IDP Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 15

Dec 15, 2020

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Week 14, and the first round of the playoffs is in the books. A few guys stepped up, like Chase Young and Roquan Smith, just to name a few. A few waiver wire heroes were also key contributors such as Kamren Curl, and Khari Willis.

There are a few injuries we'll need to monitor throughout the week, with the big one being Fred Warner.

I hope you've all advanced on to the next round, and if you need a few additions to your squad, I've got your IDP waiver wire suggestions for Week 15.

Linebacker

David Long, LB, Tennessee Titans

It appears as if Long has taken over the play-calling duties and is no longer sharing responsibility with Will Compton. Long appeared in 100% of the snaps in Week 14 and looks to be the three-down LB in Tennessee's defense. He's deliberate in his movement and doesn't waste any steps. He had a solid tackle on Laviska Shenault that yielded no yards after the catch. He also won't give up on the play and will chase down the ball. Although he only recorded five tackles in Week 14, we can't be choosy at this point. He's wearing the dot and isn't leaving the field. He'll be worth picking up this week.

Azeez Al-Shaair, LB, San Francisco 49ers

You'll need to monitor the health of Fred Warner. Warner exited Week 14 with a neck stinger and they can be tricky. As a linebacker, you need a full range of motion of your head, and if there's any discomfort, it's hard to see him suiting up. Al-Shaair stepped in for Warner and wore the dot. He's quick enough to chase down speedy backs, and has the build take on tight ends. He had a really nice play on Peyton Barber out of the flat and closed on him quickly, limiting him to just two yards. He also has quick hands to swipe off blocks. His opportunity rests on Warner's health, but if he's out, Al-Shaair is next man up. He looks like he'd be the signal-caller and play the three-down role opposite Dre Greenlaw in Week 15.

Update 12/19/2020: Fred Warner put in a limited practice and is questionable. He's on track to play which would cut into Al-Shaair's snap volume.

Haason Reddick, LB, Arizona Cardinals

Well, Reddick got through the Giants' offense like he had Fast Passes at Disney World. No need to stand in line, come on through. Reddick had five sacks coming into Week 14 and doubled that output. You heard me - he notched five sacks against the Giants. Reddick generated a 32% pressure rate leading to seven pressures - where he converted five into sacks and had a QB hit. He'll be a big play scoring format target over the next few weeks, especially in Week 15, as Reddick will draw the Eagles line. We'll see if he can chase down Jalen Hurts. His first sack on Daniel Jones, he forced a fumble. On his second sack, he just got off the ball quickly and used his speed to get around Andrew Thomas. Reddick was a menace all game long. He has the chance to add to his sack total against a below-average Eagles' offensive line.

Duke Riley, LB, Philadelphia Eagles

TJ Edwards was inactive in Week 14 and Duke Riley received the majority of the snaps. Riley played in 90% of the snaps alongside Alex Singleton and turned in a solid game, which could keep him on the field. On his INT, he was in the right place at the right time. Alvin Kamara couldn't handle the Taysom Hill pass and Riley grabbed the ball. Riley finished with a 10.5% tackle rate, resulting in six tackles. I like that he was near the ball and recorded five solos. Again, at this stage of the season, we're looking at LBs with potential playing time. If TJ Edwards misses this week, you could potentially plug Riley in as an LB3.

Cole Holcomb, LB, Washington Football Team

I'm still seeing Holcomb available, so if you need LB help, go get him. Since Washington's Week 8 bye, Holcomb is producing a 12% tackle rate, resulting in 41 tackles. Holcomb's snap rate has been around 85% during that span. He's not afraid to mix it up, and if he gets caught in traffic or a block, he has quick hands to swipe away blockers. He also made a solid tackle on Jeff Wilson at the goal-line to prevent a TD. It's challenging to find an LB playing more than 80% of the snaps at this point in the season, so if he's out there, grab him.