This season continues to be a wild ride, and we are only three weeks in. We saw upsets, role changes, and several unfortunate injuries during the action in Week 3. 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
Josey Jewell, Denver Broncos
Week 3 Stats: 9 tackles (5 solos), 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 QB hits, 1 fumble recovery
After missing the first two games with a calf injury, Josey Jewell made his triumphant return to the Denver defense in Week 3. Jewell wasted no time getting to work in his first game, recording a team-high nine tackles (5 solos) and a sack. Jewell paced the Bronco linebacker unit with 53 defensive snaps (95%), and Alex Singleton was relegated to special teams duties as he didn't see a defensive snap Sunday night. Jonas Griffith saw his regular part-time role, playing 33 defensive snaps (59%).
Jewell was expected to be the anchor in the middle of this defense, and that's precisely what he was in his first game. The snap share and hot start are exactly what IDP managers were hoping for. Jewell is the top linebacker waiver wire pickup of the week where available.
Jacob Phillips, Cleveland Browns
Week 3 Stats: 7 tackles (2 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 1 pass defended
The Cleveland defense took a hit this week as linebacker Anthony Walker suffered a season-ending quad injury on Thursday night against Pittsburgh. Jacob Phillips was pressed into more action with Walker out and saw his highest usage so far this season, playing 46 defensive snaps (78%). Phillips's previous high was 27 defensive snaps (39%) in Week 2.
Phillips should continue to be more involved, and the hope is he can continue to hover around an 80% snap share going forward. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah also suffered a groin injury on Thursday, making his status one to monitor this week. Phillips is a solid waiver add as we see if he can take advantage of his new opportunities.
Rashaan Evans, Atlanta Falcons
Week 3 Stats: 12 tackles (9 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 2 passes defended
It's been Rashaan Evans and Mykal Walker operating as the two full-time linebackers in Atlanta with Deion Jones on injured reserve. Evans carries a 95% snap share through the first three weeks and played all 71 defensive snaps this week against Seattle. Evans produced his biggest IDP output so far in Week 3, recording a team-high 12 tackles (9 solos).
Deion Jones could be returning soon, but until he does, Evans should continue to be heavily involved. It was a really solid week for Evans, and hopefully, he can carry some momentum into Week 4 against a Cleveland team who isn't shy about running the ball. Evans has some LB4/flex appeal if you need linebacker help.
Jamin Davis, Washington Commanders
Week 3 Stats: 6 tackles (5 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 2 sacks, 1 QB hit
It's been a bit of a rollercoaster snap share-wise to start the year for Jamin Davis. In Week 1, Davis played a hefty 65 defensive snaps (93%), but only recorded three solo tackles. However, in Week 2 Davis saw his snaps dip a bit as played just 38 defensive snaps (62%). This week, we saw his involvement increase from Week 2 as Davis saw 55 snaps (79%) against Philadelphia.
Davis has three sacks over his last two games, and while sacks are not something to rely on for off-ball linebackers, it's still nice to see the youngster making splash plays. Also encouraging is the fact Davis' play looks to be improving. Davis had his best coverage and overall defensive grade for the season in Week 3. Davis' role is something to continue to monitor, but his potential warrants a waiver wire addition if you have the room.
Darius Harris, Kansas City Chiefs
Week 3 Stats: 13 tackles (7 solos), 1 tackle for loss
I had written up Willie Gay Jr for last week's article after his 93% snap share and 11 tackle (6 solo) performance in Week 2. However, Gay received a four-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The big question was, who would take his place and what will the snaps look like?
The answer for Week 3 was Darrius Harris. Harris played 62 defensive snaps (87%) and his 13 tackles (7 solos) were a team-high. Highly anticipated rookie Leo Chenal only saw 11 snaps (15%). This is a situation to keep tabs on to see if it sticks, but if you're looking for a deep league pickup, Harris is worth considering while Willie Gay Jr is out.
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Kwon Alexander, New York Jets
Week 3 Stats: 2 tackles (1 solo)
The Jets' defense could potentially be without a key piece as Quincy Williams suffered what sounds like a significant ankle injury in Week 3. Williams had to be carted off the field and his ankle put in an air cast after suffering the injury. We are still awaiting more news on the situation, and hopefully, Williams can make a full recovery.
Kwon Alexander could see his previous part-time role grow significantly if Williams is out any length of time. Alexander had been a part-time player so far, seeing snap shares of 66% (Week 1), 46% (Week 2), and 37% (Week 3). Marcell Harris did come in for Williams when he exited so he will be a name to watch as well. This is a situation we may be revisiting next week after the snap counts come in. Alexander is worth a preemptive grab in deep roster leagues if you have an open spot just in case he inherits a bigger role.
Defensive Line/Edge
Josh Sweat, Philadelphia Eagles
Week 3 Stats: 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1.5 sacks, 3 QB hits
Josh Sweat had a quiet Week 1 but has started to turn it on the past two games. Over the last two weeks, Sweat has amassed two-and-a-half sacks, four tackles for loss, and six quarterback hits. Sweat and the Eagle's defense wreaked havoc rushing the passer on Sunday as they produced an impressive nine sacks against Washington. Talk about getting after it, sheesh.
Sweat carries a 63% snap share through the first three games and led all Philadelphia pass rushers with 47 defensive snaps (61%) in Week 3. Sweat is playing well, grading well, and bringing the heat off the edge lately. If he’s available on your waiver wire Sweat is an excellent add with DL2 upside.
Deatrich Wise, New England Patriots
Week 3 Stats: 6 tackles (5 solos), 4 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 QB hits
It’s been quite the start to the season for Deatich Wise. Wise got home for a sack in Week 1 and then added another three this past week. This could feel a little like box score chasing when you consider Wise’s previous career-high is five sacks back when he was a rookie in 2017. However, in digging a little deeper you can see his role seems to have grown a bit to start the year.
Wise has an 82% snap share this season which is well ahead of his previous totals of 56% in 2020 and 52% in 2021. Keep in mind it’s only a three-game sample size, but it appears the Patriots want Wise more involved so far this season. We certainly aren’t going to expect these types of weeks regularly, but the snap volume is intriguing for Wise as an Edge/DL. Pair that volume with his early production and Wise is worth a look off the wire.
Rashad Weaver, Tennesee Titans
Week 3 Stats: 2 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 2 QB hits
It’s been an up-and-down start for second-year man Rashad Weaver. Weaver got off to a nice start with two sacks in Week 1 on 29 defensive snaps (48%). Then in Week 2, Weaver failed to record a defensive statistic in 57 snaps (84%). However, Weaver had a much better Week 3 showing as he got back in the sack column and generated four pressures, per Pro Football Focus, doubling his total from the first two weeks.
Weaver was heavily involved again this week, playing 57 defensive snaps (81%). Tennesse’s pass rush lost Harold Landry before the season, and now Bud Dupree (hip) is banged up and was inactive for Week 3. Weaver should continue to have a significant role and is worth a pickup if you need Edge/DL reinforcements in deeper leagues.
Sebastian Joseph-Day, Los Angeles Chargers
Week 3 Stats: 7 tackles (4 solos), 2 tackles for loss
Sebastian Joseph-Day signing with the Chargers this off-season had IDP managers buzzing a bit in those defensive-tackle required leagues. It was a slow first two weeks for Joseph-Day, but he picked it up this week producing seven tackles (4 solos) and two tackles for loss. Is this the week Joseph-Day needed to get it going? In those DT-required formats, he’s certainly worth a waiver addition if available to find out.
Defensive Backs
Mike Edwards, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 3 Stats: 13 tackles (9 solos), 1 tackle for loss
Mike Edwards is quietly having himself a stellar start to the season. Last week, Edwards came up huge, taking an interception to the house for six against division rival New Orleans. Edwards followed that up with a team-high 13 tackles (9 solos) against Green Bay in Week 3. Edwards has played all 199 of Tampa Bay's defensive snaps through three games.
Tampa Bay moves Edwards around within its defense, and this week he saw a season-high 40 of his 62 defensive snaps up in the box/slot area, per Pro Football Focus. This is something Footballguys writers Evan Ronda, Darin Tietgen, and Tripp Brebner highlighted last week in their fantastic articles. If Edwards is still sitting on your waiver wire, he's a great addition to your safety unit.
Rodney McLeod, Indianapolis Colts
Week 3 Stats: 5 tackles (3 solos), 1 interception, 2 passes defended
There is a change taking place in Indianapolis. Rodney McLeod has unseated highly touted rookie Nick Cross as the Colts' starting strong safety. Last week, we saw McLeod and Cross split time against Jacksonville. However, this week was a completely different story. McLeod started and played all 63 defensive snaps, while Cross saw the field for just one defensive snap. It appears the rookie will need to sit and learn for a bit, which is not always a bad thing for the long haul.
McLeod may not be an exciting name, but his new role should be productive for us IDP managers. McLeod saw a healthy 40 of his 63 snaps up in the box/slot area this week, per Pro Footbal Focus. If you're looking for safety help, McLeod is a solid pickup and should be available in a lot of league settings.
Adrian Phillips, New England Patriots
Week 3 Stats: 7 tackles (3 solos)
The Patriots were without Kyle Dugger this week, and Adrian Phillips saw his role expand. Phillips played all 60 of New England's defensive snaps and saw a whopping 49 of those up in the IDP sweet spot (box, slot, and DL), per Pro Football Focus. It was Phillips' largest overall snap share of the season and his highest usage up in the sweet spot. If Dugger is unable to go again this week, Phillips should once again have an enticing IDP-conducive role.
JuJu Hughes, Detroit Lions
Week 3 Stats: 8 tackles (5 solos)
In yet more unfortunate injury news, the Lions lost key contributor and IDP-adored Tracy Walker for the season to a torn Achilles on Sunday. Juju Hughes was tasked with stepping in for Walker once he exited and turned in a respectable eight tackles (5 solos). It looks like Hughes should get the first shot at replacing Walker. If you're looking for a deep league pickup, Hughes should be available everywhere.
Final Thoughts
Like any grueling fantasy season, paying attention is going to be key. Keeping tabs on who’s in, who’s out, and key role changes will be crucial to your IDP squad. Stay tuned throughout the week as our fantastic IDP staff here at Footballguys will keep you up to date on all things defense. Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you all back next week.
Thanks for taking the time to read my article. Feel free to reach me on Twitter @KBellf54 with any questions or feedback.