Week 12 was yet another action packed week of football. Let’s take a look at some players who make for nice potential waiver wire additions for your IDP squads.
Week 12 is just about in the books as we still have two games left to cap it off. This article was written before the conclusion of those games so unfortunately, it doesn’t include those players. Now it’s time to dive into some potential Week 13 waiver wire additions.
Disclaimer: All league sizes and formats are different. Meaning some of these players may or may not be available in your league. Each week I’ll be doing my best to cover a wide enough base of scenarios. If you ever have any league specific questions, I’m always willing to help and so is our fantastic team here at IDP Guys.
Linebackers
Troy Reeder – LB – Los Angeles Rams
Week 12 stat line: 15 tackles (12 solos), 1 tackle for loss
The Rams defense took a big hit this week as starting linebacker Micah Kiser was placed on IR with a knee injury. Just like earlier in the season, Troy Reeder was next man up. Reeder played 96% of the defensive snaps and had a big day producing 15 tackles (12 solos) and one tackle for loss. With Kiser slated to miss at least three weeks on IR, Reeder looks to be the man in the middle for the Rams in his absence. Inheriting a starting role and coming off a very productive Week 12 outing, Reeder is a fantastic waiver wire addition.
Nicholas Morrow – LB – Las Vegas Raiders
Week 12 stat line: 10 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 QB hit, 2 passes defended
With Cory Littleton out in Weeks 10 and 11, Morrow was tasked with stepping up as a full time player for the Raiders. Littleton made his return in Week 12, but only played 58% of the defensive snaps compared to Morrow’s 99%, which led all Raider linebackers. I don’t know if this trend will continue, but Morrow has been playing some of his best football lately. Over the last three weeks, Morrow has been filling up the stat sheet compiling 23 total tackles (20 solos), one tackle for loss, one sack, three quarterback hits, five passes defended, and one forced fumble. Morrow is a fine addition should he be available on your waiver wire.
Anthony Walker – LB – Indianapolis Colts
Week 12 stat line: 6 tackles (3 solos)
Walker has seen his role decrease this season as the Colts have chosen to use Bobby Okereke more in two linebacker sets with Darius Leonard. Okereke, was out this past week nursing an ankle injury. This opened the door for Walker to see more playing time and he was on the field for every defensive snap. Walker has already proven to be a solid tackle producer when on the field as he had back to back 100+ tackle seasons in 2018 and 2019. Okereke’s status is one to keep an eye on this week, if he’s out Walker would once again see increased snaps. With his up and down snaps counts, there is a chance Walker was dropped by a frustrated manager. Take a look and see if he’s available and keep an eye on Okereke’s practice participation this week.
Jermaine Carter – LB – Carolina Panthers
Week 12 stat line: 8 tackles (4 solos), 1 tackle for loss
Carolina’s third-year man Jermaine Carter has seen his role increase as of late. He made his third start of the year this week and played a season-high 64% of the snaps after playing 55% in Week 11. Tahir Whitehead has completely faded out of the picture in Carolina as he played only one defensive snap this week. Carter had his biggest IDP output of the year as he collected eight tackles (4 solos) and one tackle for loss. Carter’s production and playing time are trending in the right direction making him worth a look. If you have space on your bench, Carter is worth an add in deeper leagues.
Defensive Line/Edge
Chase Winovich – DE – New England Patriots
Week 12 stat line: 5 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack
It’s been quite the up and down year for Winovich snap wise. He started off the year playing well and averaged about 66% of the defensive snaps through the first four games. Then for whatever reason his snaps started to dwindle getting as low as five defensive snaps in Week 8. Why? Honestly, who the hell knows. It’s New England and this sort of thing seems to happen there. Don’t get me wrong I think Belichick is a defensive genius, but rostering his IDP relevant players can be frustrating at times. Winovich is back on Belichick’s good side and his snaps are back up as he’s averaging a 84% snap share over the last four games. With his snap share back up and a very nice Week 12 outing, Winovich is a solid waiver wire pickup if available.
Jabaal Sheard – DE – New York Giants
Week 12 stat line: 3 tackles (2 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 1 forced fumble
In Week 12, Sheard got his first start for the Giants and also saw his highest snap share at 49%. Sheard made good use of the increased opportunity turning in a nice IDP output. Registering his first sack of the year, Sheard helped seal the win this week as his strip-sack came with less than a minute left in the game. Leonard Williams recovered the fumble and the game was over. Sheard is more of a deep steaming option this week as the Giants go up against a Seattle offensive line that is prone to giving up sacks. Options are thin at this point, and they are even thinner in deeper roster leagues. If you’re looking for defensive line help and options are sparse, Sheard is worth considering with his nice matchup this week. Again this is more of a deeper league waiver wire option.
Raekwon Davis – DT – Miami Dolphins
Week 12 stat line: 5 tackles (2 solos), ½ sack, 1 QB hit
Raekwon Davis was the Dolphins second round selection in this past year’s draft. The big defensive tackle out of Alabama has consistently been in the defensive line rotation for Miami and has even started the last six games. In Week 12, Davis had one of his better outings and even notched his first digit in the sack column registering a half sack. Next up for Davis is the poor offensive line of Cincinnati in Week 13. Coming off one of his better showings this season the hope is Davis can keep the momentum going. In defensive tackle required formats, Davis is definitely worth a look with his plus matchup and solid snap share as of late.
Defensive Backs
Xavier Woods – S – Dallas Cowboys
Week 12 stat line: 10 tackles (6 solos), 1 pass defended
Xavier Woods had his biggest IDP output of the season in Week 12 and his 10 tackles (6 solos) were a team high. From a snap share standpoint, Woods is extremely reliable. Woods leads all Cowboy defensive players in snaps played on the year. If you’re looking for safety help with the final week of byes hitting, Woods is a name to consider.
Jimmie Ward – S – San Francisco 49ers
Week 12 stat line: 5 tackles (4 solos), 1 pass defended, 2 forced fumbles
Jimmie Ward is another safety who had one of his biggest IDP performances of the year in Week 12. Ward had a nice showing as he produced five tackles (4 solos), one pass defended and two forced fumbles. Ward was a key defensive piece in helping San Francisco pull off the upset against the Rams this week. The hope is Ward can keep his strong play rolling into Week 13 against the Bills. In leagues where the waiver wire is bare, Ward is worth considering where you start 3-4 defensive backs.
Karl Joseph – S – Cleveland Browns
Week 12 stat line: 5 tackles (4 solos)
Joseph was a player I talked about in last week’s waiver wire article. In Week 11, Joseph filled in for Ronnie Harrison after he exited with a knee injury. Harrison ended up starting in Week 12, but unfortunately injured his shoulder on the first defensive snap and was unable to return. This once again forced Joseph into action as his replacement. Should Harrison be unable to go this week Joseph would be inline for the start. Harrison’s status will be one to watch and if he’s out Joseph is worth a look if you are in need of safety help.
Bryce Hall – CB – New York Jets
Week 12 stat line: 6 tackles (5 solos), 1 pass defended
After the Jets released starting cornerback Pierre Desir, it was rookie Bryce Hall who got the bump to the starting lineup. Hall was the Jets’ fifth round pick in this year’s draft out of Virginia. Starting the last two games for New York, Hall is getting a chance to show the team what he’s got. Hall has been quite productive in his first two starts amassing 13 tackles (12 solos), one tackle for loss and one pass defended in that two game span. In cornerback required leagues, Hall is a nice option as a starting corner for a defense who sees the field plenty.
Conclusion
Thanks for tuning in to this weeks addition of the IDP waiver wire, you can check out all my previous IDP waiver wire articles here. For many leagues, this is the last week of the regular season before the playoffs. This year has been crazy, filled with injuries and Covid abruptly knocking players out unexpectedly. With the playoffs looming it’s important to keep adding depth to your roster when you can. You never know hen you may need a spot starter last minute. Good luck everyone and remember to keep up on the injury news and as always follow the snaps.
**Be sure to check out Morgan McLane’s offensive waiver wire article over a Dynasty Football Digest which you can view here.
