IDP Waiver Wire Week 9

Photo: USA Today Sports

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.