Once again, we have four teams with the upcoming week off (Kansas City, Miami, Philadelphia, and the Los Angeles Rams). I did my best to sift 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
Kwon Alexander, Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 9 Stats: 2 solo tackles, 1 interception, 1 pass defended
In unfortunate injury news, Cole Holcomb’s season is over after suffering a nasty knee injury on Thursday night. After Holcomb’s exit, it was Kwon Alexander who stepped into his vacant lead role. Alexander played a season-high 64 defensive snaps (86%) in Week 9 after holding just a 57% snap share through the first seven games.
Alexander only notched two solo tackles against Tennesee but snagged his first interception of the season. However, with Alexander’s workload set to increase, there should be better days ahead in the tackle department. If you’re looking for linebacker help off the waiver wire, Alexander is a prime target as the projected new signal caller for the Steeler defense.
Tyrel Dodson, Buffalo Bills
Week 9 Stats: 10 tackles (8 solos), 2 tackles for loss, 1 QB hit
Tyrel Dodson’s usage at the Buffalo LB2 spot has been a roller coaster since Matt Milano went down. Dodson and rookie Dorian Williams have been tasked with filling in at different rates, making it tough to trust either player most weeks. However, in Week 8, Dodson played 42 snaps (62%), while Williams only saw the field on special teams. In Week 9, Terrel Bernard suffered a concussion in the first half and was later ruled out for the game. Dodson assumed the lead duties after Bernard’s exit, playing a season-high 67 snaps (96%), while Williams stepped in to play 31 snaps (44%) as well.
Dodson is coming off a season-high 10-tackle outing and appears to be running ahead of the rookie Williams. However, his role could expand even more if Bernard cannot clear concussion protocol throughout the week. Dodson is worth a waiver pickup in his own right, but Bernard's managers may also want to add him as insurance with Buffalo playing next Monday night.
Elandon Roberts, Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 9 Stats: 9 tackles (4 solos), 1 tackle for loss
Elandon Roberts is a run-stopper with just a 40% snap share on the year. However, he has been an efficient tackler (20.8% tackle rate) when he gets his opportunities. In Week 9, Roberts hit the 50% snap mark for just the second time this season, producing a solid nine tackles (4 solos) and one tackle for loss. Kwon Alexander is likely to get the biggest boost in playing time with Cole Holcomb lost for the season, but Roberts could see a few extra reps as well. Roberts is worth a deep-league add if you’re hurting for depth at linebacker.
Segun Olubi, Indianapolis Colts
Week 9 Stats: 6 tackles (4 solos), 1 interception, 1 pass defended
The Colts defense was without Zaire Franklin (knee) for the first time in Week 9. It wasn’t Shaquille Leonard (39 snaps/55%) or E.J. Speed (32 snaps/45%) who led the linebacker unit in snaps, but second-year man Segun Olubi—yeah, I know, who? Olubi had played just nine defensive snaps all year before playing all 71 snaps in Week 9.
It was a solid IDP showing for Olubi, who produced six tackles (4 solos) and snagged an interception in his first game seeing significant snaps. Although, he likely goes back to his special teams role if Franklin makes his way back for Week 10. However, Week 9 played out as it did, and we must take notice. Franklin managers and IDP gamers in deep-roster leagues may want to consider Olubi if they have the room to see how this all shakes out. Olubi is only likely relevant if Franklin misses another week, so monitor his status closely this week if you make the move.
Isaiah McDuffie, Green Bay Packers
Week 9 Stats: 7 tackles (6 solos), 2 tackles for loss
With Quay Walker (groin) unable to go this week, it was Isaiah McDuffie back in the starting lineup. It was a solid day for McDuffie, as he played 54 snaps (93%), producing seven tackles (6 solos) and two tackles for loss against the Rams. McDuffie is the Packers' top reserve at linebacker, as he previously filled in for De’Vondre Campbell when he missed time this season. McDuffie makes for nice Walker insurance or a streamable option in deeper leagues, should Walker be out once again in Week 10.
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Defensive Line/Edge Rusher
Baron Browning, Denver Broncos
Week 9 Stats: Bye
The last time we saw Baron Browning, he erupted for two sacks, three quarterback hits, and a forced fumble, helping aid the Broncos in upsetting divisional rival Kansas City in Week 8. Browning has been a menace in his two games played this season, generating 10 pressures off the edge, per Pro Football Focus. Snap-wise, Browning has firmly entered the Denver edge rotation since returning, averaging 32.5 snaps a game in his small two-week sample size (Week 7 and Week 8). If Browning is still sitting on your waiver wire after his Week 9 bye, scoop him up for the stretch run.
DeMarcus Lawrence, Dallas Cowboys
Week 9 Stats: 2 tackles (1 solo)
DeMarcus Lawrence got off to a nice start this season but has since cooled off, failing to log a sack since back in Week 3. However, he’s been grading well (91.2 defensive grade per PFF) and carries a solid 14.4% pressure rate on the year. In Week 10, Lawrence might get the matchup he needs to get going. Lawrence draws the exploitable Giants offensive line this coming week, who have surrendered a league-high 48 sacks on the season. If you’re looking for an edge rusher option and Lawrence is sitting on your waiver wire, he’s worth a look.
Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 9 Stats: 6 tackles (4 solos), 1 tackle for loss
The big man is back. Cameron Heyward (groin injury) returned to the Steeler’s defense Thursday night, having been out since Week 1. Heyward made his presence felt in his first game back, producing six tackles (4 solos) and one tackle for loss against Tennesee. If Heyward is floating around your waiver wire in true-position or DT-required leagues, he’s a premiere pickup. He’s also a solid addition in DL-grouped formats where available.
Calijah Kancey, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 9 Stats: 4 solo tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit
Tampa Bay rookie Calijah Kancey is picking up steam. Kancey has a 65% snap share over his last four games, playing a season-high 59 snaps (82%) in Week 9 against Houston. Kancey also had his biggest IDP output this past week, producing four solo tackles, three tackles for loss, and notched his second sack on the season. Kancey has a plus Week 10 matchup on tap against the poor Tennesee offensive line. If the talented rookie is sitting on your waiver wire in true-position or DT-required formats, scoop him up.
Defensive Backs
Markquese Bell, Dallas Cowboys
Week 9 Stats: 8 tackles (6 solos)
Markquese Bell is a DB/S by designation on most platforms, but he’s a linebacker by trade. Bell spends his time uptight in the box, mixing it up where the action happens. Bell’s playing time is also on a positive trajectory, as he played a season-high 58 defensive snaps (94%) in Week 9. Bell previously saw snap shares of 53% and 73% in Week 7 and Week 8, respectively, so the full-time Week 9 workload is an excellent step in his progression.
Bell presents a solid tackle floor and a bit of a cheat code in tackle-heavy scoring as a linebacker donning the defensive back tag in most places. If Bell happens to be still sitting on your waiver wire, he’s a rock-solid pickup.
Jonathan Owens, Green Bay Packers
Week 9 Stats: 8 tackles (5 solos), 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 1 forced fumble
Jonathan Owens made his second start for the Green Bay defense in Week 9, making his biggest impact in the box score as well. Owens played 58 defensive snaps on Sunday, producing eight tackles (5 solos) and notching a sack. With Rudy Ford (calf) out this week and rookie Anthony Johnson Jr. filling in as more of the free safety, Owens saw more action uptight. Of Owens’ 58 snaps, 37 came in the box and slot area, per PFF. Owens is an every-down player either way, but his IDP star would shine a little brighter if Ford were unable to go again this week.
Eddie Jackson, Chicago Bears
Week 9 Stats: 6 tackles (5 solos)
It’s been a tough first half of the season for Eddie Jackson, as a foot injury has caused him to miss significant time. Jackson was able to play all 63 snaps in Week 9, the first time he’s been able to do so since Week 1. Jackson spent about half of his time aligned deep at free safety but produced an admirable 6 tackles (5 solos) in his first game action since Week 6. Hopefully, the foot injury is behind Jackson, and he can get back to his playmaking ways for us IDP gamers. If you’re looking for safety help, Jackson is a worthy option where available.
Final Thoughts
As usual, this article was written before the conclusion of Monday night football, as the Los Angeles Chargers and New York Jets went to battle. If you have any questions regarding Monday night's game or anything else IDP-related, don't hesitate to reach out. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope to see you all back next week.