IDP Waiver Wire: Week 15 Pickups and Matchup Plays

Dec 13, 2017

In Week 14, we saw some great performances such as a healthy Sean Lee recording 18 tackles. However, there were two key injuries of significance; Bobby Wagner and KJ Wright. You’ll want to monitor Wagner’s aggravated hamstring injury throughout the week and keep tabs on Wright, who is in the concussion protocol.

As always, I have your waiver wire suggestions for the week below, as well as key IDP matchups to target.

IDP Waiver Wire Pickups Week 15

Defensive End

Michael Johnson, DE, Cincinnati Bengals (56 snaps/74%)

Johnson is coming off a two-sack game and has notched 18 tackles in his last four games. I like his matchups over the next two games. Although the Vikings aren’t allowing many points per game, they are allowing nearly a sack per game to opposing defensive ends. I really like Johnson against the Lions next week, as they are allowing over a sack per game and the sixth-most points to the defensive end position.

Shelby Harris, DE, Denver Broncos (32 snaps/64%)

Lewis looks like a solid pickup in deeper leagues with favorable matchups in Weeks 15 and 16. Harris has been generating a near 8% percent pressure rate and has three straight games with a sack. The Colts and Washington are on the docket and are ranked fifth and fourth, respectively, in points allowed to opposing defensive ends.

Kawaan Short, DT, Carolina Panthers (51 snaps/69%)

Short has generated consistent pressure this season, producing a near 11% pressure rate. Short is third on the team in sacks behind Julius Peppers and Mario Addison. He’ll be worth a look in DT-required leagues and I like his Week 16 matchup against Tampa. He had a 4-solo tackle effort in Week 8 and the Bucs are allowing nearly a sack and 6 tackles per game to the defensive tackle position.