Did someone convince you to play IDP? Enjoying it? Played before and are basking in the glory of still winning despite not starting Marcus Maye? Need some waiver advice? Let’s take a quick look at last week’s highlights and then see who can help you this week and the rest of the season on the IDP waiver wire.
The Football Team’s defensive line were the stars of the week. Eight sacks of Carson Wentz led by Ryan Kerrigan’s 2 sacks. Rookie Chase Young looked good and had 1.5 sacks along with unheralded NT Matt Ioannidis. Are they that good? Well….they’re good, but don’t expect this production across the board each week. The Eagles were playing with a decimated offensive line. The only player playing their projected position was C Jason Kelce. All-Pro G Brandon Brooks and LT Andre Dillard are done for the season. Lane Johnson missed the game still recovering from ankle surgery and Jason Peters, signed to replace Brooks at guard moved over to left tackle, a position that the Eagles moved on from him after last season. The Football Team had its way with a second and third-string line. Do not expect the same production in Arizona, but they are a good group and will be heard from again.
Two players that had great weeks were Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye. Too bad for the Jets it wasn’t for the same team. I expected Adams’ production to slip a little with the move to Seattle as they have superior linebackers to anyone he has played with before. He proved me wrong with 8 solo, 4 asst, and one sack, PD, and INT. Stepping into his role in NY was Marcus Maye and he outdid Adams recording 2 sacks, 2 PD, a FF, and 10 total tackles. Many were moaning on Twitter that they left Maye on their bench this week (yes I did but it didn’t cost me). They won’t be making that mistake again.
Cornerbacks that had big weeks were Janoris Jenkins and Jaire Alexander. As I noted in my DB strategy article, getting the CB who plays opposite of a shutdown corner can be the wise move. Jenkins plays with Marshon Lattimore and had 9 tackles, 1 PD, and a pick 6. Lattimore had 2 tackles and 1 PD as Brady avoided him most of the game. Alexander has been a highly touted DB who had 17 PDs last year but lacked the big plays. The Vikings wished he stayed small as he had a sack, PD, and INT to go along with 5 tackles. Remember playing CBs is matchup dependent and is easily the most streamable position in IDP formats.
Looking at the rookies Patrick Queen lived up to his lofty expectations at linebacker with 8 total tackles, a sack, and a FF. If you play dynasty and you were able to get him, you’ll be set for a long time. On the other hand, Isaiah Simmons played only 18 snaps and was toasted by Raheem Mostert in coverage. Kenneth Murray debuted for the Chargers and played 91% of the snaps totaling 8 tackles. Jeremy Chinn played in 100% of the Panthers defensive snaps and was used all over the field making 7 solo tackles. Brandon Jones of the Dolphins was very efficient converting his 34 snaps (54.8%) into 10 total tackles.
So who’s available to snap up from the waiver wire? I’m only going to talk about players who are not highly owned. Obviously if somehow TJ Watt is available in your league….
DEFENSIVE LINE
Aldon Smith DAL is the number one waiver wire grab of the week. After not playing for 5 years, Smith had a great game with 11 total tackles and a sack. He was out there for 74% of the Dallas’ defensive snaps so expect a big year if he can keep this up.
Takkarist McKinley ATL has not lived up to expectations. His first three years he’s averaged close to 6 sacks but has done little else. He starts with a sack but also had 6 QB hits. Hopefully, these will turn into sacks in games to come.
Josh Sweat PHI can be a sneaky pickup. The Eagles were without Derek Barnett and then lost Brandon Graham to the concussion protocol. He had a sack, 2 QB hits, and a forced fumble. He played 70% of the snaps despite the Eagles’ constant DL rotation.Â
Christian Wilkins MIA was a first-round pick last year and he had a very good game against the Patriots in week one. Logging 70% of the snaps he totaled 6 tackles, a sack, and 2 PDs. He’s someone to keep an eye on.
LINEBACKER
Myles Jack JAX played 100% of the defensive snaps and outperformed Joe Schobert in week one. Eleven total tackles to go along with a sack put him at the top of the linebacker must grab list. Do we expect this every week? Probably not, but with 100 % usage, his production will be there.
Nick Vigil LAC replaced Drue Tranquil at LB after Tranquil’s most likely season-ending ankle fracture. Vigil was the leading tackler for the Bengals last year and will be able to fill in without much of a drop in talent. He’s not a big sack guy but should be productive in the tackle department. Murray’s an ILB but will they move him outside and Vigil to the middle? Stay tuned.
Bud Dupree PIT was in Daniel Jones’ face all night. His numbers weren’t spectacular with 4 tackles, a PD, and a QB hit but if you watched the game he impressed. He may not be startable each week, but he has the potential to have some big games and may be a useful bye week/matchup fill in.
Germaine Pratt CIN had 12 total tackles playing only 73% of the snaps for the Bengals. In tackle heavy formats, Pratt deserves some consideration in upgrading your squad.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Marcus Maye NYJ was one of the stars of the week. If he’s available, pick him up. No questions asked. He should replace ANY CB on your roster and many safeties.
Adrian Phillips NE was signed by the Patriots and was not expected to have a huge role but with COVID opt-outs he moved up the ladder and took advantage. He had 9 tackles, a PD, and an INT against the Dolphins. He is another one who could replace most CBs on your team.
Darian Thompson DAL stepped into the starting SS role when the Cowboys released Ha-Ha Clinton Dix late in camp. Thompson is probably available in many leagues that were drafted before that happened. He opened up with a strong showing of 10 total tackles.Â
If you need to play a CB in your league then take a look at L’Jarius Sneed KC. Sneed was filling in for the suspended Baushad Breeland and then Charvarius Ward broke his hand. Sneed will be a starting corner for the foreseeable future and most teams will be passing trying to keep up with the Chiefs offense. He had a great game against the Texans with 2 PDs and an INT. He will be picked on by opposing QBs due to his inexperience which could lead to more fantasy scoring opportunities.
Good luck with the wire and if you have any specific questions feel free to ask in the comments below or hit me up on Twitter @gasdoc_spit
