IDP Waiver Suggestions and Start/Sits - Week 14
Another week, another IDP busted for PED use. This week, D’Qwell Jackson is the latest IDP that got busted for using performance enhancers. Just in time for the playoffs also. I can’t believe we’re hitting Week 14, which is playoff time for, hopefully, most of you. If you’ve gotten this far, don’t forget the process that got you to this point. If you’ve been bitten by the injury, or the PED bug, let’s take a look at the IDPs that can help your squad through the fantasy playoffs.
IDP Waiver Wire
Defensive Line
Akiem Hicks, DE, Chicago Bears (58 snaps/100 percent)
Hicks notched 10 of his 39 total tackles this past week and also notched fifth and sixth sacks of the season. He’s just behind Willie Young for the team lead in sacks. His tackle rate is on the low side, so I’d add him in big play scoring formats for his pass rush upside.
Hicks notched 10 of his 39 total tackles this past week and also notched fifth and sixth sacks of the season. He’s just behind Willie Young for the team lead in sacks. His tackle rate is on the low side, so I’d add him in big play scoring formats for his pass rush upside.
Danielle Hunter, DE, Minnesota Vikings (32 snaps/62 percent)
If someone dropped Hunter because of his lull in sacks, it’s time to pay attention again. He now has four straight games with a sack and is getting more than 50 percent of the defensive snaps, so his usage is up. He’s now the Vikings’ sack leader and he’s also generated 16 QB hits. His 8.6 percent tackle rate keeps him on the DL range for tackle-heavy/balanced leagues.
If someone dropped Hunter because of his lull in sacks, it’s time to pay attention again. He now has four straight games with a sack and is getting more than 50 percent of the defensive snaps, so his usage is up. He’s now the Vikings’ sack leader and he’s also generated 16 QB hits. His 8.6 percent tackle rate keeps him on the DL range for tackle-heavy/balanced leagues.
Derek Wolfe, DE, Denver Broncos (64 snaps/76 percent)
Wolfe is producing a 7.6 percent tackle rate this season and is on pace for a solid 60 total tackles. I’m hoping he can hit the seven sack mark by the end of the season, as the five game sack-less streak put a damper on his pace. He’s recorded 12 or more fantasy points in his last two games and is a solid add for depth in most formats.
Wolfe is producing a 7.6 percent tackle rate this season and is on pace for a solid 60 total tackles. I’m hoping he can hit the seven sack mark by the end of the season, as the five game sack-less streak put a damper on his pace. He’s recorded 12 or more fantasy points in his last two games and is a solid add for depth in most formats.
DeForest Buckner, DE, San Francisco 49’ers (63 snaps/100 percent)
The rookie is putting in work and has appeared in 738 defensive snaps, recording a 7.3 percent tackle rate and is on pace for 74 total tackles this season. I do like his matchups down the stretch as he faces some suspect offensive lines (Jets, Rams, Seahawks).
The rookie is putting in work and has appeared in 738 defensive snaps, recording a 7.3 percent tackle rate and is on pace for 74 total tackles this season. I do like his matchups down the stretch as he faces some suspect offensive lines (Jets, Rams, Seahawks).
Linebacker
Edwin Jackson, ILB, Indianapolis Colts
On the heels of D’Qwell Jackson’s four-game suspension, Edwin will the be the Jackson to target in Indianapolis’s defensive backfield. Edwin appeared in 100 percent of the defensive snaps in Week 13 and, since the bye week, has produced a 14.1 percent tackle rate, which has led to 21 tackles. He’ll be called on carry the load among the linebackers for the remainder of the regular season.
On the heels of D’Qwell Jackson’s four-game suspension, Edwin will the be the Jackson to target in Indianapolis’s defensive backfield. Edwin appeared in 100 percent of the defensive snaps in Week 13 and, since the bye week, has produced a 14.1 percent tackle rate, which has led to 21 tackles. He’ll be called on carry the load among the linebackers for the remainder of the regular season.
Josh Bynes, ILB, Detroit Lions
He’ll be worth picking up as insurance for Tahir Whitehead owners if he remains out. He was in on nearly 100 percent of the snaps in Week 13 and recorded a 13.3 percent tackle rate, leading to eight on the day. He has an LB3 floor, however, not much of a ceiling which is why I’m only recommending him for deeper leagues.
He’ll be worth picking up as insurance for Tahir Whitehead owners if he remains out. He was in on nearly 100 percent of the snaps in Week 13 and recorded a 13.3 percent tackle rate, leading to eight on the day. He has an LB3 floor, however, not much of a ceiling which is why I’m only recommending him for deeper leagues.
Mike Hull, ILB, Miami Dolphins (26 snaps/36 percent)
Kiko Alonso suffered a thumb injury that could keep him out of Week 14. Alonso is telling reporters that he’s going to play, but it’s appearing unlikely at this point. Hull is the next man up at the MIKE position. He managed five tackles in limited snaps, so he could be headed for more playing time and opportunities this week.
Kiko Alonso suffered a thumb injury that could keep him out of Week 14. Alonso is telling reporters that he’s going to play, but it’s appearing unlikely at this point. Hull is the next man up at the MIKE position. He managed five tackles in limited snaps, so he could be headed for more playing time and opportunities this week.
Corey Nelson, ILB, Denver Broncos (40 snaps/48 percent)
Brandon Marshall is expected to this week and Nelson is on the radar as the starter opposite Todd Davis. Nelson managed a 10 percent tackle rate this past week and has a favorable matchup against the Titans and Demarco Murray in Week 14. If his snap rate trends up towards the 60-70 percent range, he’ll be a useful LB3 in deeper leagues.
Brandon Marshall is expected to this week and Nelson is on the radar as the starter opposite Todd Davis. Nelson managed a 10 percent tackle rate this past week and has a favorable matchup against the Titans and Demarco Murray in Week 14. If his snap rate trends up towards the 60-70 percent range, he’ll be a useful LB3 in deeper leagues.
Bruce Irvin, OLB, Oakland Raiders (68 snaps/94 percent)
Since the bye week, Irvin has sacks in three consecutive games and is generating a near 17 percent QB pressure rate in that span. His tackle rate is still too low to consider him in tackle-heavy, so if he’s on your wire in big play scoring league, grab him. His overall 12 percent pressure rate should give him plenty of sack upside over the next four weeks.
Since the bye week, Irvin has sacks in three consecutive games and is generating a near 17 percent QB pressure rate in that span. His tackle rate is still too low to consider him in tackle-heavy, so if he’s on your wire in big play scoring league, grab him. His overall 12 percent pressure rate should give him plenty of sack upside over the next four weeks.
Defensive Back
Michael Griffin, SS, Carolina Panthers (71 snaps/100 percent)
Kurt Coleman was inactive in Week 13, which allowed Griffin to record 14 tackles. He matched his season total in tackles in just one game. Keep an eye on Coleman’s status throughout the week, as he’s in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Kurt Coleman was inactive in Week 13, which allowed Griffin to record 14 tackles. He matched his season total in tackles in just one game. Keep an eye on Coleman’s status throughout the week, as he’s in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Isa Abdul-Quddus, FS, Miami Dolphins (70 snaps/97 percent)
Since the bye week, Quddus has 10 or more fantasy points in four of his last five games and is now on pace for 90 total tackles with his 9.1 percent tackle rate. He’s also increased his solo tackle rate thanks to a 2:1 solo-to-assist ratio over the last five weeks. He’s worth picking up as a DB3 in deeper leagues.
Since the bye week, Quddus has 10 or more fantasy points in four of his last five games and is now on pace for 90 total tackles with his 9.1 percent tackle rate. He’s also increased his solo tackle rate thanks to a 2:1 solo-to-assist ratio over the last five weeks. He’s worth picking up as a DB3 in deeper leagues.
Jaylen Watkins, FS, Philadelphia Eagles (39 snaps/61 snaps)
Watkins has been asked to play more free safety and help out the secondary over the last few weeks. In the last two weeks, he’s notched 11 tackles and recovered a fumble and has seen his snap rate increase. He’s someone to keep on your radar to see the trends continue.
Watkins has been asked to play more free safety and help out the secondary over the last few weeks. In the last two weeks, he’s notched 11 tackles and recovered a fumble and has seen his snap rate increase. He’s someone to keep on your radar to see the trends continue.
Jimmie Ward, CB, San Francisco 49’ers (63 snaps/100 percent)
Ward has some solid matchups over the next four weeks, notably, the Jets next week. Ward should be in position to make some plays this week, and since the bye, he’s produced 10 or more fantasy points in four of his last five games, including seven defended passes. He should be on your radar as a CB-streamer.
Ward has some solid matchups over the next four weeks, notably, the Jets next week. Ward should be in position to make some plays this week, and since the bye, he’s produced 10 or more fantasy points in four of his last five games, including seven defended passes. He should be on your radar as a CB-streamer.
IDP Matchups
Defensive Line
Akiem Hicks, DE, Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions
Hicks has stepped his play as of late and seems to be the only Chicago defender that is making effort. Hicks, over the last four weeks, is generating an 11 percent pressure rate on QBs and should draw Graham Glasgow on Detroit’s offensive line, who has ranked near the bottom among tackles and has struggled in pass protection. If you’re looking for DL streamer, I like Hicks this week.
Hicks has stepped his play as of late and seems to be the only Chicago defender that is making effort. Hicks, over the last four weeks, is generating an 11 percent pressure rate on QBs and should draw Graham Glasgow on Detroit’s offensive line, who has ranked near the bottom among tackles and has struggled in pass protection. If you’re looking for DL streamer, I like Hicks this week.
Stephon Tuitt, DE, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Buffalo Bills
Tuitt has been quiet since his two sack game against Cleveland, however, has still managed a near 11 percent pressure rate in the last two weeks. He’s still capable of producing pressure and get to the QB with a good matchup. Jordan Mills has been a below average tackle this season and is part of an offensive line that has allowed 35 sacks this season. I think Tuitt has DL2 upside this week and it wouldn’t shock me to see him end the week with multiple sacks.
Tuitt has been quiet since his two sack game against Cleveland, however, has still managed a near 11 percent pressure rate in the last two weeks. He’s still capable of producing pressure and get to the QB with a good matchup. Jordan Mills has been a below average tackle this season and is part of an offensive line that has allowed 35 sacks this season. I think Tuitt has DL2 upside this week and it wouldn’t shock me to see him end the week with multiple sacks.
Cameron Jordan, DE, New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jordan has sacks in two of his last four games, in addition to five QB hits. He’s really poured on the pressure over the last four weeks, producing a near 18 percent pressure rate. He should matchup with Donovan Smith who has ranked poorly among tackles in pass protection.
Jordan has sacks in two of his last four games, in addition to five QB hits. He’s really poured on the pressure over the last four weeks, producing a near 18 percent pressure rate. He should matchup with Donovan Smith who has ranked poorly among tackles in pass protection.
Cameron Wake, DE, Miami Dolphins vs. Arizona Cardinals
I really like Wake’s matchup this week against Arizona. Arizona’s offensive line has given up 35 sacks on Carson Palmer and DJ Humphries ranks near the bottom of the rankings among tackles in pass protection. Wake has been on a tear, producing sacks in four straight games and should hit double-digits this season, quite possibly, this week. Wake is producing a near 19 percent pressure rate and should give Humphries all he can handle this week.
I really like Wake’s matchup this week against Arizona. Arizona’s offensive line has given up 35 sacks on Carson Palmer and DJ Humphries ranks near the bottom of the rankings among tackles in pass protection. Wake has been on a tear, producing sacks in four straight games and should hit double-digits this season, quite possibly, this week. Wake is producing a near 19 percent pressure rate and should give Humphries all he can handle this week.
Linebacker
Chandler Jones, OLB, Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins
I like Jones in big play leagues this week, especially his matchup on the outside with Branden Albert. In his first year in the desert, Jones is producing a near 13 percent pressure rate which has led to eight sacks. If he picks up the pace slightly, he should reach double-digits this season. Albert has ranked poorly this season in pass protection, so I think Jones is able to get a sack this week as the Dolphins are allowing nearly a sack per game to opposing OLBs.
I like Jones in big play leagues this week, especially his matchup on the outside with Branden Albert. In his first year in the desert, Jones is producing a near 13 percent pressure rate which has led to eight sacks. If he picks up the pace slightly, he should reach double-digits this season. Albert has ranked poorly this season in pass protection, so I think Jones is able to get a sack this week as the Dolphins are allowing nearly a sack per game to opposing OLBs.
Telvin Smith, OLB, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Minnesota Vikings
Smith, once again, has been a tackling machine for Jacksonville. He’s recorded 10 or more fantasy points in every game this season and has recorded fewer than six solo tackles just twice. He’s currently producing a tackle rate of 12.4 percent and faces a Vikings team that’s yielding 23 total tackles per game to opposing linebackers.
Smith, once again, has been a tackling machine for Jacksonville. He’s recorded 10 or more fantasy points in every game this season and has recorded fewer than six solo tackles just twice. He’s currently producing a tackle rate of 12.4 percent and faces a Vikings team that’s yielding 23 total tackles per game to opposing linebackers.
Nick Bellore, ILB, San Francisco 49’ers vs. New York Jets
Bellore, although he’s played poorly, has been a good source of IDP digits this season. Since the bye, he’s recorded 38 of his 75 tackles and it’s resulted in a 12.4 percent tackle rate. He’ll face a Jets team that should give Matt Forte the ball, since the 49’ers can’t stop the run, so he should plenty of tackle opportunities.
Bellore, although he’s played poorly, has been a good source of IDP digits this season. Since the bye, he’s recorded 38 of his 75 tackles and it’s resulted in a 12.4 percent tackle rate. He’ll face a Jets team that should give Matt Forte the ball, since the 49’ers can’t stop the run, so he should plenty of tackle opportunities.
Lavonte David, OLB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints
Although David hasn’t produced elite level IDP numbers this season, his production has picked up since Week 6. He’s notched 34 of his 59 tackles since then and has double-digit fantasy points in five of his last seven games. The Saints are allowing 15 solo tackles per game to opposing LBs, so I think David can have one his trademark seven to eight solo games this week.
Although David hasn’t produced elite level IDP numbers this season, his production has picked up since Week 6. He’s notched 34 of his 59 tackles since then and has double-digit fantasy points in five of his last seven games. The Saints are allowing 15 solo tackles per game to opposing LBs, so I think David can have one his trademark seven to eight solo games this week.
KJ Wright, OLB, Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers
If I were to ask you to name the LBs that were close to recording 100 tackles, how many would it take before you landed on Wright? He’s having one of the quietest 100 tackle campaigns and is recording a 12 percent tackle rate this season. Last week was first time this season he hadn’t recorded at least six tackles. The Packers are yielding 17 total tackles per game to opposing LBs.
If I were to ask you to name the LBs that were close to recording 100 tackles, how many would it take before you landed on Wright? He’s having one of the quietest 100 tackle campaigns and is recording a 12 percent tackle rate this season. Last week was first time this season he hadn’t recorded at least six tackles. The Packers are yielding 17 total tackles per game to opposing LBs.
Defensive Back
Kam Chancellor, SS, Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers
Chancellor is going to have to pick up the slack for Earl Thomas now that he’s out for the year. Since returning from injury in Week 10, he has four straight games of 14 or more fantasy points and is producing an 11.7 percent tackle rate which has led to 31 tackles in those last four games. Kam has a plus-matchup against Green Bay as they are yielding 12 solo tackles (14 total) per game to opposing safeties.
Chancellor is going to have to pick up the slack for Earl Thomas now that he’s out for the year. Since returning from injury in Week 10, he has four straight games of 14 or more fantasy points and is producing an 11.7 percent tackle rate which has led to 31 tackles in those last four games. Kam has a plus-matchup against Green Bay as they are yielding 12 solo tackles (14 total) per game to opposing safeties.
Chris Conte, FS, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints
Conte is an example of a bad football player that produces respectable IDP numbers. I’m hoping he’s back this week as he has a nice matchup against the Saints. At his current pace, he should hit the 90 tackle mark this season and is recording a 9.6 percent tackle rate. The Saints are allowing 10 solo tackles per game to opposing safeties.
Jahleel Addae, SS, San Diego Chargers vs. Carolina Panthers
Addae had missed the eight games before the bye week and he returned to action in Week 12, where he has consecutive games of 14 or more fantasy points. He’s recording a 13.8 percent tackle rate over those last two games and faces a Carolina offense that’s allowing nine solo tackles per game to opposing safeties. Addae has been playing near the line of scrimmage, which certainly gives him the upside for tackle opportunities.
Addae had missed the eight games before the bye week and he returned to action in Week 12, where he has consecutive games of 14 or more fantasy points. He’s recording a 13.8 percent tackle rate over those last two games and faces a Carolina offense that’s allowing nine solo tackles per game to opposing safeties. Addae has been playing near the line of scrimmage, which certainly gives him the upside for tackle opportunities.
Malcolm Butler, CB, New England Patriots vs. Baltimore Ravens
I like Butler as a CB-streamer this week against the Ravens. He’s seeing plenty of balls thrown his way, putting him in position to make plays and tackles. Butler has 14 defended passes on the year and he’s been thrown at nearly 60 times this season. The Ravens offense is yielding 10 solo tackles and three defended passes per game to opposing CBs.
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