Behold, our newest member of the Ultra Mega Cheek Clapper Ten Thousand Club.
Week fourteen is in the books and fantasy playoffs have kicked off. There were heroes and duds, looking at you Russel Wilson (QB). Danielle Hunter (DE) joined the ultra exclusive Mega Cheek Clapper Ten Thousand club with his three sack plus day. Aaron Donald (DT) showed up in the last minute and met his projection, Frank Clark (DE) also put in work. The guys we paid dearly for in our drafts prior to the season all mostly showed up, on the IDP side of things at least.
I've noticed a lot of my fellow fantasy enthusiasts sharing the same thoughts in regards to playoffs this year. Between the injuries, stupidity (Myles Garrett (DE)) and teams with nothing left to prove this year shutting down known IDP producers to plug in unknowns many of us limped into playoffs using smoke and mirrors to get there. Unfortunately smoke and mirrors usually doesn't cut it when it comes down to semi finals and finals and increasingly I'm noticing that it wasn't necessarily the "best" teams that are advancing in playoffs this year.
What I'm seeing is a paradigm shift in what teams are doing the most damage. The teams that have dealt with injuries, suspensions and demotions the most efficiently are the ones that are clapping cheeks in playoffs and seem to have a golden path to the finals. In the last few seasons I've noticed that injury management has become more and more important as the speed and violence of the game seems to grow year after year. Roster construction with this in mind seems to be the wave of the future.
Personally I'll be going into next season with a huge emphasis on this going forward, for if we don't adapt with the changing times we are doomed to be left behind. My best ball rosters were all constructed in this fashion, making sure you have backups for your starters and backups for the backups, etc. Ensuring you own a position, not a player on each team seems to be the wave of the future. You can see it clearly when running backs go down and their backups come in and put up a serviceable game week after week, same with the IDP side of things.
Players such as Julian Love (CB,S) and Donald Payne (LB) prove that sometimes, especially in IDP, it's not so much the talent of the player but the opportunity created by the position on that team. Same thing with offense, Wayne Gallman (RB) earlier this season and DeAndre Washington (RB) this week. Even with superflex at quarterback we're seeing team after team lose their starting quarterbacks and those replacements putting up serviceable even terrific weeks, looking at you Drew Lock (QB) this week and David Blough (QB) last week. Increasingly it's starting to look like we need to draft for a specific position on a team where that position flourishes instead of the usual draft a player then use your last few picks on fliers or shots in the dark with the normal handcuffs at running back when you can get them.
Anyone that doesn't see that those owners who have weathered the injury storm this season are in the best position to win their leagues hasn't been watching close enough. To my eyes, which have been doing this for seventeen years now, sixteen of those with IDP, this clearly is the way things are trending. Roster construction in years to come will mirror best ball draft strategies increasingly and those that don't will likely not be in as good a position when the regular season is all said and done. Surviving the attrition of the season used to be something that was an issue but a largely manageable one. Now it looks like this will be one of the primary factors in winning fantasy football titles for the foreseeable future.
Anyways, just thought I'd mention that. Let's break down week fourteen and get ready for semi finals week. Let's go into it.
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.
Kyle Fuller helped ensure Dak Prescott left the stadium with pants filled with poop Thursday night.
Cowboys @ Bears
Dallas Cowboys
Performed as expected: Darian Thompson (S) Jaylon Smith (LB) Cowboys Cornerbacks, Robert Quinn (DE) Micheal Bennett (DE) Sean Lee (LB)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers but Darian Thompson (S) makes a nice fill in if you lost Jamal Adams (S) recently, he'll continue to play 100% of snaps and likely have nice production going forward, look out for Jeff Heath (S) though, once he returns to the lineup Thompson's playing time should take a significant hit.
Flash in the pan: Joe Thomas (LB) only saw the field due to Leighton Vander Esch (LB) being injured and out and only saw 40% of snaps regardless, not enough for any kind of consistency even if the LVE injury is a long term thing. Pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Demarcus Lawrence (DE) was really the only member of the Cowboys IDP corps to disappoint this week. He still played the most snaps of all three of the IDP relevant defensive ends with 73% played. Overall he's met or surpassed his projection in five of the past six games and is having a fine season to date. Plenty of playing time, opportunity and talent. He'll be fine. Remain calm. Besides that everyone did what they were supposed to do.
Chicago Bears
Performed as expected: Nick Kwiatkowski (LB) Kyle Fuller (CB) Ha Ha Clinton Dix (S) Khalil Mack (DE) Eddie Jackson (S)
Possible waiver adds: Kevin Pierre Louis (LB) looks to be the front runner to take over for Roquan Smith (LB) who tore his pectoral muscle and will be done for the season. It's not a lock that Louis takes over but he did come in for Smith and played the remaining 63% of snaps while recording six combined tackles, one tackle for loss and two passes defended. Not a terrible idea if you're desperate for linebacker help but also not someone you want to immediately start next week either, who knows if this will actually be the guy or not going forward. This is a risk, it's also probably a really good waiver wire linebacker if it works out, the decision is yours.
Flash in the pan: Kevin Tolliver (CB) only played this week because Prince Amukamara (CB) was a late scratch and inactive due to injury, his job, playing time and production will cease to exist as soon as Amukamara returns. Pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Everyone who was really expected to put up numbers did so this week even Eddie Skidmarks Jackson (S) who saved his day with a sack. Some of the lesser known more "shot in the dark" guys like Leonard Floyd (EDGE) and Eddie Goldman (DT) didn't do anything this week but they aren't who we think about and count on when it comes to the Bears IDP corps. Mack, Kwiatkowski and Skidmarks Jackson did what they needed to do, Ha Ha Clinton Dix (S) and Kyle Fuller (CB) too, so overall it was a good week for the Bears IDP production. Remain calm.
Shaq Thompson is a man.
Panthers @ Falcons
Carolina Panthers
Performed as expected: Shaq Thompson (LB) Luke Kuechly (LB) Eric Reid (S) James Bradberry (CB) Donte Jackson (CB) Vernon Butler (DE)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers this week.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: The Panthers pass rush was essentially nonexistent this week, Mario Addison (EDGE), Bruce Irvin (EDGE) and Gerald McCoy (DT) did basically nothing in the box score. The Falcons had an excellent game plan on offense and executed it to perfection. Irvin and Addison still played 76% and 69%, nice, of snaps respectively this week and have been solid end of tier two edge guys all season, no reason to jump ship now if you've been rolling with them all season, it's not like a better option is going to suddenly be available this week. If for some reason there is someone that sticks out as a nice EDGE pickup this week later on in this article I'll make sure and mention it in regards to this situation specifically. When it comes down to it this is a "dance with the girl you brought" scenario, you likely aren't going to find anyone better this week. Remain calm, they both still get plenty of snaps and opportunity to rush the quarterback. Gerald McCoy (DT) has been much better overall recently and played 71% of snaps this week which is plenty for defensive tackle, this wasn't a great matchup you don't really see a ton of easy run stopping tackles, which is the floor for any good defensive tackle, from a team like the Falcons that pass first and run last. Remain calm there as well, everyone else did their job this week.
Atlanta Falcons
Performed as expected: De'Vondre Campbell (LB) Ricardo Allen (S) Kendall Sheffield (CB) Grady Jarrett (DT) Deion Jones (LB) Damontae Kazee (S)
Possible waiver adds: With Desmond Trufant (CB) breaking his arm this week and ending his season Isiah Oliver (CB) should become IDP relevant again and resume being a nice corner to stream or start in ideal matchups going forward.
Flash in the pan: Foye Oluokon (LB) had another monster day while only playing 55% of snaps this week, he's been extremely efficient recently with his less than ideal playing time but still remains a massively inconsistent option that doesn't and won't play enough to be someone you can rely upon, especially in fantasy playoffs. Pass, still. Takkarist McKinley (DE) only played 52% of snaps this week and hasn't done anything else of note this year, true flash in the pan and not likely to be repeated anytime soon, pass. Same story with Vic Beasley (EDGE).
Abandon ship or Remain calm: No one really let us down on the Falcons defense this week, Deion Jones (LB) could've had a better game for sure but at least in my leagues where we score passes defended fairly high he did alright. The Falcons pass rush, which has been dog shit all season, showed up this week but I highly doubt many of you are relying on guys like Beasley, McKinley or Clayborn on your defensive lines for IDP purposes. Everything else went according to plan this week, remain calm across the board.
Tremaine Edmunds remains as hot as Chiptole induced runs
Ravens @ Bills
Baltimore Ravens
Performed as expected: Earl Thomas (S) Chuck Clark (S) Marlon Humphrey (CB) Matthew Judon (EDGE) Marcus Peters (CB) Jaylon Ferguson (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Jaylon Ferguson (LB) has led the Ravens in non-EDGE linebacker snaps for a couple weeks in a row now and could be worth a look if you need linebacker help in a really deep league, it's likely a long shot but it looks like it's there if you need it. The linebacker shuffling the Ravens were doing week after week seems to have slowed down for the time being with Ferguson appearing to be the only real consistent option in terms of playing time.
Flash in the pan: Brandon Williams (DT) hasn't done anything of note this season despite playing 64% of snaps which is enough for defensive tackle, bottom line is this weeks box score is an anomaly and not the norm, he likely won't put up numbers like this again this season, pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: NA, there are only three or four guys we really even consider IDP relevant on this defense and they all put in work this week, remain calm across the board.
Buffalo Bills
Performed as expected: Jordan Poyer (S) Tremaine Edmunds (LB) Lorenzo Alexander (LB) Micah Hyde (S) Matt Milano (LB) Jerry Hughes (DE) Levi Wallace (CB) Ed Oliver (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Shaq Lawson (DE) outsnapped both Jerry Hughes (DE) and Trent Murphy (DE) this week with 68% of snaps played this week recording two combined tackles, half a tackle for loss and a pass defended on the day. Not the greatest box score but the fact he played more than the two traditional IDP relevant defensive ends this week is noteworthy. He is likely owned already in dynasty but could be of some help in deeper leagues in redraft if you need defensive end help.
Flash in the pan: Kevin Johnson (CB) only played 42% of snaps this week and isn't named White or Wallace so I'm not interested. Pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Just like the 49ers recently and the Patriots before them and for that matter most teams that have played the Ravens this season the Bills pass rush was not able to do much against Lamar Jackson (QB) this week. The Ravens have a terrific run game and their passing attack isn't the traditional drop back and pass protect while standing in the pocket, if Jackson senses trouble the few times they do ask him to throw in that fashion he usually takes off before trouble has a chance to get to him. He's extremely tough to sack so seeing the Bills only having one sack for the day isn't shocking, their pass rush should be back to normal this upcoming week when they play literally anyone besides Lamar Jackson (QB). The defensive tackles, Lotuleilei and Phillips also didn't have the best day in the box score despite having plenty of opportunity to make plays. Phillips has been terrific this year and should bounce back, nature of the position and all that, and Lotuleilei should really only be used as a defensive tackle two preferably three in deeper leagues anyways so it's unlikely a ton of people were relying on him this week in the first place. A mixed bag for the Bills IDP corps this week, we'll see what next week brings.
Denzel Ward had a career day this week.
Bengals @ Browns
Cincinnati Bengals
Performed as expected: Germaine Pratt (LB) Shawn Williams (S) Carlos Dunlap (DE) Carl Lawson (DE) Nick Vigil (LB) Jessie Bates (S)
Possible waiver adds: Carl Lawson (DE) saw an increase in playing time with Sam Hubbard (DE) being injured and out this week up to 91% of snaps which he translated to four solo tackles, one sack and two tackles for loss on the day. He makes an excellent option if Hubbard is injured and out again this week and remains a dynasty piece regardless of that.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Surprisingly the Bengals cornerbacks didn't do much this week in a pretty much ideal matchup. Dennard and Jackson played 77% and 98% of snaps which should have been enough against the usually pass happy Browns but it wasn't to be this week, I would still be comfortable starting either in ideal matchups against efficient passing offenses down the line since they've both shown to be solid corners to stream throughout the season but only in deeper leagues where I couldn't find a better option. Geno Atkins (DT) had a down week as well but still played 68% of snaps and has done what we expected of him over the course of this season, tier two defensive tackle type numbers. He should be fine as well and being a part of this Bengals defense is a natural advantage for all these guys, this offense is generally so terrible that this Bengals defense is on the field constantly. Not to mention these Bengals get a pissed off Patriots team this week. This defense should be IDP gold this coming week, remain calm across the board.
Cleveland Browns
Performed as expected: Larry Ogunjobi (DT) Sheldon Richardson (DT) Joe Schobert (LB) Mack Wilson (LB) Damarious Randal (S) Denzel Ward (CB) Greedy Williams (CB)
Possible waiver adds: Sheldrick Redwine (S) saw a good amount of snaps again this week even with Damarious Randal (S) back to playing 100% of snaps, it came at the expense of Justin Burris (S,CB) who saw his playing time reduced to just 31% of snaps this week. Redwine could be a waiver wire add for safety help but with the fluctuation of the safety position over the last couple weeks on this team the only safety I trust going forward is Randal. The last thing you need is to add Redwine and all of a sudden this week it's back to Burris as the other full time safety and Redwine was just a flash in the pan and you're stuck with a zero. So technically it's there, but I wouldn't do it.
Flash in the pan: TJ Carrie (CB) only played 79% of snaps this week and isn't named Ward or Williams so I'm not interested, third best safety with the third most playing time in a league where safeties are a dime a dozen, pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Chad Thomas (DE) was really the only IDP relevant player on the Browns defense to underwhelm this week. He played 80% of snaps which is more than most defensive ends so the opportunity is definitely there, he remains a decent end of tier two start of tier three defensive end in deeper leagues who at the minimum is playing a ton and getting plenty of pass rush opportunities, remain calm. Everything else went as predicted. Congrats to Denzel Ward (CB) on his career day.
Matt Ioannidis took a break from splitting firewood to split Aaron Rodgers buttcheeks this week.
Redskins @ Packers
Washington Redskins
Performed as expected: Cole Holcomb (LB) Jonathan Allen (DT) Jon Bostic (LB) Landon Collins (S) Matt Ioannidis (DE) Daron Payne (DT) Ryan Kerrigan (EDGE)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers this week.
Flash in the pan: Jimmy Moreland (CB) only played 77% of snaps this week and is part of a cornerback unit that is most definitely in flux, the same two guys haven't led in snaps in a couple weeks now, bottom line is we don't know who to play even if we did want to stream any Redskins corners so I would just look elsewhere for corner help. Ryan Anderson (LB) only played 45% of snaps, not nearly enough for any kind of consistency, pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Montez Sweat (EDGE) was the only semi IDP relevant member of the Skins defense to underwhelm this week. And realistically he's not all that reliable or consistent or even used all that much except in massively deep leagues or as a dynasty piece. No one should have been relying on him to win them their week so this wasn't the end of the world. Everyone else who was supposed to produce this week did so, remain calm.
Green Bay Packers
Performed as expected: Blake Martinez (LB) Adrian Amos (S) Kenny Clark (DT) Preston Smith (EDGE) Za'Darius Smith (EDGE)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers this week.
Flash in the pan: Tyler Lancaster (DT) only played 35% of snaps and at nose tackle which isn't a traditional IDP relevant position. Not enough playing time, wrong type of defensive tackle and no historical production or consistency, pass. BJ Goodson (LB) only played 22% of snaps so we can definitely ignore his slightly elevated production this week, pass as well, still.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: The Packers cornerbacks were really the only glaring letdown this week and this was most definitely not an ideal matchup at all, the Skins can't pass their way out of a paper bag with a map and a flashlight. I made that abundantly clear in my start or sit article so I hope no one started Alexander or King this week in this god awful matchup. There were only sixteen total completions for the Redskins for 141 yards on the day, not even remotely close to what you're looking for in a matchup to stream cornerback. King and Alexander will be fine when they play against an offense that can throw the ball, remain calm. Everyone else that was supposed to put up numbers this week did so or at least turned in a serviceable performance.
Danielle Hunter parted David Blough's butt cheeks like Moses parted the Red Sea.
Lions @ Vikings
Detroit Lions
Performed as expected: Tracy Walker (S) Tavon Wilson (S) Jahlani Tavai (LB) A'Shawn Robinson (DT) Devon Kennard (LB) Darius Slay (CB) Trey Flowers (DE)
Possible waiver adds: NA, it should be noted that Wilson and Walker were once again the two starting safeties playing 99% and 93% of snaps respectively this week while Will Harris (S) saw his playing time decrease once again to just 47% of snaps this week and is clearly an abandon ship and or airlock candidate going forward.
Flash in the pan: Mike Daniels (DT) played 73% of snaps this week which is a season high for him, he was once called part of the "best defensive line in football" by delusional Lions fans this offseason but has been playing around 30% of snaps each week this season and not really contributing in any meaningful way. This looks like a shakeup to see if the elevated playing time changes the Lions horrible run defense's effectiveness at all which it clearly did not, they got torched once again. My guess is he goes back to shitty playing time and not doing anything of note next week, regardless this is a true flash in the pan situation it's the first time I've mentioned his name this season so the consistency most definitely is not there. Pass. Jahlani Tavai (LB) had a massive day in the box score but only played 67% of snaps this week and ended up with an extremely bad PFF grade. This week the Lions gave Mike Daniels (DT) a ton more snaps and reduced Jarrad Davis (LB) playing time significantly, this is a pattern and it doesn't bode well for Tavai. The Lions are clearly aware they aren't making the playoffs and are giving some guys a shot to see who stays on the roster next season or if different personnel groups are more effective defensively, Miami is doing the same thing and it's pretty much the worst thing possible if you're someone relying on these guys for IDP production, the thought being any of them could see a massive reduction in playing time any week with no warning whatsoever. There's not much we can do about it, no one got a memo from the Lions saying Jarrad Davis (LB) would play half of his normal snaps this week and put up zero stats of any kind, but at least now that we see the writing on the wall there's some warning if it happens going forward. Just keep this in mind if you're counting on some of the pieces of this defense going forward, this is happening and no one is exempt from it on this defense it would appear.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Jarrad Davis (LB) saw a massive decrease in playing time this week, down from nearly every snap played most of this season to just 49% of snaps this week. His production was significantly impacted as well with him recording no stats of any kind this week, this is not ideal at all especially considering it's fantasy playoffs, bench him or shitcan him and find another option this is not good at all and you can't play this game right now, blow him away and use someone else. Damon Harrison (DT) played slightly more this week seeing 62% of snaps but was unable to do much with it despite a perfect matchup against a run heavy Vikings offense. He recorded two combined tackles on the day and continues to be just a shadow of what he once was, it's probably too late to find a better option but I've been ringing the alarm bells on him all season so hopefully you were able to get out from under him weeks ago. Besides that pretty much everyone who was supposed to produce did so this week.
Minnesota Vikings
Performed as expected: Trae Waynes (CB) Danielle Hunter (DE) Eric Kendricks (LB) Everson Griffen (DE) Linval Joseph (DT) Harrison Smith (S)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers this week.
Flash in the pan: Holton Hill (CB) only played 38% of snaps and isn't named Waynes or Rhodes, not enough playing time and not a historically consistent or reliable IDP corner on this team, pass. Jahleel Johnson (DT) only played 35% of snaps this week and hasn't played anything north of that all season and isn't someone I knew existed until this very minute, all not great reasons to run out and grab him off the waiver wire, pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Everyone who was supposed to produce this week did so except Anthony Barr (EDGE) who still had a serviceable game all things considered. Remain calm across the board.
DeMario Davis eats a turkey leg
49ers @ Saints
San Francisco 49ers
Performed as expected: Jimmie Ward (S) Richard Sherman (CB) Emanuel Moseley (CB) Dre Greenlaw (LB) Arik Armstead (DE) Deforest Buckner (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Marcell Harris (S) came in for Jaquiski Tartt (S) who was injured and out this week and played 100% of snaps while recording six combined tackles and one pass defended. This could be an option this week but only if Tartt is injured and out again so this won't be a long term thing anyways, plus Harris benefited significantly from the back and forth offensive explosion this game turned out to be. It's far more likely that the 49ers run the ball down Atlanta's throat this week and own time of possession and as a result the 49ers defense and IDP corps will likely have far less production this week, I would look elsewhere for safety help. Too many things need to go right for Marcell Harris (S) to replicate his production from this past week and to be honest it wasn't anything special in the first place. Technically it's there though, just keep all that in mind if you do pull the trigger.
Flash in the pan: K'Waun Williams (CB) only played 74% of snaps and isn't named Sherman or Witherspoon. Emanuel Mosely (CB) also didn't have ideal playing time this week, only 21% of snaps so his production was definitely a flash in the pan as well, pass on him as well.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Nick Bosa (DE) had a serviceable day that could've been better but has a great chance to bounce back this week when he tees off against the god awful Falcons offensive line, he'll be fine. Fred Warner (LB) played 100% of snaps in an absolutely ideal matchup that featured a ton of sustained drives and offense on both sides where he should've flourished easily. Instead he only recorded three combined tackles and a pass defended which is a drastic decrease in production especially when the past month or so is factored in where he has been red hot. Overall he's having a career season and is playing every snap every week, while next weeks matchup isn't the greatest he still should give us something serviceable, if you have an embarrassment of riches at linebacker I would probably go with someone else this week but if you need to play him he should be fine. Remain calm.
New Orleans Saints
Performed as expected: Vonn Bell (S) Demario Davis (LB) Eli Apple (CB) Marshon Lattimore (CB) Marcus Williams (S)
Possible waiver adds: Craig Robertson (LB) played 100% of snaps this week but only because AJ Klein (LB) and Kiko Alonso (LB) were injured and out plus they were playing the supposedly "run first" 49ers so increasing their second linebackers playing time makes sense from a defensive strategy point of view. Robertson has been playing around 50% of snaps the previous weeks before that so I would think against the "run last" Falcons he should return to his normal snap percentage, add him only if you're desperate for linebacker help.
Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week. Mario Edwards (DT) would qualify with 18% of snaps but a quick look at his season stats and playing time should dissuade anyone from thinking he's a waiver wire add.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: The Saints pass rush had a pretty awful week with only Mario Edwards (DT) the defensive tackle no one's heard of that never plays getting a sack this week. Cameron Jordan (DE) and Marcus Davenport (DE) played 96% and 34% of snaps respectively so obviously Davenport (DE) never really had a chance for a big game with that little playing time. Cameron Jordan (DE) is having a career season overall and is playing plenty each week so he should be fine going forward, I would tread lightly with Davenport though he should really only be used in much deeper leagues as a defensive end three or four. Besides that everyone who was supposed to put up numbers this week did so. Writers note: Davenport was injured and is likely to miss the rest of the season.
James Burgess put up an absolute monster game this week.
Dolphins @ Jets
Miami Dolphins
Performed as expected: Vince Biegel (LB) Eric Rowe (CB) Jerome Baker (LB) Nick Needham (CB) Davon Godchaux (DT) Christian Wilkins (DE) Raekwon McMillan (LB)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers or any that I have enough faith in to recommend.
Flash in the pan: Andrew Van Ginkel (LB) only played 49% of snaps, is not someone I knew existed until just now and received the majority of his IDP points on one sack, true flash in the pan. Pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Taco Charlton (DE) saw no snaps of any kind this week, he might have been injured to be honest I'm not going to waste my time checking, no one should be playing him right now no matter what the circumstances. Besides that everyone we expected to put up numbers this week did so, remain calm.
New York Jets
Performed as expected: James Burgess (LB) Daryl Roberts (CB) Neville Hewitt (LB) Marcus Maye (S)
Possible waiver adds: Daryl Roberts (CB) was up to 100% of snaps this week, he's been a nice streaming corner at points this season but playing time was always his issue, if this holds going forward he makes a nice streamer for corner. It's a risk though, his playing time has been all over the place this season so keep that in mind.
Flash in the pan: Kryon Brown (CB) only played 74% of snaps and isn't someone I knew existed until this very minute, pass. Same with Jordan Jenkins (LB), 60% played, but I have heard of him he's just not very good or consistent and doesn't play enough, pass again.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: With Jamal Adams (S) injured and out this week the Jets went with just one full time safety, Blake Countess (S) and Matthias Farley (S) both did not play, healthy scratch for Countess and injured and out for Farley, good thing I warned you guys not to pull the trigger on either. Quinnen Williams (DT) had another down week while playing only 26% of snaps, he just like his other rookie defensive tackle counterparts Ed Oliver (DT) and Jerry Tillery (DT) are still just dynasty futures pieces going forward and basically unplayable in redraft or anything but the absolute deepest of leagues. Even then 26% of snaps won't cut it, I'd rather roll the dice with Damon Harrison (DT) even with the shitty season he's having at least he plays a bunch more and has the historical production that shows me he can put up numbers, abandon ship on Williams for now, we'll revisit it next season. Besides that everything went according to plan this week. James Burgess (LB) should be safe for the rest of the season now that CJ Mosley (LB) was sent to IR so continue to plug him in with confidence.
Darius Leonard was a wild man in Tampa.
Colts @ Buccaneers
Indianapolis Colts
Performed as expected: Darius Leonard (LB) Khari Willis (S) Malik Hooker (S) Anthony Walker (LB) Justin Houston (DE) Rocky Ya Sin (CB) Pierre Desir (CB) Denico Autry (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Pierre Desir (CB) and Rocky Ya Sin (CB) should be the relevant streaming corners if Kenny Moore (CB) is injured and out again this week. They have a nice matchup with the Saints but it's on Monday night so waiting for the last minute to see if Moore is able to play is only ideal if you own one of these other corners just in case he's inactive again.
Flash in the pan: George Odum (S) only played 15% of snaps, not nearly enough to be relevant, pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Jabal Sheard (DE) was the only known producer who was expected to put up numbers this week and failed to do so, he played 63% of snaps and hasn't been much more than a defensive end three or four in deeper leagues this year anyways so it's not like this was a huge let down. He probably won't do much better this week against a New Orleans team that held the 49ers and their ridiculous pass rush to zero sacks this past week, if they can't get to Brees it's not likely this far more terrible group of pass rushers will be able to so I wouldn't hold my breath on Jabal Sheard (DE) this week either. Besides him everyone else who was supposed to produce this week did so.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Performed as expected: Jordan Whitehead (S) Shaq Barrett (EDGE) Lavonte David (LB) Carlton Davis (CB) Devin White (LB)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers this week.
Flash in the pan: Andrew Adams (S) only played 59% of snaps this week and his day was only mildly good in the first place, four solo tackles and one tackle for loss, not enough playing time and not good enough production to risk it anyways.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: The Buccaneers pass rush wasn't able to do anything this week but Jason Pierre Paul still played plenty of snaps, 84%, and therefore had plenty of opportunity to rush the passer, he should be fine going forward. N'Damakong Suh (DT) played 81% of snaps and frankly should've had a better game against the usually run happy Colts but defensive tackle is a naturally spotty position so this isn't a massive shock. Carl Nassib (DE) however only played 41% of snaps this week so it would appear that he won't be getting back to his early season snap percentage any time soon. It would appear that with Jason Pierre Paul (DE) now back, healthy and putting in work they don't need Nassib to play nearly as many snaps as they did earlier this year. We can probably shitcan Nassib in redraft and toss him back to the bench in dynasty, 41% of snaps just isn't going to cut it in most leagues. Besides those issues everyone else produced this week.
Zach Cunningham was the only bright spot for the Texans this week.
Broncos @ Texans
Denver Broncos
Performed as expected: Todd Davis (LB) Kareem Jackson (CB) Chris Harris (CB) Justin Simmons (S) Alexander Johnson (LB)
Possible waiver adds: Will Parks (S) played 82% of snaps this week and recorded five combined tackles and one pass defended for the game. It's the second week in a row he's seen significant playing time and a decent box score, he could be an option in deeper leagues if you need safety help.
Flash in the pan: Josey Jewell (LB) only played 11% of snaps this week and earned the majority of his IDP points on one sack, not enough playing time, pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Von Miller (EDGE) was the only IDP relevant and noteworthy player on the Broncos defense to have a bad week and he's been having a bad season overall so this is nothing new. He's been an abandon ship multiple times this season in this article and nothing's changed. Besides that everyone who was supposed to produce this week did so.
Houston Texans
Performed as expected: Zach Cunningham (LB) Bernardrick McKinney (LB) Justin Reid (S)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers this week.
Flash in the pan: Gareon Conley (CB) only played 51% of snaps this week, not nearly enough for any kind of consistency, so we can ignore his slightly elevated production this week.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Brennan Scarlett (LB) has seen a reduction in playing time over the last few weeks and only played 63% of snaps this week. He was a nice fill in for a couple weeks but it would appear that ship has sailed, now is not the time to roll the dice on a guy like this even with the nice matchup against the suddenly potent Titans offense this week. Abandon ship. Everyone else we expected to do work this week did so.
Joey Bosa crumples to the ground with bubble guts from the three day old Taco Bell he ate at half time, Florida USA Circa 2019
Chargers @ Jaguars
Los Angeles Chargers
Performed as expected: Drue Tranquil (LB) Derwin James (S) Thomas Davis (LB) Melvin Ingram (DE) Joey Bosa (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Drue Tranquil (LB) played the most snaps of any Chargers linebacker this week with 83% and had a really nice box score, the Chargers linebackers situation has been a mess all season but over the last couple weeks Tranquil has established himself as the linebacker to own going forward, add him as a nice linebacker two or three in deeper leagues.
Flash in the pan: Adrian Phillips (S) still isn't playing his normal snaps, just 55% this week, so his slightly elevated production is a flash in the pan, he can't be trusted again until he's playing much more than this. Pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Thomas Davis (LB) saw a massive reduction in playing time down to just 47% of snaps this week, he can't be relied upon playing that little going forward, time to show him the door. Besides that everyone who was supposed to produce this week did so, Jerry Tillery (DT) was a healthy scratch this week so it looks like he'll be joining fellow rookies Quinnen Williams (DT) and Ed Oliver (DT) as guys whose future remains bright but won't be a significant factor this season, he's been an abandon ship for awhile now and this week further showed why that is the case.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Performed as expected: Donald Payne (LB) Quincy Williams (LB) Jarrod Wilson (S) Yannick Ngakoue (DE) Calais Campbell (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Donald Payne (LB) played 100% of snaps again this week and had another huge box score, he looks about as safe as it gets for a Jacksonville waiver wire linebacker which is a relative term. Add him if you need linebacker help but if they suddenly decide to sit him for someone we've never heard of this week I'm not to blame and will not be getting a memo about it ahead of time.
Flash in the pan: Austin Calitro (LB) only played 43% of snaps this week which isn't nearly enough for any kind of consistency so we can ignore his slightly elevated production, pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Josh Allen (DE) was the only noteworthy IDP relevant member of the Jags IDP corps to have a bad week, he still played 58% of snaps and is having an excellent rookie season overall. He'll be fine as long as you keep your expectations realistic, he's a defensive end two preferably three in deeper leagues and likely has a couple nice games left in him before it's all said and done. Andrew Wingard (S) once again subbed in for Ronnie Harrison (S) who was injured and out this week but that doesn't matter, Harrison is healthy and playing this week so Wingard will no longer be a waiver wire option for safety help. Besides those things everyone did what they were supposed to do this week.
Erik Harris has become a terrific IDP safety this season.
Titans @ Raiders
Tennessee Titans
Performed as expected: Logan Ryan (CB) Kevin Byard (S) Jayon Brown (LB) Rashaan Evans (LB) Jeffrey Simmons (DT) Harold Landry (EDGE) Jurrell Casey (DT) Kenny Vaccaro (S)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers this week.
Flash in the pan: Tye Smith (CB) is only playing as much as he is, 95% of snaps this week, and producing as much as he is because he's filling in for the injured and out Adoree Jackson (CB) who has a foot injury and is week to week and will very likely be back this week or next. So bottom line is Smith would be an extremely short term option and may not be the "guy" week to week filling in for Jackson depending on how much he gets picked on and how terrible he is in coverage, there are safer corners to stream out there and that extra 5% of snaps could be the difference between an extra tackle or pass defended and that could be the difference between a win and a loss, pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Everyone who was supposed to produce this week did so, remain calm across the board.
Oakland Raiders
Performed as expected: Tahir Whitehead (LB) Daryl Worley (CB) Erik Harris (S) DJ Swearinger (S) Trayvon Mullen (CB) Jonathan Hankins (DT)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers this week.
Flash in the pan: DJ Swearinger (S) was cut by the Raiders and no longer has a job, he is a flash in the pan in the truest sense. Pass and or airlock.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Clelin Ferrell (DE) and Maxx Crosby (DE) both had terrible games this week playing 46% and 66% of snaps this week respectively. Crosby has been crushing it all season and is a member of the Ultra Mega Cheek Clapper Ten Thousand club so he is beyond reproach, he prey at the altar of Maxx Crosby (DE), may he find his strength once more and continue to clap cheeks at an elevated rate compared to mortal men. Seriously though he's still a rookie, he's going to have ups and downs, as long as you've got him as like a defensive end two or three in deeper leagues that's right about where he belongs. Ferrell though is an absolute disappointment and was a massive waste of an early draft pick it would appear. Maybe he can turn it around in dynasty but for the remainder of this season he's not playing enough or producing enough to be relevant in anything but the deepest of leagues or all IDP leagues, abandon ship. Everything else went according to plan this week.
Frank Clark helped the Chiefs blow away the Patriots in their own house this week.
Chiefs @ Patriots
Kansas City Chiefs
Performed as expected: Tyrann Mathieu (S) Damien Wilson (LB) Frank Clark (DE) Chris Jones (DT) Alex Okafor (DE)
Possible waiver adds: Alex Okafor (DE) saw an increase in playing time to 80% of snaps this week with the nagging injury to Frank Clark (DE), it's unknown if this elevated playing time will continue but if you need a shot in the dark at defensive line there are worse ideas.
Flash in the pan: Ben Niemann (LB) only played 20% of snaps this week so we can ignore his elevated production.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Anthony Hitchens (LB) only had three solo tackles on the day while playing 80% of snaps in an ideal matchup against a Patriots team that always runs a ton of plays and is usually IDP gold for opposing offenses, so this wasn't good at all. He's been a disappointment this season in both playing time and production and isn't worth much more than a linebacker three in deeper leagues. Juan Thornhill (S) had a bad week as well but still played 100% of snaps and is still just a rookie, maybe down the line he'll be what we thought he could be but it won't be this season.
New England Patriots
Performed as expected: Devin McCourty (S) Jamie Collins (LB) Patrick Chung (S) Stephon Gilmore (CB) Kyle Van Noy (LB)
Possible waiver adds: No one, playing any of these guys is a risk.
Flash in the pan: All of them every week.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: We got "good" Jamie Collins (LB) this week so that was nice, he played 87% of snaps just a week after playing around 50% of snaps which is how this team rolls. No one is locked into a specific role, playing time or expected production. It's a shit show and a roll of the dice every week and relying on any Patriots IDP during fantasy playoffs is a massive risk.
Budda Baker did his part this week as the Cardinals Chase Edmonds curse continues.
Steelers @ Cardinals
Pittsburgh Steelers
Performed as expected: Marc Barron (LB) Steven Nelson (CB) Terrell Edmunds (S) Mike Hilton (CB) Bud Dupree (EDGE) Cameron Heyward (DT)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers.
Flash in the pan: Vince Williams (LB) only played 52% of snaps and hasn't played much more then that all season, not enough playing time for any consistency, pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: TJ Watt (EDGE) and Minkah Fitzpatrick (S) both had down weeks, it's to be expected with Watt with him being an EDGE or OLB their production style is extremely boom or bust, if he doesn't record a sack he likely won't have a good week, the tackle floor just isn't there and he's big play dependent for the majority of his IDP points. Fitzpatrick is just a rich mans Eddie Jackson (S) when it comes down to it, both of them are also heavily reliant on big plays to score IDP points. Starting Fitzpatrick this year definitely won you some games but he also has weeks like this almost as often. He's been quiet lately so he's due for a monster game let's just hope we get it this week and for the title games week sixteen. Both of these guys have produced like this all season so this is nothing new, you are either alright with it or not by this point.
Arizona Cardinals
Performed as expected: Budda Baker (S) Joe Walker (LB) Chandler Jones (EDGE) Patrick Peterson (CB) Jordan Hicks (LB) Jalen Thompson (S) Byron Murphy (CB)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers but Joe Walker (LB) is back up to 100% of snaps played if you need linebacker help, as to whether or not he will play every snap again this week I have no earthly clue, I don't work for the Cardinals they don't clue me in on those decisions.
Flash in the pan: Tanner Valejo (LB) only played 27% of snaps this week and isn't someone I knew existed until this very moment, pass for many reasons and they should all be self explanatory by this point.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Literally every single IDP relevant producer on this team put in work this week and had a serviceable game or better, remain calm across the board.
Cory Littleton stepped up huge this week.
Seahawks @ Rams
Seattle Seahawks
Performed as expected: Bobby Wagner (LB) Tre Flowers (CB) Bradley McDougald (S) KJ Wright (LB) Quandre Diggs (S) Jarran Reed (DT) Shaq Griffin (CB)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers this week.
Flash in the pan: All the right names at the top of the box score.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Jadaveon Clowney (DE) was the only person to let us all down this week, shit even Bradley McDougald (S) got into the swing of things and did something this week, shame on you Jadaveon Clowney (DE), shame on you sir. He'll be fine he played 59% of snaps which was a small decrease likely due to the Rams building a lead then running the ball down Seattle's throat for most of the second half thereby offering limited pass rushing opportunities for Clowney this week. He will be fine in a closer game or if Seattle builds a lead which is likely this week against truly terrible Panthers. He's got a sold game or two left in him before the season's done I reckon.
Los Angeles Rams
Performed as expected: Cory Littleton (LB) Eric Weddle (S) Taylor Rapp (S) Samson Ebukam (LB) Jalen Ramsey (CB) Dante Fowler (EDGE) Troy Hill (CB) Aaron Donald (DT)
Possible waiver adds: No new producers this week.
Flash in the pan: Travin Howard (LB) only played 25% of snaps this week and isn't a person I knew existed on this planet until just now, pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Everyone who was supposed to put up numbers this week did so except Micheal Brockers (DE) who is only relevant in the deepest of deep all IDP leagues or as a defensive end three or four in massively deep regular leagues. Remain calm across the board.
Julian Love doesn't like being disrespected by IDP projections on sites that are weeks behind current events.
Giants @ Eagles
New York Giants
Performed as expected: Antoine Bethea (S) Alec Ogletree (LB) Julian Love (CB,S) Janoris Jenkins (CB) Leonard Williams (DE) David Mayo (LB) Markus Golden (EDGE) Dalvin Tomlinson (DT)
Possible waiver adds: Julian Love (CB) might still be out there, he's playing strong safety while listed as a corner in most places and is playing plenty of snaps, 98% this week and has had great production since taking over for the injured Jabrill Peppers (S).
Flash in the pan: Sam Beal (CB) did play 98% of snaps this week but I've never heard of him so it's probably not a great idea to trust a guy who's played one game ever in fantasy playoffs. Oshine Ximines (EDGE) only played 32% of snaps and is a true flash in the pan with the majority of his IDP points coming from those two sacks that likely will never happen again. Pass.
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Everyone who was supposed to put up numbers this week did so up to including some random guys who almost never produce so this is a remain calm across the board.
Philadelphia Eagles
Performed as expected: Jalen Mills (CB) Ronald Darby (CB) Malcolm Jenkins (S) Nathan Gerry (LB)
Possible waiver adds:
Flash in the pan:
Abandon ship or Remain calm: Derek Barnett (DE) was injured and out, Fletcher Cox (DT) and Brandon Graham (DE) played 94% and 87% of snaps respectively and did nothing with them at all, this had more to do with the Giants offense being completely inept for the majority of this game, this Eagles IDP corps should do much better against a real offense. Same deal with Nigel Bradham (LB), he played 100% of snaps but there weren't any plays to be made with the Giants going three and out almost every drive and when they did score it was on a big play, there were no long or sustained drives which are the kind that produce IDP points for opposing defenses. Remain calm they'll be fine when they play against a better offense.
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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