The president of the ultra mega cheek clapper ten thousand club had a date with Washington this week
Week five is in the books and there was more carnage. We usually don't talk offense here but I'm a known Cowboys fan, pessimist Cowboys fan but still, it is known. The season ending injury to Dak Prescott this week was just another gut punch in a season of gut punches and we're still only five weeks into this shit show. I've been doing this a long time, eighteen years overall, seventeen for IDP, and I can confidently say I've never seen anything like this in regards to injuries, big names, medium names, little names, every week and it shows no signs of slowing down. It's happening everywhere too, even for the streaming corners article I write weekly I'm having trouble figuring out who is even playing due to the massive annihilation we're seeing even in the secondary of a good number of teams this year.Â
And that's not even factoring in coronavirus which is causing havoc as well and seems to be gaining momentum as the season continues. Things are not great in general. This Dak injury isn't just bad for the Cowboys, it's bad for football in general and particularly fantasy football. Dak was no bullshit creating about 400 yards of offense a week prior to this week against the Giants and going down for the season. He was responsible for minimum one wide receiver one with Cooper, an upper echelon wide receiver two in Lamb and a solid wide receiver three or flex play in Gallup plus a top twelve tight end in Shultz. All of that is gone now. Sure Andy Dalton (QB) isn't the worst backup on the planet but are we really expecting the same seasons from those guys I just mentioned now that Dalton is at the helm? I think not. A ton of weekly fantasy producers just took a massive hit. That's bad for football.
I was talking to my IDP Guys podcast co host and known pessimist, Sean, after the injury and described this using a Star Trek term. This injury has a cascade effect on fantasy football. A cascade effect is an inevitable and sometimes unforeseen chain of events due to an act affecting a system. In Star Trek it was commonly seen as an event that once begun rapidly spins out of control and has far reaching effects beyond the immediate and obvious ones. In fantasy football it means we remove one player and because of that we effect multiple others, the effects on the wide receivers and tight end are obvious, they're in for exponentially less productive seasons going forward. However it also effects the IDP side of things. This offense now runs through Zeke, that's the initial reaction anyways unless you all think Andy Dalton (QB) is going out there and slinging it all over the place for 450 yards and four touchdowns a week.
With the shift in offense the Cowboys offense should become more of a ball control offense focusing on the run, which in turn should improve their time of possession (which was basically dead last in the league) which in turn means less defensive snaps for guys like Jaylon Smith (LB), Joe Thomas (LB) and Leighton Vander Esch (LB) when he returns from injury. The lack of explosive offense means fewer shootouts and that in turn hurts Trevon Diggs (CB) and any other corners we want to stream in Dallas. The lack of explosive offense means the chances Dallas gets out in front quickly or by a good amount is less likely as well which in turn means less passing by the opposing team which in turn means less pass rush by guys like Aldon Smith (DE), DeMarcus Lawrence (DE) and Everson Griffen (DE). This injury isn't just bad for offensive fantasy football it's bad for IDP too I believe. It's truly a cascade effect that will change the outcomes of countless fantasy leagues this year and will shift the balance of power in those same leagues irreversibly.Â
What does that have to do with this weeks Monster? Not a whole lot honestly it was just something I was thinking about and this is my little area to talk about whatever's on my mind in fantasy football land each week. It is another example of this season biting us all in the bum and will very likely not be the last. This will probably help push out people who are on the fence about staying and fighting or running for the hills and coming back next year when there's no coronavirus and hopefully a preseason to perhaps cut down on the non contact injuries we've seen so far. In the end if we continue to keep fighting and showing up every week I think that there will be exponentially fewer of us still paying attention and doing everything we can to win when playoffs roll around than there were week one this season. People are frustrated and tired of putting in the extra effort to juggle all this craziness. That will eventually work to our advantage. In the end nothing's really changed, we still just need to scratch and claw and fight to get into playoffs and anything can happen from there.Â
So with that in mind let's dive into week five and see if there are any moves to be made on our defense that can help us do just that. Because if we do win this year, yes some may say it's an asterisk season due to all this. But in your money leagues and home leagues and dynasty leagues and the leagues where you play against guys you love to beat does that really matter? In the famous words of Dominic Torretto, "Winning is winning". When this is all said and done and we're on to next season the championships from this year will still be there in our site profiles, the money that we win will still be real money and we'll know that not only was this season not an "asterisk" season but was actually one of if not the hardest we've every played to make it all the way through and take down the title. Let's keep our eyes on the prize, everything else is noise. Here's what happened in week five.
Tom Brady had a long day and got thoroughly acquainted with the Chicago Bears pass rush
Bucs @ Bears
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Produced as expected:Â Bucs Corners Jordan Whitehead (S) Antoine Winfield (S) Lavonte David (LB) Jason Pierre Paul (DE) Vita Vea (DT)
Flash in the pan:Â William Gholston (DE) only played 59% of snaps and isn't IDP relevant unless in a super deep league and even then he's probably going to do something to score you significant points like this every few weeks, generally he's an avoid.
Possible waivers:Â No new producers this week.
Misc notes:Â The Bears only ran the ball 14 times for 35 yards and lost the time of possession battle 32 minutes to 28, the easy run stopping tackles we all count on for the tackle floors for guys like Devin White (LB) and Lavonte David (LB) were nonexistent this week. The Bucs are 15th in the league in time of possession overall and when you exclude the butt whooping they got against New Orleans in week one and when Carolina dominated them in TOP the week after they are averaging three more minutes per game time of possession in the last three games for almost 33 minutes a game. For reference that's only one minute less than the 2019 Ravens averaged all of last season and their run game and time of possession ranking was legendary last year. The bottom line is this defense is good, the offense is also good and they haven't run into many great offenses besides New Orleans and somewhat in Carolina. They're winning time of possession and scoring enough that opposing offenses aren't running as often as normal, all of this hurts those easy run stopping tackles we count on for the floors for both of these inside linebackers that we all drafted so high in our IDP leagues. Is it ideal? No. Is it happening? Yes. What can you do about it? In shallow leagues I would find another option but in medium to deeper leagues where one of these guys are one of three or four weekly linebackers you probably need to just eat it. Better weeks are coming.
They're not playing the Bears and that horrid rushing attack again this season. They both play plenty and both produce plenty in decent matchups, stay the course. That's what I'm doing anyways. Vita Vea (DT) was injured and is done for the season. I doubt their replacement is going to be IDP relevant but we'll keep an eye on it. Shaq Barrett (EDGE) had a down week but still played plenty, 87% of snaps this week, and is coming off of two super hot weeks. He'll be fine as well, nature of the position being a sack dependent OLB with no tackle floor. If you choose to play him in your lineup as a regular linebacker you need to be at peace with weeks like this. This defense overall produced quite a bit of IDP points overall I think if we had just seen a couple more sustained drives with a decent amount of runs up the gut into guys like Devin White (LB) and Lavonte David (LB) for the tackle everyone would be freaking out exponentially less. If that were the case that then we're just looking at a bad week for Shaq Barrett (EDGE) and that's it. Gamescript and opposing offense are a huge part of IDP production that often gets overlooked. You need to go up against a solid offense with a good mix of run and pass and a nice time of possession for your IDP to look the best it can look, that doesn't always happen. Chalk this week up to going against a sub par offense and we'll give it another go next week when these guys get Green Bay. There sure as hell won't be a lack of easy run stopping tackles in that game.
Chicago Bears
Produced as expected:Â Danny Trevethan (LB) Roquan Smith (LB) Kyle Fuller (CB) Tashuan Gipson (S) Khalil Mack (EDGE)
Flash in the pan:Â Jason Vaughters (LB) only played 21% of snaps and isn't someone I knew existed until just now, not enough playing time for relevance and not someone who's ever produced before, pass.
Possible waivers:Â No new producers this week.
Misc notes:Â Danny Trevethan (LB) played 77% of snaps this week and has been hovering around that amount of snaps the last couple weeks and has been far more productive than in week one and two. I still don't think we're going to get the linebacker one weeks we used to get every other week the last couple years but he's at least back to being solidly IDP relevant at this point. I'd trust him as a linebacker three going forward, asking anything besides that might be a recipe for disappointment. Eddie "Skidmarks" Jackson (S) got that nickname from me several seasons ago for being wildly inconsistent and massively unreliable in general. He's more than capable of blowing up and having a massive week but in general this is what we usually get, a handful of tackles. He does play plenty, 100% of snaps as usual this week, but is very boom or bust. Keep that in mind if he's a weekly option for you this season, doesn't hurt to keep an eye out for a better and more consistent option.
Akiem Hicks (DT) and Robert Quinn (EDGE) both had a down week, for Hicks he still played 80% of snaps and is having an excellent season, no worries here he'll be fine. Quinn has seen sub par playing time the last couple weeks and was up to 58% of snaps this week but has looked like a shell of the producer he was in Dallas and with the Rams in previous seasons, also he's now designated as an outside linebacker in most leagues so his value drops significantly compared to when he was designated as a defensive end. There are likely better OLB or EDGE options out there if you do choose to go that route. Jaylon Johnson (CB) had a down week as well but still played 100% of snaps and has been a really good streaming corner this season along with the essentially "set and forget" Kyle Fuller (CB) who is almost good enough to leave in every week no matter what the matchup is. Everything else here looks like business as usual.
The up and coming safety Jeremy Chinn would appear to have a bright future in front of him
Panthers @ Falcons
Carolina Panthers
Produced as expected:Â Shaq Thompson (LB) Jeremy Chinn (S) Rasul Douglas (CB) Brian Burns (DE) Justin Burris (CB/S)
Flash in the pan:Â Troy Pride (CB) came in for the injured and out Donte Jackson (CB) who only saw 2% of snaps before getting injured and leaving for the day. He'll be an option for streaming corner only as long as Jackson is injured and out. As long as you're aware of this and keep an eye on Donte Jackson (CB) health he's usable as a streaming corner but in general this is a short term flash in the pan thing. Tahir Whitehead (LB) once again only played 54% of snaps this week, he was around this same amount last week, he only had four combined tackles this week so the lack of playing time is starting to impact his production now as well, we always knew he was bad and was a warm body that produced by default but it would appear the end is near now, keep looking for another option. Marquis Haynes (DE) is likely also a flash in the pan very short term option, I comment on him below.
Possible waivers:Â No new producers this week.
Misc notes:Â Marquis Haynes (DE) played 55% of snaps this week and had a sack, the reason why I've never seen his name before is he's a backup that came in for Brian Burns (DE) who was concussed. You may be able to get one more week out of him if Burns doesn't play the next game due to the concussion but it's a very short term option at best, better to just pass entirely. Brian Burns (DE) got a concussion in this one after only 25% of snaps played but was able to at least have a solid day before that happened, he should be fine going forward once he's healthy again and back in the lineup. Yetur Gross Matos (DE) once again only played an insignificant amount of snaps, 26% overall, and was unable to record anything besides a tackle assist and one QB hit on the day, he remains a dynasty futures piece only at this point. Shaq Thompson (LB) played 100% of snaps and looked solid this week with ten combined tackles on the day, there was some concern over him for a couple sub par performances but in general if the opposing offense is any good at all Thompson is going to be heavily involved all game, continue to start him as a linebacker two in most leagues going forward. Jeremy Chinn (S) looks like he's going to be a star for a long time, another great game for him this week, nothing to see here other than a bright future.
Derrick Brown (DT) played 51% of snaps which is fine, he didn't have any stats of any kind this week though and has come crashing back down to earth after that decent game a couple weeks ago, when that game happened I tried to warn people that his job is essentially "space eater" and he wouldn't be very good for IDP purposes, knowing what the role is over your defensive tackle for your IDP squad is just as important as how much they play and where you were able to draft them. Chris Jones (DT) and Aaron Donald (DT) are integral parts of their respective teams pass rush and are counted on to get sacks whereas guys like Derrick Brown (DT) and DJ Reader (DT) and many others, traditionally the nose tackles on most teams, are responsible for plugging running lanes and the occasional run stopping tackle and will never be pass rushing threats unless they luck into a sack every now and then. Defensive tackle particularly drops off a cliff after the first handful of known IDP producers, this position in my opinion is even more important than defensive end to get a stud or two at if your IDP league has all the positions broken out (DT,DE,LB,S,CB,etc). There are many more productive defensive ends that are more than capable of getting ten plus sacks a year and really only three to five or six defensive tackles that can do that and do it repeatedly year after year, it's an important position to get right. Derrick Brown (DT) is not the guy you're looking for despite his draft capital. Everything else here looked like business as usual.
Atlanta Falcons
Produced as expected:Â Foye Oluokun (LB) Deion Jones (LB) Keanu Neal (S) Falcons Corners Ricardo Allen (S)
Flash in the pan:Â NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week.
Possible waivers:Â Kendall Sheffield (CB) had his first week back after injury and played 91% of snaps and had a very nice box score, he'll be part of our streaming corners for Atlanta going forward.
Misc notes:Â Grady Jarrett (DT) and Dante Fowler (EDGE) both had down weeks but played 82% and 52% of snaps respectively, Jarrett still recorded half a sack so depending on your league's scoring he may have turned in a decent week all things considered but for Fowler it was another disappointing week in a disappointing season. Once again his playing time was not where we'd like it to be and once again he failed to record a sack or splash play of any kind. He had a massive season last year and signed with the Falcons to help their always underwhelming pass rush but hasn't been able to produce at all. It's safe to say you should be looking for other options in regards to him, he is an OLB or EDGE guy in most leagues and they're a dime a dozen these days, if he were designated DE or DL that would give him more value but in general he hasn't come remotely close to what many expected from him this season. Keanu Neal (S) was back from his one week injury and logged 89% of snaps this week turning in a seven combined tackle effort which is quite solid, he may never return to his safety one form from years ago but so far this season he's been a rock solid safety two in most leagues and he's played without a season ending injury for the first time in years. Let's hope that continues. Not much else to see here this week, besides the known producers we've already discussed here and the corners we stream from this team there isn't much to see.
After a slow start to the season Mr. Crosby is on a rampage recently
Raiders @ Chiefs
Las Vegas Raiders
Produced as expected:Â Nevin Lawson (CB) Jonathan Abram (S) Cory Littleton (LB) Clelin Ferrell (DE) *somewhat* Maxx Crosby (DE)
Flash in the pan:Â Chris Smith (DE) only played 26% of snaps and got a lucky sack, obviously an outlier performance and no significant playing time, pass.
Possible waivers:Â Nevin Lawson (CB) has seen significant playing time since the injury to Damon Arnette (CB) and racked up an impressive box score this week while playing 90% of snaps, he'll most definitely be part of the corners to stream from this team going forward until Damon Arnette (CB) returns from IR which will be minimum a couple more weeks if it's the short term IR and possibly longer.
Misc notes:Â The Raiders owned time of possession by a massive 36 minutes to 24 minutes this week which is incredible considering this is the Chiefs offense we're talking about here. Obviously when your own offense is on the field that much your time on defense is significantly less than usual and that is reflected here in the box score pretty obviously. There just weren't a ton of tackles to go around this week for the Raiders IDP producers, keep that in mind as I list a whole heap of guys who had sub par weeks, most of them should be fine especially because this was an obvious outlier performance. Nick Kwiatkowski (LB) only played 64% of snaps this week and due to the lack of playing time for him and this Raiders defense plus the emphasis on the Chiefs passing game (they were behind and needed to throw their way back into things) he was never in a good position for production this week, so I'm not shocked by the bad box score or reduced playing time, the Raiders corners and pass rush played the most and that makes sense when you look at how this game played out, if we see this against a team with a better running game in a neck and neck game all the way to the end THEN we can worry, for now it's just a blip on the radar, I'd be OK with starting him as a linebacker three or four in deeper leagues next week.
Cory Littleton (LB) only had five combined tackles but on the other hand he did play every snap this week because he's decent in coverage which gives him exponentially more value over one dimensional guys like Kwiatkowski, overall Littleton has been disappointing this season but if he's one of four or more linebackers in your lineup every week I'd hang on to him unless you can find a better option that plays as much as he does and doesn't leave the field on passing downs. Erik Harris (S) suffered a hand injury in this one hence the 57% of snaps this week and the down day in the box score, Jeff Heath (S) came in for him and secured a key interception that helped seal this win so there's talk in Raiders land about Heath seeing more playing time as the season continues, for now though I think if Harris is OK next week he should return to seeing every snap and being a pretty productive safety two preferably three in deeper leagues. Not much else here of note, Nicholas Morrow (LB) continues to play second fiddle to Nick Kwiatkowski (LB) and will likely continue to do so unless the injury grim reaper gets Morrow or he really looks like crap for awhile.
Kansas City Chiefs
Produced as expected:Â Anthony Hitchens (LB) Derrick Nnadi (DT) Chris Jones (DT)
Flash in the pan:Â Daniel Sorensen (S) Damien Wilson (S) see below. Willie Gay (LB) only played 46% of snaps but it was a ton more in reality due to the massive amount of time this defense spent on the field, he's going to be a star he's just not quite there yet, getting there though.
Possible waivers:Â Bashaud Breeland (CB) returned from injury and played the most of any Chiefs corner right out of the gate, he'll be a big part of the corners to stream from here going forward, since I was asked about it on Twitter here's what it looked like, keep in mind the Raiders didn't have to pass a ton so corner snaps all around were down for the Chiefs. Breeland with 73%, Ward 70% and Fenton with 50% of snaps played this week.
Misc notes:Â If you're going to look at guys like Anthony Hitchens (LB), Daniel Sorensen (S) and Damien Wilson (LB) and salivate over their numbers while you scroll through waivers this week please keep in mind the Chiefs played 36 minutes of defense this week. And those three guys I mentioned played 67%, 53% and 86% of snaps respectively and the 86% for Damien Wilson (LB) is most definitely not normal/a clear outlier, he's usually around or under 50% of snaps played, somewhere in that ballpark. All of these guys, essentially the majority of this defense, will have inflated numbers from this week, don't fall into the trap of grabbing them off waivers, in the immortal words of Coach Green "THEY ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!" So yeah, the Chiefs linebackers aren't all of a sudden a great waiver wire option and a random third safety only playing half the game isn't going to put up these numbers for you every week. Circumstances matter, when we look at the circumstances here it becomes apparent this was an outlier week overall for this defense, the Chiefs offense hasn't changed it's still going to stream roll people and own time of possession more weeks than not and this defense is still only good for the two cheek clappers on the line, Frank Clark (DE) and Chris Jones (DT) and Honey Badger, beyond that I have zero interest in anything else here besides in the deepest of leagues where I would consider Juan Thornhill (S) as a safety three or four and obviously we'll stream their corners because we stream every teams corners because that's how that works.
If Admiral Ackbar (REB) were here he'd be yelling "IT'S A TRAP!". Frank Clark (DE) played a massive 84% of snaps this week but was unable to get to the quarterback and record a sack, overall he's having a fine season and remains a very nice end of tier one or start of tier two defensive end, pair him with either Bosa, Garret, Hunter or Young and you have yourself one hell of a one-two punch. He'll be fine it's just the nature of his position, no one is supposed to record a sack every week unless you're 2001 Michael Strahan (DE). The Chiefs corners saw reduced snaps overall as a unit due to the Raiders 35 rushing attempts for 144 ground yards and eight rushing first downs. When the Raiders did pass they scored on quick strikes to Henry Ruggs (WR) and Nelson "unlike" Agholor (WR) among others. The Chiefs were down the entire second half playing catch up while the Raiders ran the ball and killed the clock, that's not a situation where you load up with corners so it makes sense to see the reduced snaps from that unit, I'm not worried about that one bit. We got answers on what that unit will look like with Breeland back I talked about that above. Everything else here looked normal, Willie Gay (LB) is making strides we may see him end up being what IDP Twitter thought he might be before the season is done.
Budda Baker was fine with half a thumbÂ
Cardinals @ Jets
Arizona Cardinals
Produced as expected:Â Budda Baker (S) De'Vondre Campbell (LB) Jordan Hicks (LB) Byron Murphy (CB)
Flash in the pan:Â Dennis Gardeck (LB) only played 14% of snaps and lucked into some big plays, would you play a wide receiver or running back who only plays 14% of the game? Same deal here, your linebackers are the weekly big point scorers for you in most IDP leagues, this ain't it. Pass.
Possible waivers:Â Deionte Thompson (S) played 99% of snaps for the injured and out Chris Banjo (S) and will continue to be a nice waiver wire safety going forward while Banjo is out, this is short term only though he'll see a massive reduction in snaps if and when Banjo returns to the lineup so if you do make this move keep that in mind and track Banjo's recovery. Four combined tackles and a pass defended, ten points total in most of my leagues so not bad for a bye week or short term injury replacement guy so it's worth the move but just keep the Banjo situation in mind if you choose to do so. UPDATE Chris Banjo (S) got a limited practice in last week but wasn't ready for game action, this may not be an option with that in mind but in stupid deep leagues it's not a bad idea if you see Chris Banjo (S) is inactive this week you can make this move.
Misc notes:Â Budda Baker (S) came back this week after getting a good amount of this thumb chopped off and played 100% of snaps and recorded ten combined tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss on the day. Not bad at all for a guy missing part of his hand. If Budda Baker (S) has a pulse you play him, end of story. Chandler Jones (EDGE) very likely tore his biceps (at the time of writing the MRI results weren't in yet) and is likely done for the season, that's why his snaps were down a ton this week, if this is the end for him this year it was a disappointing campaign but we all know what he's capable of so I have zero issue giving him another shot next season if and when he returns. Isaiah Simmons (LB) played 19% of snaps and did nothing again this week, he remains a massively expensive dynasty futures piece that has had zero return on investment so far.
If that changes in any fashion I'll let you know but so far he's not worth rostering in redraft and is just taking up a bench or taxi spot in dynasty that could be used on an actual productive player. Jordan Phillips (DE/DT) played 46% of snaps this week which is a little less than usual and only recorded two solo tackles on the day, if he's designated a defensive tackle in your league I'm comfortable starting him as a DT3 or DT4 or a bye week guy but in general he's only usable in deeper leagues, he'll have some productive weeks ahead though he's coming off a career season in Buffalo and is good for a sack every couple three weeks or so. Byron Murphy (CB) saw fewer snaps than Dre Kirkpatrick (CB) this week, 78% to 94% on the day, Murphy is the better corner (PFF 58 to 38) and has been the better IDP producer for streaming corner in recent history as well so this one is a mystery to me, he isn't hurt from what I read so for now it's just an anomaly. If it happens again next week we'll start to worry. Business as usual besides those things.
New York Jets
Produced as expected:Â Jets Corners Neville Hewitt (LB) Avery Williamson (LB) Marcus Maye (S)
Flash in the pan:Â John Franklin Myers (DE) only played 36% of snaps this week and lucked into a sack and a smattering of solo tackles, clearly an outlier performance and not enough playing time for any sustained production, pass.
Possible waivers:Â It's now completely safe to add and start Avery Williamson (LB) going forward, plug in and watch the production by default come in for the rest of the season.
Misc notes:Â With the release of Alec Ogletree (LB) it pretty much cements in stone Avery Williamson (LB) as the other inside linebacker to own here besides Neville Hewitt (LB) going forward, Williamson played 93% of snaps and recorded eight combined tackles, two passes defended and an interception on the day, just the nature of the Jets team (terrible offense, idiot for a head coach, a bunch of senior citizens at running back, shredded wide receiver corps, best linebacker opted out, best safety went to another team, etc etc) means this team will spend more time on defense than offense pretty much every game this season so both Williamson and Hewitt should make excellent producers at linebacker the remainder of the season. With Bless Austin (CB) injured and out Lamar Jackson (CB), the bad one, played 100% of snaps and had a very nice day with six solo tackles, as long as Austin is out it looks like Jackson is in for our corners to stream from here going forward. Obviously everyone loves Pierre Desir (CB) now but keep in mind cornerback is even more spotty, inconsistent and unreliable for weekly IDP production than even defensive tackle, Desir is a nice streaming corner in solid matchups but he is not 2019 Logan Ryan (CB) or Antoine Winfield Sr (CB) for essentially his entire career, the good times can and will come to an end if everyone keeps chasing points here, just a heads up.
If the matchup is right that's one thing, but starting Desir weekly expecting what we got the last two weeks is unrealistic and will lead to disappointment. Also his playing time may take a little hit when Bless Austin (CB) returns, that's just a guess based on what I saw weeks one through three but is a realistic possibility. Bradley McDougald (S) had an injury scare but was able to return after missing some snaps, he ended up playing 77% of snaps this week and had an acceptable game which likely would've been fine if he had played the extra 23% of snaps, he's fine health wise and should return to being a safety three or four in deeper leagues next week. Quinnen Williams (DT) was listed as the nose tackle this week according to NFLGSIS, I didn't watch this game so I have no idea how accurate that is but he was down to just 55% of snaps played this week and his production was sub par as well, he was moved to defensive end in most leagues I've seen and retains far more value if still a defensive tackle in your league. Regardless he's only had one really nice week this season and is still a work in progress, in general if he's still a defensive tackle in your league I'd be comfortable with him as a DT2 preferably DT3 in deeper leagues since the talent pool at defensive tackle falls off a cliff, he's a hold in dynasty but keep an eye out for a better option in redraft. Not much else of note here this week.
Cameron Heyward got it done again this week like he has for years
Eagles @ Steelers
Philadelphia Eagles
Produced as expected:Â Darius Slay (CB) Jalen Mills (S) Rodney McLeod (S) Nathan Gerry (LB) Javon Hargrave (DT) Fletcher Cox (DT)
Flash in the pan:Â Alex Singleton (LB) only played 37% of snaps and hasn't done much else of note this season, not nearly enough playing time for any kind of consistency, pass.
Possible waivers:Â Duke Riley (LB) will very likely be a popular waiver wire linebacker this week and I've talked about him in this article before this season, several times, he did play 75% of snaps but the thirteen combined tackles and one tackle for loss are an outlier in my humble opinion. The Steelers owned time of possession 35 minutes to 35 minutes and ran the ball 32 times for 136 yards on the ground, also known as a ton. There were many easy run stopping tackles to be had this week, more than usual and it made Duke Riley (LB) look like a hidden gem when he's really just a decent linebacker four in very deep leagues who benefitted from ideal game script this week and took advantage of a ton of easy run stopping tackles, don't expect this every week going forward, in fact have a look at the weeks leading up to this and his production during those games, those handful of tackles a week is very likely what you're getting if you make this waiver move. It is a legit move, just know what you're getting and what we got this week isn't reality. Nathan Gerry (LB) is still the linebacker to own here.
Misc notes:Â Javon Hargrave (DT) played 65% of snaps this week, the most he's played all season, and recorded four combined tackles, half a sack, half a tackle for loss and a QB hit on the day, I've been talking him up for weeks saying this was coming, well it's here. If you need defensive tackle help I hope you listened the last two or three weeks as I talked about this very thing happening. It may not be too late, check if he's available in your league even if it's to trade him in a few weeks or use for a bye week replacement or plug him in and trade your big name defensive tackle for something else you need and only see a small drop off in weekly production, the possibilities are endless, defensive tackle help, legit defensive tackle help, doesn't come around that often mid season in IDP this may be the only chance at it this season. Brandon Graham (DE), Derek Barnett (DE) and Josh Sweat (DE) all had sub par games this week and played 76%, 65% and 37% of snaps respectively, after the strong start to the season that had some of IDP Twitter hoping Sweat would continue to see elevated snaps it would appear he's once more an after thought as Graham and Barnett return to the two IDP relevant defensive ends here.
That's not to say he won't have a nice week here or there but the best ability is availability and the Eagles look like they're back to favoring their two known and mediocre defensive ends in Graham and Barnett rather than giving the youngster more opportunity like some were hoping for. Barnett and Graham remain defensive end two or threes in deeper leagues while Sweat will remain just a dynasty futures piece and a flash in the pan guy every few weeks while this playing time for all three looks like this. Nothing else of note here really, Marcus Epps (S) played significant time, 72% of snaps, as the third safety but only recorded one tackle and a pass defense on the day. We already know how I feel about these "third safeties" in general and this one didn't even do anything of note so I've already wasted too many movements of my fingers saying this much about him. We'll keep an eye on the defensive ends going forward and look for Duke Riley (LB) to return to earth shortly, especially in a game where the Eagles defense isn't on the field for 35 minutes.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Produced as expected:Â Steelers Corners Terrell Edmunds (S) Minkah Fitzpatrick (S) *somewhat* Stephon Tuitt (DE) TJ Watt (EDGE) Cameron Heyward (DT) Bud Dupree (EDGE) *somewhat*
Flash in the pan:Â NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week.
Possible waivers:Â No new producers this week.
Misc notes:Â The Steelers defense was only on the field for 25 minutes this week due to the domination of their offense and run game, guys like Devin Bush (LB) and Vince Williams (LB) suffered due to that fact, also the fact that this one got out of hand pretty quick and forced Philly to shift to the passing attack essentially every down instead of continuing to run with Miles Sanders (RB) hurt the chances for easy run stopping tackles for Bush and Williams as well. They'll both be fine, this was just a weird week for them. There were no significant variations in playing time for any of the known and IDP relevant producers here as well. Besides the fact that this defense didn't spend a ton of time on the field therefore the two inside linebackers missed out on some easy tackles for their floor everything here looks fine. Carry on.
Aaron Donald is a man.
Rams @ Football Team
Los Angeles Rams
Produced as expected:Â Micheal Brockers (DE) John Johnson (S) Aaron Donald (DT) Jordan Fuller (S)
Flash in the pan:Â Kenny Young (LB) did play 70% of snaps which is acceptable but hasn't done anything else of note this season and usually doesn't play this much either, he could be worth a pickup in super deep leagues but in general he's not going to be IDP relevant unless the makeup, roles and strategy of this defense changes fundamentally. Jachai Polite (LB) only played 7% of snaps and lucked into a sack, pass, obviously.
Possible waivers: Troy Reeder (LB) was the injury replacement for Micah Kiser (LB) and played 89% of snaps while recording eleven combined tackles, three sacks, two tackles for loss and three QB hits on the day, a truly massive day. Obviously he makes an excellent waiver wire linebacker as long as Michah Kiser (LB) is out. The last part of that sentence is important, this disappears the second Kiser is back which could even be this week. If you make this move you also need to track Kiser's recovery, it's a two part deal. Still, if we do get another week of Troy Reeder (LB) we know what he's capable of now and makes a terrific short term option if the planets align.
Misc notes:Â The Rams beat writers tricked a bunch of us in IDP Twitter into starting Taylor Rapp (S) this week, he only ended up playing 24% of snaps and recording two solo tackles and a pass defense on the day. I did warn that Rapp would very likely return to being IDP irrelevant once Jordan Fuller (S) returned from injury and that's what happened. Jordan Fuller (S) played 100% of snaps and recorded four combined tackles and two passes defended on the day, he returns to being a safety two preferably three in deeper leagues going forward and we can't trust Taylor Rapp (S) until something changes due to an injury or Fuller proves he can't handle the other starting safety job. Leonard Floyd (EDGE) played a massive 98% of snaps this week but wasn't able to land a sack even though they were a dime a dozen this week, he remains a boom or bust EDGE guy and I've talked about the nature of their production many times in this article over the years, this is what you sign up for if you play these guys in your linebacker slot.
Troy Hill (CB) only played 70% of snaps this week and was banged up going into the game, this one was over early so he likely got some rest once this one was in the bag, this wasn't a great matchup for him anyways with the parade of backup quarterbacks we saw in this one, he'll return to being an excellent streaming option the next time the Rams play a better offense than what Washington has to offer. Everything else here looked like business as usual. Aaron Donald (DT) is a monster. UPDATE Jordan Fuller (S) re aggravated his injury and was placed on IR this week, it's likely the short term IR but for however long he's out Taylor Rapp (S) is in. Start Rapp with confidence for the duration of this injury.
Washington Football Team
Produced as expected:Â Landon Collins (S) Jonathan Allen (DT) Montez Sweat (DE) Ronald Darby (CB) Troy Apke (S) Jon Bostic (LB) & Kevin Pierre Louis (LB) *somewhat* Kendall Fuller (CB)
Flash in the pan:Â NA, all the right names at the top of the box score.
Possible waivers:Â No new producers this week.
Misc notes:Â Chase Young (DE) played 66% of snaps in his first week back from injury and only recorded two solo tackles and a tackle for loss on the day. He was clearly not 100% yet and should be much better next week and should play more as well, we've already seen what he's capable of and the future remains bright, if he plays you start him, end of story. Kendall Fuller (CB) played 100% of snaps this week and had another interception this week, he came over from Kansas City in the offseason and has lived up to his contract so far since he got the late start after an early injury this season. He makes an excellent streaming corner option in the right matchups going forward.
Thomas Davis (LB) was up to 49% of snaps this week so the playing time is creeping up there, he's still not a direct threat to Kevin Pierre Louis (LB) yet but it's something we're monitoring, if there's a changing of the guard there I'll try and ring the alarm bells to give you enough time to make adjustments if you're using Pierre Louis weekly in your deeper IDP league. Troy Apke (S) saw a small reduction in playing time this week down to 69% of snaps, I checked for an injury and all I found were articles about how he's been giving up big plays and needs to do better going forward, obviously that's not ideal if you picked him up off waivers for safety help, right now it's a concern. If he's not back to up to the 100% of snaps he's played every other game this season next week we'll officially start ringing the alarm bells. Nothing else of note this week.
Marcus Peters & Marlon Humphrey are matchup proof corners
Bengals @ Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals
Produced as expected:Â Josh Bynes (LB) Jessie Bates (S) Vonn Bell (S) Carlos Dunlap (DE) Germaine Pratt (LB)
Flash in the pan:Â NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week.
Possible waivers:Â Akeem Davis Gaither (LB) had the break through we were waiting on with these young linbackers, 79% of snaps this week with four combined tackles and a pass defended, not the greatest box score but we've been waiting for one of or both of these young linebacker to displace the senior citizens in front of them and that finally happened this week. Add Gaither Davis in deeper leagues definitely, maybe sit him a week to make sure this is for real but it's been trending this way for a couple weeks now I so think it's legit. Geno Atkins (DT) was back from injury this week, he only played 30% of snaps but it's obvious they're easing him back in, he's been an excellent IDP defensive tackle for many years and is a great option if you need defensive tackle help. The lack of any recorded stats doesn't concern me he barely played this week and is still likely a little banged up, he'll be fine and back to his normal playing time probably next week or the week after at worst.
Misc notes:Â Carl Lawson (DE) led all Bengals defensive ends with 63% of snaps this week and has displaced Carlos Dunlap (DE) as the other IDP relevant defensive end here going forward. Carlos Dunlap (DE) still played 46% of snaps and got a sack so he had a fine day overall but his playing time is now just a fraction of what it has been for many years, youth has finally won out, it will be Lawson and Hubbard as the defensive ends to own here for the foreseeable future, we've been talking about this in here for weeks now but it appears this is pretty much set in stone now. Logan Wilson (LB) was up to 48% of snaps played this week and the trend of Bynes and Pratt losing snaps as the young linebacker Gaither and Wilson gain snaps continues this week. Wilson isn't playing enough yet for weekly work even in deeper leagues but he's heading in that direction, we've been on this week for weeks now and the picture is getting clearer each week, it might be time to add Wilson as well in deeper leagues in preparation of him taking over as the other IDP relevant inside linebacker here in the near future.
Germaine Pratt (LB) only played 57% of snaps this week and managed to put up a decent box score but the trend of him and Bynes playing less and less isn't stopping. Sam Hubbard (DE) played plenty with 60% of snaps on the day, especially when you consider how little the Ravens had to and did pass this week, he'll be fine he's also a little banged up, he'll continue to be a fine defensive end two going forward, this down week was just nature of the position and all that, no defensive end is going to get a sack or splash play every single week unless they're named Micheal Strahan (DE) and it's 2001. Remain calm. Geno Atkins (DT) was back this week which was nice to see, he's an excellent defensive tackle two or three in deeper leagues who will have some big weeks once he's 100% healthy and playing his normal snap percentage. Everything else here looks like business as usual.
Baltimore Ravens
Produced as expected:Â Patrick Queen (LB) Chuck Clark (S) Marlon Humphrey (CB) DeShon Elliot (S) Marcus Peters (CB) Derek Wolfe (DE)
Flash in the pan:Â Jaylon Ferguson (LB) only played 36% of snaps this week and clearly had an outlier performance, just like LJ Fort (LB) the last couple weeks this is a trap, don't fall into it. The best ability is availability, counting on a guy who barely plays to be consistent and productive every week is like asking Rian Johnson to make a good Star Wars movie, it's just not going to happen. Pass. Same deal with Pernell McPhee (LB) who only played 52% of snaps and hasn't even been on my radar once this season, clearly an outlier performance and I doubt he plays even this much again next week, pass unless we see minimum this much playing time preferably more for a couple weeks going forward and even then he would only be an option in the deepest of leagues.
Possible waivers:Â No new producers this week that I feel remotely comfortable recommending.
Misc notes:Â Which one of LJ Fort's (LB) two tackle assists while only playing 37% of snaps on the day did you enjoy the most this week? I've been warning people about this guys outlier performances while not playing anything remotely close to ideal playing time for the last two or three weeks, and yet my opponent in the IDP Guys Autism Speaks Invitational somehow played him this week so I know people have been doing this, I've also seen other guys in IDP Twitter saying they've seen it in their leagues and literally shaking their heads at how crazy that is. This guy barely plays, what you saw here this week is what he normally does, remember that going forward. Matthew Judon (EDGE) and Calais Campbell (DE) both had down days this week, they played 55% and 51% of snaps this week, the reduced snaps obviously come from the blowout nature of this game, neither had an injury I'm aware of and I checked on both. They both usually play a good bit more than this and besides both are sack or big play dependent guys just based on their roles and positions so their production is going to be spotty anyways, chock this up as a bad week and keep plugging them in, well Campbell anyways.
If you're using Matt Judon (EDGE) in your regular linebacker slot in the first place that's probably not the greatest idea and you need to be at peace with weeks like this if you want to continue to do that. Boom or bust. It was nice to see DeShon Elliot (S) bounce back with a really nice game in the box score while playing his normal 100% of snaps this week. Marcus Peters (CB) and Marlon Humphrey (CB) are the closest thing to "set and forget" IDP corners you'll find these days, along with James Bradberry (CB), Logan Ryan (CB/S) and Jaire Alexander (CB) those are my favorite IDP corners by a good amount, it's always a pleasure to plug them in each week especially in a nice matchup like we had this week with the pass happy Bengals. Nothing else of note here.
Zach Cunningham is a monster
Jaguars @ Texans
Jacksonville Jaguars
Produced as expected:Â Dakota Allen (LB) Jags Corners, Joe Schobert (LB) *somewhat*
Flash in the pan:Â Daniel Thomas (S) is the backup for Josh Jones (S) who was ejected for a helmet to helmet hit this week, the only reason Thomas played at all and logged this nice box score is because of that, disregard as an option for waivers and ignore as a producer this week. Dawuane Smoot (DE) did play 69% of snaps this week and recorded a sack but that's only because Josh Allen (DE) was injured and out this week, he's done nothing else of note this season and I haven't read anything saying Allen's injury is serious, however if Allen does miss another week Smoot does become an option in the deepest of leagues but short term at best.
Possible waivers:Â Jarod Wilson (S) was back from injury this week and replace Andrew Wingard (S) who did not play any defensive snaps this week, I was campaigning for being cautious and avoiding Wingard in general in last weeks article due to his fluctuating playing time, a kind gentleman on Twitter pointed out that was because of an injury Wingard suffered a couple weeks ago. An unintended side effect of my warning on Wingard is I did not recommend him last week which worked out when Jarod Wilson (S) quietly came off the PUP and returned to the lineup. So I did screw the pooch, no doubt, but it ended up working out in the end. Regardless Wilson makes a nice waiver wire safety if you need help there, he played 100% of snaps his first week back and recorded three combined tackles, a pass defended and an interception on the day. He'll likely be a safety three or four in deeper leagues going forward. Dakota Allen (LB) makes a great Myles Jack (LB) impersonator if Jack doesn't play again next game, if Jack is healthy and back in the lineup though this move doesn't work so you need to monitor Myles Jack's (LB) health if you want to do it. UPDATE Andrew Wingard (S) was placed on IR this week as well so he's really done.
Misc notes:Â Josh Allen (DE) was injured and out this week along with Myles Jack (LB). I talked about the IDP relevant replacement for Jack up above, there is no IDP relevant replacement for Allen on the Jags. K'Lavon Chaison (EDGE) saw an uptick in snaps likely due to Josh Allen's (DE) absence this week but wasn't able to do anything with that extra playing time, just one tackle assist and one pass defended on the day, he remains just a dynasty futures piece at this point. Joe Shobert (LB) played 98% of snaps this week but only recorded four combined tackles on the day, the Texans actually lost time of possession so the Jags defense was on the field less than usual and there were only twenty rushing attempts for the Texans so the Jags had some easy run stopping tackles but not as many as you would expect from such a one sided affair.
There are some in IDP Twitter who think this Jags middle linebacker slot is cursed and Schobert will suffer the same fate as Myles Jack (LB) did last season in that same role, I don't really agree with that. We saw Telvin Smith (LB) excel in that slot for many seasons and Schobert is just as talented if not more. It's been a little worrying just overall Schobert has had three excellent games this season, one acceptable game and this weeks crappy game. That's about normal for a linebacker one like he has been for some time now, I'm not boarding life boats or even considering an abandon ship, we'll see what happens next week for now this down week was just an outlier. Besides Tre Herndon (CB) this Jags cornerback situation is a giant mess, in general he's the only one I would consider streaming in decent matchups until guys like DJ Hayden (CB) and CJ Henderson (CB) return from injury. Looking good besides these issues.
Houston Texans
Produced as expected:Â Zach Cunningham (LB) Justin Reid (S) Eric Murray (S) Bradley Roby (CB) Whitney Mercilus (EDGE)
Flash in the pan:Â Jacob Martin (DE) only played 47% of snaps as the third defensive end for the Texans, I barely trust Charles Omenihu (DE) and JJ Watt (DE) is having a down season as well, this pass rush is just not that great in the first place and Martin hasn't done much else of note this season, this was an outlier week with a lucky sack, I'm not into it.
Possible waivers:Â Tyrell Adams (LB) came in for Bernardrick McKinney (LB) who was injured and out this week and had a monster game while playing 89% of snaps on the day, if McKinney is out again this week or for any length of time this is an excellent move worthy of really any size league, the only thing is you have to monitor McKinney's health as part of the deal here, if he plays this doesn't exist, that's the score here. UPDATE Bernardick McKinney (LB) is out for the season, absolutely pull the trigger here this will minimum be a linebacker two for the rest of the season in every size league, best linebacker option at waivers this week hands down.Â
Misc notes:Â JJ Watt (DE) once again played a ton of snaps, 95% this week, but was unable to land a sack or splash play of any kind finishing the day with only two tackle assists and a pass defended on the day. He's been severely disappointing this season but in deeper leagues he's still a better option that some shmuck off waivers. He plays more and has the historical production plus we know how talented he is, I'd rather go with him weekly over many other options, he's going to blow up one of these weeks. If you have a better option fire away but in general unless you're in a very shallow league where someone panic dropped Maxx Crosby (DE) or Josh Allen (DE) or Cameron Jordan (DE) the first couple three weeks and you were able to scoop them there probably isn't a better option floating around out there.
He will produce at some point, it just won't end up being one of his twenty or seventeen sack seasons from the distant past. Zach Cunningham (LB) only played 69% of snaps this week due to the blowout nature of this game but still recorded a monster box score, he does not, in fact, suck. Tyrell Adams (LB) could end up being a massive waiver wire linebacker move, it looks amazing at the moment, we'll watch it week to week in real time but this could be this years Donald Payne (LB) who helped many people win championships last season. Bradley Roby (CB) once again played every snap this week and had a really nice game as a streaming corner option even in a less than ideal matchup, he's one of the best options for streaming corner each week especially if it's a good matchup. Everything else here looks good.
Fred Warner put up a monster box score this week
Dolphins @ 49ers
Miami Dolphins
Produced as expected:Â Jerome Baker (LB) Eric Rowe (S) Bobby McCain (S) Emmanuel Ogbah (DE)
Flash in the pan:Â Andrew Van Ginkel (LB) and Zach Sieler (DE) are likely flashes in the pan, Van Ginkel usually plays around 30% of snaps each week, this is the most he's played all season and I doubt it's anything more than an outlier, this defense is all over the place with playing time and production every week. Sieler hasn't done anything else of note this season, if he plays this much next week I might consider him for a waiver wire option but for now it's just more of the same, a random gut that usually does nothing having an outlier week on a massively chaotic defense. UPDATE Sieler likely saw significant snaps due to the injury to Shaq Lawson (DE) that had him sidelined this week, when he returns to the lineup we should see Sieler return to his normal IDP irrelevance. Besides Baker (somewhat), Ogbah, Lawson and Van Noy and Wilkins (both somewhat) I wouldn't consider anyone on this team for my IDP production due to the consistently fluctuating playing time, production and roles week to week. Elandon Roberts (LB), 47% of snaps this week, same story different warm body, pass there as well.
Possible waivers:Â No new producers this week, just the same warm bodies in a completely different combination of snaps and production just like every week with this ridiculous Patriots wannabe defense.
Misc notes:Â Jerome Baker (LB) was magically back up to 98% of snaps this week after seeing a drastic reduction in both playing time and production last week, 70% of snaps and two combined tackles if I remember correctly. This is the problem with playing guys from this defense, there is no stability here. Everyone on this defense from Andrew Van Ginkel (LB) to Jerome Baker (LB) has their playing time, production and even role or responsibility in this defense change wildly week to week, you never know what you're getting. In a game where consistency is king you're literally playing with fire starting anyone other than Shaq Lawson (DE), Emmanuel Ogbah (DE), Christian Wilkins (DT) or the corners here. Kyle Van Noy (LB) has had huge weeks, last week even, where was he this week? Two combined tackles that's where. Baker did nothing last week, Van Noy nothing this week, there is no consistent production here especially at linebacker. You can play this game if you want but it could and likely will end up burning you when it hurts the most, like in playoffs maybe. I'll take someone who plays roughly the same amount every week, has the same role (therefore the same floor) every week and isn't going to screw me when I need him most because his defensive coaching staff thinks they're a bad copy of the Patriots defense. Davon Godchaux (DT) was injured in this one and will miss "months" according to what I read so that's it for him, he was likely only being played in deep dynasty leagues anyways so this isn't the biggest loss in the world. I'm sure there is more to diagnose and look at here but I would be doing a disservice to you by even pretending I'm interested in this defense besides streaming their corners every once in awhile or using some of their decent defensive line in deeper leagues.
San Francisco 49ers
Produced as expected:Â Fred Warner (LB) Jimmy Ward (S) Jaquiski Tartt (S) Kwon Alexander (LB) Kerry Hyder (DE)
Flash in the pan:Â Dre Greenlaw (LB) only played 52% of snaps this week which I believe is the most he's played so far this season, the Dolphins owned time of possession by a massive 37 minute to 23 minute margin this week and went up huge early then just salted the game away by running basically the entire second half, it's very likely the Niners just bumped Greenlaw's snaps as additional run stopping support in an attempt to slow down the Miami rushing attack and give the 49ers "offense" a chance to get back into this one.
Possible waivers:Â No new producers this week, Dre Greenlaw (LB) will very likely be something again at some point this season but not until Kwon Alexander (LB) shatters into a million pieces at some point this season just like every season. *(Last minute injury update) Kwon Alexander suspected high ankle sprain and could be done for weeks, adding Dre Greenlaw is an excellent idea IMMEDIATELY*
Misc notes:Â Javon Kinlaw (DT) and Arik Armstead (DT) played 67% and 81% of snaps respectively this week and both had down weeks in the box score which is disappointing considering how much time this defense spent on the field overall and how much Miami ran the ball this week, this should have been a slam dunk solid tackle floor game for both of these IDP relevant defensive tackles with this type of game script. While the Dolphins were just shy of 100 yards on the ground they did have 33 rushing attempts, Armstead and Kinlaw should've been able to stuff at least a few of those giving either or both a decent box score on the day. Regardless Armstead remains a top twelve IDP defensive tackle and will have better days while Kinlaw remains a very nice dynasty futures piece that has been playable in deeper leagues as a defensive tackle three or so. The Niners defense spent a ton of time on defense this week, 37 minutes total, so their overall IDP production as a whole is massively inflated this week. I commented on that with Dre Greenlaw (LB) above but it's also worth noting you're very likely not going to get this kind of production out of Jimmy Ward (S) and Jaquiski Tartt (S) every week, they're both safety three preferably fours in much deeper leagues, just keep that in mind going forward.
With the losses of Dee Ford (DE), Nick Bosa (DE) and Ezekiel Ansah (DE) I was expecting elevated snaps from someone on this defensive line but instead we just saw Armstead play a ton and Hyder and Kinlaw play their normal 60-ish percent of snaps as usual, beyond that there were just a bunch of warm bodies with a pulse playing anywhere from 18% to 52% of snaps between about five different guys. So no new producers on this defensive line unfortunately, we'll keep an eye on it though. The corners situation here remains a mess, continue to pass on the steaming options here, Jason Verrett (CB) played the most by far with 97% of snaps but only recorded two combined tackles even with Miami putting up over 350 yards of passing offense, the next corner only played 61% of snaps and didn't do much better with just three combined tackles on the day. We'll wait for Sherman and Moseley to return before coming back to this team for streaming corners. Business as usual everywhere else.
The future is now, old man.
Colts @ Browns
Indianapolis Colts
Produced as expected:Â Bobby Okereke (LB) Rock Ya Sin (CB) Anthony Walker (LB) Denico Autry (DT) DeForest Buckner (DT)
Flash in the pan:Â Zaire Franklin (LB) only played 36% of snaps this week and likely only played that much because everyone saw a bump upwards with Leonard injured and out, he'll return to IDP irrelevance once Leonard returns and even now you're not playing a guy who plays 36% of snaps are you? Al Quadin Muhammed (DE) only played 51% of snaps which is actually fine for some defensive ends but hasn't done anything else of note this season and is the fourth defensive end in playing time according to NFLGSIS, this is an outlier performance that likely won't happen again for quite some time, pass.
Possible waivers:Â Bobby Okereke (LB) remains a great waiver wire linebacker regardless of situation while Anthony Walker (LB) remains a great option while Darius Leonard (LB) is injured and out. Walker will likely see a rather larger reduction in playing time when Leonard returns from injury. Julian Blackmon (S) played 88% of snaps and recorded four combined tackles so nothing spectacular in either department but does have a role the rest of the season if you need help in the deepest of leagues.
Misc notes:Â Rock Ya Sin (CB) and Kenny Moore (CB) played 67% and 100% of snaps respectively this week. Ya Sin has been banged up the last couple weeks so they're probably just easing him into things, he's played but has been hurt and left early at least two of the last three weeks, they don't want to break him. When everything looks normal it should be Ya Sin leading all corners in playing time then Kenny Moore (CB) and Xavier Rhodes (CB) right behind him. Obviously Rock Ya Sin (CB) had a massive box score this week and will be a popular waiver wire add for the point chasers of the world but clearly he's not playing full snaps yet and has been somewhat fragile recently, I'd look for other streaming options first before coming to Indianapolis for corner help with everything up in the air like it is at the moment.
The fallout from the Darius Leonard (LB) injury was waiver wire linebacker heaven for many this week as both Okereke and Walker had excellent games in the box score. Leonard should be back this week or next at the latest and when that occurs remember what we saw prior to this injury, Okereke had taken over as the other IDP relevant inside linebacker here in terms of playing time and his production was trending up as well. Don't fall into the trap here and leave Walker in your lineup when Leonard comes back into the lineup. Not much else here of note this week.
Cleveland Browns
Produced as expected:Â BJ Goodson (LB) Denzel Ward (CB) Andrew Sendejo (S) *somewhat* Myles Garrett (DE)
Flash in the pan:Â Sione Takitaki (LB) and Kevin Johnson (CB) qualify this week. They played 27% and 73% of snaps respectively, I've been ringing the alarm bells on Takitaki for weeks now and his playing time is far below where you want it to be, he's an abandon ship even with the decent box score this week. Kevin Johnson (CB) was the third cornerback in terms of playing time and hasn't done much else this season besides this, with the news of Greedy Williams (CB) being placed on IR there is an opportunity for someone to step into the corners we stream from here but in general if it's not Denzel Ward (CB) or Terrence Mitchell (CB) I'm not into it.
Possible waivers:Â No new producers this week.
Misc notes:Â Sione Takitaki (LB) and Mack Wilson (LB) played 27% and 34% of snaps this week and haven't been playing enough for a waiver wire move any time recently, neither will be any help with Malcolm Smith (LB) moving up in playing time and looking better than both of these guys. Larry Ogunjobi (DT) was injured and out this week. Sheldon Richardson (DT) played a massive 84% of snaps this week but had a down week, overall he's having a terrific season and this is the nature of his position, he'll be fine there are big weeks to come. Olivier Vernon (DE) played a massive 86% of snaps this week but wasn't able to land a sack, he's a solid defensive end three or four in much deeper leagues just due to his playing time and opportunity every week, he'll have some good weeks to come.
Ronnie Harrison (S) saw elevated snaps with Karl Joseph (S) injured and out this week, still he only saw 66% of snaps and got a lucky interception return to the house for a huge box score, he'll very likely return to IDP irrelevance once Joseph returns from his hamstring injury but if something changes there I'll let you know. Malcolm Smith (LB) played 66% of snaps this week and recorded five solo tackles and a pass defended on the day, he's been a bigger and bigger part of this defense since coming in for the struggling Sione Takitaki (LB) a few Thursdays ago against the Bengals. I've talked about him before in the possible waivers section of this article and it looks like he's almost safe enough to plug in weekly in deeper leagues, in general though BJ Goodson (LB) is the only IDP relevant linebacker here to play weekly. Myles Garrett (DE) continues his domination of everything in his path.
Logan Ryan, the ultimate cheat code at corner
Giants @ Cowboys
New York Giants
Produced as expected:Â Logan Ryan (CB/S) Blake Martinez (LB) Dalvin Tomlinson (DT)
Flash in the pan:Â Ryan Lewis (CB) had a decent box score and played 97% of snaps this week but in general the guys to play here for the Giants corners are James Bradberry (CB) and Logan Ryan (CB), this kind of production from Lewis will be extremely spotty compared to those two have been excellent essentially every week this season. Same deal with Darnay Holmes (CB) who plays even less than Ryan Lewis (CB), pass on that as well.
Possible waivers:Â Adrian Colbert (S) played 76% of snaps as once again Julian Love (S) was nowhere to be seen, this could be due to that or due to Peppers seeing fewer snaps than usual because he's still not 100% healthy and got eased back into the lineup this week, either way this still doesn't feel "safe" but it is a thing. If you need safety help in deeper leagues he might be worth an add but I'd wait and see what next week looks like with Peppers likely playing closer to his usual snap percentage before plugging Colbert into your lineup. See Markus Golden (EDGE) note below.
Misc notes:Â Jabrill Peppers (S) was active this week against Dallas but only played 35% of snaps but was able to put up five combined tackles and a tackle for loss on the day. That's a good sign for when he's feeling completely healthy and back to his normal playing time, if his playing time shoots up next week like it should I'd feel comfortable putting him back in the lineup in deeper leagues, for now he's still a sit for me though. Markus Golden (EDGE) saw a significant bump in playing time this week due to Lorenzo Carter (EDGE/OLB) going down with injury, Carter is done for the season so Golden may be relevant once more going forward knowing that, he's worth an add and sit in deeper leagues that are big play. Kyler Fackrell (LB) played 98% of snaps this week and had a monster game but hasn't been on my radar otherwise this season so I'm hesitant about recommending him as a waiver wire move, we'll see what next week brings and make a decision from there. James Bradberry (CB) had a rare down week in the box score but in real football completely shut down Amari Cooper (WR) for the game and holds a PFF grade just under Jaire Alexander (CB) as the best cover corner in the game, he's had one bad game this year which is incredible considering just how inconsistent IDP corner is as a position for production in general. I'll be continuing to stream him with confidence against any passing offense with even a little bit of talent and effectiveness. Besides that not much else to see here, no other anomalies in playing time that stood out and the guys who didn't produce like Dexter Lawrence (DE) still had a decent game and Leonard Williams (DE) has always stunk so nothing to see there either.
Dallas Cowboys
Produced as expected:Â Jaylon Smith (LB) Joe Thomas (LB) Aldon Smith (DE) *somewhat* DeMarcus Lawrence (DE) Everson Griffen (DE) *somewhat* Xavier Woods (S)
Flash in the pan:Â NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week.
Possible waivers:Â Leighton Vander Esch (LB) if he was dropped in any of your leagues, the time of his return is nearing quickly.
Misc notes:Â Leighton Vander Esch (LB) has been ahead of schedule on his return from injury and has a chance to play his week against Arizona, keep that in mind if you've been rolling out the excellent waiver wire linebacker Joe Thomas (LB) weekly, his time is coming to an end soon it would appear. Darian Thompson (S) and Donovan Wilson (S) both didn't really play enough to be effective and neither did much in the box score this week, they played 22% and 65% of snaps respectively and seem to be leaching off each other for playing time, I'll let you know if we get another full time IDP relevant safety here at some point but it isn't now. Trysten Hill (DT) is done for the season with an ACL tear, he was a somewhat relevant IDP defensive tackle in deeper leagues so we'll keep an eye out and see if his replacement plays enough and produces enough for a waiver add down the line but nothing concrete at the moment.
The Cowboys cornerbacks situation is still messy with all the injuries, Jourdan Lewis (CB) played the most with 79% of snaps this week but Trevon Diggs (CB) who came in at 74% of snaps is still the guy I want to stream here if the matchup is correct, which it really wasn't all that great this week. He has the draft capital to ensure a role every week and these other guys seem to fluctuate in playing time and role weekly so that limits their value for streaming corner, Chidobe Awuzie (CB) should become a solid streaming option if and when he returns from injury this season. The Cowboys pass rush looked good this week, Aldon Smith (DE) didn't land a sack but still had a handful of tackles for a decent box score while both Lawrence and Griffen had a sack and half a sack plus some other stats for fine days as well. Everything else here looked good, I would bet all the tea in China people are going to leave Joe Thomas (LB) in their lineups when LVE comes back and eat a zero or a severely reduced stat line that week whenever it happens because they aren't paying attention, don't let that be you.
Wagner had a perfect matchup with the run happy Vikings, how did he do?
Vikings @ Seahawks
Minnesota Vikings
Produced as expected:Â Eric Kendiricks (LB) Eric Wilson (LB) Anthony Harris (S) Ifeadi Odenigbo (DE) Yannick Ngakoue (DE) Cameron Dantzler (CB)
Flash in the pan:Â NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week.
Possible waivers:Â No new producers this week, I've talked about Odenigbo and Wilson many times since week one in this article, I hope you were able to enjoy the nice weeks from them.
Misc notes:Â Harrison Smith (S) still played every snap like he does every week but had a down week with only two combined tackles and a QB hit on the day. His name is always in the top twelve IDP safeties at the end of the season basically every season but he's less consistent than some other guys like Budda Baker (S) or Justin Simmons (S) or Jordan Poyer (S). He will have monster games and huge weeks and already has a couple times this season, you have to just eat the bad weeks with this guy because the good weeks are really good, if you want to bail out and find a better option go for it though because this is what life is like starting him weekly. Ifeadi Odenigbo (DE) played 78% of snaps this week and finally had a really nice stat line, he's been playing enough all season and it doesn't look like Danielle Hunter (DE) is coming back any time soon so he should remain an option for a good amount of the year, he's not going to be an every week guy just due to the nature of his position but in general I'm comfortable starting him weekly in deeper leagues as a defensive end three or four, I have been saying he's good and due to a huge weeks for awhile now, this was that.
Todd Davis (LB) still isn't IDP relevant on this defense, 20% of snaps played and still just a piece of the overall machine not an integral cog like Kendricks or Wilson, we'll keep an eye on it though the injury grim reaper has been running wild this season so he may end up being involved more if disaster strikes somewhere down the line. Mike Hughes (CB) returned from injury this week and played 80% of snaps, he didn't do much with them but he will be part of the corners to stream from here going forward since I'm fairly sure he'll play more than this next week and going forward. Everything else looked good, Eric Kendricks (LB) is once again quietly in the running for linebacker one this season.
Seattle Seahawks
Produced as expected:Â Bobby Wagner (LB) Shaq Griffin (CB) Ryan Neal (S) Quandre Diggs (CB/S) Benson Mayowa (DE) Quinton Dunbar (CB) Jarran Reed (DT) KJ Wright (LB)
Flash in the pan:Â Cody Barton (LB) did play 68% of snaps this week which is decent but hasn't done anything else of note this season and was likely just playing more to desperately try to slow down the Vikings excellent rushing attack, I wouldn't look too far into this it's clearly an outlier performance. If it happens again next week we'll start to take it seriously. LJ Collier (DE) only played 46% of snaps and has been a massive waste of draft capital overall, he hasn't done much else of note his entire career nevermind this season and will likely not do anything close to this again in the box score for a long time, pass.
Possible waivers:Â Ryan Neal (S) remains an option so long as Jamal Adams (S) is injured and out, that will cease to exist the second Adams returns to the lineup which will very likely happen after this bye week. Keep that in mind, if Adams is active Neal is probably a nothing burger.
Misc notes:Â As predicted here for weeks Tre Flowers (CB) saw his playing time drop down drastically to just 21% of snaps played this week with the return of Quinton Dunbar (CB). With Griffin and Dunbar playing Flowers is a non factor, he was only IDP relevant due to the injury to Dunbar the last few weeks. Speaking of Quinton Dunbar (CB) he was back from injury this week and played 79% of snaps as they eased him back into the lineup, he recorded four combined tackles and a pass defended, ten points in most of my leagues, which was perfectly acceptable for a streaming corner in a less than ideal matchup. He'll return to being one of our preferred corners to stream in the right matchups going forward along with Shaq Griffin (CB) from this defense. Quandre Diggs (S/CB) had a really nice box score and played 100% of snaps as usual but in general is very inconsistent with his production, he usually never has a solid tackle floor and is usually big play dependent for his points, he's playable in deeper leagues or as a hidden safety in corner specific deeper leagues but I wouldn't expect these kinds of weeks consistently. Remember to yank Ryan Neal (S) when Jamal Adams (S) returns from injury likely after this bye week, you don't want to forget that and get caught with your pants around your ankles. Everything else here looked good, the guys who were supposed to produce did so.
Joey Bosa had plenty of opportunity Monday night
Chargers @ Saints
Los Angeles Chargers
Produced as expected:Â Kyzir White (LB) Reyshawn Jenkins (S) Chargers Corners, Kenneth Murray (LB) Joey Bosa (DE) Uchenna Nwosu (DE/LB) Nasir Adderley (S)
Flash in the pan:Â NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week.
Possible waivers:Â No new producers this week.
Misc notes:Â Joey Bosa (DE) only played 37% of snaps this week and was clearly hobbled and banged up, he was still able to get a sack because he's a monster but you need to have a backup plan going forward because he definitely looks hurt. Micheal Davis (CB) played the most of the Chargers corners by a good amount and had a really nice day in the box score, with Chris Harris (CB) injured and out and Casey Hayward (CB) leaving this one early with an injury he looks to be the best streaming option here for a little while at least with Desmond King (CB) being the second option. We'll keep an eye on it. Neither Chargers IDP relevant defensive tackle did much this week but Linval Joseph (DT) and Jerry TIllery (DT) both played plenty, 75% and 78% respectively, and will both have better days to come as defensive tackle three's in deeper leagues. Kyzir White (LB) played 97% of snaps and is battling Joe Thomas (LB) and Micah Kiser (LB) as the best waiver wire linebackers so far this season, Tyrell Adams (LB) is going to have something to say about that though if my guess is correct. Melvin Ingram (DE) is eligible to return week six so keep that in mind if you see him floating on waivers somewhere, he always makes a nice defensive end two or three in deeper leagues and works very well with Joey Bosa (DE) to terrorize opposing quarterbacks. Everything else looks good this week.
New Orleans Saints
Produced as expected:Â Cameron Jordan (DE) DeMario Davis (LB) Marshon Lattimore (CB) Alex Anzalone (LB) Trey Hendrickson (DE) David Onyemata (DT) *somewhat*
Flash in the pan:Â Sheldon Rankins (DT) qualifies because he hasn't been anywhere close to what many of us expected from him this season, he played 51% of snaps this week which is fine but I need to see more than one good week out of him before I'm a believer once more, he's already burned as many many times.
Possible waivers:Â Marcus Davenport (DE) has returned from injury and played this week, I talk about it in more detail below, short version is I wouldn't expect more than defensive end three in deeper league production out of him going forward due to health issues and the emergence of Trey Hendrickson (DE).
Misc notes:Â Which one of Chauncey Gardner Johnson's (S) two tackles did you enjoy the most this week? I've been ringing the alarm bells about these "third safeties" for weeks now, this is why. Just two solo tackles on the day while playing a very reasonable 83% of snaps overall. If they don't play every snap I'm not into it, generally there are plenty of safeties around that fit that description unless in a very deep league, also these third safeties usually don't have the same roles and responsibilities in the defense week to week so you never know what the floor is for these guys. When I go on tangents about this stuff it's because of weeks like this, Gardner Johnson for sure cost someone a win this week with this performance, very likely many someone's.
Marcus Davenport (DE) returned from injury this week but only played 30% of snaps, part of that is them likely easing him back into the lineup and the other part is that Trey Hendrickson (DE) has been more than capable as the replacement for Davenport and has earned himself snaps even with Davenport back healthy again, with that in mind I would temper expectations for anyone planning on starting Marcus Davenport (DE) going forward. Janoris Jenkins (CB) was injured and out once again this week, Patrick Robinson (CB) helped fill in for him and had a decent four combined tackles on 96% of snaps played but in general I'd rather wait and go with Jenkins when he's healthy once again to pair with Marshon Lattimore (CB) as the corners we stream from this defense. Cameron Jordan (DE) had a massive game and led all Saints IDP production this week as a defensive end, I told you guys he wasn't done yet, put the shovels away. By the time it's all said and done he'll end the season as a top twelve defensive end like he always does, remain calm. Not much else of note this week.
Tremaine Edmunds was in a great matchup this week
Bills @ Titans
Buffalo Bills
Produced as expected:Â Jordan Poyer (S) Tremaine Edmunds (LB) Bills Corners, Quinton Jefferson (DT) Micah Hyde (S) *somewhat*
Flash in the pan:Â NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week.
Possible waivers:Â Tyrel Dodson (LB) remains a nice waiver wire linebacker option while Matt Milano (LB) is injured and out, he played 91% of snaps this week and recorded seven combined tackles on the day, this only works if Milano is out though so keep an eye on his status if you do choose to make this move.
Misc notes:Â The Bills pass rush was awful this week and was unable to land even a single sack on the day. It was a total wash for guys like Mario Addison (EDGE), Trent Murphy (DE), Ed Oliver (DT) and Jerry Hughes (DE). They all played their normal snaps so nothing of note there but were unable to land a splash play to give any of them a nice day in the box score, they all remain in the same tiers I've always had them in. AJ Epenesa (DE) only played 6% of snaps partly because his offsides penalty helped cost the Bills any chance of a comeback about mid fourth quarter and prior to then he wasn't all that effective to begin with.
The stupid penalty was the coupe de grace though, he was pulled immediately by a pissed off Sean McDermott and benched with authority, so not great for his overall short term value but he does remain a dynasty futures piece. The Tyrell Dodson (LB) waiver wire linebacker move worked out pretty well for the guys who made it this week, like I said above if Milano is out he's in and that's not a bad short term option. Tremaine Edmunds (LB) looked excellent this week and is right back on track with his IDP production after an early season panic by some of his shareholders. Jordan Poyer (S) quietly continues to have a shot at safety one for the season as the big time studs fall off one by one as the injury grim reaper takes them out. Nothing out of the ordinary here, the producers produced with the exception of the Bills pass rush which isn't the greatest in the first place.
Tennessee Titans
Produced as expected:Â Rashaan Evans (LB) Malcolm Butler (CB) Jayon Brown (LB) Kenny Vaccaro (S) Harold Landry (EDGE)
Flash in the pan:Â NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week.
Possible waivers:Â No new producers this week.
Misc notes:Â Jeffrey Simmons (DT) was inactive due to being on Covid IR, he should be back next week and will continue to be a nice defensive tackle one or two depending on league size at that point. Kevin Byard (S) and JaDaveon Clowney (EDGE) both had down games, again, but played 90% and 74% of snaps respectively so no significant fluctuations in playing time for either. Byard is always going to be boom or bust, he's just been a lot more bust than boom this season so even I am starting to lose patience and I've seen this from him for literally years now, time to at least look for a better option since he's not giving us those wild week winning performances nearly as often as he has in the past.
Clowney has been a disappointment all season and doesn't look to be trying to change that anytime soon, unless you're in a much deeper league or still somehow have him in a place where he's designated as a defensive end I'm moving on. Everything else looked pretty good, the corners are still down Adoree Jackson (CB) and I haven't heard anything new except that his knee is still an issue and he's still solidly on IR. Malcolm Butler (CB) was a fine streaming corner this week along with Chris Jackson (CB) while Jonathan Joseph (CB) had a bit of a down week in a really nice matchup. We'll keep an eye on Adoree Jackson's (CB) recovery as it progresses because he will very likely be a terrific corner to stream when he's back in action. Everything else looked good this week. Good luck in your matchups this coming week and may the fantasy Gods have mercy on us all.
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