How is it Week 9 already? Time flies when you’re having fun right—are we having fun? Just kidding, of course, we are. In Week 8, we only had two teams with the week off. However, in Week 9, things get a lot more serious with six teams on a bye (Dallas, Denver, New York Giants, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco). 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
Jamin Davis, Washington Commanders
Week 8 Stats: 6 tackles (5 solos), 1 tackle for loss
The Commanders were without Cole Holcomb (foot) this week, and Jamin Davis saw his role increase. Over his previous three games, Davis had failed to crack the 70% snap share mark. However, with Holcomb unavailable, Davis played every defensive snap (58) for the first time this season. David Mayo (19 snaps/33%) and Jon Bostic (8 snaps/14%) were the other linebackers to see the field, but neither is worth considering.
Davis does have a 74% snap share on the season, although his weekly involvement has varied. If Holcomb cannot go in Week 9, Davis would be relied upon heavily once again. Holcomb's injury kept him from practicing all of last week, so keep an eye on his participation throughout the week. Davis is likely only available in shallower leagues, but he's worth a pickup where you can make the move.
Christian Harris, Houston Texans
Week 8 Stats: 7 tackles (5 solos)
Third-round rookie Christian Harris made his debut in Week 7 after sitting on IR for the first six weeks due to a hamstring injury. Harris played 38 defensive snaps (68%) in Week 7, struggling a bit as most rookies do (four missed tackles). In Week 8, Harris was the only Texan linebacker to play all 58 defensive snaps, turning in a solid seven tackles (5 solos) and only registering one missed tackle in his second game. Christian Kirksey played 48 snaps (83%), while Garret Wallow saw a season-high 31 defensive snaps (53%) as well in Week 8.
Houston released Kamu Grugier-Hill leading up to this week, as the two parties mutually parted ways. All signs point towards Harris having a full-time role going forward. Harris was already a dynasty hold for the future, but now he's on the redraft radar. Scoop him up where you can, and let's see what the rookie can do.
Oren Burks, San Francisco 49ers
Week 8 Stats: 7 tackles (4 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended
With Dre Greenlaw (calf) unavailable, it was Oren Burks sliding in next to Fred Warner. Burks played all 58 defensive snaps and had a solid day with seven tackles (4 solos) and a tackle for loss. Last week, it was Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (36 snaps) who filled in after Greenlaw exited. However, It appears the tape wasn't too kind to Flannigan-Fowles, as he failed to log a single defensive snap this week.
This appears to be Burks' job if Greenlaw misses time. San Francisco is on a bye in Week 9, but Burks' potential productive full-time role is still worth a pickup where your roster allows it in deeper leagues. This is especially true in leagues where you roster Greenlaw.
Isaiah McDuffie, Green Bay Packers
Week 8 Stats: 5 tackles (3 solos)
The Packers' defense lost both their starting linebackers in its Week 9 bout against Buffalo. Quay Walker was ejected in the first half after a sideline altercation with the Bills—a learning moment for the rookie. Shortly after, DeVondre Campbell suffered a knee injury and was ruled out after halftime. Campbell was seen with an ice wrap on his knee, and we are still awaiting more information.
Isaiah McDuffie came in for Walker after he was ejected, while Eric Wilson was the last linebacker standing after Campbell's departure. McDuffie took over play-calling duties with Campbell out. However, Walker would likely wear the dot next week in Campbell's absence as he did in the preseason. McDuffie would slide into the "Walker" role and should see roughly 60%-70% snaps. A lot will depend on the severity of Campbell's injury, but McDuffie is worth a preemptive pickup in deeper leagues as we see how this all shakes out. With six teams on a bye, McDuffie could serve as a spot start candidate in leagues where the waiver wire is sparse.
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Damone Clark, Dallas Cowboys
Week 8 Stats: 6 tackles (1 solo)
There was doubt Damone Clark would even see the field this season after he required spinal fusion surgery in the Spring. The fifth-round rookie not only made it onto the field in Week 8 but played meaningful snaps in his first game. With Anthony Barr suffering a hamstring injury, Clark wound up playing 40 defensive snaps (51%) in Week 8 against Chicago.
Dallas is another team on bye in Week 9, so we will have to wait another week until we see Clark hit the field again. However, if dynasty managers cut bait on Clark due to his injury, scoop him up. Clark is a nice stash for the future with Leighton Vander-Esch only currently on a one-year deal. Clark is also worth an add in deep roster redraft leagues as we see how severe Barr's hamstring injury is.
Defensive Line/Edge
Bud Dupree, Tennesee Titans
Week 8 Stats: 2 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit
Bud Dupree (hip) made his return to the Tennesee starting lineup coming out of the bye in Week 7. Dupree has been excellent in his return, supporting a 77.5% snap share and notching a sack in back-to-back weeks now. With 10 pressures (per Pro Football Focus) over his last two games, Dupree has been a handful off the edge in his return.
A healthy Dupree is a welcomed sight to both Titans fans and IDP managers alike. If Dupree was dropped during his injury hiatus, he's a solid addition to your DL/Edge unit where he carries the designation.
Leonard Floyd, Los Angeles Rams
Week 8 Stats: 9 tackles (4 solos), 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 QB hits
It's been anything but an ideal start to the year so far for Leonard Floyd. The snap volume has been there for Floyd this season (81%). However, the production has not followed. Hopefully, Week 8 is the week that gets things going in the right direction (see stats above).
Floyd got home for his first two sacks of the season this week, logging four pressures on the day, per Pro Football Focus. In his previous three games, Floyd had only garnered one total pressure. In leagues where he has DL/Edge eligibility, Floyd is worth a pickup to see if he can build some momentum from his standout Week 8 performance.
Robert Quinn, Philadelphia Eagles
Week 8 Stats: 1 QB hit
After being acquired by the Eagles via trade last week, Robert Quinn saw his first game action with his new team in Week 8. Quinn played 20 defensive snaps (26%) in his Eagles' debut, registering just one quarterback hit in the box score. However, his role should grow within the Philadelphia edge rotation as he gets more acclimated with his new team.
It's been a down year for the 32-year-old pass rusher who is coming off an 18.5 sack 2021 campaign. However, maybe the change of scenery and increase in surrounding talent is just what he needs to get going. Quinn still has some juice left and is worth a waiver wire addition to see if he can put together a strong back half of the season in Philadelphia.
Payton Turner, New Orleans Saints
Week 8 Stats: 4 tackles (2 solos), 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 QB hits
Payton Turner (chest) had missed New Orleans' last three games, and the former 2021 first-round pick came to play in his return. Turner played a season-high 33 defensive snaps (57%) in Week 8, turning in a stellar two-sack performance against the Raiders. Turner's 33 snaps were second among the Saints' defensive end group, behind only Cameron Jordan's 41 snaps (71%). Notably, Marcus Davenport (25 snaps/43%) was last among the group as he saw one less snap than Tanoh Kpassagnon (26 snaps/45%) in Week 8.
Turner gave the Saints no reason to scale back his involvement after his Week 8 performance. Hopefully, his impressive showing leads to a continued increased snap share. In dynasty leagues, Turner is a solid add if available as a second-year player with first-round capital. Turner is also worth a pickup in deeper redraft leagues if you're looking for DL/edge help.
Defensive Backs
Jevon Holland, Miami Dolphins
Week 8 Stats: 12 tackles (10 solos), 1 pass defended
With the absence of Brandon Jones (ACL), there was a shift in Jevon Holland's role this week. Holland generally sees the bulk of his snaps aligned deep at free safety. However, with Jones out, Holland played 43 of his 60 defensive snaps up in the IDP sweet spot (box, slot, and DL) in Week 8, per Pro Football Focus. Verone McKinley got the start at the other safety spot and filled the deep role. For whatever reason, Eric Rowe was a healthy scratch this week—something to monitor.
Holland has always been a playmaker, but his weekly IDP output can be a bit up and down. Should he continue to be utilized uptight a bit more, it could lead to some steady production. Holland is likely only available in shallower leagues, but add him where you can, and let's hope this alignment sticks.
Jaquan Johnson, Buffalo Bills
Week 8 Stats: 1 solo tackle
In unfortunate news, Buffalo safety Jordan Poyer suffered an elbow injury Sunday night. Poyer said he felt a "pop," and we are awaiting more news after his scheduled MRI today. Jaquan Johnson filled in at safety alongside Damar Hamlin after Poyer's exit. If Poyer is required to miss time, Johnson would be his likely replacement. If you're looking for a bye week or injury fill-in, Johnson isn't overly exciting but will get snaps.
JuJu Hughes/Kerby Joseph, Detroit Lions
Hughes Week 8 Stats: 6 tackles (5 solos), 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit
Joseph Week 8 Stats: 6 tackles (5 solos), 1 forced fumble
We’ve covered Juju Huges previously after the Tracy Walker injury, but he turned into a magician and disappeared shortly after. However, Hughes reappeared in Week 8 with DeShon Elliot out with a finger injury. Hughes played 67 defensive snaps (99%), and 44 of those came up in the box and slot area, per Pro Football Focus.
Kerby Joseph has started the past four games and has played all but a handful of snaps over that stretch. Joseph mainly aligns deep at free safety but has been fairly productive lately, with 11 tackles (8 solos) and two forced fumbles over his last two games.
Hughes played the box role but is only in play here if Elliot sits again. Joseph has the reliable volume as he has been steadily holding down the free safety role. Detroit takes on a Green Bay team that has been favorable to safeties so far this season. If you’re in a pinch due to bye weeks or injuries, both players could be options to consider.
Michael Jackson, Seattle Seahawks
Week 8 Stats: 7 solo tackles, 3 passes defended
Michael Jackson has been busy lately manning the outside corner spot opposite of rising rookie Tariq Woolen. Over their last two games, Jackson has been targeted 19 times to Woolen’s nine. Jackson has been holding his own, playing every snap and producing a solid 12 solo tackles and four passes defended over that two-game stretch. Seattle’s corners have a favorable matchup against Arizona in Week 9, making Jackson a spicy streamer play in CB-required leagues.
Final Thoughts
Week 9 brings us a brutal pairing of injuries and a six-team bye week to contend with. Hopefully, I provided some options to help you navigate through it. 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. Thanks for stopping by. 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.