Who are some names to know in your IDP leagues after a wild week 3? Let’s take a look at a list of players who make for potential waiver wire week 4 additions to your IDP squads.
Week 3 brought us another action-packed week of football with plenty to digest. We still have one more game to cap it off, as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. The waiver wire week 4 article was written before the conclusion of that game, so unfortunately it doesn’t include those players.
Now it’s time to dive into some potential waiver wire week 4 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
Alexander Johnson, LB, Denver Broncos
Week 3 Stats: 5 solo tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 QB hits, 1 pass defended
Let me start this off by saying this is more of a shallower league/bench waiver wire pickup. A.J. Johnson had a slow start to the year his first two weeks and impatient managers may have looked elsewhere at the position. With Josey Jewell now out for the season, Denver was in need of Johnson to step up like he usually does and he did in week 3 (see stat line above).
Johnson will be the man in the middle for the Denver defense and should be a near every-down player as he played 95% and 93% of the snaps in weeks 2 and 3, respectively. Should Johnson indeed be available, he’s a fantastic pickup with his role and past success the last two seasons. While he may not be available in a ton of leagues, I thought he was worth mentioning given the situation.
Tae Crowder, LB, New York Giants
Week 3 Stats: 11 tackles (4 solos), 1 pass defended
The Giants and IDP managers alike endured a devastating loss this Sunday when Blake Martinez suffered a torn ACL, ending his season. This one hurts big time as Martinez is a set it and forget it weekly play. Tae Crowder was the next man up for the Giants defense after Martinez went down.
Crowder stepped in as the play-caller and ended up playing 61 of the 62 possible defensive snaps on Sunday. Although it was only four solos, Crowder’s 11 tackles were a team-high as he had a productive day. While we don’t know for sure if the workload will continue, the possible return of adding Crowder is well worth it. Should Crowder inherit that every-down role in New York, he could be a waiver wire addition that pays off nice dividends.
Alex Anzalone, LB, Detroit Lions
Week 3 Stats: 5 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit
Alex Anzalone isn’t exactly the most exciting IDP asset, but what he is doing right now is playing a bunch. Through Detroit’s first three games, Anzalone has played every single defensive snap and acts as the play-caller. He’s also been putting up some pretty solid production as of late with 15 tackles (13 solos) and a sack over his last two games.
Talented rookie Derrick Barnes was more involved this past week playing 48% of the defensive snaps, but it was Anzalone as the only full-time linebacker. Barnes’ usage will be one to watch, but as of now, Anzalone is the leader of the group. If you’re looking for linebacker help/depth, Anzalone is a solid waiver wire addition while he holds down that full-time role in Detroit.
David Long, LB, Tennessee Titans
Week 3 Stats: 8 tackles (5 solos), 1 tackle for loss
With Jayon Brown dinged up with a hamstring injury, David Long has been a key fixture at linebacker for Tennessee as of late. In week 2 with Brown out, Long played 53 snaps (98%). This week, Brown was used sparingly and Long led the way as the play-caller and was out there for all 61 defensive snaps.
When Long is called into action, he’s usually a solid producer for IDP purposes. It also seems the Tennessee staff trusts Long more than Rashaan Evans to anchor the defense when Brown is unavailable. Will this lead to more snaps for Long when Brown returns? We shall see. Long is a good add where you have the room with Brown nursing his injury and a possible productive role even when he returns.
Quincy Williams, LB, New York Jets
Week 3 Stats: 6 solo tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble
For the last two weeks, it’s been C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams eating up the snaps at linebacker for the Jets. Williams popped up in week 2 playing 54 snaps (92%) and was again a steady fixture in week 3 playing 63 snaps (94%). This week he made more noise in the stat column producing six solo tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.
If this newfound role continues, Williams has some appeal in those deeper roster leagues. Just know that Jarrad Davis could be back in a few weeks to take this role back from Williams. That being said, Williams makes for a nice waiver wire grab if you need reinforcements in deeper leagues where options are scarce.
Defensive Line/Edge
Romeo Okwara, DE, Detroit Lions
Week 3 Stats: 4 tackles (3 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack
After his breakout 2020 season, Okwara failed to carry that momentum into the start of this season. Through his first two games, Okwara registered a meager two assisted tackles and two quarterback hits, not great. That wasn’t the case this week as Okwara had a nice showing collecting four tackles (3 solos) and notching his first sack of the season.
While the production hasn’t been there every week, the snap volume definitely has been. Okwara has been a near every-down player so far as he’s played 98% of the defensive snaps through three games. Okwara also draws a weak Chicago offensive line this week that has surrendered 15 sacks through three games–nine of those coming this past week against Cleveland. While he’s certainly no Myles Garrett (who is), the matchup is pretty nice.
If an impatient manager dropped Okwara after his extremely slow start, pick him up. He has a nice matchup this week and the hope is better days are ahead.
Melvin Ingram, Edge, Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 3 Stats: 3 tackles (1 solo)
With T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith both out in week 3 due to groin injuries, Melvin Ingram played all 47 defensive snaps on Sunday. While that playing time didn’t equate to much production this week, Ingram did have a nice day in week 2 producing four tackles and a sack against the Raiders. So the veteran has shown he has some juice left in the tank.
With Watt and Highsmith nursing injuries, the volume should certainly be there for Ingram. In week 4, he draws a shuffled Green Bay offensive line who were without Elgton Jenkins this week. With David Bakhtiari out, Jenkins is easily their best lineman, so if he’s out again it’s a major loss to the unit. If you’re in need of DL/Edge help, Ingram could be a nice spot start with his volume and intriguing potential matchup.
Malik Reed, Edge, Denver Broncos
Week 3 Stats: 4 tackles (2 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 2 QB hits
After losing Bradley Chubb to IR last week, the Broncos turned to Malik Reed to once again pick up the slack. We saw Reed flash his potential last season as he was forced into action due to injuries. This week, Reed saw a healthy snap share of 45 snaps (83%) and turned in a solid IDP outing (see stat line above).
With Chubb out for a while, Reed will continue to see extended playing time going forward. Denver will be relying on him and Von Miller to continue to generate pressure off the edge for their defense. In leagues where Reed has DL/Edge designation, he’s definitely worth a waiver wire addition if you’re looking for help there.
Robert Quinn, Edge, Chicago Bears
Week 3 Stats: 2 tackles (1 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 QB hits
After a WAY less than stellar first season in Chicago in 2020, Robert Quinn is off to a nice start in 2021. Quinn has three and a half sacks over his last two games and registered six pressures against Cleveland this week, per PFF. Obviously, this is what Chicago had in mind when they signed him last offseason.
With a 71% snap share through the first three games, Quinn’s role looks steady and consistent. Now, we just need him to stay hot and continue his improved play. Quinn’s value lies in leagues where he has DL/Edge designation. In leagues where you start 3-4 DL/Edge players, Quinn is worth a pickup as a depth or spot start type.
Al-Quadin Muhammad, DE, Indianapolis Colts
Week 3 Stats: 7 tackles (5 solos), 1 tackle for loss
Opposite of rookie Kwity Paye, it’s been Al-Quadin Muhammad starting at defensive end for the Colts the first three weeks. Muhammad has quietly had a nice start to this season and has carved out a solid role-playing 127 defensive snaps (70%) through three games. After notching a sack in week 2, Muhammad compiled seven tackles (5 solos) and a tackle for loss in week 3. Not a bad two-week stretch for the fifth-year defensive end.
If you play in a league with limited DE/DL options, Muhammad is a player I’d look to target. He’s been productive to start the year and gets a Miami offensive line this week that has given 10 sacks so far this season.
Defensive Backs
Micah Hyde, S, Buffalo Bills
Week 3 Stats: 5 tackles (4 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception, 2 passes defended
Micah Hyde has been a playmaker the last two games for the Bills’ defense. Not only has he collected 12 tackles (8 solos) over that span, but in week 2 he notched a sack, and this week he generated a turnover grabbing his first interception of the year. It’s also notable that Hyde has seen 85 of his 173 defensive snaps up in the box or in the slot, per PFF. Definitely encouraging usage right there.
Teammate Jordan Poyer generally gets more love from an IDP standpoint (rightfully so), but Hyde has been no slouch himself so far this year. Hyde is a solid waiver wire pickup for managers in need of safety help with his steady snaps and productive role.
Nasir Adderley, S, Los Angeles Chargers
Week 3 Stats: 9 tackles (7 solos)
Playing all 141 defensive snaps the past two weeks, it seems Adderley has carved out a prominent role in the Charger defense. Adderley has put those snaps to good use lately amassing 18 tackles (15 solos) over his last two games. While he spends the majority of his time at free safety, he could be busy once again this week as the Chargers play the pass-happy Las Vegas Raiders.
Adderley is more of a deeper league add for teams in need of a boost at safety. While he plays deeper more often than we like, the snap volume has been there lately. If options are thin, Adderley could be worth a look.
Andrew Wingard, S, Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 3 Stats: 7 tackles (4 solos), 1 interception, 1 pass defended
Seeing his most extensive workload this season, Andrew Wingard played all 67 defensive snaps for Jacksonville on Sunday. In weeks 1 and 2, he played 71% and 74%, respectively. Wingard produced a nice IDP outing this week collecting seven tackles (4 solos) and an interception.
Rookie Andre Cisco only saw time on special teams this week, leaving Wingard and Rayshawn Jenkins to both play 100% of the defensive snaps. Wingard’s usage is one to watch, but if he’s going to see this kind of usage he’s worth a look in deep leagues.
Emmanuel Moseley, CB, San Francisco 49ers
Week 3 Stats: 6 tackles (5 solos), 2 passes defended
After missing San Francisco’s first two games, Moseley made his return in week 3 against Green Bay. Moseley was busy playing all 63 of San Francisco’s defensive snaps and produced a very respectable six tackles (5 solos) and two passes defended.
San Francisco’s secondary is a little banged up right now, so getting Moseley back is huge. Moseley is an every-down player and should be busy again this week as San Francisco takes on Seattle in a crucial divisional matchup. In cornerback required leagues, Moseley is a solid waiver wire addition should you be in need.
Conclusion
Thanks for tuning in to this week’s edition of the IDP waiver wire week 4! We saw some key players inactive and some unfortunate injuries take place this week. It’s important to stay active with your IDP squads as situations change and hopefully I provided everyone with a few options if in need. Good luck this week and happy bidding everyone!
To get the low-down on everything IDP relevant from week 3, make sure you check out Johny The Greek’s “The Monster” dropping on Thursday!
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.
