We catch a mini break this week as there are only two teams on bye (Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City). Unfortunately, we did not catch a break on the injury front on either side of the ball. 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
Deion Jones, Cleveland Browns
Week 7 Stats: 5 tackles (4 solos), 1 tackle for loss
We've talked about Deion Jones a couple of times in this article, and we finally got to see him hit the field in Week 7. In his first game action, Jones played 33 defensive snaps (52%) and turned in a respectable five tackles (4 solos) and a tackle for loss. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah led the linebacker group with 51 snaps (80%), followed by Sione Takitaki (36 snaps/56%), and Jacob Phillips (31 snaps/48%). Yeah, it was messy.
In unfortunate news, it sounds like Jacob Phillips is lost for the year due to a pectoral injury. This opens the door for Jones to inherit a bigger role going forward. If Jones is still floating around your waiver wire, he has the potential to be a high-impact mid-season pickup. Scoop him up where you can.
Akeem Davis-Gaither, Cincinnati Bengals
Week 7 Stats: 9 tackles (7 solos)
The Bengals were without Logan Wilson (shoulder) this week, and Akeem Davis-Gaither saw an increase in his role. As expected, Germaine Pratt slid in as the every-down linebacker (46 snaps/98%), and Davis-Gaither manned the open second linebacker role for the Bengal defense. The spot isn't a full-time role, with Davis-Gaither playing 32 defensive snaps (68%). Although, he turned in a solid nine tackle (7 solos) outing with his added snaps.
Davis-Gaither had only played 42 defensive snaps in his previous three games, so when Wilson returns, he'd be the odd man out again. However, he could serve as a bye week or injury fill-in while Wilson is nursing his banged-up shoulder. While he doesn't have an ideal full-time role, Davis-Gaither should hover around the 70% mark. If you're looking for a healthy waiver addition in deeper leagues, Davis-Gaither is worth a look. Just make sure you continue to monitor Logan Wilson's status.
Jonas Griffith, Denver Broncos
Week 7 Stats: 6 tackles (2 solos), 1 QB hit
Jonas Griffith's snap share has been anything but steady through eight games. Griffith serves as the second linebacker in Denver, while either Josey Jewell or Alex Singleton holds down the lead role. Giffith carries a 60% snap share on the season, but his weekly range has varied anywhere from 30%-80%. Not a great selling point, I get it.
Over his last two games, Griffith has played 120 defensive snaps with a 79.5% average snap share. He's also produced 17 tackles (9 solos) and two quarterback hits over that stretch. While his role is likely matchup/game script dependent, we've entered the stage of warm body production in deeper leagues. Griffith could serve as a deep league fill-in if you're IDP squad is in need.
Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, San Francisco 49ers
Week 7 Stats: 2 tackles (1 solo)
Speaking of warm body production, here's one for you. Dre Greenlaw was forced out of this week's game early with a calf injury. As a result, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles saw a season-high 36 defensive snaps (56%) against the Chiefs. However, it didn't result in much participation in the box score.
Currently, it sounds like Azeez Al-Shaair is still a few weeks out from making his return. If Greenlaw is unable to go in Week 8, Flannigan-Fowles would be his likely replacement. Flannigan-Fowles is only worth considering as a deep league flier or Greenlaw insurance if the wire is barren.
Defensive Line/Edge
Justin Houston, Baltimore Ravens
Week 7 Stats: 2 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 sacks, 1 QB hit, 1 forced fumble
Justin Houston returned in Week 7 after missing the past three games with a groin injury. Houston only played 16 defensive snaps (27%) but made his presence felt, coming up with back-to-back sacks before the end of the first half. The playing time isn't ideal, but Houston might have been on a snap count in his first game back from injury. Jason Pierre-Paul (38 snaps/63%) did play considerably more than Houston but failed to log a pressure against Atlanta.
In picking up Houston, we're hoping his role builds back up to around the 50%-60% mark due to his production. In Week 1 and Week 2, Houston played 54 snaps (64%) and 49 snaps (69%), respectively. Houston has played well at age 33, supporting a 14.9% pressure rate and four sacks in basically three games this season—He only played six snaps in Week 3. Houston's play warrants an add in deeper leagues where he has Edge/DL eligibility. Let's keep an eye on his role. Also, David Ojabo and Tyus Bowser could enter the mix at some point, but we will cross that bridge in due time.
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