IDP Waivers & Reaction Week Two (2)

The anointed one takes his place as an IDP monster following in his fathers foot steps

Week two is in the books and this year we didn't get a Thursday night massacre, not yet anyways, but we did get Black Sunday. Nick Bosa, Saquon Barkley, CMC, Jeudy, Lock, Jimmy Beautiful, Mostert, and many others all went down this week, some for the season, some for God knows how long. I hate being right about things like this but I've been saying this for some time now that this was always going to happen. We didn't have a pre season, we didn't have a "real" training camp. We just did some two hand touch during the summer and then tossed everyone out there and said "good luck buddy". We knew there would be injuries because of that, but wow, this is insane. We haven't even seen coronavirus poke it's ugly head out yet and that's likely coming as well.

Things may look pretty bleak at the moment but it's still not over, if anything this will just push the normies and casuals farther towards giving up and gives the true degenerates like us an opportunity to scratch and claw our way into playoffs where anything is possible. I know our fantasy teams are shredded, I know we took a lot of gut punches this week. When you really get down to brass taxes we really only have two choices, keep going or give up. I don't know about you but I'm sure as hell not giving up anytime soon. At the minimum I'm going to plug those holes through waivers and MAKE my opponent beat a full team of guys who are active and play, I would never just roll over and give it to them easily. Is it going to stink replacing Saquon with Wayne Gallman , Dion Lewis or Devonta Freeman? Oh yeah, definitely. Is Benson Mayowa a massive downgrade from Nick Bosa? No doubt it is. Do we have a choice? No. 

So there's really no point in whining about it. This is happening, and will continue to happen from everything I've seen so far. Heck it may even get a lot worse if coronavirus gets involved as well. We always knew this was going to be a clown show of a season. Embrace the chaos. I can't help you with your offense, lord knows there are a million of the exact same account on Twitter that would be more than willing to do that for you. What we can do is figure out the best moves to replace those losses on your IDP end of things. Obviously they aren't going to be exactly what you had before but we'll do what we can to give ourselves a chance of competing, these injuries are going to effect our opponents as well so it's a circus all around. Chaos is a ladder, let's channel our inner Littlefinger and we'll be fine.

Just a quick note about the lack of a "start or sit" IDP article from me this last week. Between work, life, two podcasts, two articles, helping with the subscriber slack chat and personal DMs with listeners and readers I was just barely getting those three articles (this one, streaming corners and start/sit) in on time and had literally zero time to do anything except go to work and sit at this laptop typing. I was literally sitting there Thursday night last week deciding if I was going to stay up until the wee hours of the morning writing yet another article or was going to watch and enjoy the Bengals/Browns game. I had never planned on doing the start/sit this season anyways, it was supposed to be a college fantasy waivers article but we know how that went, Yahoo isn't even doing their leagues this year.

Bottom line is I was too spread thin and honestly I hate writing that article with the passion of a thousand suns. I catch crap for it every season no matter how many disclaimers I include or what color or font I use to say "This is your team not mine, you submit the lineup, these are only suggestions". Also start or sit articles in general are ridiculous in my opinion, the entire object of fantasy football is YOU make decsions like a real NFL coach or GM would, not you read someone else's decisions and use them. So yeah, I'm shitcanning it. Next season it will likely be this article, streaming corners article, and maybe a college fantasy football waivers article or some kind of weekly Twitter thread with waivers. That's where my heart is, I enjoy those things. Lifes too short to do things you hate just because you've done them in the past. Thank you to everyone who read those the last three years, I still got you covered with the most detailed and extensive IDP waivers article known to mankind and for streaming corners and for college fantasy waivers next season plus I'm always available via DM for any specific recommendations for players each week. Alright now let's look at what we learned in week two.

An old friend saw new life this week, but is he a good waiver option going forward?

Bengals @ Browns

Cincinnati Bengals

Produced as expected: Jesse Bates (S) Josh Bynes (LB) Vonn Bell (S) DJ Reader (DT) William Jackson (CB)

Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score

Possible waivers: Josh Bynes (LB) remains a decent waiver wire linebacker for bye weeks or injury replacement in medium leagues and as a linebacker three or four in deeper leagues.

Misc notes: Geno Atkins (DT) was inactive this week. Sam Hubbard (DE) and Carlos Dunlap (DE) both has sub par weeks but played 74% and 57% of snaps this week, also of note Carl Lawson (DE) played 52% of snaps this week which is as much as last week essentially. Seeing Dunlap's snaps go down and Lawson's stay the same is a good sign for Lawson holders in dynasty and bad news for all Dunlap owners. Dunlap has been around forever and has been a solid defensive end two for many years, Lawson is the future though and so far this season they appear to be giving him a shot at more playing time than last season. Germaine Pratt (LB) played 74% of snaps this week and only had two combined tackles on the week. That's not great but he's still playing a decent chunk and will be a decent linebacker three preferably four in deeper leagues this season until he loses out to one of the young guys once the season is officially swirling the toilet. Akeem Davis Gather (LB) will likely get a shot at significant playing time at some point this season when that happens, Logan Wilson (LB) too most likely. Surprisingly the Bengals owned time of possession this week 34 minutes to 26 even with Nick Chubb (RB) and Kareem Hunt (RB) running wild for the Browns, this helps explain the lack of more production overall for their IDP corps, they should all put up better numbers when they play a better team than the Browns and get housed by them.

Cleveland Browns

Produced as expected: Andrew Sendejo (S) BJ Goodson (LB) Sheldon Richardson (DT) Karl Joseph (S) Myles Garrett (DE) Denzel Ward (CB)

Flash in the pan: Sione Takitaki (LB) was yanked for Malcolm Smith (LB) about half way into this game, Smith went on to have an excellent game and is the likely other ILB starter going forward. Adrian Clayborn (DE) only played 20% of snaps this week so his production is a total fluke, avoid until he sees more playing time.

Possible waivers: Malcolm Smith (LB) played 61% of snaps this week after he came in for the horrid Sione Takitaki (LB) and racked up nine combined tackles and half a tackle for loss, he makes a nice waiver wire linebacker option in deeper leagues since there's still some unknowns to that situation going forward.

Misc notes: Myles Garret (DE) was back to splitting cheeks like firewood this week, absolutely a monster, never sit him. Larry Ogunjobi (DT) had a down week with one tackle assist on the day but played 62% of snaps and is a perfectly acceptable defensive tackle two in most leagues, he'll be fine. Olivier Vernon (DE) was inactive this week but will return to being a defensive end two preferably three when he returns to the lineup. Not much to see here, the only real surprise was Malcolm Smith (LB) returning to IDP relevance, I would proceed with caution on that, adding him is a good idea in deeper leagues but I would sit him this week just in case that move to pull Takitaki was a heat of the moment thing, I'd like to see Smith see significant snaps at least one more week before playing him. Ronnie Harrison (S) only played 7% of snaps this week so he's still not part of that defense for real yet, continue to hold in dynasty. Sendejo and Joseph both had much better production this week and either would make a nice safety two preferably three in deeper leagues, the inside linebackers in front of them are not special, the competition for tackles is not significant.

Eddie Skidmarks Jackson was productive this week

Giants @ Bears

New York Giants

Produced as expected: Blake Martinez (LB) Dexter Lawrence (DE) Julian Love (S) Lorenzo Carter (LB) James Bradberry (CB)

Flash in the pan: BJ Hill (DT) only played 31% of snaps, not enough for any kind of consistency, pass.

Possible waivers: Logan Ryan (CB/S) was listed as a free safety this week and involved in three safety sets along with Peppers and Love, his playing time increased to 85% of snaps this week and his production increased as well to seven combined tackles on the day. He would make a nice safety two or three but a PERFECT hidden safety cornerback. If he's listed as a corner in your league and continues to play some safety snaps that's a massive advantage going forward. Lorenzo Carter (LB) played 98% of snaps this week and had another very nice week in the box score, he continues to be a nice linebacker three or so if you need help via waivers.

Misc notes: Jabrill Peppers (S) had yet another down week this week, not ideal. He played 100% of snaps at strong safety but only recorded four combined tackles on the day. He started last season red hot then got hurt and prior to that on Cleveland was an epic disappointment, we all saw those signs of life on the Giants last season and hoped for more of the same, we may not get it. With Julian Love (S) and James Bradberry (CB) and now Logan Ryan (CB) as permanent parts of that secondary now the competition for tackles has increased and also you need to factor in Blake Martinez (LB) in the middle not letting much of anything past him in terms of easy run stopping tackles. This may be the new normal for Peppers, I sure hope not but so far not great at all, we'll keep an eye on it, I'm still starting him next week for now. Markus Golden (DE, EDGE) continues his downward spiral in both playing time and production with 23% of snaps this week and zero stats of any kind this week. It's pretty much abandon ship time as far as I'm concerned, there are other options, especially this season with the injury grim reaper running wild. Leonard Williams (DE) played 65% of snaps this week and had two solo tackles on the day but we always knew he was terrible. Dalvin Tomlinson (DT) played 58% of snaps and recorded five combined tackles and a pass defended which is a rock solid day for any IDP defensive tackle, he continues to be a dynasty piece with a bright future and a defensive tackle two or three in deeper leagues.

Chicago Bears

Produced as expected: Eddie Jackson (S) Roquan Smith (LB) Kyle Fuller (CB) Jaylon Johnson (CB) Akiem Hicks (DE) Robert Quinn (EDGE) Khalil Mack (EDGE)

Flash in the pan: Barkevious Mingo (EDGE) only played 42% of snaps as an OLB or EDGE which isn't remotely enough for any kind of consistency going forward, pass.

Possible waivers: Robert Quinn (EDGE) is healthy once more, he only played 38% of snaps this week but I would bet the farm he sees more than that once he's closer to 100% health-wise. He was an excellent waiver wire defensive end for the Cowboys last season and loses as little value as an OLB or EDGE but if your league is big play or has an EDGE slot or he's still listed as a DE this isn't a bad option at all, don't play him this upcoming week though, sit him until the snaps are where they should be. The talent and production is there we just need to wait for the playing time.

Misc notes: Danny Trevethan (LB) and Tashaun Gipson (S) both had sub par games this week and played 48% and 100% of snaps respectively. Gipson will be fine, he's just a safety three or four in deeper leagues anyways but Trevethan seeing that big a drop in snaps is pretty concerning to say the least. He's not listed as injured and it's not like the Giants are a pass first team even with Saquon gone, for now I would sit him for another option and monitor what happens this week. He's too talented and productive to simply drop after one sub par week but also it's definitely a risk to play him this week after seeing this snap percentage. Akiem Hicks (DE/DT) has had two excellent weeks in a row and played 78% of snaps this week which is what we want from a pass rusher like him. If he's designated a DT in your league his value is massive, even as a DE though he's still a rock solid defensive end two rest of season. Khalil Mack (EDGE) finally got back to his old ways this week with three combined tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and one QB hit on the day playing 83% of snaps. It's still a risk playing him in a regular linebacker slot, big play league or not, but at least he's back to lighting up the box score again.

Micah Kiser in the early running for waiver wire linebacker of the year

Rams @ Eagles

Los Angeles Rams

Produced as expected: Micah Kiser (LB) Jordan Fuller (S) Troy Hill (CB) John Johnson (S)

Flash in the pan: Taylor Rapp (S) only played 24% of snaps this week so despite the better stats, four solo tackles on the day, he's still not occupying the other full time safety role as many in IDP Twitter had predicted. With two full games of Jordan Fuller (S) now under our belt and the Rams defense looking fine I think it's time to bench Rapp and hold unless in a short bench in redraft, we'll revisit this situation each week.

Possible waivers: Micah Kiser (LB) and Jordan Fuller (S) both played 100% of snaps and both had excellent days in the box score. I said on our podcast last week I wanted Kiser exponentially more than Jerome Baker (LB) because I watched Jerome Baker (LB) being mediocre to terrible all last season and the competition for tackles for Kiser is significantly less currently. That checks out so far. Jordan Fuller (S) has now played two full games as the other full time safety for this defense and has been very productive both weeks, I'm feeling much better about adding him and playing him going forward with that in mind. Does that mean they won't pull the rug out from under us one week and start Taylor Rapp (S) instead? Nope, that very likely will happen at some point. However desperate times call for desperate measures, with the injury grim reaper annihilating team after team this is a better safety option than most, I would roll the dice if he's available.

Misc notes: Aaron Donald (DT) and Jalen Ramsey (CB) both had stinkers this week. They played 85% and 100% of snaps respectively and both will be fine. Ramsey had a really nice week one and will be matched up against many solid wide receivers that get targeted early and often this season, the points will happen. Corner is a naturally spotty and inconsistent position so if you're new to IDP this is normal. Same deal different position with Donald. He may be a monster among men but he's also a defensive tackle and they're not an "every week" position like linebacker or safety is and can be. There will be weeks where he does nothing, there will also be weeks where he goes insane and completely wrecks an opposing offense and he'll very likely win you your week when he does that. You take the good with the bad. Leonard Floyd (EDGE) and Micheal Brockers (DE) both had down weeks as well but didn't see any dips in playing time and remain a bye week or short term injury replacement EDGE option and a defensive end two preferably three in deeper leagues respectively.

Philadelphia Eagles

Produced as expected: Avonte Maddox (CB) Nathan Gerry (LB) Darius Slay (CB) Fletcher Cox (DT) Brandon Graham (DE)

Flash in the pan: TJ Edwards (LB) and Marcus Epps (S) only played 42% and 23% of snaps respectively this week, not nearly enough for any kind of consistency, pass on both.

Possible waivers: Jalen Mills (S) was listed as the strong safety this week and played 100% of snaps, he had six combined tackles and could make a decent safety three or four in deeper leagues if this role and playing time continue going forward.

Misc notes: Duke Riley (LB) played 71% of snaps this week and did absolutely nothing with them, zero stats of any kind. There was some chatter in IDP Twitter land about him before the season and it would appear that the opportunity is presenting itself, the problem is he did nothing with it. He played more than this in week one and had a better game plus it's not like this was a bad matchup or anything. If you did pick him up after week one this would give me pause, he's a sit and observe for me this week in deeper leagues or dynasty, in redraft there are usually a bunch of other options out there I'd probably just blow him out the airlock and look for someone else. Javon Hargrave (DT) was back this week but only played 36% of snaps and recorded zero stats, he's clearly not 100% yet so we'll see what this looks like in a week or two when he's playing his normal amount of snaps and we see how he meshes with that defensive line, he was a solid defensive tackle two or three in deeper leagues last season on Pittsburgh and there were many people, me included, who thought he would be an excellent option as part of this veteran defensive line and playing next to Fletcher Cox (DT) this season. He's a wait and see as well, hold if possible. Josh Sweat (DE) played 57% of snaps this week and had three combined tackles and a tackle for loss, if I remember correctly he played around 70% of snaps last week so it looks like having Derek Barnett (DE), 48% played this week, back is already negatively impacting his playing time and therefore his opportunity. We'll keep an eye on it but it doesn't look like he's going to get the kind of shot a lot of us were hoping for when we saw an opening for him with these injuries.

Joe Thomas was and remains an excellent waiver wire linebacker while LVE is out

Falcons @ Cowboys

Atlanta Falcons

Produced as expected: Damontae Kazee (S) Keanu Neal (S) Foye Oluokun (LB) Deion Jones (LB) Isaiah Oliver (CB) Dante Fowler (EDGE) Grady Jarrett (DT)

Flash in the pan: Mykal Walker (LB) & Darqueze Dennard (CB) qualify this week, Walker only played 56% of snaps and is someone I didn't know existed until just now, pass. Dennard has always been one of my favorite IDP corners but only played around 30% of snaps in week one, so despite playing 96% this week and having a really great box score I'm just not trusting it yet, this was literally the exact matchup needed for all their corners, even their third corner (Dennard) to play a ton of snaps, this one was an epic shootout. As soon as they play a more pedestrian offense Dennard's snaps should drop once more, don't fall for it.

Possible waivers: Damontae Kazee (S) is likely available in some medium to shallower leagues and he did play 94% of snaps, still at strong safety, but I would look elsewhere for safety help this week. I played this game with Kazee all last season and the bottom line is he's just not super consistent, that could change if he remains in this role but I need to see it more before I become a believer, still it's technically there if you want to roll the dice on it.

Misc notes: Ricardo Allen (CB) was injured which explains is drop in playing time and helps explain the increase in Darqueze Dennard (CB) increase in snaps. Keanu Neal (S) had another nice week in the box score but still only played 78% of snaps in a literally perfect matchup, it would appear they're still easing him back into things, if we keep seeing this it will effect his production at some point. One more week of non ideal playing time and I'm ringing the alarm bells. Foye Oluokun (LB) was also injured in this one hence his drop in playing time as well but not before racking up a bunch of tackles and causing a fumble. Tak McKinley (DE) who had the nice week one saw his playing time drop to 17% of snaps this week also due to injury. The blood bath continues, Jesus I hate being right about this shit. Deion Jones (LB) playing time remained nice and ideal at 94% of snaps this week.

Dallas Cowboys

Produced as expected: Joe Thomas (LB) Jaylon Smith (LB) Trevon Diggs (CB) Xavier Woods (S) Everson Griffen (DE) Aldon Smith (DE) Demarcus Lawrence (DE)

Flash in the pan: Jourdan Lewis (CB) was the third corner this week playing 77% of snaps, he gets targeted enough that in an ideal matchup like this he's playable as a streaming corner but definitely not a "set and forget" corner.

Possible waivers: As foretold here last week Joe Thomas (LB) did in fact play 100% of snaps and recorded twelve combined tackles, a tackle for loss and a QB hit this week. Still a great option if you need a waiver wire linebacker while LVE is injured and out.

Misc notes: Chidobe Awuzie (CB) was up to 93% of snaps this week so crisis averted, the production wasn't really there but he had a nice week one and corner is naturally inconsistent anyways so nothing out of the ordinary there. Darian Thompson (S) saw his playing time drop to 51% of snaps this week which is not ideal, he's not listed as injured and this was about the most ideal matchup imagineable in regards to needing as many good players in the secondary as ever existed. So yeah that's not great, he's back to a wait and see but don't start or just shitcan him and find another option if you don't feel like playing games. Everson Griffen (DE) saw a little uptick in playing time due to the nature of this game but remains a great defensive end two or three in deeper leagues, that landing spot was perfect for him. Trysten Hill (DT) seems to have leveled out around 50% of snaps at defensive tackle and didn't do much with them this week, we may not get an IDP relevant defensive tackle from this team this season after losing one with Gerald McCoy (DT) before the season started. That comeback was amazing by the way.

Antoine Winfield Jr is officially his fathers son

Panthers @ Buccaneers

Carolina Panthers

Produced as expected: Rasul Douglas (CB) Jeremy Chinn (S) Tahir Whitehead (LB) Brian Burns (DE) Tre Boston (S)

Flash in the pan: NA

Possible waivers: Derrick Brown (DT) was up to 72% of snaps played this week but it didn't translate to any real production, this is a good sign for his dynasty value though and the first step to consistent production, might be worth an add and sit in deeper leagues if you need defensive tackle help. If he can maintain this playing time the production will likely not be far behind.

Misc notes: Shaq Thompson (LB) had a down week but still played 100% of snaps and will be fine. Despite the easy win by the Bucs they got absolutely dominated in the time of possession 35 minutes to 25 minutes, the Panthers defense wasn't out on the field enough for everyone to produce like we expect them to usually. Thompson is in a prime position to be an excellent IDP linebacker for years to come, don't let one bad week put you off. Justin Burris (CB/S) was listed as the strong safety this week, that didn't translate into production, just one solo tackle on the day, but he did play 100% of snaps and if this is something they end up doing routinely going forward even playing some safety snaps would make him more consistent than playing only corner snaps. He could end up being a hidden corner somewhere down the line here is the short version of that I'm saying, we'll keep an eye on it. Donte Jackson (CB) was back to healthy and playing 100% of snaps this week, he had three combined tackles and a pass defended, roughly seven points in most of my leagues which isn't terrible but also not what he's capable of either, he's an excellent streaming corner in the right matchup and now that we know he's healthy and playing all his snaps once more we'll definitely see his name in my streaming corners article here shortly.

Carolina Panthers

Produced as expected: Devin White (LB) Antoine Winfield (S) Lavonte David (LB) N'Damakong Suh (DT) Jordan Whitehead (S) Jason Pierre Paul (DE) Carlton Davis (CB)

Flash in the pan: Jamel Dean (CB) and William Gholston (DE) played 74% and 51% of snaps respectively this week, not nearly enough for consistency (what passes for it anyways) at corner or defensive end which are both naturally spotty positions anyways. Dean is the third option at corner on this team and Gholston is the third or fourth option at defensive line or as a pure pass rusher on this team so neither is likely worth your time unless in the deepest of deep leagues.

Possible waivers: This may be your last chance to get Antoine Winfield Jr (S) before he's gone in every league and the entire IDP universe starts salivating over him even more. I watched this game this week, he's the real deal. The playing time is there, 100% of snaps, and now the production is following. Shit even the genetics are correct. This train is leaving the station, get on now or miss it forever.

Misc notes: Shaq Barrett (EDGE) played 95% of snaps this week and had five combined tackles on the day which is actually pretty nice from an EDGE or OLB that doesn't land a splash play or sack. Usually they either score points that way or not at all. We all got bailed out by a handful of tackles for him this week. I can't say this enough, if you want to play guys like this in your lineup you need to learn to live with weeks where they do nothing, we got a break this week with that smattering of tackles but that's an outlier, check out Mr. Barrett's week sixteen last season, fantasy finals week when you needed him the most, and tell me how that went for his share holders that week. Short answer is not well. It's a risk playing any of these EDGE guys anywhere other than defensive line, and unfortunately many leagues don't give them that dual designation allowing you to play them as a defensive lineman. I just want you to know what you're doing that's all. It will go bad at some point this season, it will also go well at some point when he blows up for two or three sacks and a forced fumble. You never know which way it's going to end up though, consistency is nonexistent. That may be fine for some, not for me. To each their own though. Nothing else really of note this week for the Bucs, the defense looked good and was productive.

Fred Warner had a monster week in a less than ideal matchup

49ers @ Jets

San Francisco 49ers

Produced as expected: Fred Warner (LB) Jimmie Ward (S) Kwon Alexander (LB) *Somewhat* Arik Armstead (DT)

Flash in the pan: NA, any other week Kerry Hyder (DE) would likely qualify but it's looking pretty likely he's going to be playing a ton going forward after the injury grim reaper clapped the Niners cheeks this week.

Possible waivers: Kerry Hyder (DE) played 80% of snaps this week helping to fill in from the carnage of both Nick Bosa (DE) and Solomon Thomas (DE) blowing ACL's and being done for the season. He recorded eight combined tackles and two QB hits on the day and is a decent warm body if you need help at defensive end.

Misc notes: Nick Bosa (DE) and Solomon Thomas (DT) are gone, just like many others. We adjust and move on. Kwon Alexander (LB) once again played 100% of snaps and did next to nothing with them, five combined tackles and one tackle for loss and a second week of barely acceptable production from a guy that some were drafting as a linebacker one before the season. He's been a shell of himself for some time now, I don't think I have any shares at all because I saw this movie last season plus he's made of glass. I'd look for a better option if possible. Dre Greenlaw (LB) only played 26% of snaps but will very likely get his chance again at some point this season, at the rate we're seeing injuries this year there's no way the fragile Kwon Alexander (LB) lasts all sixteen games. I hope he can and does because I would never wish injury on a player, however he's been injury prone for some time now and that's fact. If you have room hang onto Greenlaw, we all saw what he was capable of last season when he got his chance to play alongside Fred Warner (LB). Javon Kinlaw (DT) played 66% of snaps this week but only had two combined tackles on the day, he remains a wait and see in dynasty.

New York Jets

Produced as expected: Quinnen Williams (DE) Marcus Maye (S) Neville Hewitt (LB) Bradley McDougald (S)

Flash in the pan: Brian Poole (CB) saw his playing time plummet to just 59% of snaps this week, his monster week one apparently wasn't anything more than being targeted a lot. We'll keep an eye on it going forward but even if and when he does put up numbers this kind of playing time won't cut it, especially for a streaming corner and nothing more. Jordan Jenkins (OLB) only played 67% of snaps this week which isn't nearly enough if you're going to roll the dice with an EDGE or OLB guy which is already risky to begin with. Pass.

Possible waivers: Alec Ogletree (LB) or Avery Williamson (LB) will likely end up being that other inside linebacker next to Neville Hewitt this season, problem is we don't know which one, probably Williamson but he's banged up right now and barely played this week. If you have the room maybe add both or one and see how this plays out, there are likely better options out there though unless it's a super deep league and you're truly desperate.

Misc notes: Avery Williamson (LB) was cleared to play this week at the last minute but only logged 28% of snaps, even though we all know he'll be a great producer alongside Hewitt when he does reach 100% of snaps that doesn't look likely anytime soon with guys like Alec Ogletree (LB), 56% played this week, in front of him. It's a wait and see for now, I would hold him if you have the room, that offense is so bad that you're going to want as many pieces of this defense as possible, especially the inside linebackers or either safety, their production by default is going to be excellent this season. Pierre Desir (CB) also saw low snaps at corner this week, the only corner to play all the snaps was Bless Austin (CB), he'll likely be the best option to stream going forward in ideal matchups. We'll keep an eye on it though. In general there's a lot of confusion happening on this team, they're a dumpster fire and only getting worse by the week. Also for the second week in a row in a pattern that will very likely continue this week against Indy, the Jets significantly lost the time of possession battle 33 minutes to 27 minutes. And that was with the 49ers losing literally everyone to injury and missing several important pieces on offense even before kickoff, the Colts are all healthy (except Marlon Mack and let's be realistic he's a downgrade from Taylor) and will easily win time of possession this week as well. This Jets defense is going to spend a ton of time on defense all season. So while it is a little annoying trying to nail down the linebacker and corner situation here it will be worth it to figure that out, whoever the full time starters are will play at least a few more minutes a game compared to most other defenses and that means more chances at production over the course of the season. So hang in there, we'll find the valuable pieces here soon enough.

Justin Simmons exploded for a monster game this week

Broncos @ Steelers

Denver Broncos

Produced as expected: Justin Simmons (S) Alexander Johnson (LB) Bryce Callahan (CB) Kareem Jackson (CB) Jurrell Casey (DT)

Flash in the pan: Mike Purcell (DT) did play enough with 63% of snaps this week but at nose tackle, a traditionally non IDP relevant position and is someone I've never seen production from before. I'll keep an eye on it though, pass for now.

Possible waivers: Josey Jewell (LB) still played 97% of snaps this week but turned in a sub par box score, he's still a decent linebacker three or four in deeper leagues even with AJ Johnson (LB) being the clear ILB to own here.

Misc notes: Bradley Chubb (EDGE) played 86% of snaps this week and was clearly healthier but still hasn't turned in that monster performance yet, it's coming though. Continue to plug him in if you're in a big play league and comfortable with the boom or bust nature of his production. Justin Simmons (S) played every single snap like he does season after season and did Justin Simmons things this week, he is truly one of the under appreciated great IDP safeties out there. Nothing else significant to report for this defense this week.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Produced as expected: Mike Hilton (CB) Devin Bush (LB) TJ Watt (EDGE) Terrell Edmunds (S) Cameron Heyward (DT) Bud Dupree (EDGE)

Flash in the pan: Tyson Alualu (DE) only played 43% of snaps which is not remotely close to enough for anything resembling consistency, especially on this defense where there are so many play makers, he's never going to be the guy here unless there's a 49ers level injury grim reaper event. Pass.

Possible waivers: Vince Williams (LB) was up to 83% of snaps this week and did record six solo tackles and three tackles for loss so technically you could add him if you need linebacker help. I, however, have seen this movie before. I'd rather try to successfully digest Chipotle than make this move. He's always been massively inconsistent in both production and playing time, the good times can and will come to an end here and very likely soon.

Misc notes: Minkah Fitzpatrick (S) actually did something this week, he played 100% of snaps as usual and actually scored points with six combined tackles instead of counting on some ridiculous splash play for his production. I would not bet this is going to be a pattern going forward, he's always been extremely big play dependent and massively inconsistent and over hyped. If that's your cup of tea feel free to drink it, I will be passing though. Stephon Tuitt (DE) played 81% of snaps this week but had a down week overall with just one tackle assist and three QB hits on the day, he'll be fine though, nature of the position and whatnot, he remains a defensive end two preferably three in deeper leagues. Not much else to see here, still a very productive defense for IDP output and good overall as well.

Kenny Vaccaro was all over the place this week

Jaguars @ Titans

Jacksonville Jaguars

Produced as expected: Joe Schobert (LB) Myles Jack (LB) Josh Jones (S)

Flash in the pan: K'Lavon Chaisson (EDGE) only played 29% of snaps this week, he did record a sack but the consistent playing time isn't there yet so obviously the consistent production won't arrive until it does. Pass for now, sit him if you have the room. Obviously a hold in dynasty.

Possible waivers: Andrew Wingard (S) train is leaving the station, 100% of snaps this week and a massive box score, just as good a safety option as Josh Jones (S) going forward, either one would make a solid waiver wire safety.

Misc notes: Josh Allen (DE) played 71% of snaps this week but only recorded just two QB hits on the day and is yet to do anything this season. I'm not panicked. Some people are. If you are newer to IDP this may be confusing, this guy was a highly sought after defensive end coming off an incredible rookie season, why hasn't he done anything yet? Nature of the position. He will produce, and it may not even be this week, or the week after. Aaron Donald (DT) started the 2019 season not doing anything until game three, Frank Clark (DE) has started slow as well last year, I remember the panic for both and both ended the season with essentially exactly the production we expected from them. Defensive end and defensive tackle even more so are naturally spotty and inconsistent positions, boom or bust if you will. All you can do is grab the best talent possible and hope they produce the same week your opponents defensive linemen do to offset and ideally beat out that production. Maxx Crosby (DE) has started this season slow as well, do I think that means you should shitcan him or Josh Allen (DE) for Quinnen Williams (DE) because he blew up this week and go point chasing? Absolutely not. Stick to your guns, we know who Josh Allen (DE) is. He is an excellent, young defensive linemen who will put up numbers this season. Keep the faith. Not much else going on with this defense currently, I could talk about the corner situation but they got Miami tonight on Thursday night football and there's no way in hell I would even entertain recommending you stream corner against that offense when there are many other matchups this week that are exponentially better.

Tennessee Titans

Produced as expected: Kenny Vaccaro (S) Malcolm Butler (CB) Rashaan Evans (LB) Jayon Brown (LB) Harold Landry (EDGE)

Flash in the pan: Chris Jackson (CB) played 51% of snaps this week and was essentially the fourth corner for this team, that means he'll be fifth when Adoree Jackson (CB) returns from the short term IR meaning his role is already essentially nothing and will likely be reduced farther as time goes on, pass.

Possible waivers: Jeffrey Simmons (DT) played 80% of snaps this week and recorded three tackle assists and one pass defended. It's well known in IDP Twitter land that he may be the second coming of Chris Jones (DT) but it is not known by all. If he's still available in your league and you need defensive tackle help, maybe Kenny Clark's (DT) injury giving you issues, time is running out on getting guys like this. Especially this season where even guys who don't like to go waiver wire diving will be all up in everyone's shit making moves and spending FAB.

Misc notes: Kevin Byard (S) and JaDaveon Clowney (EDGE) both had down games this week but played 100% and 83% of snaps this week. Byard is a notorious boom or bust safety that has been a hot topic in IDP Twitter land for years now, I've got a soft spot for him because he's what Minkah Fitzpatrick (S) could and should be but isn't. Byard is capable of going off and winning you a week and unlike Mr. Fitzpatrick he does so, often. If you're in a big play league it's never a bad idea to roll him out and eat the bad weeks because the good weeks aren't just good, they're great. He'll be fine, big weeks to come. Clowney on the other hand, well he was supposed to be an incredible pass rusher but in reality he's been just alright at it. If he's still somehow designated a defensive end in your league I would feel better about playing him each week but as an OLB or EDGE in a regular linebacker slot why would you take that risk with him when there are guys like Chandler Jones (EDGE) or TJ Watt (EDGE) out there? Trade for one of them if you're all about taking risks like that. Or you could just shitcan him and find a consistent tackle floor linebacker off waivers and score points every week instead of some weeks, that's what I would do. I'm sure Clowney will score some points this season, I just don't know when and how often, my guess is sometime pretty soon and not very often. Rashaan Evans (LB) was down to 84% of snaps this week, we don't know if that's this years new normal because he got himself thrown out early into week one, this was about what he played last season though. There were many who predicted he would supplant Jayon Brown (LB) as the 100% of snaps full time inside linebacker on this defense but it would appear, at least so far, that's not the case. Everything else looks normal here, always a very productive IDP defense.

I may have spoken too soon about avoiding the Walker-pocalypse, what the hell happened this week? We'll find out

Lions @ Packers

Detroit Lions

Produced as expected: Jamie Collins (LB) Will Harris (S) Duron Harmon (S)

Flash in the pan: Jahlani Tavai (LB) and Christian Jones (EDGE) and also Jarrad Davis (LB) have all seen their snaps fluctuating wildly in these first two weeks, this defense is looking more and more like what the Patriots do and that's not great for IDP at all. It means there will never be consistent production or playing time, yes Jahlani Tavai (LB) played 81% of snaps this week and had a decent box score, no that doesn't mean he's a good waiver wire option. Christian Jones (EDGE) is going to be entirely sack or big play dependent for his points and if you're going that route there are a ton of better players you could roll those dice with. Jarrad Davis (LB) is not good, he used to produce by default but now playing only 63% of snaps this week and less than that last week the odds of him consistently producing going forward aren't great, besides Jamie Collins (LB) I'm staying clear of this linebackers corps entirely.

Possible waivers: Jeff Okudah (CB) and Romeo Okwara (DE) played 100% and 60% of snaps respectively this week, Okudah did not play week one but now that he's solidly in the lineup he looks to be a solid option for a streaming corner going forward. Okwara is still a wait and see for me but if you desperately need defensive end help in deeper leagues the playing time was there this week and the production was acceptable.

Misc notes: Tracy Walker (S) and Trey Flowers (DE) both had bad weeks, one because of stupidity and the other is just the nature of his position and will be fine. Walker only played 53% of snaps this week, the third most for the safety corps on this defense. Everyone and their brother knows how talented this guy is and I've seen everyone from Lions Twitter to IDP Twitter to local beat writers calling Patricia an absolute moron for this move. Agree completely. I would start looking for other options, I've benched him in all the leagues I had him in, I'm not playing this game where I need to see how much he plays every week and guess when he's going to be used enough to be productive, especially when safeties grow on trees in IDP and are easily replaced. Trey Flowers (DE) will be fine, he had a monster week one, defensive end is a naturally spotty and inconsistent position, there are productive weeks to come keep playing him. Just a quick DFS note, this defense is hot garbage, start pretty much any stud against this defense in DFS and watch the points come rolling in each week.

Green Bay Packers

Produced as expected: Christian Kirksey (LB) Za'Darius Smith (EDGE) Rashan Gary (EDGE/DE) Preston Smith (EDGE) Jaire Alexander (CB) Kevin King (CB)

Flash in the pan: Vernon Scott (CB) only played 8% of snaps this week, definition of flash in the pan, pass.

Possible waivers: Rashan Gary (EDGE/DE) only played 56% of snaps this week but has been far more productive overall this season compared to last, he's still just a dynasty piece in deeper leagues but any injury to either Smith will immediately make him an excellent waiver wire EDGE guy or DE depending how your league defines his role. He's been good enough even with the limited snaps that he could make a nice bye week guy down the road.

Misc notes: Adrian Amos (S) and Darnell Savage (S) both had down weeks in the box score but played 92% of snaps each this week. Amos has started the year very slow and should only be a waiver wire safety option in the deepest of leagues and only then because he does play quite a bit. Savage had a nice week one box score and put up four combined tackles this week so it wasn't a total loss despite the reduction in production in week two. Savage is my pick of the two if you need safety help and he's available, there are likely better options this week though. Dean Lowry (DE) played 75% of snaps this week but only had two combined tackles on the day and is a 3/4 defensive end, a position that is usually not very IDP relevant, still if your team has been shredded by injuries and you're in a deeper league he has been getting consistent solid playing time and that's the first step to production. Everything else here looked like business as usual, we still don't have an IDP relevant second inside linebacker and probably never will, this season anyways.

Jordan Poyer still has it

Bills @ Dolphins

Buffalo Bills

Produced as expected: Levi Wallace (CB) Micah Hyde (S) Jordan Poyer (S) Ed Oliver (DT) Tre'Davious White (CB) Mario Addison (EDGE)

Flash in the pan: Tyrell Dodson (LB) only saw significant playing time this week due to the injuries to both Tremaine Edmunds (LB) and Matt Milano (LB), both of which are practicing this week and should return to the lineup shortly, probably not worth a waiver move with that in mind. AJ Klein (LB) also saw significantly more snaps and production this week for the same reason, he's not worth an add either.

Possible waivers: Quinton Jefferson (DT) played 63% of snaps this week and has been an IDP relevant defensive tackle in the past, he recorded three combined tackles and a QB hit on the day for a decent stat line in deeper leagues, he's an option if you need defensive tackle help in deep deep leagues.

Misc notes: Jerry Hughes (DE) and Trent Murphy (DE) play 64% and 52% of snaps this week and didn't do anything of note in the box score, they're both been the IDP relevant defensive ends on this team for years now but it looks like Mario Addison (EDGE) is having the most success rushing the passer for them so far this season, he's worth playing in deeper leagues especially is listed as a DE in your league. AJ Epenesa (DE) is still just a dynasty hold, 23% of snaps this week and zero recorded stats of any kind. He'll be a producer at some point it just doesn't look like any time soon. Both Tremaine Edmunds (LB) and Matt Milano (LB) were reported to be practicing this week, hopefully they play we all need them back as soon as possible, if neither play then Dodson and Klein are one week waiver wire starts again, if one or the other plays then it becomes murky and I would avoid the backups entirely. Micah Hyde (S) had a monster day with nine combined tackles and one pass defended while playing 99% of snaps on the day but Jordan Poyer (S) will always be the more reliable, consistent and productive of these two safeties for this defense.

Miami Dolphins

Produced as expected: Davon Godchaux (DT) Christian Wilkins (DT) Kyle Van Noy (LB) *somewhat* Jerome Baker (LB) *somewhat*

Flash in the pan: Nik Needham (CB) saw more playing time and obviously a ton more production this week, this was partly due to Byron Jones (CB) exiting early with an injury and also partly due to the unpredictable and chaotic nature of this Dolphins defense, looking at their snaps and production this week nothing is the same as last week, and when I do this again after week three nothing will be the same then either. There are likely only going to be a couple or three consistent and reliable producers out of this defense so I would be looking elsewhere for waiver wire help in general. Andrew Van Ginkel (LB) only played 26% of snaps and got the majority of his IDP points from that sack, definition of flash in the pan, pass.

Possible waivers: Shaq Lawson (DE) and Christian Wilkins (DT) have been listed as different things different weeks, for example Lawson is an OLB this week and Wilkins is a DE. However if they are DE and DT respectively in your league they make decent waiver wire options, they played 84% and 79% of snaps respectively and would make a nice defensive end two preferably three and defensive tackle two preferably three in deeper leagues. For both of them the playing time should be there all season, there literally is no one else, this defense is hot garbage talent-wise besides the corners group.

Misc notes: Jerome Baker (LB) played 93% of snaps this week, 2% less than last week, and recorded five tackle assists and one solo tackle, which is obviously exponentially less than last week. If only there were someone out there in IDP Twitter land who told everyone to pump the brakes and that Micah Kiser (LB) was the better waiver wire linebacker. Seriously, I've seen this movie before, Baker is OK not great, don't chase points, chase playing time, consistency and role. Eric Rowe (S) saw his playing time plummet to just 61% of snaps this week and his production along with it, likely he won't be a good option for consistency this season, I'd look elsewhere for help. Bobby McCain (S) played 97% of snaps this week but only had three combined tackles on the day, all of these safety options for this defense so far have fluctuated in both playing time and production and that was pretty much how last year went as well, same thing with the linebackers so far. Baker has had significant snaps both weeks but his production dropped off a cliff when he wasn't playing against an offense that ran for 230 yards producing a ton of easy run stopping tackles. This is all a long winded way of saying I've stared at these box scores, snaps and roles for years now and this defense along with New England's and recently Detroit's is one of my least favorite for IDP production. There's no pattern here, there wasn't last year either. They're trying to be the Patriots who adapt to whatever their opponent does well to negate it but don't have the talent or brain power to actually pull it off. I don't think I own any shares of anyone from this defense with the exception of Christian Wilkins (DT) and Shaq Lawson (DE) in some 53 man roster deep leagues on MFL. Unless you're in something that deep there's no reason why you should be screwing around with anyone from this defense IMO.

After some week one panic from the uninitiated all were relieved to see Mr. Ngakoue was back to parting cheeks like moses parted the Red Sea

Vikings @ Colts

Minnesota Vikings

Produced as expected: Eric Kendricks (LB) Vikings Cornerbacks Anthony Harris (S) Harrison Smith (S) Yannick Ngakoue (DE)

Flash in the pan: NA, all names that make sense at the top of the box score this week.

Possible waivers: Eric Wilson (OLB) and Jahleel Johnson (DT) played 92% and 63% of snaps respectively this week, Wilson came in for the outstanding outside linebacker Anthony Barr (OLB) and immediately made an impact with eight combined tackles, a tackle for loss, pass defended and interception on the day. Barr was a boom or bust sack or big play dependent guy and Wilson will likely be the same so I wouldn't count on this tackle floor going forward but you never know, regardless if your league is big play this is a good option and if it's not and you have the bench space you can add and sit him as we see what his production looks like the next couple weeks. Jahleel Johnson (DT) has been pretty productive so far this season and is following in the foot steps of guys like Linval Joseph (DT) and Sheldon Richardson (DT) who were always IDP relevant defensive tackles when playing on this defense. Johnson is seeing the playing time, we know the position itself has produced significantly in the past and we also know the Minnesota offense has looked less than stellar to start the season, even putting up all those points against Green Bay week one they only had the ball for 18 minutes time of possession with Dalvin Cook (RB) at running back, that's ridiculous. This defense has always produced a ton for IDP and looks to be on the field quite a bit this season, all signs point to these two guys being decent waiver wire pickups if you need the help.

Misc notes: I told you guys not to panic in regards to Yannick Ngakoue (DE), he played 74% of snaps this week, 21% more than last week, and recorded two solo tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and two QB hits on the day. Defensive end is naturally spotty and inconsistent and not an "every week" producing position. Yannick has always been talented and productive and is now getting ideal playing time and produced this week, the train is back on the tracks. Ifeadi Odenigbo (DE) played 56% of snaps this week and had four combined tackles on the day, not great but also not a total loss, he'll likely still have some relevance in deeper leagues when Danielle Hunter (DE) returns from the three week IR shortly but obviously his playing time will decrease somewhat when that happens, I really only feel good about starting him one more week and even then only in much deeper leagues, after that we'll have to wait and see what everything looks like with Hunter back in the mix. Anthony Barr (EDGE/OLB) was injured and is out for the season with a torn pectoral hence why his playing time and production were significantly reduced this week, Eric Wilson (LB) should be the direct replacement but there are rumblings about Troy Dye (LB) getting elevated playing time or a shot at this roster slot at some point, I'll have to see it to believe it, especially after Wilson's production this week. We'll keep an eye on it though. The Vikings defense also had inflated numbers overall this week due to being on the field for literally 41 minutes. Just thought you should know.

Indianapolis Colts

Produced as expected: Darius Leonard (LB) Kenny Moore (CB) Khari Willis (S) DeForest Buckner (DT) Justin Houston (DE) *somewhat*

Flash in the pan: Tyquan Lewis (DE) only played 22% of snaps this week, absolutely a flash in the pan, pass.

Possible waivers: Julian Blackmon (S) apparently came in for the injured Malik Hooker (S) who blew his achilles and is done for the season. Blackmon only saw 63% of snaps this week in relief but figures to see much more next week, he recorded two solo tackles and two passes defended but part of that low production has to do with the Colts defense only being on the field for roughly one third of this game instead of the usual one half or so, decent waiver wire safety option in deeper leagues going forward.

Misc notes: Anthony Walker (LB), Justin Houston (DE) and the other guys we expect to put up monster numbers here really didn't this week, anyone want to know why? 41 minutes to 19. That's why. The Vikings offense was such hot steaming garbage and went three and out so many times plus the Colts offense was able to run the ball so effectively that basically the Colts defense barely played this week. It's a miracle we got any production out of these guys at all. So for guys like Walker I wouldn't worry, he'll bounce back when the Colts play against a better offense, that won't be this week though with the Jets in town, maybe look for a different option if Walker is one of your key producers, Leonard is good enough that he'll eat regardless, Buckner and Houston can always get a sack and they're at their projection right there but for the Colts corners and less solid producers, Walker, Okereke, either safety, I wouldn't expect much from them this week and yet another horrendous offense coming to town in the Jets.

As advertised

Football team @ Cardinals

Washington Football Team

Produced as expected: Kevin Pierre Louis (LB) Jon Bostic (LB) Washington Corners Troy Apke (S) Landon Collins (S) Chase Young (DE) Jonathan Allen (DE) Matt Ioannidis (DT)

Flash in the pan: NA

Possible waivers: Kevin Pierre Louis (LB) and Troy Apke (S) are still available in many places, I know I've seen it with my own eyeballs. Of course I cashed in on Micah Kiser (LB) and Marcus Maye (S) but these two are still solid waiver wire pieces, 97% and 100% of snaps played respectively and excellent production from both for a couple weeks now, also this offense isn't great at all, this defense will be on the field often, take advantage of that.

Misc notes: Ryan Kerrigan (EDGE) was down to 30% of snaps this week, we all knew there were too many chefs in the kitchen and not all these guys were going to get a ton of snaps each week, so far it looks like Ryan Kerrigan (EDGE) is the odd man out with Matt Ioannidis (DT) seeing reduced snaps, at least compared to last season, as well. Ioannidis is fine, especially as a defensive tackle where there's a much smaller overall talent pool for consistent IDP production, as a defensive end though he's only a DE three or so in deeper leagues, he's been productive so far though even with fewer snaps this season. Kerrigan however has always been notoriously unreliable and now that he's barely playing you can sit him comfortably, I don't have this problem because I never had any shares. Daron Payne (DT) had a bad week but still played 61% of snaps and I chock this more up to nature of his position than any lack of talent or opportunity, he should be fine as a defensive end two or three in deeper leagues. Everything else here looks normal.

Arizona Cardinals

Produced as expected: Jordan Hicks (LB) De'Vondre Campbell (LB) Budda Baker (S) Corey Peters (DT) Jordan Phillips (DT)

Flash in the pan: Chris Banjo (S) once again played for the injured Jalen Thompson (S) who was placed on IR, it was heavily suggested it would only be the three game IR though so this is only temporary for Banjo. Still, if you need safety help desperately you can likely get at least three games out of him but it will disappear eventually, just be aware of that. Banjo played 95% of snaps and had nine combined tackles this week. Devon Kennard (EDGE) and Hassan Redick (LB) played 64% and 44% of snaps respectively this week, Kennard is a sack dependent OLB that would be terrible in a regular linebacker slot, if you are going to take that risk do it with TJ Watt (EDGE) or Za'Darius Smith (EDGE) not Devon freaking Kennard. Redick didn't play much at all so the odds of him consistently producing like this are nonexistent, pass on that as well.

Possible waivers: Chris Banjo (S) but see note above.

Misc notes: Chandler Jones (EDGE) and basically all the Cardinals corners had a down week this week. Jones still played 91% of snaps and this is definitely just a nature of the position and production at EDGE thing and not a talent or lack of opportunity thing, Jones is a freaking monster. He'll be fine. The corners didn't see much action because Dwayne Haskins (QB) only completed nineteen passes this week and a good deal of them were shorter and likely tackled by either inside linebacker or one of the two safeties, these corners were sits this week for me in my streaming corners article with the exception of Peterson who is always capable of a monster game even in a shitty matchup like this was. Those guys will be fine, especially in a shoot out like they'll have four times against Seattle and the Rams and any other week they play a good throwing offense. Isaiah Simmons (LB) only saw 11% of snaps this week and only recorded one tackle on the day, he's still a sit and wait and a hold in dynasty. His time will come, just not now. Jordan Phillips (DT) finally got his season started with a nice stat line this week, he still only played 50% of snaps but that was about what he played all last season for the Bills and he put up career numbers and parlayed that into a huge payday with the Cardinals, he is more than capable of excellent production at defensive tackle even with less than ideal playing time, I literally watched him do that all last season so I know it's possible.

JJ Watt with a monster week two stat line

Ravens @ Texans

Baltimore Ravens

Produced as expected: Patrick Queen (LB) Chuck Clark (S) Ravens Corners Calais Campbell (DE)

Flash in the pan: Tyus Bowser (LB) and LJ Fort (LB) played 54% and 44% of snaps respectively, not enough for any kind of consistency, I know Fort has had two good weeks in a row so you do what you want to but I'm telling you it's a bad idea.

Possible waivers: DeShon Elliot (S) played 100% of snaps again this week as the replacement for Earl Brotherly Love Thomas (S) and had another excellent game, great option if you need safety help.

Misc notes: Derek Wolfe (DE) was down to 51% of snaps this week and only recorded three combined tackles on the day but remains a nice bye week or short term injury replacement play at defensive end, he's been a reliable producer for IDP for years. Matt Judon (EDGE) once again saw a reduced snap count this week with only 63% played recording only one tackle assist and one QB hit on the day, it would appear the acquisition of Campbell and Wolfe has helped the defense overall but isn't helping Judon personally, he used to be basically the entire pass rush and now he' just part of it. Everything else here looks like business as usual.

Houston Texans

Produced as expected: Zach Cunningham (LB) Justin Reid (S) Bernardrick McKinney (LB) Eric Murray (S) JJ Watt (DE)

Flash in the pan: Charles Omenihu (DE) only played 45% of snaps this week and all his points came from that one sack, not nearly enough playing time for any consistency, pass.

Possible waivers: NA, no new producers this week.

Misc notes: Whitney Mercilus (EDGE) played 77% of snaps this week but failed to record any stats of any kind. This is the kind of shit I'm talking about, last season this guy started off red hot and was lighting up the box score every week with all kinds of splash plays. That's the problem though, splash plays are not a reliable form of production. They are naturally inconsistent, unreliable and unpredictable. Mercilus was a top three linebacker for the first month of the season last year, he recorded no stats of any kind this week. The argument for and against guys like this has been raging for years in IDP Twitter and won't likely end anytime soon but I wouldn't trust a guy like this in my regular linebacker slot for all the tea in China. Bradley Roby (CB) played 100% of snaps again this week but had a bad week in the box score, his matchup doesn't get much better with Pittsburgh this week but he does remain an excellent corner to stream if the matchup is correct. Also it would appear that Zach Cunningham (LB) does not, in fact, "suck".

Bosa earned his money this week

Chiefs @ Chargers

Kansas City Chiefs

Produced as expected: Anthony Hitchens (LB) Derrick Nnadi (DT) L'Jarius Sneed (CB/S) Honey Badger Tanoh Kpassagnon (DE) Chris Jones (DT) *somewhat, depends on scoring*

Flash in the pan: Damien Wilson (LB) only played 67% of snaps in a mess of a linebackers corps, I'd really only trust Anthony Hitchens (LB) here and even then not as far as I could throw him with no arms, pass. Same deal with Ben Niemann (LB) 55% of snaps this week. Tershawn Wharton (DT) only played 30% of snaps and is a person I didn't know existed until just this minute, pass. Taco Charlton (DE) only played 27% of snaps and likely even that much because Frank Clark (DE) came out with an illness.

Possible waivers: Juan Thornhill (S) was up to 99% of snaps played this week, it only translated to four combined tackles but that's exponentially better than last week in both playing time and production, still not a start but those dynasty shares are looking better this week at least.

Misc notes: Frank Clark (DE) and Daniel Sorensen (S) played 43% and 70% of snaps this week respectively, Clark was ill and came out of the game and will hopefully be fine this week, he'a an auto start when healthy. Sorensen saw fewer snaps than last week but still had four solo tackles and could be valuable again if Thornhill's playing time dips once more, for now he's a sit and wait or find a better option. Rashad Fenton (CB) is the other corner playing significant snaps along with L'Jarius Sneed (CB/S) now that Chavarious Ward (CB) is injured and out, he only had three combined tackles this week but will very likely have value as a streamer this season if that playing time remains high, the Chiefs have a habit of getting into shoot outs and those are perfect for streaming corner. Everything else here looked good.

Los Angeles Chargers

Produced as expected: Kenneth Murray (LB) Chargers Corners Linval Joseph (DT) Joey Bosa (DE)

Flash in the pan: NA, all the right names at the top of the box score this week.

Possible waivers: Kyzir White (LB) played 100% of snaps this week and had an excellent stat line, will that happen next week? Your guess is as good as mine, but I would bet no. This Chargers linebacker corps is always in flux with both playing time and production, I don't trust anyone besides Murray and only because they invested a ton of draft capital in him.

Misc notes: Denzel Perryman (LB) was the odd man out this week in the linebackers side of things, 21% of snaps played while Kyzir White (LB) played 100% and Murray was in for 83%. Like I said previously I don't trust anyone here except Murray, I've seen this movie before. Jerry Tillery (DT) was up to 70% of snaps this week, he wasn't able to produce like he did week one but this is a good sign for his dynasty share holders who remember 30% or so snaps last year. Reyshawn Jenkins (S) was down to 44% snaps played this week which is actually shocking, that's a pretty significant drop from last season, Nasir Adderley (S) played 99% and recorded four combined tackles to Jenkins three. Neither safety is anywhere remotely close to what Derwin James (S) could and would have been so I'm not recommending either for the waiver wire. Melvin Ingram (DE) played 88% of snaps this week but had a quiet game, he'll be fine, nature of the position etc, he remains a nice defensive end two in most leagues.

Wagner had an ideal matchup this week

Patriots @ Seahawks

New England Patriots

Produced as expected: John Simon (DE) Jonathan Jones (CB) Adrian Phillips (S) Ju'Whuan Bentley (LB) Chase Winovich (DE) Devin McCourty (S)

Flash in the pan: Brandon Copeland (LB) only played 48% of snaps and isn't named Ja'Whaun Bentley (LB) so I'm not interested, that's the only IDP relevant linebacker here in terms of possible consistency. Kyle Dugger (S) played 54% of snaps this week which is significantly more than last week, he's still not there yet though, play at your own risk. Shilique Calhoun (LB) played 27%, same story here, I'll pass.

Possible waivers: Ju'Whuan Bentley (LB) was up to 100% of snaps this week and remains the only locked in weekly linebacker we are sure of on this defense, not a bad option at all if you need linebacker help.

Misc notes: Not much to talk about, I only really recommend playing Stephon Gilmore (CB), Ju'Whuan Bentley (LB) or Chase Winovich (DE) on this defense. The playing time, production and roles fluctuate massively week to week by design, we all know how Belichick works, this defense becomes whatever it needs to become to most efficiently shut down their opponent each week. That usually works out well, this week though someone let Russ cook, big mistake.

Seattle Seahawks

Produced as expected: Bobby Wagner (LB) Jamal Adams (S) Quinton Dunbar (CB)

Flash in the pan: Ugo Amadi (S) came in after the torrent of injuries in the Seattle secondary, as to whether or not he continues to play this week I have no idea and don't plan on really looking into it all that much, there are many great options at waiver wire safety out there why screw around with this one. Also Quandre Diggs (S) got himself ejected, he'll be back for sure, that further complicates any chance of this guy continuing to be a thing. Same story with Lano Hill (S) although he will forever be a legend for blowing up that last play of the game and sealing the victory, absolutely epic.

Possible waivers: NA, we'll have to see how the injuries shake out, maybe Hill or Amadi will have a role going forward with Blair heading to IR but it's also possible Diggs just changes roles and another corner comes in, there's uncertainty so I'm not going to just make some shit up, If I don't know I don't know, just shooting you all straight.

Misc notes: KJ Wright (LB) was up to 71% of snaps this week which is a slight increase over last week, he only recorded four combined tackles on the day so he's still not his old self by any means, continue to sit and wait and see or shitcan him and find a better option, he's definitely not safe to plug in as things sit right now. Benson Mayowa (DE) played 90% of snaps again this week, that's a massive amount for any defensive end, it didn't translate into production this week but just being on the field that much increases his chances of production, not a bad option at all if you need defensive end help in deeper leagues. Jaran Reed (DT) played 86% of snaps this week with three combined tackles on the day, he's been a terrific IDP defensive tackle in the past, hopefully he can regain that form, I'd be comfortable keeping him going as a defensive end two or three in deeper leagues. Bruce Irvin (DE) is done for the season, not a huge loss there at all. Business as usual besides those things.

Old reliable Demario Davis had a perfect matchup this week

Saints @ Raiders

New Orleans Saints

Produced as expected: Demario Davis (LB) Saints Cornerbacks Malcolm Jenkins (S) Trey Hendrickson (DE) Cameron Jordan (DE)

Flash in the pan: PJ Williams (S) only played 36% of snaps, not nearly enough for any kind of consistency, pass.

Possible waivers: David Onyemata (DT) is the defensive tackle we wish Sheldon Rankins (DT) was. He played 64% of snaps, 10% more than Rankins and had a nice stat line, at this point I'd rather play him over Rankins who has been ice cold for more than a season now.

Misc notes: Marcus Williams (S) finally woke up and had a monster game, he played 100% of snaps as usual but hasn't done much in seemingly forever. I still don't trust him enough to play him personally, it's Malcolm Jenkins (S) or bust for me with safeties on this team. CJ Gardner Johnson (S) saw his playing time plummet to just 69% of snaps this week, nice, and only recorded one tackle assist on the day after everyone went nuts over his week one performance and I didn't because I've been doing this for more than five minutes and watched him do this to everyone all last season as well. If you choose to play him you'll get Minkah Fitzpatrick (S) levels of inconsistency and unreliability without the guaranteed playing time that Fitzpatrick does have. Hard pass. Remember that Trey Hendrickson (DE) playing time will likely fall when Marcus Davenport (DE) returns from injury, he's fine as a plug and play defensive end two or three until that point though. Alex Anzalone (LB) played 71% of snaps as the other ILB on this defense and recorded five tackle assists on the day but will likely never be IDP relevant unless in a stupid deep league.

Las Vegas Raiders

Produced as expected: Raiders Corners Erik Harris (S) Jonathan Abram (S)

Flash in the pan: Nicholas Morrow (LB) played 100% of snaps for the injured and out Nick Kwiatkowski (LB) this week and had a terrific stat line, he'll be back to irrelevant the second Kwiatkowski returns to the lineup though so keep that in mind if you plan on playing him.

Possible waivers: Erik Harris (S) is likely available in some leagues, he played 92% of snaps this week and was excellent last year when he had the opportunity to start due to injuries, he makes a great safety waiver wire option in deeper leagues.

Misc notes: Cory Littleton (LB) has been an epic disappointment this season. He's played 100% of snaps every week but has failed to producer anywhere remotely close to what we all expected. I have officially sat all my shares of him this week until something changes, you sure as shit can't drop him and you won't get anything for him with a trade so that's the only option. I am officially hitting the panic button. Maxx Crosby (DE) played plenty, 75% of snaps this week, but failed to record a sack again, he'll be fine though, nature of the position. I've seen people get frustrated and drop him in leagues, this is normal, this is what production from defensive end and defensive tackle looks like, spotty and inconsistent. You just grab the best talent possible and hope they put up numbers, we all know Crosby is massively talented from what we saw last season, the production will come, patience is a virtue. The Raiders defensive tackle situation is a complete mess, I don't recommend any of them currently at least until we have more information, the odds on favorite Maurice Hurst (DT) only played 37% of snaps this week and was the third defensive end in terms of playing time, so yeah, total mess. We'll see what the next few weeks bring and find some clarity in that situation.

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