Who are some names to know in your IDP leagues after a wild Week 8? Let’s take a look at a list of players who make for potential waiver wire Week 9 additions to your IDP squads.
Week 8 brought us another action-packed week of football with plenty to digest. We still have one more game to cap it off, as the Kansas City Chiefs take on the New York Giants on Monday night. The waiver wire Week 9 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 9 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
Ernest Jones, LB, Los Angeles Rams
Week 8 Stats: 9 tackles (7 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1/2 sack, 2 QB hits, 1 interception, 1 pass defended
Last week the Rams traded away Kenny Young and many eager IDP managers, myself included, wondered how involved Ernest Jones would be this week. As it turns out, he was VERY involved. Jones played 54 defensive snaps (89%) and paced the Rams linebackers with teammate Troy Reeder playing 39 snaps (64%). This was Jones’ biggest snap share of the season and the rookie didn’t disappoint as he had himself a day (see stats above).
I initially thought Reeder would be the early beneficiary after the trade, with Jones possibly being eased in. That certainly wasn’t the case as Jones out-snapped Reeder and was the primary linebacker this week. After this performance, Jones is a priority waiver wire add if you're looking for a linebacker. If he continues to be the main man in LA, Jones could be in for a big second half of the season.
Baron Browning, LB, Denver Broncos
Week 8 Stats: 8 tackles (5 solos), 1 tackle for loss
Denver’s linebacker situation was another curious case after the Kenny Young trade. In Week 8, it was Baron Browning and Kenny Young as the starting linebackers with Justin Strnad going back to a reserve role. Browning led the linebacker group playing 97% of the defensive snaps, Young played 56%, and Strnad saw only 20%.
With Browning now healthy after dealing with a concussion, Denver felt it was time to get his speed and athleticism on the field. The rookie had a strong debut, producing eight tackles (5 solos) and a tackle for loss in his first career start. Browning is another rookie linebacker who is an excellent add with serious potential going forward.
Jarrad Davis, LB, New York Jets
Week 8 Stats: 3 solo tackles
Jarrad Davis made his season debut this week after missing the first six games with an ankle injury. Davis got the start over Quincy Williams next to CJ Mosley and played 38 snaps (68%) to Williams’ 14 snaps (25%). Before the season, Davis was tabbed as a starter along with Mosley and the Jets wasted no time getting him in the lineup.
It’s definitely encouraging that Davis out-snapped Williams off the jump and bodes well for his role going forward. If Davis was left on the wire while he was out, pick him up. I expect his snaps to continue to increase as he gets more comfortable coming back from the injury.
Drue Tranquill, LB, Los Angeles Chargers
Week 8 Stats: 5 tackles (3 solos)
After missing the Chargers Week 6 game before the bye, Tranquill returned this week. Tranquill played 57 snaps (74%) in his return, being out-snapped by only Kyzir White (82%). If Tranquill was dropped while he was out, he’s worth a look. While Kenneth Murray is out, both Tranquill and White are getting a solid amount of run.
T.J. Edwards, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
Week 8 Stats: 13 tackles (8 solos), 2 tackles for loss, 1 QB hit
The Philadelphia Eagles linebacker situation has been a roller coaster of emotions for IDP managers. This week, we saw yet another shakeup with the group. Eric Wilson was a healthy scratch and Alex Singleton played a season-low 21 snaps (34%). This paved the way for T.J. Edwards to lead the unit in snaps as he saw a season-high 41 (66%). Davion Taylor was second playing 39 defensive snaps (63%).
Edwards had a monster day with his added reps as he put up an impressive 13 tackles (8 solos) and two tackles for loss. Quite the showing for the third-year man out of Wisconsin. Given how things have gone in Philly, nothing is for certain with their linebackers. That being said, Edwards is definitely worth a shot after this performance if you have the room. Just keep an eye on his snap share going forward.
Anthony Barr, LB, Minnesota Vikings
Week 8 Stats: 6 tackles (3 solos), 1 QB hit, 1 pass defended, 1 fumble recovery
Since returning from injury in Week 5, Barr has been back to his every-down role-playing every snap the last three games. While he’s not known as a big-time IDP producer, Barr is out there every snap. Barr is more of a depth guy you can spot start in deeper leagues, but those guys do come in handy as injuries and bye weeks hit.
Defensive Line
Marcus Davenport, DE, New Orleans Saints
Week 8 Stats: 3 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss
After missing four games due to a shoulder injury, Marcus Davenport made his return in Week 7 against Seattle Monday night. Davenport played 35 defensive snaps (63%) in his first game back and then another 40 snaps (66%) this week. While the production hasn't been huge, Davenport has generated nine pressures, per PFF, over his last two outings.
The playing time has been solid in his return and Davenport has been generating some decent pressure as well. Hopefully, that turns into some nice IDP production in the coming weeks. This is a big prove-it year for Davenport so he should be plenty motivated. If you're looking for defensive line help, Davenport is worth a look to see if he turns it on a bit in the second half.
Zach Allen, DE, Arizona Cardinals
Week 8 Stats: 6 tackles (2 solos), 1 sack, 1 QB hit
Zach Allen missed both Weeks 6 and 7 while on the Covid list and his return this week was well-timed with the J.J. Watt injury news. Allen returned to the starting lineup in Week 8 and played a season-high 57 snaps (78%). Putting those snaps to good use, Allen had a solid day amassing six tackles (2 solos), one sack, and a quarterback hit.
With J.J. Watt's shoulder injury potentially requiring season-ending surgery, Allen should be relied upon going forward. Allen is more of a volume play in deeper leagues where you start 3-4 DL. If the waiver wire has been thinned out, Allen is someone to consider.
Dre'Mont Jones, DE, Denver Broncos
Week 8 Stats: 3 tackles (1 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 QB hits, 1 blocked FG
After finishing the 2020 season with a strong second-half, the hope was Dre'Mont Jones would carry that momentum into year three. Well, that hasn't been the case so far as Jones' 2021 has gotten off to a slow start. This week, however, Jones got things going a bit and turned in a solid day (see stats above). He's also generated nine pressures, per PFF, over his last two outings so hopefully, he's starting to find his stride.
Jones carries a 63% snap share on the season, so his role is solid along the Denver defensive front. In deeper leagues where you need DL help/depth, Jones is worth a look with the hope he's turned things around.
David Onyemata, DT, New Orleans Saints
Week 8 Stats: 1 fumble recovery
David Onyematta returned to the Saints starting lineup this week after missing the first six games while on suspension. Onyemata had a fantastic 2020 season where he posted career-highs in tackles (44) and sacks (6.5). Getting him back is a big boost to the Saints' defense and should be a welcomed sight to IDP managers as well.
Onyemata played 27 defensive snaps (44%) in his first game back and I expect that number to increase as he gets back to form. In defensive tackle required formats, Onyemata is an excellent pickup as he should be fired up to get back to work.
Defensive Backs
Brandon Jones, S, Miami Dolphins
Week 8 Stats: 5 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 QB hits
The Miami safety situation has been a tricky one to navigate this season. Brandon Jones has seen his playing time fluctuate all over this place through eight games. However, this week he saw a season-high 70 defensive snaps (96%) after playing in the 60-70% range the previous three games. Even more encouraging was the fact that 46 of his 70 snaps came in the box, slot, and defensive line, per PFF.
Will this snap share continue? Nobody except the Miami staff knows for certain. That said, Jones is definitely worth a pickup to see if this usage sticks. If you're in need of safety help, Jones makes for a solid waiver wire grab with intriguing upside.
Amani Hooker, S, Tennessee Titans
Week 8 Stats: 4 tackles (2 solos), 1 pass defended
Amani Hooker initially returned from injury in Week 6 but missed Week 7 with a groin injury. Hooker returned to action again in Week 8 and played 84% of Tennessee's defensive snaps. Dane Cruikshank had been filling in for Hooker but was relegated back to his resolve role-playing only 25% of the defensive snaps.
Hopefully, Hooker has put the injuries behind him and is ready to roll for the second half of the season. Hooker spent the majority of his time at free safety but did play 26 of his 67 snaps up in the box/slot this week, per PFF. If available, Hooker could be a nice waiver wire add if you need reinforcements to your safety unit.
George Odum, S, Indianapolis Colts
Week 8 Stats: 5 solo tackles, 1 QB hit
Khari Willis was forced to leave this week's game with a calf injury after just 16 snaps. George Odum came in as his replacement and ended up playing 57 snaps (78%) on the day. This was by far the most playing time Odum has seen this year and he turned in a respectable five solo tackles and a quarterback hit.
This is one of those super deep league adds where options are scarce. If you're a Willis manager or need a fill-in, Odum might be worth a look while we await more news on Willis' injury.
Ronald Darby, CB, Denver Broncos
Week 8 Stats: 7 tackles (5 solos)
Since returning to action in Week 6, Ronald Darby has only missed one defensive snap over the last three games. Darby has also been putting up some solid production as of late with 15 tackles (11 solos) over his last two games. He and teammate Patrick Surtain have been the starting outside corners since his return.
This week, Darby goes up against the pass-friendly Dallas offense that might have Dak Prescott back. Darby could be busy once again this week and is a nice option in those cornerback-required IDP leagues.
Conclusion
Thanks for tuning into this week’s edition of the IDP waiver wire Week 9! We saw some players return from injury and suspension as well as a few rookies step up in new roles. With four teams on bye this week, you may be looking for a few options and hopefully, I provided some above. Good luck this week everyone and happy bidding!
To get the low-down on everything IDP relevant from Week 8, 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.
