It’s Championship Week! For most leagues, the fantasy playoffs are coming to an end with a champion being crowned. Congratulations if you’ve made it to the finals; you’ve certainly earned it. 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
Joe Thomas, Chicago Bears
Week 16 Stats: 7 tackles (6 solos)
Joe Thomas popped up in last week’s article as the likely beneficiary, with Jack Sanborn being lost for the remainder of the season. As it turns out, we were on it. In Week 16, Thomas played all 64 defensive snaps, filling in as the other full-time linebacker alongside Nicholas Morrow. Thomas produced a respectable seven tackles (6 solos) on the day, giving him 13 tackles (9 solos), one tackle for loss, and one sack over his last two games.
Thomas should continue to see a hefty snap share when the Bears take on Detroit in Week 17. While Thomas might not be putting up Sanborn-like tackle numbers, his role makes him a viable option in leagues where you start three to four linebackers.
Luke Masterson, Las Vegas Raiders
Week 16 Stats: 10 tackles (6 solos), 1 tackle for loss
With the state of the Raiders’ linebacker unit, undrafted rookie Luke Masterson has seen his role expand of late. In Week 15, Masterson played 44 defensive snaps (68%), turning in a solid 11 tackles (5 solos) and one tackle for loss. In Week 16, Masterson saw even more action, with Denzel Perryman being forced out with a shoulder injury. Masterson played a season-high 57 snaps (84%), producing another double-digit tackle day with 10 tackles (6 solos).
Masterson would have a role either way, but if Perryman cannot go, he would be heavily relied upon. The Raiders are simply running out of bodies at linebacker with undrafted rookie Darien Butler (12 snaps/18%) being the only other LB to see snaps on Saturday. Masterson makes for nice Perryman insurance if you’re looking to lock up that spot. However, he also could be used in deeper leagues if both are active. Keep an eye on Perryman’s status throughout the week, as Masterson would have even more appeal if he’s out this week.
Jack Gibbens, Tennessee Titans
Week 16 Stats: 8 tackles (4 solos), 1 interception, 1 pass defended
Jack Gibbens is another undrafted rookie who’s being forced into action. The Tennesee linebacker unit is yet another group who have suffered a myriad of injuries this season. Zach Cunningham did make his return from IR this week but suffered an elbow injury in the first half and was only able to log 15 defensive snaps. All this led to Jack Gibbens playing a season-high 48 snaps (72%) against Houston in Week 16. Gibbens was in the mix in Week 15 as well, playing 33 snaps (46%).
Gibbens was productive with his added snap volume this week, compiling eight tackles (4 solos), and snagging his first career interception. However, Gibbens is only someone to consider as a dart throw in the deepest of leagues if you’re in a tough spot.
Defensive Line/Edge
Chase Young, Washington Commanders
Week 16 Stats: 2 tackles (1 solo), 1 pass defended
Chase Young was finally able to make his way to the field in Week 16. Young played 30 defensive snaps (58%) in his debut, which is actually more than was initially anticipated. As you can see above, Young didn’t exactly light up the stat column in his first game back. However, it is just good to see the talented young pass rusher back on the field.
In Week 17, Young doesn’t have the friendliest of matchups against Cleveland. However, if he’s going to play around 60% of the snaps, Young has the talent to make an impact. If Young is sitting on your waiver wire, he’s worth considering with the hopes he gets things going in his second game back.
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Denico Autry, Tennessee Titans
Week 16 Stats: 7 tackles (5 solos), 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 QB hits, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble
Denico Autry (knee) made his return in Week 16 after being unavailable since back in Week 11. Autry played 43 defensive snaps (64%) in his return and was a handful off the edge against the Texans. Autry recorded a season-high seven tackles (5 solos), while also notching his eighth sack on the season. Along with his impressive stat line, Autry generated a stellar seven pressures, per Pro Football Focus.
When healthy, Autry has been a solid contributor for us IDP gamers, and his 64% snap share in his return puts him right on par with his season average. If you’re looking for DL/Edge help, Autry is a name to consider after his triumphant return.
Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Houston Texans
Week 16 Stats: 5 solo tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 QB hits
Ogbonnia Okoronkwo has been making his presence felt since entering the Houston starting lineup in Week 11. Over his past six starts, Okoronkwo carries a 53.3% snap share, notching four sacks over that span. Okoronkwo had a slow Week 15 in the box score against Kansas City but came back with a vengeance against Tennessee in Week 16 (see stats above).
With 15 pressures over his last three games, per PFF, Okoronkwo has been putting the heat on of late. If you’re looking for a deep league play where you start four DL/Edge players, Okoronkwo is worth a look.
George Karlaftis, Kansas City Chiefs
Week 16 Stats: 1 solo tackle, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 1 pass defended
Rookie George Karlaftis has been a consistent fixture all year for the Chiefs, starting all 15 games and carrying a 64% snap share on the season. However, with four sacks in his last five games, Karlaftis has been turning things on a bit of late. In Week 17, Karlaftis has a spicy matchup against a Denver offensive line who have surrendered a league-leading 57 sacks on the year. Karlaftis is a solid DL/edge streaming option if available, and you’re in need.
Defensive Backs
Eric Rowe, Miami Dolphins
Week 16 Stats: 6 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 1 pass defended
Eric Rowe (hamstring) missed last week’s game but was back in the starting lineup against Green Bay. Rowe played 53 defensive snaps (80%), with 45 of those snaps coming up in the box and slot area, per Pro Football Focus. Rowe’s snap shares can fluctuate, but his usage is ideal for IDP production. If you’re looking for DB help in leagues where you start three to four players, Rowe is worth considering.
Ifeatu Melifonwu, Detroit Lions
Week 16 Stats: 8 tackles (7 solos), 1 tackle for loss
With DeShon Elliot (shoulder) unavailable, it was Ifeatu Melifonwu drawing the start at safety next to Kerby Joseph. Melifonwu played 66 defensive snaps (97%), 44 of those being registered in the IDP sweet spot (box, slot, and DL). If Elliot misses more time, Melifonwu could continue to see more run. However, keep tabs on the situation as Melifonwu did struggle a bit in relief.
Depending on your platform, Melifonwu might carry the “CB” tag, making him a nice play in CB-required leagues with his safety alignment. Melifonwu is also worth considering in deep league DB-combined formats, but only if Elliot is out once again. This is a situation that needs monitoring throughout the week.
Marcus Jones, New England Patriots
Week 16 Stats: 14 tackles (12 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception (Pick Six), 1 pass defended, 1 fumble recover
What a stat line! And that’s just on the defensive side of things for the electric rookie Marcus Jones. Jones also added one catch for 15 yards and 65 kickoff return yards to go along with his stellar IDP output. Jones has made an impact on both sides of the ball this season. However, Jones has been seeing an uptick in involvement on defense, carrying a 93% snap share over his last three games.
Jones may or may not be available in your CB-required leagues, but it’s worth looking at. Jones has even more appeal in leagues where he gets rewarded for return yards. What a week for the exciting young rookie.
Final Thoughts
With it being the finals in your league, I hope your team is fully intact, and reinforcements aren’t needed. However, in the event you do, I hopefully have provided some adequate options. 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 championship matchups!