As we progress further into the season, there is less and less ambiguity regarding player usage. As a result of that, most of our IDP trends are going to be a result of injuries, unfortunately. There were only a few notable ones this week, and I'll break them down below.
NY Giants EDGE Azeez Ojulari is back from IR.
In his return, Ojulari played 58% of defensive snaps for the Giants behind only Kayvon Thibodeaux at the position. Those two players should remain the snap volume leaders for the team as long as they stay healthy. While Ojulari might not have as high a tackle floor as some managers might like to see, his sack upside is strong enough to merit rostering him in most leagues where he’s available.
Cleveland LB Sione Takitaki is out for the season with a torn ACL.
Tony Fields played the majority of snaps behind Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah after Takitaki left the game, earned 4 tackles, forced a fumble, and got a pick-six on only 51% of defensive snaps. While the big plays likely won’t be a consistent facet of his game - after all, not everyone can be as terrible on offense as Houston - his snap volume and tackle floor should make Fields a worthwhile add in any IDP league where Takitaki was also being rostered.
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Washington LB Cole Holcomb is done for the season.
Jamin Davis has been the Commanders’ full-time linebacker as his replacement and earned 7.5 tackles a game while in that role. Jon Bostic has been a part-time player since Holcomb was injured and has played 47-86% of defensive snaps, depending on his weekly usage. He has averaged only 3.8 tackles a game during that stretch, so he likely is not in consideration for a start in almost any format. Still, managers should be aware of his usage and possible upside in case a few tackles break his way in a given week.
Tennessee LB David Long exited Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury.
Dylan Cole led the team in defensive snaps with 77% of snaps played and earned 3 tackles. Joe Schobert played 51% of defensive snaps (his highest rate of the season) and earned six tackles. Monty Rice also played 36% of snaps and earned seven tackles for an absurdly high 27% tackle rate. If Long is set to miss time, managers should prioritize Cole, then Schobert, and then Rice if they need linebacker help. Tennessee only uses one full-time linebacker at most, so manage expectations appropriately.
Both Green Bay linebackers played 100% of defensive snaps in Week 13.
This is the first time the Packers have used two full-time linebackers this season. With DeVondre Campbell returning from injury and Quay Walker continuing to be used at his every-down rate, this could be the perfect IDP situation for both players. Time will tell if this trend continues, but should both players see the field for a full allotment of snaps going forwards, expect them to be start-worthy in all formats.