After a grueling regular season, the fantasy playoffs are finally upon us. Congratulations to those who made it in; you earned it. And for those who didn’t make it, we’ll be back next year better than ever. I did my best to navigate through the snaps and stats to find some potential waiver wire options for your IDP leagues. Please keep in mind there are many fun ways to play this IDP game we love, and if you ever have any league-specific questions feel free to reach out. Alright, let’s get to it.
Linebackers
Jerome Baker, Miami Dolphins
Week 14 Stats: 11 tackles (6 solos), 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit
It's been a frustrating year to roster Jerome Baker in IDP leagues. His production has been spotty week-to-week, as has his playing time. In Weeks 9-12 (Week 11 bye), Baker failed to crack the 80% snap share mark, dipping as low as 56% (34 snaps) in Week 12. However, Baker's usage is trending back up in a positive way, with a 91.5% snap share over his last two games.
Not only has Baker been seeing more ideal snap shares, but he's also providing some solid IDP production. Over that two-game stretch, Baker has filled the stat sheet with 22 tackles (12 solos), three tackles for loss, and one and a half sacks. Due to his lack of consistency, Baker may be floating around waiver wires in shallower leagues. If you’re looking for linebacker reinforcements in those such leagues, Baker is worth a look.
Deion Jones, Cleveland Browns
Week 14 Stats: 7 tackles (4 solos), 1 interception, 2 passes defended
Deion Jones seems to be back in favor in the Cleveland linebacker room. In Week 15, Cleveland's first full game without Sione Takitaki, Jones led all Cleveland linebackers with a season-high 59 defensive snaps (88%). Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was second among the group with 54 snaps (81%), while Jordan Kunaszyk (12 snaps/18%) and Tony Fields (11 snaps/16%) both had minimal roles. Yes, the same Tony Fields who played 33 snaps (51%) last week—isn't this fun?
Cleveland’s linebacker usage can be tough to trust, especially when you consider Jones only played 39 total defensive snaps in Weeks 12-13. Although, this week seems pretty telling as to who they trusted with a full week to prepare, knowing Takitaki was unavailable. Now, Owusu-Koramoah is dealing with a leg injury of his own that we are awaiting more information on.
The Browns are running out of options at linebacker, and this week was a step back in the right direction for Jones. Hopefully, he can continue to see an 80%+ snap share down the stretch for us—they may not have a choice. Jones is worth a waiver add after his Week 14 outing and could be even more important depending on the news surrounding Owusu-Koramoah’s injury. Just like last week, the Cleveland linebacker snaps will be one to keep tabs on after this week’s game.
Devin Lloyd, Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 14 Stats: 8 tackles (4 solos)
Rookie Devin Lloyd had seen his previous every-down role dwindle to fellow rookie Chad Muma over the past few weeks. In Weeks 10-13 (Week 11 bye), Lloyd only carried a 42.3% snap share, with a season-low 22 snaps (29%) in Week 13. However, Muma saw his role grow, playing all 72 defensive snaps in Week 12, and was well on his way to another full day in Week 13 until suffering a late ankle injury.
Muma's ankle injury kept him out of this week's game, and Lloyd was back in a more prominent role. Lloyd played all 67 defensive snaps against Tennesee in Week 14, producing a solid eight-tackle (4 solos) outing. If Muma is forced to miss any more time, Lloyd would once again be a startable IDP asset. If you grab Lloyd off the waiver wire in your redraft leagues, make sure you keep tabs on Muma's status throughout the week. If Muma returns, Lloyd should be left on your bench.
Monty Rice, Tennesee Titans
Week 14 Stats: 12 tackles (7 solos), 1 tackle for loss
Unfortunately, David Long (hamstring) was recently placed on IR, and his availability for the fantasy season has come to an end. In last week's article, I covered Dylan Cole as a potential waiver wire addition. In Week 14, Cole played a season-high 59 defensive snaps (82%) but only turned in five total tackles—hopefully, it's better days ahead. However, Monty Rice also saw a season-high in usage, playing 51 snaps (71%).
Rice put his added snaps to good use, compiling a team-high 12 tackles (7 solos) against Jacksonville in Week 14. Tennesse seemed to favor Cole and Rice in Long's absence, as Joe Schobert only saw 23 defensive snaps (32%). While Rice may not have a full-time role right now, he showed he can be productive with a snap share in the 70% snap range. Rice has a solid matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15 and is a potentially viable starter in deeper redraft leagues.
In dynasty leagues, Rice is a nice stash candidate if he happens to be sitting on your waiver wire. Zach Cunningham has a potential out in his lofty contract after this season, and both Long and Cole are currently set to be free agents heading into the offseason. Rice is in a nice position to step up and prove himself down the stretch for the Titan defense.
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Brian Asamoah, Minnesota Vikings
Week 14 Stats: None
All season, it's been Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks holding it down at linebacker for the Viking defense. Hicks suffered a toe/foot injury in this week's game but was able to return in the second half. However, he is scheduled to get an MRI to check things over. If Hicks is forced to miss any time, third-round rookie Brian Asamoah could see some extra run. Asamoah hasn't had much of a role to date but was the only other off-ball linebacker to see snaps on Sunday besides Kendricks and Hicks—albeit only 12.
In redraft leagues, Asamoah would only be a deep league flyer option if Hicks were deemed unable to go. However, in dynasty leagues, Asamoah makes for a nice stash if he was dropped by impatient managers. He has decent day-two draft capital, and Hicks has an out in his two-year deal after the season should the Vikings choose to move on.
Defensive Line/Edge
Azeez Ojulari, New York Giants
Week 14 Stats: 4 tackles (3 solos), 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 QB hits
Azeez Ojulari has been a problem off the edge since returning from a calf injury that landed him on IR after Week 4. In Week 13, his first game back, Ojulari wasted no time putting the heat on, registering a sack and two quarterback hits. In Week 14, Ojulari continued his fine play (see stats above) and was one of the lone bright spots for the Giants as they got rolled by the Eagles.
In the two games since his return, Ojulari holds a 59% snap share and has generated an impressive 10 pressures, per Pro Football Focus. In Week 15, Ojulari draws a Washington offensive line who have surrendered 37 sacks on the year and rank 19th in Footballguy Matt Bitonti's OL rankings. In leagues where he has DL/Edge eligibility, Ojulari is a solid pickup with his strong play and alluring matchup.
Bud Dupree, Tennesee Titans
Week 14 Stats: 6 tackles (5 solos), 3 tackles for loss
Bud Dupree has dealt with injuries off and on this season but has been productive when available. Dupree injured his hip in Week 9 but has been a steady presence since returning to the field in Week 12 after missing two games. From Weeks 12-14, Dupree has a healthy 75% snap share as he's an integral piece to the Tennesee defense.
Dupree has been productive as of late, producing eight tackles (6 solos), three tackles for loss, and one sack over his last two outings. On tap for Dupree in Week 15 is a beatable Chargers offensive line who have allowed 13 sacks over their last three games. With his favorable matchup and solid snap volume, Dupree is fine waiver addition where he carries the DL/Edge designation and is available.
Brandon Graham, Philadelphia Eagles
Week 14 Stats: 4 solo tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 QB hits, 1 forced fumble
Brandon Graham may be getting long in the tooth in football years, but don't dare tell him that. The thirty-four-year-old pass rusher has been on fire lately, producing five and a half sacks over his last four games. As you can see by his stat line above, Graham caused plenty of issues for a suspect Giants offensive line on Sunday on his way to a three-sack outing.
Graham does have a limited role, holding a 40% snap share on the season. However, he's been getting it done lately with the snaps he's given. Graham takes on a struggling Chicago offensive line in Week 14, who have surrendered 40 sacks on the year and come in 30th in Footballguy Matt Bitonti's OL ranks. If you're looking for DL/Edge help in deeper leagues this week, Graham is worth a look with his stellar play and spicy matchup.
Defensive Backs
Marcus Williams, Baltimore Ravens
Week 14 Stats: 3 tackles (2 solos), 1 interception, 1 pass defended
Marcus Williams (wrist) made his triumphant return this week after being unavailable since Week 5. Before his injury, Williams was off to a hot start to begin the year. As expected, Williams returned to his starting role, playing 54 defensive snaps (98%) and snagged his fourth interception of the season. Not a bad first game back after seven weeks off.
Williams primarily lines up deep at free safety, which can cause his tackle numbers to vary, as we saw earlier in the year. However, his knack for the big play is unquestioned. Williams has a solid matchup against rival Cleveland in Week 15, where he'll be looking to come up clutch once again for his team and fantasy managers. If Williams happened to be left on the waiver wire due to his injury hiatus, scoop him up.
Josh Metellus, Minnesota Vikings
Week 14 Stats: 9 tackles (7 solos)
With Harrison Smith (neck) unavailable, it was Josh Metellus filling in at safety next to Camryn Bynum. This is the second time Metellus has stepped in for Smith, and he's proved to be productive for us IDP gamers when doing so. In Week 3, Metellus played every snap against Detroit, producing a stellar 11 tackles (9 solos) and one interception. Metellus was solid once again in relief this week, finishing with a nine-tackle (7 solos) outing.
If Smith's neck issue forces him to miss more time, Metellus is a solid play against Indianapolis in Week 15. Check Smith's status throughout the week, as Metellus is only in play if he is ruled out.
Kader Kohou, Miami Dolphins
Week 14 Stats: 8 tackles (6 solos)
Undrafted rookie Kader Kohou has been quite the find for the Miami defense. Kohou has turned into a reliable full-time player for the Dolphins, playing all but a handful of snaps over his last seven games. Kohou has spent 53% of his total snaps lined up in the slot area this season but does see time on the outside (33%/season total) with some box snaps (10.5%/season total) sprinkled in as well.
Kohou was busy against the Chargers Sunday night, turning a productive eight-tackle (6 solos) performance. Kohou could be busy once again in Week 15, as he has a cornerback-friendly matchup against Buffalo coming up. In cornerback-required leagues, Kohou is an excellent pickup if available. He could also be considered in deeper DB-grouped formats as well if you're in need.
Final Thoughts
While the bye weeks are behind us, the ugly injury grim reaper still haunts us. Make sure you continue to add depth to your playoff rosters where you can. If you fell short in your dynasty leagues, stay dialed in and keep a lookout for young prospects to stash on the backend of your rosters. As always, make sure you stay tuned throughout the week as our fantastic IDP staff here at Footballguys will keep you up to date on all things defense. Good luck with your playoff matchups!
Thanks for taking the time to read my article. Feel free to reach me on Twitter @KBellf54 with any questions or feedback.