Who are some names to know in your IDP leagues after a wild Week 7? Let’s take a look at a list of players who make for potential waiver wire Week 8 additions to your IDP squads.
Week 7 brought us another action-packed week of football with plenty to digest. We still have one more game to cap it off, as the Seattle Seahawks take on the New Orleans Saints on Monday night. The waiver wire Week 8 article was written before the conclusion of that game, so unfortunately it doesn’t include those players. Now it’s time to dive into some potential waiver wire Week 8 IDP additions!
Disclaimer: All league sizes and formats are different. Meaning some of these players may or may not be available in your league. Each week I’ll be doing my best to cover a wide enough base of scenarios. If you ever have any league-specific questions, I’m always willing to help and so is our fantastic team here at IDP Guys.
Linebackers
Troy Reeder, LB, Los Angeles Rams
Week 7 Stats: 8 tackles (3 solos)
The Rams linebacker group got a shakeup on Monday when they traded Kenny Young to the Broncos. Over the past three weeks, it’s been a guessing game who was going to see more snaps between Reeder and Young. Now, we no longer have to debate the two. However, Reeder (81%) did out snap Young (55%) this week against Detroit.
With Young now out of town, Reeder looks to be the biggest immediate beneficiary. As I said earlier, he led the linebackers in snaps this week and looks to have the first shot as the main man in LA. If you’re looking for linebacker help, Reeder is a fine waiver wire add with the potential role going forward.
Rookie Ernest Jones is also a name to monitor as we see how this all shakes out. I’m a Jones fan, but I’m taking a wait-and-see approach with the way the Rams deploy their LBs and IDP rookies in general for that matter. His role should grow though with Young out of the picture.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB, Detroit Lions
Week 7 Stats: 9 tackles (5 solos)
While Derrick Barnes has seen most of the attention lately, Jalen Reeves-Maybin has also seen his role increase. While Barnes has been more efficient, Reeves-Maybin has been playing a bit more over the last four weeks. This week, Reeves-Maybin saw a season-high 47 snaps (72%), compared to Barnes’ 20 snaps (31%).
Reeves-Maybin produced a solid outing this week and his nine tackles (5 solos) paced the Lions. If he’s going to continue to see snap shares in the 60-70% range, Reeves-Maybin is someone worth targeting in deeper leagues.
Kenny Young, LB, Denver Broncos (newly acquired)
Week 7 Stats (w/ Rams): 7 tackles (3 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit
The Denver linebacker group has been decimated with injuries this year and lost another member with Micah Kiser now on IR. They felt a move needed to be made and went out and traded for Kenny Young. Young started off the year as the full-time linebacker for the Rams but had seen his role depreciate as of late.
With the change of scenery comes a new opportunity for Young. Denver is thin at linebacker and there are snaps to be had. I still like rookie Baron Browning to get some run at some point, but this trade makes me think they either don’t feel he’s ready or he’s not fully healthy. Young is worth a waiver wire add as we see how things shake out in Denver.
Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Cincinnati Bengals
Week 7 Stats: 6 tackles (3 solos), 1 pass defended, 1 forced fumble
Bengals’ second-year linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither has quietly put together solid back-to-back games. Davis-Gaither has amassed 11 tackles (8 solos) over his last two outings and played over 50% of the snaps each game. Not a huge snap share, but it’s encouraging he’s getting on the field a bit more lately.
Logan Wilson is the man in Cincinnati, so Davis-Gaither’s main competition for snaps is Germaine Pratt. After out snapping Pratt by 13 snaps in Week 6, Pratt had the upper hand this week playing eight more snaps than Davis-Gaither. Davis-Gaither has more to offer than Pratt in sub packages and that’s where he can make his mark.
Although the Bengals don’t deploy two full-time linebackers, Davis-Gaither is an intriguing player who has flashed a bit. In deeper roster leagues, Davis-Gaither is a nice upside-depth player who is worth a bench stash.
Samuel Eguavoen, LB, Miami Dolphins
Week 7 Stats: 1 assisted tackle
Miami’s defense took a hit early this week as Jerome Baker was forced out of the game with a knee injury in the first half. After Baker exited, it was Sam Eguavoen who came in as his replacement. While he only recorded one assisted tackle on the day, Eguavoen did end up playing 53 defensive snaps (84%) in Week 7.
At the moment, we are still waiting for more information on the severity of Baker’s injury. If Baker ends up missing time, Eguavoen could become IDP relevant while he’s out. Eguavoen is worth a speculative add in deeper leagues if you have room as we wait for more news on Baker.
Defensive Line/Edge
Markus Golden, Edge, Arizona Cardinals
Week 7 Stats: 3 tackles (2 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 2 sacks, 3 QB hits, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
Markus Golden has been on an absolute tear over his last two games. Over that span he’s racked up four sacks, giving him six on the year, and also forced a fumble in each contest. With Chandler Jones out the last two games, Golden has been picking up the slack and then some. Golden has played 69% of the defensive snaps on the year, so even when Jones is active he is seeing the field plenty.
Golden has been on fire lately and will look to stay hot against Green Bay Thursday night. Green Bay surrendered three sacks to Washington on Sunday and it sounds like David Bakhtiari is unlikely to make his return this week. In leagues where Golden has Edge/DL eligibility, he’s an excellent waiver wire addition.
Azeez Ojulari, Edge, New York Giants
Week 7 Stats: 5 tackles (3 solos), 3 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 4 QB hits
Azeez Ojulari is having a fantastic rookie season and is looking like an absolute steal in the second round. Ojulari notched a sack in his first three games and then cooled a bit after the hot start. That wasn’t the case this week as Ojulari exploded against Carolina on Sunday. Ojulari generated eight pressures, per PFF, and turned in a big IDP output (see stat line above).
Ojulari has a 59% snap share on the year and saw his highest total this week at 67%. His role is solid and Ojulari was a straight-up problem this week. In Week 8, Ojulari will look to shine on primetime Monday night against a Chiefs offensive line that just allowed four sacks against Tennessee. If you’re looking for edge help, Ojulari is a solid waiver wire add where available.
Julian Okwara, DE, Detroit Lions
Week 7 Stats: 3 tackles (2 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 1 pass defended
After being used sparingly early on, Julian Okwara has seen more opportunity over the last three games. While his snap totals have only been in the 40% snap range each of the last three games, he’s making good use of the added reps. Okwara has registered a sack in back-to-back weeks now and hopefully, his play has earned him more snaps going forward.
If you’re looking to spice up your pass rush unit, Okwara is worth a look in deeper leagues. With the Lions rebuilding, they may choose to get a longer look at their young players. Plus, it’s going to be hard to keep Okwara off the field if he continues to produce.
Larry Ogunjobi, DT, Cincinnati Bengals
Week 7 Stats: 6 tackles (5 solos), 2 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 QB hits
Larry Ogunjobi started off the year with a bang in Week 1 but has been relatively quiet since. This week, Ogunjobi got that IDP engine fired back up again as you can see by his stats above. He’ll have a chance to keep it going this week too, as he faces a Jets offensive line who have allowed 20 sacks on the season.
In defensive tackle-required formats, Ogunjobi is worth a pickup if he’s on your waiver wire. Let’s hope it’s full speed ahead again in Week 8.
Defensive Backs
Marcus Maye, S, New York Jets
Week 7 Stats: 12 tackles (7 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended
After missing two games with an ankle injury, Marcus Maye made his return this week coming out of the Jets’ bye. Maye returned to his starting role and played all 76 of the Jets’ defensive snaps. Also worth noting, was that Maye played 59 of his 76 snaps up in the box, slot, and defensive line, per PFF. Encouraging usage to say the least right there.
Maye had a fantastic IDP output in his return and his 12 tackles (7 solos) were a team-high. With a full-time role that is conducive to IDP production, Maye should be a solid weekly producer going forward. If he’s available on your waiver wire, pick him up.
Ashtyn Davis, S, New York Jets
Week 7 Stats: 11 tackles (10 solos)
Ashtyn Davis is the other Jets’ safety who played all 76 snaps this week. After seeing less than 50% of the snaps in Weeks 4 and 5, Davis saw his role increase to full-time this week. Davis had himself a nice week with the extra opportunity as his 11 tackles (10 solos) were second on the team to Marcus Maye.
If they can stay healthy, this Maye/Davis duo should be a fun one to watch for us defensive degenerates. Davis plays more of the deep role between the two but should be productive if he continues to play an every-down role. If you’re in need of safety help, Davis is worth an add for leagues where you start 3-4 players.
Rodney McLeod, S, Philadelphia Eagles
Week 7 Stats: 8 tackles (5 solos)
After seeing 72% of the defensive snaps in each of the last three games, Rodney McLeod was in for all 66 snaps this week. With Anthony Harris out, McLeod also saw his highest usage up in the box/slot this week. Harris missed this week with a groin injury and his status will be one to watch for Week 8.
In deeper leagues, McLeod is worth a look if you need safety help/depth. He’s been in the starting lineup since returning from injury and hopefully, this kind of snap share continues.
Richie Grant, S, Atlanta Falcons
Week 7 Stats: 6 tackles (4 solos)
Richie Grant was one of the highly anticipated IDP rookies from this draft class. Unfortunately, it’s been a slow start for the rookie up to this point. After playing 28 snaps (50%) in Week 5, Grant saw his role increase this week playing 58 snaps (79%). Grant played all 58 of those snaps up in slot/box this week, per PFF.
Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come for Grant. We have been waiting to see more of the talented rookie and finally got a healthy dose this week. Grant is a waiver wire add that could pay off nicely if his role continues to progress going forward.
Talanoa Hufanga, S, San Francisco 49ers
Week 7 Stats: 2 assisted tackles
Starter Jaquiski Tartt suffered a knee injury this week and it’s now being said he will be out a few weeks. Rookie Talanoa Hufanga filled in for Tartt after he left the game and will slide into his starting role in his absence.
Hufanga is a physical safety who plays the game with an edge. I was a big fan of his game coming out of USC and loved watching him go to work up in the box. Hufanga is a deep league pick-up who could produce some solid production with his new role. Hufanga also makes for a great stash in dynasty leagues if he’s available.
Conclusion
Thanks for tuning into this week’s edition of the IDP waiver wire Week 8! This week isn’t near as brutal with byes as Baltimore and Las Vegas are the only teams with the week off. However, we did see some injuries occur and a trade shakeup as well. It’s important to stay active and keep adding depth as we approach the midway point of the season. Good luck this week everyone and happy bidding!
To get the low-down on everything IDP relevant from Week 7, make sure you check out Johny The Greek’s “The Monster”!
Thanks for taking the time to read my article, I hope you enjoyed it and found it helpful. You can find my work here at idpguys.org and follow me on Twitter @KBellf54. I’m always available for any questions or feedback you may have and my DMs are always open.
