IDP Waiver Wire: Week 4 Pickups and Matchup Plays

Sep 27, 2017

Hard to believe we're hitting the quarter mark of the season. By now, anomalies are becoming trends but it's still not time to pull the plug on your studs. In fact, they represent a buy-low opportunity if you're able to take advantage. Trust the guys with proven track records as their production should settle to their mean. It is time to make decisions on your sleepers, though, if they aren't panning out. There weren't many notable injuries last week, but one of the key IDPs, Lavonte David, is out with a high ankle sprain.

There have been some defenders off to fast start and below a few waiver wire IDPs targets for the week. Once we get through this week's waiver wire recommendations, I'll analyze my Week 4 rankings to see which matchups stand out at each position.

Week 4 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups

Defensive Line

Anthony Zettel, DE, Detroit Lions (37 snaps/54%)

Zettel has been solid on the line for the Lions, and with Ezekiel Ansah picking his play up, Zettel will see more single teams, while offensive lines focus on Ansah. Through three games, he's recorded 2 sacks and 2 QB hits. He'll be worth the add in leagues that are big-play focused.

Takkarist McKinley, DE, Atlanta Falcons (48 snaps/69%)

After being held to a tackle in Week 1, McKinley notched a sack and 2 solos in Week 3, while also being a force at the line of scrimmage—those tackles were for a loss. Playing alongside Adrian Clayborn helps; however, he should also have more opportunities in the absence of Vic Beasley.

Mario Addison, DE, Carolina Panthers (45 snaps/78%)

Addison has consecutive weeks of producing big plays. He's recorded sacks in two straight and also has 3 QB hits. He's also recording a 10% tackle rate, which has resulted in 12 tackles. Addison has two straight weeks of double-digit fantasy points and is worth the add in big-play scoring formats and even tackle-heavy leagues.

Linebacker

Patrick Onwuasor, ILB, Baltimore Ravens (40 snaps/55%)

Onwuasor might be emerging as the ILB opposite C.J. Mosley. In an otherwise lopsided affair, Onwuasor stood out with his play, as he and Mosley were in on most of the tackles, recording a 32% tackle share. Onwuasor recorded 7 tackles, resulting in a 12.7% tackle rate. At this point, he's worth adding in deeper leagues, especially if his snap usage increases.

Jon Bostic, ILB, Indianapolis Colts (77 snaps/100%)

Bostic has produced double-digit fantasy points in 2-of-3 games this season and is the only Colt linebacker worth owning. In three games, he's appeared in 208 snaps and is recording a 10.1% tackle rate, leading to 21 tackles and a 4:1 solo-to-assist tackle ratio. Bostic is the play-caller, so he's on the field for all of the snaps, and is having a solid season. He's worth adding in leagues that require starting at least three LBs.

Kendell Beckwith, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (74 snaps/100%)

Beckwith appears to be a polarizing figure in IDP leagues. Some people think he's a bad player, but all I'm seeing is the 13 tackles he's produced in two games. He received the start in Week 3 for Kwon Alexander and recorded a 10.8% tackle rate. He should remain IDP relevant over the next few weeks with Lavonte David nursing a high ankle sprain. As long as one of David or Kwon Alexander are missing games, Beckwith is worth rostering.

Returning from suspension: Vontaze Burfict returns from suspension, so if someone dropped him to make room for another IDP, you'll want to put in a claim. Lawrence Timmons also returns from suspension, so if someone dropped him, you can grab him as well—he'll be back starting Sunday.