve heading into thirteen? Shit fellas, the end is near. Playoffs are right around the corner and nerves are frayed. I got my second troll of the year this week blasting me for not knowing Najee Goode (LB) would be pulled this week for consistently shitty Quincy Williams (LB) who was benched weeks ago for getting embarrassed repeatedly by CMC. I won’t spend a ton of time on this but since I’ve got the platform I’m surely going to use it.
News flash, I don’t get to sit in on meetings with all 32 team’s defensive coordinators. They don’t text me lineup changes ahead of time, I don’t work for the NFL. Literally no one except the defensive coaches in Jacksonville knew they were going to pull Goode and put Williams back for every snap this week. There were hints in press conferences earlier in the week but those quotes stated that all three IDP relevant linebackers would see time this week, Goode, Williams and Jack.
Nowhere was it said that Williams would replace Goode as the second full time linebacker on this team. If that had been the case I would’ve said something because I played Najee Goode (LB) as well and he sucked for me too. None of the other IDP Twitter people said a word about this either, because no one knew about it except the Jags defensive coaches.
I really can’t emphasize this enough…I don’t want to hear it. Like really, guy, go ahead and take that ridiculous complaint and cram it right up your own loose asshole. I do this for free, spending hours on all this stuff every week. I intentionally load my start/sit article with MANY disclaimers stating that these are only suggestions in the end it’s YOUR lineup, not mine. Don’t be that guy, seriously. It’s fantasy football not life or death.
I watched a fellow fantasy Twitter content producer catch shit earlier this year for something similar and this stuff happens constantly. It’s so beyond stupid. We’re all literally just trying to help, that’s it. I’m in so many ridiculously deep leagues that I’m making these same moves I recommend every week, if something crazy happens like it did with Goode and Williams this week it very likely screws me over as well. And it did, I played him in five leagues this week.
Apologies for the short rant but seriously, that’s some ridiculous shit. Deal with it and move on. Adapt and make sure you switch it up for the next week. If you’re taking time out of your day to come at me and blame me for a coaching decision literally no one except the defensive staff of the Jacksonville Jaguars knew about maybe you need to reevaluate your life globally. It’s just fantasy football. Clown.
Now that we got that out of the way. There were some interesting developments this week in the Nathan Gerry (LB) and Nigel Bradham (LB) situation, we’ll get into that. Chad Thomas (DE) is going to be hot waiver wire add for sure. Derwin James (S) was activated from IR and is supposedly playing this week. Maxx Crosby (DE) continues to clap cheeks at an elevated rate compared to normal humans. There’s plenty of good stuff to get into this week fellas so let’s break down all the week twelve shenanigans shall we?
Be sure to follow all the IDP writers at idpguys.org for a faster take on waivers and to make sure you’re covered from all angles with your IDP information, @IDP_Dude and @Joeythetooth are must follows. Apologies that this article comes out after waivers but it’s either ALL of the detail and it comes out late or NONE of the detail and you’ll have it for Tuesday night waivers. Anyone that knows me knows I don’t do things “some of the way”. Anyways, let’s get into it and prepare to have our cheeks clapped by the football gods again this week.
Zach Cunningham put up a career day this week.
Colts @ Texans
Indianapolis Colts
Performed as expected: Anthony Walker (LB) Kenny Moore (CB) Malik Hooker (S) Darius Leonard (LB) Justin Houston (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Clayton Geathers (S) saw his snaps bump back up to 76% this week with the injury to Khari Willis (S) keeping him sidelined for the short term, this is a short term play only and there are probably better safety options out there this week so I’d say really deep leagues only.
Flash in the pan: Bobby Okereke (LB) still only played 29% of snaps this week so we can ignore the slightly elevated production, still not enough playing time for any consistency.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Denico Autry (DT) had a slightly better outing this week playing 71% of snaps and recording three combined tackles and a tackle for loss. Still end of tier two start of tier three territory in deeper leagues but I can see him having a role in some of the leagues I’m in this year, all IDP leagues, 16 teams starting three defensive tackles every week. If you’re not talking something like that though he’s probably a drop and shitcan going forward, there are better options out there in shallower leagues.
Houston Texans
Performed as expected: Zach Cunningham (LB) Bernardrick McKinney (LB) Jahleel Addae (S) Brennan Scarlett (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Possibly Tashaun Gipson (S) while Justin Reid (S) is injured and out but I wouldn’t do it unless in a massively deep league where you’re crazy desperate for safety help.
Flash in the pan: Jacob Martin (LB) only played 36% of snaps this week and scored the majority of his IDP points on a single sack, nothing to see here but if you’re in a big play league and saw his numbers you can ignore them, not enough playing time for any consistency and he’s not someone I’ve ever even heard of, pass.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Whitney Mercilus (EDGE) had a quiet week but still serviceable, 91% snaps with four combined tackles and one tackle for loss, all things considered not bad. Usually when these EDGE or OLB guys have a bad day they give you absolutely nothing so it was nice he at least put up a serviceable performance in an off week. Justin Reid (S) thankfully was injured and out this week, Tashaun Gipson (S) started in his place but only had a handful of tackles nothing special, probably not worth a look waiver wise. The people who were supposed to put up numbers did so with the exception of Mercilus who we’ve already discussed.
Deion Jones is back to his rightful spot atop the Falcons box score.
Buccaneers @ Falcons
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Performed as expected: Bucs Cornerbacks, Lavonte David (LB) Devin White (LB) Jordan Whitehead (S) Shaq Barrett (EDGE) N’Damakong Suh (DT) Vita Vea (DT) Jason Pierre Paul (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Carl Nassib (DE) is back from injury and played 48% of snaps in his first week back, still not enough ideally but it’s likely they’re easing him back in to the lineup. Grab him if you need short term help in much deeper leagues. Vita Vea (DT) is far more intriguing I think, he’s likely already owned in anything other than medium to shallow leagues but if he’s available and you have a defensive tackle specific slot you can plug him in to the possibility that he could be involved in goal line work on OFFENSE makes owning him and starting him worth the roll of the dice. He played only 49% of snaps on defense but had two combined tackles, a sack, two passes defended and a tackle for loss which would’ve been an awesome day on it’s own, he also caught a touchdown pass! We saw this with Akiem Hicks (DT) in past seasons and if there’s a chance he’s involved in any kind of offensive work on the goal line that adds to his value exponentially.
Flash in the pan: Andrew Adams (S) was someone I liked when he was playing nearly every snap a few weeks back, this week he only played 69% of snaps, nice, and had decent numbers with five solo tackles and a pass defended but he likely won’t be able to sustain numbers like that without seeing more playing time. I would only look into him in the deepest of deep leagues, safeties that play every snap are a dime a dozen so why would you settle for one that plays less than 75%?
Abandon ship or remain calm: Everyone who was supposed to put up numbers this week did so. Even Shaq “I sit down to pee” Barrett (EDGE) bounced back and put up a monster game. Long gone are the days of him challenging the single season sack record or being involved in the top five or even top ten IDP linebacker discussion but he’s still capable of putting up monster games every other week or so. That’s the pattern of production for these EDGE guys, they will never have that “every week” type of consistency that we all love with guys like Blake Martinez (LB) or Joe Schobert (LB) but they do fill a role in the right type of IDP roster. Personally I like to load my rosters with a bunch of consistent, reliable, solid tackle floor guys and keep a linebacker slot open for someone like Barrett. Not actually Barrett, he has no historical production compared to guys I do use like TJ Watt (EDGE) or Chandler Jones (EDGE) or Khalil Mack (EDGE) but I still do like to play guys like this in big play scoring leagues. You just can’t fool yourself into thinking they’re going to put up numbers for you every week or anything close to that, that’s just not going to happen. Anyways, remain calm, great IDP production this week from the Bucs defense.
Atlanta Falcons
Performed as expected: Deion Jones (LB) Ricardo Allen (S) Damontae Kazee (S) Devondre Campbell (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Desmond Trufant (CB) was up to 95% of snaps played this week in his second week back from a multi week injury, he has displaced Isiah Oliver (CB) as the other IDP relevant cornerback getting the majority of snaps each week along with Kendal Sheffield (CB). A great option going forward as a streaming corner.
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 that was hot the last couple weeks came back down to earth and resumed doing what they’ve been doing the majority of this season, nothing at all. Grady Jarrett (DT) had a sub par week but is still playing 86% of snaps and is overall still having a career season so no reason to pull the plug now. Besides that everyone who was supposed to produce did so this week, Isiah Oliver (CB) saw his snaps reduced significantly with Desmond Trufant (CB) now being completely healthy and back to his normal playing time so we can take him out of our preferable options for streaming cornerbacks going forward.
Alexander Johnson is a man.
Broncos @ Bills
Denver Broncos
Performed as expected: Alexander Johnson (LB) Todd Davis (LB) Justin Simmons (S) Broncos Corners, Von Miller (EDGE)
Possible waiver adds: No new significant IDP producers this week.
Flash in the pan: Jeremiah Attaochu (LB) only played 54% of snaps this week and hasn’t done anything any other week this season so we can ignore his slightly elevated production this week.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Derek Wolfe (DE) didn’t do much this week but still played 77% of snaps and has been a decently productive defensive end three in deeper leagues or a decent bye week roll of the dice. That’s about all he’s good for so a bad week won’t hurt anyone too much. Von Miller (EDGE) had a nice week which was a great change of pace overall. Everyone else who was supposed to produce this week did so and did so well. Remain calm this week.
Buffalo Bills
Performed as expected: Matt Milano (LB) Tremaine Edmunds (LB) Bills IDP Relevant Corners (Wallace & White) Shaq Lawson (DE) Star Lotuleilei (DT) Ed Oliver (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Shaq Lawson (DE) saw his snaps drop a bit this week to 55% of snaps but he’s been doing work with those limited chances recently, definitely worth a pick up in deeper leagues.
Flash in the pan: Taron Johnson (CB) only played 65% of snaps this week and Levi Wallace (CB) dropped to 63%, I’m not worried about Wallace this was likely just a defensive strategy playing fewer overall cornerback snaps as a team due to the Broncos massively ineffective passing attack. Johnson though is definitely a flash in the pan, he doesn’t play enough snaps for any kind of consistency and hasn’t done much overall this season.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Jerry Hughes (DE) and Trent Murphy (DE) have both been pretty crappy recently, they saw 73% and 63% of snaps respectively this week and have traditionally been defensive end twos in deeper leagues. This season it’s been Jordan Phillips (DT) and the linebackers and corners putting up sacks more often than either Hughes or Murphy. Both are still playable in deeper or all IDP leagues but besides that I would look for another option. Jordan Phillips (DT) also had a sub par week but overall is having a tremendous season overall and still played 61% of snaps this week and has been around that amount of playing time recently. He’s been extremely efficient with his playing time this season so I’m not even close to panic with him yet. Besides those guys everyone else did their thing this week. Mr. Poopy Butthole is back in episode three of Rick and Morty this season, praise the lord.
Khalil Mack put a hurting on Danny two nickels this week.
Giants @ Bears
New York Giants
Performed as expected: David Mayo (LB) Janoris Jenkins (CB) Jabrill Peppers (S) Markus Golden (EDGE) Lorenzo Carter (LB) Antoine Bethea (S)
Possible waiver adds: Corey Balentine (CB) displaced DeAndre Baker (CB) as the other cornerback seeing significant snaps besides the always consistent and reliable Janoris Jenkins (CB) this week. He played 84% of snaps and had a monster box score, he could be worth an add if in an ideal matchup against a team with an excellent passing offense down the road. He’s a possible streamer in deep leagues but that’s it probably. Julian Love (S) could be worth a waiver wire add if you need safety help in medium to deeper leagues, I explain more below.
Flash in the pan: Deone Buchanon (LB) only played 36% of snaps so we can ignore his slightly elevated production this week. He doesn’t play enough for any consistency and doesn’t have a real defined or important role on this defense.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Jabrill Peppers (S) was injured this week and could miss a few weeks going forward. The replacement for him isn’t known by me at the moment but the leading candidate according to IDP Twitter and even sites such as Yahoo is Julian Love (S). Peppers was an in the box safety who was putting up solid weeks all season, if Love falls into a similar role with similar playing time which is definitely possible he would be well worth a waiver wire addition if you need safety help. Antoine Bethea (S) had a bit of a down week but still serviceable overall and he still played 100% of snaps and is having a terrific season overall, remain calm. Alec Ogletree (LB) had a shit game also while playing 100% of snaps but I believe this had more to do with the pile of dog crap that is the Bears “offense” rather than Ogletree’s talent or opportunities. He should be fine against a real offense, remain calm.
Chicago Bears
Performed as expected: Ha Ha Clinton Dix (S) Eddie Skidmarks Jackson (S) Nick Kwiatkowski (LB) Kyle Fuller (CB) Prince Amukamara (CB) Khalil Mack (EDGE)
Possible waiver adds: Nick Kwiatkowski (LB) saw his playing time shoot up to 95% of snaps this week making me feel far more comfortable with him going forward as long as he keeps this kind of playing time and production, he might still be available if you need linebacker help.
Flash in the pan: Buster Skrine (CB) had a nice week in the box score but only played 85% of snaps this week and isn’t named Fuller or Amukamara. Not enough playing time when finding corners that play every snap is incredibly easy to do. Plus I haven’t mentioned him once this entire season so that doesn’t bode well for his consistency lmao. Pass!
Abandon ship or remain calm: Roquan Smith (LB) had a down week but still played 100% of snaps and is still the clear linebacker one for the Bears. He was supposed to have a monster week with the Giants supposedly running Saquon Barkley (RB) many times resulting in tons of easy run stopping tackles, that didn’t happen and he ended up with a crappy week but should rebound just fine against better offenses with fewer injury problems. Khalil Mack (EDGE) was back to clapping cheeks this week which was good to see. This was a “good” week for Eddie Jackson (S) so savor it while you can, he’ll be back to letting everyone down soon enough, least consistent safety on the planet.
Sam Hubbard was back to clapping cheeks this week.
Steelers @ Bengals
Pittsburgh Steelers
Performed as expected: Cameron Heyward (DT) Marc Barron (LB) Minkah Fitzpatrick (S) Terrell Edmunds (S) Javon Hargrave (DT) TJ Watt (EDGE) Bud Dupree (EDGE)
Possible waiver adds: No new IDP producers this week.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Devin Bush (LB) saw his snaps fall once again to just 61% of snaps this week, Marc Barron (LB) once again outsnapped him playing 95% of snaps this week and having a far better box score. This is not great at all, this cut in playing time has significantly lowered Devin Bush (LB) weekly production and has turned him into an end of tier two linebacker in deeper leagues. He’s obviously still extremely valuable in dynasty and his early season production and playing time has shown what he is eventually capable of but it would appear we won’t see his full potential this season unless something changes in these last few games. In shallow leagues I would be looking for a backup plan but if you’re using him in an all IDP league or deeper normal league he’s still playable.
Cincinnati Bengals
Performed as expected: Germaine Pratt (LB) Sam Hubbard (DE) Nick Vigil (LB) Carlos Dunlap (DE) Darqueze Dennard (CB) Jessie Bates (S)
Possible waiver adds: Germaine Pratt (LB) is still only playing low 60’s for playing time, 62% of snaps this week, but that’s a slight elevation over what he was getting when Preston Brown (LB) was still on the team. He has been more productive also since Brown left and makes a nice linebacker three or four in deeper leagues.
Flash in the pan: Andrew Billings (DT) only played 64% of snaps and is a nose tackle, not a traditionally great producing position for IDP, and hasn’t done much else this season, would much rather have Geno Atkins (DT). Pass.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Shawn Williams (S) had a down day with only three combined tackles and a pass defended but still played 100% of snaps and is having a very nice season overall. This was more likely to due with the steaming pile of crap that is the Steelers “offense” than being a reflection of Williams talent or opportunity. He should be back to his normal productive end of tier one self when the Bengals play against a real offense again. Remain calm. Geno Atkins (DT) also had a sub par week but was still playing 79% of snaps and is coming off a monster week the game prior, he’s not super consistent but very few defensive tackles are anyways, that’s the nature of the position for IDP production. I still like him a lot as a defensive tackle two in deeper leagues, remain calm.
This is our new messiah, we have fallen this far and I’m good with it.
Dolphins @ Browns
Miami Dolphins
Performed as expected: Davon Godchaux (DT) Jerome Baker (LB) Christian Wilkins (DE)
Possible waiver adds: John Jenkins (DE) and Steven Parker (S) are two intriguing new producers on the Dolphins IDP radar this week. Jenkins would appear to have supplanted Taco Charlton (DE) as the other IDP relevant defensive end next to Christian Wilkins (DE). He played 73% of snaps and had seven combined tackles on the day, he might be worth an add in deeper leagues where you need defensive end help. Steven Parker (S) is the only safety with any kind of significant playing time the Dolphins rolled out this week after we saw Reshad Jones (S) and Bobby McCain (S) go to IR last week. Parker played 91% of snaps and recorded seven combined tackles on the day, he could be worth an add in medium to deep leagues where you need safety help going forward.
Flash in the pan: Ryan Lewis (CB) only played 64% of snaps which isn’t nearly enough for any kind of consistency so we can ignore his decent production this week. Pass.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Taco Charlton (DE) saw a massive drop in his playing time this week as John Jenkins (DE) saw a massive uptick with his, it would appear that the Dolphins have figured out what the Cowboys already knew, he stinks. Feel free to shitcan Charlton and add John Jenkins (DE) if you need a replacement. I might not start Jenkins immediately just to be sure he keeps this role and playing time before plugging him in but at least grab him now if you need the help. Raekwon McMillan (LB) actually saw more snaps, playing 88% this week, but only recorded one solo tackle all game in an ideal matchup against a Browns team that dominated time of possession and ran Nick Chubb (RB) and Kareem Hunt (RB) down their throats all day long. This doesn’t look good at all, he played more than enough and the matchup was perfect but somehow he ends up with only one solo tackle on the day? Not great. I don’t own any shares I’ve never been a fan but if you are in this boat it might be time to start looking for your life vest.
Cleveland Browns
Performed as expected: Damarious Randal (S) Chad Thomas (DE) Sheldon Richardson (DT) Joe Schobert (LB) Denzel Ward (CB) Justin Burris (CB)
Possible waiver adds: Justin Burris (CB) is currently playing safety but is listed as a corner in many leagues, that’s a cheat code if things stay this way, there’s some concern that Eric Murray (S) will take over the other starting safety job next to Randal when he’s healthy again so this isn’t a slam dunk at all, in fact I’m not playing Burris this week anywhere due to this concern, I want to see how things look when Murray is healthy and able to join the lineup then go from there. Keep this in mind if you do end up playing Burris this week, it’s a risk. Chad Thomas (DE) played 68% of snaps this week and recorded five solo tackles and a tackle for loss while filling in for both Myles Garrett (DE) and Olivier Vernon (DE) who are suspended and injured respectively. He makes a nice waiver wire defensive end option in deeper leagues going forward and I recommended him last week so hopefully you already pulled the trigger.
Flash in the pan: TJ Carrie (CB) only played 76% of snaps and isn’t named Ward or Williams so I’m not interested, pass.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Mack Wilson (LB) and Greedy Williams (CB) had down weeks but this likely had more to do with the Browns owning time of possession 37 minutes to 23 minutes and the Dolphins offense not doing much for the majority of this game. Wilson remains a decent linebacker two preferably three in deeper leagues and Williams a nice streaming corner against good passing offenses going forward, remain calm. Everyone else who was supposed to put up numbers did so this week.
This guy has been in the overall safety one conversation recently.
Panthers @ Saints
Carolina Panthers
Performed as expected: Eric Reid (S) James Bradberry (CB) Shaq Thompson (LB) Luke Kuechly (LB) Tre Boston (S) Bruce Irvin (EDGE) Brian Burns (EDGE)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Donte Jackson (CB) and Gerald McCoy (DT) and Mario Addison (DE) all had sub par games this week. Jackson played 100% of snaps and is as close to a lock as there is for a steaming corner, it was just a bad week I would gladly start him against efficient passing offenses down the road. Remain calm. McCoy is actually playing more, 80% of snaps this week, and producing better recently so I’m still good with him as a defensive tackle two in deeper leagues. Mario Addison (EDGE) is at the end of the OLB or EDGE list for me, one of the last guys I would actually use. He’s been pretty effective this season and played 78% of snaps this week so the playing time is there and he’s been pretty productive all season. He is an EDGE though so the production will not be every week, there will be no consistency so you’ll have to make peace with weeks like this it is what it is. Remain calm times three.
New Orleans Saints
Performed as expected: Demario Davis (LB) Vonn Bell (S) CJ Gardner Johnson (S) Cameron Jordan (DE) Marcus Davenport (DE) Kiko Alonso (LB)
Possible waiver adds: CJ Gardner Johnson (S) saw an uptick to 82% of snaps this week and remains a decent safety three preferably four in deeper leagues or all IDP leagues.
Flash in the pan: Malcolm Brown (DT) only played 51% of snaps this week and hasn’t done much else this season, there are pieces of this pass rush that are always IDP relevant like Cameron Jordan (DE) and Marcus Davenport (DE) but Brown isn’t one of them, pass.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Sheldon Rankins (DT) just hasn’t been what we all thought he would be this season, pretty freaking disappointing man I’m not going to lie. He showed so much promise last season but since returning to the lineup after starting the season injured he’s had precisely one good game all season. He’s still playing 51% of snaps or around that each week but the production has been non existent. I would definitely still hold onto him in dynasty just in case those flashes of talent and production we saw last season return at some point but he’s been an airlock and shitcan in redraft for some time now. Everyone else who was supposed to put up numbers this week did so, even Kiko Alonso (LB) had a decent day considering his still not ideal 61% of snaps played. He remains just an all IDP or super deep league option going forward. Everything was sunshine and butterflies elsewhere.
Maxx Crossby shall now be known as booty hole troll. I have spoken. This is the way.
Raiders @ Jets
Oakland Raiders
Performed as expected: Nicholas Morrow (LB) Erik Harris (S) Tahir Whitehead (LB) Jonathan Hankins (DT) Maxx Crosby (DE)
Possible waiver adds: No new IDP producers this week.
Flash in the pan: Curtis Riley (S) only played 44% of snaps and hasn’t played anything north of that this season so his slightly elevated production this week won’t be sustainable with that little playing time, pass.
Abandon ship or remain calm: DJ Swearinger (S) was picked up after Karl Joseph (S) went to IR a couple weeks ago, he was expected to receive 100% of snaps like Joseph did when he played as part of the three safety set the Raiders have used most of this season but so far he hasn’t. His snaps actually fell this week from the already not ideal level it was at last week to just 56% this week, Yahoo and other sites are still projecting him like he’s playing every snap and stepping directly into Karl Joseph’s (S) role and production but he hasn’t and it appears he won’t. He’s nothing more than a bye week safety in ultra deep or all IDP leagues and the bye weeks are over. Clelin Ferrell (DE) had another sub par week but still played 79% of snaps and has been passable as a defensive end two preferably three in deeper or all IDP leagues. Besides that everyone who was supposed to put up numbers this week did so.
New York Jets
Performed as expected: James Burgess (LB) Jamal Adams (S) Neville Hewitt (LB) Marcus Maye (S)
Possible waiver adds: NA, check waivers for CJ Mosley (LB) though he intends to return to the lineup soon.
Flash in the pan: Jordan Jenkins (LB) only played 64% of snaps this week and hasn’t caught my eye yet this season so the consistency hasn’t been there and his playing time isn’t ideal plus it should shrink when Mosley returns to the lineup.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Brian Poole (CB) has been productive towards the start and middle of the season but recently has lost playing time and his production has suffered as a result, he only played 78% of snaps this week, third most playing time among Jets corners. There are better streaming corner options out there I would find another option. Quinnen Williams (DT) didn’t do anything this week and saw his playing time fall to 48% of snaps as well, he like most of the rookie defensive tackles that we were all looking forward to seeing this season looks like he’ll need more experience before becoming what we think he can be. Same story with Ed Oliver (DT) and Jerry Tillery (DT), all three may eventually be talked about in the same regard as guys like Chris Jones (DT) or Aaron Donald (DT) as great IDP defensive tackles but it won’t be this season. Hold in dynasty, look for another option in redraft. Also CJ Mosley (LB) said he wanted to return to the lineup this week and the more the Jets win games the more likely this looks. If and when he does he will displace James Burgess (LB) and the Jets two IDP relevant linebackers would be Mosley and Hewitt at that point. Just a heads up.
What does Nathan Gerry’s playing time and the wings I ate have in common? They’re both swirling the toilet.
Seahawks @ Eagles
Seattle Seahawks
Performed as expected: Mychal Kendricks (LB) KJ Wright (LB) Bobby Wagner (LB) Trey Flowers (CB) Shaq Griffin (CB) Bradley McDougald (S) Jarran Reed (DT)
Possible waiver adds: NA, no new producers this week, Quandre Diggs (S) and Bradley McDougald (S) both saw 100% of snaps at safety.
Flash in the pan: Ezekiel Ansah (DE) saw more snaps this week, 50%, due to Jadaveon Clowney (DE) being injured and out this week. He will return to around 20-30% of snaps when Clowney returns and hasn’t been consistent or productive all season with that little playing time, pass. Same thing with Rasheem Green (DE), he was a flash in the pan as well.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Everyone who was supposed to produce did so this week, Reed left with an injury and only played 28% of snaps but still had a nice day with a handful of tackles and half a sack. Clowney missed the game due to injury and hopefully will return soon. Mychal Kendricks (LB) had a massive day but still only played 66% of snaps and is best used as a linebacker three preferably four in deeper or all IDP leagues, this weeks production was an outlier. Besides that everyone did what they were projected to or close enough to that.
Philadelphia Eagles
Performed as expected: Nigel Bradham (LB) Malcolm Jenkins (S) Nathan Gerry (LB) Jalen Mills (CB) Ronald Darby (CB) Fletcher Cox (DT) Brandon Graham (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Nigel Bradham (LB) is back from injury and is playing 100% of snaps and running the defense once more. He might still be on waivers if you need linebacker help if your leaguemates missed this.
Flash in the pan: Vinny Curry (DE) only played 36% of snaps and hasn’t played anything north of that this season, we can ignore his slightly elevated production this week. Pass. Still.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Derek Barnett (DE) played 80% of snaps this week but didn’t record any stats at all, not ideal in the least. He’s been spotty all season but overall works well as a defensive end two or three in deeper or all IDP leagues. This is a nature of the position thing, defensive end isn’t an every week producing position. He should be fine. Nathan Gerry (LB) saw his playing time fall significantly from 100% of snaps the last month or so when Nigel Bradham (LB) was injured and out to just 54% of snaps played this week with the return of Bradham. While he was able to still record a decent game in the box score this week he will not be able to maintain any consistency or come remotely close to the numbers he’s been putting up in the last month or so playing these few snaps each week. I warned everyone about this last week both in this article and on the podcast. Unless something changes drastically Nathan Gerry (LB) will end up as a linebacker three or four in deeper leagues from this point forward. I feel like I haven’t crapped solid since the Nixon administration.
Ioannidis and Allen continue to be the MVPs of the defensive line waiver wire.
Lions @ Redskins
Detroit Lions
Performed as expected: Jarrad Davis (LB) Tavon Wilson (S) A’Shawn Robinson (DT) Will Harris (S) Darius Slay (CB)
Possible waiver adds: Tavon Wilson (S) remains a nice option if you need safety help as long as Tracy Walker (S) is injured and out, as soon as Walker returns though this will cease to exist as a thing so short term only.
Flash in the pan: Romeo Okwara (DE) saw a massive uptick in snaps and production due to the absence of Trey Flowers (DE) who was injured and out, Okwara will return to irrelevance as soon as Flowers returns which should be today actually, pass.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Damon Harrison (DT) saw an uptick in snaps to 62% played this week, unfortunately he didn’t do much with those snaps only recording one solo tackle on the week. He’s had a rough season but I’m still playing him as a defensive tackle two preferably three in deeper and all IDP leagues, he used to be one of the best and still shows flashes of that every once in awhile, I’d rather roll with him than some of these hyped up younger guys that have never shown us they can be productive like Quinnen Williams (DT) or Ed Oliver (DT). Jahlani Tavai (LB) saw his playing time fall to 47% of snaps this week and his production took a dive with it to just two solo tackles and one tackle for loss, he’s been all over the place with both playing time and production this season and is still just a dynasty piece for me unless he’s being used in super deep or all IDP leagues. Besides that everyone else did their job this week. Tracy Walker (S) please come back soon.
Washington Redskins
Performed as expected: Cole Holcomb (LB) Landon Collins (S) Jonathan Allen (DT) Matt Ioannidis (DE) Ryan Kerrigan (EDGE) Montae Nicholson (S) Jon Bostic (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Montae Nicholson (S) is playing 100% of snaps and is back to being the other full time starting safety next to Landon Collins (S). He was injured for a few games but is back now and has the playing time and opportunity to produce at a safety three level in deeper leagues.
Flash in the pan: Ryan Anderson only played 38% of snaps this week and hasn’t been on my radar at all this season, no consistency, not enough playing time, pass.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Everyone who was supposed to put up numbers this week did so up to and including guys that were not supposed to like Shaun Dion Hamilton (LB) and Montez Sweat (EDGE). Remain calm across the board, thank god the Skins offense is terrible it gives their IDP plenty of chances to rack up points every week.
I’ve had just about enough of this whole shit show.
Jaguars @ Titans
Jacksonville Jaguars
Performed as expected: Myles Jack (LB) Jarrod Wilson (S) AJ Bouye (CB) Yannick Ngakoue (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Quincy Williams (LB) is back in the picture as Najee Goode (LB) was sent to IR this week. He will be the second inside linebacker for the Jags and the other IDP relevant linebacker besides Myles Jack (LB). Add him if you need linebacker help in medium to deeper leagues.
Flash in the pan: Andrew Wingard (S) came in for the injured Ronnie Harrison (S) and replaced him for the rest of the game, he should go back to the bench when Harrison returns to the lineup.
Abandon ship or remain calm: A lot of the Jags main IDP producers didn’t do so hot this week. Calais Campbell (DE) and Josh Allen (DE) played 72% and 43% of snaps respectively and didn’t contribute to the box score in any meaningful way this week. Despite losing the game convincingly the Jaguars actually dominated time of possession this week 37 minutes to 23 minutes so their defense actually wasn’t on the field all that much. They should all return to their normal production and relevance when the Jags spend more time on defense. The lack of decent output from guys like Allen and Campbell was definitely a byproduct of spending such a short amount of time on the field this week and that’s one of those factors that’s random and you can never really predict. They’ll both be fine. Najee Goode (LB) and Quincy Williams (LB) both make me want to cram a traffic cone up my ass wide side first this is like the third time these guys have been switched from starter to not playing this season and none of those times have the Jaguars given anyone a heads up before it happened. It’s been a shitty surprise every single time, so you can play Quincy Williams (LB) going forward but personally I’m sick of that game and I’m done with him and Goode forever, seriously. Ronnie Harrison (S) sounds like his injury isn’t serious so he should be back soon enough so no need to panic there. Remain calm the Jags IDP corps will be back to clapping cheeks soon enough.
Tennessee Titans
Performed as expected: Jayon Brown (LB) Adoree Jackson (CB) Kevin Byard (S) Kenny Vaccaro (S) Harold Landry (EDGE) Logan Ryan (CB) Rashaan Evans (LB)
Possible waiver adds: NA, all the IDP producers here are known.
Flash in the pan: Wesley Woodyard (LB) only played 23% of snaps this week, not enough for any kind of consistency, he only sees enough snaps when Brown or Evans goes down with an injury.
Abandon ship or remain calm: The Titans IDP corps played a massive 37 minutes this week as the Jags dominated time of possession. This allowed them to eat as a unit, everyone who was supposed to put up numbers this week did so and then some. Jurrell Casey (DT) had a slightly down week but still played 56% of snaps and is just coming back from injury anyways so is likely a bit rusty and is getting eased back into the lineup, he’ll be fine. Remain calm across the board.
This week we got “good” Jamie Collins.
Cowboys @ Patriots
Dallas Cowboys
Performed as expected: Jaylon Smith (LB) Chidobe Awuzie (CB) Sean Lee (LB) Demarcus Lawrence (DE) Jeff Heath (S) Malik Collins (DT) Robert Quinn (DE) Micheal Bennett (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Sean Lee (LB) remains a rock solid option while Leighton Vander Esch (LB) is injured and out, he played 68% of snaps this week but has played significantly more than that in past efforts in relief of LVE. Jeff Heath (S) is back from injury and played 99% of snaps this week, add him if you need safety help in deeper leagues.
Flash in the pan: Joe Thomas (LB) only played 47% of snaps this week and only really played at all because Leighton Vander Esch (LB) was injured and out, not enough playing time and no real role when LVE is on the field, pass.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Besides Leighton Vander Esch (LB) being injured and out everyone who was supposed to put up numbers this week did so or was at least close to their projection. The Patriots offense always does work and usually dominates time of possession, this was always going to be a nice day for the Cowboys IDP corps, unfortunately it was a bad day for the offense.
New England Patriots
Performed as expected: Jamie Collins (LB) Donta Hightower (LB) Kyle Van Noy (LB) Stephon Gilmore (CB)
Possible waiver adds: I wouldn’t add or play any Patriots IDP, too inconsistent.
Flash in the pan: Every Patriots IDP every week.
Abandon ship or remain calm: The Patriots as a team change and morph their defense week to week to their opponent. This means there are not specific roles, playing time or patterns in regards to any members of this defense. We got “good” Jamie Collins (LB) this week which was nice, he’ll likely put up nothing at all this week since that’s how he roles, check his game to game stats if you think I’m joking. It’s like that for everyone on the Patriots IDP.
@Big3idp would take a bullet for this man.
Packers @ 49ers
Green Bay Packers
Performed as expected: Za’Darius Smith (EDGE) Blake Martinez (LB) Kevin King (CB) Adrian Amos (S) Darnell Savage (S) Kenny Clark (DT) Preston Smith (EDGE)
Possible waiver adds: NA, all IDP producers known at this point.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Everyone who was supposed to put up numbers for the Packers this week did so or was close enough, there were no significant deviations in playing time or production amongst the known IDP producers on this defense. Remain calm across the board.
San Francisco 49ers
Performed as expected: Fred Warner (LB) Dre Greenlaw (LB) Jimmy Ward (S) Arik Armstead (DE) Deforest Buckner (DT) Jaquiski Tartt (S) Nick Bosa (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Dre Greenlaw (LB) might still be available in some places, he played 92% of snaps this week and had a huge box score, he’s been light years better than Kwon Alexander (LB) since stepping into his role and playing time. Definitely worth an add if he’s still out there even if it’s just to deny him to someone else.
Flash in the pan: DJ Jones (DT) only played 47% of snaps and isn’t named Deforest Buckner (DT). Not enough playing time, no real production besides this week and no consistency over the season, pass.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Dee Ford (EDGE) was a healthy scratch this week, he hasn’t played more than 35% or so of snaps any games this season anyways so everyone has likely already jumped ship but this week was the final nail in the coffin. What a waste. Just thought you should know. Besides that everyone else who was supposed to produce this week did so, remain calm everywhere.
Cory Littleton put up numbers as the Rams got blasted on national television.
Ravens @ Rams
Baltimore Ravens
Performed as expected: Marcus Peters (CB) Marlon Humphrey (CB) Chuck Clark (S) Jimmy Smith (CB)
Possible waiver adds: No new IDP producers that I have any confidence in.
Flash in the pan: Jaylon Ferguson (LB) played 71% of snaps this week and is a name I am not familiar with, the Ravens linebackers situation and snaps change weekly so looking at this and saying he’s worth an add cause he’ll see this kind of playing time and production next week is batshit crazy, it’s not happening. Trust me on this I’ve been staring at these box scores and snaps all season, it’s never the same thing twice on this team.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Earl Thomas (S) played 100% of snaps again this week but did nothing once again, he’s been god awful in terms of IDP production on this team, he’s been an abandon ship for weeks now. Patrick Onwuasor (LB) saw his snaps increase slightly to 37% of snaps played this week but, unsurprisingly, he wasn’t able to do much with that little playing time only recording two tackle assists on the day. He’s been a tremendous waste as well this season and an abandon ship for weeks as well. The few people who are reliable IDP producers on this team did their thing this week.
Los Angeles Rams
Performed as expected: Cory Littleton (LB) Taylor Rapp (S) Eric Weddle (S) Micheal Brockers (DE) Samson Ebukam (LB) Troy Hill (CB) Dante Fowler (EDGE) Jalen Ramsey (CB)
Possible waiver adds: No new IDP producers this week.
Flash in the pan: NA, all known names at the top of the box score.
Abandon ship or remain calm: Aaron Donald (DT) and Clay Matthews (EDGE) both had terrible weeks while playing 81% and 69%, nice, of snaps respectively. Donald was on a serious hot streak before this and was absolutely clapping cheeks while Matthews had recently returned from injury and had recorded some nice box scores himself. It’s no coincidence that the two IDP from the Rams with the worst days this week are the ones reliant on sacks and tackles for loss for their IDP points. Lamar Jackson (QB) is ridiculous, trying to catch him and sack him is nearly impossible plus the Ravens run game was excellent once again and they dominated time of possession like they have been all season, they scored early and often then just ran the ball until the game was over. There were few chances to rush the passer overall and when the Rams did have those chances Jackson just took off and scrambled for a huge gain every time they got close to him. These two will be fine, they won’t be going against superman every week. The rest of the Rams IDP corps did their thing this week so remain calm in regards to everyone else.
Thank you for reading this week’s edition of my (semi) instant reaction and defensive waivers. I’ll be here all season breaking down the crazy shenanigans that is the week in IDP production, playing time and consistency. Some may want to just know who to pick up off waivers but for the truly committed we want to know WHY. We’ll keep plugging together as we scrape and claw our way to those week sixteen title games just like we do every year.
Be sure to keep an eye out for my weekly start or sit article dropping Saturday mornings every week, for the Thursday night game that start or sit will be in tweet form, follow me @Orangeman3142 for that information. Also, our podcast drops every Wednesday morning or Tuesday night all season long as well. Be sure to follow @IDP_Dude and @Joeythetooth to be sure you get defensive waivers and reactions to the week’s production covered from all sides. All this can be found, for free, at your one-stop shop for all things IDP here at idpguys.org or @idpguys on Twitter. Good luck in your matchups this week.
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