• Waiver Wire Week 16 Pick-ups: IDP

    Embed from Getty Images

    Who are some names to know in your IDP leagues after a wild Week 15? Let’s take a look at a list of players who make for potential waiver wire Week 16 additions to your IDP squads.


    Week 15 was quite the wild ride to kick off the fantasy playoffs. There are still four games to be played on Monday and Tuesday night and this article will not initially include players from those games. If something significant does come up, I'll do my best to update the lists as I can. Now it’s time to dive into some potential waiver wire Week 16 IDP 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

    Embed from Getty Images

    Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB, Detroit Lions

    Week 15 Stats: 5 tackles (4 solos), 2 passes defended

    Jalen Reeves-Maybin made his return to the starting lineup this week after missing the previous two games. With teammates Alex Anzalone and Josh Woods both suffering shoulder injuries early in the contest, Reeves-Maybin was leaned on heavily this week. Reeves-Maybin led all Detroit linebackers with 72 defensive snaps (96%) and worked as the main man in the middle for the defense. Derrick Barnes was second in snaps for the linebackers with 47 (63%).

    It will be important to monitor both Anzalone’s and Woods’ injury status throughout the week. If both were to be out this week, Reeves-Maybin could be called upon to run the show once again for the Detroit defense. Scoop up Reeves-Maybin where he’s available and make sure you monitor the Detroit linebacker situation as the week progresses.

    Zach Cunningham, LB, Tennessee Titans

    Week 15 Stats: 6 tackles (4 solos)

    Yes, that Zach Cunningham. After his release from Houston a few weeks ago, Cunningham found himself a new home in Tennessee. Cunningham saw his first game action for the Titans this week starting and playing 33 defensive snaps (67%). HIs 33 snaps were second among the Tennessee linebackers as Rashaan Evans played 36 snaps (73%) and Jayon Brown only played 16 snaps (33%).

    The big question is, what happens if/when David Long returns to the mix? I’m not sure what the answer is, but I do know it seems Jayon Brown took a back seat to the others this week. While the situation is a little murky, Cunningham is worth a waiver wire pickup at this point, if even just as a depth piece. Just make sure you monitor David Long’s injury status as the week ramps up.

    Garret Wallow, LB, Houston Texans

    Week 15 Stats: 11 tackles (6 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit

    With Kamu Grugier-Hill and Christian Kirksey on the Covid list, rookie Garret Wallow was thrust into action. Wallow got his first start of the season this week and played a season-high 66 defensive snaps (94%). The fifth-round rookie out of TCU made a big impact with the increased role as his 11 tackles (6 solos) tied for the team lead and he also notched his first career sack.

    Keep tabs on Kirksey and Grugier-Hill during the week, as it would be Wallow and Neville Hewitt as the every-down linebackers once again if they’re unavailable. Wallow was one of my favorite late-round darts this year in rookie drafts and is finally getting some run. If he’s on your dynasty waiver wire, pick him up and stash him. He’s also worth a pickup in re-draft as we monitor the health of the other Houston linebackers.

    Jonas Griffith, LB, Denver Broncos

    Week 15 Stats: 9 tackles (8 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 2 QB hits

    Jonas Griffith saw his first defensive snaps last week playing 23 snaps (37%) against Detroit in Week 14. This week with Kenny Young out (concussion), Griffith got his first start and played a season-high 42 defensive snaps (79%). Griffith turned in a solid outing and his 9 tackles (8 solos) were second on the team behind Baron Browning

    If you’re looking for a deep league dart throw where waiver wire options are scarce, Griffith is worth a look. Just make sure you monitor Kenny Young’s status as he tries to make his way through the concussion protocol.

    Defensive Line/Edge

    Embed from Getty Images

    Marcus Davenport, DE, New Orleans Saints

    Week 15 Stats: 3 solo tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit

    Marcus Davenport has played well this year when healthy but has missed a few games this season most recently Weeks 12 and 13. Davenport returned last week, but only registered one assisted tackle. This week, Davenport had a real solid IDP outing as he produced three solo tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack. 

    Davenport played 49 defensive snaps this week good for 66%, which is just about at his season snap share total of 63%. This isn’t the first time Davenport has appeared on this list, but I thought he was worth mentioning in case he was dropped while out or after his dud last week. If you’re looking for defensive end help, Davenport is a fine addition off of the waiver wire. 

    Andrew Van Ginkel, Edge, Miami Dolphins

    Week 15 Stats: 5 tackles (4 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit

    Andrew Van Ginkel is more of a steady rather than a flashy player from an IDP perspective. He is more of a tackle floor type for the position rather than a big splash play edge player. Van Ginkel has also been really productive over his last two weeks producing 10 tackles (8 solos), two tackles for loss, and a sack.

    From a snap share standpoint, Van Ginkel’s role is solid as he holds a 68% snap share on the season. In leagues where you start 3-4 DL/Edge players, Van Ginkel is worth a look off the waiver wire if available. 

    Justin Madubuike, DT, Baltimore Ravens

    Week 15 Stats: 3 tackles (2 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit

    Justin Madubuike had one of his most productive outings of the year this week against Green Bay (see stats above). Playing 32 defensive snaps (52%) this week, Madubuike was right on par with his season snap share which is also 52%. Madubuike has a solid matchup this week against Cincinnati's beatable offensive line and will look to build off his Week 14 performance. In defensive tackle required formats, Madubuike is worth a look off the waiver wire if you’re in a pinch. 

    Defensive Backs

    Embed from Getty Images

    Brandon Jones, S, Miami Dolphins

    Week 15 Stats: 6 tackles (4 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit

    After missing the previous two games with an elbow injury, Brandon Jones made his return this week coming out the bye week. Jones played 36 defensive snaps (63%) in his return, seeing 20 of those snaps up in the box, slot, and DL, per PFF. If Jones was dropped while he was out, he’s someone to consider if you’re in need of safety help off the waiver wire. Let’s just hope he sees an uptick in snaps in his second game back.

    Jordan Whitehead, S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    Week 15 Stats: 8 tackles (5 solos), 1 tackle for loss

    Jordan Whitehead is another player who missed the last two games (calf) and made his return this week. Whitehead played all 61 defensive snaps this week and saw 40 of those up in the box, slot, and DL, per PFF. Tampa Bay’s secondary is pretty banged up, so Whitehead’s return was a welcomed presence this week. If he was dropped while unavailable, Whitehead is a solid waiver wire pickup coming off his eight-tackle performance Sunday night.

    Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S, New Orleans Saints

    Week 15 Stats: 7 tackles (6 solos), 1 interception, 1 pass defended

    After a quiet first game back last week, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson made some noise this week. Last week, Gardner-Johnson played only 36 defensive snaps (55%) in his first game back from a four-game absence. This week, Gardner-Johnson saw an uptick in work playing 70 defensive snaps (95%). 

    Gardner-Johnson primarily plays the slot role for the Saints defense and saw 60 of his 70 defensive snaps in the slot this week, per PFF. In deeper leagues where you need safety help/depth, Gardner-Johnson is someone to consider.

    Conclusion

    Congratulations to those who survived the roller coaster that was Week 15. With injuries and players landing on the Covid list, it's very important to keep working the waiver wire and adding depth to your rosters. Good luck this week everyone and happy bidding!

    To get the low-down on everything IDP relevant from Week 15, make sure you check out Johny The Greek’s “The Monster”!


    Thanks for taking the time to read my article, I hope you enjoyed it and found it helpful. You can find my work here at idpguys.org and follow me on Twitter @KBellf54. I’m always available for any questions or feedback you may have and my DMs are always open.

    Kyle Bellefeuil

    Long time football and Packer fan. I've been playing redraft since 2001 and Dynasty/IDP since 2010. You can find my writing here at IDP Guys and remember, defense wins championships!!
  • Back to top