As expected, it was a wild first week of the fantasy playoffs with a mixture of blowup games, disappointments, and injuries. Hopefully, you were all able to survive and advance. 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
Troy Andersen, Atlanta Falcons
Week 15 Stats: 7 tackles (5 solos)
Rookie Troy Andersen had been gaining ground on Mykal Walker for playing time over the past few weeks. However, in Week 15, he passed him up. Andersen got the starting nod next to Rashaan Evans, playing 45 defensive snaps (82%). Walker, on the other hand, saw a season-low 13 snaps (24%).
Atlanta is showing they want to give their rookie class some more run on both sides of the ball as the season draws to an end. Andersen has been productive when more involved, as seen by his seven tackles (5 solos) this week and 13 tackles (7 solos) back in Week 6 (his only other start). In redraft leagues where you start three to four linebackers, Andersen is worth considering if you need reinforcements.
Damone Clark/Anthony Barr, Dallas Cowboys
Clark Week 15 Stats: 9 tackles (5 solos)
Barr Week 15 Stats: 7 tackles (6 solos)
Unfortunately, Leighton Vander Esch suffered a neck injury this week that limited him to just five defensive snaps. We are still awaiting more information on the injury, but let's hope for the best, as Vander Esch has dealt with neck injuries throughout his career. With Vander Esch unavailable, Anthony Barr and rookie Damone Clark were the top two options at linebacker for Dallas. Barr played a season-high 65 defensive snaps (93%), while Clark also logged a season-high 52 snaps (74%).
Both linebackers turned in solid days (see stats above) and would continue to be relied upon if Vander Esch misses extended time. Clark has a little more upside in his game IDP-wise, making him a bit more appealing as a waiver wire addition. However, if Barr continues to see this type of snap volume, he makes for a worthy pickup in deeper leagues.
Robert Spillane, Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 15 Stats: 7 tackles (6 solos), 1 tackle for loss
With Myles Jack (groin) out for Week 15, Robert Spillane saw his role grow in importance. Spillane played all 46 defensive snaps against Carolina, producing a solid seven tackles (6 solos) and one tackle for loss. While Spillane saw a significant increase in playing time, Devin Bush only logged 25 defensive snaps (54%). Bush had seen an 80%+ snap share in each of his past three games—the roller coaster continues.
If Jack continues to miss time, Spillane looks to be the prime beneficiary and has a solid matchup against Las Vegas in Week 16. If you're looking for an injury fill-in or spot-start candidate in deeper leagues, Spillane is worth a look. Just make sure you monitor Jack's status throughout the week.
Joe Thomas, Chicago Bears
Week 15 Stats: 6 tackles (3 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit
In more unfortunate injury news, rookie IDP-darling Jack Sanborn suffered an ankle injury against Philadelphia on Sunday. Sanborn played 30 defensive snaps before the injury knocked him out. Veteran Joe Thomas stepped in at linebacker after Sanborn's exit. Thomas was active with his 43 snaps (59%), compiling six tackles (3 solos) and a sack.
If Sanborn is unable to go this week, Thomas would be his likely replacement. If you're a Sanborn manager who wants to wait out the situation, scoop up Thomas. Thomas is also worth considering in deep roster leagues where options are thin, but only if Sanborn is ruled out.
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Defensive Line/Edge
Romeo Okwara, Detroit Lions
Week 15 Stats: 4 tackles (2 solos), 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 QB hits
With the return of Romeo Okwara, the red-hot Detroit Lions get a big-time addition to their defense. Okwara suffered a major injury to his Achilles last season, which kept him away from football for some time. After a quiet but much-anticipated return in Week 14, Okwara made his presence felt in his second game back in Week 15. In a crucial game against the Jets, Okwara put the heat on in his 26 defensive snaps (41%), accounting for two of Detroit's four sacks on the day.
Okwara's snap counts have been modest so far, as he's played 25 snaps and 26 snaps in Week 15 and Week 16, respectively. However, his Week 15 performance is a promising step to Okwara getting back to his pre-injury form. It's been a while, but let's not forget about his breakout 10-sack 2020 campaign before the Achilles injury. If you're looking for DL/edge help, Okwara is a name to consider with the hopes he keeps the momentum going forward.
Randy Gregory, Denver Broncos
Week 15 Stats: 1 assisted tackle
Randy Gregory (knee) has been on IR since Week 4 but was finally able to make his way back to the field in Week 15. Gregory was likely on a snap count in his first game back, logging a modest 23 defensive snaps (35%). Before his injury, Gregory carried a 61.8% snap share through the first four games. Let's hope there is room for growth here.
As you can see by his stat line above, Gregory didn't exactly fill up the box score in his return. Hopefully, that will change in his second game back against a suspect Rams offensive line who have surrendered 46 sacks on the season. There is risk involved in rolling out Gregory, but he does carry a little upside with his exploitable matchup. Gregory could serve as a spot-start candidate or depth in deeper leagues should your DL/edge group need a boost.
Joseph Ossai, Cincinnati Bengals
Week 15 Stats: 2 tackles (1 solo), 1 QB hit, 1 pass defended, 1 fumble recovery
With Trey Hendrickson (wrist) unavailable this week, the Bengals were already missing a key component to their defense. Now, they are even more short-handed at defensive end, with Sam Hubbard suffering a calf injury in Week 15. Currently, Hubbard is slated to be out for a couple of weeks and hopes to be ready for the playoffs.
With key injuries to the top two Bengal pass rushers, Joseph Ossai will be one of the players tasked with stepping up. Ossai played 37 defensive snaps (50%) in Week 15 and should continue to be relied upon going forward. In Week 16, Ossai draws a New England offensive line who have allowed 32 sacks on the year and ranks 13th in Footballguy Matt Bitonti's OL rankings. If you're looking for an injury replacement or deep league pickup, Ossai should be on your radar.
Defensive Backs
Logan Ryan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 15 Stats: 5 tackles (2 solos), 1 pass defended
Logan Ryan has been a full-time player since returning from his foot injury in Week 13. Both Antoine Winfield and Mike Edwards had been out since Week 12, so Ryan's return was just in time. In Week 15, the Tampa Bay secondary was at full strength, with both Winfield and Edwards returning. However, Edwards and Keanu Neal only logged 32 defensive snaps (48%), while Winfield was limited to 18 snaps (27%) after tweaking his ankle. Ryan was the only Bucs safety to play all 66 defensive snaps.
Right now, Ryan feels like the best bet of the group to see a hefty snap share in Week 16. Edwards was on a snap count in his first game back, and Winfield is dinged up. With a solid matchup on tap against Arizona, Ryan is worth a look if you need safety reinforcements in deeper leagues. Just make sure you keep tabs on the health of the others throughout the week.
Alohi Gilman, Los Angeles Chargers
Week 15 Stats: 8 tackles (4 solos)
With Derwin James (groin) out the past two games, it's been Alohi Gilman stepping in at safety for the Chargers. Gilman has played every snap over those two contests, turning in his best outing in Week 15, with eight tackles (4 solos). If James is unavailable again this week, Gilman is worth considering as a streaming option with his plus matchup against Indianapolis in Week 16.
Kyler Gordon, Chicago Bears
Week 15 Stats: 4 tackles (3 solos), 1 interception, 1 pass defended, 1 fumble recovery
Kyler Gordon (concussion) made his return this week after missing the last two games before Chicago's Week 14 bye. It was a productive return for Gordon IDP-wise, as he played all 73 defensive snaps and notched his second interception on the year. In Week 16, Gordon has an ideal matchup against the cornerback-friendly Buffalo Bills. Gordon is a solid waiver wire pickup in CB-required leagues if he was dropped while unavailable.
Final Thoughts
With the upcoming holiday weekend, this week’s NFL schedule looks a little bit different. There are 11 games on Saturday, three on Sunday, and the Monday night finale to cap off the week. Make sure you check your lineups before the 1 pm ET Saturday kickoff. Also, 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. Have a happy holiday everyone and good luck in your playoff matchups!